cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Albumin-bilirubin grade as a prognostic indicator for patients with non-hepatocellular primary and metastatic liver malignancy undergoing Yttrium-90 radioembolization using resin microspheres

Background Studies have shown that the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade can be a superior prognosticator for patients undergoing Yttrium-90 (Y90) glass microsphere radioembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared to the Child-Pugh (CP) scoring system. Less is known about the applicability of this score in non-hepatocellular malignancies using Y90 resin microspheres. This study evaluates the ALBI grade's ability to predict overall survival and biochemical toxicity in patients undergoing resin Y90 radioembolization and body surface area dosimetry (BSA) for non-hepatocellular primary and metastatic liver malignancies compared to the CP class and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. Methods A retrospective review of patients with intrahepatic metastatic colorectal and neuroendocrine cancers and cholangiocarcinoma undergoing resin radioembolization from 2006-2015 at a single tertiary medical center was performed. ALBI, MELD, and CP scores were compared and correlated with biochemical toxicity and overall survival. Results There was a significant difference in overall survival between CP class A and class B liver function (P=0.04) for the entire patient cohort. ALBI grade (P=0.36) and MELD score (P=0.19) were not independently associated with survival. When stratified by CP class, the ALBI grade revealed a trend for survival difference in CP class B (P=0.05). Baseline ALBI grade was associated with post-procedural albumin reduction (P=0.01) and bilirubin elevation (P=0.007). Conclusions ALBI grade predicted post-procedural biochemical toxicity, but did not predict survival after resin radioembolization of non-hepatocellular liver malignancies using BSA dosimetry. Given the heterogeneity of this study population, dedicated prospective analyses are required.
Biochemical Effects of Routine Gonadectomy on Blood of Domestic Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo).

We studied domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) to evaluate the physiologic effects of routine surgery. Standard plasma biochemistry panels and 1H-NMR spectroscopy of heparinized whole blood were performed on samples taken 24 h prior to and immediately after surgery from female and male ferrets undergoing routine gonadectomy. Increases in plasma glucose, phosphorus, potassium, and creatine kinase concentrations associated with the duration of surgery were identified on plasma biochemistry panels. Whole-blood NMR spectra allowed us to identify 42 metabolites and one drug residue. Variations between pre- and postoperative metabolite concentrations were most pronounced for female ferrets, which underwent more prolonged surgery than males. Affected metabolites included organic acids and osmolytes (betaine, methylmalonate, D-lactate), fatty acids and lipids (2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid), and amino acid groups (acetylglycine, alloisoleucine, leucine, and isoleucine). These findings indicate that 1H-NMR spectroscopy of whole blood provides insight into metabolic perturbations in domestic ferrets undergoing surgery that are not detected in routine clinical chemistry panels.
Graduate student self-efficacy: Implications of a concept analysis.

Abstract Background Nurses with graduate degrees play pivotal roles in nursing care, education, and research. Alarming trends of a nurse faculty shortage and high levels of graduate nursing student attrition highlight the need to better understand the experiences of graduate nursing students. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to define the concept of self-efficacy in graduate students as it pertains to enrollment, retention, and graduation. Methods Using Rodgers' Evolutionary Method of concept analysis, self-efficacy was analyzed from the literature of various disciplines, including nursing. Results Antecedents, attributes, and consequences of self-efficacy were identified from 23 studies. Self-efficacy in graduate students is sourced by perceived, positive experiences. Its attributes are personal, malleable, goal-driven, a resource, knowledge, and trust. Graduate student self-efficacy results in productive thoughts, feelings, and actions that culminate in successful outcomes. Conclusion Self-efficacy has been identified by researchers in other disciplines as a helpful concept for understanding why and how graduate students initiate, continue, and complete their degrees. With a dearth of research exploring nursing graduate student self-efficacy, qualitative research is needed to understand the role this concept plays in graduate nursing education. Nevertheless, the findings of this concept analysis may serve as a starting point to inform nursing graduate education practice.
Ethics for Contemporary Bureaucrats: Navigating Constitutional Crossroads: Edited by N. M. Elias and A. M. Olejarski, New York, NY: Routledge, 2020

At the start of the 2020s, it is becoming more common to hear questions asked on news programs, in everyday conversations, and in scholarly publications like these: “Is the United States currently ...
Sex Differences in Anxiety: An Investigation of the Moderating Role of Sex in Performance Monitoring and Attentional Bias to Threat in High Trait Anxious Individuals

