cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of Fatigue in Polysilicon Mems Structures

Fatigue crack initiation is shown to be associated with the stress-assisted evolution of a surface silica layer that forms during the normal exposure of unpassivated polysilicon surfaces to lab air In-situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques are used to reveal the evolution of overall surface topology during incremental cyclic deformation to failure. Linear perturbation analysis of stress-assisted dissolution is then utilized to predict the evolution of the surface morphology. The predictions from the perturbation analysis are shown to be consistent with measured surface morphologies obtained using AFM techniques.
Costs and Benefits of Elderly Prescription Drug Coverage: Evidence from Veterans’ Health Care

This study tests the impact of a public prescription benefit on Medicare-eligible veterans, utilizing a mid-1990s benefit change in the VA health care system. Using data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey, I compare prescription spending and utilization, as well as use of other health services and health outcomes for veterans and non-veterans before and after the VA insurance change. Results show that receipt of a publicly-provided prescription benefit leads to an increase in spending on prescriptions, and simultaneously, a decrease in spending on other medical services. On average, every $1 increase in drug spending is associated with a $6.50 decrease in other medical spending, and this change is accompanied by measured improvements in the health of benefit recipients. The benefit appears to accrue mainly to low-income and disabled individuals who typically have higher-than-average medical expenses, and are also more likely to experience substantial welfare gains from the relative income increase associated with the reduction (to zero) in the price of prescription drugs.
On the Earth’s Bow Shock Near Solar Minimum

Earth’s bow shock represents the outermost boundary between that region of geospace which is influenced by Earth’s magnetic field and the undisturbed interplanetary medium streaming from the Sun. This boundary is important because it is here that the streaming solar wind is slowed, heated, and partially deflected around the Earth’s magnetosphere. The bow shock has been extensively mapped and modeled ever since it was first discovered a number of decades ago and its gross position and shape are essentially known [e.g., Spreiter et al.,1966; Fairfield, 1971; Peredo et al., 1995]. These are empirical models described by a stand-off distance from the Earth at the nose and the amount of flaring on the flanks. The position and shape vary with solar wind conditions such as the direction of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), the Alfvenic and fast magnetosonic Mach numbers. and the ram pressure.
Actin filament segmentation using dynamic programming

We introduce a novel algorithm for actin filament segmentation in 2D TIRFM image sequences. This problem is difficult because actin filaments dynamically change shapes during their growth, and the TIRFM images are usually noisy. We ask a user to specify the two tips of a filament of interest in the first frame. We then model the segmentation problem in an image sequence as a temporal chain, where its states are tip locations; given candidate tip locations, actin filaments' body points are inferred by a dynamic programming method, which adaptively generates candidate solutions. Combining candidate tip locations and their inferred body points, the temporal chain model is efficiently optimized using another dynamic programming method. Evaluation on noisy TIRFM image sequences demonstrates the accuracy and robustness of this approach.
Theory of the high base resistivity n(+)pp(+) silicon solar cell and its application to radiation damage effects

Particulate radiation in space is a principal source of silicon solar cell degradation, and an investigation of cell radiation damage at higher base resistivities appears to have implication toward increasing solar cell and, therefore, useful satellite lifetimes in the space environment. However, contrary to expectations, it has been found that for cells with resistivities of 84 and 1250 ohm cm, the radiation resistance decreases as cell base resistivity increases. An analytical solar-cell computer model was developed with the objective to determine the reasons for this unexpected behavior. The present paper has the aim to describe the analytical model and its use in interpreting the behavior, under irradiation, of high-resistivity solar cells. Attention is given to boundary conditions at the space-charge region edges, cell currents, cell voltages, the generation of the theoretical I-V characteristic, experimental results, and computer calculations.
On the involvement of public and private sector employers in youth programs

Abstract The creation of job opportunities outside the normal processes of the labor market, either by direct public job creation or by subsidizing employment in private firms and institutions or public agencies
Signature verification using global and grid features

Abstract In this work, algorithms for extracting global geometric and local grid features of signature images were developed. These features were combined to build a multi-scale verification function. This multi-scale verification function was evaluated using statistical procedures. Results indicated that the multi-scale verification function yielded a lower verification error rate and higher reliability than the single-scale verification function using either global geometric or local grid feature representation. The correct verification rate of the multi-scale system was more than 90% in rejecting skilled forgeries and was perfect in rejecting simple forgeries based on a limited database.
Classroom Restructuring: What Do Teachers Really Need?

