cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Permanent mounting of unstained and aceto-orcein stained cells in the water-soluble medium, Abopon.

For cellular morphology, mammalian cells were grown on cover slips in Leigh ton tubes, fixed in 1% osmic acid vapor for 2 min, decolorized with 30% H2O2 in 5% ammonium oxalate solution (1:7) for 2 min, then washed thoroughly, and finally mounted in a water-soluble medium consisting of a saturated solution of Abopon in 0.2 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.0. For chromosomal analysis of similarly cultured cells, aceto-orcein preparations were made by conventional methods, with the following minor modifications: following pretreatment with colchicine and hypotonic expansion, the cells on the cover slips were fixed in acetic-alcohol (1:3), air dried, incubated at 37° C for 15 min in 2% orcein in 45% acetic acid, rinsed in 45% acetic acid, washed several times in distilled water, and finally mounted in Abopon mounting medium. Both kinds of preparations were allowed to harden for 24 hr before being handled. Such slides will keep for years at room temperature. Studies requiring frequent comparisons of cellular and chrom...
Development and Consequences of Cannabis Dependence

The past 10 to 15 years of clinical and basic research have produced strong evidence demonstrating that cannabis can and does produce dependence. Clinical and epidemiological studies indicate that cannabis dependence is a relatively common phenomenon associated with significant psychosocial impairment. Basic research has identified a neurobiological system specific to the actions of cannabinoids. Human and nonhuman studies have demonstrated a valid withdrawal syndrome that is relatively common among heavy marijuana users. Last, clinical trials evaluating treatments for cannabis dependence suggest that this disorder, like other substance dependence disorders, is responsive to intervention, yet the majority of patients have difficulty achieving and maintaining abstinence. Of concern, treatment seeking for marijuana dependence has increased almost twofold over the past 10 years. This report briefly reviews selected research literature relevant to our current understanding of cannabis dependence, its associated consequences, and treatment efficacy.
Homograft crossmatching is unnecessary due to the absence of blood group antigens

Background. Homograft valves are subject to calcification and structural degeneration in the long term. Blood group matching is performed in many centers, and it remains controversial whether immunologic responses associated with potential blood group incompatibility contribute to the degeneration of unmatched homografts. We studied the expression of carbohydrate blood group antigens on valve endothelium of thawed aortic homograft valves and freshly harvested human cardiac valves. Methods. Cryopreserved human aortic homograft valves and freshly harvested human aortic, pulmonary, mitral, and tricuspid valves were incubated with antibodies to A, B, and O blood group antigens. Results. Cardiac microvascular endothelium stained positively with antiendothelial CD31 antibody in both cryopreserved and fresh tissue. Cryopreserved valve endothelial lining rarely stained positively for CD31, in contrast to fresh valves, which always stained positive. Cryopreserved or fresh cardiac microvascular endothelium strongly expressed A, B, or H antigens. In contrast, ABH antigens were not detectable on homograft or fresh cardiac valve endothelium. Conclusions. The absence of expression of carbohydrate antigen on valvular endothelium suggests that blood group incompatibility does not play a significant role in homograft degeneration.
Separable potential model for the off-shell. pi. N amplitude

A simple model is used to reproduce modern $\ensuremath{\pi}N$ phase shifts in the $S$, $P$, $D$, and $F$ waves for ${T}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}l2$ GeV (except ${P}_{11}$). In these channels a rank one, two-channel separable potential model is used and the inverse scattering problem is solved directly. In the ${P}_{11}$ channel the phase shifts are fit with a separable $t$ matrix which contains a pole at the nucleon mass and an explicit sign change in the phase shift. This model is intended for use in theories of the low and medium energy pion-nucleus interaction where it supersedes the obsolete LT and LMM potentials. The explicit pole in the ${P}_{11}$ channel should facilitate the inclusion of pion annihilation into the many body problem.[NUCLEAR REACTIONS ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}N$; 0-2 GeV phase shifts reproduced; $S$, $P$, $D$, $F$ waves; separable potential with inverse scattering problem; nucleon pole and sign change in ${P}_{11}$.]
Neighborhood and associative query answering

Cooperative query answering extends the classical notion of query answering to provide neighborhood and associated information. Neighborhood query answering relaxes the query and its answer via abstract representations. To integrate the abstraction view with the subsumption (is-a) and composition (part-of) views of type hierarchy, the notion of type abstraction hierarchy is introduced. To evaluate and control query relaxation, a nearness measure mechanism is provided. Associative query answering provides information conceptually related to, but not explicitly asked by the query. As object association is context sensitive, a DB-Pattern-KB framework is developed that couples domain-specific knowledge and participating objects in localized problem domains via virtual database patterns. Associative query answering can then be accomplished through tracing the behavior dependencies among cooperating objects in those problem domains. Such a framework allows related databases and knowledge bases to be linked dynamically in various contexts yet be maintained relatively independent of each other. The proposed approach has been implemented in the cooperative database system tested, CoBase, at UCLA. Our experience reveals that the proposed techniques are effective for cooperative query answering.
Using WebCT, Wiki Spaces, and ePortfolios for Teaching and Building Information Literacy Skills