Anxiety disorders are more predominant in women than men, however there is a lack of understanding as to what neurocognitive mechanisms drive this sex difference. Recent investigation has found a potential moderating role of sex in the relationship between anxiety and the error related negativity (ERN)—a component of error-monitoring that is prevalent in high anxiety individuals—such that females display a positive relationship between anxiety/worry and ERN amplitude. We strove to further explore the influence of sex on the relationship between trait anxiety and performance monitoring, specifically with ERN, as well as extend this work to include another hallmark of anxiety, attentional bias to threat. Participants performed a modified flanker task while EEG was recorded to obtain event-related potentials (ERPs). In addition, a dot-probe task was completed to measure attentional bias to fearful faces. We did not find a significant difference in the relationship between attention bias scores and anxiety for female versus males participants, suggesting that attention bias may not be an appropriate measure of sex differences in anxiety. Furthermore, ΔERN and CRN amplitudes were greater in males compared to females. There were no significant associations between ERN or ΔERN with anxiety in both male and female participants. However, there was a significant relationship between CRN amplitudes and trait anxiety in male but not female participants. Given these results, the effect of sex on the relationship between components of performance monitoring— namely the CRN and ERN— and anxiety may be more nuanced than the current understanding.
Nonlinear resonance ultrasonic spectroscopy (NRUS) for the quality control of additively manufactured samples

Abstract Additive manufacturing (AM) is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to build parts with customer-designed complex geometries. However, the lack of established quality control/assurance practices for the built parts poses a challenge to a wider adoption of additive manufacturing by some industries. In this study, we investigate the utility of nonlinear resonance ultrasonic spectroscopy (NRUS) for predicting the fatigue life of cylindrical Ti–6Al–4V samples manufactured using powder bed fusion on the same build. We use NRUS to measure several linear and nonlinear parameters for the samples before and after hot isostatic pressing (HIPing). The samples are then fatigue tested. We report the correlation between NRUS parameters and fatigue life. Our findings suggest that resonance frequency, quality factor, and the hysteretic nonlinearity of the samples are correlated to their fatigue life. These correlations are promising because the measurements are obtained from distinct samples as opposed to collecting data on the same sample undergoing increasing fatigue cycles. This study suggests that NRUS has the potential to be used as a nondestructive evaluation (NDE) tool for AM part quality control.
A Synthetic Hydrogel, VitroGel® ORGANOID-3, Improves Immune Cell-Epithelial Interactions in a Tissue Chip Co-Culture Model of Human Gastric Organoids and Dendritic Cells.

Immunosurveillance of the gastrointestinal epithelium by mononuclear phagocytes (MNPs) is essential for maintaining gut health. However, studying the complex interplay between the human gastrointestinal epithelium and MNPs such as dendritic cells (DCs) is difficult, since traditional cell culture systems lack complexity, and animal models may not adequately represent human tissues. Microphysiological systems, or tissue chips, are an attractive alternative for these investigations, because they model functional features of specific tissues or organs using microscale culture platforms that recreate physiological tissue microenvironments. However, successful integration of multiple of tissue types on a tissue chip platform to reproduce physiological cell-cell interactions remains a challenge. We previously developed a tissue chip system, the gut organoid flow chip (GOFlowChip), for long term culture of 3-D pluripotent stem cell-derived human intestinal organoids. Here, we optimized the GOFlowChip platform to build a complex microphysiological immune-cell-epithelial cell co-culture model in order to study DC-epithelial interactions in human stomach. We first tested different tubing materials and chip configurations to optimize DC loading onto the GOFlowChip and demonstrated that DC culture on the GOFlowChip for up to 20 h did not impact DC activation status or viability. However, Transwell chemotaxis assays and live confocal imaging revealed that Matrigel, the extracellular matrix (ECM) material commonly used for organoid culture, prevented DC migration towards the organoids and the establishment of direct MNP-epithelial contacts. Therefore, we next evaluated DC chemotaxis through alternative ECM materials including Matrigel-collagen mixtures and synthetic hydrogels. A polysaccharide-based synthetic hydrogel, VitroGel®-ORGANOID-3 (V-ORG-3), enabled significantly increased DC chemotaxis through the matrix, supported organoid survival and growth, and did not significantly alter DC activation or viability. On the GOFlowChip, DCs that were flowed into the chip migrated rapidly through the V-ORG matrix and reached organoids embedded deep within the chip, with increased interactions between DCs and gastric organoids. The successful integration of DCs and V-ORG-3 embedded gastric organoids into the GOFlowChip platform now permits real-time imaging of MNP-epithelial interactions and other investigations of the complex interplay between gastrointestinal MNPs and epithelial cells in their response to pathogens, candidate drugs and mucosal vaccines.
Uptake of genetic counseling and multi-gene panel testing among women in the Intermountain West with previous negative BRCA1 and BRCA2 results contacted for updated testing.

