cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Citicoline treatment for experimental intracerebral hemorrhage in mice

Background and Purpose—Citicoline sodium (cytidine-5′-diphosphocholine) has been shown previously to reduce ischemic injury in focal central nervous system models. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) appears to be associated with an area of edema and ischemic injury surrounding the hematoma that may be reduced by neuroprotective therapy. The present study was designed to test whether treatment with citicoline reduces ischemic injury and improves functional neurological outcome in an experimental model of ICH. Methods—In 68 Swiss albino mice (26 to 36 g), ICH was induced by collagenase injection into the caudate nucleus. Animals were randomized to receive either: citicoline 500 mg/kg or saline IP prior to collagenase and at 24 and 48 hours. Animals were rated on a 28-point neurological scale and sacrificed at 54 hours. The brains were sectioned, and the volume of hematoma, total lesion, and surrounding ischemic injury was determined. Results—In terms of functional outcome, animals treated with citicoline had im...
Perioperative Beta-Blockers

Early studies of prophylactic perioperative beta-blockade (i.e., started prior to surgery to reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes) suggested benefit and led to relatively widespread clinical use. However, a subsequent large randomized controlled clinical trial demonstrated harm and led to more conservative recommendations.
A novel isoform of the B cell tyrosine kinase BTK protects breast cancer cells from apoptosis

Tyrosine kinases orchestrate key cellular signaling pathways and their dysregulation is often associated with cellular transformation. Several recent cases in which inhibitors of tyrosine kinases have been successfully used as anticancer agents have underscored the importance of this class of proteins in the development of targeted cancer therapies. We have carried out a large-scale loss-of-function analysis of the human tyrosine kinases using RNA interference to identify novel survival factors for breast cancer cells. In addition to kinases with known roles in breast and other cancers, we identified several kinases that were previously unknown to be required for breast cancer cell survival. The most surprising of these was the cytosolic, nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), which has been extensively studied in B cell development. Down regulation of this protein with RNAi or inhibition with pharmacological inhibitors causes apoptosis; overexpression inhibits apoptosis induced by Doxorubicin in breast cancer cells. Our results surprisingly show that BTK is expressed in several breast cancer cell lines and tumors. The predominant form of BTK found in tumor cells is transcribed from an alternative promoter and results in a protein with an amino-terminal extension. This alternate form of BTK is expressed at significantly higher levels in tumorigenic breast cells than in normal breast cells. Since this protein is a survival factor for these cells, it represents both a potential marker and novel therapeutic target for breast cancer. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Method for depixelating micro-endoscopic images

Flexible micro-endoscopes produce images having a 'honey- comb' pattern ('noise' component) due to the spaces between the indi- vidual optical collection fibers of the imaging conduit. Upon Fourier analysis, this pattern was found to exhibit a definable spatial frequency discrete from that of the actual image of interest. A simple band-reject frequency filter was defined to allow removal of this 'noise' component of the image. By applying the filter and by sharpening the contrast between adjacent pixels, it was possible to remove the honeycomb pattern with- out significant degradation to the quality of the image. The advantages and limitations of the image processing technique are discussed in light of implementing this image processing technique for real-time elimina- tion of this objectionable honeycomb pattern emanating from endo- scopes made with fiber optic conduit. © 1999 Society of Photo-Optical Instru- mentation Engineers. (S0091-3286(99)00811-9)
Testing Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen assumptions without inequalities with two photons or particles with spin 1/2.

A recent discovery by Hardy [Phys. Rev. Lett. 71, 1665 (1993)] is developed and extended. It shows that the inconsistency between quantum mechanics and Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen assumptions about locality and reality can be demonstrated for two photons or particles with spin 1/2, as in experiments that test Bell inequalities, but without inequalities, as in what Greenberger, Horne, and Zeilinger discovered for three or four particles [in Bell's Theorem, Quantum Theory, and Conceptions of the Universe, edited by M. Kafatos (Kluwer, Dordrecht, 1989), p. 74]. Here all the possibilities are found. The measurement choices can be different for the two particles. They are described directly in terms of angles for spin measurements. Hardy's result and its converse are both proved: almost any state will do (with measurement choices made to accommodate) and any choice of two different measurement possibilities for each particle will do (with a state made to accommodate). A simple example is given; it allows the calculations to be done quickly with Pauli matrices.
Growth of cells on a perfluorocarbon-medium interphase: A quantitative assay for anchorage-independent cell growth

