cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The PREPARE for Your Care program increases advance care planning engagement among diverse older adults with cancer

BACKGROUND Advance care planning (ACP) is low among older adults with cancer. In a secondary analysis of randomized trial data, the authors compared the efficacy of the PREPARE for Your Care (PREPARE) website plus an easy-to-read advance directive (AD) with an AD only among older adults with and without cancer. METHODS Safety net, primary care patients in San Francisco were included if they were 55 years old or older, were English- or Spanish-speaking, and had 2 or more chronic conditions. The authors determined cancer diagnoses by using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision/Tenth Revision codes. The primary outcome was new ACP documentation in the medical record at 15 months; the secondary outcomes were self-reported ACP engagement, ease of use, satisfaction, and depression/anxiety. The authors used mixed effects logistic and linear regression adjusted for prior ACP, health literacy, and clinician, including a cancer interaction term. RESULTS Of 986 participants, 220 (22%) had cancer. The mean age was 63 years (SD, 6 years), 61% were women, 81% were of a minority race/ethnicity, 45% were Spanish-speaking, 39% had limited health literacy, and 27% had prior ACP. New ACP documentation was higher in the PREPARE arm versus the AD-only arm among participants with cancer (62% vs 43%; P = .01) and without cancer (38% vs 28%; P = .01), as was ACP engagement in both arms (P < .001), with no interactions by cancer. Ease of use and satisfaction were high, and depression/anxiety was low, with no differences by study arm or by cancer/no cancer. CONCLUSIONS PREPARE plus an easy-to-read AD increased ACP documentation and engagement among diverse older adults with cancer more than an AD alone, with no increase in depression or anxiety between study arms or by cancer. PREPARE may help to decrease ACP disparities among patients with cancer. LAY SUMMARY Advance care planning (ACP) is the process of sharing values, goals, and preferences for medical care, but engagement in ACP is low among older adults with cancer. Among 986 English- and Spanish-speaking older adults from a safety net hospital, an interactive, multimedia, web-based ACP program (PREPARE for Your Care at https://prepareforyourcare.org/) plus an easy-to-read advance directive increased ACP documentation and engagement more than an advance directive alone. There were no differences in this increase in ACP between older adults with cancer and older adults without cancer. Also, engaging in ACP did not result in increased depression or anxiety.
Apelin Does Not Impair Coronary Artery Relaxation Mediated by Nitric Oxide-Induced Activation of BKCa Channels

Apelin-APJ receptor signaling regulates vascular tone in cerebral and peripheral arteries. We recently reported that apelin inhibits BKCa channel function in cerebral arteries, resulting in impaired endothelium-dependent relaxations. In contrast, apelin causes endothelium-dependent relaxation of coronary arteries. However, the effects of apelin on BKCa channel function in coronary arterial myocytes have not yet been explored. We hypothesized that apelin-APJ receptor signaling does not have an inhibitory effect on coronary arterial BKCa channels and hence does not alter nitric oxide (NO)-dependent relaxation of coronary arteries. Patch clamp recording was used to measure whole cell K+ currents in freshly isolated coronary smooth muscle cells. Apelin had no effect on the increases in current density in response to membrane depolarization or to NS1619 (a BKCa channel opener). Moreover, apelin did not inhibit NO/cGMP-dependent relaxations that required activation of BKCa channels in isolated coronary arteries. Apelin-APJ receptor signaling caused a marked increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels in coronary arterial smooth muscle cells, but failed to activate PI3-kinase to increase phosphorylation of Akt protein. Collectively, these data provide mechanistic evidence that apelin has no inhibitory effects on BKCa channel function in coronary arteries. The lack of inhibitory effect on BKCa channels makes it unlikely that activation of APJ receptors in coronary arteries would adversely affect coronary flow by creating a vasoconstrictive environment. It can be expected that apelin or other APJ receptor agonists in development will not interfere with the vasodilator effects of endogenous BKCa channel openers.
Endoscopic Interlaminar Approach for Lumbar 4/5 Ipsilateral and Contralateral Decompression: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Lumbar radiculopathy often results from direct compression of the exiting nerve roots. This may be caused mainly by spondylotic changes with any contribution from components like a herniated disc, facet overgrowth, and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, or any combination of them. There are a wide range of surgical treatments directed at decompressing the neural elements. Over the last decade, endoscopic spine surgery has gained popular interest because of potential benefits, including decreased bony removal, less muscle disruption, and enhanced visualization.1 A unilateral endoscopic surgical approach can accomplish an effective bilateral decompression using the ipsilateral-contralateral technique.2 This method allows for addressing both central and bilateral recess stenoses. We present a case of a 48-yr-old female with persistent bilateral lower extremity radicular pain worse on the left side with severe lumbar 4/5 stenosis and a left-sided synovial cyst causing significant foraminal narrowing. This 2-dimensional video illustrates the technique used for an endoscopic interlaminar approach for lumbar 4/5 ipsilateral and contralateral decompression. We highlight key elements regarding the positioning, workflow, and surgical technique to successfully perform this approach. Patient consented to the procedure.
Using Diffusion Monte Carlo Wave Functions to Analyze the Vibrational Spectra of H7O3+ and H9O4+