This article describes the results of a needs analysis carried out to determine the requirements of teachers who wish to restructure their classrooms. The article also describes Strategic Teaching Frameworks (STF), a hypermedia computer system that is intended to have a profound impact on professional development for teachers in the United States. STF was designed according to the results of the needs analysis. The needs analysis consisted of interviews with 30 teachers who have changed or are in the process of changing their classrooms. The interviews focused on the nature of the teachers' changes and the tools and resources they used to support those changes. Two of the most important resources are the ability to look at other classrooms and the ability to collaborate with colleagues. The interviews also sought to discover what resources the teachers found lacking; among these are time and financial support.
Bond lengths and valences in BaBiO3

Abstract Bond length-bond strength correlations are developed for Bi(III) and Bi(V) oxides. Application to the two Bi sites in BaBiO3 show that these are best described as Bi(III) and Bi(V) respectively, although there is a significant deviation from the ideal valence for the atom identified as Bi(III).
The Rhetoric of Geology: Ethos in the Writing of North American Geologists, 1823–1988

This analysis is a specific study that investigates the role ethos plays in the scientific papers of American glacial geologists. Five articles, spanning the time period 1839–1988, a time period which saw the tentative beginnings, development, and maturation of glacial research and theory, were analyzed to determine the rhetorical strategies the writers used to establish their particular research and writing as being good science worthy of recognition and acceptance by their communities of glacial geologists. Early articles were written to portray the author's notion of good science as a strict attention to personal observation and analogy. Articles in the middle period continued to stress personal observation, but also appealed to the observations of other workers. The most contemporary articles favored quantified relationships and precise measurement.
Male dispersal in patas monkeys ( Erythrocebus patas )

Potential influences on natal dispersal of wild male patas monkeys ( Erythrocebus patas ) were investigated in Laikipia, Kenya, over a four-year period. Changes in variables were assessed over the six months prior to dispersals. Dispersers left at between 24 and 42 months of age; 60% left at >36 months of age (= the 'large juvenile' age class). Most dispersals coincided with the presence of extra-group males in the study area. Large juvenile males (LJMs) reduced time in proximity to other group members prior to dispersal, driven primarily by less time in proximity to adult females. Aggression involving LJMs was typically rare, mild, and conducted at a distance. Overall aggression bout frequency did not change over time although mild aggressive interactions with the adult male increased in the weeks before LJMs left, suggesting LJMs forestall more serious aggression by leaving. Aggressive interactions with adult females decreased over time. Aggressive bout rates involving other immatures were consistently low. Our data most clearly support the conclusion that LJMs left of their own volition rather than being actively driven out by other group members. Relationships with other males, both inside and outside the natal group, seemed to influence the timing of LJMs' departures.
Using goal programming to improve the calculation of diabetic diets

Abstract In this paper we discuss the use of an interactive linear goal programming approach to assist professional dietitians in the calculation of diabetic diets which consider both client food preferences and recommended dietary allowances. Results are presented which indicate that diets which are more nutritionally complete can be calculated in less time using this approach than through the classical manual methods.
Integrated transcriptome analysis across mitochondrial disease etiologies and tissues improves understanding of common cellular adaptations to respiratory chain dysfunction

Mitochondrial diseases are heterogeneous, multi-systemic disorders for which mechanistic understanding is limited. To investigate common downstream effects of primary respiratory chain dysfunction on global gene expression and pathway regulation, we reanalyzed transcriptome datasets from all publicly available studies of respiratory chain dysfunction resulting from genetic disorders, acute pathophysiologic processes, or environmental toxins. A general overview is provided of the bioinformatic processing of transcriptome data to uncover biological insights into in vivo and in vitro adaptations to mitochondrial dysfunction, with specific examples discussed from a variety of independent cell, animal, and human tissue studies. To facilitate future community efforts to cohesively mine these data, all reanalyzed transcriptome datasets were deposited into a publicly accessible central web archive. Our own integrated meta-analysis of these data identified several commonly dysregulated genes across diverse mitochondrial disease etiologies, models, and tissue types. Overall, transcriptome analyses provide a useful means to survey cellular adaptation to mitochondrial diseases.
The effect of vacancy-interstitial atom interactions on the diffusivity of lattice atoms in binary solid solutions

Abstract The thermodynamics and diffusion kinetics of binary interstitial solid solutions involving both first-order and second-order vacancy-interstitial clusters have been calculated in the Boltzmann limit using first-neighbor interactions. The results have been applied to the extraction of vacancy-interstitial binding strengths from thermodynamic data and to the effect of such interactions upon the diffusivity of lattice atoms migrating by vacancy-tracer exchanges. The thermodynamic evaluation was based upon data for the Co-C system and the evaluation of the kinetic results utilized data for the diffusion of Fe atoms in C-austenite and Co atoms in C-doped nickel.
Effects of hypoxemia on phrenic nerve responses to static lung inflation in anesthetized dogs

