cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuronal and glial apoptosis after traumatic spinal cord injury.

Cell death was examined by studying the spinal cords of rats subjected to traumatic insults of mild to moderate severity. Within minutes after mild weight drop impact (a 10 gm weight falling 6.25 mm), neurons in the immediate impact area showed a loss of cytoplasmic Nissl substances. Over the next 7 d, this lesion area expanded and cavitated. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate–biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive neurons were noted primarily restricted to the gross lesion area 4–24 hr after injury, with a maximum presence at 8 hr after injury. TUNEL-positive glia were present at all stages studied between 4 hr and 14 d, with a maximum presence within the lesion area 24 hr after injury. However 7 d after injury, a second wave of TUNEL-positive glial cells was noted in the white matter peripheral to the lesion and extending at least several millimeters away from the lesion center. The suggestion of apoptosis was supported by electron microscopy, as well as by nuclear staining with Hoechst 33342 dye, and by examination of DNA prepared from the lesion site. Furthermore, repeated intraperitoneal injections of cycloheximide, beginning immediately after a 12.5 mm weight drop insult, produced a substantial reduction in histological evidence of cord damage and in motor dysfunction assessed 4 weeks later. Present data support the hypothesis that apoptosis dependent on active protein synthesis contributes to the neuronal and glial cell death, as well as to the neurological dysfunction, induced by mild-to-moderate severity traumatic insults to the rat spinal cord.
Inverse problem for N × N hyperbolic systems on the plane and the N-wave interactions

We study regiorously the solvability of the direct and inverse problems associated with Ψx–JΨy = QΨ,(x,y) ∈ ℝ2, where (i) Ψ is an N × N-matrix-valued function on ℝ2 (N ≦ 2), (ii) J is a constant, real, diagonal N × N matrix with entries, J1 > J2 > … > JN and (iii) Q is off-diagonal with rapidly decreasing (Schwartz) component functions. In particular we show that the direct problem is always solvable and give a small norm condition for the solvability of the inverse problem. In the particular case that Q is skew Hermitian the inverse problem is solvable without the small norm assumption. Furthermore we show how these results can be used to solve certain Cauchy problems for the associated nonlinear evolution equations. For concreteness we consider the N-wave interactions and show that if a certain norm of Q(x, y, 0) is smallor if Q(x, y, 0) is skew Hermitian the N-wave interations equation has a unique global solution.
Prediction of high-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of spin systems

By the use of the universal EPR simulation program created by the author, spin S = 32 and S = 52 systems are studied and their simulated EPR spectra at high frequencies (Q-band for 35 GHz and W-band for 95 GHz) are presented here. The mononuclear Fe3+ in rubredoxin, isolated from Pseudomonas oleovorans (which is an S = 52 system with D = 1.76 cm−1 and ED = 0.28), is extensively studied by EPR spectrum simulation at the Q-band, W-band, and “Z”-band. The molybdenum- and iron-containing protein (MoFe protein), which has g values at g = 4.32, 3.65, and 2.01 (S = 32, D = 6.0 cm−1, and ED = 0.055) at the X-band, is also studied by EPR spectrum simulation at high frequencies.
Natural Frequencies And Modes Of A Circular Plate Welded To A Circular Cylindrical Shell At Arbitrary Axial Positions

Abstract The modal characteristics of a plate-shell coupled structure consisting of a simply supported thin circular cylindrical shell and a circular plate which may be joined to the shell at any arbitrary axial position were studied using the receptance method. Line receptances were formulated from the responses of the plate and the shell to line force and line moment loadings distributed harmonically along the interface of the plate and the shell, utilizing natural modes and frequencies of the plate and shell, respectively. The system frequency equation was generated and solved numerically to obtain the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the combined structure under different joining configurations. The effects of length, thicknesses and joining positions on the modal characteristics of the combined structure were investigated. Certain results obtained from the receptance method and a finite element program were compared for verification purposes and showed good agreement. The structural coupling behavior between the plate and the shell and the coupling relationship between the line force loading and the line moment loading were explored.
Higher-order calculation in 1 N

The ground-state energy of a quantum-mechanical system defined by the SU(N)-invariant Lagrangian Tr(1/2M/sup 2/-V/sub N/(M/sup 2/)), where M is an N x N Hermitian matrix and V/sub N/(x/sup 2/) scales as V/sub N/(x/sup 2/) = NV(x/sup 2//N), has been evaluated to the leading order in 1/N. In this paper the next order is computed.
Isoform-specific effects of a novel BmK 11(2) peptide toxin on Na channels.