An approach for evaluating spectra from ground state probability amplitudes (GSPA) obtained from diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) simulations is extended to improve the description of excited state energies and allow for coupling among vibrational excited states. This approach is applied to studies of the protonated water trimer and tetramer, and their deuterated analogs. These ions provide models for solvated hydronium, and analysis of these spectra provides insights into spectral signatures of proton transfer in aqueous environments. In this approach, we obtain a separable set of internal coordinates from the DMC ground state probability amplitude. A basis is then developed from products of the DMC ground state wave function and low-order polynomials in these internal coordinates. This approach provides a compact basis in which the Hamiltonian and dipole moment matrix are evaluated and used to obtain the spectrum. The resulting spectra are in good agreement with experiment and in many cases provide comparable agreement to the results obtained using much larger basis sets. In addition, the compact basis allows for interpretation of the spectral features and how they evolve with cluster size and deuteration.
Microgrid’s Role in Enhancing the Security and Flexibility of City Energy Systems

Smart cities depend on flexible and secure energy systems to ensure resilient power for critical infrastructure; however, recent weather-related events and cyberattacks have highlighted weaknesses in our energy systems, with the potential for widespread economic and security impacts. As stated by the Executive Office of the President, “the resilience of the US electric grid is a key part of the nation’s defense against severe weather.” To address the energy delivery security challenge, microgrids are rising as a viable solution that enhances the flexibility and resilience of the distribution grid and boosts the reliability of the local supply for the end-user. Traditionally, high capital investment has been a barrier to large-scale adoption of microgrid technology. Understanding the flexibility and resilience benefits of microgrids and accounting for the associated value streams can make the microgrid’s proposition economically viable. In this chapter, microgrids’ utility and their potential to serve as a flexible and resilient resource for the utility grid by providing capabilities such as peak shaving, demand response, and frequency regulation is presented. Moreover, other value streams, such as (1) their ability to island during a disaster and sustain critical loads which makes them a robust resilience solution for end-users, in the event of the utility grid outage and (2) microgrids also provide a flexible platform for integrating distributed energy resources in conjunction with storage and conventional generation technologies, strengthen microgrid’s role in reducing the over-arching goal of emission reduction. Given the myriad of benefits associated with microgrids, we present strategies which can be employed for making microgrid itself resilient against physical and cyberthreats by employing hardware, software, and personnel training solutions to operate the microgrid before, during, and after a potential disaster. This chapter, thus, provides a holistic study of the microgrid as a resilience resource, for the utility grid, and a self-contained end-user for the end-user.
A prospective analysis of loss of control over eating, sociodemographics, and mental health during COVID-19 in the United States

Abstract Purpose The study assessed the relationships between sociodemographics, mental health, and prospective changes in loss of control over eating (LOCE). Methods Sixty-nine participants (Mage = 39.81 years, SD = 12.25; 49.3% female) completed a survey assessing sociodemographics, mental health, and LOCE at three time points. Results A one-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences between the Wave 1 and Wave 3 LOCE. Mixed between-within subjects ANOVAs revealed a main effects of time, essential worker status, and mental health constructs. Interaction effects were observed for sex, anxiety, and stress with time. Conclusion Findings provide insight into eating behaviors during COVID-19.
Supply chain design and analysis:: Models and methods

Abstract For years, researchers and practitioners have primarily investigated the various processes within manufacturing supply chains individually. Recently, however, there has been increasing attention placed on the performance, design, and analysis of the supply chain as a whole. This attention is largely a result of the rising costs of manufacturing, the shrinking resources of manufacturing bases, shortened product life cycles, the leveling of the playing field within manufacturing, and the globalization of market economies. The objectives of this paper are to: (1) provide a focused review of literature in multi-stage supply chain modeling and (2) define a research agenda for future research in this area.
Serum follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormone and progesterone in single and multiple gestations following induction of ovulation.

Abstract Radioimmunoassays for serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and competitive binding assays for serum progesterone were performed upon normal women and in 5 patients during 7 treatment cycles with human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG)/human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) therapy. The FSH and LH determinations in the patients with induced ovulation differ considerably from those of the normal menstrual cycle and suggest that efforts to mimic a normal menstrual cycle are probably unnecessary in the treatment of anovulatory women. Induced multiple ovulation with resultant multiple corpora lutea produced serum progesterone levels approximately 2 to 3 times those found in normal singleton gestations. Evidence is given for the endogenous trophoblastic elaboration of HCG at approximately Days 8 to 9 of gestation following induced ovulation and for apparent suppression of FSH during the gestational period. Those patients who have higher pretreatment LH levels initially exhibit moderate suppression of serum LH followed by an elevation during the latter half of HMG administration. Those with low initial values do not.
Potato hair sprout: Disorder of potatoes causes problem for processors and seed producers

