cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Digit Survival following Replantation: Quantitative Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction Microsurgical replantation following digital amputation has variable success rates. Sociodemographic factors and surgery-related variables have been shown to influence survival rates; however, few studies have evaluated these data systematically across a combined dataset. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the current literature to identify the predictors of replant survival. Materials and Methods A literature review was performed using the PubMed/Medline database focused on complete digit amputation/replantation studies. Studies were evaluated for patient and surgery-related variables and their respective effects on survival. Statistical analysis was conducted to identify predictors of survival and derive pooled estimates from the combined dataset. Results Thirty-two studies representing more than 6,000 digit amputation/replantation cases met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Statistical analysis revealed the number of venous anastomosis (0 vs. 1 vs. 2), the number of arterial anastomosis (0 vs. 1 vs. 2), and the mechanism of injury (sharp cut versus blunt cut versus avulsion versus crush) to influence replant survival ( p < 0.05). The authors failed to find a significant association between survival and the following variables: age, sex, zone of injury, digit number, tobacco use, ischemia time, method of preservation, and use of vein graft. Conclusion Patient- and surgery-related variables affect digit survival following replantation. The etiology of injury can help risk-stratify patients and assist in an informed decision making process, whereas surgery-related factors can guide surgeon practice to improve clinical outcomes following replantation.
Estimating historical groundwater levels based on relations with hydrologic and meteorological variables in the U.S. glacial aquifer system

Abstract A number of previous studies have examined relations between groundwater levels and hydrologic and meteorological variables over parts of the glacial aquifer system, but systematic analyses across the entire U.S. glacial aquifer system are lacking. We tested correlations between monthly groundwater levels measured at 1043 wells in the U.S. glacial aquifer system considered to be minimally influenced by human disturbance and selected hydrologic and meteorological variables with the goal of extending historical groundwater records where there were strong correlations. Groundwater levels in the East region correlated most strongly with short-term (1 and 3 month) averages of hydrologic and meteorological variables, while those in the Central and West Central regions yielded stronger correlations with hydrologic and meteorological variables averaged over longer time intervals (6–12 months). Variables strongly correlated with high and low annual groundwater levels were identified as candidate records for use in statistical linear models as a means to fill in and extend historical high and low groundwater levels respectively. Overall, 37.4% of study wells meeting data criteria had successful models for high and (or) low groundwater levels; these wells shared characteristics of relatively higher local precipitation, higher local land-surface slope, lower amounts of clay within the surficial sediments, and higher base-flow index. Streamflow and base flow served as explanatory variables in about two thirds of both high- and low-groundwater-level models in all three regions, and generally yielded more and better models compared to precipitation and Palmer Drought Severity Index. The use of variables such as streamflow with substantially longer and more complete records than those of groundwater wells provide a means for placing contemporary groundwater levels in a longer historical context and can support site-specific analyses such as groundwater modeling.
Structural Control Energy Efficiency Based on Elastic Displacement

A modified optimal linear control algorithm is proposed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the active control system in reducing inelastic structural dynamic responses using elastic displacement feedback. Effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is then demonstrated by studying the control energy of the controlled structure. Numerical simulation using various single degree of freedom systems is performed and results show that there always exists a point where the control energy dissipation is maximal, and this optimal point is dependent on the structural characteristics as well as the earthquake excitation.
Lower-hybrid RF current drive and electron-cyclotron heating on the Versator II tokamak

ABSTRACT Lower-hybrid current drive experiments (LHCD) have been carried out on the Versator II tokamak in which RF injection for pulse lengths longer than the plasma L/R time has generated large increases in the net toroidal current. Incremental increases, ΔI/I, of more than 35% have been obtained. These current rises are strongly dependent on the relative phasing between waveguides, Δφ, with largest current rise occurring when waves are launched in the direction of the electron ohmic drift, Δφ=-90°. In typical cases, Thomson scattering measurements during RF drive show a decrease in the central electron temperature from 240eV±45eV to 120eV±20eV due to the spontaneous reduction in ohmic heating power during RF drive. The identification of these RF effects as the generation of current by lower-hybrid waves has been previously reported.1,2,
TCT-812 The distal left radial artery for coronary angiography and intervention: A US experience

The radial artery is the access of choice in many catheterization labs around the world due to its proven benefits over the femoral artery access. Though the right radial artery is the preferred side, there has been growing interest in utilizing the left radial especially in patients with bypass
Evaluating ultraviolet (UV) based photochemistry in optically complex coastal waters using the Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean (HICO)