Abstract BmK 11(2) is a 7216 Da polypeptide toxin purified from the venom of the scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch. Nanomolar concentrations of the toxin prolong amphibian nerve action potentials without attenuation of the amplitude. The pharmacological action of the toxin and its sequence similarity to other α-scorpion toxins suggest that BmK 11(2) selectively alters voltage-gated Na channels. In order to test whether BmK 11(2) preferentially modulates the gating or kinetics of certain channel isoforms, we applied BmK 11(2) to muscle, heart and neuronal Na channels. 100 nM BmK 11(2) increased the peak current amplitude of skeletal muscle (μ1) and neuronal (N1E-115) Na currents by 40 and 20%, respectively, and reduced the cardiac Na (hH1) current by 15%. The toxin slowed current decay of all isoforms, most prominently in N1E-115 ( τ BmK / τ Control =12), μ1 (11), and less so for hH1 (1.3). BmK 11(2) shifted the voltage dependence of activation of μ1 and N1E-115 currents. BmK 11(2) had no effect on steady-state inactivation, use-dependent availability, and the kinetics of entry into slowly recovering inactivated states.
MOVE: weight management program across the veterans health administration: patient- and facility-level predictors of utilization

Health care systems initiating major behavioral health programs often face challenges with variable implementation and uneven patient engagement. One large health care system, Veterans Health Administration (VHA), recently initiated the MOVE!® Weight Management Program, but it is unclear if veterans most in need of MOVE!® services are accessing them. The purpose of this study was to examine patient and facility factors associated with MOVE!® utilization (defined as 1 or more visits) across all VHA facilities. Using national administrative data in a retrospective cohort study of eligible overweight (25 =30) VHA outpatients, we examined variation in and predictors of MOVE!® utilization in fiscal year (FY) 2010 using generalized linear mixed models. 4.39% (n = 90,230) of all eligible overweight and obese patients using VHA services utilized MOVE!® services at least once in FY 2010. Facility-level MOVE! Utilization rates ranged from 0.05% to 16%. Veterans were more likely to have at least one MOVE!® visit if they had a higher BMI, were female, unmarried, younger, a minority, or had a psychiatric or obesity-related comorbidity. Although substantial variation exists across VHA facilities in MOVE!® utilization rates, Veterans most in need of obesity management services were more likely to access MOVE!®, although at a low level. However, there may still be many Veterans who might benefit but are not accessing these services. More research is needed to examine the barriers and facilitators of MOVE!® utilization, particularly in facilities with unusually high and low reach.
Semi-leptonic weak and electromagnetic interactions with nuclei: Muon capture to discrete nuclear levels from hyperfine states

Abstract We derive a general expression for the muon-capture rate to discrete nuclear levels from hyperfine states of the initial μ-nucleus system, in terms of the same few reduced nuclear matrix elements which govern all electromagnetic and weak semi-leptonic transitions involving these nuclear levels. We discuss a recently developed unified analysis of these matrix elements. Three examples are given : two simply demonstrate the relation of the present approach to previous work in this area, and one is a full, new calculation for the process μ − + 6 Li → ν μ + 6 He(g.s.) from the two initial hyperfine states F = 1 2 , 3 2 using one-body densities for this system previously determined through electromagnetic interactions by Donnelly and Walecka. As has been emphasized in the past by other authors, knowledge of muon capture from the hyperfine levels can give us invaluable information about the fundamental nature of the weak interactions and about nuclear structure.
Flux-Ramp Modulation for SQUID Multiplexing

SQUIDs are typically operated in a flux-locked loop to linearize their response to input flux. However, a flux-locked loop is not possible with a microwave SQUID multiplexer. We describe an alternative technique called flux-ramp modulation and report its successful implementation.
Four indices of domestication in Norway rats

Reactivity to handling by an experimenter was predictably greater in wild rats than in domestic counterparts (Rattus norvegicus); this emotionality also diminished in certain critical aspects for wild rats over time. A second index from the pioneering research by Stone (1932), concealment in a stovepipe maze, also discriminated well but proved impractical and apparently confounded. The third, more objective index was a test involving water consumption. This too discriminated well; the wild rats drank more. A fourth and most contemporary index of domesticity compared the two kinds of rats’ swimming to the edge of a pool. Here again wild rats were more reactive and more efficient in escaping from the water.
Perceptions from Students and the Community about Community Colleges

In this study I explored the existing perceptions of community college in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Three different groups of people were interviewed in the research process including high school students, college students and citizens who lived in towns supported by a community college. Common themes of perception found within the interview groups were location, cost, materialism or image, need for more online education, and access for four-year degrees on a community college campus. These perceptions bolster the need for community college support. They also reinforce the missions community colleges face in our changing world of educational technology and world economy.
Restraining Steel Brace Buckling Using a Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite System: Experiments and Computational Simulation

This paper presents an experimental and computational study of the buckling behavior of steel members strengthened with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) wraps. In the proposed strengthening system, steel members are first sandwiched within a core comprised of mortar or PVC blocks and then the entire system is wrapped with CFRP sheets. A matrix of specimens is tested under monotonic compression to investigate the parameters that influence system response. Test results show that the proposed strengthening method can provide enough lateral support to a steel bar member to allow it to reach yield in compression and to continue deforming inelastically beyond. Key failure modes are identified in the test program. Important parameters that influence behavior are also pinpointed and studied in more detail through a computational simulation model that is validated using the test data. Parameters identified as influential in the experimental and computational studies include: number of CFRP layers, core thickness, bond between CFRP layers and the core, bond between the core and the inner steel member, and strength of transverse sheets at the member ends.
Adherence to vitamin supplementation following adolescent bariatric surgery

