cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical Versus Medical Management of Anastomotic Dehiscence

Anastomotic dehiscence is one of the most serious complications following lung transplantation characterized by necrosis leading to full-thickness anastomotic separation of the bronchial wall. While some of the major risk factors associated with anastomotic dehiscence include surgical technique, perioperative steroids, acute rejection, infection, inadequate organ preservation, and immunosuppression, the primary cause is thought to be anastomotic ischemia. The severity of anastomotic dehiscence determines if bronchoscopic treatments will be successful. The use of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) is the cornerstone of the bronchoscopic treatment of severe anastomotic dehiscence without complete anastomotic breakdown. Various surgical techniques have been developed and refined to reduce the incidence of anastomotic dehiscence and airway complications. Regardless of classification schemes, most cases of anastomotic dehiscence are incomplete. There are no published guidelines on absolute indicators for failure of conservative management as an indication for operative intervention for anastomotic dehiscence. Airway reanastomosis in these circumstances is challenging due to the re-operative nature of the field, the poor tissue quality, relative ischemia, and, in many cases, the presence of infection. Allograft pneumonectomy remains an option of last resort with the possibility of re-transplantation depending upon patient status and organ availability.
Evaluation of a Rubric to Assess Pharmacy Student Performance in a Telehealth Simulation Exercise.

Objective. To evaluate a telehealth simulation rubric for a pharmacy skills lab course using inter-rater reliability (IRR) comparing different evaluator types. Methods. A rubric was developed and used to score student pharmacists’ competency in a telehealth simulation for a pharmacy skills lab course. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to determine the IRR. Results. Fifty-five recorded telehealth simulation sessions were scored three times by a pool of evaluators using the rubric. The overall ICC for the rubric was 0.631 across different types of evaluators, indicating good IRR. Differences in ICC were observed when analyzed by type of evaluator and rubric sub-components. Conclusion. The rubric demonstrated good IRR across multiple types of evaluators when used in a skills lab course. Additional evaluation of the rubric and continuous quality improvement is warranted to ensure that assessment becomes more consistent with continued use, regardless of the evaluator type.
Dynamic Channel Access and Power Control in Wireless Interference Networks via Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning

Due to the scarcity in the wireless spectrum and limited energy resources especially in mobile applications, efficient resource allocation strategies are critical in wireless networks. Motivated by the recent advances in deep reinforcement learning (DRL), we address multi-agent DRL-based joint dynamic channel access and power control in a wireless interference network. We first propose a multi-agent DRL algorithm with centralized training (DRL-CT) to tackle the joint resource allocation problem. In this case, the training is performed at the central unit (CU) and after training, the users make autonomous decisions on their transmission strategies with only local information. We demonstrate that with limited information exchange and faster convergence, DRL-CT algorithm can achieve 90\% of the performance achieved by the combination of weighted minimum mean square error (WMMSE) algorithm for power control and exhaustive search for dynamic channel access. In the second part of this paper, we consider distributed multi-agent DRL scenario in which each user conducts its own training and makes its decisions individually, acting as a DRL agent. Finally, as a compromise between centralized and fully distributed scenarios, we consider federated DRL (FDRL) to approach the performance of DRL-CT with the use of a central unit in training while limiting the information exchange and preserving privacy of the users in the wireless system. Via simulation results, we show that proposed learning frameworks lead to efficient adaptive channel access and power control policies in dynamic environments.
Proceeding of the Afternoon Workshops

The afternoons were dedicated to various workshops and brainstorming sessions. The following are proceedings of these activities; notes were taken by numerous individuals and later transcribed by M. Mangel, who assumes all responsibilities for errors.
DNA Damage Signaling Downstream of ATM

ATM is the apical signaling molecule that triggers diverse cellular responses to double-strand DNA breaks. Directly and indirectly, ATM initiates a two-tiered cascade of protein kinase activation, composed of upstream phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-like kinases, mediator proteins, and checkpoint kinases. Together, these proteins signal a broad network of downstream effectors that modulate virtually every aspect of cell growth and death. This review will focus on the signaling molecules required for the diverse ATM-dependent responses to DNA damage, with an emphasis on the extensively characterized pathways that suppress proliferation and promote DNA repair.
Roles of endothelin signaling in melanocyte development and melanoma.