Abstract Knowledge of light partitioning into different optically active constituents, particularly chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in the ultraviolet (UV) is indispensable for understanding UV dependent biogeochemical issues including photochemical processes in optically complex waters. Herein a new approach is presented to investigate photochemistry by blending two ocean color algorithms, namely the composite SeaUV (Cao et al., 2014) and the SeaCDOM (Cao and Miller, 2015) algorithms, and applying them to visible remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) measured using the Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean (HICO). As illustrated using photochemical carbon monoxide (CO) production from CDOM, this model approach allows high resolution examination of UV optical details with estimates of both depth-specific and depth-integrated photoproduction rates in a dynamic estuarine/coastal environment. Decoupled retrievals of inherent and apparent optical properties (i.e. diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd) and CDOM absorption coefficient (ag)) using two distinct ocean color algorithms over the entire UV spectrum allow a synoptically dynamic view of CDOM's contribution to light attenuation (ag/Kd). This provides new potential to probe UV processes in complex coastal waters on regional as well as global scales using remote sensing of ocean color.
Photoacoustic microscopy of obesity-induced cerebrovascular alterations

Cerebral small vessel disease has been linked to cognitive, psychiatric and physical disabilities, especially in the elderly. However, the underlying pathophysiology remains incompletely understood, largely due to the limited accessibility of these small vessels in the live brain. Here, we report an intravital imaging and analysis platform for high-resolution, quantitative and comprehensive characterization of pathological alterations in the mouse cerebral microvasculature. By exploiting multi-parametric photoacoustic microscopy (PAM), microvascular structure, blood perfusion, oxygenation and flow were imaged in the awake brain. With the aid of vessel segmentation, these structural and functional parameters were extracted at the single-microvessel level, from which vascular density, tortuosity, wall shear stress, resistance and associated cerebral oxygen extraction fraction and metabolism were also quantified. With the use of vasodilatory stimulus, multifaceted cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) was characterized in vivo. By extending the classic Evans blue assay to in vivo, permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) was dynamically evaluated. The utility of this enabling technique was examined by studying cerebrovascular alterations in an established mouse model of high-fat diet-induced obesity. Our results revealed increased vascular density, reduced arterial flow, enhanced oxygen extraction, impaired BBB integrity, and increased multifaceted CVR in the obese brain. Interestingly, the 'counterintuitive' increase of CVR was supported by the elevated active endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the obese mouse. Providing comprehensive and quantitative insights into cerebral microvessels and their responses under pathological conditions, this technique opens a new door to mechanistic studies of the cerebral small vessel disease and its implications in neurodegeneration and stroke.
Resource use by and trophic variability of Armases cinereum (Crustacea, Brachyura) across human-impacted mangrove transition zones

In Florida, resource use patterns by Armases cinereum (Armases), a highly abundant crab in coastal habitats, may serve as important indicators of habitat condition. Here we investigated feeding patterns of Armases in coastal palm scrub forest to intertidal mangrove forest transition zones (transitions) as well as the relationship between habitat disturbance and Armases' trophic position across three pairs of geographically separated populations in Tampa FL, USA. Each pair of sites represented an unmodified "natural" location as well as a "disturbed" location lacking upland terrestrial palm scrub forested habitat. Laboratory experiments established a baseline understanding of feeding preference of Armases offered strictly mangrove material as well as sources abundant at the transition. In-situ feeding behavior was examined using MixSIAR mixing models with δ13C and δ15N stable isotope tracers. Armases showed a strong preference for consuming partially-decomposed mangrove material from Avicennia germinans and an equally strong preference for Iva frutescens. Armases also displayed predatory behavior under laboratory conditions, confirming omnivory in the presence of mangrove material. Stable isotopes revealed a pattern of elevated trophic position of Armases in disturbed habitats over paired natural locations. Diet reconstruction provided coarse resolution of in-situ feeding and results show high spatial variation: in natural habitats, Armases appears to rely heavily upon upland plant material compared to disturbed habitats where it may consume more animal prey. Combined, these findings support that Armases trophic position and diet may indicate habitat quality in mangrove transitions in the southeastern United States.
Incorporating agricultural waste-to-energy pathways into biomass product and process network through data-driven nonlinear adaptive robust optimization

Abstract A biomass product and process network that displays how organic waste and other non-traditional biomass feedstocks may be converted into useful bioproducts and biofuels is a necessary addition to the field of biomass conversion and utilization. We develop a processing network of 216 technologies and 172 materials/compounds that contains conversion pathways of agricultural and organic waste biomass sources, such as food peels, animal manure, and grease. To examine the effectiveness and economic feasibility of these conversion pathways, the biomass product and process network is optimized for return on investment. The resulting problem is a data-driven two-stage adaptive robust mixed-integer nonlinear fractional program, which was effectively solved via a tailored optimization algorithm. The proposed approach is applied to two case studies in which traditional agricultural feedstocks are used alongside biological and agricultural waste feedstocks. The selected feedstocks were used to satisfy and, in some cases, even exceed demand for selected products. The optimal pathways have returns on investment of 26.1% and 6.2%, with utilized conversion technologies ranging from hydrocracking to microwave hydrodiffusion. In both cases, we find that profitable processing pathways are utilized at maximum capacities to increase return on investment. Specifically, in the case study where orange peel wastes are used to produce pectin, we find that this pathway is highly profitable at the given market price. The two cases that are run using the proposed model are then compared to additional cases to display differences that arise when uncertainty is not considered and the objective function of the model is changed.
Trends in Adolescent Vaping, 2017–2019

Vaping Trends among Adolescents, 2017–2019 Vaping by adolescents is a concern because of the risks of nicotine addiction and because of reports of an association between vaping and acute lung injur...
Female adolescents demonstrate greater oculomotor and vestibular dysfunction than male adolescents following concussion.