Librarians, as service providers, are always looking for innovative ways of using technology for designing and improving information systems that allow teaching and building of information literacy skills. Online learning and teaching tools offer teacher librarians undreamed of opportunities to enhance face-to-face information literacy instruction. This paper describes the librarian's research, discoveries, and experience with using WebCT Campus Edition and Vista, ePortfolios, and Wikis to deliver online information literacy instruction as part of fully-online, Web-enhanced, or hybrid courses. Models of librarian/faculty partnership and collaboration are also illustrated.
Ewing's sarcoma of the hand.

A 13-year-old white girl first was seen at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in 1964 with a complaint of pain in the right hand of I year's duration. She first had noticed the discomfort after falling on the dorsum of her right hand, at which time a roentgenogram showed a fracture of the diaphysis of the fourth metacarpal (Fig. I). She was treated with a plaster splint for 6 weeks, but pain and swelling over the dorsum of the hand persisted. Repeat roentgenograms demonstrated an expanding lesion of the right fourth metacar­
Molecularly Engineered Biodegradable Polymer Networks with a Wide Range of Stiffness for Bone and Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

To satisfy different mechanical requirements in hard and soft tissue replacements, a series of biodegradable and crosslinkable copolymers of poly(propylene fumarate)-co-polycaprolactone (PPF-co-PCL) are synthesized and employed to fabricate 2D disks and 3D scaffolds via photocrosslinking. Thermal properties such as the glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting temperature (Tm) of the PPF-co-PCL networks can be controlled efficiently by varying the PCL composition (φPCL). As a result, their mechanical properties vary significantly from hard and stiff materials to soft and flexible ones with increasing φPCL, making them attractive candidate materials for bone and peripheral nerve regeneration, respectively. Several PPF-co-PCL formulations are selected to perform in vitro cell studies using mouse pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1, rat Schwann cell precursor line (SPL201), and pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells, and in vivo animal testing in the rat femur bone defect model and in the rat sciatic nerve transection model. The formation of new bone in the porous bone scaffolds with a low φPCL and guided axon growth through the nerve conduits with a higher φPCL suggest that crosslinked PPF-co-PCLs have appropriate compatibility and functionality. Furthermore, the role of surface stiffness in modulating cellular behavior and functions is verified on the crosslinked PPF-co-PCL surfaces without any pretreatments.
The influence of concept mapping on achievement, self-regulation, and self-efficacy in students of English as a second language

Abstract This study investigated the effectiveness of concept mapping used as a learning strategy with students in English as a Second Language classrooms. Seventy-nine ESL students participated in the study. Variables of interest were students’ achievement when learning from English-language text, students’ reported use of self-regulation strategies (self-monitoring and knowledge acquisition strategies), and students’ self-efficacy for learning from English-language text. A randomized pre-test–post-test control group design was employed. The findings showed a statistically significant interaction of time, method of instruction, and level of English proficiency for self-monitoring, self-efficacy, and achievement. For all four outcome variables, the concept mapping group showed significantly greater gains from pre-test to post-test than the individual study group. The findings have implications for both practice and research.
Support for campaign spending limitations in the U. S. senate: The role of party, ideology and electoral security

Abstract Recent media disclosures of American campaign funding raising practices in the 1996 election have renewed political interest in campaign finance reform. This paper examines senatorial support for the McCain/Feingold measure that would have established voluntary spending limits on senate candidates and banned unlimited campaign contributions through political party organizations. While party affiliation and senator ideology are very important in explaining support for the McCain/Feingold measure, various measures of electoral security are not significant. This is important because the public choice literature emphasizes that electoral security is the primary goal of legislators. Additionally, the electoral self-interest of legislators is probably much more accurately measured by the various electoral security measures used in this study than by the constituency measures typically employed in the public choice literature. Nevertheless, personal legislator electoral security is not a powerful explanatory factor.
Numerical modeling of an atmospheric pressure micro glow discharge

Summary form only given. Atmospheric pressure micro glow discharge of the cold type has been generated in our laboratory. Plasma discharge is generally maintained at low pressure for deposition processes in the semiconductor industries. The present glow discharge will be used for chemical deposition thereby reducing the operation and the maintenance cost by many folds. A hybrid model has been developed to simulate the atmospheric pressure DC argon micro glow discharge consisting of five species (neutral, meta-stables, ions and electrons). The simulations will help to obtain detailed time dependent physico-chemical characteristics of the discharge. The equations solved are particle balances for all the species assuming a drift-diffusion approximation for the fluxes, momentum equation for the mass averaged species, and energy balance equation for the neutral species. The electric field is obtained from the simultaneous solution of the Poisson's equation. The electron induced reaction rates and the electron temperature are obtained by solving a zero-dimensional Boltzmann equation based on the local-field approximation. Two dimensional simulations were carried out for a pin-plate electrode configuration together with an external circuit. The predicted voltage-current characteristics and current density identifies the discharge to be a normal glow discharge. The neutral gas temperature predictions indicate that the discharge forms a non-thermal, non-equilibrium plasma. Predictions from the numerical model compare favorably with experimental studies
Interpersonal and Economic Resources