Endothelin (Edn) signaling via the G-coupled, endothelin receptor type B (Ednrb) is essential for the development of melanocytes from the neural crest (NC) and has been associated with melanoma progression. Edn3 plays varying roles during melanocyte development, promoting the proliferation and self-renewal of NC-derived multi- and bipotential precursors as well as the survival, proliferation, differentiation and migration of committed melanocyte precursors. Melanocyte differentiation is achieved via the interaction of Ednrb and Kit signaling, with Ednrb being specifically required in the final differentiation step, rather than in the initial specification of melanocytic fate. Ednrb has also been implicated in the de-differentiation of mature melanocytes, a process that takes place during the malignant transformation of these cells. Ednrb was found to be upregulated in melanoma metastases and was shown to alter tumor-host interactions leading to melanoma progression. Antagonists to this receptor were shown to inhibit melanoma cell growth and increase the apoptotic rate of these cells, and to lead to disease stabilization in melanoma patients. Thus, endothelin signaling inhibition may prove useful in the treatment of certain types of melanoma.
YouTube: Online Video and Participatory Culture, by Jean Burgess and Joshua Green

What is YouTube, and what is it for? Jean Burgess and Joshua Green, authors of YouTube: Online Video and Participatory Culture, offer the answer that “YouTube is a site of participatory culture.” B...
The segmental motor system--advances, issues, and possibilities.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the segmental motor system. This term is useful in both invertebrate and vertebrate motor control neuroscience with respect to the work on (1) the properties and central actions of posture and movement-related sensory feedback from the body's somatic structures, (2) interneuron (IN) and motoneuron (MN) discharge properties, MN recruitment properties, and the associations among MN, muscle fiber (MF), and motor unit (MU) properties for the graded development of muscle force, and (3) segmental pattern generation for the elaboration of intrinsic/rhythmic and learned skillful movements. Each of these areas is being addressed currently from the molecular/cellular to the behavioral level of analysis in a wide variety of invertebrate and vertebrate species. Each has a particular attraction for life and physical scientists, including roboticists, and each, in time, can provide a seamless integration between fundamental and applied clinical science. This chapter discusses selected issues that are relevant to the operation of an interdisciplinary training program in movement neuroscience. One primary goal of such programs should be to emphasize a broad perspective and interest in movement neuroscience, from the molecular/cellular to the behavioral level of analysis. Another guiding principle, which is often underemphasized at international conferences, is to truly mentor trainees, network them with senior scientists, and extol their work.
In Memoriam: Eva Lassman

One woman who did indeed play such a role in standing up to hate and reshaping community was Eva Lassman. An honorary board member of the Institute for Hate Studies, a Holocaust survivor, a wife, mother, speaker, friend, and constant inspiration to the Inland Northwest community for more than 50 years, Eva passed away on February 9, 2011 at the age of 91, leaving us poorer in comrades, yet richer in the wisdom she shared and the example she set. The Institute for Hate Studies presents annually two “Eva Lassman Take Action Against Hate Awards,” to individuals and organizations in the Inland Northwest. Jerri Shepard, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at Gonzaga University, Institute board member, and personal friend of Eva, offers the memorial to Eva that concludes this volume of the Journal of Hate Studies.
Role of the rfe gene in the synthesis of the O8 antigen in Escherichia coli K-12.

The Escherichia coli O8 antigen is a mannan composed of the trisaccharide repeat unit -->3)-alpha-Man-(1-->2)-alpha-Man-(1-->2)-alpha-Man-(1--> (K. Reske and K. Jann, Eur. J. Biochem. 67:53-56, 1972), and synthesis of the O8 antigen is rfe dependent (G. Schmidt, H. Mayer, and P. H. Makela, J. Bacteriol. 127:755-762, 1976). The rfe gene has recently been identified as encoding a tunicamycin-sensitive UDP-GlcNAc:undecaprenylphosphate GlcNAc-1-phosphate transferase (U. Meier-Dieter, K. Barr, R. Starman, L. Hatch, and P. D. Rick, J. Biol. Chem. 267:746-753, 1992). However, the role of rfe in O8 side chain synthesis is not understood. Thus, the role of the rfe gene in the synthesis of the O8 antigen was investigated in an rfbO8+ (rfb genes encoding O8 antigen) derivative of E. coli K-12 mutant possessing a defective phosphoglucose isomerase (pgi). The in vivo synthesis of O8 side chains was inhibited by the antibiotic tunicamycin. In addition, putative lipid carrier-linked O8 side chains accumulated in vivo when lipopolysaccharide outer core synthesis was precluded by growing cells in the absence of exogenously supplied glucose. The lipid carrier-linked O8 antigen was extracted from cells and treated with mild acid in order to release free O8 side chains. The water-soluble O8 side chains were then purified by affinity chromatography using Sepharose-bound concanavalin A. Characterization of the affinity-purified O8 side chains revealed the occurrence of glucosamine in the reducing terminal position of the polysaccharide chains. The data presented suggest that GlcNAc-pyrophosphorylundecaprenol functions as the acceptor of mannose residues for the in vivo synthesis of O8 side chains in E. coli K-12.
A Segmental Hypoplastic Anterior Tibial Artery Coexisting with a Hypertrophied Perforating Fibular Artery a Case Report and Clinical Implications

