cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testing for violations of microscopic reversibility in ATP-sensitive potassium channel gating.

In pancreatic β cells, insulin secretion is tightly controlled by the cells’ metabolic state via the ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel. ATP is a key mediator in this signaling process, where its role as an inhibitor of KATP channels has been extensively studied. Since the channel contains an ATPase as an accessory subunit, the possibility that ATP hydrolysis mediates KATP channel opening has also been proposed. However, a rigorous test of coupling between ATP hydrolysis and channel gating has not previously been performed. In the present work, we examine whether KATP channel gating obeys detailed balance in order to determine whether ATP hydrolysis is strongly coupled to the gating of the KATP channel. Single-channel records were obtained from inside-out patches of transiently transfected HEK-293 cells. Channel activity in membrane patches with exactly one channel shows no violations of microscopic reversibility. Although KATP channel gating shows long closed times on the time scale where ATP hydroly...
Solvent-free protein encapsulation within biodegradable polymer foams.

Microporous poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) matrices containing encapsulated proteins were fabricated in a solvent-free manner. Microporous foam was generated by saturating a mixture of polymer and protein particles in supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2), dispersing the protein particles in the polymer melt followed by a rapid evaporation of the CO2 phase. The release rates of protein encapsulated within porous poly(lactide-co-glycolide)(PLGA) constructs produced in SC-CO2 were measured in vitro. Although a substantial amount of protein was released within the first 48 h, results indicated that protein may be dispersed throughout the polymer phase and released over 3 weeks using this solvent-free technique. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), known to promote angiogenesis in vivo, was encapsulated within the polymer matrix. In addition, retention of biological activity was measured for bFGF encapsulated within PLGA foams. Encapsulated bFGF was released from the porous constructs for up to 10 days in v...
Reinforcing effects of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone in rats.

Abstract The GABA A receptor positive modulator allopregnanolone (3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one) is a potent neurosteroid with behavioral and biochemical characteristics similar to ethanol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines. This suggests that neurosteroids may provide an alternative class of sedative/hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and anxiolytic pharmacotherapies. However, there is evidence from animal models that neurosteroids may be susceptible to abuse by humans. Thus, the present study evaluated the reinforcing effects of orally administered allopregnanolone in rats. In the first experiment, male Long–Evans rats ( n =9) were allowed to voluntarily consume a 50-μg/ml allopregnanolone (50A) solution or water in an unlimited-access two-bottle choice procedure for 10 days. Subsequently, the same animals were trained to lever-press to receive a 50A solution in daily 30-min operant sessions using a sucrose substitution procedure. In the two-bottle choice procedure, rats consumed significantly more allopregnanolone than water, suggesting that allopregnanolone was serving as a reinforcer. In the operant self-administration procedure, allopregnanolone did not maintain levels of responding that were different from water, suggesting that allopregnanolone did not function as a reinforcer in this procedure. These results suggest that orally administered allopregnanolone possesses reinforcing properties; however, additional studies are necessary to determine whether operant oral self-administration will be a viable index of allopregnanolone's reinforcing effects.
The Biomolecular Crystallization Database Version 4: expanded content and new features

The Biological Macromolecular Crystallization Database (BMCD) has been a publicly available resource since 1988, providing a curated archive of information on crystal growth for proteins and other biological macromolecules. The BMCD content has recently been expanded to include 14 372 crystal entries. The resource continues to be freely available at http://xpdb.nist.gov:8060/BMCD4. In addition, the software has been adapted to support the Java-based Lucene query language, enabling detailed searching over specific parameters, and explicit search of parameter ranges is offered for five numeric variables. Extensive tools have been developed for import and handling of data from the RCSB Protein Data Bank. The updated BMCD is called version 4.02 or BMCD4. BMCD4 entries have been expanded to include macromolecule sequence, enabling more elaborate analysis of relations among protein properties, crystal-growth conditions and the geometric and diffraction properties of the crystals. The BMCD version 4.02 contains greatly expanded content and enhanced search capabilities to facilitate scientific analysis and design of crystal-growth strategies.
Feldspar Dissolution Before Advent of Land Plants on Earth: ABSTRACT