High population density and increased institutional specialization, which are relatively novel features of human society. have provided conditions for a more efficient exchange of universalistic resources, while decreasing the opportunity for exchanging particularistic ones. The parallel with physical environment is striking: in both cases technology has created new problems in the process of solving old ones. Whether it is natural resources or interpersonal resources, physical ecology or social ecology, recognizing and defining the new problem is the first step toward its solution. The importance of particularistic resources in solving problems of modern society has scarcely been recognized. Welfare institutions, for example, often require clients to lose status for the money they receive. This form of exchange deprives the client of a resource which is already scarce for him, thus further reducing his chances of autonomous performance as a resource exchanger in society. By ignoring the significance of particularistic resources for social functioning, we tend to see the solution of social problems exclusively in terms of a better distribution of economic resources. Improvement of education, for instance, is considered almost equivalent to allocating more money for schools. Truly money is one of the neighbors of information in the order, but the other one is status. Evidence to suggest that higher status improves educational achievement has, indeed, been repeatedly reported (26). The very mention of particularistic resources in social planning causes uneasiness and bafflement. The economist Levitan (27), for example, in reviewing the activities of VISTA (a program of the Office of Economic Opportunity), wonders how to evaluate goals such as dedication, involvement, and good feeling. The reluctance to include particularistic resources in social engineering will hopefully decrease as we improve techniques for their observation and measurement and as we begin to understand their rules of exchange and their relationship to other resources. The work described here may constitute a step in such a direction. The opportunity to progress more decisively toward a comprehensive picture of the state of resources in society is provided by the proposal to institute social indicators (28). Properly constructed they could supply much needed information about resource deficiencies that affect the health of society and could suggest. measures to overcome them. The purpose of this article has been to summarize some of the knowledge we already possess about interpersonal resources and to outline its application to certain problems of modern society. It has been shown that when resources are classified into six categories and plotted on a two-coordinate space a definite structural pattern emerges. The position of each resource class in the structure appears related to certain properties which in turn affect differentially the exchange of resources in an urban environment. The structural charateristics of resources provide a theoretical basis for the understanding and solution of social problems in modern culture.
Concepts and Suggestions for Robust Regression Analysis

Theory: Robust methods for regression yield parameter estimates that are insensitive to small departures in the data from the assumed model. A review of some basic ideas of robust estimation focuses on a class of techniques called M-estimators that discount the impact of outlying observations. Methods: These ideas are extended to three practically important areas: (1) some simple methods for inference for robust estimators are described; (2) a more general class of robust estimators for generalized linear models is then introduced; (3) the high breakdown least median of squares method is presented. Results: Applications from comparative and American politics illustrate ideas in these areas.
A Linguistic Approach to Influencing Decision Behavior

In this paper, we present a number of approaches using fuzzy set theory to influence decision-making behavior, which is a type of human persuasion. We couch the approach as the process to draw a conclusion “V is P” given “V is F,” where P is a fuzzy subset of F representing some linguistic value for V that corresponds to a perception of the world V is P, which we want a person to accept. We examine several methods to represent the process to engender such influences. These include using a person's predispositions, framing the context of a discussion and generalization techniques that allow issues to be viewed in a more favorable light. Finally, we discuss approaches to the related topic of negotiations. This paper describes these approaches and the required background formalisms that are used in them.
Restoration of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) responsiveness in pituitary GH3 cells by adenovirus-directed expression of the human GHRH receptor.

GH-secreting GH3 cells lack GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) receptors. In this study we used adenoviral vectors to transfer the human GHRH receptor to GH3 cells in an effort to restore GHRH responsiveness. A replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus (AdGHRH-R) was designed to allow cytomegalovirus promoter-driven expression of the GHRH receptor messenger RNA. COS-7 cells and GH-producing GH3 cells infected with AdGHRH-R showed GHRH receptor expression on their membranes and exhibited specific GHRH binding. The addition of GHRH to GH3 cells infected with AdGHRH-R increased cAMP levels, induced cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation and restored GH secretory responsiveness. GHRH treatment also caused activation of mitogen-activated-protein kinase, induction of c-fos, stimulation of GH promotor activity, and increased cellular proliferation. These findings indicate that adenoviral vectors carrying human GHRH receptor are useful for in vitro studies of GHRH receptor biology and represent a first...
Progressive encephalopathy in children with chronic renal insufficiency in infancy.