Abstract Not Available – First paragraph follows: Hair Sprout—a disorder of potatoes that has been increasing in California during the past few years—is characterized by long thin sprouts produced by the tuber. The sprouts often produce small aerial tubers.
Iterating Alone over a Method and Tool to Facilitate Equitable Assessment of Group Work

As an instructor employing group projects, my students and I have been frustrated by my inability to allocate credit for individuals’ contributions to a group’s projects. This design case details my efforts to design a method of equitably grading group work and addressing student concerns with respect to distribution of effort and, in tandem, to develop a tool that implements a substantial portion of that method. The method asks students involved in group projects to report the contributions of group members, including themselves, on a weekly basis. The web-based tool reminds students via email to enter numbers or use sliders to represent effort. Reported values are interdependent, meaning a low contribution from one member must be balanced by high contributions from others. As the sole designer and developer on this project, I found little distinction between design and development activities. The design of the method evolved rapidly as it met with the reality of the tool being developed to support it. While the tool was initially considered for summative assessment purposes, the result focuses on formative assessment capabilities. Conflicting goals resulted in a functional prototype that would serve me for testing acceptance of the method and usefulness of the data, but the tool itself would not evolve further. This prototype uncovered avenues for research and the second iteration begins my exploration of some of these questions while addressing weaknesses. The decisions in the next iteration will focus on implementation of the method and related research resulting in a product that is easier to work with.
Self service business intelligence (SSBI) for employee communications and collaboration (ECC)

As employees view, read, and interact with communications channels, advanced analytics can be used to understand whether these channels provide desired level of engagement or there is a need to improve or change these approaches to be more effective, and validate the impact of the change.
CGRP function-blocking antibodies inhibit neurogenic vasodilatation without affecting heart rate or arterial blood pressure in the rat

Background and purpose: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists effectively abort migraine headache and inhibit neurogenic vasodilatation in humans as well as rat models. Monoclonal antibodies typically have long half-lives, and we investigated whether or not function-blocking CGRP antibodies would inhibit neurogenic vasodilatation with a long duration of action and therefore be a possible approach to preventive therapy of migraine. During chronic treatment with anti-CGRP antibodies, we measured cardiovascular function, which might be a safety concern of CGRP inhibition.
Rethinking models of architectural research: we don’t do objects

Historically, an argument can be made that architectural research was produced internal to firms and manufacturers as proprietary objects or sets of data. The concept of disciplines and professions reinforced the separation of open-sourced knowledge and the application of that knowledge in a commercial context. However, design has rapidly changed from an object-solution profession and is now faced with finding solutions to complex problems within complex systems. The past practice model of client, architect, and final product seems an ill-fit in this new context. The question is how to integrate a critical research process into a professional capacity in which that architectural research needs an inherent and immediate value to be performed or pursued. The SYNCH Research Group [synchRG] was formed in response to this question. Although research consortiums, design initiatives and research centres exist within many schools of architecture, most operate as a department or extensions of a school of architecture. SynchRG operates in neither private practice nor as a division of the university. Organized as a diverse and fluid association of faculty, students, professionals, and consultants, the synchRG group is focused on a designmethodology and philosophical structure rather than a client, site, building, typology, or object. The focus on idiosyncratic or aesthetic solutions to singular problems is set aside in order to provide acollaborative intellectual space for professional based explorations. The paper will examine synchRG’s response to current architectural research challenges and illustrate its unique structure as a possible model to be replicated. A dialogue will be initiated on a model for practice aligned with both academia and industry.
Alcohol Chemistry as a Probe of Mixed-Metal Phases: Reactions of 2-Propanol on Cobalt-Covered Mo(110)

The reactions of 2-propanol on cobalt-covered Mo(110) have been investigated in an effort to test for special reactivity associated with mixed Co−Mo phases. 2-Propanol reacts via 2-propoxide on a continuous Co overlayer supported on Mo(110), as shown by X-ray photoelectron and infrared spectroscopies. Carbon monoxide, acetone, propene, and hydrogen are the only gaseous products, while carbon and oxygen remain on the surface after temperature-programmed reaction up to 760 K. The acetone and CO production increase whereas propene and propane production decrease as the Co coverage is increased from 0 to 1.5 monolayers (ML). This is consistent with independent reactions occurring on both Co and Mo, since 2-propanol is known to produce propene and propane on Mo(110). The C−O bond retention products (acetone and CO) are attributed to reaction on the Co overlayer. Infrared and temperature-programmed reaction studies confirm that the evolution of CO is desorption limited and that decomposition to CO competes with...
Dissociation of yeast 80 S ribosomes by chaotropic salts