A high density, purified, nontoxic solvent, heptacosafluorotributylamine (FC43), was successfully used as a culture surface for growing several normal and oncogene-transformed cell lines under anchorage-independent conditions. Normal rat kidney (NRK) fibroblasts and the normal mammary epithelial cell lines NMuMG and A1, clone N4, of murine and human origin, respectively, failed to grow at a FC43 growth medium interphase or in soft agar in the absence of transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα) and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ). However, NRK fibroblasts transformed with the Kirstenras viral oncogene (K-NRK) or NMuMG cells transformed with a point-mutated c-Harvey-ras proto-oncogene or polyoma middle T-transforming gene (NMuMG-rasH and NMuMG-pyt, respectively) exhibited rapid growth and formed large colonies when cultured on an FC43-medium interphase. In addition, NRK cells treated with TGFα and TGFβ and K-NRK cells grown on FC43 exhibited a sensitivity to the growth inhibitory effects of 4-cis-L-hydroxyproline comparable to that observed for the same cells grown in soft agar. These results demonstrated that the two-phase assay system (FC43-growth medium interphase) may be superior to soft agar for monitoring the anchorage-independent growth of cells because of the ease of cell plating, the ability to recover cells and secreted products from the upper aqueous phase, and the shorter growth period required to complete the assay (3–4 days).
Search for Supersymmetric Particles in Hadron - Hadron Collisions

Elementary cross sections for the production of supersymmetric partners of the known constituents and gauge bosons in collisions of quarks and gluons are calculated in tree approximation. Standard renormalization-group-improved parton-model methods are then used to estimate differential and integrated production cross sections in proton-proton and proton-antiproton collisions. For completeness, some analogous results are presented for electron-positron collisions. Decay modes, experimental signatures, and bounds on masses of supersymmetric partners are surveyed, and prospects for future searches are discussed.
Titan: An exogenic world?

Abstract All landforms on Titan that are unambiguously identifiable can be explained by exogenic processes (aeolian, fluvial, impact cratering, and mass wasting). Previous suggestions of endogenically produced cryovolcanic constructs and flows have, without exception, lacked conclusive diagnostic evidence. The modification of sparse recognizable impact craters (themselves exogenic) can be explained by aeolian and fluvial erosion. Tectonic activity could be driven by global thermal evolution or external forcing, rather than by active interior processes. A lack of cryovolcanism would be consistent with geophysical inferences of a relatively quiescent interior: incomplete differentiation, only minor tidal heating, and possibly a lack of internal convection today. Titan might be most akin to Callisto with weather: an endogenically relatively inactive world with a cool interior. We do not aim to disprove the existence of any and all endogenic activity at Titan, nor to provide definitive alternative hypotheses for all landforms, but instead to inject a necessary level of caution into the discussion. The hypothesis of Titan as a predominantly exogenic world can be tested through additional Cassini observations and analyses of putative cryovolcanic features, geophysical and thermal modeling of Titan’s interior evolution, modeling of icy satellite landscape evolution that is shaped by exogenic processes alone, and consideration of possible means for supplying Titan’s atmospheric constituents that do not rely on cryovolcanism.
Combined Resection of the Liver and Pancreas for Malignancy

Background Combined resection of both the liver and pancreas for malignancy remains a controversial procedure. To many, the need for such an extended procedure implies an extent of disease that is usually not amenable to surgical control, and the extent of the procedure exposes the patients to substantial operative risks. The purpose of this study was to assess our results with combined resection of the liver and pancreas. Study Design Forty patients underwent combined liver and pancreas resection from 1996 to 2009. Patient ages ranged from 39 to 69 years (mean 53 years). Underlying diagnoses were neuroendocrine tumor (13), cholangiocarcinoma (13), gallbladder carcinoma (9), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (3), colorectal cancer (1), and metastatic ocular melanoma (1). Pancreatic resections included 26 pancreaticoduodenectomies (PD) and 14 distal pancreatic resections. Liver resections included 18 trisectionectomies (13 right, 5 left), 10 lobectomies (8 right, 2 left), and 12 segmental resections. Results There was no perioperative mortality. One patient who underwent PD with right trisegmentectomy for gallbladder cancer developed postoperative liver failure that improved with supportive management. Two patients developed bile leaks that resolved with conservative management. One patient developed a pancreatic leak/hemorrhage and required a completion pancreatectomy. Mean hospital stay was 14 days (range 7 to 42 days). Median follow-up was 30 months (range 3 to 76 months). Patients undergoing resection for neuroendocrine tumors had a better 5-year survival than those with hepatobiliary malignancies (100% vs 37% p=0.01). Conclusions Combined resection of the liver and pancreas can be performed safely. The need for combined partial hepatectomy and pancreatectomy to remove malignancy should not be considered a contraindication to resection in selected patients.
Perception of radiation hazards