Objective: Adolescents with extreme obesity, who have undergone bariatric surgery, must adhere to many lifestyle and nutritional recommendations, including multivitamin therapy. Little is known about multivitamin adherence following adolescent bariatric surgery. Design and Methods: The present study aims to document self-reported and electronically-monitored adherence to multivitamins, determine convergence between self-report and electronic monitoring adherence for multivitamins, and identify barriers to multivitamin adherence for adolescents who have undergone bariatric surgery. Results: The study used a prospective, longitudinal observational design to assess subjective (self-reported) and objective (electronic monitors) multivitamin adherence in a cohort of 41 adolescents (Mean age = 17.1 ± 1.5; range = 13-19) who have undergone bariatric surgery at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Mean adherence as derived from electronic monitoring for the entire 6-month study period was 29.8% ± 23.9. Self-reported adherence was significantly higher than electronically monitored adherence across both the 1 and 6-month assessment points (z = 4.5, P < 0.000 and z = 4.0, P < 0.0001, respectively). Forgetting and difficulty swallowing multivitamins were the two primary barriers identified. While there are no established data regarding best practice for multivitamins following bariatric surgery, high rates of nonadherence to multivitamin therapy were observed in adolescents who had undergone bariatric surgery with forgetting and difficulty swallowing pills as reported barriers to adherence. Conclusion: These high rates of nonadherence to multivitamin therapy should be considered when devising treatment and family education pathways for adolescents considering weight loss surgery.
Robustness analysis of multirate and periodically time varying systems

A new method for analyzing the stability and robustness of multirate and periodically time varying systems is presented. It is shown that a multirate or periodically time varying system can be transformed into an equivalent time invariant system. For a SISO system, traditional gain and phase margins can be found by direct application of the Nyquist criterion to this equivalent time invariant system. For a MIMO system, structured and unstructured singular values can be used to determine the system's robustness. The limitations and implications of utilizing this equivalent time invariant system for calculating gain and phase margins, and for estimating robustness via singular value analysis are discussed.
Fountain clock accuracy

We give a review of recent advances in the accuracy of atomic fountain clocks. The new features are improved experimental and theoretical treatments of distributed cavity phase shifts and a full modeling of microwave lensing. Here we highlight that state selection is often highly non-uniform when Rabi flopping is used instead of an interrupted adiabatic frequency chirp. We show that detuning the state-selection microwave field as well as changing its amplitude can give a much more homogeneous state selection. A spatially inhomogeneous state selection corrupts the density extrapolation because the density distribution changes, which also mixes effects from distributed cavity phase and microwave lensing. This is expected to be important for the microgravity clock PHARAO on ACES, and can also improve fountain clocks.
Anterior compartment syndrome: A case report

The chronic form of the anterior compartment syn drome can be overlooked if the symptoms of leg pain are attributed to shin splints. Herein is presented a case report which I feel represents an acute exacer bation of the chronic form of anterior compartment syndrome in a long-distance runner secondary to bleeding into the extensor digitorum longus muscle. Chronic anterior compartment syndrome can be a disabling injury which may require a fasciotomy, de pending upon the severity and duration of the patient's symptoms and the intracompartmental pressures. The lay term "shin splints" should be separated from medical use, and a more reliable assessment of the etiology of the patient's symptoms should be made. The term shin splints should be utilized only for pain localized to the posterior medial border of the tibia at the origin of the posterior tibialis muscle.
Nonendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography diagnosis of bile duct stones

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) accurately and safely diagnose common bile duct stones. They are safer than endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) but have certain technical limitations and no therapeutic potential. Their place in clinical practice remains to be shown and may depend on key variables, including the risk of complications because of untreated bile duct stones, the relative cost of the procedures, and the local availability of equipment and technical expertise. Theoretically, they could be most useful in patients with a moderate clinical risk of bile duct stones in whom immediate ERCP or expectant management are not clearly indicated.
Microdetermination of orthophosphate using the ring oven technique

Abstract A rapid and highly selective method for the microdetermination of orthophosphate using orthodianisidine molybdate reagent and the ring oven technique is presented. As little as 0.1 μg of orthophosphate can be determined with reasonable accuracy. Very little interference is involved. Only Zr 4+ , A1 3+ and Th 4+ have been found to interfere when present in 100-fold excess. The method is of special interest for air pollution studies.
Cystic fibrosis: distribution of mucopolysaccharides in fibroblast cultures.

