cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictive preoperative and intraoperative factors of anastomotic leak in gastrectomy patients.

Abstract Background The preoperative and intraoperative factors that could predict a higher risk of anastomotic/staple line leak for gastric cancer patients has not been accurately defined. Methods Patients who underwent surgery with curative intent for gastric malignancies between 2002 and 2018 were evaluated from a single prospective database. Results A total of 195 patients were evaluated with an overall complication rate of 40%. Anastomotic/staple line leak occurred in 13%, with 4% undergoing reoperation during the same hospitalization. Significant risk factors affecting postoperative complications (POC) were identified in the patients including number of comorbidities (≥2) (HR, 5.30; 95% CI, 1.1–15.3; P = 0.037) and operation type (Total vs Distal) (HR, 2.5; CI 1.08–8.5; p = 0.048). Subset analysis of gastric adenocarcinoma patients demonstrates a five-year overall survival (OS) for patients without perioperative complications was 68%, compared with 41% for patients with POCs (p 0.001). Conclusions In a large single-institutional study, POCs were associated with decreased survival in patients undergoing surgery for gastric adenocarcinoma. Optimizing these patients post-operatively with limited anastomotic stress and enteral feeding tube may allow for a less complicated course.
Iconography and locational conflict from the underside

Abstract Locational conflict is usually studied either through the lens of ‘state theory’ or through the lens of NIMBYism. An alternative, and explicitly political, way of understanding locational conflict is to see it as a fundamental fight over how rights—especially the rights of subordinated peoples in capitalist society—are defined and structured through struggle and conflict. Developing a geography that is ‘applied’ in its truest sense, repressed and marginalized groups symbolically wage war upon the dominant structuring of the world. In this sense, locational conflict is a conflict over the legitimacy of various strategies for asserting rights by those disenfranchised by a presumably ‘objective’ and legitimate process of claims mediation. These themes are explored through an examination of the explicitly spatial controversies surrounding the Free Speech Movement, the development of People's Park, and the politics of homelessness in Berkeley, California. A narrative account of the historical geography of struggle is developed showing that locational conflict is also symbolic conflict over the construction of meanings within particular landscapes. The congruence of these issues in Berkeley, and centered around the University of California, underscores the complexity, as well as the importance, of the symbolic nature of conflict over the use and control of space. This paper will revolve around the notion that using ‘public’ space as a political, social and shelter base by those excluded from the decision-making process is understood by those people as a legitimate and rightful use of public space.
Contribution of the ρ meson and quark substructure to the nuclear spin-orbit potential

The microscopic origin of the spin-orbit (SO) potential in terms of sub-baryonic degrees of freedom is explored and discussed for application to nuclei and hypernuclei. We thus develop a chiral relativistic approach where the coupling to the scalar- and vector-meson fields are controlled by the quark substructure. This approach suggests that the isoscalar and isovector density dependence of the SO potential can be used to test the microscopic ingredients which are implemented in the relativistic framework: the quark substructure of the nucleon in its ground state and its coupling to the rich meson sector where the $\ensuremath{\rho}$ meson plays a crucial role. This is also in line with the vector dominance model phenomenology and the known magnetic properties of the nucleons. We explore predictions based on Hartree and Hartree-Fock mean field, as well as various scenarios for the $\ensuremath{\rho}$-nucleon coupling, ranked as weak, medium, and strong, which impacts the isoscalar and isovector density dependence of the SO potential. We show that a medium-to-strong $\ensuremath{\rho}$ coupling is essential to reproduce Skyrme phenomenology in $N=Z$ nuclei as well as its isovector dependence. Assuming an SU(6) valence quark model, our approach is extended to hyperons and furnishes a microscopic understanding of the quenching of the $N\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$ spin-orbit potential in hypernuclei. It is also applied to other hyperons, such as $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}$, $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Xi}}$, and $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}}$.
Epilepsy in patients with advanced Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy.

Abstract Background Recent advances in respiratory management have improved survival for patients with Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD), characterized by congenital muscular dystrophy and brain malformation. Previous studies reported that more than half of patients exhibit seizures in childhood. However, little is known about epilepsy after childhood. Methods To elucidate the long-term clinical course of epilepsy, we retrospectively reviewed all medical records in nine patients (6 males, mean age 20.7 years) with FCMD diagnosed between 1981 and 2019. Results The follow-up periods ranged from 6 to 30 years (mean 18.4 years). A total of 75 EEG recordings were available from nine patients. In some patients, EEGs were normal during early childhood but tended to show paroxysmal discharges with age. Overall, epileptic seizures were observed in six patients. Except for one presenting with afebrile seizure at one year of age, the remaining five patients developed epilepsy between 13 and 22 years of age. The most common seizure type was focal impaired awareness seizure. After adolescence, four patients exhibited status epilepticus. Their convulsive movements of the seizures became less prominent with progression of the disease. At the last evaluation, most patients (5/6) had uncontrolled seizures. Conclusions Despite presence of distinct brain malformation, epileptic seizures may develop after childhood in FCMD patients. Our experience suggests that clinicians should be careful not to overlook epileptic seizures, especially in advanced-stage patients who had profound muscle weakness.
Sheltering in place and the likelihood of non-natural death