Abstract Exposure of yeast 80 S ribosomes to chaotropic salts such as NaClO 4 or NaSCN at concentrations as low as 0.4 M resulted in complete dissociation and subsequent aggregation of the ribosomal proteins. However, under similar conditions, both NaCl and NaBr did not cause dissociation and aggregation. The protein precipitate obtained by exposing the ribosomes to 0.5 M NaClO 4 was free of any rRNA contamination as judged by ultraviolet-absorption analysis. Comparison of the two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of the above ribosomal protein precipitate with that ribosomal proteins isolated by the standard acetic acid extraction procedure revealed that the protein precipitate contained all the ribosomal proteins. Based on these results, a simple method for the isolation of total ribosomal proteins and rRNA under mild, nondenaturing conditions is proposed. A possible mechanism for the dissociation of proteins from the ribosome by chaotropic salts is also discussed.
Molecular Simulation of Conformational Pre-Organization in Cyclic RGD Peptides.

To test the ability of molecular simulations to accurately predict the solution-state conformational properties of peptidomimetics, we examined a test set of 18 cyclic RGD peptides selected from the literature, including the anticancer drug candidate cilengitide, whose favorable binding affinity to integrin has been ascribed to its pre-organization in solution. For each design, we performed all-atom replica-exchange molecular dynamics simulations over several microseconds and compared the results to extensive published NMR data. We find excellent agreement with experimental NOE distance restraints, suggesting that molecular simulation can be a useful tool for the computational design of pre-organized solution-state structure. Moreover, our analysis of conformational populations estimates that, despite the potential for increased flexibility due to backbone amide isomerizaton, N-methylation provides about 0.5 kcal/mol of reduced conformational entropy to cyclic RGD peptides. The combination of pre-organiza...
On the Characteristics of Bifurcation and Nonlinear Dynamic Response

Spectral analysis has been widely applied to the detection of bifurcation and the determination of the extent to which dynamic instability and chaotic responses develop. However, because spectral analysis employs stationary sinusoids in representing time-varying signals of inherent nonlinearity, the use of Fourier domain methodologies would inexorably risk misinterpreting the true characteristics and obscuring the underlying physics of the nonlinear system being investigated. The fact that the amplitude and frequency of all the individual spectral component of a non-linear, nonstationary dynamic response are modulated and coupled in time necessarily implies that, if the inception and transition of a bifurcated state of unstable motion is to be fully characterized, amplitude modulation and frequency modulation need to be temporally decoupled. The fundamental notion of instantaneous frequency defines frequency as the temporal gradient of phase and thus provides a powerful mechanism through which amplitude modulation and frequency modulation can be disassociated. Results of applying instantaneous frequency to the characterization of bifurcation and evolution of instability for a cracked rotor also indicate that instantaneous frequency interprets nonlinear rotary responses with sound physical bases.
Effects of hypophysectomy on DNCB-induced contact sensitivity in rats.

Cell-mediated immunity in hypophysectomized (HYX) and non-hypophysectomized (NHYX) rats was assessed by measuring lymph mule weight and lymph node cellular proliferation responses to cutaneous application of the skin sensitizer dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Differences were found in the lymph node weight assay, with the responses of the HYX rats being significantly lower than the responses of the NHYX rats. There were, however, no significant differences as measured by the lymph node cellular proliferation assay. An explanation for these contradictory results was sought by examining dose-responsiveness to DNCB. It was found that, over a range of doses of DNCB, HYX rats showed a linear dose-response relationship in terms of both lymph node weight and lymph node cellular proliferation. No dose-responsiveness was observed in NHYX rats. Since HYX rats required a greater degree of antigenic stimulation to achieve a response level equivalent to that of NHYX rats, it may be concluded that HYX rats are immunodeficient at lower antigen levels.
Preparation of reference sera with desired levels of cholesterol and triglyceride

Simple methods for isolating cholesterol-rich protein fraction from human serum and triglyceride-rich fraction from hen egg yolk are presented. The isolated fractions are combined separately with small volumes of human serum in order to stabilize concentrated cholesterol and triglyceride. Precalculated volumes of concentrates are added to human serum in order to prepare reference sera with desired levels of cholesterol or triglyceride, or both. The reference sera resemble human serum in appearance, composition, and stability. Properties of preparations are discussed and stability of reference sera is illustrated.
Photovoltaic properties of ZnSe⧸GaAs heterojunctions

Abstract ZnSe⧸GaAs heterojunction photovoltaic devices were prepared by epitaxial growth of high conductivity ZnSe on p-type GaAs using chemical vapor transport. The heterojunctions had a uniform spectral response for energies between 1.6 and 2.6 eV. For simulated solar radiation, power conversion efficiencies of 7% were measured on cells without antireflection coatings. The solar conversion efficiencies were found to be strongly influenced by the ZnSe thin film preparation conditions.
The Influence of Media Factors on Ethical Behavior

