cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing the anatomic applicability of the multibranched endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm technique

Background Multibranched endovascular aneurysm repair (MBEVAR) has the potential to lower the morbidity and mortality rates of thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair, but the applicability of the technique is unknown. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of anatomic suitability for MBEVAR. Methods Retrospective review of patients referred for a prospective trial of MBEVAR between November 2005 and July 2012. Anatomic suitability was assessed on three-dimensional computed tomography scan reconstructions according to the current criteria for a custom-made stent graft or a fixed, off-the-shelf stent graft in both standard (22F) and low-profile (18F) delivery systems. Results A total of 250 contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans were reviewed, 49 of which were excluded due to inadequate aneurysm size. Of 201 candidates for repair, 149 (74%) were men and 86 (43%) had Crawford classification type IV/paravisceral aneurysms; 109 (58%) were anatomically suitable for a single-stage repair with a custom-made, low-profile stent graft. Another 58 (29%) could have been made suitable for MBEVAR with an adjunct procedure, including angiogram with visceral or renal artery stenting (n = 23), carotid-subclavian bypass (n = 5), or iliac bypass for device insertion (n = 17), or to preserve internal iliac artery flow because of an iliac aneurysm (n = 9), or dissection (n = 8). There was no association between suitability and gender, aneurysm diameter, or type. However, women were significantly more likely to need a conduit or low-profile device ( P = .003). Patients with type B aortic dissections were significantly less likely to have anatomy suitable for repair ( P = .035) and more likely to require a multistage repair. Thirty-four patients would have been unsuitable for repair because of renal artery anatomy (n = 14), visceral artery anatomy (n = 4), lack of a proximal landing zone due to an arch aneurysm (n = 7), or inadequate access arteries (n = 9). The low-profile device increased the number of patients who would have been suitable for a single-stage repair by 16. The off-the-shelf graft has the advantage of a faster assessment-to-treatment time, but only 64 patients would have been suitable for a single-stage repair and another 30 could have been made suitable with an adjunct procedure. Conclusions Most patients would have been suitable or could have been made suitable for a thoracoabdominal stent graft using current anatomic criteria. The applicability of MBEVAR will continue to change as the experience with the technique grows and devices evolve, as evidenced by the potential reduction in iliac bypasses after the introduction of a low-profile device and the ability to treat symptomatic or urgent patients with the off-the-shelf device.
Effect of hydrocortisone and gonadal hormones on growing rabbit bone.

Abstract The effect of cortisone administration on growing rabbit bone is profound. Bone formation is decreased and resorption is increased. The use of estradiol and testosterone along with cortisone made no obvious changes and did not counteract the effects of cortisone.
Chemical stability of nucleic acid-derived drugs.

Nucleic acid-derived drugs exhibit both chemical and physical instability. This mini-review focuses on the prevalent hydrolytic and oxidative pathways of chemical degradation as they are affected by various endogenous (primary structure, chemical modifications in bases, sugars and phosphate residues) and exogenous (pH, buffer concentration, metal cation presence, oxygen presence) factors.
“Biological markers” and psychiatric diagnosis: risk-benefit balancing using ROC analysis

Abstract Although the clinical interview retains a central role in psychiatric diagnosis, recent research has suggested that “biological markers” may ultimately increase the precision of clinicians' nosologic and therapeutic decisions. Evaluating and operationalizing diagnostic tests require mathematical techniques that reflect the tests' essential features and limitations, and that guide clinicians in particular clinical situations. In this article we describe a technique that combines signal detection theory and utility-based decision theory, and apply the technique to published data in which sleep architecture was used as a biological marker for depression. We show how outcome utilities influence the optimum REM latency cut-off and show how this relationship is influenced by the prevalence of depression in the population being tested. We also make specific calculations of the practical limits that must be imposed on uncertainties in utilities to operationalize a diagnostic test for a specific clinical situation.
Landscape of fear influences the relative importance of consumptive and nonconsumptive predator effects