Abstract The mucopolysaccharide content of skin fibroblast cultures from patients and heterozygous carriers of cystic fibrosis was increased as compared to that from normal, non-carrier individuals. The distribution of mucopolysaccharides in these cultures (with the intracellular uronic acid similar to control cells and that in the extracellular matrix and medium increased) was markedly different from that seen in cultures derived from normals and patients with Hurler's syndrome.
Some Constituents of the Lichen Parmelia cryptochlorophaea

Extraction of the lichen Parmelia cryptochloropbaea Hale gave cryptochlorophaeic acid (2.5 per cent), chloroatranorin (0.16 per cent), and caperatic acid (1.7 per cent).
The CCR2/CCL2 Interaction Mediates the Transendothelial Recruitment of Intravascularly Delivered Neural Stem Cells to the Ischemic Brain

Background and Purpose—The inflammatory response is a critical component of ischemic stroke. In addition to its physiological role, the mechanisms behind transendothelial recruitment of immune cells also offer a unique therapeutic opportunity for translational stem cell therapies. Recent reports have demonstrated homing of neural stem cells (NSC) into the injured brain areas after intravascular delivery. However, the mechanisms underlying the process of transendothelial recruitment remain largely unknown. Here we describe the critical role of the chemokine CCL2 and its receptor CCR2 in targeted homing of NSC after ischemia. Methods—Twenty-four hours after induction of stroke using the hypoxia-ischemia model in mice CCR2+/+ and CCR2−/− reporter NSC were intra-arterially delivered. Histology and bioluminescence imaging were used to investigate NSC homing to the ischemic brain. Functional outcome was assessed with the horizontal ladder test. Results—Using NSC isolated from CCR2+/+ and CCR2−/− mice, we show t...
Mixing alternatives for the polyester microencapsulation process for immobilization of hazardous residuals

Abstract The evaluation of two mixing methods, as alternatives to impeller mixing in the polyester immobilization of hazardous residuals, is described. These are (1) emulsification of the toxic waste solution into the polyester resin by air sparging and (2) mixing of neat polyester resin with volume reduced wastes in a rotary drum type mixer. The evaluation in the first method is in terms of time for emulsification, viscosity and droplet size distribution, and time for emulsion curing, as compared to low- and high-speed impeller mixing. In the second method, the discussion is limited to the time and nature of solidification.
Microelectromechanical bandpass filters based on cyclic coupling architectures

Bandpass filters based on resonant microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have the unique advantage of being able to leverage the benefits of classical mechanical filters, including their high quality factors of resonance, while simultaneously addressing the challenges associated with manufacturing cost and size, and enabling integrated fabrication with other on-chip components. While prior research has demonstrated the benefits of microelectromechanical filters composed of both isolated and coupled microresonators, the optimality of existing filter architectures, and their associated performance metrics, is yet to be fully determined. To this end, the current effort seeks to investigate the relative utility of micromechanical filter designs which exploit a nontraditional filter architecture founded upon cyclic, elastic coupling. Specifically, the work seeks to characterize the pertinent performance metrics and robustness characteristics associated with these systems, and to benchmark the acquired results against conventional, open-chain filter designs. The work ultimately demonstrates that MEMS filters based upon cyclic coupling architectures may be beneficially leveraged in certain filter implementations to improve overall system performance.
Preliminary Experience With Clevidipine in the Pediatric Population

Clevidipine is a third-generation calcium channel antagonist of the dihydropyridine group. Like nicardipine, its primary physiologic effect is vasodilation, primarily of the arterial system with limited effects on capacitance vessels. Unlike other direct-acting vasodilators, it has an ultrashort half-life due to its metabolism by nonspecific blood and tissue esterases. To date, the majority of clinical experience with clevidipine has been in the adult cardiac surgery population, with no reports regarding its use in the pediatric population. We retrospectively reviewed our preliminary experience with the use of this novel agent in a cohort of 10 pediatric-aged patients ranging in age from 9 to 18 years. The indications for the use of clevidipine included control of perioperative hypertension in 4 patients, to provide controlled hypotension during orthopedic surgical procedures in 5 patients, and to improve distal perfusion during a toe-to-finger implant in 1 patient. One patient who presented to the operat...
Localization of the points of leakage in an oil main pipeline under nonstationary conditions

Within the framework of the theory of optimal control, problems on the localization of the points of oil leakage from a transport pipeline system and on the determination of the rate of these leakages were investigated. Analytical formulas for the gradient of the functional that determines the deviation of oil flow conditions at the given points of a pipeline section from the calculated ones were obtained. These formulas allow one to use numerical methods of first-order optimization for solving the problem posed. Some results of numerical experiments are given.
Thermally activated population of microcavity polariton states under optical and electrical excitation