As the number of scandals in the business world continue, there seems to be a greater need for ethics training This study looks at some of the known characteristics of information, and the influence those characteristics have on students when it comes to ethical behavior. Mason developed the PAPA ethics categories, and this study examines the Property category in depth. A set of scenarios was developed around three main constructs: the costs of a product (free or not); the type of product (an MP3 file vs. a test); the medium of a product (digital format or tangible); and the ownership perspective (owned by a friend or owned by the subject). The overall results show students are lacking in ethics, and that there is a difference in ethical behavior when MP3 files are studied
Measured statistics of laser-light scattering in atmospheric turbulence

The statistical properties associated with the intensity fluctuations of a He–Ne laser beam propagating through extended clear-air turbulence over a homogeneous range were measured and compared with existing theoretical models. The statistics were determined by measuring the first five normalized moments of the beam intensity over varying distances from 183 m to 3 km. The beam geometry was approximately that of a spherical wave. Calculated values of the refractive-index-structure parameter Cn2 varied from a low of approximately 10−14 m−2/3 to a high value of the order of 10−10 m−2/3. Thus the data obtained correspond to many conditions of turbulence from weak to strong turbulence in the saturation regime. We found that the data generally support the lognormal model under conditions of weak turbulence and the negative-exponential distribution in the superstrong-turbulence regime. The K distribution fits some of, but not all, the data in the saturation regime. For conditions of strong turbulence before the superstrong regime, none of the above statistical models fits the data well. This is due primarily to the fact that a looping effect appeared in the data whereby the third- and higher-order normalized moments appear to follow a looped curve in the vicinity of their maximum values when they are plotted as functions of the second normalized moment. None of the theoretical curves for the normalized moments of the above-named distributions exhibits this looping effect (since they are essentially one-parameter distributions), and therefore they have limited applicability with respect to our data.
The impact of performance-based budgeting on state fiscal performance

Almost all American States have tried some form of performance-based budgeting, and this study examines the impact of this budget process innovation on state expenditures. Using panel data for 1970 through 1997 the findings indicate that performance-based budgeting curtails state spending per capita by at least two percentage points. However, not all state government programs are affected equally; some budget categories experience spending increases after the implementation of performance budgeting. The paper also examines the adoption pattern among states of performance budgeting rules.
The bright balloons of medicine.

On my desk is a photograph of my two oldest children, 4 and 3 years old at the time, each holding a balloon aloft in a hand pudgy with babyfat. Each is happy. Each is looking up at his balloon. David, on the left, is holding a purple balloon. Will is smiling up at a green one. We had just come from a parade and I caught them, backlighted but properly exposed, just right. Those balloons represent, to me, the humanities-what we all took at some point in college, even the most die-hard pre-med of us. In a New York Times Magazine article about the same time as the photograph (approximately six years ago), a writer compared the humanities to the bright balloons of human study. History, literature, philosophy-these embody the values people have cherished, warred over, and celebrated. Like balloons, they soar, are bouyant, lift the spirits of the observer. Reading Shakespeare, listening to Bach or Scarlatti, pondering the incredible beauty of an illuminated manuscript. These are noble works of man and elevate, like balloons, anyone holding on at the time. I think one reason I find the simile of balloons and humanities so appealing is that it carries even more ballast for me as a scientist than perhaps it did for the New York Times writer. As someone interested in the medical humanities, ie, the relationships between history and medicine, literature and medicine, art and medicine, I not only think of the brightness of the balloons and their lofty aspirations, I also think of Boyle’s law and how it contributes to the shape of the balloon, of Avogadro’s number, a number I always felt I had to believe in, like the Trinity, or Washington and the cherry tree. I think too of gravity and Newton and Galileo. Bright balloons symbolize for me not only the art of flight and the human values that the humanities parade: love, fidelity, courage, jealousy (yes, the humanities also have much to tell us about not so lofty values), the same bright balloons also embody the fact that science has its truths, its processes, its form. The relationship between science and the humanities has, of course, been problematic of late and much discussed. Since the rift between the education of practi-
Antitachycardia pacing for reduction of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks

Antitachycardia pacing (ATP) strategies represent safe, effective, and painless therapy for ventricular tachyarrhythmias, with a large body of clinical evidence supporting their routine use in both primary and secondary implantable cardioverter-defibrillator recipients. This article details the evidence supporting the use of standardized and validated ATP strategies for primary prevention patients and the conceptual framework to design effective ATP strategy for secondary prevention patients.
ETHNIC IDENTITY AND PROPENSITY FOR PRACTICE AMONG AFRICAN-DESCENDED MSW STUDENTS

This article explores the difference between ethnic identity scores for Africandescended MSW students who are native to this country, who are first generation born of immigrant parents, and who are foreign-born Black immigrants. The research further explores whether ethnic identity is associated with the students' commitment to work with their own ethnic groups. Results indicate that all three groups of students demonstrate high ethnic identity, and variability in group means was not statistically significant. However, statistically significant difference existed among the 3 groups on 1 of the measures of propensity for practice. Also determined was a significant relationship between ethnic identity and the propensity for practice items. Implications for social work education and additional research are highlighted.
Algebraically constrained extended edge element method (eXFEM-AC) for resolution of multi-material cells

