cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fidelity of Problem Solving in Everyday Practice: Typical Training May Miss the Mark

With national attention on scaling up the implementation of Response to Intervention, problem solving teams remain one of the central components for development, implementation, and monitoring of school-based interventions. Studies have shown that problem solving teams evidence a sound theoretical base and demonstrated efficacy; however, limited evidence supports effectiveness and consistent implementation on a wide-scale basis. Few studies have examined the quality and level of fidelity in school-based teams with typically available problem solving training models. We present 2 studies that used typical models to support the development of elementary teams and evaluated the impact of the training for the treatment groups compared with control groups using a Problem Solving Team (PST) Rubric adapted by Upah and Tilly (2002). Although some effects were determined for problem solving training, overall adherence to a problem solving model and quality of intervention plan development were significantly below ...
Burden of stroke in women

Stroke is the fifth cause of death in the United States and the first cause of disability. While reductions in stroke mortality have occurred, stroke remains a significant burden in women. In addition to traditional cardiovascular risk factors, there are specific risk factors in women that need to be addressed to further reduce deaths in women from stroke. Atrial fibrillation is common in women and needs proper evaluation for anticoagulation for risk reduction. Stroke in women remains a serious cause of preventable deaths, disability, and cost. Implementation of the new guidelines for stroke prevention in women is critical for reducing the burden of stroke in women.
Cavopulmonary assist: circulatory support for the univentricular Fontan circulation.

Abstract Background Following Fontan palliation, the univentricular circulation is notable for coexisting systemic venous hypertension and pulmonary arterial hypotension. Assisted cavopulmonary blood flow to overcome this pressure gradient would restore the circulation to one more closely resembling normal two-ventricle physiology. We hypothesized that mechanical augmentation of cavopulmonary blood flow would provide physiologic stability in a model of cavopulmonary diversion and univentricular circulation. Methods Yearling sheep (n = 13, mean weight 56.5 kg) underwent total cavopulmonary diversion on cardiopulmonary bypass. The superior and inferior vena cavae were anastomosed directly to the right pulmonary artery. Axial flow pumps were positioned within both vena cavae to assist blood flow from the systemic venous circulation into the pulmonary vasculature. Baseline ventilation was resumed, cardiopulmonary bypass was weaned, and pump support was titrated to obtain normal physiologic measurement. Cardiopulmonary data were collected for 6 hours. Results All animals demonstrated hemodynamic stability without need for volume loading, inotropic support, or pulmonary vasodilator therapy. Cardiac output, pulmonary vascular resistance, pulmonary arterial pressure, inferior vena caval pressure, and arterial pCO 2 and pO 2 values 6 hours after intervention were similar to baseline values. Arterial lactate levels steadily decreased throughout the cavopulmonary assist period. Conclusions Cavopulmonary assist with a percutaneous pump provides physiologic stability in a model of total cavopulmonary diversion and univentricular Fontan circulation without altering regional volume distribution or cardiac output. This mode of circulatory support may have potential to benefit patients with marginal Fontan hemodynamics in both the early and late time periods.
Theory and practice of editing processes in technical communication

The work in editing which is outlined here ensures that graduate students become aware of editing processes through experience and research, through practice and theory. By developing and using levels of edit and editorial dialogue in editing workshops and by researching and examining their own and other people's techniques, the students develop their own theories of editing processes. And through their group editing and their individual editing experiences and research, the graduate students learn basic editorial values and editing techniques that they can use to help others communicate well. Included is an appendix of selected resources on editing processes consisting of approximately 150 items.
Argentaffin cell incidence in the rectal mucosa of man, mouse, and hamster.

THE often quoted standard work on the argentaffin cell by Jacobson in 19391 is doubtless the source cited by many authors on the distribution of argentaffin cells. From it we quote, “In man and all animals investigated, there appears to be a steady decrease in the number of (argentaffin) cells towards the caudal end of the intestine. The rectum of cattle seems to be an exception to this rule”.
Simple conversion of two standard gas chromatographs to all‐glass capillary systems

Two regular GC instruments were modified with injection port liners, split-mode injection systems, pressure regulators, effluent traps and needle valves to produce an all-glass GC-2 system. This simple and inexpensive system allows the quantitative analyses of phenols, hydrocarbons, acids, sterols, terpenoids, and alkaloids with excellent reproducibility and linear response. Even more impressive was its ability to analyze a C45-terpenoid alcohol, solanesol, as its TMS-derivative (M.W. 702).
Phosphorus and zinc measurements in Kjeldahl digests