Las lesiones vasculares de los miembros inferiores, especialmente las heridas penetrantes por arma de fuego y enfermedades arteriales perifericas, estan en aumento. Su manejo, asi como el de otras lesiones en los miembros inferiores, implican un mayor uso de intervenciones vasculares como la cirugia de by-pass, angioplastia transluminal percutanea, canulacion arterial, injerto de derivacion arterial o medidas minimamente invasivas como el cateterismo transarterial percutaneo, entre otros. El conocimiento profundo de las ramificaciones infrapopliteas, muy especialmente sus vias y diametros luminales son importantes para los cirujanos en la seleccion de las intervenciones o procedimientos quirurgicos apropiados. Presentamos un caso en el cual, una de las 3 ramas terminales de la arteria poplitea (APP), la arteria tibial anterior (ATA), de buen calibre en su origen se hizo hipoplasica en la region anterior de la pierna despues de un desprendimiento de numerosas ramas musculares. Continuo como una arteria dorsal del pie (ADP) casi atenuada en el dorso del pie; esta ultima se vio reforzada por una amplia arteria fibular hipertrofiada. Este caso ilustra la importancia de la arteria fibular como dominante de las 3 ramificaciones de las arterias infrapopliteas, un refuerzo o sustitucion de la arteria tibial posterior (ATP) cuando es debil o esta ausente, por una fuerte rama comunicante, o bien refuerzo de una debil ATA y ADP por una fuerte arteria fibular perforante como en el caso reportado. La ATP sin embargo tenia un trayecto con un curso normal generando las arterias plantares medial y lateral, posterior al musculo abductor del hallux. Este caso demuestra la importancia de las comunicaciones colaterales y refuerzos de otras arterias infrapopliteas, cada vez que uno de sus componentes o ramas posteriores estan ausentes o hipoplasicas. Un conocimiento detallado de los diferentes patrones de ramificacion de la APP puede ser adquirido a traves de una angiografia vascular previo a la cirugia, disenada para guiar al cirujano en la seleccion de las intervenciones quirurgicas adecuadas, agrega valor a la atencion de los pacientes, ayuda a disminuir las complicaciones vasculares quirurgicas iatrogenicas y reduce el numero total de perdidas de miembros inferiores.
Submicron hard X-ray fluorescence imaging of synthetic elements.

Abstract Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) using hard X-rays focused into sub-micron spots is a powerful technique for elemental quantification and mapping, as well as microspectroscopic measurements such as μ-XANES (X-ray absorption near edge structure). We have used XFM to image and simultaneously quantify the transuranic element plutonium at the L 3 or L 2 -edge as well as Th and lighter biologically essential elements in individual rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells after exposure to the long-lived plutonium isotope 242 Pu. Elemental maps demonstrate that plutonium localizes principally in the cytoplasm of the cells and avoids the cell nucleus, which is marked by the highest concentrations of phosphorus and zinc, under the conditions of our experiments. The minimum detection limit under typical acquisition conditions with an incident X-ray energy of 18 keV for an average 202 μm 2 cell is 1.4 fg Pu or 2.9 × 10 −20 moles Pu μm −2 , which is similar to the detection limit of K-edge XFM of transition metals at 10 keV. Copper electron microscopy grids were used to avoid interference from gold X-ray emissions, but traces of strontium present in naturally occurring calcium can still interfere with plutonium detection using its L α X-ray emission.
Chemical structure of coal tar during devolatilization

Three coals of different rank were pyrolyzed in a drop-tube reactor at a maximum temperature of 900 K and a residence time of 160 ms. The coal and char were analyzed with solid-state 13 C NMR. The tar was dissolved in deuterated methylene chloride. It was found that the tar was only partially soluble in CD 2 Cl 2 . The nonsoluble tar portion was analyzed in the same manner as the coal and char, while the soluble tar portion was analyzed using a recently developed high-resolution 13 C NMR technique developed for liquid phases. The tar structure was found to be significantly different from the structure of the char and coal. The number of bridges and loops per cluster in the tar was up to 65% lower than in the char. In addition, the number of aromatic carbons per cluster in the tar was significantly lower than that found in either the coal or the char. Since the molecular weight per cluster in the tar is lower than reported average tar molecular weights, these data imply that tar is made up of a number of multiple clusters (dimers, trimers, etc.) as well as single clusters (i.e., monomers). The mass of nitrogen per cluster in the tar was found to be significantly lower in the tar than in either the coal or the char. These experimental findings suggest that changes may be necessary in current network devolatilization models to accurately describe the changes in chemical structure.
Commercially available zirconia–tungstate as a benchmark catalytic material

Abstract The textural and catalytic properties of commercially available zirconia–tungstate were examined for comparison with samples in the literature. The materials were characterized using nitrogen adsorption, X-ray powder diffraction and n -butane isomerization. The commercially available samples were catalytically active in the isomerization of n -butane with activation in the range 1073–1173 K. Maximum catalytic activity occurred on the material with 12 wt% W activated at 1073 K – the loading and activation temperature required to yield saturation coverage of tungstate on zirconia. Zirconia–tungstate exhibited overall specific activities comparable to those of previously reported samples, but noticeably less than that achieved with commercially available zirconia-sulfate. Furthermore, the microporous commercial samples required activation in static air to retard crystallite growth of zirconia and thus retain surface areas similar to those of previously prepared samples. This study strengthened the current understanding of the behavior of zirconia–tungstate and demonstrated its use as a benchmark sample for the future.
Model for iso-osmotic water flow in plant roots