The health risks of radiation have been carefully studied and are relatively well understood in comparison with other risks to the human environment. Public perception of these risks often is distorted, due in part to lack of familiarity with the actual risk levels involved. There is a need for dissemination to the public of accurate information on radiation risks as well as to patients and volunteer subjects for studies involving radiation exposures. Often such information can be presented meaningfully by comparing the risks of radiation exposure with other, more familiar risks. Natural background radiation is a universally present and generally accepted source of risk, and thus serves as one reference against which to compare the risks of other radiation exposures. Natural background radiation averages about 100 mrem/yr, but much higher levels are encountered in some parts of the US (400 mrem/yr) and worldwide (2,000 mrem/yr). These variations are due primarily to differences in cosmic ray intensity with altitude and in terrestrial radiation originating from soil and rocks. Radiation risks also may be compared with the risks of other human activities, both voluntary and involuntary. The former are useful for comparisons with the risks of voluntary radiation exposures such as occupational exposure and participation in medical or research procedures involving radiation. Involuntary radiation exposure, such as might result from the transportation and disposal of radioactive waste, poses a more complicated issue. Comparisons of such exposures to natural background radiation levels and their variations are helpful. Two other concepts that have been proposed for assessing the relative risk of low-level radiation exposure are “de minimus risk” and “probability of causation”. The former suggests that there is some minimal level of involuntary risk that can be considered acceptable, provided it carries with it some benefit to society or the individual. The latter is a concept that has been introduced in legislation to decide compensation for alleged injuries from radiation exposures.
Learning about learning agility

Academic and practitioner interest in learning agility has surged in recent years, but the empirical research on this topic is still in its infancy. The purpose of this paper is to outline the development and initial testing of a theoretically derived measure of learning agility. Drawing on the literature, the researchers created a reliable and valid measurement tool named the Learning Agility Assessment Inventory (LAAI). Exploratory factor analysis on a sample of 331 working professionals suggested a five-factor structure. These factors demonstrated acceptable levels of internal reliabilities and were theoretically interpreted as Innovating (.88), Performing (.74), Reflecting (.80), Defending (.81), and Seeking (.74). Preliminary evidence of construct validity is also provided using two separate samples of students and working professionals. The implications of this instrument for future empirical research on learning agility, particularly in the context of leadership selection and development, are discu...
Memory and retrieval.

Abstract It is postulated that long term memory consolidation is not involved with the formation of a memory but in altering the probability of retrieval of pre-existing, potential memories. The capability of having certain memory sequences evolves during perceptual and conceptual development in the individual.
STUDIES IN RODENT POLIOMYELITIS : II. CULTIVATION OF THE MURINE STRAIN OF SK POLIOMYELITIS VIRUS.

1. The murine virus may be grown in embryonic mouse brain-serum ultrafiltrate cultures. The virus fails to grow in embryonic chick tissue cultures or in fertilized egg preparations. 2. Some relationship can be demonstrated between the amount of nervous tissue and the infectivity of the culture. 3. Optimum titers of virus potency (10(-6)) can be obtained by adjusting the pH of the growing culture at 7.3 to 7.6. 4. A simple pH inactivation curve for virus alone and for virus when actively growing in tissue culture has been obtained. 5. The rate of virus propagation, as determined by potency tests in mice, has been established for cultures which were seeded with large or small amounts of virus. The murine virus "grows" relatively fast. The optimum titer for a large inoculum was reached in 19 hours, for a small inoculum in 72 hours. 6. With extended subcultivation in vitro the cultured virus shows a loss of infectivity for mice by peripheral injection. However, potency as determined by intracerebral injection remains constant. 7. Mice surviving inoculation of culture virus by routes other than intracerebral acquire a relative resistance to reinfection with mouse passage virus. 8. The murine culture virus passes without difficulty through collodion membranes with an A.P.D. of 30 mmicro. Its particle size may therefore be estimated as lying between 10 to 15 mmicro. 9. On a basis of in vitro activity and cross infection, the murine culture virus is distinct from the virus of lymphocytic choriomeningitis. 10. Murine culture virus may be used as an interfering agent to block infection with poliomyelitis virus in monkeys. The interaction between the two viruses seems to be quantitatively limited. Such interference, with the present potency of culture virus, operates effectively only against comparatively small doses of monkey virus.
Building speech-language pathologist capacity for evidence-based practice: A unique graduate course approach

A speech-language pathology graduate-level course using the systematic review and meta-analytic process as a learning tool is described. The course design, content, activities, and pedagogical methods are discussed in depth. Three groups of students worked collaboratively to produce three systematic reviews in the area of language and literacy. This course provided a framework for the completion of the reviews and the development of the students as expert consumers of research. It is suggested that this course framework be used as a tool for building speech-language pathologist capacity in the use of evidence-based decision making. Source of funding: No source of funding reported.
Low-coordinate transition-metal complexes of a carbon-substituted hemiporphyrazine.