Women with a personal history of breast or ovarian cancer who previously had BRCA1/2 testing now have the opportunity for additional genetic risk information through multi-gene panel testing. However, little is known about women's receptivity to further contact and uptake of genetic counseling and updated genetic testing. Utilizing a clinic database to identify potential participants, we prospectively contacted women in the United States with a personal and/or family history of breast or ovarian cancer who had negative BRCA1/2 testing, which was performed primarily between 2011 and 2018. Eligible and interested participants were scheduled for a genetic counseling appointment to discuss updated genetic testing using a multi-gene panel. We attempted to contact 455 participants, screened 203 (45%), and 103 (23%) completed a pre-test genetic counseling visit to discuss updated testing. Of these, 88 participants had updated multi-gene panel testing. Participants had an average age of 59 years, and most (78%) had breast cancer with an average age of 45 at diagnosis. The majority (97%) of participants were white. Of participants who underwent panel testing, 13% (n = 11) had at least one pathogenic variant identified. Most participants (86%) had an out-of-pocket cost of $100 or less for their panel. There is a sizable population of women with a personal and/or family history of breast or ovarian cancer and negative BRCA1/2 test results who would qualify for updated multi-gene panel testing. In our study, 59% of those reached who were eligible completed a pre-test genetic counseling visit. Clinics could consider an outreach program to offer genetic counseling and updated genetic testing. Supports for this type of effort may include coordinators and genetic counseling assistants and an available database with patients' contact information and prior genetic test results. Updated testing allows women more information about their risk and may expand the value of genetic counseling.
Institutions: Rules or Equilibria?

Recent scholarship has demonstrated the power of the rational choice framework for advancing our understanding of institutions and institutional change. Stimulated by these developments, the conceptual frameworks employed by scholars studying institutions have also been evolving, as old frameworks have been adapted and new frameworks have emerged to explore how institutions function, how they change, and how they affect economic behavior and outcomes. This involves two key questions: first, how institutions are selected and second, how people are motivated to follow institutionalized patterns of behavior. One strand of thought within the rational-choice approach to institutional analysis, the ‘institutions-as-rules’ approach, focuses on a theory of how the “rules of the game” in a society are selected. An emerging alternative approach instead emphasizes the importance of a theory of motivation and thereby endogenizes the “enforcement of the rules”, by studying ‘institutions-as-equilibria’. In this chapter, the authors survey these developments and highlight promising directions for future research. They argue that by endogenizing the issue of enforcement, the institutions-as-equilibria approach enables a more satisfactory treatment of several key issues, including promoting our understanding of processes of institutional change.
Auguste Comte: An Intellectual Biography

This volume continues to explore the life and works of Auguste Comte during his so-called second career. It covers the period from the coup d'etat of Louis Napoleon in late 1851 to Comte's death in 1857. During these early years of the Second Empire, Comte became increasingly conservative and anxious to control his disciples. This study offers the first study of the tensions within his movement. Focusing on his second masterpiece, the Systeme de politique positive, and other important books, such as the Synthese subjective, Mary Pickering not only sheds light on Comte's intellectual development but also traces the dissemination of positivism and the Religion of Humanity throughout many parts of the world.
Toward New Perspectives in Folklore (Reprint edition)

Reviewed Medium: book Year: 2000 Pages: xxi + 232 Publisher: Trickster Press Prices: $16.95
El dret de gents, la justícia distributiva i les migracions

En aquest article Seyla Benhabib critica el plantejament de la justicia internacional que John Rawls va exposar a El dret de gents. Segons Benhabib, la teoria rawlsiana es basa inadequadament en el concepte de «gents» o «pobles» (peoples) i no te en compte la rellevancia dels fenomens migratoris. Aixi mateix, es mostra critica amb els intents dels cosmopolites que volen aprofitar Rawls per anar mes enlla de Rawls. Segons l’autora, el dret de pertinenca hauria de ser considerat un dret huma.
The Spirit of World Politics

A Cultural Theory of International Relations. By Lebow Richard Ned. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008. 774 pp., $39.99 paperback, (ISBN-13: 978-0-521-69188-8). Richard Ned Lebow has given us a piece of magisterial scholarship. Drawing on ancient Greek thought, A Cultural Theory of International Relations shows how the spirit, defined as the “drive for status and standing,” accounts for the nature of world politics (p. 550). Yet for this reviewer, Lebow's approach retains core elements of conventional IR, especially realism. I cite a few examples, as follows: 1. Hierarchy Rules. For Lebow, the signal motives of Fear, Interest, and Honor “generat[e] different logics concerning cooperation, conflict and risk-taking” (p. 5), thereby establishing “a rank order of statuses” (p. 65); 2. Universal Nomos . Accordingly, only a universal nomos could “sustain[n] practices that instantiate the principles of justice on which all successful orders are based” (p. 5). And elites must produce, manage, and perpetuate this universal nomos (p. 89); otherwise, they would fear no constraint and beset anarchy upon the world. After all, says Lebow, elites “are often the ones who feel most threatened” (p. 90). 3. Reason Knows Best. Such universalism applies across time and space (p. 41), Lebow asserts, because reason is universal. Reason “constrains and educates” base motivations like appetite and spirit so that each can collaborate with the other “to lead people to understand the nature of happiness” (p. 47). “In healthy individuals,” Lebow writes (2008: 126) the appetite and spirit come to accept the rule of reason.” Without it, disaster would become the order of the day (p. 510). 4. Normatively Ranked World Orders. All of …
HETEROCYST DEVELOPMENT AND LOCALIZATION OF CYANOPHYCIN IN N2‐FIXING CULTURES OF ANABAENA SP. PCC 7120 (CYANOBACTERIA)