Abstract The feasibility of using Kjeldahl digests of plant tissue, specifically pecan leaves, for measurement of phosphorous and zinc content was examined. Analyses of organic mixture digests with known amounts of phosphorus and zinc showed that no inorganic or organic phosphorus and no zince was lost in the digestive process. Analysis of Kjeldahl digests of pecan leaves yielded results equivalent to those from wet and dry ash solubilization procedures. It is proposed that Kjeldahl digestion is a suitable procedure for extraction and measurement of phosphorus and zinc, at least in pecan leaves. This procedure has the advantage that both elements as well as nitrogen can be assayed in the same digest, using commonly available equipment.
Synthesis of the defect perovskite series LaCu03–δ with copper valence varying from 2+ to 3+

MANY important questions about the origin of superconductivity in the high-temperature copper oxide superconductors could be addressed by the study of a copper oxide compound exhibiting a wide range of oxygen stoichiometry while maintaining the basic perovskite structure. A number of compounds are known in which copper occurs formally as Cu3+ (refs 1, 2), but most are structurally unrelated to the superconductors, so that a direct comparison of their chemical and physical properties is not appropriate. Here we report the synthesis, structure and preliminary characterization of a new oxygen-deficient perovskite series, LaCuO3–δ. Although superconductivity has not been observed in this system, its oxygen stoichiometry range, 0.0 < δ < 0.5, is the widest yet found in a copper oxide compound, allowing the formal copper valence to be varied from 2+ to 3+. This series may thus serve as a model system with which to address such questions as the nature of the Cu/O hole states in the superconductors, and the way in which magnetic and transport properties vary with carrier concentration.
Dr. Berigan Replies.

Sir: Dr. Johnson's interest in our reported case of bupropion-associated withdrawal symptoms is greatly appreciated. As was pointed out in the case report, the exact mechanism responsible for the somatic and psychological symptoms is not known. It is believed that many neurotransmitters may be involved, including the noradrenergic and dopaminergic sites, which appear to be where bupropion exerts its effects.1 There is no doubt that Glaxo Wellcome Inc. has been extremely vigilant in monitoring thousands of patients for adverse effects associated with bupropion. However, when a patient is reporting a variety of symptoms, an evaluation is warranted. In our case, a physical examination with laboratory tests was performed, the findings of which suggested no obvious cause of symptoms other than an abrupt cessation of bupropion, the patient's only prescription medication. He was empirically treated for a withdrawal syndrome and improved rapidly. Physicians must remain aware that withdrawal syndromes do exist and educate their patients fully about the possibility. One such strategy to decrease withdrawal symptoms is to taper the agent being discontinued. This will enhance compliance, which ultimately benefits the patient. The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the author and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army, or the Army Medical Command.
Age-dependent effects of glutamate on photoreceptor cells of the isolated chick embryo retina.

Neurotoxic and gliotoxic effects of glutamate were studied in isolated chick embryo retinas of various ages. Employing a short-term incubation system, we found that initial cellular changes in retinas from 15- and 21-day chick embryos were localized to glial Muller cells as previously shown in retinas from 12-day embryos. In the older retinas, however, an additional selective lesion was consistently found in the presumptive photoreceptor cells. Similar photoreceptor damage was not seen in 12-day retinas, even after treatment with relatively high glutamate doses. Autoradiographic uptake of tritiated glutamate in retinas at 12 and 14 days was localized to the glial Muller cells; in the 14-day retinas, however, there was also uptake of the labeled amino acid into the developing inner segments. Uptake of tritiated glutamate in retinas at younger (8-day) and older (21-day) ages did not show any obvious localization of the label.
SELECTIVE ADHESION OF FUNCTIONAL MICROTUBULES TO PATTERNED SILANE SURFACES

We show that microtubule polymers can be immobilized selectively on lithographically patterned silane surfaces while retaining their native properties. Silane films were chemisorbed on polished silicon wafers or glass coverslips and patterned using a deep UV lithographic process developed at the Naval Research Laboratory. Hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon alkyl silanes, as well as amino and thiol terminal alkyl silanes, were investigated as substrates for microtubule adhesion with retention of biological activity. Microtubules were found to adhere strongly to amine terminal silanes while retaining the ability to act as substrates for the molecular motor protein kinesin. Aminosilane patterns with linewidths varying from 1 to 50 microns were produced lithographically and used to produce patterns of selectively adhered microtubules. Microtubules were partially aligned on the patterned lines by performing the immobilization in a fluid flow field. Patterns were imaged with atomic force microscopy and differential interference contrast microscopy. Motility assays were carried out using kinesin-coated beads and observed with differential interference contrast microscopy. Kinesin bead movement on the patterned microtubules was comparable to movement on microtubule control surfaces.
Changes in host animal plasma lipids during hepatoma growth