Abstract Objective To examine differences between male and female adolescents on measures of balance, vestibular and oculomotor function within 3 weeks of concussion among a group of pediatric patients presenting to a sports medicine clinic. Design Medical record review. Setting Sports medicine clinic. Participants 197 female (median age = 15.2 years) and 381 male (median age = 14.6 years) pediatric patients seen for a concussion, evaluated 9.3 ± 5.2 (mean ± SD) days post-concussion. Main outcome measures Patients completed Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), tandem gait, gaze stability, and near point of convergence (NPC) tests. Results A higher proportion of female patients exhibited abnormal NPC (22% vs. 14%; p = 0.017), gaze stability (53% vs. 43%; p = 0.028), and tandem gait tests (20% vs. 13%; p = 0.026) compared to male patients. Multivariable analysis indicated an independent association between female sex and increased odds of abnormal NPC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.07–3.00), and tandem gait tests (aOR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.12–3.41) following concussion. Conclusions Our results indicate that within the first three weeks of a concussion, female pediatric patients demonstrated increased odds of exhibiting abnormal near point of convergence, and tandem gait test performance compared to male patients.
Contributions of Auditory and Somatosensory Feedback to Vocal Motor Control

Purpose To better define the contributions of somatosensory and auditory feedback in vocal motor control, a laryngeal perturbation experiment was conducted with and without masking of auditory feed...
LOCAL LANGUAGES IN INDONESIA: LANGUAGE MAINTENANCE OR LANGUAGE SHIFT?

The choice and subsequent development of Bahasa Indonesia as the national language following the founding of the Republic of Indonesia in 1945 is widely cited as a great success story in language planning. With the increased use of Indonesian—both formal (bahasa resmi) and informal (bahasa sehari-hari)—in all facets of daily life, the question arises as to whether Indonesia will continue as a highly multilingual society or move toward monolingualism. We consider this issue from the perspectives of research on language policy, language endangerment, and language ideologies. As a case study, we consider current trends and shifts in the use of Javanese by younger speakers as influenced by the increased use of Indonesian. As Indonesian takes over in more and more domains of communication and intergenerational transmission of Javanese breaks down, we are led to conclude that even a language with over 80 million speakers can be at risk, a trend that has serious implications for all of the local languages of Indonesia.
A Framework of a Computerized Decision Aid to Improve Group Judgments

In organizations, groups of decision makers often meet to make judgments as a group on issues and tasks such as, hiring a person who best fits an open position. In such tasks called cognitive conflict tasks, where there is no conflict of interest, group members attempting to reach a common solution often differ on their perspectives to the problem. Cognitive conflicts have been studied in the context of Social Judgment Theory, which posits that persons or judges make a set of judgments about a set of events based on observation of a set of cues related to the events. Disagreement arises because the judges fail to understand each other’s judgment making policies. In order to reduce disagreement and move the group towards a group judgment policy that has the consensus of the group members and is applied consistently, a computerized decision aid is proposed that can be built around a Group Support System using cognitive mapping as a method of providing cognitive feedback and the Analytic Hierarchy Process to process the conflicting criteria and help an individual formulate a judgment policy, as well as aggregate the individual policies into a group judgment policy. It is argued that such as decision aid by supporting every decision maker in the group to effectively use information about the task so that they have a good understanding of the judgment policy they form, to communicate their evaluation policies accurately to other members, and by providing an iterative mechanism through which members can arrive at a compromise solution to the task, is expected to improve the quality of group judgments. https://doi.org/10.34105/j.kmel.2009.01.014
Pediatric Complexity Tool Best Practice Alert: Early Identification of Care Coordination for Children with Special Health Care Needs

Care coordination programs continue to be developed for children with special health care needs (CSHCN). The goals for these programs are to improve access, increase communication, and decrease the overall length of stay for CSHCN. Care coordination optimizes resources to support children's health and well-being early in their hospitalization and facilitates a smooth discharge process and transition to home. Providing care coordination for CSHCN requires collaboration from many disciplines. To achieve high-quality care coordination, early identification of medically complex pediatric patients on admission is optimal. For more efficient and timelier enrollment into our care coordination program, we created a best practice alert within our electronic medical record to help overcome the challenges in timely identification of CSHCN. The best practice alert has helped us to provide care coordination benefits to our patients earlier in their hospital course. The purpose of this paper is to describe a quality improvement initiative to improve the early identification of CSHCN on hospital admission through the development of a best practice alert.
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome and the Open Abdomen