ABSTRACT Increasing hospitalizations for COVID-19 in the United States (US) and elsewhere have ignited debate over whether to reinstate shelter-in-place policies adopted early in the pandemic to slow the spread of infection. The debate includes claims that sheltering in place influences deaths unrelated to infection or other natural causes. Testing this claim should improve the benefit/cost accounting that presumably informs the decision of whether to reimpose sheltering in place. To distinguish effects of shelter-in-place policies from other events in the pandemic, we compare experiences in two large US states with markedly different policies. We use time-series methods to compare temporal variation in non-natural deaths in California to that in Florida. California was the first state to begin and among the last to end sheltering in place while sheltering began later and ended earlier in Florida. We find that during weeks when California had shelter-in-place orders in effect, but Florida did not, the odds that a non-natural death occurred in California rather than Florida fell 14.8% below values expected from history. These results suggest that sheltering-in-place policies reduce mortality from mechanisms unrelated to infection or other natural causes of death. Significance Statement We address what has become an unusually important, but contentious, question – Did mandated sheltering in place affect the incidence of non-natural death in the United States? We use time-series methods to exploit a “natural experiment” in which California and Florida imposed and relaxed stay-at-home orders at different times. We find that shelter-in-place orders likely reduced non-natural mortality. We argue that ignoring averted non-natural deaths will lead not only to an underestimate of the benefits of the shelter-in-place policies, but also to an undercount of the impact of COVID-19 infections on natural deaths.
Adapting a National Framework to Inform Curricular Redesign Focused on Enhancing Student Clinical Competency.

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs continually engage in curricular redesign to ensure practice readiness of graduates. With ever-increasing demands on clinical competency and curricular time, it is important to be intentional when determining curricular priorities and prioritize contemporary pharmacist practice. This paper describes how to adapt a national framework for pharmacotherapy curricula to emphasize the pharmacist’s role within a given topic area in order to facilitate conversations about allotting curricular time during a curricular redesign. Customized Tier descriptions based on various factors expected of student pharmacists during Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) were developed (e.g., relative autonomy of the pharmacist in managing the topic, emphasis on licensing exams, frequency with which students can expect to encounter the topic at school-specific experiential placements, and condition-specific information). Topics were also reprioritized to address regional variations in practice and ideologies. Customizing a national framework to determine program-specific considerations for prioritizing topics within the pre-APPE curriculum can help faculty and students alike maintain focus on highly critical and foundational concepts, while also making sure not to completely disregard topics of lower priority. We have proposed such a framework for programs to utilize when facilitating conversations surrounding curricular reforms and topic prioritization.
Heart broken. An unusual case of biventricular takotsubo cardiomyopathy complicated by STEMI and Left ventricular thrombi. A case report.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a rare occurrence in patients with troponin-positive acute coronary syndrome (ACS). It usually manifests as transient apical ballooning of the left ventricle with concomitant occurrence of right ventricular involvement in only one-third of cases. Biventricular TCM is associated with more hemodynamic instability as compared to left sided alone. Depressed ventricular systolic function and localized ventricular dyskinesis can facilitate clot formation in ventricular cavity. We present a case of 80-year-old man who presented to the ED for evaluation of hypotension. An electrocardiogram suggested acute anterior wall myocardial infarction. He underwent emergent coronary angiography and was found to have mid to apical akinesis and basal hyperkinesis with normal left coronaries and chronic total right coronary artery occlusion with excellent collaterals from left. A transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed left ventricular ejection fraction 25-30% and akinesis of left and right ventricle except in the basal region. TTE with definity showed sessile thrombus. In our patient, sepsis was the most important triggering factor given initial presentation of hypotension with leukocytosis. Broad spectrum antibiotics including vancomycin and Zosyn were started considering a combination of septic and cardiogenic shock. Repeat EKG showed resolution of ST-T segment elevation but our patient remained hemodynamically unstable even with two pressure support and, ultimately, died 72 hours after admission. Herein, we emphasize on the importance right ventricular involvement and its relation to hemodynamic instability. This case highlights the importance of anticipating hemodynamic instability and clot formation in patients with biventricular Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
METHOD FOR MEASURING INTERNAL CONVERSION COEFFICIENTS USING A BENT-CRYSTAL GAMMA-RAY MONOCHROMATOR AND A MAGNETIC ELECTRON SPECTROMETER