The concentrations of the major neutral lipid and phospholipid classes in the plasma of rats bearing hepatoma 7288CTC were determined at various times after transplantation. The fatty acid composition of each lipid class was also analyzed quantitatively as tumor growth progressed. Generally, most lipid classes exhibited a slight decrease between the third and sixth day after transplantation, returned to near normal levels by the 15th day, increased dramatically and peaked between the 24th and 27th days before plummeting sharply. At peak concentrations, triglycerides were increased 5 times the normal levels, whereas cholesterol, cholesteryl esters and phosphatidylcholines were increased 3-fold. The percentage of hexadecenoates decreased in all lipid classes as tumor growth progressed and generally, stearate levels increased. In addition to monounsaturated fatty acids, lysophosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylcholines showed relatively large decreases in the percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acids with increased tumor growth. These results indicate that hepatoma 7288CTC can cause perturbation of host animal plasma lipids in the early stages of growth which precedes the massive hyperlipidemia. The interpretation of these results suggests that the early changes in plasma lipids may result from alterations in the normal lipid metabolism of the host, and the hyperlipidemia that develops later may result from the mobilization of lipids to compensate for the altered metabolism.
Proof-Theoretic Foundations of Indexing in Logic Programming

Indexing is generally viewed as an implementation artifact, indispensable to speed up the execution of logic programs and theorem provers, but with little intrinsically logical about it. We show that indexing can be given a justification in proof theory on the basis of focusing and linearity. We demonstrate this approach on predicate indexing for Horn clauses and several formulations of hereditary Harrop formulas. We also show how to refine this approach to discriminate on function symbols as well.
Self-referenced interferometry for the characterization of axicon lens quality

A simple interferometer for the characterization of axicon lenses is presented. The phase cone acquired by a wave propagating through an axicon, when interfered with a collinear reference wave, produces a nearly cylindrically symmetric self-referenced interference pattern from which the distortions of the axicon surface may be readily obtained. Comparison with two-dimensional off-axis interferometry is used to validate the self-referenced technique. The measurements are based on retrieval of the accrued spatial phase distribution from interference fringes with on- and off-axis reference beams and are found to be equivalent. We use the ellipticity of the phase maps to qualify axicon lenses, which are expected to exhibit radial symmetry and engage the self-referential capability of the on-axis method to derive deviation maps that characterize the surface quality of the axicons.
Type B gastritis, aging, and Campylobacter pylori.

Gastritis, although a common diagnosis used by clinicians and pathologists in most parts of the world, is not well understood, especially its pathophysiology. Two major forms are recognized. 1 Type A gastritis, which involves the fundus, is associated with pernicious anemia, antibodies to parietal cells, and autoimmune conditions of other organs. Type B gastritis, which is much more common, appears to mainly affect the antrum, autoimmune phenomena are absent, and it has been considered idiopathic. Patients with peptic ulcer disease almost invariably also have type B gastritis, but the relationship of these two entities has not been satisfactorily resolved. 2,3 See also p 1149. Population-based studies of gastric histologic characteristics in adults in northern Europe performed a number of years ago indicated that gastritis was surprisingly common. 4 The incidence of gastritis, nearly all type B, increased with age, reaching 78% in those over 50 years old. The gastritis observed
“Momentum-space” suppression technique for Josephson junctions

Abstract A renormalization procedure is constructed for the resistively shunted Josephson junctions by means of the “momentum-space” suppression technique. The renormalization transformation has a trivial fixed point describing the behavior of junctions near the autonomous case without a periodic force, and a nontrivial fixed point corresponding to the critical case.
Protesting Privilege: An Autoethnographic Look at Whiteness

In this article, the author uses autoethnographic methods to interrogate her own White privilege. She argues that it is necessary to consider both how people are positioned as dominant as well as how they are positioned as marginalized to deconstruct persisting hierarchies of oppression. Drawing on a series of conversations that took place during the passage of several years, the author interrogates her willingness to hide behind her own minority identities and privilege, and she considers the importance of this undertaking to feminist politics and praxis.
Beyond the pale of MAC and DAC-defining new forms of access control

Examples of DoD/intelligence data protection requirements are described that cannot be handled through traditional mandatory (MAC) or discretionary (DAC) access controls, and two new forms of access controls to respond to these problems are proposed. First, a user attribute-based access control for enforcement of dissemination controls is introduced. Second, a type of access control known as owner-retained access control is described, to provide a privilege-based form of access control that, unlike DAC, prevents access to data being extended to others without the owner's concurrence. For both types of controls, the access control rules to be enforced and the implications of providing automated enforcement of these controls are discussed. The two forms of control are compared, and an informal model is presented that provides a common framework for representing both. In conclusion, the benefits and drawbacks of this approach are discussed, and some areas for future work are identified. >
Differential Requirements for Conserved E2 Binding Sites in the Life Cycle of Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus Type 31