The process of N2 fixation in the filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 is known to occur in terminally differentiated cells called heterocysts. This study is concerned with a morphological and immunocytochemical analysis of the developing heterocysts. The heterocysts continue a developmental process after synthesis of the specialized cell wall and the formation of the proheterocyst. The initial stages were described by Wilcox et al. (1973) and designated stages 1 through 7, with stages 5–7 associated with the maturing heterocyst. We now designate a stage 8 as the postmaturation stage, based on physiological and ultrastructural evidence. Immunocytochemistry to detect the nitrogenase protein NifH and the nonribosomally synthesized polypeptide cyanophycin demonstrated a complementary accumulation of these polypeptides. Accumulation of the nitrogenase protein was greatest at stages 5 and 6 and then declined precipitously. Cyanophycin was more prevalent after late stage 6 and was primarily associated with the polar nodule (polar plug) and the neck connecting the heterocyst with the adjoining vegetative cell. We suggest that the cyanophycin-containing polar plug is a key intermediate in the storage of fixed nitrogen in the heterocyst, a result consistent with the suggestion first made by Carr (1988) that cyanophycin exists as a dynamic reservoir of fixed nitrogen within the heterocysts.
Influence of material parameters on strain energy release rates for cross-ply laminates with a pre-existing transverse crack

The formation of intraply cracks in continuous fiber reinforced composite structures can be tolerated if critical mechanical properties are not reduced below allowable design limits. However, the presence of intraply cracks can lead to the formation of other, more harmful, types of damage. The onset of this late stage damage determines the useful service life of the composite structure. In this paper, the damage progression in the vicinity of a pre-existing transverse crack is investigated for [0/903)s and [O2/902]s cross-ply laminates. The types of damage considered are secondary crack formation, 0/90 interface delamination, split cracks in 0° plies, and delamination induced by split and transverse cracks. Strain energy release rates (SERR) associated with the onset and propagation of these types of damage are calculated using three dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) of a representative volume containing a pre-existing transverse crack. The implications of this analysis are considered for several polymer matrix and metal matrix composites.
Disruption of disulfide bond formation alters the trafficking of prothyrotropin releasing hormone (proTRH)-derived peptides

Rat prothyrotropin releasing hormone (proTRH) is processed in the regulated secretory pathway (RSP) of neuroendocrine cells yielding five TRH peptides and several non-TRH peptides. It is not understood how these peptides are targeted to the RSP. We show here that a disulfide bond in the carboxy-terminus of proTRH plays an important role in the trafficking of this prohormone. Recombinant proTRH was observed to migrate faster on a native gel when treated with dithiothreitol (DTT) suggesting the presence of a disulfide bond. In vitro disulfide bond formation was prevented either by DTT treatment or by mutating cysteines 213 and 219 to glycines. In both cases the peptides derived from these mutants exhibited increased constitutive release and processing defects when expressed in AtT20 cells, a neuroendocrine cell line used in our prior studies on proTRH processing. Immunocytochemistry revealed that wild-type proTRH and mutant proTRH localized in a punctate pattern typical of proteins sorted to the regulated secretory pathway. These data suggest that the proposed disulfide bond of proTRH is involved in sorting of proTRH-derived peptides and in their retention within maturing secretory granules. This is the first evidence of structural motifs being important for the sorting of proTRH.
L-Dopa and Brain Serotonin System Dysfunction

L-dopa is used to treat the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by a loss of dopamine neurons. L-dopa is the precursor to dopamine and crosses the blood-brain barrier to increase dopamine neurotransmission. This review will focus on the findings that dopamine produced from L-dopa is mediated in part by serotonin neurons. Direct evidence will be provided that increases in dopamine cause oxidative stress and damage serotonin neurons. Similarly, chronic L-dopa produces deficits in serotonin neurotransmission, including decreases in both serotonin cell bodies within the dorsal raphe and serotonin neurotransmitter concentrations in several forebrain regions. Since serotonin is involved in many important physiological processes including mood and cognition, L-dopa induced serotonin deficits may play a role in the side-effect symptoms observed in Parkinson's disease patients treated with L-dopa.
Relative effects of irrigation and intense shade on productivity of alley-cropped tall fescue herbage