The term abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) has been used to describe the constellation of end-organ physiologic derangements caused by an acute increase in intra-abdominal pressure. Although ACS may be associated with many clinical scenarios, it is most often observed in the multiply injured trauma patient following massive volume and blood product resuscitation. The organ systems most affected by the intra-abdominal hypertension are the renal, pulmonary, and cardiovascular systems. With prompt diagnosis, intervention, and treatment, the lethal sequelae of ACS may be avoided.
The Induction of δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Synthetase in Cultured Liver Cells THE EFFECTS OF END PRODUCT AND INHIBITORS OF HEME SYNTHESIS

Abstract The regulation of heme biosynthesis has been studied in cultured avian hepatocytes utilizing a specific and sensitive assay for the rate-limiting enzyme in the pathway, δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase. This enzyme appears to be induced by 2-allyl-2-isopropylacetamide, a drug known to produce experimental porphyria, and by inhibitors of heme synthesis such as lead acetate. However, 2-allyl-2-isopropylacetamide and lead acetate appear to induce δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase by different mechanisms since inhibitors of protein synthesis at the transcriptional level block induction by 2-allyl-2-isopropylacetamide but not block induction by lead acetate. Furthermore, induction by the two chemicals is synergistic. Addition of the end product of the pathway, heme, and the heme precursor, δ-aminolevulinic acid, prevents induction by 2-allyl-2-isopropylacetamide and lead acetate. These data further support the role of heme as the natural repressor of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase. Experiments with inhibitors of protein synthesis are consistent with a translational site for heme repression. A mechanism whereby drugs may induce δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase by interfering with heme synthesis is demonstrated. The relevance of these observations to the biochemical aberration characterizing the human genetic disease, intermittent acute porphyria, is discussed.
An Algorithm for Computing the Two Frequency Scale Model Matching Compensator

In this paper an algorithm will be presented based on which one can compute a sub-optimal two frequency scale compensator for the H-infinity model matching problem. The computation of the compensator is carried out sequentially in terms of the compensators designed for the lower order slow and fast sub-problems.
Control of deposition and surface properties of CuInSe/sub 2/ thin films for solar cells

The generation of high-efficiency CuInSe/sub 2//(CdZn)S solar cells using CuInSe/sub 2/ thin films deposited by elemental evaporation in a two-step process is presented. The substrate temperature of the first deposition which is less than 350 degrees C, reduced the growth defect height to less than 3 mu m. The surface structure of the as-grown CuInSe/sub 2/ films can further be modified by etching in an aqueous bromine solution yielding a specular surface. Specular films provide suitable substrates for high-efficiency ( eta >9%) single and multijunction devices and are used to demonstrate the uniformity of the bulk properties of CuInSe/sub 2/ films deposited in two steps. >
The personal sound system

The Signal Computing technical model is based upon a programmable DSP that can perform an infinite number of functions merely by downloading different "software algorithms" to the DSP. The Signal Computing business model is based upon a food chain of product and service providers whose collective add-value combines to bring the lowest-cost, most technologically advanced products to market in the shortest time frame. >
Critical current across grain boundaries in melt-textured YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ rings

We determine the critical current ${J}_{\mathrm{cB}}$ of grain boundaries fabricated by ``welding'' of melt-textured YBCO with various degrees of $\mathbf{ab}$-plane misalignment. ${J}_{\mathrm{cB}}$ is determined by monitoring the magnetic moment due to persistent shielding currents, which were induced in rings containing two sections of a single grain boundary. The voltage drop across the junctions is estimated to be below ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}\mathrm{V},$ much smaller than in typical transport measurements. As the temperature or magnetic field is increased, an abrupt decrease (kink) is observed in the magnetic moment of the ring when the induced shielding current in the ring exceeds the critical current across the boundaries. The kink signals that flux has begun to penetrate through the grain boundaries into the bore of the ring. This behavior is confirmed by magneto-optical imaging. We observe that grain boundaries with [001] tilt mismatch angles up to 5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} have critical current densities in excess of ${10}^{4}{\mathrm{A}/\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m}}^{2},$ comparable to the bulk current density. At larger mismatch angles, the critical current rapidly decreases with increasing angle. The qualitative behavior of ${J}_{\mathrm{cB}}$ as function of temperature, magnetic field, and misorientation angle is similar to that observed YBCO grain boundaries manufactured by other methods.
A Simulation Study on the Performance of the Simple Difference and Covariance-Adjusted Scores in Randomized Experimental Designs