Predators can initiate trophic cascades by consuming and/or scaring their prey. Although both forms of predator effect can increase the overall abundance of prey's resources, nonconsumptive effects may be more important to the spatial and temporal distribution of resources because predation risk often determines where and when prey choose to forage. Our experiment characterized temporal and spatial variation in the strength of consumptive and nonconsumptive predator effects in a rocky intertidal food chain consisting of the predatory green crab (Carcinus maenas), an intermediate consumer (the dogwhelk, Nucella lapillus), and barnacles (Semibalanus balanoides) as a resource. We tracked the survival of individual barnacles through time to map the strength of predator effects in experimental communities. These maps revealed striking spatiotemporal patterns in Nucella foraging behavior in response to each predator effect. However, only the nonconsumptive effect of green crabs produced strong spatial patterns in barnacle survivorship. Predation risk may play a pivotal role in determining the small-scale distribution patterns of this important rocky intertidal foundation species. We suggest that the effects of predation risk on individual foraging behavior may scale up to shape community structure and dynamics at a landscape level.
The PBGC's flat fee schedule, moral hazard, and promised pension benefits

Abstract The Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC) initially insured private pension benefits in exchange for a premium that was not risk sensitive. This paper derives conditions under which a moral hazard problem caused promised pension benefits to increase. The hypotheses are tested using data on individual pension contracts from the pre- and post-PBGC periods.
Telecommunications using a front-end minicomputer

The use of a front-end minicomputer to provide varied remote terminal access to a large scale computer is considered. The problems of embedding telecommunications I/O within an operating system are discussed, and it is shown how the decentralization of intelligence acquired by front-end processing vastly simplifies the problem. A specific implementation is discussed with emphasis on the main processor-minicomputer link, the hardware-software implementation, the effect on the main processor operating system, and an assessment of the advantages over a hardwired line controller.
Use of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to guide hypertensive therapy

With the advent of noninvasive 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), clinicians have access to a wealth of individualized data for the hypertensive patient. This has led to a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of hypertension and its complications. This tool has provided more precise diagnostic criteria for hypertension and helped discover those with white coat and masked hypertension. Patterns noted on ABPM and correlated with outcomes have allowed for more accurate identification of patients at high risk of cardiovascular (CV) events, and have offered an additional prognostic tool. In addition, ABPM allows for the assessment of the efficacy and adequacy of blood pressure treatment. In the current paper, we will describe the essential components of ABPM, review the evidence detailing the prognostic information that can be derived from its use, highlight clinical scenarios wherein ABPM can offer invaluable diagnostic information, and describe applications of ABPM that evaluate the efficacy of treatment of the hypertensive patient.
Introduction To Color Vision

Several human cognitive studies have reported that color facilitates certain learning, memory and search tasks. Consideration of the color-opponent organization of human color vision and the spatial modulation transfer function for color suggests several simple sensory explanations.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Distribution Fitting-based Pixel Labeling for Histology Image Segmentation

This paper presents a new pixel labeling algorithm for complex histology image segmentation. For each image pixel, a Gaussian mixture model is applied to estimate its neighborhood intensity distributions. With this local distribution fitting, a set of pixels having a full set of source classes (e.g. nuclei, stroma, connective tissue, and background) in their neighborhoods are identified as the seeds for pixel labeling. A seed pixel is labeled by measuring its intensity distance to each of its neighborhood distributions, and the one with the shortest distance is selected to label the seed. For non-seed pixels, we propose two different labeling schemes: global voting and local clustering. In global voting each seed classifies a non-seed pixel into one of the seed's local distributions, i.e., it casts one vote; the final label for the non-seed pixel is the class which gets the most votes, across all the seeds. In local clustering, each non-seed pixel is labeled by one of its own neighborhood distributions. Because the local distributions in a non-seed pixel neighborhood do not necessarily correspond to distinct source classes (i.e., two or more local distributions may be produced by the same source class), we first identify the "true" source class of each local distribution by using the source classes of the seed pixels and a minimum distance criterion to determine the closest source class. The pixel can then be labeled as belonging to this class. With both labeling schemes, experiments on a set of uterine cervix histology images show encouraging performance of our algorithm when compared with traditional multithresholding and K-means clustering, as well as state-of-the-art mean shift clustering, multiphase active contours, and Markov random field-based algorithms.
Rindless, Swiss-Type Cheese. I. Method of Manufacture in Block Form