Abstract The different interpretations of iso-osmotic water flow in plant roots are reviewed and a model based on the symplasm theory is proposed to explain this phenomenon according to the thermodynamics of irreversible processes. Analysis of data from the literature with the model lead to the following conclusions: (1) different reflection coefficients (σ) at the symplasm boundary membranes are sufficient to account for the inwardly directed iso-osmotic water flow observed in maize roots; (2) the difference between the hydraulic conductivities (Lp) and the difference between σLp at the boundary membranes can either increase or decrease iso-osmotic water flow depending on external conditions (i.e. hydrostatic pressure, concentration of permeable and impermeable solutes); (3) the model is consistent with anatomical and physiological data from the literature and it also explains how metabolism is involved in iso-osmotic water flow. The probable importance of iso-osmotic water flow for whole plants is briefly discussed.
Massed versus distributed exposure and imaging of faces: Changing the test view

This research examined the effects of massed versus distributed exposure and imaging of faces, and the effects of changing the study-to-test view on subsequent recognition performance. The massed procedure consisted of individual faces exposed once for 6 s, followed by a 30 s off period. The distributed procedure consisted of faces exposed three times for 2 s, followed by a 10 s off period after each exposure. During the off periods, groups of participants either imaged the previous face, imaged another face, or performed an irrelevant letter-search task. Results showed that distributed exposure and post-exposure imaging of target faces facilitated recognition, but these effects primarily occurred when the same facial view was given at both study and test. Recognition diminished when the target was presented in a different view at test, but when combined with distributed presentation and target imaging, performance was enhanced. Implications for suspect identification and recognition of other kinds of complex visual stimuli are discussed.
A full-duplex, multi-channel transmit/receive module for an S-band satellite communications phased array

An S-band, full-duplex, multi-channel, transmit/receive (T/R) module has been designed, developed, and produced in large quantities for phased array satellite ground station applications. The satellites, in LEO, MEO, and GEO orbits, need a global network of such stations to serve as gateways for tracking, telemetry, and command (TT&C) operations and/or payload data routing. The array provides simultaneous multiple high gain transmit and receive beams within a hemisphere to communicate with satellites during the time when they are above the local horizon. The design, manufacturing, and testing processes were conducted to achieve a low-cost, highly reproducible T/R module, and with high reliability. This paper details the RF design, the control electronics, built in test capability, the mechanical design and cooling, fabrication processes, and RF testing of the T/R module. Fully automated small and large signal measurements systems were used for rapid testing of the module parameters.
Neurotransmitter action on the membrane of Mytilus smooth muscle--III. Serotonin.

Abstract 1. 1. Serotonin relaxes catch contraction, lowers the critical level for spike discharge and increases the amplitude of the calcium-dependent spike in the anterior byssus retractor muscle (ABRM) of Mytilus edulis L. 2. 2. In the present study, the effect of serotonin on resting membrane potentials was measured in solutions containing various concentrations of Na + , K + , Cl − and Ca 2+ ions. 3. 3. Effects of altering buffer systems and changing pH were also examined. 4. 4. Serotonin had no effect on membrane potential in normal artificial seawater (ASW) or in any of the solutions containing 0 Na + , 0 K + , low and high Ca 2+ and low Cl − (buffered with Tris-HCl). 5. 5. Thus it is unlikely that serotonin causes a selective increase in conductance to Cl − , K + or Na + . 6. 6. In perfusion media containing bicarbonate ion, serotonin hyperpolarized; an effect perhaps related to the influence of HCO − 3 on intracellular pH or Ca 2+ binding.
Effect of precursor flux on compositional evolution in InP1−xSbx nanowires grown via self-catalyzed vapor–liquid–solid process

Abstract We investigated the effect of high flow rates (> 10−5 mol/min) of metalorganic precursors on compositional evolution in indium phosphide antimonide (InP1−xSbx) nanowires grown via chemical vapor deposition in the presence of indium droplets as catalysts on InP(111)B substrates maintained at ∼360 °C. The as-grown nanowire morphology, composition, and crystallinity are determined using scanning and transmission electron microscopies, selected-area electron diffraction, and x-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. For all of the precursor flow rates, we obtain zinc blende structured InP1-xSbx wires that are tapered with wider tops, narrower bases, and In-rich In–Sb alloy tips—characteristic of the vapor–liquid–solid process. The Sb content within the InP1−xSbx wires is found to increase non-linearly with increasing Sb precursor flow rate. At the interfaces between the In–Sb alloy tips and the InP1-xSbx nanowires, we observe single-crystalline wurtzite-structured InSb segments whose volumes depend on the Sb precursor flow rate. We attribute this phenomenon to the rapid crystallization of InSb during cooling of the Sb-rich In–Sb alloy droplets.
Covalent attachment of triosmium clusters to metal oxides