The metallation of the core-modified phthalocyanine analogue dicarbahemiporphyrazine with manganese, iron, and cobalt results in the formation of low-coordinate metal(II) complexes. All three compounds are produced by the reaction of metal carbonyls with the free base macrocycle. As in many other carbaporphyrinoids, the internal C−H bonds remain intact upon metallation, resulting in the formation of two long-range agostic-type interactions. Each metal can thus be considered as a three-coordinate ion, where two inner isoindolene nitrogens and a single axial pyridine are bound to the metal. The manganese and cobalt complexes, Mn(dchp)py and Co(dchp)py, are nearly isostructural, but the iron complex, Fe(dchpH2)py, exhibits a reduction at an iminic double bond upon metallation.
A computer program for estimation of creatinine clearance from unstable serum creatinine levels, age, sex, and weight

Abstract Quantitative appraisal of renal function has been difficult when reliable urine collections from patients cannot be obtained for measurement of endogenous creatinine clearance (CCr) by standard methods. Previous estimates of CCr from data of stable serum creatinine have been reasonably accurate for clinical purposes. A reappraisal of this data, coupled with a dynamic model of creatinine kinetics in patients, has led to a method to estimate CCr even when serum creatinine levels and renal function are rapidly changing. A computer program has been written for a hospital-based time-shared terminal to estimate CCr in this manner.
THE EFFECT OF WATER HARDNESS ON THE GROWTH OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA IN METAL CUTTING FLUIDS

SUMMARY An investigation of the effect of the salts found in hard water on the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in metal cutting fluids is reported. It was found that hard water and the salts found in hard water stimulate the growth of this organism in the two products employed in the study.
Neurodegeneration and chronic renal failure in methylmalonic aciduria—A pathophysiological approach

In the last decades the survival of patients with methylmalonic aciduria has been improved. However, the overall outcome of affected patients remains disappointing. The disease course is often complicated by acute life-threatening metabolic crises, which can result in multiple organ failure or even death, resembling primary defects of mitochondrial energy metabolism. Biochemical abnormalities during metabolic derangement, such as metabolic acidosis, ketonaemia/ketonuria, lactic acidosis, hypoglycaemia and hyperammonaemia, suggest mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, long-term complications such as chronic renal failure and neurological disease are frequently found. Neuropathophysiological studies have focused on various effects caused by accumulation of putatively toxic organic acids, the so-called ‘toxic metabolite’ hypothesis. In previous studies, methylmalonate (MMA) has been considered as the major neurotoxin in methylmalonic aciduria, whereas more recent studies have highlighted a synergistic inhibition of mitochondrial energy metabolism (pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, tricarboxylic acid cycle, respiratory chain, mitochondrial salvage pathway of deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate (dNTP)) induced by propionyl-CoA, 2-methylcitrate and MMA as the key pathomechanism of inherited disorders of propionate metabolism. Intracerebral accumulation of toxic metabolites (‘trapping’ hypothesis’) is considered a biochemical risk factor for neurodegeneration. Secondary effects of mitochondrial dysfunction, such as oxidative stress and impaired mtDNA homeostasis, contribute to pathogenesis of these disorders. The underlying pathomechanisms of chronic renal insufficiency in methylmalonic acidurias are not yet understood. We hypothesize that renal and cerebral pathomechanisms share some similarities, such as an involvement of dicarboxylic acid transport. This review aims to give a comprehensive overview on recent pathomechanistic concepts for methylmalonic acidurias.
In vivo degradation of a transcriptional regulator: The yeast α2 repressor

Abstract Metabolic instability is characteristic of regulatory proteins whose in vivo concentrations must vary as a function of time. The cell type-specific α2 repressor of the yeast S. cerevisiae is shown here to have a half-life of only ∼5 min. Each of the two structural domains of α2 carries a sequence that can independently target a normally long-lived protein for rapid destruction. Moreover, these two degradation signals are shown to operate via distinct mechanisms. Mutants deficient in the degradation of α2 have been isolated and found to have a number of additional defects, indicating that the pathways responsible for α2 turnover include components with multiple functions. Finally, we demonstrate that a short-lived subunit of an oligomeric protein can be degraded in vivo without destabilizing other, long-lived subunits of the same protein. This subunit-specific degradation makes possible a novel type of posttranslational remodeling in which a heteromeric protein could be functionally modified by selective, degradation-mediated replacement of its subunits.
The effect of age on glucose-modulated cerebral agonal glycolytic rates measured in vivo by 1H NMR spectroscopy.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of plasma glucose concentration on cerebral agonal glycolytic rates in piglets of different ages. Twenty-four piglets were divided into four different age groups corresponding to 113, 121, 128, and 145 d postconception (normal gestation = 115 d). For each group the agonal glycolytic rate was measured by monitoring the rate of cerebral lactate accumulation after total ischemia. Ischemia was induced by cardiac arrest, and the rate of lactate formation was measured in vivo using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Before cardiac arrest, the blood plasma glucose concentration for individual piglets was adjusted to a specific value in the range 1–30 mM. The dependence of agonal glycolytic rate upon blood glucose concentration was analyzed for each age group, using the Michaelis-Menten equation to evaluate Vmax, the maximal rate of glucose utilization, and Km the concentration of plasma glucose at which the half maximal rate of utilization occurs. Vmax for the two youngest age groups of piglets had significantly different (p < 0.05) values compared with each other (1.38 ± 0.17 and 1.92 ± 0.64 μmol·g-1·min-1, respectively) and with the two older groups of animals (2.99 ± 0.52 and 3.42 ± 0.65 μmol·g-1·min-1, respectively). The Km values determined for the two youngest age groups (0.79 ± 0.70 and 1.79 ± 0.33 mM, respectively) also were significantly lower than for the two older age groups (4.96 ± 2.90 and 4.82 ± 2.96 mM, respectively). We conclude that throughout the first 2 wk of life there are marked increases in the cerebral glycolytic capacity. It follows, therefore, that rates of lactate formation in newborns are not as strongly accelerated by increased blood glucose compared with older piglets. During combined hyperglycemia and severe ischemia, newborns will not be exposed to harmful levels of cerebral lactate as rapidly as 2− to 4-wk-old piglets. However, despite the differences in glycolytic rates, all four age groups showed similar potentials to generate high cerebral lactate concentrations. Furthermore, the final brain lactate concentration showed the same linear correlation with preischemia plasma glucose concentration for all four age groups. The implications of this study are that piglets of any age have the same potential to generate high concentrations of brain lactate, although newborns will reach this level more slowly than older animals.
Cluster specific heat in a Cu0.6Ni0.4 alloy