The sedimentary record throughout geologic time shows that, in general, plagioclases alter faster than K-feldspars. Examination of detrital feldspars in Cambrian and Ordovician arenites shows that most K-feldspars are altered very little, whereas plagioclases are either absent or severely altered. This is in sharp contrast to the varying degrees of alteration suffered by all feldspars found in post-Silurian sediments. It is possible that regolithic processes of Cambrian-Ordovician times preferentially destroyed plagioclases while preserving K-feldspars. Weak organic acids in soils, commonly due to humus, can dissolve all feldspars. In addition, continued uptake of potassium by land plants depletes the K+ ion concentration in soil waters and favors the dissolution of potassium-bearing phases. During Cambrian-Ordovician times, in the absence of vascular land plants (green algae and lichen notwithstanding), there would be no potassium-chelating agent, and the K+ ion concentration in soil waters would not have been depleted. Therefore, the composition of Cambrian-Ordovician soil waters could have been within the stability field of K-feldspars but beyond that of plagioclase (assuming that the silicon, aluminum and hydrogen activities did not make all feldspars unstable). Under such circumstances, K-feldspars would no be altered but the dissolution of plagioclases would continue. If so, weathering processes before landplant times must have been responsible for the unusual detrital mineral assemblage (quartz + fresh K-feldspars + no plagioclases) observed in Cambrian-Ordovician arenites. End_of_Article - Last_Page 896------------
Transport and Distribution of Auxin during Tropistic Response. II. The Lateral Migration of Auxin in Phototropism of Coleoptiles.

It was found that the process of cellular absorption of Rb in corn leaf tissue resembles that in excised roots of barley in the following respects: absorption at the concentration used is a linear function of time for at least 1 hour; the accumulation ratio reached in 1 hour, with an external concentration of 0.02 mM Rb, is over 250: 1; the rate of absorption at 4.50 is 10 % or less of the rate at 300.
Targeting an Early and Substantial Increase in Mean Arterial Pressure Is Critical in the Management of Type 1 Hepatorenal Syndrome: A Combined Retrospective and Pilot Study

Background Appreciation of the central role for arterial vasodilatation in the pathogenesis of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) has led to routine use of vasoconstrictors in combination with albumin as a medical therapy for HRS. Various vasoconstrictors have been explored but the optimal approach for such therapies has not yet been established.
Model validation: A probabilistic formulation

This paper presents a probabilistic formulation of the model validation problem. The proposed validation framework is simple, intuitive, and can account both deterministic and stochastic nonlinear systems in presence of parametric and nonparametric uncertainties. Contrary to the hard invalidation methods proposed in the literature, our formulation allows a relaxed notion of validation in probability. The construction of probabilistically robust validation certificates provides provably correct guarantees. Computational complexities and numerical examples are given to illustrate the method.
The Publication Process in Educational Measurement

Why is it important to publish your research? How are papers reviewed before publication decisions are made? How can you select the right journal for your paper? How do EM:” and other measurement journals compare in content, orientation, and other characteristics?
Estimating the effects of road mortality on turtle populations

Road mortality is suspected to have contributed to widespread population declines in turtles in the United States, a country with exceptionally high turtle diversity. We examined the issue through a modeling study that integrated road maps and traffic-volume data with simulated movements of (1) small-bodied pond turtles, (2) large-bodied pond turtles, and (3) terrestrial and semiterrestrial ("land") turtles. Our model predicted that road networks typical of the northeastern, southeastern, and central regions have the potential to limit land-turtle populations and, to a lesser extent, populations of large-bodied pond turtles. Nowhere are populations of small-bodied pond turtles likely threatened regionally by road mortality. We conclude that the demographic traits of some turtles, in combination with their mobility, may jeopardize population persistence within road networks typical of the eastern and central United States.
Effects of methsuximide on schedule-controlled responding in the pigeon

Abstract Acute and chronic effects of methsuximide (25, 50, 75, 100 mg/kg), a succinimide with anticonvulsant properties, were examined in pigeons responding under a multiple fixed-ratio 50 fixed-interval 90-sec schedule of food delivery. The clearest acute effect of methsuximide was a substantial reduction in response rates under both components of the multiple schedule when the drug was administered at 100 mg/kg. Detailed analysis of the temporal distribution of responding under the fixed-interval failed to reveal rate-dependent drug effects. Tolerance appeared to develop to the effects of methsuximide when the drug was administered chronically.
Chain epimerization during propylene polymerization with metallocene catalysts: mechanistic studies using a doubly labeled propylene.