Research by Huck and McLean (1975) demonstrated that the covariance-adjusted score is more powerful than the simple difference score, yet recent reviews indicate researchers are equally likely to use either score type in two-wave randomized experimental designs. A Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to examine the conditions under which the simple difference and covariance-adjusted scores were more or less powerful to detect treatment effects when relaxing certain assumptions made by Huck and McLean (1975). Four factors were manipulated in the design including sample size, normality of the pretest and posttest distributions, the correlation between pretest and posttest, and posttest variance. A 5 × 5 × 4 × 3 mostly crossed design was run with 1,000 replications per condition, resulting in 226,000 unique samples. The gain score was nearly as powerful as the covariance-adjusted score when pretest and posttest variances were equal, and as powerful in fan-spread growth conditions; thus, under certain circumstances the gain score could be used in two-wave randomized experimental designs.
Disorganized attachment mediates the link from early trauma to externalizing behavior in adult relationships

Abstract This study investigates the mediating effects of attachment disorganization in adulthood, along with the organized attachment styles of anxiety and avoidance, to determine whether the connections between early childhood traumatic experiences and externalizing behaviors in adult romantic relationships can be explained by an attachment model that directly assesses a dimensional measure of adult disorganization. In our study, we used 510 adults who were U.S. citizens, all of whom completed online scales that provided retrospective information about childhood trauma, attachment working model information, and current experiences regarding relationship patterns. Our results indicated that adult disorganization mediated the effects between childhood and adult experiences. We also contrasted fearful avoidance with disorganization as mediators, demonstrating that they appear to be different constructs (as is sometimes contested in the literature) and can provide conflicting information about childhood to adult linkages. Our findings suggest that disorganization in adulthood mediates important relationships between early trauma and later adult externalizing outcomes, similar to outcomes seen for disorganization in childhood and adolescence. We therefore extend the existing literature, demonstrating that results from developmental psychology are relevant to social psychologists who study attachment theory in romantic relationships.
International Liberalism and Distributive Justice: A Survey of Recent Thought

In recent years there has been a renewal of interest in the liberal tradition in international thought, with particular attention being paid to liberal conceptions of international distributive justice. This article describes and criticizes three different approaches to international distributive justice represented in the recent literature: (1) social liberalism, which takes the nation-state as basic and argues for international transfers to the extent necessary to sustain just domestic institutions; (2) laisser-faire liberalism, which, in its redistributivist variant, aims to rectify injustices arising from the unequal appropriation of natural resources; and (3) cosmopolitan liberalism, which takes each individual's interests as equally deserving of concern in the design of global (and sectional) institutions.
Multifocal posterior necrotizing retinitis.

Purpose To describe the clinical features of an acute, inflammatory, and progressive retinal necrosis that affects primarily the posterior pole. Design Retrospective, interventional case series. Methods Twenty-seven eyes of 24 patients diagnosed with and treated for acute retinal necrosis (ARN) were categorized into two groups according to the predominant location of retinitis at presentation: either in the peripheral retina or in the posterior pole. Clinical features, disease progression, visual outcomes, and complications of these two groups were compared. Results Fifteen eyes demonstrated the known peripheral retinitis pattern, and 12 eyes exhibited a pattern of retinitis that affected mainly the posterior pole. Eyes with peripheral retinitis showed focal, well-demarcated areas of retinal necrosis in the periphery with rapid circumferential progression and rare involvement of the posterior pole. All eyes with posterior pole retinitis had multifocal deep lesions posterior to the vortex veins at presentation, and half of these eyes had lesions in the macula. These lesions progressed to patches of confluent retinitis in both the periphery and the posterior pole. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of anterior chamber and vitreous cells, vascular sheathing, retinal hemorrhages, or optic disk edema. Patients with posterior retinitis involvement seemed to have a worse visual outcome during the first two years after diagnosis. The Cox proportional hazards model suggested a higher incidence of retinal detachment in patients with posterior retinitis (P = .07). Conclusions The authors report a pattern of herpetic retinitis that affects predominantly the posterior pole and may have a worse visual prognosis and a higher rate of retinal detachment.
Use of Desiccated Blood Pellets in the Biologic Assay of Blood Estrogens

IN A recent publication, Albrieux (1) described a biological assay of blood estrogen by the intra-vaginal application of desiccated blood pellets. Previously several workers (2–5) had shown that cornification of the vagina of spayed rats can be produced with much smaller doses of estrogens applied directly to the mucosa than can be effected by parenteral administration. Lyons and Temple ton (3) and Yerby (4) were able to produce cornification of the vaginal epithelium of spayed rats by the administration of 1/200 of a rat unit of estradiol benzoate. Albrieux (1) obtained a threshold reaction (induction of cornification although nucleated epithelial cells and leukocytes were still present) in 7 of 12 rats given 0.1 i.u. and in 11 of 12 rats given 0.2 i.u. of an estrone solution made from a sample of the International Standard, administered intravaginally in sesame oil. By administering an acetone-ether extract of whole blood intravaginally in sesame oil, Albrieux was able to demonstrate estrogenic activity...
Employees as Customers: Exploring Service Climate, Employee Patronage, and Turnover.