The specific heat of an alloy of copper with 40 at. % nickel has been measured. The “constant” or anomalous term is seen to decrease as the temperature is reduced below 1.4° K.
Manufacturability Aware Routing in Nanometer VLSI

1: Introduction 2: CMP Aware Routing 3: Random-Defect Aware Routing 4: Lithography Aware Routing 5: Redundant Via Aware Routing 6: Antenna-Effect Aware Routing 7: Other DFM Issues in VLSI Routing 8: Conclusions. References
A specific, reversible, macromolecular inhibitor of hepatic glucagon responsive adenyl cyclase.

We have found in the high speed supernatant fraction from rat liver a macromolecular factor which selectively and reversibly inhibits glucagon responsive adenyl cyclase activity by 90%. This factor does not interfere with epinephrine responsive adenyl cyclase activity nor does it effect the stability of glucagon activation which is not reversed by membrane particle washing. This soluble inhibitor does not appear to be a phosphodiesterase or a peptidase and its synthesis is not dependent on the presence of physiological concentrations of insulin. The soluble inhibitor could function as a component of a feedback loop which regulates glucagon responsive adenyl cyclase by coordinating its activity with epinephrine responsive adenyl cyclase in liver. (Endocrinology 89: 1242, 1971)
Residential Environmental Preferences and Choice: Empirically Validating Preference Measures

In order to evaluate demands for new forms of residential environments (such as cluster development rather than the spread pattern of suburban sprawl), it may be useful to deal with persons' reside...
Micromechanics of multilayer printed circuit boards

Analytical and experimental techniques are reported for the evaluation of micromechanical components in multilayer printed circuit boards. The concern in this investigation comes from the Z-axis thermal mismatch between epoxy-glass and copper that generates stresses when the board is subject to a temperature change. Finite-element modeling for both plated through-holes (PTH) and buried via (PV) structures is used to calculate the stresses in the copper barrel and at the via junctions. A simple experiment is designed to measure the thermomechanical strain in the PTH barrel. Also discussed are the PTH peel and PV pull techniques which have been used to characterize the barrel-laminate adhesion and the via junction strength.
Progressive hyperspectral imaging

Progressive hyperspectral imaging (PHSI) is a new concept that has never been explored in the past. It decomposes data processing into a number of stages and processes data stage-by–stage progressively in the sense that the results obtained by previous stages are updated and improved by subsequent stages through the past processed information as well as new innovations information that is not available in previous stages. This is quite different from a sequential processing which processes data samples in a sequential manner where each data sample is fully processed. Specially, the idea of PHSI is believed to be the first ever materialized to utilize available information in a best possible means to process massive data by updating data processing via using the new innovations information provided by the current being processed data sample. As a result, the PHSI can significantly reduce computing time and in the mean time can be also realized in real-time in many application areas such as hyerspectral data communications and transmission where data can be communicated and transmitted progressively. Most importantly, the PHSI allows users to screen preliminary results before deciding to continuously complete the data processing.
Parallelizing Fast Multipole Method for Large-Scale Electromagnetic Problems Using GPU Clusters

This letter investigates the solution of large-scale electromagnetic problems by using the single-level Fast Multipole Method (FMM). Problems of large scale require high computational capability that cannot be accommodated using conventional computing systems. We investigate a parallel implementation of FMM on a 13-node graphics processing unit (GPU) cluster that populates Nvidia Tesla M2090 GPUs. The implementation details and the performance achievements in terms of accuracy, speedup, and scalability are discussed. The experimental results demonstrate that our FMM implementation on GPUs is much faster than (up to 700 ×) that of the CPU implementation. Moreover, the scalability of the GPU implementation is very close to the theoretical linear expectations.
Self-care in older adults with heart failure: an integrative review.