Abstract To study interactions between hypoxemia and lung stretch in modulating ventilatory activity, an experimental preparation was used that allows independent control of static airway pressure (Paw) and arterial P O 2 in anesthetized dogs. Phrenic burst frequency (f) and integrated amplitude (Phr)_were monitored while Paw was varied between 2 and 12 cm H 2 O at levels of Pa O 2 between 30 and 200 mm Hg. Experiments were repeated in intact ( n = 8) and carotid denervated dogs (CBX; n = 7). In intact dogs, f decreased with increasing Paw through an effect on the expiratory duration ( Te ). Hypoxia increased f by decreasing both the inspiratory duration ( Ti )_and ( Te ). Hypoxia had no effect on the slope of the f vs Paw relationship, but attenuated the effect of Pa on Te . Phr was increased by hypoxia, but Paw had little effect. After CBX, f was still inhibited by Paw, but Pa O 2 had no consistent effect on f, Ti or Te at any level of Paw. Phr was inhibited by hypoxia after CBX, but Paw had no effect. The results indicate that Paw and Pa O 2 exert additive effects on f in anesthetized dogs. Hypoxia attenuates the effet of Paw on Te , which alone would attenuate the slope of the f vs Paw relationship. However, the effect of hypoxia on Ti enhances the slope of the f vs Paw relationship, restoring a parallel shift. These effects are abolished by carotid denervation.
Taphonomy of a middle Miocene autochthonous forest assemblage, Ngorora Formation, central Kenya

Abstract A 12.6 million year old forest assemblage of leaves, twigs, and rare fruit is preserved in the Ngorora Formation of central Kenya. The assemblage is autochtonous, preserved in airfall tuff and represents well the diversity, heterogeneity and richness of the original forest. The herbaceous component, not usually preserved in paleobotanical assemblages, is present. Nearest neighbor analysis and mapping of the vertical distribution of plant organs indicates that leaves and twigs are preserved near the parent plant and that there is no apparent size, weight, or species bias in deposition of these remains. Leaves occur isolated, in clusters, or attached to branches, and fell directly to the ground as a result of ashfall, most falling very soon after ashfall commenced. The absence of upright trunks and large stems is probably due to post-depositional weathering which may also be responsible for the absence of a leaf litter layer. However, leaf litter may have been absent at the time of ash deposition.
An approach to mastering the marketing mix

Purpose – The goal of this paper is to use three condensed case studies to present an analytical ROI framework that helps marketers make sense of complex and seemingly chaotic marketing investment patterns and allows them to quickly reach conclusions about future marketing commitments.Design/methodology/approach – The article focuses on three marketing science techniques with roots in econometric analysis. The three techniques are: structural equation modeling, historical analyses, and in‐market experiments.Findings – The case studies give evidence of hard returns not only in terms of marketing funds conserved but also in terms of revenue gains, more positive brand equity, and greater marketing efficiency. The article suggests that changes in marketing practices to include the new ROI techniques will yield measurable benefits.Practical implications – The article will be of value to marketing leaders, brand managers, and senior executives who seek quantifiable returns from their marketing functions. The th...
Noise trauma impairs neurogenesis in the rat hippocampus

The hippocampus, a major site of neurogenesis in the adult brain, plays an important role in memory. Based on earlier observations where exposure to high-intensity noise not only caused hearing loss but also impaired memory function, it is conceivably that noise exposure may suppress hippocampal neurogenesis. To evaluate this possibility, nine rats were unilaterally exposed for 2 h to a high-intensity, narrow band of noise centered at 12 kHz at 126 dB SPL. The rats were also screened for noise-induced tinnitus, a potential stressor which may suppress neurogenesis. Five rats developed persistent tinnitus-like behavior while the other four rats showed no signs of tinnitus. Age-matched sham controls showed no signs of hearing loss or tinnitus. The inner ear and hippocampus were evaluated for sensory hair cell loss and neurogenesis 10 weeks post-exposure. All noise exposed rats showed severe loss of sensory hair cells in the noise-exposed ear, but essentially no damage in the unexposed ear. Frontal sections from the hippocampus were immunolabeled for doublecortin to identify neuronal precursor cells, or Ki67 to label proliferating cells. Noise-exposed rats showed a significant reduction of neuronal precursors and fewer dividing cells as compared to sham controls. However, we could not detect any difference between rats with behavioral evidence of tinnitus versus rats without tinnitus. These results show for the first time that high intensity noise exposure not only damages the cochlea but also causes a significant and persistent decrease in hippocampal neurogenesis that may contribute to functional deficits in memory.
Characterizing soil seed banks and relationships to plant communities