The mechanisms of chain epimerization during propylene polymerization with methylaluminoxane-activated rac-(EBTHI)ZrCl_2 and rac-(EBI)ZrCl_2 catalysts (EBTHI = ethylenebis(η^5-tetrahydroindenyl); EBI = ethylenebis(η^5-indenyl)) have been studied using specifically isotopically labeled propylene: CH_2═CD^(13)CH_3. These isospecific catalysts provide predominantly the expected [mmmm] pentads with [−CH_2CD^(13)CH_3-] repeating units (^(13)C NMR). Under relatively low propylene concentrations at 50 and 75 °C, where stereoerrors attributable to chain epimerization are prevalent, ^(13)C NMR spectra reveal ^(13)C-labeled methylene groups along the polymer main chain, together with [CD^(13)CH_3] units in [mmmr], [mmrr], and [mrrm] pentads and [CH^(13)CH_3] units in [mmmmmm] and [mmmmmr] heptads, as well as [mrrm] pentads. The isotopomeric regiomisplacements and stereoerrors are consistent with a mechanism involving β-D elimination, olefin rotation and enantiofacial interconversions, and insertion to a tertiary alkyl intermediate [Zr−C(CH_2D)(^(13)CH_3)P] (P = polymer chain), followed by the reverse steps to yield two stereoisomers of [Zr−CHDCH(^(13)CH_3)P] and [Zr−^(13)CH_2CH(CH_2D)P], as well as unrearranged [Zr−CH_2CD(^(13)CH_3)P]. The absence of observable [−CH2CH13CH2D−] in the [mrrm] pentad region of the ^(13)C NMR spectra provides evidence that an allyl/dihydrogen complex does not mediate chain epimerization.
Multiscale Crack Fundamental Element Model for Real-World Pavement Crack Classification

AbstractHigh-resolution 2D intensity and 3D range data are available to support pavement crack detection and classification. However, crack classification based on actual distress protocols specifi...
Revascularization in the acute coronary syndromes

Abstract Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and occurs when the coronary arteries are unable to supply adequate oxygenated blood to the myocardium, which in turn can lead to ischemia and infarction of myocardial tissue. There are three options for revascularization in the setting of acute coronary syndromes. In select patients, coronary artery bypass surgery remains an option. Thrombolytics were initially the mainstay of therapy, which has now shifted to angioplasty, with or without stents, when readily available. Revascularization has been demonstrated to improve patient outcomes, and has evolved rapidly in the recent past.
Diastereomeric isomers of five-coordinate organoantimony compounds

Abstract A series of unsymmetrical diarylantimony trichlorides of the type PhArSbCl3, where Ar is a substituted phenyl group have been prepared. An attempt was then made to convert these to the oxides (PhArSbCl2)2O. In addition to the known compound (Ph2SbCl2)2O, only bis(phenyl-p-tolyldichloroantimony) oxide was obtained in pure form. An impure sample of bis(phenyl-p-fluorophenyldichloroantimony) oxide was also obtained. PMR spectra of the tolyl compound and 19F spectra of the fluoro compound revealed the presence of two diastereomeric forms for both compounds at low temperature.
Fullerene Water Suspension (nC60) Exerts Antibacterial Effects via ROS-Independent Protein Oxidation

Buckminsterfullerene (C60) can form water suspensions (nC60) that exert toxic effects. While reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation has been implicated as the mechanism for mammalian cytotoxicity, we propose that nC60 exerts ROS-independent oxidative stress in bacteria, with evidence of protein oxidation, changes in cell membrane potential, and interruption of cellular respiration. This mechanism requires direct contact between the nanoparticle and the bacterial cell and differs from previously reported nanomaterial antibacterial mechanisms that involve ROS generation (metal oxides) or leaching of toxic elements (nanosilver).
Quadruple and octuple layer potentials in two dimensions I: Analytical apparatus

Abstract A detailed analysis is presented of all pseudo-differential operators of orders up to 2 encountered in classical potential theory in two dimensions. Each of the operators under investigation turns out to be a sum of one or more of standard operators (second derivative, derivative of the Hilbert transform, etc.), and an integral operator with smooth kernel. This classification leads to an extremely simple analysis of spectra of such operators, and simplifies the design of procedures for their numerical evaluation. In a sequel to this paper, the obtained apparatus will be used to construct stable discretizations of arbitrarily high order for a variety of boundary value problems for elliptic partial differential equations.
(Na+-K+)-activated ATPase in kidney cell membranes of normal and methylprednisolone-treated rats

A method is described for the isolation of a purified preparation of plasma membranes from rat kidney tissue, with a high specific activity of (Na+-K+)-activated ATPase. Treatment of rats for 4–5 days with methylprednisolone produced an increase in the specific activity of (Na+-K+)-ATPase in kidney homogenates, but not of Mg2+-dependent ATPase or succinate dehydrogenase (EC 1.3.99.1). Methylprednisolone did not, however, increase the (Na+-K+)-ATPase per mg of protein in kidney plasma membranes. The data are interpreted to support the hypothesis that glucocorticoids increase (Na+-K+)-ATPase activity in the kidney by increasing the quantity of plasma membrane per cell, rather than by increasing the activity of enzyme per unit of plasma membrane.
Utility of Scales Derived from Teacher Judgements of Adolescent Academic Performance and Psychosocial Behavior