Abstract Rindless Swiss-type cheese was made in 20-lb. blocks by modifying the procedure previously used in making the cheese as 5-lb. wheels. Manufacture of the cheese in 20-lb. blocks did influence eye formation. Less Propioni-bacterium shermanii culture was used and the eyes formed were larger and more characteristic of Swiss cheese as compared to those found in the 5-lb. wheel. The rate of acid development during manufacture was important, since those blocks with a pH of 5.05 to 5.10 after pressing overnight had the most desirable eye formation. At a pH above 5.20, the cheese had a tendency to develop too many eyes. To obtain the proper rate of acid development during manufacture, it was necessary to use a longer ripening period and a longer pressing of the curd mass before cutting into blocks to be wrapped and pressed overnight. The cheese was cured in an unsealed, plastic film wrapper held in place with plastic tape. The cheese had a mild flavor at 3 to 4 mo. of age, whereas that held for longer periods, up to a year, had a more definite Swiss flavor.
Oxygen tension regulates the in vitro maturation of GM-CSF expanded murine bone marrow dendritic cells by modulating class II MHC expression.

Conventional culture conditions for GM-CSF expanded murine bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) uses ambient (hyperoxic) oxygen pressure (20% v/v, 152 Torr) and medium supplemented with the thiol 2-mercaptoethanol (2-Me). Given the redox activities of O2 and 2-Me, the effects of 2%, 5%, 10%, and 20% v/v O2 atmospheres and omitting 2-Me from the medium were tested upon the generation of GM-CSF expanded BMDCs. DC yield, phenotype and function were compared to BMDCs grown using conventional conditions. All cultures yielded DC subsets with CD11c + MHC II NEG , CD11c + MHC II INT , CD11c + MHC II HI expression phenotypes, classed as precursor, immature, and mature DCs (IDC, MDC). Low O2 tensions generated significantly fewer precursor DCs, and more IDCs and MDCs. Cytometer sorted precursor DCs expressed surface class II MHC after transfer to low, but not high O2 atmospheres. Expression of myeloid markers was similar between BMDC cultures generated in 5% O2 or conventional conditions, and MDCs from low O2 cultures had the morphology typical of mature myeloid DCs. IDCs and MDCs from low O2 and conventional culture conditions were similarly potent allostimulatory APCs. The O2 tension (but not 2-Me addition) in vitro significantly influences overall DC subset frequencies and yield, and governs DC maturation by regulating the surface class II MHC expression of GM-CSF expanded BMDC cultures. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Update on therapy for osteoporosis.

Recent advances in understanding skeletal metabolism has expanded the pharmacological options for treating osteoporosis in women. The antiresorptive or anticatabolic drugs are the oldest class known for their positive benefits in therapy. A better appreciation of their mode of action reveals much broader effects than formerly realized. It provides an entree into understanding the actions of drugs on the qualitative elements of bone in addition to the quantitative ones on density. New bisphosphonates make for better patient adherence to therapy, a continuing problem in long-term care. A new class of drugs called anabolic agents, typified by teriparatide usher, has the potential to reconstitute destroyed bone and bring it to its pristine state. This article briefly focuses on where we were in this arena a mere decade ago and then highlights the new elements in therapy and physiology of the skeleton. A brief expose on osteoporosis in men is also provided.
Location of the ureters in relation to the uterine cervix by computed tomography.

Abstract Objective: Our aim was to determine the distance of the ureter from the cervix and the influence of age and weight on this distance. Study Design: The distance of the ureter from the uterine cervix was determined by evaluating the computed pelvic tomograms from 52 women. Age and body mass index were compared to this distance by means of regression analysis. Results: At the most dorsal reflection of the ureter, the average distance from ureter to cervical margin was 2.3 ± 0.8 cm (range, 0.1-5.3 cm). There was no relationship to age, but there was a linear relationship between this distance and body mass index ( R 2 = 0.075; P =.049); thus the ureter was slightly more proximal to the cervical margin in heavier women. Conclusions: In women with apparently normal pelvic anatomy, the average distance between the ureter and cervix is >2 cm. The finding that this distance is
Forking in Simple Unstable Theories

In [ 9 ], Shelah introduced a class of first order theories, which he called simple, properly containing the class of stable theories. Here we prove for simple theories, (i) the equivalence of forking and dividing, (ii) the symmetry and transivity of forking.
High-amplitude VLF transmitter signals and associated sidebands observed near the magnetic equatorial plane on the ISEE 1 satellite