Estimates of soil seed banks are important to many ecological investigations and plant conservation, yet seed banks are among the most difficult plant community attributes to accurately quantify. To compare extraction and emergence seed bank characterization methods, we collected 0- to 5-cm soil seed bank samples and measured plant community composition in six microsite types (below different perennial plant species and interspaces) at 10 field sites in the Mojave Desert, USA. Extraction detected five times more species sample−1 and orders of magnitude greater seed density than emergence, though evaluating viability of extracted seed was not straightforward. Only 13 % of 847 tested seeds from extraction emerged in follow-up assays. Considering all sites, species detection was more similar between methods: 21 taxa for emergence and 28 for extraction. Results suggest that: (i) capturing microsite variation is critical for efficiently estimating site-level desert seed banks; (ii) method comparisons hinged on the scale of analysis for species richness, as differences in species detection between methods diminished when increasing resolution from the sample to the regional scale; (iii) combining data from all seed bank methods provided the strongest correlation with vegetation; and (iv) improving knowledge of seed germinability is important for advancing both seed bank methods, including for extraction to evaluate the proportion of extracted seeds that are viable. Multifactor approaches that balance several effectiveness measures (e.g., both seed density and species detection at multiple scales) and procedural challenges are most likely to accurately represent complexity in tradeoffs for choosing methods to quantify soil seed banks.
An intervention involving pharmacist care via the Web improved blood pressure control in uncontrolled hypertension.

Source Citation Green BB, Cook AJ, Ralston JD, et al. Effectiveness of home blood pressure monitoring, Web communication, and pharmacist care on hypertension control: a randomized controlled trial....
Sender–Recipient Perspectives of Honest but Hurtful Evaluative Messages in Romantic Relationships

Five hundred and fifteen participants assessed honest but hurtful (HBH) evaluative messages in their current romantic relationships from either the perspective of senders or recipients. Findings indicated a systematic self-serving bias. Participants were more likely to recall HBH messages in their current romantic relationships in the role of recipient than sender. Recipients, relative to senders, also rated messages as more hurtful, less honest, more intentional, and lower in enhancement motivation. In addition, recipients perceived less positive relational ramifications. Sex of the respondent was found to moderate the perspective-related difference on perceived intentionality of the message.
THE INTERRELATION OF THE SURVIVING HEART AND PANCREAS OF THE DOG IN SUGAR METABOLISM

The experiments indicate that the pancreas, when perfused aseptically with Locke's solution containing physiological concentrations of dextrose, does not alter the reducing properties of the perfused solution. The pancreas, however, seems to supply something to the Locke's solution circulating through its arteries which in some way brings about a utilization of sugar by the living heart to an extent that does not occur with the heart alone. This pancreatic substance possesses some of the characteristics of an enzyme. It is inactivated by boiling; it is unstable, rapidly becoming inactive on standing; it acts in small amounts; it causes a great acceleration in the rate of a reaction which otherwise proceeds slowly, and the rate of reaction diminishes as the reaction proceeds. Thus this substance has more of the characteristics of an enzyme than of a stable internal secretion like that of the adrenal glands. The disappearance of sugar was dependent upon the presence of living heart tissue, and it ceased as soon as the perfusate was removed from the heart-pancreas circulation and did not occur at all when a pancreatic perfusate was passed through a non-beating heart. This result indicates that the reaction is not similar to that obtained when muscle and pancreas extracts act on more concentrated solutions of dextrose. The living heart in the presence of the pancreatic factor and dextrose, is responsible for two effects. First, a condensation of the sugar to a non-reducing form that yields again a simple sugar on hydrolysis or by simply standing, with a preservative, at 37°C. for 24 hours. Second, a disappearance of sugar which is probably due to its destruction by hydrolysis or oxidation. After deducting the reducing sugar in the heart-pancreas perfusions which could be recovered by hydrolysis, the amount of sugar which had actually disappeared exceeded that which was used by the heart when perfused with dextrose alone. As to the fate of this portion of the sugar, no definite evidence was obtained. The question arises as to whether this substance obtained from the perfused pancreas is identical with the hypothetical internal secretion of the pancreas so essential in sugar metabolism. That there is an internal secretion of the pancreas which can be obtained by this method, and that in some way it accelerates the utilization of sugar by the living heart, seems evident. Though the conclusions are based on the heart and pancreas isolated from the numerous interrelating factors occurring in the body, the evidence suggests, at least, that the substance or substances obtained by perfusing the pancreas may be concerned in the normal activity of the pancreas upon sugar metabolism.
Current status of lymph node-positive prostate cancer: Incidence and predictors of outcome

In early surgical series, the incidence of positive lymph nodes in patients with prostate cancer was approximately 40%. In the modern era of screening and improved patient selection, the incidence is now <10%, although most series excluded patients with higher risk disease. The risk of having positive lymph nodes is influenced by disease stage, prostate-specific antigen level, and tumor grade and by the aggressiveness of lymph node dissection. Many of the same factors predict the outcome of these patients. Although the percentage of patients with positive lymph nodes has declined, there remain significant numbers of patients with lymph node-positive prostate cancer, and it remains a therapeutic dilemma.
Nonprofit and university strategic partnerships to strengthen the sector