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a method for measuring internal conversion coefficients using a bent-crystal gamma-ray monochromator and a magnetic electron spectrometer. A direct method for experimentally determining internal conversion coefficients has been studied to achieve an accuracy of 5% or better for many nuclear transitions of interest. In this method, the relative intensities of internal conversion lines from a radioactive source are determined with a magnetic electron spectrometer. The relative intensities of the gamma rays from the same source are determined by a least-squares analysis of the NaI pulse-height spectrum using monochromatic response functions obtained with a bent-crystal gamma-ray diffraction monochromator. Relative internal conversion coefficients are obtained by taking the ratio of the conversion line intensities to the gamma-ray relative intensities. To normalize the relative internal conversion coefficients, a Te123m source is mixed with the source to be measured and the experimentally measured Te123 159-keV K-shell internal conversion coefficient is used as the normalization standard. To illustrate this method, internal conversion coefficients of the Yb170 84-keV transition have been determined.
Entering the Field: New Perspectives on World Football

Entering the Field: New Perspectives on World Football. Gary Armstrong and Richard Giulianotti. eds. New York: New York University Press, 1997.320 pp.
Virulent Coxiella burnetii pathotypes productively infect primary human alveolar macrophages.

Summary The intracellular bacterial pathogen Coxiella burnetii is a category B select agent that causes human Q fever. In vivo, C. burnetii targets alveolar macrophages wherein the pathogen replicates in a lysosome-like parasitophorous vacuole (PV). In vitro, C. burnetii infects a variety of cultured cell lines that have collectively been used to model the pathogen's infectious cycle. However, differences in the cellular response to infection have been observed, and virulent C. burnetii isolate infection of host cells has not been well defined. Because alveolar macrophages are routinely implicated in disease, we established primary human alveolar macrophages (hAMs) as an in vitro model of C. burnetii–host cell interactions. C. burnetii pathotypes, including acute disease and endocarditis isolates, replicated in hAMs, albeit with unique PV properties. Each isolate replicated in large, typical PV and small, non-fused vacuoles, and lipid droplets were present in avirulent C. burnetii PV. Interestingly, a subset of small vacuoles harboured single organisms undergoing degradation. Prototypical PV formation and bacterial growth in hAMs required a functional type IV secretion system, indicating C. burnetii secretes effector proteins that control macrophage functions. Avirulent C. burnetii promoted sustained activation of Akt and Erk1/2 pro-survival kinases and short-termphosphorylation of stress-related p38. Avirulent organisms also triggered a robust, early pro-inflammatory response characterized by increased secretion of TNF-α and IL-6, while virulent isolates elicited substantially reduced secretion of these cytokines. A corresponding increase in pro- and mature IL-1β occurred in hAMs infected with avirulent C. burnetii, while little accumulation was observed following infection with virulent isolates. Finally, treatment of hAMs with IFN-γ controlled intracellular replication, supporting a role for this antibacterial insult in the host response to C. burnetii. Collectively, the current results demonstrate the hAM model is a human disease-relevant platform for defining novel innate immune responses to C. burnetii.
Myxomycetes asociados con ramitas leñosas

The moist chamber culture technique was used to investigate the assemblage of myxomycetes (plasmodial slime molds or myxogastrids) associated with the microhabitat represented by fallen woody twigs. Samples of twigs ( 85% positive cultures and >15 species. The species of myxomycetes recorded from twigs included Arcyria cinerea (represented by the largest number of collections), Stemonitis fusca var. nigrescens, Perichaena depressa, Perichaena chrysosperma and Physarum pusillum.
An analysis of mechanical feedback to the central respiratory pattern generator

Analyzing the role of sensory feedback to the central respiratory pattern generator (CRPG) in modulating the pattern of respiration is difficult because of the complexity and uncertainty of the underlying systems. To overcome this difficulty we apply an analytic approach which focuses on the essential features of the CRPG without the need to specify the precise mechanism of rhythm generation. The limit cycle behavior of the isolated CRPG allows a general model of the closed system to be simplified to one that depends on the amplitude of respiration and the phase difference between the CRPG and the lungs. This simplification does not require the use of any unmeasurable parameters or unproven hypotheses. Using this analytic approach we can explicitly obtain the entire experimentally determined relationship between respiratory volume and period, and demonstrate that this relies upon the existence of a nonlinear threshold to mechanical feedback. Computational experiments with several different models confirm this result and its independence from the source of the limit cycle.
Superinnervation enhances the dendritic branching pattern of the Mauthner cell in the developing axolotl