Progressive encephalopathy in children with chronic renal insufficiency in infancy. A retrospective analysis of children with renal failure during the first year of life revealed that 20 of 23 patients developed profound neurologic abnormalities. The encephalopathy was characterized by developmental delay, microcephaly, hypotonia, seizures, dyskinesia, and EEG abnormalities. No patient had been dialyzed, and four had not received aluminum salts prior to the development of neurologic symptoms. Inadequate statural growth and poor nutrition were present in all patients. It is probable that infants with chronic renal insufficiency are more susceptible to the development of this syndrome than are older children or adults because of the significant growth and maturation of the brain that occurs during the first years of life. Encephalopathie progressive chez des enfants atteints d'insuffisance renale chronique au cours de la petite enfance. Une analyse retrospective realisee chez des enfants ayant eu une insuffisance renale au cours de la premiere annee de leur vie a montre que 20 sur les 23 malades etudies ont developpe des anomalies neurologiques importantes. L'encephalopathie est caracterisee par un retard de developpement, une microcephalie, une hypotonie, des crises convulsives, une dyskynesie, des anomalies electroencephalographiques. Aucun de ces malades n'avait ete en dialyse et 4 d'entre eux n'avaient pas recu de sels d'aluminium avant l'apparition des signes neurologiques. Une croissance staturale insuffisante et un mauvais etat nutritionnel ont ete constates chez tous les malades. Il est probable que les enfants atteints d'insuffisance renale chronique sont plus exposes au developpement de ce syndrome que des enfants plus âges ou des adultes en raison de la croissance et de la maturation importantes qui affectent le cerveau au cours des premieres annees de la vie.
Disaggregating qualitative data from Asian American college students in campus racial climate research and assessment

The disaggregation of qualitative data can provide a more nuanced understanding of the diverse experiences within the Asian American student population.
Relating Reactions in Silver-Mercury and Tin-Mercury to Properties of Amalgam Alloys

Dental amalgam alloys contain silver and tin as major components. In this study, diffusion couples were used to examine the reaction of silver and tin with mercury. The results are compared with respective binary alloy systems and are extended to an analysis of the structures and properties developed in triturated and condensed certified alloys.
Navigation, Control, and Parameter Identification of an Unmanned Submersible

This paper provides an overview of a new autonomous submersible, its existing navigation and control algorithms, and a proposed parameter-adaptive control structure. Design details of an extended Kalman filter, to be used for both state estimation and explicit parameter identification, are presented.
A Locally Polar Geometry Associated With the Group HS

A locally polar geometry with point residues H3(32), admitting a flag-transitive group Aut(HS), is constructed and described in terms of both subgroups and graphs. A geometric construction of a maximal subgroup M11 of HS is also given.
FLAVOR QUALITY OF EXPLOSION PUFFED DEHYDRATED POTATO. 3. Contribution of Pyrazines and Other Compounds to the Toasted Off‐flavor

SUMMARY– Potato volatile concentrates were prepared from samples of explosion puffed and conventionally dehydrated potatoes by steam distillation, extraction of distillates with diethyl ether and solvent evaporation and were analyzed by GLC. Peak heights of ten components were associated with the intensity of a toasted off-flavor produced by the puffing process. Four of these and two additional minor components were found to have pyrazine-like aromas; two components had aromas characteristic of the thermal degradation of dry proline-glucose mixtures and two components had burnt aromas. 2-Methylpyrazine, 2, 5-dimethylpyrazine, furfural, 5-methylfurfural, benzaldehyde, and phenylacetaldehyde were identified by mass spectrometry and retention time. An ethylmethylpyrazine, an ethyldimethylpyrazine, and trimethylpyrazine were tentatively identified by mass spectrometry. These results suggest that the toasted off-flavor is due to the presence of alkylpyrazines, compounds derived from proline, products of sugar pyrolysis, and products of Strecker degradation reactions.
Sequential logit dynamic travel demand model for hurricane evacuation

Little attention has been given to estimating dynamic travel demand in transportation planning in the past. However, when factors that influence travel are changing significantly over time, such as with an approaching hurricane, dynamic demand and the resulting variation in traffic flow on the network become important. The decision to evacuate in the face of an oncoming hurricane is considered as a series of binary choices over time. A sequential binary logit model is developed to model the probability that the members of a household will evacuate at each time period before hurricane landfall as a function of the household's socioeconomic characteristics, the characteristics of the hurricane, and policy decisions made by authorities as the storm approaches. Data collected in southwest Louisiana after Hurricane Andrew were used to estimate a model that produced dynamic travel demand estimates of hurricane evacuation. On the basis of the results, a sequential logit model appears to be capable of modeling dy...
Mammary Hyperplasia and Carcinoma in MMTV-cyclin D1 Transgenic Mice