We examine the luminescence from optical microcavities containing an organic semiconductor in the regime of strong exciton-photon coupling. The ratio of luminescence from the upper polariton branch to the lower polariton branch is studied as a function of microcavity detuning and temperature under both optical and electrical excitation. The population of the upper polariton branch is modeled by means of thermal activation from an uncoupled exciton reservoir. Here, the activation energy for the population of the upper polariton branch is equal to the energetic separation between the exciton reservoir and the upper branch at the angle of detection. Agreement is obtained with this model under both optical and electrical excitation using measurements of angle-resolved microcavity reflectivity and luminescence.
VALUE CREATION AND DESTRUCTION IN CROSS-BORDER ACQUISITIONS: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF FOREIGN ACQUISITIONS OF U.S. FIRMS

We conduct an investigation of the sources of gains and losses in cross-border acquisitions in light of different motives for undertaking these transactions: synergy-seeking, managerialism and hubris. We find that the data are consistent with the expectation that multiple sources of value creation exist in synergistic cross-border acquisitions: asset sharing, reverse internalization of valuable intangible assets, and financial diversification. Gains accrue to bidder firm shareholders only for the least fungible of these sources of gains, i.e., reverse internalization. For value-destroying acquisitions that are expected to be driven by managerialism, we find that the data are consistent with only one of the sources of value destruction that we examine, i.e., risk reduction. In these acquisitions, the evidence also suggests that the relative size of the target to the bidder mitigates the negative effects of risk reduction. Our results underscore the importance of considering the implications of alternative behavioral assumptions in empirical strategy content research. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Natural product inhibitors of glucose-6-phosphate translocase

Inhibitors of glucose-6-phosphate translocase (G6P T1) control aberrant glucose levels and show promise as anticancer and anti-diabetic agents. This mini-review provides a concise overview of natural product and natural product analogs that inhibit G6P T1. The discovery and development of these inhibitors, as well as their efficacy in cell-based assays and in vivo, are discussed. Finally, we acknowledge the need for improved G6P T1 inhibitors and the potential to harness the programmable chemistry of microorganisms to meet this need.
Equivalence of two theories of strong optical scintillation

We demonstrate that the theories of strong irradiance fluctuations of Yura and Clifford et al., although they start from slightly different physical models, produce the same predictions for the behavior of an optical wave propagating through strong turbulence. Both theories predict a saturation of the irradiance variance and that in the saturation regime the amplitude correlation length is equal to the lateral coherence length of the optical wave. The detailed structure of the amplitude correlation functions is also similar, showing a more-rapid decay at the origin and an enhanced tail at large separations in comparison to the results of the weak scattering theory.
DERIVATION OF RANGING SOURCE INTEGRITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE LOCAL AREA AUGMENTATION SYSTEM (LAAS).

: Several satellite latent fault modes can cause errors that may not be removed by pseudorange corrections or detected unless special augmentation-based integrity monitors are employed. The error classes resulting from satellite fault modes are distorted signal waveform, uncorrectable ephemeris error, excessive clock acceleration, excessive code-carrier divergence, and low signal power. This paper derives the integrity monitoring parameters for these errors through mathematical analyses and error-bounding rationales. The integrity parameters are the maximum allowable error in the pseudorange corrections and the probability of missed detection of this error. The inputs to the analyses are the integrity monitoring operational requirements contained in the Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards for the Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS). The results of the analyses are used as the basic performance requirements for ranging source integrity monitoring in the FAA's LAAS Ground Facility specification. The paper includes model derivations and an example application to the signal waveform distortion error class.
A NEW CLIP ELECTRODE FOR CLINICAL ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY.

Solid copper no.-27C weak-spring batter-clip electrodes have been found quite suitable for rapid application to patients. These electrodes should be especially useful to electrocardiographers and technicians under emergency situations as well as in routine heart-station work.
A seed specific Δ-12 oleate desaturase gene is duplicated, rearranged, and weakly expressed in high oleic acid sunflower lines

The seed oils of wild-type sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) germplasm typically contain 140 to 350 g kg -1 oleic acid (18:1). Sunflower germplasm with 800 to 950 g kg -1 18:1 (high oleic germplasm) has been developed with a dominant mutation (Ol) originating from the cultivar 'Pervenets'. We speculated that this mutation reduced the activity or expression of a Δ-12 oleate desaturase (OLD) gene. This was tested by cloning OLD genes expressed in developing seeds and comparing nucleotide sequences, OLD transcript concentrations, and OLD restriction fragment lengths among wild-type (low oleic) and backcross-derived mutant (high oleic) lines fixed for ol or Ol alleles, respectively. An Arabidopsis thaliana L. OLD (At OLD) cDNA probe was used to isolate a full-length cDNA clone (OLD-7) from a developing seed cDNA library of sunflower. OLD-7 was strongly expressed in developing seeds, but was not expressed in the other tissues sampled. The nucleotide sequences for OLD-7 ORFs from partially isogenic low and high oleic acid lines (HA89 and HA341) were 100% identical. High oleic lines had substantially lower OLD-7 transcript concentrations than low oleic lines. Restriction fragment analyses showed that OLD-7 is duplicated and rearranged in mutant lines and linked to the Ol locus; thus, increased oleic acid content seems to be caused by DNA changes affecting OLD-7 cis regulatory sequences. OLD-7 RFLPs distinguish between Ol locus genotypes and can be used to accelerate the development of high oleic lines in sunflower.
Patient education and emergency room visits