Abstract Evidence is presented for the direct covalent attachment of an ‘Os 3 -(CO) 10 ’ moiety to the surface of an aluminium oxide. The supported metal cluster functioned as a catalyst precursor for the hydrogenation of ethylene under mild conditions.
How does tooth eruption relate to vertical mandibular growth displacement

Introduction Our objectives were to investigate the eruptive patterns of the mandibular teeth and assess their associations with mandibular growth displacements. Methods Cephalograms for a mixed-longitudinal sample of 124 French-Canadian girls were evaluated between 10 and 15 years of age. Vertical mandibular displacement and mandibular eruption were evaluated by using cranial and mandibular superimpositions, respectively. Multilevel modeling procedures were used to estimate each subject's growth change over time. Stepwise multiple regressions were used to determine the amount and relative magnitudes of variations in mandibular eruption explained by mandibular growth displacement, controlling for vertical maxillary tooth movements. Results Cubic polynomial models explained between 91% and 98% of the variations in eruption and vertical growth displacement. All curves showed acceleration of eruption until approximately 12 years of age, after which eruption decelerated. The eruption of the mandibular teeth demonstrated greater relative variability than did vertical mandibular growth displacements. Independent of the overall movements of the maxillary molars, inferior mandibular growth displacement explained approximately 54% of the variation in mandibular molar eruption between 10.5 and 14.5 years of age. Conclusions Inferior mandibular growth displacement and dental eruption followed similar patterns of change during adolescence. Based on their associations and the differences in variability identified, mandibular eruption appears to compensate for or adapt to growth displacements.
Immunoassay for human calcitonin. I. Method.

Abstract A sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for human calcitonin has been developed and applied to preliminary clinical studies. Antiserum was produced against synthetic human calcitonin and calcitonin purified from medullary thyroid carcinomas. Labeled synthetic human calcitonin was used as tracer. Calcitonin from the bovine, ovine, porcine, and salmon species did not cross-react in this immunoassay system. The stability of immunoassayable calcitonin in plasma was dependent on temperature and plasma dilution. The assay is of sufficient sensitivity to detect endogenous calcitonin in man and can thus be used for clinical studies in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma.
Degradation of fipronil (Termidor) in aqueous solution stored in polyethylene tanks exposed to sunlight or shade.

Pest Management Professionals commonly use polyethylene or fiberglass tanks for mixing and applying termiticides. We investigated the stability of fipronil (Termidor® SC) (0.06%, 0.09% and 0.125% active ingredient) in aqueous solutions stored in polyethylene tanks under sun and shade for 2 week. Chemical analysis of tank-mixed solutions sampled at 0, 24, 48, 72, 168 and 336 h indicated that fipronil remained stable. Our data indicated that polyethylene tanks prevent fipronil from photodegradation and these tanks can be safely used for short term storage (up to 2 week) of liquid termiticides.
The Vygotskian advantage in cognitive modeling: Participation precedes and thus prefigures understanding

Shanker & King's (S&K's) proposal is consistent with a Vygotskian model of development which assumes that cognition is first social and visible, and only later internalized and invisible. Rather than slipping into positing “epistemic operators” like understand or intend as generative of behavior during language learning or theory of mind tasks, this approach profits from keeping its focus on charting the ontogeny of embodied interactions.
Fundamental monocular/binocular HMD human factors

Five laboratory studies were conducted in order to establish image alignment tolerances for wide field of view monocular/biocular/binocular helmet mounted displays (HMD). Apache Helicopter type production HMD oculars were used by night vision trained pilots in the studies, the results of which underscore the operational advantage of maintaining one dark adapted eye, and quantify the pilots' perceptual sensitivities to display system sources of binocular misalignment.
Evaluation of a Frequency-Selectable Solid-State Generator for Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry:

A solid-state rf generator was evaluated as a source for inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The generator is controlled by a dedicated computer and is capable of sustaining analytical plasmas at either 27.12 or 40.68 MHz at powers up to 2 kW. The analytical performance of this generator was evaluated with particular emphasis on noise and stability. A quartz chimney was used to reduce audio-frequency noise in the ICP emission. Detection limits for 11 different elements and 22 different emision lines were measured when the ICP was sustained alternatively at each generator frequency.
Uncertainty, risk of default and the savings-consumption decision

The relationship between uncertainty and the optimal savings-consumption decision has been discussed. A simple model has been used to show that the existence of default risk has potentially important effects on the nature of this relationship and should not be neglected in its analysis.
A Better Way to Teach Basic Microscopy, using the Organisms Found in “Fish Poop”

ABSTRACT Basic microscopy is frequently taught using prepared specimens and monocultures of ciliates. I suggest that using “fish poop” to teach microscopy not only accomplishes the same goals as traditional methods but is also advantageous because (1) students become excited about finding novel organisms, (2) it offers many links to other material covered in the course (e.g., ecosystems, niches, and phylogenetics), (3) it is adaptable to student skill level, and (4) it is free. Once the basic procedure is established, a biology teacher can easily modify the microscopy lab to meet their specific needs.
Noninvasive assessment of local nicotinate pharmacodynamics by photoplethysmography.