Human papillomavirus (HPV) E2 proteins regulate viral replication by binding to sites in the upstream regulatory region (URR) and by complex formation with the E1 origin recognition protein. In the genital HPV types, the distribution and location of four E2 binding sites (BS1 to BS4) which flank a single E1 binding site are highly conserved. We have examined the roles of these four E2 sites in the viral life cycle of HPV type 31 (HPV31) by using recently developed methods for the biosynthesis of papillomaviruses from transfected DNA templates (M. G. Frattini et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:3062–3067, 1996). In transient assays, no single site was found to be necessary for replication, and mutation of the early promoter-proximal site (BS4) led to a fourfold increase in replication. Cotransfection of the HPV31 wild-type (HPV-wt) and mutant genomes with expression vectors revealed that E1 stimulated replication of HPV31-wt as well as the HPV31-BS1, -BS2, and -BS3 mutants. In contrast, increased expression of E2 decreased replication of these genomes. Replication of the HPV31-BS4 mutant genome was not further increased by cotransfection of E1 expression vectors but was stimulated by E2 coexpression. In stably transfected normal human keratinocytes, mutation of either BS1, BS3, or BS4 resulted in integration of viral genomes into host chromosomes. In contrast, mutation of BS2 had no effect on stable maintenance of episomes or copy number. Following growth of stably transfected lines in organotypic raft cultures, the differentiation-dependent induction of late gene expression and amplification of viral DNA of the BS2 mutant was found to be similar to that of HPV31-wt. We were unable to find a role for BS2 in our assays for viral functions. We conclude that at least three of the four E2 binding sites in the URRs of HPVs are essential for the productive viral life cycle. The specific arrangement of E2 binding sites within the URR appears to be more important for viral replication than merely the number of sites.
Interferon-γ Is Essential for Destruction of β Cells and Development of Insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Autoimmune mediated destruction of β cells of the islets of Langerhans leads to insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Rat insulin promoter (RIP) lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) transgenic mice that express the nucleoprotein (NP) or glycoprotein (GP) of LCMV under control of the RIP in their β cells develop IDDM after infection with LCMV and serve as a model for virus-induced IDDM. Recently, Kagi et al. (Kagi, D., B. Odermatt, P. Ohashi, R.M. Zinkernagel, and H. Hengartner. 1996. J. Exp. Med. 183:2143–2149) showed, using RIP LCMV perforin-deficient mice, that IDDM does not occur in the absence of perforin. They concluded that perforin-mediated killing by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) is the main factor needed for β cell injury and destruction. Here we provide evidence that killing of β cells is more complex and multifactorial. By the use of our RIP LCMV model, we show that in perforin competent but interferon-γ (IFN-γ)–deficient mice, β cell injury is limited and IDDM does not occur. For these studies, double transgenic mice were generated that were genetically deficient in the production of IFN-γ and express LCMV NP or GP in their β cells. In such mice, IDDM was aborted despite the generation of LCMV-specific antiself CTLs that displayed normal cytolytic activity in vitro and in vivo and entered the pancreas. However, mononuclear infiltration into the islets did not occur, and upregulation of class I and II molecules usually found in islets of RIP LCMV single transgenic mice after LCMV infection preceding the onset of clinical IDDM was not present in these bigenic mice. Our findings indicate that in addition to perforin, β cell destruction, development of insulitis, and IDDM also depend on the cytokine INF-γ, presumably through enhancement of major histocompatibility complex expression and antigen presentation.
Factors That Mediate Treatment Outcome of Sexually Abused Preschool Children

ABSTRACT Objective The role of demographic, developmental, and familial mediating factors on treatment outcome of sexually abused preschool children was evaluated. Method Sixty-seven sexually abused preschool children and their parents were evaluated shortly after disclosure of sexual abuse and then were provided with one of two treatment interventions. At the completion of treatment, the parents and their children were reevaluated. Parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist, the Child Sexual Behavior Inventory, and the Weekly Behavior Report to measure a variety of emotional and behavioral symptoms in children. Parents also completed the Beck Depression Inventory, the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale-III, the Parent Emotional Reaction Questionnaire, the Parental Support Questionnaire, and the Maternal Social Support Index. Children completed the Preschool Symptom Self-Report to assess self-reported affective symptoms and the Battelle Developmental Inventory and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test to assess developmental level. Results Correlational analyses were conducted to analyze the relationships between the hypothesized mediating variables and the outcome measures at posttreatment across the two treatment groups. Multiple regression analyses were also performed. Both parental depression and parental emotional distress correlated significantly with several of the child outcome measures. Battelle scores were significantly negatively correlated with several outcome measures. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that the Parent Emotional Reaction Questionnaire remained a highly significant predictor of treatment outcome. Conclusions The findings indicate a strong correlation between parental emotional distress related to the abuse and treatment outcome in sexually abused preschool children, independent of the type of treatment provided. The findings indicate the importance of addressing parental distress related to the abuse in providing effective treatment to sexually abused preschool children.
Hunting Dogs in the Lowland Neotropics