Patients visit emergency rooms for urgent and non‐urgent care. Because emergency room visits are more costly than visits to primary care clinics and are less likely to involve preventive care, third party payers and institutions have always tried to shift patients away from the emergency room and towards primary care clinics where appropriate. Hypothesizes that an intervention based in an adult primary care clinic might enable this, especially if it involved patients who used both the clinic and the emergency room. Surveys patients to determine why they used the emergency room and to identify barriers to using the primary care clinic instead. Based on the survey results, an intervention was developed to facilitate use of the primary care clinic. Discusses the methodology used in the survey and analyses results. Concludes that it is difficult to change patient behaviour to fit the demands of the health care system. Possibly, it would be better to change the system to fit the behaviour patterns of the patients.
Symmetry implications for the selection of cluster sizes for semiconductor surfaces

The implications of the intrinsic three-fold symmetry of the idealized (111) plane of the bulk crystals of the group iv semiconductors are examined. The highest occupied orbital of the asymptotically large clusters exhibiting this symmetry are shown to be expected to be of irreducible representation e and to be half-filled. The resulting electronic degeneracy is prone to a Jahn-Teller distortion leading to an expected reconstruction of the surface. The related phenomenon in solid state band theory, the Peierls distortion, has been previously suggested as the driving force behind the known reconstruction of this surface. The symmetry analysis supports this view. Finite clusters containing 8i + 3 or 8i + 4 surface atoms are recommended for cluster calculations examining the surface reconstruction problem because they are to be expected to have the appropriate (e)2 electronic configuration. A nearest-neighbor Huckel-like treatment of the problem gives analytical expressions for the eigenvalues for the idealized case and for one kind of 2 × 1 distortion. Calculations with this Huckel-like model exhibit the properties expected from the analysis of the three-fold symmetry.
Relativity, the Fitzgerald-Lorentz Contraction, and Quantum Theory

The paper reviews former contentions of the writer to the effect that in the realm of classical physics, at any rate, the Michelson-Morley experiment has an illusory significance in relation to the theory of restricted relativity, and that in this realm there would be sense to the useful part of the theory involving, as it does, the invariance of the equations under the Lorentzian transformation, even though the Michelson-Morley experiment should give a positive effect and rods and clocks should fail to partake of the Lorentzian contraction and time changes when set in motion with velocity $v$ in the system $S$. It is shown, however, that the existence of a relativistically invariant quantum theory provides for the Lorentzian contraction and allied phenomena cited above and calls for them as necessities. Without such a theory, the invariance of the equations alone would have nothing to say on these matters.
Rudiments of a nitrate assimilating bacterium in bioremediation

Abstract The microbial pathway of nitrate assimilation may have bioremediation potential in cases where the need for nitrate removal is paired with a desire to reuse the captured nitrogen in biomass form. In order to assess the nitrate bioremediation potential of Methylobacterium fujisawaense, both freely suspended cells and those immobilized on calcium alginate beads were assessed in aerobic test tube and batch reactor settings for their ability to reduce NO3-N. Nitrate removal results were as high as 100% for freely suspended cells after 96 h and 95% for immobilized cells also after 96 h. A statistical analysis of the first order kinetic/exponential decay trend found in both free cell and immobilized cell systems found no significant difference in overall nitrate removal rates between the two systems. These findings suggest that the organism is capable of a significant assimilation of NO3-N. The assimilating ability of M. fujisawaense is also not greatly altered by immobilization, a characteristic that adds to the list of its potential benefits in a bioremediation setting.
The Bayer 022 Compassionate-Use Pediatric Study

Abstract Background . As part of a compassionate-use study, a placebo-controlled study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of aprotinin in patients undergoing any procedure associated with cardiopulmonary bypass and at increased risk of perioperative bleeding. This article reviews results in 116 patients 16 years of age or less. Methods . Patients were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: high dose, low dose, pump prime only, and placebo. Efficacy was measured by four parameters: requirement for units of donor blood, requirement for units of donor blood and blood product, thoracic drainage volumes, and rates of reoperation required primarily because of diffuse bleeding. Results were separately analyzed in all patients, patients undergoing primary procedures, patients undergoing repeat procedures, neonates and infants 1 year of age or less, and patients older than 1 year of age. Results . There was a trend toward reduced blood and blood product requirements with aprotinin use, least evident in neonates and infants and particularly evident in patients undergoing repeat procedures. Aprotinin did not reduce drainage volumes in this pediatric population. Conclusions . There is a trend toward benefit with aprotinin use in a pediatric population, as measured by requirement for blood and blood product, in patients who are more than 1 year of age and in patients undergoing a repeat operation rather than a primary sternotomy operation.
Developments in probability and mathematical statistics generated by studies in meteorology and weather modification