Purpose The aims of this integrative review were to examine the evidence specific to self-care in older adults, 65 years or older, with heart failure and to indicate best nursing practice interventions for use in this population. Assessment Self-care is a complex set of activities involving self-care maintenance and self-care management. Age-related and psychosocial factors impact older patients' ability to engage effectively in self-care practices. Although self-care processes are the focus of the investigation, few studies provide implications specific for the older adult population. Limited research on heart failure self-care in the older adult meets the age criterion of 65 years or older. Methods A comprehensive search of the literature was performed using Medline, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library, as well as an ancestry approach of reference lists of selected studies. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trial, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method design studies on older adults with heart failure related to self-care for the years 2002-2012. Findings Three themes of self-care were noted in the selected studies: patient-related factors, patient education, and telemonitoring. The patient-related factors identified were barriers to self-care such as age-related symptoms, cognitive factors, and social issues. The interventions promoting self-care were patient education (self-care knowledge) and telemonitoring (augmenting symptom recognition). Patient education tailored to older adults may be beneficial. Telemonitoring is an appropriate self-care enhancement tool for selected older adults. More emphasis needs to be placed on interventions to assist older adults with heart failure in symptom recognition and early notification of healthcare providers. Conclusions As the population ages, a need for evidence-based care for older adults with heart failure is warranted. Heart failure self-care interventions do not address the special considerations of the older heart failure patient. To determine the best approaches for promoting effective self-care, older adults with heart failure need to be studied as a cohort. Clinical relevance Older adults with heart failure face many challenges engaging in self-care practices. These older adults need individualized self-care instructions and home care follow-up. Identifying special needs of the patient, such as sensory or cognitive impairment, is necessary when providing instructions and follow-up care for the older adult.
Accumulation of Labeled Zinc, Strontium, and Calcium in Bone Injuries

A significantly increased uptake of 65Zn administered intravenously was detected in healing bones of rats compared with control rats. The parameters used for measuring osteogenesis included: histologic examination, radiographic studies, and Ca 45 uptake in bone. The accumulation of 65Zn appeared to be correlated with bone formation. The data suggest a mobilization of zinc to the site of bone repair.
Exploring Teachers’ Implementation of Comparison in Algebra I

Abstract Discussions where teachers engage students in the comparison of multiple solution strategies to a single problem have been recommended in curriculum policy documents, yet integrating these discussions into teachers’ normative routines is not widespread. In this paper, we begin to explore variations in teachers’ implementation of Algebra I curriculum materials specifically focused on comparison. We explore (via case studies) implementation of the curriculum materials by two teachers with similar teaching backgrounds. The case studies suggest that these two teachers’ implementation of the comparison materials differed markedly, raising questions about possible factors which may have contributed to implementation differences.
A molecular dynamics/EVB study of an SN2 reaction in water clusters

Abstract The benchmark nucleophilic substitution reaction Cl − + CH 3 Cl in water clusters of different sizes is studied using an empirical valence-bond model. The reaction activation-free energy, the variation in the system’s electronic structure and other system properties are determined as a function of cluster size from 3 to 40 water molecules. The barrier height increases monotonically with the number of water molecules and reaches 90% of the value in bulk water with about 15 water molecules. The contribution of the water is analyzed utilizing a solvent coordinate and its coupling to the electronic state of the solute. The dynamical correction to the rate due to barrier re-crossing is small.
Plasma deposition of inorganic silicon containing films

Amorphous films containing silicon in combination with nitrogen, oxygen, carbon and hydrogen, comprise a wide range of potentially useful materials for the construction of microelectronic circuits. Glow discharge induced deposition is a viable alternative to the other more common chemical and physical deposition methods.
Socialization for citizenship through community service : Disparities in participation among U.S. high school students

Abstract This study examines participation in community service among a sample of 16,232 sophomores in 938 U.S. public, Catholic, and private independent high schools in 1990. Using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88), we investigate whether disparities in participation exist and to what extent these disparities reflect social, psychological, and educational differences among the students. The analysis is grounded in a social-psychological model focused on explaining participation among adolescents. We employ a multilevel analytic technique, the Hierarchical Generalized Linear Model (HGLM). According to our estimates, early socialization, track placement, personal and peer values, patterns in the use of discretionary time, and attending a private school strongly influence participation, while psychological attributes are less salient.
Modeling Yard Crane Operators as Reinforcement Learning Agents

Due to the importance of drayage operations, operators at marine container terminals are increasingly looking to reduce the time a truck spends at the terminal to complete a transaction. This study introduces an agent-based approach to model yard cranes for the analysis of truck turn time. The objective of the model is to solve the yard crane scheduling problem (i.e. determining the sequence of drayage trucks to serve to minimize their waiting time). It is accomplished by modeling the yard crane operators as agents that employ reinforcement learning; specifically, q-learning. The proposed agent-based, q-learning model is developed using Netlogo. Experimental results show that the q-learning model is very effective in assisting the yard crane operator to select the next best move. Thus, the proposed q-learning model could potentially be integrated into existing yard management systems to automate the truck selection process and thereby improve yard operations.
Magnetic Measurements of Action Currents in a Single Nerve Axon: A Core-Conductor Model