Justification is presented for using teacher judgements of student achievement and psychosocial functioning as "indirect measures" of school-related outcomes. An 18-year follow up study of a Danish birth cohort (N=350), for whom no standardized or "direct" measures were available, was used as the context in which the BAMED Teacher Rating Form was designed and developed. The 106-item Form yielded 23 empirically and logically derived scales with alpha reliability coefficients ranging from .75 to .95. Sixteen of the scales most relevant to schooling were subjected to a factor analysis that yielded four reliable factors labeled: sociability; classroom functioning; academic performance; and behavior self-control (impulsivity). The findings indicated that teacher ratings of academic performance and psychosocial functioning were quite independent. Further, teachers were able to observe reliably and to rate behaviors representative of different classes within both the academic and psychosocial functioning domains...
The economics of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

Abstract Background & Aims: A major impetus for laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is its purported cost savings compared with medical therapy, but few studies have examined these economic outcomes. The aim was to analyze health care costs and use among a cohort of patients undergoing LNF and compare them with patients with medically treated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods: Comparison of health care use and direct costs from the third-party payer perspective using 13 United HealthCare Plans. Sixty-one patients who underwent LNF from January 1994 to June 1998 and 178 matched controls were used for this study. Outcome variables included the cost of hospital and outpatient visits, hospitalizations, related endoscopic procedures, and pharmacy claims for proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor antagonists, and prokinetics. Cost of LNF or index esophagogastroduodenoscopy was not included. Results: Sixty-one LNF patients and 178 controls were studied. No differences were seen for the costs of office visits and hospital admissions or the number of gastrointestinal procedures. LNF patients had significantly lower gastrointestinal medication costs. Median total health care costs were significantly lower in the LNF group but mean total costs were not different. This was attributable to $201,000 in costs for managing complications in one patient that skewed total health care cost in the LNF group. Conclusions: For the 12 months after surgery, LNF reduced costs for gastrointestinal medications but not total costs for the cohort. LNF cost is impacted greatly by the cost of associated complications. Based on these data, LNF does not appear to significantly reduce the direct cost of health care for GERD patients on a population basis.
Beyond Student Resistance: A Pedagogy of Possibility

(1994). Beyond Student Resistance: A Pedagogy of Possibility. Teaching Education: Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 1-8.
Plant glucosidase II catalyzes a transglucosylation reaction in addition to the hydrolytic reaction.

Abstract When the purified plant glucosidase II was incubated with [ 3 H]Glc 2 Man 9 GlcNAc in the presence of glycerol and the products were analyzed by gel filtration, a large peak of radioactivity emerged just before the glucose standard. The formation of this peak was dependent on both the presence of Glc 2 Man 9 GlcNAc and the presence of glycerol, and the amount of this product increased with time of incubation and amount of glucosidase II in the incubation. When the incubation was performed with [ 3 H]Glc 2 Man 9 GlcNAc plus [ 14 C]glycerol, the product contained both 14 C and 3 H. Strong acid hydrolysis of the purified product gave rise to [ 14 C]glycerol and [ 3 H]glucose. Various other chemical treatments and chromatographic techniques showed that the product was glucosyl → glycerol. Since the glucose was released by α-glucosidase, the product must be glucosyl-α-glycerol. This study demonstrates that the processing glucosidase II catalyzes a transglycosylation reaction in the presence of acceptors like glycerol. Since this transglycosylation reaction may give rise to unexpected products, investigators should be aware of its possible occurrence.
Multispectral transillumination imaging of skin lesions for oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin measurement

The early detection of melanoma is critical for patient survival. One of the indentifying features of new malignancy is increased blood flow to the lesion. Multispectral transillumination using the Nevoscope has been demonstrated to be an effective tool for imaging the sub-surface vascular architecture of skin lesions. Using multispectral images obtained from this tool in the visible and near-infrared range, as well as the relative difference in spectral absorption due to oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin, we propose an empirical method to estimate the blood flow volume within a skin lesion. From the images, estimates of the distribution of both Hb and HbO 2 are calculated along with a ratiometric feature describing the relative oxygen saturation level in the blood. We validate our proposed method through the imaging of a skin phantom with embedded capillaries which can be filled with either an artificial Hb or HbO 2 liquid. Our near-IR, multispectral computations nicely differentiate the Hb filled phantom versus the HbO 2 filled phantom, demonstrating that these chromophores can be successfully separated and individually characterized for use in estimating the relative oxygen saturation of skin tissue.
Non-Electoral Responsiveness Mechanisms: Evidence from the Asian Less Democratic Newly Industrializing Countries