Invariably, a persistent study of a category of natural phenomena generates novel mathematical developments, occasionally including sophisticated mathematical concepts. Of the mathematical developments generated by meteorology and efforts to modify weather, the most sophisticated seems to be the concept of characteristic functional. It was first published by A. N. Kolmogorov to be unnoticed for twelve years. It was reintroduced in 1947 by L. M. LeCam, inspired by studies of meteorology. Substantially less sophisticated mathematical concepts stem from cloud seeding experiments. They include (i) “outlier prone” and “outlier resistant” distributions,(ii) two mechanisms of response to cloud seeding. and (iii) the concept of variability of response to cloudseeding.
Visibility, Vulnerability, Development, and Context: Ingredients for a Fuller Understanding of Peer Rejection in Adolescence

Merten's recent assessment of the responses of four boys who were associated with a low-status peer crowd in junior high school provides important insights on processes of social rejection in early adolescence. To build on these insights, investigators must broaden the sample beyond core members of one socially rejected peer group and broaden their methods beyond self-reports and self-assessments from rejected youth. Conceptual frameworks must consider the full range of characteristics that contribute to peer status-physical stature and development, personality traits, social skills, interests, abilities, and values-and be sensitive to contextual (school and community)factors that shape the peer group system and constrain mobility within the system.
A 3.3 µW dual-modulus frequency divider with 189% locking range for MICS band applications

This paper presents the design and simulated performance of an ultra-low-power 4/5 frequency divider based on a CMOS ring oscillator. The divider operates over a 189% locking range (29MHz – 1GHz) for both division ratios, covering the MICS band and 433MHz and 915MHz ISM bands while consuming only 3.3 µW in MICS band. The wide locking range and low power consumption makes this very suitable for ultra-low-power MICS band applications. The divider is designed in 90 nm CMOS process and occupies 45 µm2 area.
Challenges of Caring

Congregational expectations for care in the last third of life create challenges for church professionals. The last third of life is typically long and complex as people are living long and dying s...
Solubilization and characterization of 3H-spiroperidol binding sites of calf caudate

Abstract The effectiveness of several extraction procedures in solubilizing 3 H-spiroperidol receptor sites was examined. Of the solubilizing agents tested, digitonin and lysolecithin were both effective in solubilization of the receptor. Lysolecithin, however, yielded four times as many receptor sites as that obtained with digitonin. The soluble receptor retained the essential characteristics of the membrane bound sites. Butaclamol stereospecificity inhibited the uptake of 2 × 10 −9 M, 3 H-spiroperidol solubilized receptor at an IC 50 value similar to that of intact membrane. Stereospecifically of butaclamol antagonism was not maintained, however, when a cerebellum, or heat inactivated caudate preparation was used. The solubilized preparations were sensitive to the effects of the specific dopamine agonist 6,7-dihydroxy-2-aminotetralin (ADTN) which inhibited 3 H-spiroperidol binding with low IC 50 values similar to those obtained with intact membrane receptor. Displacement of 3 H-spiroperidol from 3 H-spiroperidol receptor complex was produced by butaclamol stereospecifically, and for other competitive antagonists including haloperidol, spiroperidol and R 1187 in a manner similar to that of the intact membrane receptor. Both microsomes and synaptosomes could be similarly solubilized with digitonin and retained stereospecific reversibility of binding in the presence of butaclamol. Chromatography of solubilized lysolecithin calf caudate, 3 H-spiroperidol receptor complex reveals a single peak of radioactivity which was eluted just prior to rabbit gamma globulin, suggesting an estimated molecular weight of 150,000 to 200,000 daltons.
Acylation of α-(N-carbamoyl)alkylcuprates and alkyl- or aryl(halo)cuprates

Abstract α-(N-Carbamoyl)alkylcuprates [R2CuLi·LiX or RCuXLi (X=CN, Cl)] when prepared from THF soluble CuX·2LiCl (X=Cl, CN) undergo a reliable and generally high yield reaction with aroyl, alkanoyl, and alkenoyl chlorides to provide a rapid and efficient synthesis of α-carbamoyl ketones. Cuprates prepared from acyclic, cyclic, and a functionalized carbamate can be utilized. Although yields are a function of cuprate reagent and substrate structure, nearly quantitative yields can be obtained with reagents generated from 2RLi+CuCN·2LiCl. The use of reagents generated from CuCl·2LiCl are more efficient in the α-(N-carbamoyl)alkyl ligand, although yields are slightly lower. Acylation of alkyl(chloro)cuprates generated from one equivalent of CuCl·2LiCl and organolithium or Grignard reagents provides an efficient and high yield procedure for ketone synthesis.
Project-oriented laboratory courses in optics education