New high-altitude ISEE 1 satellite observations of high-amplitude nonducted signals from the Omega navigation transmitter in North Dakota are reported. The amplitude of the signal was approximately 16-26 dB higher than that of similar signals observed at comparable locations on other days. Over the range L = 3.3-3.7, the transmitter pulses at 13.1 and 13.6 kHz were associated with sideband signals spaced in frequency roughly symmetrically about the carrier and generally reduced in amplitude by about 5 dB with respect to the carrier. The strongest sidebands were generally offset in frequency from the carrier by about + or - 55 Hz. Reasons are discussed for believing that the unusually high amplitude of the signals was due to wave amplification through the whistler-mode instability.
Graphical methods for comparing confounding in two or more designs

In many circumstances it is necessary to design an experiment with partial confounding of parameter estimates. In this situation, one would like to have tools to assess and compare candidate designs graphically. In this paper we discuss two graphical representations of design properties, and illustrate their application with two examples.
Using Pharmacogene Polymorphism Panels to Detect Germline Pharmacodynamic Markers in Oncology

The patient (germline) genome can influence the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cancer therapy. The field of pharmacogenetics (PGx) has primarily focused on genetic predictors of pharmacokinetics, largely ignoring pharmacodynamics, using a candidate approach to assess single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) with known relevance to drug pharmacokinetics such as enzymes and transporters. A more comprehensive approach, the genome-wide association study, circumvents candidate selection but suffers because of the necessity for substantial statistical correction. Pharmacogene panels, which interrogate hundreds to thousands of SNPs in genes with known relevance to drug pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics, represent an attractive compromise between these approaches. Panels with defined or customizable SNP lists have been used to discover SNPs that predict pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of cancer drugs, most of which await successful replication. PGx discovery, particularly for SNPs that influence drug pharmacodynamics, is limited by weaknesses in both genetic and phenotypic data. Selection of candidate SNPs for inclusion on pharmacogene panels is difficult because of limited understanding of biology and pharmacology. Phenotypes used in analyses have primarily been complex toxicities that are known to be multifactorial. A more measured approach, in which sensitive phenotypes are used in place of complex clinical outcomes, will improve the success rate of pharmacodynamics SNP discovery and ultimately enable identification of pharmacodynamics SNPs with meaningful effects on treatment outcomes. See all articles in this CCR focus section, "Progress in pharmacodynamic endpoints."
Revamping of diesel hydrodesulfurizers: options available and future research needs

The legislative pressure is being increased to reduce maximum allowable sulfur content in diesel to 50 wppm and lower. Existing hydrodesulfurizers currently reducing sulfur level to 500 wppm will not be able to meet this future requirement. Some improvements can be made in these existing units by switching over to new generation of catalysts and changing the levels of various process variables. Installation of a second reactor to accommodate additional catalyst volume will probably be inevitable for meeting this requirement of new sulfur specification. In this article, the various issues related to the second reactor, such as selection of a proper catalyst, optimum level of process conditions, location and operating mode of the reactor are discussed. Various process configurations based on the location of the second reactor have been analyzed. Different options for operating the second reactor under a lean atmosphere of H2S have also been discussed. All these process configurations differ in terms of capital investment, operating cost and desulfurization efficiencies. Future studies are required to take the optimum decision.
Nitrogen Fluxes through Unsaturated Zones in Five Agricultural Settings across the United States

The main physical and chemical controls on nitrogen (N) fluxes between the root zone and the water table were determined for agricultural sites in California, Indiana, Maryland, Nebraska, and Washington from 2004 to 2005. Sites included irrigated and nonirrigated fields; soil textures ranging from clay to sand; crops including corn, soybeans, almonds, and pasture; and unsaturated zone thicknesses ranging from 1 to 22 m. Chemical analyses of water from lysimeters and shallow wells indicate that advective transport of nitrate is the dominant process affecting the flux of N below the root zone. Vertical profiles of (i) nitrogen species, (ii) stable isotopes of nitrogen and oxygen, and (iii) oxygen, N, and argon in unsaturated zone air and correlations between N and other agricultural chemicals indicate that reactions do not greatly affect N concentrations between the root zone and the capillary fringe. As a result, physical factors, such as N application rate, water inputs, and evapotranspiration, control the differences in concentrations among the sites. Concentrations of N in shallow lysimeters exhibit seasonal variation, whereas concentrations in lysimeters deeper than a few meters are relatively stable. Based on concentration and recharge estimates, fluxes of N through the deep unsaturated zone range from 7 to 99 kg ha(-1) yr(-1). Vertical fluxes of N in ground water are lower due to spatial and historical changes in N inputs. High N fluxes are associated with coarse sediments and high N application rates.
Anticipating by Pigeons Depends on Local Statistical Information in a Serial Response Time Task.