PHYSICAL associations between cyclins, viral oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes imply a central role for cyclins in growth control1, 2. Cyclin D1 was identified as a candidate oncogene (PRAD1) in tumour-specific DNA rearrangements3, 4. and is suspected to be a contributor to several types of neoplasms including breast cancer5, 6. Cyclin D1 also rescues G1 cyclin-defective Saccharomyces cerevisiae7, and is a growth-regulated gene8. Despite evidence suggesting that cyclin D1 is an oncogene, its ability to transform cells directly in culture remains controversial9–16. To evaluate its potential to deregulate growth in vivo in a physiologically relevant tissue we overexpressed cyclin Dl in mammary cells in transgenic mice. We report here that overexpression of cyclin Dl resulted in abnormal mammary cell proliferation including the development of mammary adenocarcinomas. We conclude that overexpression of cyclin Dl deregulates cell proliferation and can induce tumorigenic changes in mammary tissues, suggesting that cyclin Dl indeed plays an important oncogenic role in breast cancer.
Premenstrual syndrome as scientific and cultural artifact

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) has been defined in a variety of scientific and cultural ways over the years, but there is no consistent or agreed upon definition. For some women, the public legitimization of PMS and its symptoms as a real and natural part of the female body have led to a positive sense of vindication. However, a more negative image of PMS as something that controls women once a month, that makes them "crazy" and subject to their hormones, is much more pervasive in our contemporary Western culture. In this essay, the author explores the various definitions: PMS as a medical condition, as a social scientific and feminist issue, as an explanation for women's behavior and moods in the popular culture, and, finally, as something bought or sold in a market. The author shows how PMS is real because, if for no other reason, various people in different situations choose to define it as such.
Supply chain integration and shareholder value: Evidence from consortium based industry exchanges

Abstract Recent trade and academic literature point to the importance of supply chain integration among partners as a key determinant of value creation. This paper analyzes the shareholder value effects of setting up industry exchanges, a prominent mechanism used to achieve supply chain integration. Shareholder value effects are estimated by measuring the stock market reaction (abnormal returns) associated with announcements to form or join industry exchanges. We find that abnormal returns from participation in industry exchanges are positive but only marginally significant in the whole sample of 144 firms in 18 exchanges formed during 2000–2001. In the sub-sample of 88 exchange founders who were part of the original announcements to form the exchange, the abnormal market reaction is about 1% and significant. We also find that firms with greater bargaining power and higher process efficiency benefit more from participation in industry exchanges.
High-pressure liquid-chromatographic assay of nucleotide-pool concentrations during polysaccharide biosynthesis in four ascomycetes.

Abstract High-resolution liquid-chromatographic methods developed for analyzing nucleotide pools at the nanogram level in four representative species of ascomycetes ( Penicillium citrinum, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium moniliforme, and Cladosporium herbarum ) were used to study polysaccharide biosynthesis. Nucleotides extracted from the mycelial mat were preseparated from interfering polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and nucleic acids on a column of Biogel P-2. Resolution of 18 nucleotides from each fungal species was accomplished on AS-Pellionex-SAX, pellicular anion-exchanger by using a high-pressure liquid chromatograph. Nucleotides were identified by comparing peak retention-times, by differential u.v. absorption with two detectors in series at selected wavelenghts, and by acid or enzymic hydrolysis with product identification by liquid chromatography. Pyrimidine bases exceeded purines by at least three fold, and uridine nucleotides often constituted 60-80 mole percent of the total nucleotides; extractable cytidine nucleotides were negligible. Uridine 5'-(2- acetamido-2-deoxy-α-D-glucopyranosyl disphosphate) is the preponderant nucleotide throughout the growth cycles of all four species, amounting to 30-60% of all nucleotides present. For all four fungal species, a burst of nucleotide formation was observed after the first 48 h (15-30 μmol/g tissue), with fluctuations that eventually fell to 0.1 μmmol/g on the tenth day.
The preparation of tritium labeled methadone and its metabolites

The synthesis and catalytic tritium reduction of 1,2-dehydro analogs of (-)-methadol, (-)-α-acetylmethadol, and (-)-α-acetyl-N-normethadol afforded the labeled compounds with high specific activity (44-60 Ci/ mmole). The use of the homogeneous catalyst (ϕ3P)3RhCl resulted in specific introduction of tritium without scrambling. (+)-Methadone-1-3H (25 Ci/mmole) was obtained by oxidation of (-)-methadol-1,2-3H2 followed by sodium hydroxide exchange of the 2-3H.
Gracilis transposition flap for repair of an acquired rectovaginal fistula in a pediatric patient