Does the lack of competitive elections in the less democratic newly industrialized or industrializing countries (NICs) mean that their governments are unconstrained by their citizens' preferences for economic performance? In this article, I show how non-electoral mechanisms in the less democratic NICs of South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia constrain their governments. Governments pay attention to the effects of policies on economic performance because labour disquiet and disinvestment are likely to arise otherwise. To pre-empt labour disquiet and disinvestment, the governments offer 'credible apologies' that include punishment and monitoring of government when economic performance is less than optimal in these countries. When they fail to offer credible apologies, labour and producers respond with strikes and disinvestment. Governments' credible apologies play an important role in explaining labour quiescence and production investment. The argument and evidence contrasts with the general impression that governments in the less democratic NICs are constrained only by elites or are responsible only to themselves. The analysis shows that governments use bargaining mechanisms even where the citizens are perceived as meek and without bargaining strength.
Ethylene Glycol/Water as Working Fluids for an Experimental Absorption Cycle

An investigational absorption cycle was designed and constructed for research purposes. Nontraditional absorbent/refrigerant pairs were investigated and the selected working flu ids were aqueous ethylene glycole/water. The working fluids selected are safe, unlike the commercial absorbent/refrigerant pairs. This article discusses the challenges met in designing and constructing a research experimental absorption cycle, the unique designs of the various components, including instrumentation, data acquisition, and results of the experiments. With the current design of the absorber and desorber, the cycle has coefficients of performance of 0.67 and 1.2 for refrigeration and heat pump, respectively.
Predicted electric-field-induced hexatic structure in an ionomer membrane.

Coarse-grained molecular-dynamics simulations were used to study the morphological changes induced in a Nafion\textregistered{}-like ionomer by the imposition of a strong electric field. We observe the formation of structures aligned along the direction of the applied field. The polar head groups of the ionomer sidechains aggregate into clusters, which then form rodlike formations which assemble into a hexatic array aligned with the direction of the field. Occasionally these lines of sulfonates and protons form a helical structure. Upon removal of the electric field, the hexatic array of rodlike structures persists and has a lower calculated free energy than the original isotropic morphology.
Commodity price instability and economic goal attainment in developing countries

Abstract This paper reviews the theoretical and empirical micro and macro foundations for the frequent claims that instabilities in international commodity markets have deleterious effects on goal attainment in primary-commodity exporting developing countries. This review leads to the conclusion that the available evidence does not support these claims. The paper concludes with speculation on why such claims are so strong despite the lack of supporting evidence: perhaps it is because of measurement problems and perhaps because of small but articulate groups with vested interests in overstating the problem.
Estimation of diagnostic test accuracy without full verification: a review of latent class methods

The performance of a diagnostic test is best evaluated against a reference test that is without error. For many diseases, this is not possible, and an imperfect reference test must be used. However, diagnostic accuracy estimates may be biased if inaccurately verified status is used as the truth. Statistical models have been developed to handle this situation by treating disease as a latent variable. In this paper, we conduct a systematized review of statistical methods using latent class models for estimating test accuracy and disease prevalence in the absence of complete verification.
Pricing Policy Choice by Internet Retailers

Internet sellers must decide how customers pay shipping charges. Typically, these sellers choose between "uniform pricing," where the firm delivers to any customer at a fixed delivery charge, or "mill pricing," where the firm bills the customer a distance-related shipping charge. This paper studies price competition between an internet seller and local retailers, and the internet seller's choice of pricing policy. It is found that for low customer willingness to pay, mill pricing is favored but as willingness to pay rises, uniform pricing becomes more attractive. These results are generalized showing that larger markets, higher transportation rates, higher unit production cost, and greater competition between retailers all increase profit under mill pricing relative to uniform pricing (and vice versa). Cost asymmetries that favor the internet seller will tend to induce uniform rather than mill pricing. Some empirical data on retail and web retail sales that are consistent with these results are presented.
Liberals at War: The Economic Policies of the Government of National Defense, 1870–1871

THE revolution of September 4, I870, the last of the French revolutions of the nineteenth century, and the Government of National Defense which followed in its wake have been studied as a sort of parenthesis in time between the fall of the Second Empire and the meeting of the National Assembly on February I6, 1871. As such, they have been regarded as constituting a self-contained unit of time in which certain problems were posed and solved once and for all, for better or for worse. A tempestuous period characterized by great heroism and great folly, it has inevitably attracted the military and political historian. The war in the provinces and the siege of Paris by the Prussians end on a note of high tragedy and abrupt finality. But from the economic and social point of view the period has a curiously different aspect: less foolish, less heroic, less tragic. In this light, it appears to possess a continuity with past and future which it otherwise lacks. Despite the revolutionary origin of the government, the financial institutions and even the economic thought of the empire were perpetuated, while at the same time the problems of the new republic took shape and their solutions, or the lack of them, were foreshadowed. From the first, the revolution of September 4 presented a mass of contradictions. It was carried through by a group of men who were not essentially revolutionaries in order to prevent a revolution by a group of men who were. The same men who had opposed the war were, after the revolution, obliged to direct it. The same group who had opposed the dictatorship of Louis Napoleon found themselves on the morrow of his overthrow a selfconstituted dictatorship. The same men who had proposed a program of decentralization found themselves in the position of having to crush separatism. A group of distinguished critics had been given the actors' roles. Lawyers for the prosecution had been handed the case for the defense. Men who were exclusively Parisian undertook to speak for all of France. To this group of intelligent men, strong in their convictions, the basic contradictions
Measurement and predictors of resilience among community-dwelling older women.