Mauthner cells (M-cells) occur as a pair of large, uniquely identifiable neurons at ear level in the hindbrain of premetamorphic amphibians. Each receives synapses from the ipsilateral vestibular nerve (nVIII); these morphologically distinctive terminals, or club endings, are confined to the proximoventral surface and branches of the M-cell lateral dendrite. We have superinnervated this portion of the M-cell to examine the extent to which forming afferent contacts regulate the growth and branching of the lateral dendrite. Superinnervation was brought about in the developing axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) by unilaterally implanting an extra vestibular primordium rostral to the in situ one. The contralateral side served as control. When the larvae reached 21 mm in length, the ectopic nerve was labeled with HRP. Subsequent microscopic examination revealed that the grafts developed into anatomically normal ears. The HRP-labeled ectopic axons entered the medulla at the level of nV and confined to the nVIII tract, coursed caudad toward the ipsilateral M-cell. Electron microscopic analysis demonstrated labeled club endings on the appropriate region of the M-cell lateral dendrite. The number of club endings on experimental M-cells was significantly greater than that on the contralateral controls, and the extra terminals appeared to be distributed randomly among unlabeled ones. Comparison of reconstructed experimental and control M-cells revealed that superinnervation produced a localized enhancement of dendritic branching in the region receiving the extra nVIII synapses. In the donor embryos (those from which the vestibular primordium was removed), M-cells were unilaterally deprived of nVIII afferents. Comparison of reconstructed experimental and control M-cells in 21 mm donor larvae demonstrated that deprivation produced a localized decrease of dendritic surface in the region that normally receives nVIII synapses. Together, these data show that ingrowing axons stimulate dendritic growth and thus regulate the development of a normal dendritic branching pattern on target neurons.
Femtosecond direct writing of waveguides in optical materials

Waveguiding devices are fabricated in optical materials using a femtosecond pulse train from a Ti: sapphire laser at a 25 MHz repetition rate. The fabricated structures are characterized through interferometry and Raman spectroscopy.
Stereotypic laryngeal and respiratory motor patterns generate different call types in rat ultrasound vocalization.

Rodents use ultrasound vocalizations (USV) as communication signals (e.g., Barfield et al., ‘79; Smith, ‘79; Brudzynski, 2005; Holy and Guo, 2005; Wohr and Schwarting, 2007; Burgdorf et al., 2008; Kalcounis-Rueppell et al., 2010; Takahashi et al., 2010). The fundamental frequency (F0) contour of these calls is very variable (Brudzynski et al., ‘93; Kalcounis-Rueppell et al., 2010; Wright et al., 2010). Explaining the sources of this variation, including how signals are produced, will contribute to the understanding of the function of vocal variability in rodents. As demonstrated by light gas experiments, USV in rodents are whistles (Roberts, ‘75a; Riede, 2011). A whistle is an acoustic excitation generated when airflow becomes disturbed by an obstruction somewhere in the vocal tract. Whistles can be differentiated according to the mechanism of how energy is fed back to reinforce the unstable region of the air flow (Chanaud, ‘70), or according to the nature of the instability mechanism (Wilson et al., ‘71). The latter can be studied in vivo in rats. The instability mechanism at the obstruction is affected by the driving pressure pushing air through the respiratory system and by the resistance or geometry of the obstruction. Roberts (‘75a) suggested that major changes in F0 are associated with changes in respiratory pressure. Subglottal pressure measurements in vocalizing rats did not support this hypothesis (Riede, 2011). The pressure–F0 relation was not robust and explained only a small amount of the F0 variation (Riede, 2011). The second possibility to affect the instability mechanism is altering the resistance or geometry of the obstruction. The larynx has been suggested as location of the primary obstruction by experiments including the transection of laryngeal nerves, endoscopic laryngeal observation in anaesthetized brain-stimulated rats, excised larynx experiments as well as preliminary EMG recordings (Roberts, ‘75b; Wetzel et al., ‘80; Nunez et al., ‘85; Sanders et al., 2001; Johnson et al., 2010; Riede, 2011), but no systematic attempt was made to study the relation between motor patterns of laryngeal muscles and F0 contour in specific call types across individuals. If laryngeal movements and F0 contour in vocalizing animals are associated in a stereotypic way, this would provide direct evidence for a function of the larynx in determining acoustic features of USV. EMG activity of intrinsic and extrinsic larynx muscles, subglottal pressure and sound output during USV were recorded in order to investigate the relation between motor patterns and acoustic features of calls. First, the relation between laryngeal muscle activity, subglottal pressure and acoustic features across a selection of call types was investigated. Second, the hypothesis that call types can be differentiated by their physiological measures, that is, laryngeal muscle activity and subglottal pressure, was investigated.
Perceived Helpfulness of Four Different Types of Marriage Preparation Interventions

As evidence of the benefits of marriage preparation continues to mount, so does the importance of investigating the characteristics of the interventions that are most helpful and for whom. In a sample of 1,409 individuals, this study compares perceived helpfulness of four marriage preparation interventions: class, community/church sponsored workshop, counseling, and self-directed. All interventions were perceived as helpful, but class and self-directed learning were rated more highly than counseling and workshops, independent of gender. Class and self-directed learning participants had the highest improvement scores overall, with women reporting greater positive change than men. Implications for marriage preparation interventions are discussed.
On the integral characterization of some generalized quasiregular mappings and the significance of the conditions of divergence of integrals in the geometric theory of functions

The paper deals with the theory of space mappings. For a generalization of quasiregular mappings important for the investigation of the Sobolev and other known classes of mappings, we propose a simple condition satisfied by all mappings of this kind and only by these mappings. On the basis of conditions of divergence of the integrals, we establish sufficient conditions for the normality of the families of the analyzed classes of mappings and solve the problem of removing isolated singularities. Some applications of the obtained results to mappings from the Sobolev class are discussed.
Gender differences in the left inferior frontal gyrus in normal children.