Acquired rectovaginal fistulas in the pediatric population are relatively rare but are often difficult to treat. We describe a young girl who acquired a neorectovaginal fistula after a repeat pull-through procedure for Hirschsprung's disease. Durable repair of the fistula was accomplished with a gracilis transposition flap, providing a well-vascularized muscle buttress between the neorectum and vagina. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a gracilis flap in a pediatric patient with an acquired fistula and should be considered for this complication after pull-through for Hirschsprung's as well as for other perineal fistulas such as those acquired after trauma, infection, or in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease.
Handovers and Debussy

When I started to study the piano at the age of eight, I would labour over my exercises and pieces, one note at a time. As I learned to read music, there was always a sense of accomplishment when the played notes seemed to reflect correctly the musical score in front of me. I don’t recall anyone ever calling me a musician, certainly not my first teacher. Getting the individual notes right and in correct sequence was a long way from making music. For me it was all about the notes. Claude Debussy is said to have clarified this issue that generally eludes most novice musicians, when he said, “Music is not just about the notes. Rather it is created by the spaces between the notes.” Healthcare steadily becomes more complex—more chronically ill people who live longer, and sicker patients who require more powerful medicines and riskier procedures. Randomised controlled trials indicate the drugs and procedures that work best for many diseases. Junior doctors (resident trainees) learn these parts quickly and effectively. As important as this knowledge is, there is increasing recognition that the value …
Glycosylation alters steady-state inactivation of sodium channel Nav1.9/NaN in dorsal root ganglion neurons and is developmentally regulated.

Na channel NaN (Nav1.9) produces a persistent TTX-resistant (TTX-R) current in small-diameter neurons of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and trigeminal ganglia. Nav1.9-specific antibodies react in immunoblot assays with a 210 kDa protein from the membrane fractions of adult DRG and trigeminal ganglia. The size of the immunoreactive protein is in close agreement with the predicted Nav1.9 theoretical molecular weight of 201 kDa, suggesting limited glycosylation of this channel in adult tissues. Neonatal rat DRG membrane fractions, however, contain an additional higher molecular weight immunoreactive protein. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis did not show additional longer transcripts that could encode the larger protein. Enzymatic deglycosylation of the membrane preparations converted both immunoreactive proteins into a single faster migrating band, consistent with two states of glycosylation of Nav1.9. The developmental change in the glycosylation state of Nav1.9 is paralleled by a developmental change in the gating of the persistent TTX-R Na+ current attributable to Nav1.9 in native DRG neurons. Whole-cell patch-clamp analysis demonstrates that the midpoint of steady-state inactivation is shifted 7 mV in a hyperpolarized direction in neonatal (postnatal days 0–3) compared with adult DRG neurons, although there is no significant difference in activation. Pretreatment of neonatal DRG neurons with neuraminidase causes an 8 mV depolarizing shift in the midpoint of steady-state inactivation of Nav1.9, making it indistinguishable from that of adult DRG neurons. Our data show that extensive glycosylation of rat Nav1.9 is developmentally regulated and changes a critical property of this channel in native neurons.
Antibacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles of different sizes, surface conditions and synthesis methods

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-nps) are used as a natural biocide to prevent undesired bacterial growth in clothing and cosmetics. The objective of this study was to assess the antibacterial efficacy of Ag-nps of different sizes, surface conditions, and synthesis methods against Escherichia coli, Ag-resistant E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and Salmonella sp. Ag-nps samples were synthesized by: Base reduction with unmodified surfaces and used as synthesized ('unwashed'; 20, 50 and 80 nm) or after 20 phosphate buffer washes ('washed'; 20, 50 and 80 nm), or synthesized by laser ablation with carbon-stabilized surfaces ('carbon-coated'; 25 and 35 nm). Unwashed Ag-nps were toxic to all bacterial strains at concentrations between 3.0-8.0 μg/ml. The washed Ag-nps and carbon-coated Ag-nps were toxic to all bacterial strains except Ag-resistant E. coli at concentrations between 64.0-1024.0 μg/ml. Ag-resistant E. coli died only when treated with unwashed Ag-nps or its supernatant, both of which contained formaldehyde.
Optimal logic synthesis and testability: two faces of the same coin

The relationships between test generation and logic minimization are described. An overview of the state of the art in combinational and sequential logic synthesis is provided. Combinational logic synthesis algorithms which can ensure irredundant and fully testable combinational circuits are reviewed. Test vectors which detect all single stuck-at faults in the combination logic can be obtained as a by-product of the logic minimization step. Equally intimate relationships between the problems of sequential logic synthesis and sequential test generation are envisioned. A recently developed synthesis technique of constrained state assignment and logic optimization which ensures fully testable sequential machines is described briefly. >
Effectiveness of Cognitive Processing Therapy for Male and Female U.S. Veterans With and Without Military Sexual Trauma