Abstract Surface effects are critical to the predictive simulation of electromagnetics as current tends to concentrate near material interfaces. There are two principal difficulties in the accurate representation of these effects in discrete models. First, many applications of interest operate at large deformations, where body-fitted meshes are impractical. Second, physics-compatible discretizations of the governing equations require curl-conforming edge elements, for which no practical alternatives to body-fitted meshes exist. The main purpose of this paper is to develop such an alternative that avoids remeshing the problem. Our approach uses the existing edge element basis to dynamically construct an interface-conforming basis. We show that in the case of triangular grids in two dimensions, our approach generates a basis that spans the same space as edge elements on an interface-fitted mesh. We also demonstrate the efficacy of the approach computationally.
Dioxin exposure is an environmental risk factor for ischemic heart disease

Epidemiologic studies have linked dioxin exposure to increased mortality caused by ischemic heart disease. To test the hypothesis that dioxin exposure may constitute an environmental risk factor for atherosclerosis, we exposed C57BL/6J mice to 5 μg/kg of dioxin daily for 3 d, and measured various molecular and physiological markers of heart disease. Dioxin treatment led to an increase in the urinary excretion of vasoactive eicosanoids and an elevation in the mean tail-cuffblood pressure. In addition, dioxin exposure led to an increase in triglycerides, but not in high-density lipoproteins, in both Apoe(+/+) mice and in hyperlipidemic Apoe(−/−) mice. Dioxin exposure also led to an increase in low-density lipoproteins in Apoe(−/−) mice. After treatment, dioxin was associated with low-density lipoprotein particles, which might serve as a vehicle to deliver the compound to atherosclerotic plaques. Dioxin treatment of vascular smooth-muscle cells taken from C57Bl/6J mice resulted in the deregulation of several genes involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Subchronic treatment of Apoe(−/−) mice with dioxin (150 ng/kg, three times weekly) for 7 or 26 wk caused a trend toward earlier onset and greater severity of atherosclerotic lesions compared to those of vehicle treated mice. These results suggest that dioxin may increase the incidence of ischemic heart disease by exacerbating its severity.
Proteinuria in pediatric renal transplant recipients during the first 60 post‐transplant days

Although normative values of post-transplant proteinuria have been reported in adults, data for pediatric renal transplant recipients have not been previously published. We hypothesized that pediatric renal transplant recipients achieve normal urinary protein to creatinine (UProt/UCr) ratios ( or = 1 UProt/UCr ratio obtained during the first 60 post-transplant days. Mean age at transplant was 13.9 +/- 4.2 yr. UProt/UCr ratios were grouped by week post-transplant for quantile analysis. Mean weekly UProt/UCr values were not lower than 0.2 until the ninth post-transplant week. No difference in post-transplant proteinuria existed between nephrectomized and non-nephrectomized transplant recipients. Experience with a single patient with proven focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) recurrence suggests that normative UProt/UCr data may be useful in early identification of patients experiencing disease recurrence. Univariate correlations demonstrated that UProt/UCr negatively correlated with serum albumin levels (-0.415, p < 0.0001) and days post-transplant (-0.531, p < 0.0001). Independent of primary diagnosis, proteinuria persists throughout the first 60 days in most pediatric renal transplant patients, decreasing relative to time post-transplant.
Reaction of bromine with 4,5-dimethyl-1,4-cyclohexadiene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid: a green chemistry puzzle for organic chemistry students

Abstract Bromination of an alkene is a typical addition reaction covered in an introductory organic chemistry course and laboratory. In this undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory exercise, students studied the bromination of a 4,5-dimethyl-1,4-cyclohexadiene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid. The reaction has an unexpected outcome as bromination yields the aromatic product, 4,5-dimethylphthalic acid. Green chemistry modification involves application of a “bromide/peroxide reaction” with NaBr/H2O2 in an acidic medium as an in situ source of bromine. The experiment was carried out as a two-day exercise and the students integrated molecular modeling, interpretation of mass spectra, knowledge of stability of organic compounds, and knowledge of the reaction mechanisms of addition and elimination to explain the experimental outcome.
Human disease modeling with induced pluripotent stem cells

In the past few years, cellular programming, whereby virtually all human cell types, including those deep within the brain or internal organs, can potentially be produced and propagated indefinitely in culture, has opened the door to a new type of disease modeling. Importantly, many diseases or disease predispositions have genetic components that vary from person to person. Now cells from individuals can be readily reprogrammed to form pluripotent cells, and then directed to differentiate into the lineage and the cell type in which the disease manifests. Those cells will contain the genetic contribution of the donor, providing an excellent model to delve into human disease at the level of individuals and their genomic variants. To date, over fifty such disease models have been reported, and while the field is young and hurdles remain, these tools promise to inform scientists about the cause and cellular–molecular mechanisms involved in pathology, unravel the role of environmental versus hereditary factors driving disease, and provide an unprecedented tool for screening therapeutic agents that might slow or halt disease progression.
LYMPHOCYTE SUBPOPULATIONS IN HIGH RISK INFANTS: POLYMORPHISM OF T4 ANTIGEN AND INFLUENCE OF BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS

LYMPHOCYTE SUBPOPULATIONS IN HIGH RISK INFANTS: POLYMORPHISM OF T4 ANTIGEN AND INFLUENCE OF BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS
Death anxiety on a coronary care unit

Abstract Conflicts among staff members on intensive care units can often be traced back to anxiety produced by their daily confrontation with death, which sharpens the realization of their own mortality. The author describes experience with small group discussions to help the staff learn how to cope with death anxiety; analyzes the components of such anxiety; and discusses problems in evolving more highly integrated defense and coping mechanisms in the CCU staff.
An Investigation of Coupled van der Pol Oscillators

In this paper we present findings from an investigation of synchronization of linearly diffusively coupled van der Pol oscillators. The stability boundary of the in-phase mode of two identical oscillators in terms of the two coupling parameters is determined numerically. We show that in addition to the out-of-phase and in-phase motions of the oscillators there exist two other phase-locked motions and behavior that appears chaotic. The effect of detuning the oscillators from each other is also presented. Finally, the analytical and numerical results from an investigation of the in-phase mode system of n coupled oscillators is presented.
Analysis of blood T-cell cytokine expression in B-chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: evidence for increased levels of cytoplasmic IL-4 in resting and activated CD8 T cells

The cytoplasmic cytokines of purified blood T cells (CD4/CD8) in B-CLL patients (n = 5) and controls (n = 5) were evaluated by flow cytometry. The mean levels of cytoplasmic IL-4 were significantly elevated in resting and activated B-CLL CD8 cells compared to control CD8 cells. IL-4 cytoplasmic levels were comparable for resting B-CLL and control CD4 cells but greater for B-CLL activated CD4 cells. The mean fluorescence intensity of B-CLL CD8 cytoplasmic IL-4 was 4-5-fold greater, indicating higher IL-4 density per CLL CD8 than control CD8 cells. Both CLL CD4 and CD8 cells post-activation had higher levels of cells double positive for cytoplasmic IL-4 and interferon. These data indicate that freshly isolated CD8 and CD4 blood T cells from B-CLL patients have significantly elevated (above control) levels of commitment to expression of IL-4. Since IL-4 has an important modulatory impact on CLL and normal B cells, this observation has implications regarding the biology of B-CLL.
Perfluoroalkyl substituted polythiophenes: Poly(2-(3-thienyl)ethyl perfluoroalkanoate)s

Abstract Polymerization of 2-(3-thienyl)ethyl perfluoroalkanoates affords high quality films of electronically conductive polymers compared to the hydrocarbon analogs. Perfluoroalkyl substituants are being investigated for their effect on the surface properties and self-assembly of conjugated polymers.
Increased expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase thrombospondin 1 in thrombosed hemodialysis grafts.

Purpose To use proteomic analysis to identify upregulated and downregulated proteins in thrombosed hemodialysis graft specimens. One of these significantly upregulated proteins was a disintegrin and metalloproteinase thrombospondin–1 (ADAMTS-1), and its expression and activity were determined in thrombosed hemodialysis grafts. Materials and Methods Hemodialysis vascular access samples (thrombosed veins, n = 8; control veins, n = 6) were obtained from patients who required surgical revision. Proteomic analysis was performed with isotope-coded affinity tag labeling with multidimensional liquid chromatography followed by tandem mass spectrometry on four thrombosed hemodialysis graft specimens with control veins. Expression of ADAMTS-1 was confirmed by performing immunoprecipitation followed by Western blot analysis. Finally, immunohistochemistry was used to localize expression in a separate group of patients with thrombosed grafts. Results Thirty-nine unique proteins were common to all four patients. ADAMTS-1 was one of the only significantly upregulated protein (>38 fold). ADAMTS-1 expression was confirmed by performing immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis and was significantly increased. ADAMTS-1 expression was localized to adventitial macrophages and neutrophils of thrombosed grafts. Conclusions ADAMTS-1 was significantly upregulated in thrombosed hemodialysis grafts by mass spectrometric analysis and Western blot analysis. Expression was localized to adventitial macrophages and leukocytes. It is hypothesized that ADAMTS-1 may be related to intimal hyperplasia in hemodialysis vascular access grafts. Future work is planned on inhibiting ADAMTS-1 expression and determining the effect on intimal hyperplasia in hemodialysis grafts.
Microbunching of relativistic electrons using a two-frequency laser