There is a mutually beneficial partnership inherent in the structured collaboration between universities and nonprofit organizations. This article outlines a pilot program designed to address management challenges of nonprofits and provide meaningful and relevant learning experiences for students through the use of community-based research, a joint research study among students, faculty, and nonprofits designed to produce recommendations that will positively affect the community. Assessment data are significant, indicating that students increased their understanding of the sector while nonprofit partners received valuable resources. The article concludes with strategies for nonprofit practitioners and faculty who wish to develop a similar model.
Influence of Temperature and Exposure Time upon Calcareous Deposits

Abstract Experiments have been performed where cylindrical 1018 steel specimens were polarized to −0.900 V (SCE) in natural seawater at 24 and 3 C with rotation speeds of 0 and 0.83 Hz. The nature ...
Real interest rate equalization and the integration of international financial markets

Abstract This paper argues that conventional regression tests of real interest rate equality may be misleading because they neglect to consider transactions costs. A transactions cost band may inhibit the one-to-one correspondence between changes in real rates in alternative countries that is presumed by conventional tests. Statistical problems which may lead to incorrect inferences in conventional tests are also discussed. Alternative tests which overcome these limitations are developed and applied to real interest rates for ten different countries. The alternative tests generate much stronger support for interest parity than is found in the existing literature.
Lead neurotoxicity in children: decomposing the variability in dose-effect relationships.

Background Enormous progress has been made in recent decades in our understanding of lead neurotoxicology in children, but an important obstacle to additional progress is the striking variability that is evident in any plot of a lead biomarker versus a health endpoint. Methods In this article, three potential sources of variability are identified: (1) errors or imprecision in characterizing dose (and/or outcome); (2) incomplete characterization of endpoint variance attributable to factors other than lead; and (3) inter-individual differences in susceptibility to lead neurotoxicity. Results Strategies are suggested for reducing the variability contributed by these sources, including the development of validated PBPK models and biomarkers of early biological effects; the development of more comprehensive models of outcome variance and, specifically, the application of multi-level models that incorporate supra-individual and supra-family risk factors; and the use of study designs that permit assessments of the effect modifying influence ofcontextual factors on the form and severity of neurotoxicity. Conclusion Decomposing the variability in the distribution ofobserved scores around the best-fit lines that describe the dose - effect relationships for lead neurotoxicity in children is a major research need.
Real-space Green's-function approach applied to the phonon spectra of isolated impurities.

It is shown how the real-space Green's-function approach to the calculation of densities of state for large systems can be used in studying the behavior of isolated impurities on crystals. The local Green's function associated with the impurity configuration can be obtained by coupling the impurity configuration with the Green's function of the host lattice surrounding the impurity configuration. The case of substitutional Si in GaAs illustrates the approach. The unusual case of isolated oxygen in GaAs is studied in detail. It is shown that the picture of oxygen forming isolated ${\mathrm{Ga}}_{2}$O molecules needs modification in that interactions with all four nearest-neighbor sites must be included to reproduce the experimental spectrum. Sources of the individual peaks in the multiplets are identified and the appearance of a transient four-component multiplet is explained. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Cytotoxic Responses to Aromatic Ring and Configurational Variations in α-Conidendrin, Podophyllotoxin, and Sikkimotoxin Derivatives

Derivatives of alpha-conidendrin, podophyllotoxin, and sikkimotoxin were prepared to evaluate the cytotoxic contributions of C-4 configuration and pendant and fused arene substitutions. Dimethyl-alpha-conidendryl alcohol (5), 9-deoxypodophyllol (6), and 9-deoxysikkimol (17) were dehydrated to their respective oxolane derivatives 4, 3, and 9. Diols 5 and 6 were converted via oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octanols 10 and 14 to target oxolanes 8 and 7 where C-4 had been inverted relative to that in 3 and 4. Cytotoxicities of the five oxolanes were determined in two drug-sensitive human leukemia and two multidrug-resistant cell lines expressing P-glycoprotein or multidrug-resistance associated protein (MRP). Changing the pendant arene configuration or replacing a m-methoxy by hydrogen resulted in a 100-fold cytotoxicity loss. Replacing a methylenedioxy group in the fused arene by two methoxy substituents reduced cytotoxicity by 10-fold. Drug-resistant cell lines were equally resistant to compounds 3, 4, 8, and 9 indicating that these four compounds do not serve as substrates of the transport proteins P-glycoprotein and MRP.
Block copolymerization of unsaturated monomers and octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane

A study has been carried out on the preparation of block copolymers of styrene–dimethylsiloxane and isoprene–dimethylsiloxane. This has been accomplished by means of anionic polymerization, using potassium metal or potassium naphthalene as initiator, in tetrahydrofuran. Block copolymers of the ABA type were synthesized by first preparing the polystyrene or polyisoprene dianion, followed by polymerization of the octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane. Proof of the presence of these block copolymers was obtained from their solubility behavior and from the ability of the isoprene–siloxane polymers to undergo vulcanization by sulfur. The chain length of the polymeric blocks could be controlled in a predictable fashion, leading to a central segment (B) of polystyrene or polyisoprene, having a narrow molecular weight distribution, and two end segments (A) of polydimethylsiloxane, having a most probable distribution. The reverse type of block copolymer was not possible due to the inability of the siloxane to initiate styrene or isoprene polymerization.
Pharmacist-driven renal medication dosing intervention in a primary care patient-centered medical home.