The relative effects of irradiance and soil water on alley-cropped herbage are poorly understood. Our objective was to determine effects of irrigation on herbage productivity when tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.] was grown in two sites, a meadow and a loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) alley (620 trees ha−1), near Booneville, Arkansas. Three tall fescue entries were space planted in the meadow and pine alley with or without irrigation. Herbage mass and nutritive value were determined at 8-week intervals for 2 years. Mean daily PAR was 33.9 (2004) and 37.5 mol m−2 d−1 (2005) in the meadow, while the pine alley received 5.6 mol m−2 d−1 (17% of the meadow) in 2004 and 4.3 mol m−2 d−1 (11% of meadow) in 2005. Effect of tall fescue entry tended to be small relative to site and irrigation. Irrigation compensated for evapotranspiration in the meadow, but not in the pine alley when summer rainfall was about normal (2004) or low (2005). Nevertheless, site (PAR) had a greater effect on herbage specific leaf weight, leaf elongation rate, tillers plant−1, mass tiller−1, and total nonstructural carbohydrate concentration than soil water. Irrigation might have had greater impact on herbage productivity if more water had been applied or if canopy cover had been less extreme. Silvicultural practices should be imposed to improve penetration of solar irradiance to the alley crop.
SCHOLARSHIP AND DECISION CASES: PEDAGOGY AND STANDARDS FOR PUBLICATION

Abstract Case studies represent an important form of scholarly output for educators of agribusiness management. This article defines scholarship with respect to case writing. First, it explains how case studies are scholarship in the educational process. The pedagogical foundation of the case method is this method’s effectiveness in developing the critical thinking skills of students. This in turn enhances learning and advances scholarly understanding. Second, it examines criteria that are used to assess the quality of cases and their accompanying teaching notes when being considered for journal publication. The standards of the International Food and Agribusiness Management Review are used to illustrate these criteria. Only by reaching these standards of scholarship will teaching notes and cases be of the quality needed to ensure that their use in the case method will develop the scholarly capabilities expected of graduates in agribusiness management.
Downstream Development of Viscous Fluid Wakes Behind Rod-Like Bodies

A new theory of viscous fluid wakes behind rod-like bodies is presented and is used to study the onset and downstream development of vortex street flows. Analytical solutions are obtained for the evolution of wave number, mean centerline velocity, vortex velocity, and vortex “spacing ratio” as a function of downstream distance in a laminar vortex street. A simple criterion for the onset of oscillations in the far wake, which slightly precede vortex street initiation, is also obtained. All of these solutions account for the action of viscous diffusion in spreading the street, and they are found to compare quite well with available experimental results.
Kinetic studies of yeast polyA polymerase indicate an induced fit mechanism for nucleotide specificity.

Polyadenylate polymerase (PAP) catalyzes the synthesis of 3'-polyadenylate tails onto mRNA. A comprehensive steady-state kinetic analysis of PAP was conducted which included initial velocity studies of the forward and reverse reactions, inhibition studies, and the use of alternative substrates. The reaction (A(n) + ATP A(n+1) + PP(i)) is adequately described by a rapid equilibrium random mechanism. Several thermodynamic parameters for the reaction were determined or calculated, including the overall equilibrium constant (K(eq) = 84) and the apparent equilibrium constant of the internal step (K(int) = 4) which involves the rate-determining interconversion of central complexes. A large (100-fold) difference in Vmax accounts for nucleotide specificity (ATP vs CTP), despite an only 3-fold difference in Km. Comparison of the sulfur elemental effect on Vmax for ATP and CTP suggests that the chemical step is rate-determining for both reactions. Comparison of the sulfur elemental effect on Vmax/Km revealed differences in the mechanism by which either nucleotide is incorporated. Consistent with these data, an induced fit mechanism for nucleotide specificity is proposed whereby PAP couples a uniform binding mechanism, which selects for ATP, with a ground-state destabilization mechanism, which serves to accelerate the velocity for the correct substrate.
Fast effective heuristics for the graph bisectioning problem

The graph bisectioning problem has several applications in VLSI layout, such as floorplanning and module placement. A sufficient condition for optimality of a given bisection is presented. This condition leads to an algorithm that always finds an optimal bisection for a certain class of graphs. A greedy approach is then used to develop a more powerful heuristic. On small random graphs with up to 20 vertices, one of the greedy algorithms generated the optimal bisection in each case considered. For very large graphs with 300 vertices or more, the algorithm generated bisections with costs within 30% of a lower bound previously derived. An adaptive algorithm that iteratively improves upon a given initial bisection of a graph is presented. Its performance is compared with that of the well-known Kernighan-Lin method on many random graphs with large numbers of vertices. The results indicate that the new adaptive heuristic produces bisections with costs within 2% of those produced by the Kernighan-Lin method (the costs were actually lower in about 70% of the cases) with a three times faster computation speed in most cases. >
An approach to modeling electric utility capacity expansion planning