Once absent in much of Amazonia, dogs are now commonly used for hunting throughout the lowland Neotropics. Although some ethnographers have questioned their usefulness, dogs are particularly effective in pursuits of several mammalian prey species. The return rates of hunting with dogs appear to compare favorably with those of hunting with firearms, and dogs may be especially beneficial in anthropogenic habitats. There is considerable cross-cultural variation in the training and care of dogs. Good hunting dogs typically receive better care than their less-talented conspecifics. Mortality rates for dogs in the Neotropics are high, and the causes of death include malnutrition and attacks by other animals. Although isolated Neotropical societies may not have initially recognized the overall value of hunting dogs, a more likely explanation for the absence of dogs in prehistoric Amazonia is the high mortality of dog populations in the region. Additional research is needed to resolve ethnological questions about...
Electric fish: new insights into conserved processes of adult tissue regeneration

Biology is replete with examples of regeneration, the process that allows animals to replace or repair cells, tissues and organs. As on land, vertebrates in aquatic environments experience the occurrence of injury with varying frequency and to different degrees. Studies demonstrate that ray-finned fishes possess a very high capacity to regenerate different tissues and organs when they are adults. Among fishes that exhibit robust regenerative capacities are the neotropical electric fishes of South America (Teleostei: Gymnotiformes). Specifically, adult gymnotiform electric fishes can regenerate injured brain and spinal cord tissues and restore amputated body parts repeatedly. We have begun to identify some aspects of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of tail regeneration in the weakly electric fish Sternopygus macrurus (long-tailed knifefish) with a focus on regeneration of skeletal muscle and the muscle-derived electric organ. Application of in vivo microinjection techniques and generation of myogenic stem cell markers are beginning to overcome some of the challenges owing to the limitations of working with non-genetic animal models with extensive regenerative capacity. This review highlights some aspects of tail regeneration in S. macrurus and discusses the advantages of using gymnotiform electric fishes to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that produce new cells during regeneration in adult vertebrates.
A COMPARISON OF TECHNIQUES WHICH TEST FOR JOB DIFFERENCES

There has been a recent trend in research seeking the most appropriate statistical technique for determining job similarities/differences. Monte Carlo methods were used to analyze more closely the repeated measures analysis of variance and the multivariate analysis of variance in order to add further insight into the viability of these techniques for this purpose. The conventional univariate analysis of variance, the e-adjusted univariate F test, and the e-adjusted univariate F test were compared to three multivariate tests (Roy's largest-root criterion, Wilk's likelihood ratio, and the Pillai-Barlett trace) in terms of power and control for Type I error when (1) circularity and homogeneity were met, (2) homogeneity was met but circularity was violated, (3) homogeneity was violated but circularity was met, and (4) both homogeneity and circularity were violated. The efficacy of the techniques was shown to be contingent upon whether the assumptions were met or not. The univariate test proved to be the better technique when circularity was met. The multivariate technique proved to be the better test when homogeneity was met while circularity was violated. The results were mixed when both circularity and homogeneity were violated. Guidelines for selecting a statistical technique which tests for job differences are offered.
Refiguring the Primitive: Institutional Legacies of the Filmology Movement

This contribution examines how the discourse of “the primitive,” as an institutional point of reference developed by the philosopher Lucien Levy-Bruhl (1857-1939), influenced the establishment of the Institute of Filmology at the University of Paris in 1948. Filmology, a term introduced by Gilbert Cohen-Seat, is described as a positive science with its own strategy of systematizing the study of film as object and institution with its own series of emerging methods. The present article describes the formulation of the “filmic fact” as a positive science indebted to Durkheimian methods, but also as a means of engaging with the multiple strands of “primitivism.” On the one hand, this article elaborates upon the significance of Levy-Bruhl’s discussion of “primitivism” as an effective cosmology for causation and related inferences which asserts a space of difference to be further explored, and on the other, it explains how “primitivism” has been used to designate historical and psychological attributes within the institution of cinema as an emerging structure of producing meaning.
Improved Switching Converter Model Using Discrete and Averaging Techniques

The nonlinear modeling and analysis of dc-dc converters has been done by averaging and discrete-sampling techniques. The averaging technique is simple, but inaccurate, as the modulation frequencies approach the theoretical limit of one-half the switching frequency. The discrete technique is accurate even at high frequencies, but is very complex and cumbersome. An improved model is developed by combining the aforementioned techniques. This new model is easy to implement in circuit and state variable forms and is accurate to the theoretical limit.
Two Modes of Pseudorabies Virus Neuroinvasion and Lethality in Mice

We describe two distinct modes of neuroinvasion and lethality after murine flank inoculation with virulent and attenuated strains of pseudorabies virus (PRV). Mice infected with virulent (e.g., PRV-Becker, PRV-Kaplan, or PRV-NIA3) strains self-mutilate their flank skin in response to virally induced pruritus, die rapidly with no identifiable symptoms of central nervous system (CNS) infection such as behavioral abnormalities, and have little infectious virus or viral antigen in the brain. In distinct contrast, animals infected with an attenuated PRV vaccine strain (PRV-Bartha) survive approximately three times longer than wild-type PRV-infected animals, exhibit severe CNS abnormalities, and have an abundance of infectious virus in the brain at the time of death. Interestingly, these animals have no skin lesions and do not appear pruritic at any time during infection. The severe pruritus and relatively earlier time until death induced by wild-type PRV infection may reflect the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and immune responses to infection rather than a fatal, virally induced CNS pathology. Based on previously characterized afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) neuronal pathways that innervate the skin, we deduced that wild-type virulent strains transit through the PNS via both afferent and efferent routes, whereas PRV-Bartha travels by only efferent routes in the PNS en route to the brain.
A preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Mentoring Program for Respiratory Care.