Purpose The purposes of this population management intervention were to identify patients with stage 3, 4, or 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and to improve care in a patient-centered medical home (PCMH). Objectives of the intervention were to (i) increase the identification of CKD, (ii) increase the use of aspirin and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) in patients with CKD, and (iii) ensure that all medications prescribed to patients with CKD were dosed appropriately based on renal function. Setting This intervention was completed at a National Committee for Quality Assurance tier 3 PCMH associated with a major, academic health system. Patients A list of 328 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of < 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 was generated using the electronic medical record; 146 patients underwent the intervention. Measurements and Observations A pharmacist review of the electronic medical record was completed to confirm stage 3, 4, or 5 CKD based on estimated glomerular filtration rate, to ensure that ACE-Is/ARBs and aspirin were prescribed, and to ensure that all medications were dosed appropriately based on renal dosing adjustment recommendations. Recommendations were made to improve medication use and safety in patients with CKD. Before intervention, 73% of patients were prescribed an ACE-I/ARB and 72% of patients were prescribed aspirin. After the intervention, use of these medications increased to 77% and 82% of patients, respectively. Pharmacist recommendations to adjust medication dosing based on Cockcroft-Gault calculated creatinine clearance were made for 138 medications (0.95 medication per patient); 90 (65.2%) recommendations were accepted by the patients’ physicians. Conclusion These results demonstrate the impact of a pharmacist-driven renal medication dosing intervention within a PCMH on medication use and safety for patients with CKD.
SYNTHESIS OF MESSENGER-LIKE RIBONUCLEIC ACID AND PROTEIN DURING MEIOSIS IN ISOLATED CELLS OF TRILLIUM ERECTUM

The synthesis of RNA and protein by cultures of isolated microsporocytes has been demonstrated. The variation in capacities of such cultures to perform syntheses is a function of meiotic stage and parallels the pattern of changes observed for microsporocytes in situ. A principal feature of this pattern is the induction of syntheses during pachytene and diplotene, stages at which the chromosomes are partly contracted. By use of Actinomycin D, chloramphenicol, pulse-labeling with P(32)-phosphate, and nucleotide analyses of RNA digests, part of the RNA synthesized has been shown to correspond to messenger RNA. Analysis of reaction rates and the overlappings of protein and RNA synthesis indicates that the spread of cytological events in Trillium is not purely a function of the low temperature at which it occurs but, presumably, arises from a complement of regulatory devices which govern the periodic onset of reactions within the cells. The main conclusion drawn from the whole of these studies is that the sequence of morphological changes associated with chromosome contraction and movement during meiosis is accompanied by a set of gene transcriptions. Although comparatively few genes are presumed to be active during meiosis, the action of such genes may be essential to a translation of some of the information embodying the meiotic sequence which has been stored in the genome in the course of evolution.
B-Type Natriuretic Peptide: Practical Diagnostic Use for Evaluating Ventricular Dysfunction

Assessment of brain natriuretic peptide levels may provide important information that can be used in the evaluation of patients with dyspnea and follow-up of heart failure. Brain natriuretic peptide levels have been shown to be useful for evaluating patients in the emergency department and for evaluating patients complaining of dyspnea in the outpatient setting. Brain natriuretic peptide assessment also provides an adjunct to diagnosis of both systolic and diastolic dysfunction, has prognostic value for heart failure and in acute coronary syndromes, and may be a useful measure to guide therapy. Further work needs to be done to establish the best type of assay to use, to determine the optimal cutoff point for what is considered abnormal, and to determine how conditions other than ventricular dysfunction affect brain natriuretic peptide levels.
Local processing and social skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The role of anxiety and cognitive functioning

Abstract The present study examined the relations between anxiety, cognitive functioning, local processing, and social skills in a group of 102 children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The results indicated that children diagnosed with Asperger's Disorder had significantly higher cognitive functioning and enhanced local processing (i.e., Block Design scores) compared to those diagnosed with Autistic Disorder or PDD-NOS. Regression analyses results showed that anxiety and cognitive functioning moderated the association between local processing and social skills. For children with low cognitive functioning and high anxiety, greater local processing was associated with poorer social skills than those with high cognitive functioning, high anxiety, and greater local processing. For children with high cognitive functioning and high anxiety, enhanced local processing was associated with better social skills than those with high cognitive functioning and reduced local processing. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Computer Compatibility with Decision Style: Eddies in a Bit Stream