Background Resilience, the ability to adapt positively to adversity, may be an important factor in successful aging. However, the assessment and correlates of resilience in elderly individuals have not received adequate attention.
Accessing Primary Care: HIV+ Caribbean Immigrants in the Bronx

This article describes an ecology of health seeking behavior among Bronx residing HIV+ Caribbean immigrants participating in an arm of a U.S. government-funded multi-site evaluation of peer services in the utilization of HIV primary care. Standardized repeat measures were administered at baseline and three four-month intervals. Clinical markers were obtained through medical chart review. Additionally, local data included ethnographic interviews, focus groups, and progress notes. Clinical outcomes were positive for the 55 subjects, 23 of whom were undocumented. Alienation from family, women’s vulnerability to family violence, and difficulties with disclosure, employment, and health care were compounded by undocumented immigration status. Retention was encouraged by the community based site, high levels of peer interaction, and supportive services. Without consideration of broader contexts, peer driven interventions are potentially limited and the realities of immigrant health care are misunderstood through lack of recognition of competing needs.
Phonon drag effects in tungsten below 2.6°K☆

Abstract The Nernst-Ettinghausen and Righi-Leduc coefficients of tungsten each show large helium temperature anomalies which are interpreted as phonon drag effects.
Attitudes Toward Psychiatric Medications Among Incarcerated Female Adolescents

ABSTRACT Objective Beliefs about and attitudes toward pharmacotherapy have been shown to play an important role in mediating compliance with psychoactive medications. This study is an examination of attitudes toward drug treatment in a sample of delinquent incarcerated girls. Method Female adolescents ( N = 214) in a juvenile detention facility were administered a questionnaire assessing general beliefs and specific concerns about taking psychiatric medications. Demographic and historical data, including prior psychiatric drug treatment and illicit substance abuse, were also examined as possible influencing variables. Results Nearly one half of subjects were skeptical about the benefits of pharmacotherapy. Prior illicit drug use did not influence attitudes, but having been treated with psychiatric medication was related to enhanced perceptions of the efficacy and acceptance of such therapy. Specific concerns about untoward effects of pharmacotherapy were identified. Conclusions Results suggest that these delinquent adolescents would benefit from techniques to improve initial attitudes toward treatment and challenge the prescribing physician to consider the unique worries and concerns that may undermine compliance with medication regimens among teenagers.
Response to a conditioned aversive event in mice as a function of frequency of premating maternal shock.

Prior to mating, female mice were exposed to either 0, 1, or 60 shocks per day for 20 days. When the food reinforced operant responding of their adult offspring was observed in the presence of a conditioned aversive stimulus, a nonmonotonic relationship was found between frequency of maternal shock and degree of conditioned suppression in female offspring. During the 2nd session of a 3-session test period the females reared by mothers that had received either 0 or 60 shocks per day showed greater conditioned suppression than those whose mothers had received 1 shock per day. Maternal treatment also had significant effects on maternal weight, offspring litter size and weaning weight, and frequency of defecation during the conditioned suppression procedure. In the latter instances, however, negative monotonic relationships were observed in both sexes. The data indicate that an interpretation in terms of an a priori classification of “emotionality” is not adequate.
Calculation of autoionization rates for high-angular-momentum Rydberg states

The authors demonstrate that, for excited-core Rydberg states of high angular momentum $l$, a simple relationship exists between the autoionization rate and the quantum defect of the corresponding ground-core state. For many cases, both quantities can be expressed in terms of the dipole polarizability of the core. The autoionization rates of the excited-core Sr ($5\mathrm{pnl}$) states are calculated as an example, and compared to existing experimental data.
System Design Analysis of a 0.22-THz Sheet-Beam Traveling-Wave Tube Amplifier