The local pharmacodynamics of a topical vasodilator (methyl nicotinate) has been followed noninvasively using photopulse plethysmography. This technique is sensitive to changes in blood flow through the cutaneous microcirculation and responds to the pharmacologic stimulus of the vasoactive agent employed. Five different application sites for the drug were studied and the time course of the local effect (i.e., onset, duration, and decay) was recorded. The applied amount of drug elicited, within a short period, a response which was saturable such that of observed increase in blood flow reached a plateau level. The decay of the elevated perfusion required approximately 1 h, suggesting a half-life for elimination of the drug from the skin of about 10 min. This result agrees closely with other reported values and suggests that the pharmacodynamic measurements of this study may prove useful in elucidating aspects of dermal pharmacokinetics.
My child is not my carer: Mothers with physical disabilities and the well-being of children

This article describes a qualitative study on the experiences of mothers with physical disabilities. Two focus groups were held for mothers with young children and mothers of older children. Eight mothers also participated in in‐depth interviews. All have a physical impairment, most are wheelchair users. This article focuses on (a) participants' attempts to ensure the physical and psychological well‐being of their children; (b) their child‐rearing philosophies and practices; and (c) the overall nature of the parent‐child relationship. A range of parenting practices, experiences and relationships was reported. The variability of experiences notwithstanding, participants' life stories demonstrate a strong commitment to children, actions to ensure their care and well‐being, and attempts to shield them from any burden related to the maternal disability. Whilst challenges and barriers were candidly reported, by and large, they do not overshadow the joy and fulfilment that these women derive from motherhood.
A study of the impact of off-equatorial warm pool SST anomalies on ENSO cycles

Abstract Concurrent with most large El Nino events, cold sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies are observed over the western Pacific warm pool region (WPWP). Observational evidence that SST anomalies that form in the off-equatorial western Pacific during El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycles are forced by subsurface ocean processes equatorward of 12°N and air–sea fluxes poleward of 12°N is presented. It is demonstrated that diurnal mixing in the ocean equatorward of 12°N plays a significant role in bringing subsurface temperature anomalies to the sea surface during an El Nino event. The role of SST anomalies equatorward of 12°N in ENSO cycles is tested in the Zebiak–Cane coupled model, modified to allow for the impact of subsurface temperatures on SSTs. This coupled model successfully simulates cold SST anomalies in the off-equatorial northwestern Pacific that are observed to occur during the warm phase of ENSO and the atmospheric response to these anomalies, which is composed of both westerlies in...
Short note: DBCreate: A SUPCRT92-based program for producing EQ3/6, TOUGHREACT, and GWB thermodynamic databases at user-defined T and P

SUPCRT92 is a widely used software package for calculating the standard thermodynamic properties of minerals, gases, aqueous species, and reactions. However, it is labor-intensive and error-prone to use it directly to produce databases for geochemical modeling programs such as EQ3/6, the Geochemist's Workbench, and TOUGHREACT. DBCreate is a SUPCRT92-based software program written in FORTRAN90/95 and was developed in order to produce the required databases for these programs in a rapid and convenient way. This paper describes the overall structure of the program and provides detailed usage instructions.
Young adolescents' perceptions of romantic relationships and sexual activity

The purpose of this article is to describe young adolescents' perceptions of romantic relationships, ratings of important romantic partner characteristics, and acceptability of sexual activity with romantic relationships. Fifty-seven eighth-grade participants (average age = 13.8 years) from one urban US public middle school completed an anonymous written questionnaire that contained three open-ended questions about romantic relationships, a measure of Important Characteristics in a Romantic Partner, and a measure of sexual behaviors – Approximations to Sexual Intercourse. Eighth-graders' descriptions of romantic relationships included dating and sexual activities. The most common reason for having a relationship was for personal growth and social enhancement. Personal qualities (e.g. honest, kind) were rated as the most important characteristic in a romantic partner. Male participants rated physical attractiveness of a romantic partner significantly higher than did females. Sexual intercourse with a condo...
Does Knowledge Mediate the Effect of Context on Performance? Some Initial Evidence

This research examines the links among four firm context variables, knowledge, and financial performance. Adopting a knowledge-based, contingency view of the firm and assuming that strategy's locus is knowledge creation and application, we hypothesize that knowledge completely mediates the effects of context on performance. The results from analyzing 208 manufacturers found a positive relationship between applied knowledge and financial performance, but none between knowledge creation and performance. As for context, production technology routineness and low demand unpredictability were positively related only to greater applied knowledge; high technological turbulence was positively related to both knowledge creation and knowledge application; and firm size had no effect on either knowledge construct. No direct context-performance relationships were found (i.e., all effects were indirect): knowledge, in particular applied knowledge, completely mediated the impact of context on performance.
The use of titanium dioxide as a photo-catalyst to improve the sensitivity of post-column photolysis-electrochemical detection for microbore liquid chromatography

Abstract Titanium dioxide was used as a photocatalyst to improve the yield and rate of product formation in a post-column derivatization reactor for microbore liquid chromatography. The photo-catalytic reactor demonstrated an increase in sensitivity of greater than one order of magnitude for the electrochemical detection of phenylalanine compared to the more typical open-tubular photolysis reactor. The detection limit for phenylalanine was also decreased by two orders using the photo-catalytic reactor.
Weld‐bonding: the best or worst of two processes?