Military sexual trauma (MST) affects approximately 2% and 36% of male and female veterans, respectively, (e.g., Allard, Gregory, Klest, & Platt, 2011). Although the deleterious consequences of MST have been clearly established, few studies have explored treatment effectiveness for this population. Using archival data from a residential treatment program, the current study explored the effectiveness of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) in treating full or subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to compare U.S. veterans reporting an MST index trauma (MST-IT) to those without MST-IT. Of the 481 participants, 40.7% endorsed MST-IT. Multiway frequency analyses were utilized to compare men and women with and without MST on baseline demographic variables. Hierarchical linear models were constructed to investigate treatment outcome by MST status and sex. Results showed that 44.8%, 23.8%, and 19.6% of the variation in clinician- and self-reported PTSD and depression symptoms were explained by three models. Scores on all outcome measures significantly decreased over time for both groups. Additionally, women demonstrated a sharper decrease in PTSD symptoms over time than men. Lastly, men who reported MST-IT had higher PTSD symptoms than men without MST-IT on average. With no control group or random assignment, preliminary findings suggest residential treatment including CPT may be effective for MST-IT regardless of sex.
Exploring the Stereochemistry of CXCR4-Peptide Recognition and Inhibiting HIV-1 Entry with d-Peptides Derived from Chemokines

Chemokine receptor CXCR4 plays an important role in the immune system and the cellular entry of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). To probe the stereospecificity of the CXCR4-ligand interface, d-amino acid peptides derived from natural chemokines, viral macrophage inflammatory protein II (vMIP-II) and stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha), were synthesized and found to compete with (125)I-SDF-1alpha and monoclonal antibody 12G5 binding to CXCR4 with potency and selectivity comparable with or higher than their l-peptide counterparts. This was surprising because of the profoundly different side chain topologies between d- and l-enantiomers, which circular dichroism spectroscopy showed adopt mirror image conformations. Further direct binding experiments using d-peptide labeled with fluorescein (designated as FAM-DV1) demonstrated that d- and l-peptides shared similar or at least overlapping binding site(s) on the CXCR4 receptor. Structure-activity analyses of related peptide analogs of mixed chiralities or containing alanine replacements revealed specific residues at the N-terminal half of the peptides as key binding determinants. Acting as CXCR4 antagonists and with much higher biological stability than l-counterparts, the d-peptides showed significant activity in inhibiting the replication of CXCR4-dependent HIV-1 strains. These results show the remarkable stereochemical flexibility of the CXCR4-peptide interface. Further studies to understand the mechanism of this unusual feature of the CXCR4 binding surface might aid the development of novel CXCR4-binding molecules like the d-peptides that have high affinity and stability.
The concept of decisional control: building the base for evidence-based nursing practice

Purposes: The purposes of this article are to add clarification to the meaning of decisional control and provide a review of research related to the concept. Definitions and Characteristics of Decisional Control: A summary of the definitions of decisional control is followed by a discussion of the characteristics of the concept. The concept of decisional control includes the ability or power to decide what will be one's involvement in health care decisions. Review of Research: Studies on decisional control have tended to center on inpatient, physician office, or clinic settings with a focus on the diagnosis of cancer in which multiple medical treatment decisions arise. Most of the research thus far has been performed in the United States and Canada related to medical treatment. At this point, it is not entirely clear how patient preferences for decisional control relate to health outcomes. Measuring Decisional Control: An overview of the tools available to measure decisional control follows the review of the research. Future Direction: Future research needs to focus on the identification of the differences in decisional control by country, in differing cultural and ethnic groups within countries, and in various geographical areas of countries. The relationship of patient characteristics (e.g., age, gender, education, and income) to decisional control preferences is not clearly identified. A large gap in the research relates to how nurses can facilitate preferred decisional control to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based nursing practice.
Existence theorems for the quantum drift–diffusion equations with mixed boundary conditions

In this paper, we construct a weak solution to the unipolar quantum drift–diffusion equations coupled with initial and mixed boundary conditions in up to four space dimensions. We only assume that the boundary of the domain is Lipschitz and the interface between the Dirichlet boundary and the Neumann boundary is a Lipschitzian hypersurface, and thus the lack of high regularity for solutions of such problems is an issue. The convergence of a sequence of approximate solutions is established via an application of a recent theorem by the author on the logarithmic upper bound for solutions of elliptic equations with the same type of boundary conditions [Logarithmic up bounds for solutions of elliptic partial differential equations, Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 139 (2011) 3485–3490].
Psychological and cognitive effects of long-term peyote use among Native Americans.