Measurements have been performed on the medial giant axon of the crayfish in which both microelectrode recordings of the transmembrane action potential and magnetic recordings of the axial, intracellular action current were obtained at a single location along the nerve. This approach is unique because the combination of electric and magnetic techniques allows for independent measurements of transmembrane potential and intracellular current without assumptions regarding membrane capacitance or axonal resistances. The availability of both types of data recorded at a single location on the axon allows the core-conductor model to be solved explicitly for the internal axial resistance of the axon, the membrane capacitance, and the membrane conduction current density without the need to make a series of subthreshold measurements of passive cable properties. The extracellular magnetic measurements can be used both to determine the transmembrane action potential without the need to penetrate the nerve membrane with a microelectrode, and to obtain approximate values for the sodium and potassium peak conductances.
Hydrogeology of Desert Basinsa

Hydrologic systems in arid lands normally include a recharge area in mountains and a discharge area in lowlands often with an intermediate area of lateral flow between recharge and discharge areas. This system is often modified by local geologic, climatic, and physiographic factors. Most water-supply, contamination and disposal problems arise from a combination of features superimposed on this system by concentration of population and agricultural activity in the discharge areas. Also most of our data on the system comes from the lowlands and little data is available from the recharge areas. In the Great Basin two general categories of ground-water flow systems are recognized: (1) local flow systems where drainage areas are usually small, flow paths are relatively short, interbasin flow is uncommon, springs have large fluctuations in discharge, water temperature is low, and concentration of Na, K, Cl, and SO4 is low, and (2) regional flow systems, where drainage areas are large, flow paths long, interbasin flow common, springs have large discharge, and the water is characteristically of higher temperature and contains higher concentrations of K, Na, Cl, and SO4. Hydrologic approaches used, in addition to conventional methods, include hydrologic budget, water-potential, and water-chemistry studies. Although detailed delineation of most flow systems in Nevada has not been accomplished, integration of hydrologic, geologic, and chemical methods allow approximate portrayal of many systems, both local and regional. Adequate methods upon which to base planning for optimum development of water resources in desert basins are now available. A conceptual model of optimal ground-water reservoir development illustrates how to determine optimum use of storage and perennial yield provided the use to which the water is to be put and the time of withdrawal are known.
Urinary Bisphenol A Concentrations in Relation to Serum Thyroid and Reproductive Hormone Levels in Men from an Infertility Clinic

Human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) is widespread. Animal studies have demonstrated that BPA can alter endocrine function, but human studies are limited. For the present study, we measured urinary BPA concentrations and serum thyroid and reproductive hormone levels in 167 men recruited through an infertility clinic. BPA was detected in 89% of urine samples with a median (range) of 1.3 (<0.4 - 36.4) ng/mL. In multivariable regression models adjusted for potential confounders, BPA concentrations in urine collected on the same day as a blood sample were inversely associated with serum levels of inhibin B and estradiol:testosterone ratio (E(2):T) and positively associated with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and FSH:inhibin B ratio. Because BPA is metabolized quickly and multiple urine measures may better reflect exposure than a single measure, we also considered among a subset of the men the BPA concentrations in repeated urine samples collected weeks or months following serum sample collection. In these analyses, the effect estimates remained consistent for FSH and E(2):T but were somewhat weakened for inhibin B. In addition, we observed inverse relationships between urinary BPA concentrations and free androgen index (ratio of testosterone to sex hormone binding globulin), estradiol, and thyroid stimulating hormone. Our results suggest that urinary BPA concentrations may be associated with altered hormone levels in men, but these findings need to be substantiated through further research.
Tetraphyllin B from Adenia digitata

Abstract Tetraphyllin B has been isolated in good yield from the South African plant Adenia digitata . Its structure was established by 1 H and 13 C NMR.
The MicroAce: An inexpensive computer controller

A $200 computer system is described that can act as a laboratory controller. Advantages and disadvantages of the system are discussed.
Thermomechanical deformation modeling of Al2xxxT4/SiCp composites

Abstract A constitutive model for metal matrix composites is developed and its capabilities for predicting cyclic isothermal and cyclic thermomechanical behavior are demonstrated. The silicon carbide particulate reinforced Al2xxxT4 alloy was studied experimentally and theoretically with the model. Cyclic stress-strain behavior of 15 and 20% reinforced silicon carbide particulate reinforced Al2xxx-T4 were successfully predicted at temperatures of 20, 200 and 300°C at strain rates between 3 × 10−5s−1 and 3 × 10−3s−1. The themomechanical stress-strain behaviors (Tmin = 100°C, Tmax = 200, 300°C) were studied experimentally and the results were closely predicted when temperature-strain phasing was in-phase and out-of-phase. This study clarifies the influence of mechanical property mismatch in the elastic and in the inelastic ranges vs the thermal property mismatch on composite and the matrix behaviors. The transverse and hydrostatic stresses in the matrix, developed during cyclic loading, are reported for both isothermal and thermomechanical loading conditions.
The Prologues to the Spanish Texts Printed in Italy in the Sixteenth Century