Weld‐bonding combines the physical force‐based process of welding with the chemical force‐based process of bonding or, more properly, adhesive bonding. When done properly, the claim is that a hybrid process results which offers the best of both processes; the high joint efficiency, resistance to diverse and complex loading, and temperature tolerance of welding; the load‐spreading, stress concentration‐softening, and structural damage tolerance of adhesive bonding. And, beyond these individual process attributes, there are claims, or at least predictions, of synergistic benefits in the form of improved energy absorption and fatigue life for demanding applications. However, it is difficult to find reliable data in the open literature to support these real or potential benefits. Furthermore, complications in performing the hybrid process in practice place an even greater premium on process control than normal. This paper explores the question, “Is it all worth it?” The paper delves into the theory underlying weld‐bonding, the facts concerning the process including pluses and pitfalls, and considers where the process could or should go from here.
Identification of post-translational modifications by blind search of mass spectra

Most tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) database search algorithms perform a restrictive search that takes into account only a few types of post-translational modifications (PTMs) and ignores all others. We describe an unrestrictive PTM search algorithm, MS-Alignment, that searches for all types of PTMs at once in a blind mode, that is, without knowing which PTMs exist in nature. Blind PTM identification makes it possible to study the extent and frequency of different types of PTMs, still an open problem in proteomics. Application of this approach to lens proteins resulted in the largest set of PTMs reported in human crystallins so far. Our analysis of various MS/MS data sets implies that the biological phenomenon of modification is much more widespread than previously thought. We also argue that MS-Alignment reveals some uncharacterized modifications that warrant further experimental validation.
Affective biasing of choices in gambling task decision making.

The proponents of the somatic marker hypothesis presume that rational decision making is guided by emotional reactions that are developed from prior experience. Supporting evidence for the hypothesis comes almost exclusively from the short-term affective reactions that are learned during the course of a hypothetical decision-making task—the gambling task (GT). We examined GT performance and affective reactions to choices when those choices were biased by words that had preexisting affective value. In one experiment, affectively valued words directly signaled good and bad choices. A congruent relation between affective value of word and choice outcome improved GT performance, whereas an incongruent relation greatly interfered with performance. In another experiment, affectively valued words were maintained as a working memory (WM) load between GT choices. A WM load with affectively positive words somewhat improved GT performance, whereas affectively negative words interfered with performance. Somatic markers—indicated by differential anticipatory skin conductance response (SCR ) amplitude for good and bad choices—appeared at a point in the GT session when choice performance was superior. However, differential SCR developed during the session after good choice performance was already established. These results indicate that preexisting affective biases can influence GT decision making. In addition, the somatic markers that are regular accompaniments of GT decision making appeared to be temporally lagging indicators of choice performance. 2006 Psychonomic Society, Inc.
101 ways to improve health reporting: A comparison of the types and quality of health information in men's and women's magazines

Abstract This study's purpose was to investigate the types and quality of health information reported in Glamour and Men's Health magazines. While neither magazine was completely accurate when reporting results of medical journal articles, there were statistically significant differences with respect to accuracy between the two magazines. These findings suggest that health experts, PIOs, and journalists need to work more closely together in order to provide the public with accurate and clear health information.
Mn-In-Co, Mn-Pt and Mn-In-Pt Based Contacts to p-GaAs

Mn–In–Co, Mn–In–Pt and Mn–Pt metallizations are used to form ohmic contact on Be-implanted rapid thermally annealed GaAs. The rapid thermal alloying of contact metallizations are performed in A.G. Associates Heat pulse system in nitrogen atmosphere in the temperature range of 350°C to 800°C for 5 seconds. The contacts were found to be ohmic at an annealing temperature of 450°C. The In–Mn–Co metallization showed higher minimum contact resistivity (5 × 10 −4 ohm.cm 2 ) than In–Mn–Pt metallization (1.5 × 10 −5 ohm.cm 2 ) for an annealing temperature of 700°C and time 5 seconds. The surface morphologies of In–Mn–Pt metallizations were smooth even after alloying at 700°C for 5 seconds. The Auger analysis shows outdiffusion of Ga and As into the contact metallization and negligible indiffusion of In and Mn into GaAs.
Electron Spin Polarization of Radical Pairs in Simple Molecular Wires