Background Hallucinogens are widely used, both by drug abusers and by peoples of traditional cultures who ingest these substances for religious or healing purposes. However, the long-term residual psychological and cognitive effects of hallucinogens remain poorly understood. Methods We recruited three groups of Navajo Native Americans, age 18–45: 1) 61 Native American Church members who regularly ingested peyote, a hallucinogen-containing cactus; 2) 36 individuals with past alcohol dependence, but currently sober at least 2 months; and 3) 79 individuals reporting minimal use of peyote, alcohol, or other substances. We administered a screening interview, the Rand Mental Health Inventory (RMHI), and ten standard neuropsychological tests of memory and attentional/executive functions. Results Compared to Navajos with minimal substance use, the peyote group showed no significant deficits on the RMHI or any neuropsychological measures, whereas the former alcoholic group showed significant deficits ( p Conclusions We found no evidence of psychological or cognitive deficits among Native Americans using peyote regularly in a religious setting. It should be recognized, however, that these findings may not generalize to illicit hallucinogen users.
Detonation in gases

We review recent progress in gaseous detonation experiment, modeling, and simulation. We focus on the propagating detonation wave as a fundamental combustion process. The picture that is emerging is that although all propagating detonations are unstable, there is a wide range of behavior with one extreme being nearly laminar but unsteady periodic flow and the other chaotic instability with highly turbulent flow. We discuss the implications of this for detonation propagation and dynamic behavior such as diffraction, initiation, and quenching or failure.
A study of high-frequency regenerative frequency dividers

A comprehensive analytical study of high-frequency regenerative frequency dividers (RFD) is presented. The study includes two fundamental modes of operation in RFD, namely stable and pulled operation modes. Differential equations characterizing the RFD behavior for both operation modes are derived. Next, an RFD circuit is designed and simulated in a 0.18 /spl mu/m standard CMOS process. Simulations verify the accuracy of the proposed analytical models.
Entropy Amplification Property and the Loss for Writing on Dirty Paper

Costa's celebrated ldquowriting on dirty paperrdquo (WDP) shows that the power-constrained channel Y=X+S+Z, with Gaussian Z, has the same capacity as the standard AWGN channel Y=X+Z, provided that the ldquointerferencerdquo S (no matter how strong it is) is known at the transmitter. While this ability for perfect interference cancelation is very appealing, it relies heavily on the Gaussianity of the (unknown) noise Z. We construct an example of ldquobadrdquo noise for writing on dirty paper, namely, ldquodifference set noiserdquo. If the interference S is strong, then difference-set noise limits the WDP capacity to at most 2 bits. At the same time, like in the AWGN case, the zero-interference capacity grows without bound with the input constraint. Thus almost 100% of the available capacity is lost in WDP in the presence of difference-set noise. This high capacity loss is due to the ldquoentropy amplification propertyrdquo (EAP) of noise with an aperiodic probability distribution. Using the EAP and the duality between WDP and Wyner-Ziv source coding, we also give an example of dramatic rate-loss in quantizing encrypted source.
Fistuloclysis: Case Report and Literature Review

Enterocutaneous fistulae are a common postoperative entity, causing serious complications such as sepsis, malnutrition, and electrolyte and fluid abnormalities. Because sepsis coupled with malnutrition is the leading cause of death in these patients, it is especially important to provide nutrition support. Although parenteral nutrition (PN) is widely used in these patients, it is not without risks, because PN is known to cause liver dysfunction, among other problems. We report a case in which a male patient with an enterocutaneous fistula, having experienced increased liver enzymes receiving PN, began receiving enteral nutrition (EN) via a feeding tube placed in the fistula. Known as fistuloclysis, this method provided adequate nutrition and improved his serum albumin and prealbumin levels, body weight, and liver function tests. Upon stabilization of his nutrition status, he was able to undergo successful surgical repair of the enterocutaneous fistula. According to our experience and that of others, we recommend that patients with high-output enterocutaneous fistulae be considered for EN via fistuloclysis after nutrition stabilization with PN; then the fistulae can be surgically repaired if not spontaneously healed. Use of EN via fistuloclysis, if used appropriately, avoids the complications of long-term PN and may promote faster fistula healing.
Parasitism of Lygus spp. nymphs by the parasitoid wasp, Peristenus howardi, in the alfalfa seed-growing region of the Pacific Northwest

The parasitoid, Peristenus howardi Shaw (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) has been found to parasitize a large proportion of Lygus species in some Washington and Idaho alfalfa seed fields. During 2002-2003 a survey was conducted to estimate the proportion of Lygus spp. (Hemiptera: Miridae) parasitized and the amountof that parasitism attributable to P. howardi in crop and non-crop plants attacked by Lygus in the alfalfa seed growing region of southwestern Idaho and eastern Oregon. Percentage parasitism was estimated from dissection of field-collected Lygus nymphs. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify DNA extracted from parasitoid larvae followed by restriction endonuclease digestion of PCR products to distinguish P. howardi from other potentially co-occurring Peristenus species. Peak parasitism of Lygus nymphs occurred between the first and third weeks of July for both years for all host plants sampled. Of the parasitoid larvae recovered from Lygus nymphs in our study, 75% to 80% tested positive as Peristenus spp. and 76% of these matched the endonuclease digestion banding pattern for P. howardi. The identity of the remaining 20% to 25% of the parasitoids is not known.