The role of retail employees as customers was explored by quantitatively examining the influence of service climate and employee patronage on employee turnover intentions. Employees representing all shifts in two stores of a national retailer participated. Results indicated that employee patronage partially mediates the effects of service climate on employee turnover intentions. The findings suggest that employee patronage is a highly relevant organizational concept that warrants additional study. Practitioners may apply these findings in developing management and supervision training programs and designing employee selection and retention programs. Researchers may incorporate the variable of patronage when studying populations where employees can be external customers. Future research is necessary because the concept of employee patronage has not been adequately studied.
A minimax risk strategy for portfolio immunization

Abstract This paper develops a minimax immunization strategy for an infinite factor interest rate model. The risk of a portfolio of cash flows is measured as the maximum sensitivity of the portfolio value. The objective is to choose the portfolio whose maximum sensitivity over a set of possible interest rate shocks is minimum.
Check-out time at theSplendid Hôtel: Marie Redonnet's new mythological space

Atemporalite du present, statut flou du narrateur et creation d'un espace mythique dans la trilogie de M. R. et notamment dans Splendid Hotel (Editions de Minuit, 1986)
Absence of the Dawn Glucose Rise in Nondiabetic Men Compared by Age

To determine whether the dawn phenomenon occurs in healthy elderly subjects, we compared glucose and insulin levels as well as glucose production rates in 10 young nondiabetic men (mean age 26 +/- 3 years) and 10 old nondiabetic men (mean age 69 +/- 3 years) between 0500 to 0800. Young subjects demonstrated a modest but significant rise in plasma glucose level (89 +/- 1 mg/dl to 92 +/- 1 mg/dl, p less than .05) and glucose production rate (1.7 +/- 0.1 mg/kg/min to 1.9 +/- 0.2 mg/kg/min, p less than .05) between 0540 and 0800. No rise was detected in the plasma glucose or glucose production rate in older subjects as a group, between these times. However, a few elderly subjects did display a dawn glucose rise. Changes in plasma insulin levels were not significant for either young or old subjects. Older subjects had significantly lower mean peak growth hormone levels during the night than young subjects (6.7 +/- 1.3 vs 10.1 +/- 1.6 ng/ml, p less than .05). These results demonstrate a modest rise in plasma glucose levels and glucose production rate in healthy young subjects consistent with previous reports of the dawn phenomenon. This modest early morning glucose rise is absent in most otherwise healthy older subjects.
A comparison of hourly block appointments with sequential patient scheduling in a dermatology practice

Abstract Background: There is significant demand for dermatologic care, and manpower is limited. Increasing patient encounters stress office processes. Analyses of the effects of schedule manipulation in a high-volume dermatology office have not been described. Objective: The purpose of this article is to study the effects of block versus sequential scheduling on patient waiting times, length of patient encounters, and physician patient-free time in two busy dermatology clinics. Methods: A dermatologist attended at two dermatology clinics, one using sequential patient scheduling and the other, block hourly scheduling. Time of patient arrival, scheduled appointment time, waiting time, time of physician entry into the examining room, face-to-face time with the physician, appointment type, number of same-day cancellations and nonattendance by visit type, length of each clinic, time of clinic closure, and patient-free time were recorded for each clinic and patient encounter. Results: There were no significant differences between patient waiting times at the two clinics. Patients were seen by the physician a mean of 2.6 minutes before their scheduled appointment time using block scheduling of appointments and 6 minutes after their scheduled appointment times with sequential scheduling. Similar times were spent by the physician with the patients at both sites. After adjustment for differing nonattendance rates, block scheduling yielded 330 minutes of additional patient-free time during the course of this study when compared with sequential scheduling. With block scheduling, the clinic finished a mean of 35 minutes earlier than clinics using sequential scheduling. Conclusion: Within the parameters of this study, block scheduling did not significantly affect patient waiting times. Block scheduling created more patient-free time for the physician and clinical staff than did sequential scheduling. Block scheduling increased the quality of the practice environment from the perspective of the physician and the staff. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43:809-13.).
Mycophenolic acid in psoriasis