The density vector approach as developed for chemically induced dynamic electron polarization (CIDEP) has been extended to transient radicals produced by flash photolysis in molecular wire polymers that exhibit reversible electron transfer. Unique electron spin polarization (ESP) arising from the hyperfine structure is predicted for reversible electron transfer in molecular wires. A radical pair consisting of one stationary radical and one radical reversibly migrating in a polymer is used to explain the difference in CIDEP in normal solution versus CIDEP in reversible molecular wires. Balanced anti-phase ESP is predicted as electron spins transfer forward, where forward refers to increasing the distance between the members of the radical pair. However, unbalanced antiphase ESP is predicted when electrons transfer back to certain previous positions. The unusual, unbalanced antiphase spectral lines originate because the electron spin migration is confined to a single polymer molecule. If electron spins were...
DRG Payment for Long-term Ventilator Patients—Revisited

This article provides a follow-up to an evaluation originally presented in Chest of the financial impact of diagnosis related group (DRG) payment for long-term ventilator-dependent Medicare patients at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center. Since the results of our original study were presented, the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) has created two new DRGs for patients who have respiratory principal diagnoses to help recognize the resource intensiveness associated with mechanical ventilator support. The original 95 patients' payment, which was originally calculated to be $2.2 million below costs, was recalculated to be $1.9 million below costs, representing a 13 percent reduction in the loss. We conclude that although HCFA's recent remedial action is a step in the right direction, it provides little relief from the DRG system's financial bias against long-term ventilator-dependent patients, because the new ventilator DRGs encompass only a small segment of these patients. As an alternative approach, we recommend a single DRG for patients who, regardless of their principal diagnoses, experience chronic respiratory failure requiring a minimum of three days of continuous ventilator treatment.
Presence of Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor in Human Atherosclerotic Plaques Is Associated With Reduced Tissue Factor Activity

Background—Plaque disruption and exposure of subendothelial procoagulants such as tissue factor (TF) to circulating factor VII/VIIa (FVII/VIIa) lead to intravascular thrombosis. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is an endogenous inhibitor of TF-induced coagulation that binds to factor Xa and the TF-FVIIa catalytic complex in a two-step process. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of TFPI within human atherosclerotic plaque and its role in modulation of TF activity. Methods and Results—We measured the level of TFPI antigen in human carotid plaque and determined the relationship between TFPI and TF activity within plaque. Furthermore, we examined the biological activity and immunolocalization patterns of TFPI within carotid plaque. TFPI was detectable (TFPI+ group) in 22 of 34 specimens (mean±SEM, 404.4±91.8 pg/mg) and undetectable (TFPI− group) in 12 of 34 specimens. In the TFPI− group, normalized TF activity was significantly greater than that in the TFPI+ group (0.28±0.04 vs 0.14±0...
Freely Diffusing Single Hairpin Ribozymes Provide Insights into the Role of Secondary Structure and Partially Folded States in RNA Folding

Single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer studies of freely diffusing hairpin ribozymes with different combinations of helical junction and loop elements reveal striking differences in their folding behavior. We examined a series of six different ribozymes consisting of two-, three- and four-way junction variants, as well as corresponding constructs with one of the two loops removed. Our results highlight the varying contributions of preformed secondary structure elements to tertiary folding of the hairpin ribozyme. Of the three helical junction variants studied, the four-way junction strongly favored folding to a docked conformation of the two loops, required for catalytic activity. Moreover, the four-way junction was uniquely able to fold to a similar compact structure even in the absence of specific loop-loop docking interactions. A key feature of the data is the observation of broadening/tailing in the fluorescence resonance energy transfer histogram peak for a single-loop mutant of the four-way junction at higher Mg2+ concentrations, not observed for any of the other single-loop variants. This feature is consistent with interconversion between compact and extended structures, which we estimate takes place on the 100-μs timescale using a simple model for the peak shape. This unique ability of the four-way junction ribozyme to populate an undocked conformation with native-like structure (a quasi-docked state) likely contributes to its greater tertiary structure stability, with the quasi-docked state acting as an intermediate and facilitating the subsequent formation of the specific hydrogen bonding network during docking of the two loops. The inability of two- and three-way junction ribozymes to fully populate a docked conformation reveals the importance of correct helical junction geometry as well as loop elements for effective ribozyme folding.
Abundance of airborne heterotrophic protists in ground level air of South Dakota

Abstract The abundance of heterotrophic protists (as protozoan cysts) in the near-surface tropospheric air of Rapid City, SD, was determined using a filtration sampler capable of collecting particles in the 2.0 to 20.0 μm size range (sampling rate ca. 16 l min −1 ). The number of viable cysts collected on the filter was estimated after enrichment cultivation in soil extract medium. Samples were mainly collected in the spring, fall and winter of 1997 and abundances throughout the year ranged from below detection ( −3 ) to 1.08 cysts m −3 with an overall mean of 0.25 m −3 (SE=0.05). Not all of the isolates were identified to species but, over the study, 25 different morphotypes were found. Flagellates and naked amoebae were the commonest protozoa (as cysts) found; ciliates were rare. This reflects the abundance of these groups in soils, the likeliest source of most of the airborne protozoa in this study. The concentration of cysts generally increased as a function of the total particles in the atmosphere. The concentration of both particulates and cysts exhibited a wide range of variability, but highest values of both occurred on days with higher winds and lower relative humidity.