This study examined frontal lobe subregions in 46 normal children and adolescents (25 females, mean age: 11.08, SD: 3.07; and 21 males, mean age: 10.76, SD: 2.61) to assess the effects of age and gender on volumetric measures as well as hemispheric asymmetries. Superior, middle, inferior, and orbito-frontal gray, white, and cerebrospinal (CSF) volumes were manually delineated in high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to assess possible morphological changes. We report a significant age-related increase in the white matter of the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) in boys (P = 0.007). Additionally, the left IFG was significantly larger in boys compared to girls (P = 0.004). Boys showed increased gray matter volume relative to girls even after correcting for total cerebral volume. Also, boys were found to have significant Right > Left asymmetry patterns with greater right hemispheric volumes for total cerebral volume, total cerebral white matter, MFG white matter, and SFG white matter (P Left asymmetry patterns in total cerebral and SFG white matter (P < 0.001). These findings suggest continued modification of the IFG during normal development in boys, and significant gender differences in IFG gray matter between boys and girls that may be possibly linked to gender differences in speech development and lateralization of language.
Multiple-Configuration Quantum/Classical Studies of the Photodissociation Dynamics of H2O†

The photodissociation dynamics of water is investigated, using a quantum/classical treatment. Here, the H + OH dissociation coordinate is treated classically, whereas the dynamics of the remaining OH molecule is propagated quantum-mechanically. It is found that this approach does not provide an accurate description of the dynamics of this system, because of the strong coupling between the quantum and classical coordinates near the transition state. To remedy this situation, a multiple-configuration quantum/classical approach is investigated in which the quantum wave packet is divided into several contributions, each of which is coupled to a separate classical trajectory. This approach is found to provide an accurate representation of the total and partial cross sections for the photodissociation of water on the A state, as well as the OH product state distributions.
Increasing complexity of a diterpene synthase reaction with a single residue switch.

Terpene synthases often catalyze complex reactions involving intricate series of carbocation intermediates. The resulting, generally cyclical, structures provide initial hydrocarbon frameworks that underlie the astonishing structural diversity of the enormous class of terpenoid natural products (>50,000 known), and these enzymes often mediate the committed step in their particular biosynthetic pathway. Accordingly, how terpene synthases specify product outcome has drawn a great deal of attention. In previous work, we have shown that mutational introduction of a hydroxyl group at specific positions within diterpene synthase active sites can “short circuit” complex cyclization and/or rearrangement reactions, resulting in the production of “simpler”’ diterpenes. Here we demonstrate that the converse change, substitution of an Ile for Thr at the relevant position in a native pimaradiene synthase, leads to a dramatic increase in reaction complexity. Product outcome is shifted from the tricyclic pimaradiene to ...
Isolation of a mercapturate adduct produced subsequent to glutathione conjugation of bioactivated 3-methylindole.

Abstract Bioactivation of the pneumotoxin 3-methylindole (3MI) to a methylene imine intermediate has been demonstrated previously by trapping the electrophile with glutathione in goat lung microsomal incubations. To determine whether the same bioactivation process occurs in whole animals, 3MI was administered to goats, mice, and rats, and the urinary metabolites from these three species were analyzed by HPLC for the presence of the mercapturate that would be expected as the processed and excreted form of the 3MI-glutathione adduct. The mercapturate, 3-[( N -acetylcysteine- S -yl)-methyl]indole (3MI-NAC), was identified in the urine from all three species and was isolated from rat urine for structural indentification by uv, NMR, and mass spectrometry. Synthetic 3MI-NAC had uv, NMR, and chromatographic characteristics identical to the isolated metabolite. The presence of this mercapturate in the urine of treated animals unequivocally demonstrates that 3MI is bioactivated to the methylene imine in vivo and that the glutathione adduct is also formed, presumably to detoxify the methylene imine.
Tissue disposition and biotransformation of naphthalene in striped bass (Morone saxatilis)

The striped bass population in the San Francisco Bay and Delta region is currently declining. Exposure to crude oil and petroleum products, in combination with increased water salinity encountered during seaward migration, could be contributing factors. Therefore, striped bass acclimated to either fresh- or seawater were individually exposed to a sublethal water concentration (30 μg/liter) of a model petroleum-based hydrocarbon, [14C]naphthalene. Exposure occurred in a closed, flow-through system for 24 h, after which some fish were allowed an additional 24-h clean water period to depurate accumulated residues. Residue disposition was determined by tissue dissection, digestion and liquid scintillation counting (LSC). Large concentrations were found in both the liver and brain of seawater acclimated fish, whereas in fish acclimated to freshwater, large concentrations were found in the viscera-gonad and liver. Depurated metabolites were identified by high-pressure liquid chromatography and quantified via fraction collection and LSC. Whereas very little (< 1%) naphthalene was metabolized by freshwater acclimated bass, a substantial amount (11.7%) was metabolized by seawater acclimated bass. In both cases, the main metabolites were 1,2-dihydro-1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene and 1- and/or 2-naphthylsulfate. Increased oxidation of accumulated naphthalene, as observed in seawater acclimated bass, could indicate an increase in activation of the aromatic hydrocarbon via epoxidation. This, together with the large residue concentrations found in neural tissues, may explain the increased sensitivity of seawater acclimated striped bass to petroleum hydrocarbons.
PREDICTIVE VALIDITY WITHIN CATEGORIZATIONS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS: 1978, 1981, AND 19851