The primary constituents of a 0.22-terahertz (THz) sheet-beam traveling-wave tube (TWT) amplifier, composed of a staggered double grating array waveguide, have been designed for broadband THz operation (~ 30%) using the fundamental passband (TE-mode). Currently, we are looking into the possibility of a pulsed low-duty test of this device as a proof of principle (POP) and have been making efforts to construct the system. The optimally designed input coupler has ≤ 1 dB insertion loss at 0.22 THz with ~ 75 GHz (34%) 1-dB matching bandwidths. A thin mica RF window provides a coupling bandwidth spanning multiple octaves. The collector is designed to have a jog for collecting the spent beam along the RF path coupled to the output RF window. Computer simulations show that the collector hybridized with a WR-4 window has ~ 60 GHz matching bandwidth with ~ - 0.5ndB insertion loss at 0.22 THz. The hybrid periodic permanent-magnet design combined with the quadrupole magnet (PPM-QM), intended for low-duty pulse operation in a proof-of-concept experiment, allows the elliptical sheet beam from an existing gun (25 : 1 aspect ratio) to unoptimized gun to have 73% beam transmission. The POP pulsed test is designed to be matched to our existing system, which will thereby tolerate beam transmission. However, a proper gun for the sheet-beam tunnel of the designed circuit will provide much better transmission. In our prior works, we successfully proved at W-band that the magnet design provided >; 99% beam transmission of a 10:1 aspect ratio sheet beam. Most of the TWT circuit components have been designed, and currently, a full simulation modeling effort is being conducted.
Contingency management approaches to drug self-administration and drug abuse: Efficacy and limitations

Abstract This paper discusses substance abuse disorders as being cases of reinforced operant behavior and argues that drug self-administration behavior can be productively studied and influenced within the framework of contingency management approaches to operant behavior. Three aspects of the approach are discussed: (1) reinforcement by drugs; (2) schedule of drug availability; and (3) scheduled consequences of drug self-administration. Each is discussed with respect to the generality of relationships between species, between drug classes, and between basic laboratory and applied clinical or social situations with the intent of documenting the efficacy of the contingency management approach. Subsequent sections discuss limitations of the approach and suggest directions for future research.
On Green's Tensor Funktion for a Hexagonal Crystal with Applications to Dislocation Theory

Explicit expressions for the planar Green's tensor function defined on the basal plane of a hexagonal crystal are given. These expressions are functionally identical to those for an isotropic medium. Applications to the stress fields and energies of dislocation segments and curved dislocations are shown. Es werden explizite Ausdrucke angegeben fur die ebene Greensche Tensorfunktion, die fur die Basisebene eines hexagonalen Kristalls definiert ist. Diese Ausdrucke sind funktional identisch mit denen fur ein isotropes Medium. Es werden Anwendungen fur die Spannungsfelder und Energien von Versetzungssegmenten und gekrummten Versetzungen gezeigt.
Success of elective cholecystectomy treatment plans after emergency department visit

Background Differentiation between patients with acute cholecystitis and patients with severe biliary colic can be challenging. Patients with undiagnosed acute cholecystitis can incur repeat emergency department (ED) visits, which is resource intensive. Methods Billing records from 2000–2013 of all adults who visited the ED in the 30 d preceding their cholecystectomy were analyzed. Patients who were discharged from the ED and underwent elective cholecystectomy were compared with those who were discharged and returned to the ED within 30 d. T-tests, chi-square tests, and multivariable analysis were used as appropriate. Results From 2000–2013, 3138 patients (34%) presented to the ED within 30 d before surgery, 63% were women, mean age 51 y, and of those 1625 were directly admitted from the ED for cholecystectomy, whereas 1513 patients left the ED to return for an elective cholecystectomy. Patients who were discharged were younger (mean age 49 versus 54 y, P < 0.001) and had shorter ED stays (5.9 versus 7.2 h, P < 0.001) than the patients admitted immediately. Of the discharged patients, 303 (20%) returned to the ED within 30 d to undergo urgent cholecystectomy. Compared with patients with successful elective cholecystectomy after the ED visit, those who failed the pathway were more likely to have an American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥3 and were <40 or ≥60 compared with the successful group. Conclusions One in five patients failed the elective cholecystectomy pathway after ED discharge, leading to additional patient distress and use of resources. Further risk factor assessment may help design efficient care pathways.
Small Noncoding RNAs in the Germline

Small noncoding RNAs have emerged as potent regulators of gene expression, especially in the germline. We review the biogenesis and regulatory function of three major small noncoding RNA pathways in the germline: The small interfering RNA (siRNA) pathway that leads to the degradation of target mRNAs, the microRNA (miRNA) pathway that mostly represses the translation of target mRNAs, and the newly discovered Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway that appears to have diverse functions in epigenetic programming, transposon silencing, and the regulation of mRNA translation and stability. The siRNA and miRNA pathways are present in the germline as well as many somatic tissues, whereas the piRNA pathway is predominantly confined to the germline. Investigation of the three small RNA pathways has started to reveal a new dimension of gene regulation with defining roles in germline specification and development.
Present initiatives and future directions: how best to serve our patients and members—North American Spine Society Presidential Address, San Diego, CA