BACKGROUND: In 2008 the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation launched the Respiratory Therapy Mentoring Program, which pairs a respiratory therapist (RT) relatively new to CF (apprentice) with a highly experienced RT (mentor) from a similar CF care center. We wished to determine if we had achieved our short-term goal of increasing CF-specific knowledge among the apprentices who participated in the program. METHODS: Selected apprentices were each matched with a mentor, based on characteristics of CF population, clinical setting, center size, and geographic location of their care centers. Apprentices completed a CF-specific RT knowledge self assessment tool prior to and after a site visit to their mentor's center. Mentors also completed a post site visit knowledge self assessment tool regarding their apprentice. RESULTS: Thirty-seven apprentices completed a pre and post site visit knowledge self assessment tool. The median pre and post site visit scores were 12 and 31 ( P < .001) respectively. The mentors' post site visit scores of their apprentices (median 29, P = .07) did not significantly differ from the apprentices' post site visit scores. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this preliminary evaluation suggest that the RT mentoring program has achieved its short-term goal of increasing CF-specific knowledge among RTs relatively new to CF care.
Determining Energy Expenditure From Treadmill Walking Using Hip-Worn Inertial Sensors: An Experimental Study

We describe an experimental study to estimate energy expenditure during treadmill walking using a single hip-mounted inertial sensor (triaxial accelerometer and triaxial gyroscope). Typical physical-activity characterization using commercial monitors use proprietary counts that do not have a physically interpretable meaning. This paper emphasizes the role of probabilistic techniques in conjunction with inertial data modeling to accurately predict energy expenditure for steady-state treadmill walking. We represent the cyclic nature of walking with a Fourier transform and show how to map this representation to energy expenditure ([(V)\dot]O2, mL/min) using three regression techniques. A comparative analysis of the accuracy of sensor streams in predicting energy expenditure reveals that using triaxial information leads to more accurate energy-expenditure prediction compared to only using one axis. Combining accelerometer and gyroscope information leads to improved accuracy compared to using either sensor alone. Nonlinear regression methods showed better prediction accuracy compared to linear methods but required an order of higher magnitude run time.
Improved combinatorial group testing for real-world problem sizes

We study practically efficient methods for performing combinatorial group testing. We present efficient non-adaptive and two-stage combinatorial group testing algorithms, which identify the at most d items out of a given set of n items that are defective, using fewer tests for all practical set sizes. For example, our two-stage algorithm matches the information theoretic lower bound for the number of tests in a combinatorial group testing regimen.
Modes of occurrence of mercury and other trace elements in coals from the warrior field, Black Warrior Basin, Northwestern Alabama

Abstract The mineralogic residence and abundance of trace metals is an important environmental issue. Data from the USGS coal quality database show that potentially toxic elements, including Hg, As, Mo, Se, Cu, and Tl are enriched in a subset of coal samples in the Black Warrior Basin of Alabama, USA. Although the coal as-mined typically is low in these elements, localized enrichments occur in high-pyrite coals and near faults. Microscopic analyses demonstrate that the residence of these elements is dominantly in a late-stage pyrite associated with structurally disrupted coal. Further, our data suggest addition of Hg to the coal matrix as well. The source of these trace elements was hydrothermal fluids driven into the Black Warrior Basin by Alleghanian age tectonism.
Letter by Schmitto et al Regarding Article “Large Animal Models of Heart Failure: A Critical Link in the Translation of Basic Science to Clinical Practice”

To the Editor: We read with great interest the review by Dixon and Spinale1 on “Large animal models of heart failure” and congratulate the authors on a well written and timely article. In addition to those cited in the article, there are several more heart failure animal models in other …
Instruction in Career Decision Making and Decision-Making Styles

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differential effectiveness of two distinct career decision-making interventions and decision-making styles on certainty of vocational choice and changes in vocational maturity. Students were randomly assigned to (a) an intuitive intervention, (b) a rational intervention, (c) attention-placebo, or (d) no-treatment control groups. Students were classified as having either a rational, intuitive, or dependent decision-making style, and styles distributed themselves evenly across the four groups. Results indicated that decision-making style contributed to vocational maturity and certainty of vocational choice, and both interventions resulted in increases on both dependent measures. Rational decision makers did best with the rational intervention, whereas intuitive decision makers did best with the intuitive interventions. Thus, both styles can be considered as effective. Dependent decision makers have an ineffective style, demonstrating decreases on both dependent measures in all groups.
Stage-dependent localization of a novel gene product of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum.