A high power two-frequency laser can be used to modulate the axial momentum of a copropagating relativistic electron beam. The net work done on each electron is accounted for almost entirely by the axial electric field of the laser even when approaching the one-dimensional limit. After interacting with the laser, the electron beam can be bunched either by a long drift space or a dispersive optic. We give an example in which a 2.5-TW ${\mathrm{CO}}_{2}$ laser and a chicane compressor are used to transform a constant stream of 16-MeV electrons into a train of 60-fs microbunches, each containing 10 pC of charge.
Quantum criticality, lines of fixed points, and phase separation in doped two-dimensional quantum dimer models

We study phase diagrams of a class of doped quantum dimer models on the square lattice with ground-state wave functions whose amplitudes have the form of the Gibbs weights of a classical doped dimer model. In this dimer model, parallel neighboring dimers have attractive interactions, whereas neighboring holes either do not interact or have a repulsive interaction. We investigate the behavior of this system via analytic methods and by Monte Carlo simulations. At zero doping, we confirm the existence of a Kosterlitz-Thouless transition from a quantum critical phase to a columnar phase. At low hole densities, we find a dimer-hole liquid phase and a columnar phase, separated by a phase boundary which is a line of critical points with varying exponents. We demonstrate that this line ends at a multicritical point where the transition becomes first order and the system phase separates. The first-order transition coexistence curve is shown to become unstable with respect to more complex inhomogeneous phases in the presence of direct hole-hole interactions. We also use a variational approach to determine the spectrum of low-lying density fluctuations in the dimer-hole fluid phase.
Managing multi-version programs with an editor

When more than one version of a program must be maintained, generally much of the code is repeated unchanged in many versions. Techniques such as "deltas" and conditional compilation are commonly used to avoid duplicating these common parts. In addition to saving storage, these methods aid the programmer greatly in managing updates to the versions. Unfortunately, these representations of multi-version programs can appear very unlike a program, making them difficult to edit. Described here is a new method of automating much of the bookkeeping involved in dealing with multi-version programs. It entails use of a special editor that enables a multi-version program to be seen and modified in a fashion that is far closer to that normally permitted for a single-version program.
Anesthesia for carotid endarterectomy: a survey.

Summary Indications for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) have been expanded recently, and a consensus statement has been made regarding these changes. However, the debate regarding the “ideal” anesthetic for CEA remains on-going. This study was designed to evaluate the actual anesthetic techniques used by anesthesiologists for CEA. A total of 426 1-page questionnaires were mailed to all current (1995) members of the Society of Neurosurgical Anesthesia and Critical Care (SNACC). Of these, 216 (50.7%) were completed and returned. The majority of these respondents (84.7%) administered general anesthesia (GA) for CEA. Regional anesthesia (RA) was the anesthetic method of choice for 16.7%, whereas 2.8% each chose either local anesthesia (LOC) or a combined regional/general (RA/GA) technique. Despite the controversial role of nitrous oxide in neuroanesthesia, 74.6% of those returning the survey use nitrous oxide during CEA. Intraoperative neuromonitoring use was reported by 90% of the respondents, with the electroencephalography (EEG) the favored modality (67.5%). Specific intraoperative neuroprotective measures were provided by only 22.2% of all respondents, with barbiturates as the favorite method (50.0%). The technique of intraoperative hypertension is practiced by a majority of those surveyed (61.1%), with the most common target blood pressures being either preoperative baseline or preoperative baseline plus 20%. Although there is some trend towards nonintensive care setting for postoperative care, the intensive care remains the location of choice for overnight care of CEA patients (71.8%). The results of this study show that despite arguments for RA over GA, the majority of anesthesiologists surveyed choose GA for CEA.
The micrograph data processing program

MDPP is a fully featured general-purpose image processing package primarily written to support research in structural biology using data gathered by electron microscopy. It has focused on the analysis of images using Fourier techniques, particularly periodic plane-layer and helical structures, but has extensive tools for other processing options (e.g., point-counting, image quantitation, DNA sequencing, and display). Three-dimensional reconstruction methods are supported, including iterative deconvolution schemes for light micrographs. The basic program is command line-driven, but the user can choose to write sophisticated command scripts and use a menu-driven full-screen or Motif interface to call them. Color images are supported with both color palette and RGB options. Extensive documentation is accessible from within the program as online HELP and also as HTML. Care has been taken to support interfaces to other image processing packages, e.g., MacIntosh applications via the TIFF image format, and other EM-targeted image processing packages. The paper provides an overview of the program, its design, and implementation and outlines future plans for software development. Some general issues concerning image processing program design are discussed.
Group therapy interventions with late adolescents transitioning out of a long-term residential setting

This paper focuses on the need by late adolescents in long-term out-of-home placement to have mental health interventions, such as a time-limited, theme-focused group experience as they make the transition to an independent living status. The authors compare and contrast their experience with two such groups, through a discussion of the positive and negative events that occurred in each group. There is a strong endorsement to continue group interventions as a prevention technique for adolescents making the transition from long-term out-of-home placement to independent living.