The concept of decision style, while rooted in cognitive and personality theory, finds application in computer system design as a basis for decision aiding. As used in an information system context, decision style may be defined as the characteristic and self consistent way an individual uses information in the decision making process. A model of decision style is presented which uses three dimensions to classify eight types of decision styles. Each dimension of decision style corresponds to variability observed in three aspects of decision making. A methodology for the assessment of decision style, and its relationship to the concept of adaptive decision aiding is presented. The concept of decision support as complex of decision aids designed with reference to a decision situation provides the context for the discussion of adaptive aiding.
Continuous in-the-field measurement of heart rate: Correlates of drug use, craving, stress, and mood in polydrug users

Background Ambulatory physiological monitoring could clarify antecedents and consequences of drug use and could contribute to a sensor-triggered mobile intervention that automatically detects behaviorally risky situations. Our goal was to show that such monitoring is feasible and can produce meaningful data.
Unbiased evaluation of bioactive secondary metabolites in complex matrices

Abstract The majority of bioactive principles in a complex matrix such as natural products and botanical medicines are secondary rather than primary metabolites. In addition to being chemically diverse, the bioactivity of an ethnobotanical can comprise from one to several bioactive compounds, present in a complex mixture. Conventional discovery efforts utilize bioassay-guided fractionation (BGF) to isolate individual active compounds. When applied to complex natural products, BGF is often challenged by an apparent loss of activity during fractionation, resulting in weakly active isolated compounds. Metabolomic analysis can potentially complement existing the BGF paradigm by capturing the chemical complexity of the metabolites. The proposed biochemometric approach establishes a link between the chemistry of a secondary metabolome and a deserved health impact, using a high-throughput, high-resolution capable biological endpoint. The proof of principle is demonstrated for the anti-tuberculosis (TB) activity of the Alaskan ethnobotanical, Oplopanax horridus . Biochemometric analysis identified the 100 most active constituents from thousands of metabolites in the active extract by means of 2D orthogonal chromatography using countercurrent and GC–MS methods. Previously isolated O. horridus phytoconstituents were used as reference markers of known structure and bio (in)activity. Positive correlations allowed distinction of anti-TB actives from inactive compounds. A total of 29 bioactives from 3 main structural classes were assigned based on MS data. Biochemometric analysis is a new tool for the standardization of herbal medicines and ethnobotanicals, as well as for drug discovery from nature. The method can assign multiple active compounds in complex mixtures without their prior isolation or structure elucidation, while still providing an interface to structural information.
748-3 The Relationship Between the Location of Ischemic Perfusion Defects on Stress Technetium-99m Sestamibi SPECT Scintigraphy and the Location of a Subsequent Myocardial Infarction

While the presence of ischemia on stress myocardial perfusion imaging has been shown to correlate with a future myocardial infarction (MI), it is unknown whether the location of the ischemia predicts the location of the subsequent MI. Therefore, 24 patients (83% male, mean age: 66 ± 13 yrs, 46% exercise, 54% pharmacologic stress) who had an enzyme proven myocardial infarction following a stress Tc-99m sestamibi (MIBI) SPECT imaging study were analyzed. The location of the MI, as determined by either standard electrocardiographic criteria, or by a new wall motion abnormality on echocardiography or contrast ventriculography, was related to the location of a reversible defect on the preceding stress/rest MIBI images. Two territories per patient—anterior (including anterolateral and anteroseptal) and inferior (including inferolateral and inferoseptal)—were assessed for the presence of a reversible defect, and for the location of the subsequent MI. In 5 patients, the location of the MI could not be determined, leaving 38 territories in the remaining 19 pts for analysis: Download : Download high-res image (66KB) Download : Download full-size image Of 19 territories with a reversible defect, 9 (47%) were the site of a subsequent MI, compared with 3 (50%) of 6 territories with a fixed defect, and 6 (46%) of 13 territories with no defect (p = NS). The remaining patient had a lateral MI after MIBI images had shown a reversible apical defect. Thus, 10 (53%) of the 19 Ml's occurred in a territory that did not show ischemia on the preceding MIBI images. Conclusion The location of ischemia on a stress Tc-99m sestamibi SPECT imaging study does not consistently predict the location of a future myocardial infarction. This is in accord with previous findings from coronary angiography that the most severe stenoses frequently do not correlate with the locations of subsequent infarctions.
Plasmid immunization primes unique DTH responses to HIV-1MN envelope epitopes as compared to recombinant protein vaccination.