A novel Plasmodium falciparum gene, MB2, was identified by screening a sporozoite cDNA library with the serum of a human volunteer protected experimentally by the bites of P. falciparum-infected and irradiated mosquitoes. The single-exon, single-copy MB2 gene is predicted to encode a protein with an Mr of 187,000. The MB2 protein has an amino-terminal basic domain, a central acidic domain, and a carboxyl-terminal domain with similarity to the GTP-binding domain of the prokaryotic translation initiation factor 2. MB2 is expressed in sporozoites, the liver, and blood-stage parasites and gametocytes. The MB2 protein is distributed as a ~120-kDa moiety on the surface of sporozoites and is imported into the nucleus of blood-stage parasites as a ~66-kDa species. Proteolytic processing is favored as the mechanism regulating the distinct subcellular localization of the MB2 protein. This differential localization provides multiple opportunities to exploit the MB2 gene product as a vaccine or therapeutic target.
Temporal alignment of tissue and arterial data and selection of integration start times for the H/sub 2//sup 15/O autoradiographic CBF model in PET

A technique has been developed and tested that provides an automated method of temporally aligning the PET tissue activity curve with the arterial activity curve for quantification of cerebral blood flow using the H/sub 2//sup 15/O autoradiographic model. This technique not only determines the relative time delay between the two curves, but also provides the start time of integration. Variability in computing global cerebral blood flow using this technique is shown to be less than that obtained by trained observers manually selecting parameters and at least as good as that obtained by using another automated alignment technique. >
Preclinical animal models of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Animal models of disease serve a vital function in the search for novel therapeutic approaches. While these systems cannot replicate human disease, they can be used to mimic and investigate mechanisms believed to be central to disease pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss the most relevant and commonly used animal models for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); specifically, models developed for the mouse, rat and guinea pig. Allergens, such as ovalbumin, can be used to induce an IgE-dependent response characterized by early- and late-phase bronchoconstriction, inflammation and airway hyper-responsiveness similar to what occurs in asthmatics. Similarly, elastase and cigarette smoke can be used to replicate steroid-insensitive and progressive inflammation, which leads to lung pathologies that are observed in COPD patients. We also discuss how these models are developing in new ways to more closely reflect the clinical disease. Unfortunately, these models have limitations due to differences in genetics, anatomy and physiology among the species, many of which we have highlighted; however, understanding these differences, careful characterization of these models and parallel in vitro or ex vivo studies using human and relevant animal tissues will overcome some of these issues. In spite of these limitations, as long as studies are designed and interpreted appropriately, in vivo models will continue to be vital for furthering our understanding of disease pathogenesis and for developing new therapies.
Dictyostelium discoideum Fatty-acyl Amidase II Has Deacylase Activity on Rhizobium Nodulation Factors

Dictyostelium discoideum (Amoebidae) secretes cell-lysing enzymes: esterases, amidases, and glycosylases, many of which degrade soil bacteria to provide a source of nutrients. Two of these enzymes, fatty-acyl amidases FAA I and FAA II, act sequentially on the N-linked long chain acyl groups of lipid A, the lipid anchor of Gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide. FAA I selectively hydrolyzes the 3-hydroxymyristoyl group N-linked to the proximal glucosamine residue of de-O-acylated lipid A. Substrate specificity for FAA II is less selective, but does require prior de-N-acylation of the proximal sugar, i.e. bis-N-acylated lipid A is not a substrate. We have synthesized a 14C-labeled substrate analog for FAA II and used this in a novel assay to monitor its purification. Inhibitory studies indicate that FAA II is not a serine protease, but may have a catalytic mechanism similar to metalloprotein de-N-acetylases such as LpxC. Interestingly, rhizobial Nod factor signal oligosaccharides that induce root nodules on leguminous plants have many of the structural requirements for substrate recognition by FAA II. In vitro evidence indicates that Rhizobium fredii Nod factors are selectively de-N-acylated by purified FAA II, suggesting that the enzyme may reduce the N2-fixing efficiency of Rhizobium-legume symbioses. In contrast, N-methylated Nod factors from transgenic R. fredii carrying the rhizobial nodS gene were resistant to FAA II, suggesting a mechanism by which Nod factors may be protected from enzymatic de-N-acylation. Since FAA II and Nod factors are both secreted, and Nod factors that lack the N-acyl group are unable to induce nodules, dictyostelial FAA II may decrease the efficiency of symbiotic nitrogen fixation in the environment by reducing the available biologically active nodule inducer signal.
Fast thermal analysis for CMOS VLSIC reliability

In this paper, we present a fast thermal reliability diagnosis tool (iTHREAD) for CMOS VLSI chips. Unlike existing circuit-level electrothermal simulators, it finds the steady-state temperature distribution, the hot spots, as well as the resulting power consumptions in an extremely efficient way. By using a fast timing simulator with accurate temperature-dependent device models and a novel 3-D analytical thermal simulator, it can easily handle very large circuits. With iTHREAD, temperature-dependent reliability and timing problems of VLSICs can be accurately and quickly predicted. It can be further applied to guide the module placement, timing verification, and many other IC reliability diagnoses.
Cardiac performance after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in chronically cyanotic neonatal lambs.