ABSTRACT:In this paper we discuss the implementation of a project oriented laboratory course in opticseducation. Through our discussion we show the relevance and necessity for such a course. The course is tailored not only to make the students to learn concepts, but to build a product from scratch tocompletion. Emphasis is also made on the design, performance, marketing and aesthetics of theproduct.Key words: optics education1.0 iNTRODUCTIONOptics is interdisciplinary in nature with applications covering a broad range of fields.Although optics originated from physics it has evolved into a field that is a mixture of physics andengineering. In this context the method ofteaching and even the learning styles ofthe students aredifferent from conventional physics students. Therefore, optics courses are usually a blend of newtechnology, engineering and physics. However, the traditional sequence in a course is to have a laboratory associated with the course or even a stand alone laboratory course. Laboratory experiencesprovide the tool for understanding the basic ideas but do not necessarily provide the background for
A Question and an Argument: Enhancing Student Writing through Guided Research Assignments

The term paper is a standard requirement of undergraduate political science courses, yet for both students and faculty it is frequently unsatisfying. When teachers allow students to choose their own topics from the range of issues covered in a course, students often flounder for direction. Papers based on a professor's preselected questions suggest the need for a thesis but leave undergraduates uncertain about how to construct one. The result: papers that deal with a broad topic rather than presenting a sharp thesis. While the writing process alone may be a valuable learning experience for some undergraduates, many other simply throw together a mass of information without spending time integrating their work into a coherent whole. Students complain of being overwhelmed, and the grader is left to sort through a paper in search of its point.
The open-mindedness of the counterattitudinal role player

Abstract Subjects first expressed their own position on whether college education should be general (liberal arts) or specialized (career preparatory), then were led to expect that they would write essays supporting one or the other of these positions, next judged the validity of a standard set of statements representing both views, and last again expressed their opinions on the issue. Validity judgments indicated that subjects tended strongly to accept arguments supporting their own position and reject opposing ones when expecting to defend their own position, but accepted nearly equal numbers of arguments on both sides when expecting to advocate the opposing position. Final opinion judgments were influenced in the direction of the assigned position even though the role playing task was not performed. It was concluded that the effectiveness of role playing in inducing opinion change may be due in large part to its success in getting subjects to evaluate information opposing their own position in unbiased fashion.
Second-order multiple-scattering theory for charged-particle teletherapy beams

The Fermi‐Eyges theory of multiple scattering, applicable to charged‐particle teletherapy beams, has been generalized to second order in small quantities representing deviations from the particles’ initial lines of travel and direction. This second‐order multiple‐scattering theory provides increased accuracy, and in particular it takes into account the skewness of the particles’ paths, in calculating dose. Only the assumptions and certain results of the second‐order theory are presented in this communication, for the immediate use of other investigators. An application to rectangular fields shows that the second‐order theory predicts one component of the buildup of electron central axis depth dose, which the (first‐order) Fermi–Eyges theory cannot do. (The other major component of buildup, which is not yet incorporated into this theoretical work, is due to high‐energy secondary electrons.) Various approximate calculations of electron central axis depth dose are compared with the second‐order calculation.
Elevation of plasma tyrosine after a single oral dose of L-tyrosine.

Abstract Plasma tyrosine concentrations in twelve normal, fasting human subjects were significantly elevated 2–8 hours after they ingested 100 mg/kg or 150 mg/kg tyrosine. Mean plasma tyrosine levels were maximal after 2 hours, rising from 69 ± 3.9 to 154 ± 9.5 nmols/ml ( X ± SEM ) after the 100 mg/kg dose and to 203 ± 31.5 nmols/ml after the 150 mg/kg dose (p ≤ 0.001 for both doses). The mean tyrosine ratio (defined as the ratio of plasma tyrosine concentration to the sum of the concentrations of six other neutral amino acids that compete for the same blood-brain barrier uptake system) increased from 0.10 ± 0.02 to 0.28 ± 0.04 ( X ± SEM ) 2 hours after the 100 mg/kg dose (p ≤ 0.001) and to 0.35 ± 0.05 2 hours after the 150 mg/kg dose (p ≤ 0.005). No side effects of orally-administered L-tyrosine were noted.
Quasi-Static Adhesive Fracture

Abstract The concept of quasi-static crack propagation is used in the present paper to study quantitatively the effects of environmental fluids on fracture in adhesive joints. The mechanisms and mechanics of environmental adhesive fracture under rising loads are discussed. Two types of cracking behaviour were observed. (1) When the dissolution or the “surface energy reduction” mechanism prevailed, the fracture toughness of the adhesive joint in the environment was reduced. (2) However, when environment-enhanced crazes were formed in the adherend at the crack tip region, the local fracture toughness of the adhesive joint would be increased. But cracking was usually unstable so that crack velocities were not readily measurable. Except in so far as the adhesive surfaces may have considerable effects, the fracture toughness of an adhesive joint is independent of the specimen geometries used in the present work. Also, the variation of fracture toughness with crack velocity for an Aluminum/ Araldite joint in a ...