This article describes an algorithm for solving the static electric utility capacity expansion problem. The advantages of this algorithm are twofold. First, it is simpler and yet more efficient than previous algorithms for the same problem. Second, by making simplifying but realistic assumptions on plant sizes it is possible to use this algorithm for the case where one does not allow fractional plant additions. While the model has n variables, it has a clear two-dimensional geometric representation for understanding its properties, developing an algorithm, and interpreting the optimal solution. This algorithm has been implemented in the Intermediate Future Forecasting (IFFS) capacity expansion model at the Department of Energy.
Probing Interactions of Ge with Chemical and Thermal SiO2 to Understand Selective Growth of Ge on Si during Molecular Beam Epitaxy

We have previously demonstrated that Ge selectively grows on Si over a SiO2 mask during molecular beam epitaxy. To determine the surface phenomena responsible for the selectivity, we probed the stability of SiO2 upon Ge exposure and Ge diffusion through thin SiO2, using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and multiple internal reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We observe that the consumption of SiO2 occurs only with chemical oxide upon Ge exposure via Ge + Si + 2SiO2 → GeO(g) + 3SiO(g) at the SiO2/Si interface where all three reactants are present. This erosion is initiated by the Ge diffusion only through thin chemical SiO2, and the diffusion is attributed to a larger concentration of SiOH groups (∼1 × 1022 cm-3) and a greater porosity in chemical oxide than that in thermal oxide. For thermal SiO2, where Ge diffusion and subsequent oxide degradation are not observed, we have determined that the selectivity stems from...
Beam Monitoring in the Extraction Region of the Nevis Synchrocyclotron

A secondary emission monitor has been designed and tested for use in beam profile measurements of the extracted proton beam of the Nevis Synchrocyclotron. The monitor will provide a non-destructive simultaneous measurement of the vertical and horizontal position distributions, with a resolution of ~ .1 in. A residual gas ionization counter has been also designed. This counter will measure the radial profile of the accelerated beam at the parking radius.
Sustainability in a differential equations course: a case study of Easter Island

Easter Island is a fascinating example of resource depletion and population collapse, and its relatively short period of human habitation combined with its isolation lends itself well to investigation by students in a first-semester ordinary differential equations course. This article describes curricular materials for a semester-long case study into environmental and sustainability issues in the history of Easter Island. Using results that appeared in recent journal articles, students investigate the date of arrival of early settlers, the impact they had on natural resources through population growth as well as through the introduction of non-native species, and the effect of European diseases on the population.
Ethanol’s most recent breakthrough in the United States: A case of socio-technical transition

Abstract Applying insights from the field of science and technology studies (STS), this paper helps explain the meteoric rise of ethanol in recent years in the United States. The term socio-technical system is a conceptual reminder that technologies affect and are an effect of their broader infrastructural, organizational, regulatory, and symbolic environments. As explained, there was no single “cause” driving this transition. Rather, dynamics at different levels came together and reinforced each other. When taken together, these transitions had the cumulative effect of propelling the ethanol juggernaut to the heights of today. The author analytically breaks down the automobile socio-technical system and examines transitions that occurred in its various dimensions. While not predictive, the socio-technical framework reminds us of influential path-dependent logics. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of where, in light of these realities, the biofuels trajectory may be headed in the not-too-distant future.
Pauson–Khand cycloaddition reactions of chiral ynamides. Observation of an unusual endo-addition with norbornadiene

Abstract Pauson–Khand cycloadditions using chiral ynamides are achieved in modest to good yields with excellent regioselectivity and modest stereoselectivity. An unusual endo addition is found when using norbornadiene and substituted ynamides, leading to cycloadducts that were not observed in previous studies using ynamides or ynamines.
Bond strength of self-etch adhesives to pre-etched enamel.

Abstract Objective Bond strengths of composite resin to enamel using four self-etch adhesive (SEA) systems were compared with the bond strength of an etch-and-rinse adhesive (ERA) system, for both polished enamel and enamel pre-etched with phosphoric acid. The objective was to determine if the pre-etching would increase the bond strengths of the SEA systems to match the ERA system. Methods Ten specimens were used for each adhesive to determine 24-h resin composite to enamel shear bond strengths (SBS) to polished (4000 grit) human enamel and this was repeated for the SEA systems for enamel that was pre-etched with phosphoric acid for 15 s. SEM analysis was made to assess the degree of etching and resin penetration into enamel for each of the adhesive systems. Data were analyzed by a two factor ANOVA with a Tukey HSD post hoc test. Results The SBS to polished enamel for all four SEA systems were statistically significantly lower ( p p > 0.05) between any of the adhesive systems. All four of the SEA systems demonstrated statistically significant increases in bond strength between bonding to polished and pre-etched enamel, ranging from 27% to 86%. The results of SEM analysis showed no differences in the resin penetration patterns of any of the adhesives for enamel that was etched with phosphoric acid. Significance Pre-etching enamel may enhance the bond strength of SEA systems to values comparable with those found with ERA adhesive systems, which may improve their overall performance in clinical use.
Vector pulses of self-induced transparency