SAT scores, student-reported high school grades, and scores for four other Admissions Testing Program tests were correlated with freshman grade point average for students at 198 colleges from the enrolling classes of 1978, 1981, and 1985. The purpose of the study was to determine whether observed changes in correlations between test scores and college grades were 1) restricted to the SAT, 2) due to changes in student subgroups, and 3) comparable at different ability levels within the freshman class. Declines were found in the correlation of freshman grades with three of the four achievement tests examined. The data were also analyzed for students classified according to sex, ethnic group, intended major, and SAT score level. Nearly all of these demographic subgroups had the pattern of a stronger relationship of SAT scores with freshman grades for the enrolling class of 1978 than for the enrolling class of 1985. A minimal decline in SAT regression weights was found for students scoring in the upper third of SAT test takers within their college. The recent decline in the relationship between SAT sores and freshman grades may be largely focused on students with SAT scores in the lower two-thirds of their respective college classes.
PLANAR LASER-INDUCED FLUORESCENCE IMAGING OF CARBON MONOXIDE USING VIBRATIONAL (INFRARED) TRANSITIONS

We report a new imaging diagnostic suitable for measurements of infrared-active molecules, namely infrared planar laser-induced fluorescence (IR PLIF), in which a tunable infrared source is used to excite vibrational transitions in molecules and vibrational fluorescence is collected by an infrared camera. A nanosecond-pulse Nd:YAG-pumped KTP/KTA OPO/OPA system is used to generate 12 mJ of tunable output near 2.35 μm which excites the 2ν band of carbon monoxide (CO); fluorescence resulting from excited CO is collected at 4.7 μm by using an InSb focal plane array. Quantitative, high-SNR PLIF imaging of gas-phase CO is demonstrated at a 10-Hz acquisition rate with a minimum detection limit of 1350 ppm at 300 K.
Oxygen gradients in CHO cells: Measurement and characterization by electron spin resonance

The concentration of oxygen within cells is important in many physiological and pathological processes, but such oxygen-dependent processes are generally studied as a function of the concentration of extracellular oxygen, due to a lack of suitable methods. Using a newly developed technique based on ESR spectroscopy, we show that respiration stimulation of a cell suspension can result in a significant difference between average intracellular and extracellular concentrations of oxygen. These results indicate that studies of oxygen-dependent phenomena in cells may require measurement of intracellular oxygen concentrations and imply that there are mechanisms in cells that restrict the free diffusion of oxygen.
Effect of Polyaniline Surface Modification of Carbon Nanofibers on Cure Kinetics of Epoxy Resin

Polyaniline (PANI) “nanograss” was grown on carbon nanofibers (CNFs). The cure behavior of an epoxy resin with and without unmodified CNFs or PANI modified CNFs was studied by means of non-isothermal and isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). CNFs accelerated the reaction of epoxy and diamine. PANI surface modification further increased the reaction rate and the extent of reaction. An autocatalytic cure kinetic model was used to fit the reaction curves. It was found that activation energies of the epoxy reaction decreased in the presence of CNFs and PANI modified CNFs. The observed catalytic effect of CNF and PANI surface coating can be very useful for low temperature cure of large epoxy composite products. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Novel method of assessing surgical margin status in laparoscopic specimens

Abstract Objectives. To develop a novel method of inking laparoscopic specimens before piecemeal extraction to evaluate the surgical margins. Methods. Methylene blue, indigo carmine, and India ink were tested in vitro on cadaveric bovine kidneys before manual morcellation in laparoscopic retrieval bags, and subsequently in pigs in vivo undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy. Tissue fragments were examined both grossly and microscopically after routine histologic processing. On the basis of the findings in these experiments, we used India ink clinically in 4 cases of laparoscopic nephrectomy and adrenalectomy for suspected tumor and assessed the ability to indicate specimen margins grossly and microscopically. Results. Methylene blue and India ink were the substances that best covered the surface of the surgical specimen completely, were best retained on the tissue, and were most easily washed from the retrieval bag. Gross inspection of the morcellated specimens easily distinguished the inked pieces, signifying tissue present at the surgical margin, from the uninked pieces. During morcellation, neither contamination of central tissue with ink nor leakage of ink from the bag occurred. India ink consistently endured fixation, embedding, and sectioning, with the black, inked margins of the specimen visible microscopically. Conclusions. Application of India ink before laparoscopic organ morcellation specifically marks the margins of the specimen. This technique allows pathologic determination of the surgical margin status, as well as fractionation of the tissue fragments, and addresses a criticism of organ morcellation. These improvements in the pathologic analysis of laparoscopically excised specimens may obviate the need for intact organ removal.
Criterion-Related Validity of Selected Achievement Measures in the Prediction of a Passing or Failing Criterion on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Nursing Students in a Two-Year Associate Degree Program