SUMMARY Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is a fermentation product of a penicillium mould which has shown anti-tumour activity in certain animal models. It blocks nucleic acid synthesis by interfering with the interconversions of inosine monophosphate (IMP), xanthine monophosphate (XMP) and guanine monophosphate (GMP) thereby inhibiting growth and/or replication of tumour cells. In vivo activity depends on the presence of a β-glucuronidase which is abundant in the cell wall of epithelial tissues. Encouraged by results obtained in earlier clinical trials, we have studied 28 patients with psoriasis, 21 in double-blind fashion. A comparison of disease severity in patients before and after receiving MPA versus patients receiving placebo clearly showed the superiority of drug over placebo. The mean severity score of patients receiving MPA as an initial course of therapy improved by 56% versus 9% in patients receiving placebo. Patients receiving MPA after an initial course of placebo therapy showed improvement in their mean severity score averaging 86%. Those patients receiving placebo after an initial course of MPA showed worsening of their mean severity score averaging 70%. Overall, about 75% of MPA treated patients have shown good to excellent responses, and toxicity appears low. Evidence suggests that MPA may be very useful in treating severe psoriasis.
A vision for tomorrow: transformational nursing leaders.

Abstract Background: Interviews with 8 transformational nursing leaders are presented. Purpose: My purpose was to provide a picture of leadership principles and values as practiced by transformational nursing leaders. Method: Interviews were conducted as person-to-person, by telephone, or through e-mail. Disucssion: The leaders shared their transformational leadership qualities, ideas of a successful environment, effective change strategies, antecedents for success, and visions for the future of nursing practice. Conclusions: All of the transformational leaders interviewed strive for excellence, value integrity, shape their environment for success, demonstrate perseverance, attempt to improve the lives of others, possess a genuine love for people, motivate others with inspiration, "invent" the future, and share the path toward self-discovery. Nurs Outlook 2002;50:121-6.
Anisotropy of the stress on fcc(110) surfaces.

First-principles calculations for Pd(110)-1{times}1 and Pt(110)-1{times}1 slabs imply that the surface stress along the close-packed, [1{bar 1}0] direction is larger than in the [001] direction, transverse to the surface channels. This agrees with the simple idea that relaxation of the outermost layer separation, at a fcc(110) surface, allows nearest-neighbor bonds with a component transverse to the channels to relax toward their desired length, while the bonds along the channel walls cannot relax their strain without a surface reconstruction. In contrast, an analysis of the surface phonons of Ni(110), based on an empirical fit to the dynamical matrix, comes to the opposite conclusion, i.e., that the stress in the [1{bar 1}0] direction is only half that in the [001] direction.
Molecular relationships between closely related strains and species of nematodes

Electrophoretic comparisons have been made for 24 enzymes in the Bergerac and Bristol strains of Caenorhabditis elegans and the related species, Caenorhabditis briggsae. No variation was detected between the two strains of C. elegans. In contrast, the two species, C. elegans and C. briggsae exhibited electrophoretic differences in 22 of 24 enzymes. A consensus 5S rRNA sequence was determined for C. elegans and found to be identical to that from C. briggsae. By analogy with other species with relatively well established fossil records it can be inferred that the time of divergence between the two nematode species is probably in the tens of millions of years. The limited anatomical evolution during a time period in which proteins undergo extensive changes supports the hypothesis that anatomical evolution is not dependent on overall protein changes.
Fourier representation of the energy distribution of an electromagnetic field scattered by spherical particles

A solution to the scattering problem for spherical particles is presented in terms of a Fourier series expansion for the electromagnetic field as well as for the corresponding energy distribution. The basic assumptions are the same as for the Mie solution. The Fourier coefficients of the energy distribution show a systematic behavior as functions of the size parameter α = 2π R/λ (R = radius of particle, λ = wavelength of scattered light), and they depend significantly on the complex index of refraction N = n − in κ of the particles (n = real index of refraction, κ = absorption index). These coefficients are approximately proportional to the volume of the sphere superimposed with an oscillation of Bessel function type with argument (n − 1) α. They can be measured directly without any intricate Fourier analysis; and since they depend in a distinct way on the quantities n and κ, they can be used to determine these optical properties of particles of an unknown material. The scattering influence of a gaseous carrier medium can be eliminated without any experimental arrangement just by using an appropriate Fourier coefficient of the scattered energy distribution.
Motor Insulation Life as Measured by Accelerated Tests and Dielectric Fatigue [includes discussion]

The best life test for fractional-horsepower motors should apply simultaneously or cyclically the major deteriorating factors to the insulation system. These are considered to be heat, voltage, vibration, and humidity. The closer the life-test cycle can match or accelerate possible service conditions, the greater value it will have.
A possible neuroendocrine system in polynoid polychaetes