Current evidence suggests that the induction of cell-mediated immunity is required for a successful HIV-1 vaccine. Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) and cellular cytotoxicity are closely linked elements of the cellular immune response, both are favored by immunizations that result in a T-helper (Th)-1 response. The classical experimental animal for the study of DTH is the guinea pig. Here we report that guinea pigs can readily be sensitized for DTH skin reactions to envelope protein with a plasmid expressing HIV-1 MN (subtype B) envelope, as well as with the recombinant HIV-1 envelope protein. Further, utilizing peptide probes that in aggregate represent the entire gp120 molecule, common and unique dominant epitopes induced by each method of immunization were identified.
Hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration of the parotid gland

Hepatocellular carcinoma rarely metastasizes to the salivary glands. We report a case of a 47-yr-old man who presented with a right parotid lesion that was diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy as a metastatic lesion suggestive of hepatocellular carcinoma with similar findings in a subsequent intraoral incisional biopsy. The patient's serum alpha-fetoprotein level was within normal limits at the time of diagnosis. CT scan revealed a mass in the liver, but a liver biopsy was not performed. The patient deteriorated rapidly and died about 4 mo later. An autopsy confirmed the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma with distant metastases to unusual sites, including the parotid gland, orbit, and calvarium, bypassing more common sites such as the lungs. This is the second known reported case in which hepatocellular carcinoma presented as a salivary gland metastasis. In both cases the diagnosis was made by FNA biopsy, illustrating the utility of this method for diagnosing uncommon metastatic salivary gland lesions.
Medicine and government: Self-regulation or government control☆☆☆

Throughout history. men of science and mcdicinc have been alternately adored and debased, but severe and widespread criticism is a relatively recent development in the United States. Since World War II. possibly exacerbated by the event in Hiroshima. public anxiety is aroused about the consequences of scicntitic discovery. the nuclear arms race. population pressures. pollution, economic stress, genetic cngineering. misgivings about lifc-cxtending technolo(lies, and other such issues. c The extremists. both left and right, take advantage of this situation and seek out, in all walks of life, what they regard as evil. corruption. decadcncc, or communism. and claim it is their duty to protect and correct. We live in a period of conflicting desires. People want more government services, more education, more housing and health programs, but reduced spending and lower budget deticits. They want stronger environmental standards and safety protcction. yet less fcdcral regulation. It is a time in which wc have legi4ation. litigation. and congressional hcaringh on virtually every infirmity and anxiety of society. WC seem to be abandoning the spirit of the common good as the country is increasingly spawning narrow-interest groups. each bent on obtaining what it believes it deserves. There arc at present over I, I00
Pyrrole-based Scaffolds For Turn Mimics

Two amino acid derived synthons were combined to give homopropargylic amines 2. Platinum dichloride was used to cyclize these intermediates into pyrroles 3 which collapsed to the target secondary structure mimics 1 on treatment with base. Side chains of these compounds overlay with an idealized type 1 β-turn and with an inverse γ-turn.
Evaluation of IntelliDrive-based vehicle-control systems using life cycle assessment

THIS paper investigated energy and emission impacts of the IntelliDrive (a recent US DOT's initiative that brings wireless communications capability into traffic operations and management) through life cycle assessment.
Parental involvement laws and fertility behavior

Abstract This paper considers the impact of the introduction of laws requiring parental involvement in a minor’s decision to abort a pregnancy. State-level data over the 1985–1996 period are used to examine abortion, birth, and pregnancy outcomes, while microdata from the 1988 and 1995 National Surveys of Family Growth (NSFG) are utilized to examine sexual activity and contraception. Quasi-experimental methods are employed that examine whether minors’ fertility outcomes were affected in those locations that introduced these laws following their introduction and occurred for minors but not other women. I find that parental involvement laws resulted in fewer abortions for minors resulting from fewer pregnancies; there is no statistically significant impact on births. The reduction in pregnancy seems to be attributable to increased use of contraception rather than a reduction in sexual activity.
Even chromatin gets the blues.

Antidepressants take a few weeks to act, and their effects can extend for months after the drugs are discontinued. Tsankova et al. suggest a possible molecular basis for these effects, by showing that stress and the antidepressant imipramine induce modifications of chromatin to produce more or less repressive states for gene expression.
External Validation of Bifactor Model of ADHD: Explaining Heterogeneity in Psychiatric Comorbidity, Cognitive Control, and Personality Trait Profiles Within DSM-IV ADHD

The current paper provides external validation of the bifactor model of ADHD by examining associations between ADHD latent factor/profile scores and external validation indices. 548 children (321 boys; 302 with ADHD), 6 to 18 years old, recruited from the community participated in a comprehensive diagnostic procedure. Mothers completed the Child Behavior Checklist, Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire, and California Q-Sort. Children completed the Stop and Trail-Making Task. Specific inattention was associated with depression/withdrawal, slower cognitive task performance, introversion, agreeableness, and high reactive control; specific hyperactivity-impulsivity was associated with rule-breaking/aggressive behavior, social problems, errors during set-shifting, extraversion, disagreeableness, and low reactive control. It is concluded that the bifactor model provides better explanation of heterogeneity within ADHD than DSM-IV ADHD symptom counts or subtypes.