For a sample of nearly 350 nursing students in a 2-year associate degree program, estimates of the predictive validity coefficients in relation to a criterion of passing or failing the National Council Licensure Examination were found for (a) grades earned in each of 18 courses (eight nursing theory courses, six nursing laboratory courses, and four biology-related courses) as well as in composites of nursing theory and nursing laboratory courses, and (b) grade point averages received prior to admission to the program and in the community college itself. It was concluded that the most valid predictor was the grade point average earned in a composite of eight theory or didactic courses in nursing. Addition of other predictors to this one composite variable added no statistically significant contribution to validity. A factor analysis revealed a distinct separation in the performance requirements of nursing theory and nursing laboratory courses.
Computational and numerical methods for bioelectric field problems

Fundamental problems in electrophysiology can be studied by computationally modeling and simulating the associated microscopic and macroscopic bioelectric fields. To study such fields computationally, researchers have developed a variety of numerical and computational techniques. Advances in computer architectures have allowed researchers to model increasingly complex biophysical systems. Modeling such systems requires a researcher to apply a wide variety of computational and numerical methods to describe the underlying physics and physiology of the associated three-dimensional geometries. Issues naturally arise as to the accuracy and efficiency of such methods. In this paper we review computational and numerical methods of solving bioelectric field problems. The motivating applications represent a class of bioelectric field problems that arise in electrocardiography and electroencephalography.
Multi-objective tabu search using a multinomial probability mass function

A tabu search approach to solve multi-objective combinatorial optimization problems is developed in this paper. This procedure selects an objective to become active for a given iteration with a multinomial probability mass function. The selection step eliminates two major problems of simple multi-objective methods, a priori weighting and scaling of objectives. Comparison of results on an NP-hard combinatorial problem with a previously published multi-objective tabu search approach and with a deterministic version of this approach shows that the multinomial approach is effective, tractable and flexible.
Psychosocial Adjustment of Males on Three Types of Dialysis

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a chronic illness that challenges the coping ability of patients and their families, demanding behavioral and emotional lifestyle changes. The purposes of this comparative descriptive study were to explore the anxiety, depression, and psychosocial adjustment of male patients on three types of dialysis-home hemodialysis (home HD), in-center hemodialysis (in-center HD), and peritoneal dialysis (PD)-and to identify perception of hemodialysis stressors for those on home HD and in-center HD. Five subjects in each of the three groups (N = 15), matched for age, gender, education, and dialysis type, participated in the study. Although the convenience sample size is too small to generalize, subjects on home HD demonstrated higher psychosocial adjustment The study supports further research with larger, randomized samples. Information about psychosocial adjustment of patients on each type of dialysis provides information for nurses as they guide patients in choosing dialysis type.
Animal Memory: Rats Can Answer Unexpected Questions about Past Events

Summary A new study has found that rats are able to answer, in a hippocampus-dependent manner, unexpected questions about whether they recently ate food or not. The results highlight potential shared mechanisms for remembering personal events in rats and humans, and offer new insights into the nature of animal memory.
Development of a buffer system for dialysis of bovine spermatozoa before freezing. III. Effect of different inorganic and organic salts on fresh and frozen-thawed semen.

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to study the effect of inorganic and organic acids on survival of dialyzed bovine spermatozoa. Ejaculates were pooled, extended (1:10), dialyzed (1:50) for 2 h during cooling, and 1 h later they were frozen in pellets and stored in liquid nitrogen. The pellets were thawed in aluminum block depressions (preheated at 45°C) and transferred to a test tube at room temperature as the last ice melted. Sperm motility was recorded in all samples before freezing and after thawing. The number of spermatozoa that passed through the Sephadex column was analyzed in all the postthaw samples. No statistical difference (P>0.05) was found between the use of potassium (KOH) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as titration bases. However, solutions containing calcium (Ca++) or magnesium (Mg++) provided significantly less (P 0.05) was found in sperm survival of the postthaw samples when Ca++ or Mg++ were present. Inorganic salts of phosphates, carbonates or chloride provided significantly less protection to the cells than the control extenders with Na citrate (P
Skin incision-induced receptive field responses of mechanosensitive peripheral neurons are developmentally regulated in the rat