Abstract Objectives: It is controversial whether immature cyanotic hearts are more susceptible to ischemic injury than normoxemic hearts. Acutely induced alveolar hypoxic stress before cardiopulmonary bypass has been used as a model of cyanosis and is reported to worsen recovery of immature hearts after subsequent ischemic insult by means of a free radical injury mechanism. Because of concerns about the relevance of acute alveolar repair to the chronic cyanosis encountered clinically, we assessed the effects of chronic cyanosis without alveolar hypoxia, acute alveolar hypoxia, and normoxemia on recovery of cardiac function after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Methods: A chronic cyanosis model was created in 8 lambs by an anastomosis between the pulmonary artery and the left atrium (cyanosis group). Eight lambs underwent sham operation (control). One week later, the animals underwent cardiopulmonary bypass with 90 minutes of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest at 18°C. Another 8 lambs underwent 45 minutes of hypoxic ventilation before bypass, with arterial oxygen tension being maintained at 30 mm Hg (acute hypoxia group). Cardiac index, preload recruitable stroke work, and tau were measured. Malondialdehyde and nitrate-nitrite, nitric oxide metabolites, were also measured in the coronary sinus. Myocardial antioxidant reserve capacity at 2 hours of reperfusion was assessed by measuring lipid peroxidation in left ventricular tissue samples incubated with t-butylhydroperoxide at 37°C. Results: Oxygen tension was 35 ± 3 mm Hg in the acute hypoxia group versus 93 ± 7 mm Hg in the control group. In the acute hypoxia group the recovery of cardiac index, preload recruitable stroke work, and tau were significantly worse than that found in both the control and cyanosis groups. Preload recruitable stroke work at 2 hours of reperfusion was slightly but significantly lower in the cyanosis group than in the control group. The postischemic level of nitric oxide metabolites was significantly lower in the acute hypoxia group than in the cyanosis and control groups. However, malondialdehyde levels in the coronary sinus and myocardial antioxidant reserve capacity were not significantly different among the groups. Conclusion: Recovery of left ventricular function after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in neonatal lambs with chronic cyanosis was slightly worse than that found in acyanotic animals. Acute hypoxia before bypass was associated with significantly worse recovery of left ventricular function, and the mechanism of injury may be related to an impairment of nitric oxide production. Free radical injury does not appear to explain any differences among cyanotic, acyanotic, and acutely hypoxic animals in recovery of left ventricular function after ischemia. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2000;120:238-46)
Re-reading Francois Quesnay’s Tableau Economique for accounting and beyond

This paper introduces the literature of Francois Quesnay that speaks to two contemporary problematics: first, the humankind’s relationship with nature (specifically with land). Second, Quesnay’s Tableau – the forerunner of studies of economic instability induced by ruptures between, inter alia, finance, production, and consumer sectors. Using numerous historical sources and relating them to today’s dilemmas. That today’s economic and financial crises have sent the literary-minded scurrying back to the classics for insight and succour. The dastardly exploits of the Ponzi artist Bernie Madoff call to mind The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald, 1950) or The Way We Live Now (Trollope, 1941). ‘When hard-core free-marketeers like Richard Posner (2009) are questioning the efficacy of capitalism, the works of Quesnay, Aristotle, Plato, Socrates and Karl Marx are being fished out of the dustbin of history (Daniel Gross, The New York Times International Edition, July 2009).1 This paper uses Quesnay’s work and applies it to present-day problems.
UWB sampler for wireless communications and radar

An ultra wideband (UWB) sampler, realized using step recovery and Schottky diodes on coplanar waveguide, coplanar strips and slotlines, has been developed for UWB wireless communications and radar systems. The impulse generator, providing signal for the sampling gate, was also included along with a new LO feeding structure. The fabricated circuit shows 16-19 dB conversion loss without amplifier and 1-4 dB conversion gain with amplifier across a 9-GHz RF bandwidth with 500-MHz sampling frequency.
Associations of Objectively Measured Vigorous Physical Activity With Body Composition, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Cardiometabolic Health in Youth: A Review.

Background. Increasing evidence suggests that vigorous physical activity (VPA) in youth may yield greater health benefits than moderate (MPA) or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The p...
Final results of a phase II study of erlotinib, docetaxel and cisplatin in patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer

6013 Background: Interrupting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway has shown promise in a variety of cancers and preclinical data has demonstrated possible synergy with pla...