(1994). The Prologues to the Spanish Texts Printed in Italy in the Sixteenth Century. Symposium: A Quarterly Journal in Modern Literatures: Vol. 48, No. 3, pp. 216-228.
Towards respiration management in radiation treatment of lung tumors: Transferring regions of interest from planning CT to kilovoltage X-ray images

Tracking of lung tumors is imperative for improved radiotherapy treatment. However, the motion of the thoracic organs makes it a complicated task. 4D CT images acquired prior to treatment provide valuable information regarding the motion of organs and tumor, since it is manually annotated. In order to track tumors using treatment-day X-ray images (kV images), we need to find the correspondence with CT images so that projection of tumor region of interest will provide a good estimate about the position of the tumor on the X-ray image. In this study, we propose a method to estimate the alignment and respiration phase corresponding to X-ray images using 4D CT data. Our approach generates Digitally Reconstructed Radiographs (DRRs) using bilateral filter smoothing and computes rigid registration with kV images since the position and orientation of patient might differ between CT and treatment-day image acquisition processes. Instead of using landmark points, our registration method makes use of Kernel Density Estimation over the edges that are not affected much by respiration. To estimate the phase of X-ray, we apply template matching techniques between the lung regions of X-ray and registered DRRs. Our approach gives accurate results for rigid registration and provides a starting point to track tumors using the X-ray images during the treatment.
Hospital Resources Used To Treat the Injured Elderly at North Carolina Trauma Centers

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to compare the hospital resources used by elderly, adult, and pediatric patients treated in hospitals reporting to the North Carolina Trauma Registry (NCTR). DESIGN: We analyzed data on all patients entered into the NCTR from 1 January 1988 to 31 December 1990. SETTING: The NCTR is a statewide registry of all trauma patients admitted for at least 24 hours or dead on arrival at the eight Level I and II trauma center hospitals in North Carolina. PATIENTS: The total number of patients included in the study was 21,214; elderly adults included those age 65 and older (n = 2808), adults included those 15 to 64 years old (n = 15,776), and pediatric patients included those 0 to 14 years old (n = 2630). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We examined hospital resources using three measures: overall length of hospital stay in days, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay in days for those admitted to the ICU, and total hospital charges billed during the hospitalization. RESULTS: Controlling for injury severity, we found that elderly adults had longer mean hospital and ICU lengths of stay and higher mean hospital charges than adults or children. Whereas only 22% of injuries to elderly adults were transportation-related, transportation injuries generated 38% of their hospital charges. Sixty-eight percent of their injuries were caused by falls, generating total hospital charges of $17.6 million, an average of 15 days in hospital stay and 9 days in ICU stay. CONCLUSION: A 10% reduction in both transportation injuries and falls among the elderly could save $3.5 million in this population over 3 years. Language: en
Erratum to: “High performance wavelength-swept laser with mode-locking technique for optical coherence tomography” [Opt. Commun. 282 (2009) 88]

0030-4018/$ see front matter Crown Copyright 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V. All r doi:10.1016/j.optcom.2008.11.058 DOI of original article: 10.1016/j.optcom.2008.09.059 * Corresponding author. E-mail address: linda.mao@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca (Y. Mao). spread functions (PSF) with a full range depth, shown in Fig. 5c, have a FWHM value of 8.8 lm, which agrees well with the 8.3 lm equivalent to the 3dB bandwidth of the spectrum of the laser source.”
Derivation of adherence metrics from electronic dosing records.

Numerous adherence variables have been created from electronic dosing records hindering synthesis of the vast body of adherence research. To elucidate the mathematical foundation for electronic adherence monitoring and to understand how diverse electronic adherence metrics are related to each other and the underlying construct of adherence behavior. Several representative adherence metrics are derived mathematically and their relationship to the underlying consumption (or dosing event) rate analyzed. Data from a 3-month study of 286 individuals on single-drug antihypertensive therapy are then used to empirically study the statistical properties of several of these electronic adherence metrics. As suggested by their common link to the consumption (or dosing event) rate, the analyzed electronic adherence metrics were generally strongly correlated (r .4). The lowest correlation (r = .15) involved the ratio of the observed number of doses to the recommended number (called average adherence), which tended to emphasize quantity consumed, and the ratio of the observed to maximum mean squared rate deviation (MSRD ratio), which focused more on dose timing. Despite their different formulations, electronic adherence variables are generally closely correlated. Adherence metrics that average the consumption rate over multiple doses (by summing up the number of doses and dividing by the monitored time) may be less sensitive to short-term fluctuations in medication intake. Metrics that are more sensitive to timing variability may thus be preferable when timing as well as quantity of dosing are of interest.