Abstract A theory of an optical vector soliton of self-induced transparency (SIT) is constructed. By using the perturbative reduction method the equations of SIT for the small area pulse are reduced to the two-component coupled nonlinear Schrodinger equations. The shape of optical double periodic vector soliton with the sum and difference of the frequencies is presented. Explicit analytic expressions for the parameters of the 0 π vector pulse of SIT are obtained. It is shown that the vector soliton in this special case can be reduced to the double breather solution of SIT and these nonlinear waves present different profiles.
The Limits of Genome-wide Methods for Pharmacogenomic Testing

Objective The goal of pharmacogenomics is the translation of genomic discoveries to individualized patient care. Recent advances in the means to survey human genetic variation are fundamentally transforming our understanding of the genetic basis of interindividual variation in therapeutic response. The goal of this study was to systematically evaluate high-throughput genotyping technologies for their ability to assay variation in pharmacogenetically important genes (pharmacogenes). These platforms are either being proposed for or are already widely used for clinical implementation; therefore, knowledge of coverage of pharmacogenes on these platforms would serve to better evaluate current or proposed pharmacogenetic association studies.
Spatial structure and inbreeding depression in slickspot peppergrass, Lepidium papilliferum (Brassicaceae)

In plants with limited pollen and seed dispersal, populations are often spatially structured such that neighboring individuals are more closely related to one another than to distant individuals. Mating among close relatives, including selfing, may lead to a reduction in reproductive performance through the effects of prezygotic mating barriers and inbreeding depression. Studying 11 populations of slickspot peppergrass, Lepidium papilliferum (L.F. Hend.) A. Nels. and J.F. Macbr (Brassicaceae), a rare mustard endemic to southwestern Idaho, we investigated whether small populations (16–746 flowering individuals) exhibit spatial structure as previously reported for large populations (>3000 flowering individuals). Through hand-pollination experiments we found that percent fruit set increased with increasing distance between parents up to a distance of 3 m, and declined slightly but nonsignificantly at greater outcrossing distances. Self-pollinated plants produced little or no fruit. Germination of seeds from ...
Commentary on social class differences in sociodramatic play in historical context: A reply to McLoyd

Abstract Historical origins of the research on the cultural correlates of imaginative behavior by the Israeli psychologists Feitelson, Smilansky, and Eifermann are presented. It is argued that despite McLoyd's searching analysis of the deficiencies in studies which attempt to relate level of imaginative play to social class, those earlier cross-cultural studies, together with some 50 years of prior research on social class and play in general, provide a context which gives support to those studies despite their particular methodological deficiencies.
The Role of Family of Origin in Physicians Referred to a CME Course

Few studies exist which look at psychological factors associated with physician sexual misconduct. In this study, we explore family dysfunction as a possible risk factor associated with physician sexual misconduct. Six hundred thirteen physicians referred to a continuing medical education (CME) course for sexual misconduct were administered the FACES-II survey, a validated and reliable measure of family dynamics. The survey was part of a self-learning activity. We collected data from February 2000 to February 2009. Participants were predominantly white, middle-aged males who represented the full range of medical specialties. Their results were compared against a sample of 177 physicians. The FACES-II is a self-report test that measures family of origin (the family in which one was raised) dynamics on two dimensions (1) flexibility, ranging from too flexible (chaotic) to not flexible enough (rigid) and (2) cohesion ranging from too close (enmeshed) to not close enough (disengaged). The most common family pattern observed among physicians accused of sexual misconduct was rigid flexibility paired with disengaged cohesion, indicative of unhealthy family functioning. This pattern was significantly different than the pattern observed in the comparison group. Physicians who engage in sexual misconduct are more likely to have family of origin dysfunction. Ethics is developmental and learned in one’s family of origin. Family of origin dynamics may be one risk factor predisposing one to ethical violations. These findings have important implications for screening, education, and treatment across the medical education continuum.
Student MEL software support for instructors and teaching assistants in research methods course

A number of common problems plague the teaching of the undergraduate research methods course, from the training of teaching assistants to providing meaningful experimental materials to handling data acquisition and analysis. The Student Micro Experimental Laboratory (MEL) offers a systematic approach to the management of a computerized research methods laboratory course by combining high-quality experiments in many areas of psychology with background materials to help the instructor and teaching assistant. The software presents and collects data from 28 experiments. The data can be analyzed for single subjects and for classes as a whole. Students can rapidly implement new experiments in a variety of paradigms. An expanding library of experiments created by students and instructors should provide an expanding environment for teaching experimental research methods. Instructor’s materials provide background information, discussion questions, and data analysis for all experiments. The student workbook provides discussion of the background of the experiment, details of the methodology, and questions addressing various aspects of experimental design and interpretation of data.
Christian spirituality and contemporary business leadership

In what way does Christian spirituality impact contemporary business leadership? This short article provides examples of some executives whose personal spiritual tradition deeply informs and shapes their leadership. Themes reported include a sense of leadership as a calling, the desire to integrate deeply held personal values with the leadership role, and spirituality as a source of courage when facing daunting challenges.
Unsedated upper endoscopy in children.