Rather like a “State of the Union” discourse, I would like to use the occasion of the NASS Presidential Address to update NASS members on the “State of NASS.” We can all be proud that NASS has become the largest professional medical organization in the world devoted exclusively to evaluation and treatment of the spine patient. This status reflects very positively on NASS’ core values of quality patient care, education and research. However, in the last analysis, the true strength of an organization depends on the common strong belief and the dedication of each individual member to these same principles. It is important to thank all NASS members for their allegiance to these ideals and their fidelity to the organization itself. I will discuss a number of NASS’ present initiatives and future directions. These define how NASS best serves our patients and members. Toward the end of this address, I will comment more specifically on the issues that I chose to highlight in my presidential year: patient safety and political advocacy. There are many important activities that have been a focus of NASS efforts in 2002–2003. A number of these matters are ongoing and yet to be resolved. As such, the interest, involvement and active participation of NASS members will ultimately chart the course of key issues involving such areas as patient care, professional liability and the financial viability of medical practice. I was named to the NASS presidential line in 2000, at the dawn of the new millenium. At that time, my immediate predecessors and mentors, Tom Mayer, Neil Kahanovitz, Volker Sonntag and Stan Herring, were instigating a strategic planning review that ultimately refined and reenergized NASS’ approach to our core values of patient care, education and research, but added a further dimension of political advocacy. From its origins in 1983, NASS had distinguished itself as an organization that took an innovative approach to its mission. In the early 1980s, the concept of a multidisciplinary approach to patient care was a novel and pioneering methodology in the treatment of spinal disorders. This multidisciplinary tenet has been a general principle of NASS as a professional medical organization. Time has validated the NASS philosophy.
Commentary on 'No differences in perioperative outcome between symptomatic and asymptomatic AAAs after EVAR: an analysis from the ENGAGE Registry'.

VSGNE database and found similar operative mortality for elective and SAAA patients. However, patients with SAAA had a higher rate of major adverse events, and slightly lower long-term survival rates. In the VSGNE study, 61.5% of symptomatic patients underwent conventional open surgery, while only 52% of elective patients had open procedures. While the finding of equipoise between the two groups in Dr Stockman’s study is important, there are several limitations of this review. One major issue is that this study only assesses patients who were felt to be candidates for EVAR by the treating physician. There is no data on excluded patients, including the number excluded, the number treated by conventional open surgery or the number treated with other EVAR devices. The study also does not confirm that these SAAA were truly symptomatic, and that there was no other cause for the abdominal and or back pain. It is also not clear from the paper how much of a time delay was present from initial presentation to intervention for SAAA, and whether these patients were truly treated in an urgent manner. The historical data suggesting poorer outcomes from SAAA is for patients operated on urgently. The authors also noted a significant decrease in the use of general anesthesia in the symptomatic patients as compared to the elective patients, which may have potentially contributed to the improved outcomes for SAAA, as may have the lower ASA classification of the patients with SAAA (42% Class III or IV versus 55% for elective). Nonetheless, this study and other recent studies suggest that SAAA patients who are treated by EVAR seem to have similar mortality as do elective patients, suggesting a preference for EVAR, when feasible, for SAAA.
Time-frequency analysis of biological signals

Biological signals do not usually exhibit a rigidly repetitive structure in time or frequency. The author describes some results using reduced interference distributions (RIDs) in biological signal time-frequency analysis. It is shown that RID analysis of these signals produces new results which would be difficult or impossible to obtain using conventional techniques. >
Comparison of functional MRI image realignment tools using a computer-generated phantom.

This study discusses the development of a computer-generated phantom to compare the effects of image realignment programs on functional MRI (fMRI) pixel activation. The phantom is a whole-head MRI volume with added random noise, activation, and motion. It allows simulation of realistic head motions with controlled areas of activation. Without motion, the phantom shows the effects of realignment on motion-free data sets. Prior to realignment, the phantom illustrates some activation corruption due to motion. Finally, three widely used realignment packages are examined. The results showed that the most accurate algorithms are able to increase specificity through accurate realignment while maintaining sensitivity through effective resampling techniques. In fact, accurate realignment alone is not a powerful indicator of the most effective algorithm in terms of true activation.
Optical Microscopy–Based Migration Assay for Human Neutrophils

This unit describes an in vitro microscopy assay for examining the migration of human neutrophils in two dimensions to identify the underlying cause of a migration defect and to evaluate a variety of migration parameters that cannot be studied using migration through a porous filter. Freshly isolated human neutrophils a placed in the chamber, stimulated, and images are collected at various time points. The data can be used to determine the effects of a pharmacological treatment on the migration of individual cells.