Within the supraesophageal ganglion of polynoids is a vertical fiber tract which has the appearance of a “Y” in transverse sections of the brain, and contains the axons of many neurosecretory cells. The granule-filled terminals of these neurosecretory fibers are found at the base of the tract where they are in contact with the inner surface of the sheath covering the ventral surface of the brain. This sheath separates these neurosecretory endings from an underlying pericapsular epithelium which is thicker in this region. Beneath this pericapsular epithelium is a coelomic sinus. The dorsal blood vessel is located within this sinus and is “innervated” by a pair of fiber bundles that pass out of the brain at the base of the vertical fiber tract. The outer surface of the vessel is covered by epithelioid cells which contact these fiber bundles and the thickened pericapsular epithelium, and sometimes contain granular cytoplasmic inclusions. The lumen of the vessel is continuous with the lumina of a pair of cellular, thickwalled structures of unknown function which are attached to the ventro-lateral margins of the brain. The relationship between neurosecretory endings, enlarged pericapsular cells, coelomic sinus and blood vessel provides morphological evidence for the hypothesis that these structures are elements of a neuroendocrine system, similar in some respects to the brain-infracerebral gland complex of nereid and nephtyid polychaetes.
Aging-associated changes in murine intestinal immunoglobulin A and M secretions.

The aging effect on the quantity of intestinal IgA and IgM class-specific immunoglobulins secreted and the quality of intraluminal intestinal IgA was studied in 5-to 6-month old and 24-to 28-month-old male BALB/c mice. The level of IgA increased in the intestinal juice from the aged mice, while the IgM level remained unchanged. These alterations were similar to those found in serum, but the effect of age on serum IgA was profound, almost a threefold increase, in found in serum, but the effect of age on serum IgA was profound, almost a threefold increase, in contrast, to an increase of just under 35% in intestinal secretions. The ratio of the dimeric to total IgA in the small intestine decreased in the older mice, though that of serum was unchanged. In contrast, the total amounts of dimeric IgA in the small intestinal lavage fluid did not change between the two age groups, while the dimeric IgA in serum in older mice were 4.5 times as high as those of young mice. The binding of purified intestinal dimeric IgA to antigens from normal habitant enteric bacteria (γ streptococci and Enterobacter agglomerans) declined in the old mice. In the immunochemical studies, using SDS-PAGE and isoelectric focusing, the purified intestinal IgA from the young and old mice showed no major difference. Thus, the findings in aged small intestinal perfusates that the increased content of intestinal IgA is due to an increased monomeric IgA, but not to a reduced dimeric IgA, which remains unchanged, and that the binding capacity of the dimeric IgA to the bacterial antigens is diminished, suggest that the level of the matural secretory IgA antibody is decreased. These altered quantitative and functional features of intraluminal intestinal IgA observed in the aged mice appear to be due to the complex heterogeneous effects of senescence on gut-associated lymphoid tissues, and may contribute to age-related impairment in gut humoral immune function.
High-Pressure Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Corticosteroids in Topical Pharmaceuticals

Cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisolone, and prednisone were separated on a reversed-phase microparticulate high-pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) column with a ternary mobile solvent containing tetrahydrofuran, methanol, and water. Cortisone acetate, hydrocortisone acetate, and prednisolone acetate were separated on the same reversed-phase column using acetonitrile-water. Various commercial topical formulations of these corticosteroids, except cortisone and prednisone, were prepared by both simple dilution and by extraction for analysis by the proposed HPLC procedure, by the blue tetrazolium procedure, and by the isoniazid procedure and/or phenylhydrazine method. Retention data are given for some common degradation products (C-17 ketones and C-17 carboxylic acid derivatives) and for methyl-, propyl-, and butylparabens with these mobile solvents.
Social Support in Alcohol Dependence and Social Phobia: Treatment Comparisons:

Objective: This study investigated whether different alcoholism treatment approaches differentially impact social support scores in individuals with concurrent alcohol dependence and social phobia. Method: Individuals (N = 397) were selected retrospectively from a larger pool of participants enrolled in a multisite randomized clinical trial on treatment matching. Three standard treatments were delivered over 12 weeks: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Twelve Step Facilitation Therapy (TSF), and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET). Social support measures were analyzed to test the effects of treatment group and gender. Results: For men, there was significant improvement on two measures of social support regardless of treatment group. Women who received CBT or TSF had better support outcomes than women who received MET. Conclusions: These data suggest that social support can be improved through alcohol treatment in individuals with coexisting social phobia, particularly if social workers emphasize skil...
Pyrolysis of tertiarybutylphosphine at low pressure

The pyrolysis of tertiarybutylphosphine (TBP) has been studied in the low pressure conditions used for chemical beam epitaxy (CBE). The pyrolysis studies were carried out in low pressure reactors of two different configurations, one of which is a cracker cell designed for use in a CBE system. The reaction products were studied using a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The products observed are accounted for by a reaction mechanism involving homolysis of the parent TBP molecule to produce PH2 and C4H9 radicals. These undergo subsequent reactions to form the stable products C4H8, PH3 and H2, with smaller amounts of P and P2 being produced. The production of the sub-hydride PH2 using this cracker cell design indicates that the use of partially cracked TBP may be a promising technique for reducing the amount of carbon incorporated into the growing epitaxial layer.