Maturation of the nervous system results in changes in both central and peripheral processing. To better understand responses to injury in the young, developmental differences in the acute response to incision were investigated in both tactile and nociceptive myelinated peripheral mechanosensitive afferent neurons in vivo. Neuronal intrasomal recordings were performed in juvenile and infant rats in 34 L5 dorsal root ganglia, and each neuron was phenotypically defined. Neurons had a mechanosensitive receptive field in the glabrous skin on the plantar surface of the hind paw, which was characterized at baseline and for up to 45 min after incision. Fundamental maturational differences in the effect of incision were clear: in high-threshold nociceptive mechanoreceptors, the mechanical threshold decreased immediately and the receptive field size increased rapidly in juvenile rats but not in infant rats. Additionally, a divergence in changes in the instantaneous response frequency of tactile afferents occurred between the two ages. These differences may help explain maturational differences in responses to peripheral injury and suggest that differences in central nervous system responses may be partially mitigated by spatially confined and frequency-dependent differences resulting from tactile and nociceptive mechanosensitive input.
MovieLens unplugged: experiences with an occasionally connected recommender system

Recommender systems have changed the way people shop online. Recommender systems on wireless mobile devices may have the same impact on the way people shop in stores. We present our experience with implementing a recommender system on a PDA that is occasionally connected to the network. This interface helps users of the MovieLens movie recommendation service select movies to rent, buy, or see while away from their computer. The results of a nine month field study show that although there are several challenges to overcome, mobile recommender systems have the potential to provide value to their users today
The earliest memories of life on Earth

How old is life on Earth? Its chemical traces may have been recognized in rocks from Greenland that are more than 3.8 billion years old, at least 300 million years older than any previous evidence.
Hydrogen in Cvd Diamond Films

Understanding of the incorporation of hydrogen and its role in determining the properties of CVD diamond is critical to the successful commercial production of these films. Hydrogen is usually the most abundant impurity in solid-state CVD diamond and has been studied extensively by a variety of techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy, and several others. This article reviews the application of a number of characterization methods to the study of hydrogen in CVD diamond, with particular attention toward understanding the incorporation of this impurity and its effect on properties of commercial significance.
Diagnostic Test Needs for Evaluating Antituberculosis Vaccines

To aid in the evaluation of preexposure and postinfection vaccines to prevent tuberculosis, diagnostic tests are needed that can clearly distinguish immunologic protection from vaccine failure in a timely manner. The currently available tests to detect infected persons (tuberculin skin-test) and confirm active disease (conventional culture methods) have limitations in specificity, sensitivity, or timeliness. Research to identify (1) surrogate markers of infection, disease, or protection and (2) stage-specific antigens or immune responses holds some promise for the development of new tests that can distinguish the various outcomes of an infection or a vaccination.
Soybean peroxidase as an effective bromination catalyst

Abstract Soybean peroxidase (SBP), an acidic peroxidase isolated from the seed coat, has been shown to be an effective catalyst for the oxidation of a variety of organic compounds. In the present study, we demonstrate that SBP can catalyze halogenation reactions. In the presence of H 2 O 2 , SBP catalyzed the oxidation of bromide and iodide but not chloride. Veratryl alcohol (3,4-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol) served as a useful substrate for SBP-catalyzed halogenations yielding the 6-bromo derivative. Halogenation of veratryl alcohol was optimal at pHs below 2.5 with rates of 2.4 μm/min, achieving complete conversions of 150-μm veratryl alcohol in 24 h. The enzyme showed essentially no brominating activity at pHs above 5.5. SBP-catalyzed bromination of veratryl alcohol proceeded with a maximum reaction velocity, (V max ) apparent , of 5.8 × 10 −1 μm/min, a K m of 78 μm and a catalytic efficiency (k cat /K m of 1.37 × 10 5 M/min at pH 4.0, assuming all of the enzyme’s active sites participate in the reaction. SBP also catalyzed the bromination of several other organic substrates including pyrazole to produce a single product 1-bromopyrazole, indole to yield both 5-bromoindole and 5-hydroxyindole, and the decarboxylative bromination of 3,4 dimethoxy- trans -cinnamic acid to trans -2-bromo-1-(3,4 dimethoxyphenyl)ethylene. A catalytic mechanism for SBP-catalyzed bromination has been proposed based on experimental results in this and related studies.
ADVANCES IN MULTI-PHYSICS AND HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING IN SUPPORT OF NUCLEAR REACTOR POWER SYSTEMS MODELING AND SIMULATION

Significant advances in computational performance have occurred over the past two decades, achieved not only by the introduction of more powerful processors but the incorporation of parallelism in computer hardware at all levels. Simultaneous with these hardware and associated system software advances have been advances in modeling physical phenomena and the numerical algorithms to allow their usage in simulation. This paper presents a review of the advances in computer performance, discusses the modeling and simulation capabilities required to address the multi-physics and multi-scale phenomena applicable to a nuclear reactor core simulator, and present examples of relevant physics simulation codes’ performances on high performance computers.
On the stereochemistry of palmerolide A

Degradative studies of the anticancer macrolide palmerolide A have resulted in re-assignment of the C-7, C-10, and C-11 stereocenters.