Abstract Background: EGD is essential to the investigation and treatment of GI disorders in children. Although safe, EGD has the potential for complications, in particular cardiopulmonary abnormalities associated with intravenous sedation. EGD is often performed in adults without sedation. Unsedated EGD is occasionally performed in children but has not been subjected to study. This study assessed the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of unsedated EGD in children. Methods: Selected, highly motivated children requiring EGD were offered the choice of sedation or no sedation for the procedure. Children recorded scores for pain (face scale) and anxiety (vertical visual analogue scale) before and after EGD. In addition, the times required to prepare the patient, perform the EGD, and recover the patient were recorded. Results: There was no difference in age, gender, or pre-EGD pain scores between children selecting sedation or no sedation. However, children selecting sedation had significantly higher pre-EGD anxiety scores than those who chose no sedation. Successful completion of EGD was similar for sedated (96.3%) and unsedated (95.2%) children. Post-EGD scores for anxiety were significantly decreased in those receiving sedation and unchanged in children who received no sedation. There was no significant change in post-EGD pain score in either group. Nearly 80% of children undergoing unsedated EGD would elect to forego sedation if EGD was needed again. Total procedure time was significantly longer in sedated versus unsedated children, reflecting longer preparation and recovery. Conclusions: Unsedated EGD can be performed safely and successfully in children with good patient tolerance. There was a significant decrease in total procedure time for children who have unsedated EGD. Unsedated EGD should be considered a viable option for motivated children. (Gastrointest Endosc 2002;55:624-30.)
Dynamics of Haines jumps for compressible bubbles in constricted capillaries

The unsteady, impulsive motion of a compressible bubble expanding out of a constricted capillary is quantified with a macroscopic momentum balance. Numerical solution demonstrates the importance of the Ohnesorge number, the geometry of the constriction, the length of the initial gas bubble, and the surface tension, density, and unconstricted capillary radius, which combine to form a characteristic scaling time. Experimental data for the position of the bubble front as a function of time confirm the theoretical result when the time scale for the bubble jump is longer than that required to achieve fully developed parabolic flow. Theory also predicts the capillary number of the bubble jump which, in conjunction with previous theoretical results, determines the time to snap-off of gas bubbles moving through constricted capillaries. Excellent agreement is found with existing experimental data for Ohnesorge numbers ranging from 5 × 10−3 to 0.3.
Diverse mechanistic approaches to difficult chemical transformations: microbial dehalogenation of chlorinated aromatic compounds

Chlorinated aromatic compounds represent an important class of environmental pollutants. Microbial dehalogenases play a crucial role in the biodegradation of these compounds. The three major classes of aromatic dehalogenases are discussed in this minireview.
A combined surgical-endovascular device concept for giant aneurysm neck occlusion.

PURPOSE: In this report, we describe a new multimodality device concept for occluding giant aneurysms. The device is designed to exploit the advantages, and avoid the disadvantages, of conventional microneurosurgery and interventional neuroradiology methods. CONCEPT: Our device concept involves surgically placing small permanent magnets, incorporated into a partially occluded magnetic clip, about the extraluminal neck without mechanically compromising the perforating vessels. These magnets serve as optimally positioned anchor points for ferromagnetic materials subsequently introduced via the endovascular route. RATIONALE: Currently, neurosurgical extraluminal obliteration of giant aneurysms is achieved by mechanically closing the aneurysm neck with metal clip blades, which is a technique that risks inadvertent occlusion of critical perforating vessels. Perforating vessel strokes can largely be avoided using endovascular aneurysm occlusion methods. However, in the setting of the giant aneurysm, these endovascular techniques are associated with high rates of incomplete occlusion. DISCUSSION: Preliminary feasibility tests of this concept were conducted using a simple prototype constructed in our laboratories.
Fresh frozen plasma for progressive and refractory angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-induced angioedema.

Abstract Background Angioedema secondary to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) is a commonly encountered problem in the Emergency Department (ED). The treatment of ACEI-induced edema with conventional methods such as epinephrine, steroids, and antihistamines is usually not effective. There is limited experience using bradykinin receptor blockers and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) as a treatment modality for ACEI-induced angioedema. Objective To emphasize alternative treatment option for ACEI-induced angioedema in the ED. Case Reports We report a case series of progressive and refractory presumed ACEI-induced angioedema that all improved in temporal association with administration of FFP, with a brief review of the literature. Conclusion There was a temporal association between the administration of FFP and improvement in angioedema in seven cases of presumed ACEI-induced angioedema that were refractory to antihistamines, corticosteroids, and epinephrine.