Pigeons responded in a serial response time task patterned after that of M. J. Nissen and P. Bullemer (1987) with humans. Experiment 1 produced global facilitation: Response times in repeating lists of locations were faster than when locations were random. Response time to a spatial location was also a function of both that location's 1st- and 2nd-order local predictability, in rough agreement with the Hick-Hyman law, according to which response time is a linear function of amount of information. Experiment 2 showed that both local and global facilitation is limited to moderate response-to-stimulus intervals of about 0.50 to 2.00 s. Experiment 3 showed that response time did not depend on global statistical information. Overall, local and global performances depended on local statistical information, but global performance did not depend on global information. Local facilitation was interpreted in plain English as anticipating.
Counseling the Children of Handicapped Parents.

The children of the handicapped frequently need counseling to help them cope with the consequences of their parents' handicaps. Parental handicaps typically lead to modifications in parenting behavior and family structure that may be perceived as deficiencies. Kennedy and Bush discuss the child's reaction to parental handicap in the context of object loss and attachment. Evidence suggests that the children of the handicapped are overrepresented among those who are in some way maladjusted or in need of counseling. This article focuses on multiple sclerosis in parents, including its impact on children, suggested interventions, and a case study.
Be2+, Mg2+ and Al3+ N-dopants for polyacetylene

Abstract An electrolysis method has been developed which enables beryllium, magnesium and aluminum to dissolve in liquid ammonia with the creation of “solvated electrons”. These solvated electrons give rise to highly colored solutions and provide the reducing power needed to transfer electrons to polyacetylene with the concomitant incorporation of Be +2 , Mg +2 or Al +3 cations. These counterions serve to maintain electrical neutrality. The n-doping induces color changes in the polyacetylene films, causes dopant induced peaks in the infrared spectra and increases the electrical conductivity. The maximum conductivity observed, ∼0.6 ω −1 cm −1 for Mg 2+ , is lower than those observed for the chemical n-doping of polyacetylene in metal-ammonia solutions with the heavier alkaline earth ions Ca +2 , Sr +2 and Ba +2 , which possess conductivities of ∼20 ω −1 cm −1 . Polyacetylene n-doped from metal-ammonia solutions with the lanthanide ions Eu +2 and Yb +2 have conductivities of ∼20 and ∼1 ω −1 cm −1 , respectively.
The roles of carbohydrates in aggregation and adhesion of hemocytes from the California mussel (Mytilus calif ornianus)

Abstract Forty-seven carbohydrates failed to inhibit the cell aggregation and substrate adhesion behaviors of Mytilus californianus hemocytes. Treatment of hemocytes with sodium periodate and with YV-acetyl glucosaminidase interfered with these behaviors. Trypsin slightly reduced adhesion, and had no effect on aggregation. Hyaluronidase and neuraminidase failed to inhibit either behavior, and slightly enhanced them. An inhibitory effect of caffeine was not altered by hyaluronidase of N-acetyl-glucosaminidase, but neuraminidase partially reversed this inhibition. Inhibition by the calcium channel blocker verapamil was reversed by hyaluronidase. Cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion behaviors probably involve complex carbohydrates in molluscan hemocytes.
Cognitive therapy integrated with life review techniques: an eclectic treatment approach for affective symptoms in older adults

Journal of Clinical Nursing 13, 84–89Cognitive therapy integrated with life review techniques: an eclectic treatmentapproach for affective symptoms in older adultsBackground. An important aspect of nursing theory development has been theadaptation of theory from other disciplines within the metaparadigm of nursing.This eclectic approach to theory development enhances the broad humanistic theorybase on which effective, professional nursing practice is based.Aims and objectives. The aim of this article is to describe the process of integratingtwo distinct psychotherapeutic approaches into one coherent mental health nursingintervention for the treatment of affective symptoms in older adults. Guidelines forusing this integration process in psychiatric mental health nursing clinical practiceare presented and illustrated through the case study approach.Methods. A case study is presented describing a clinical situation in which lifereview techniques were used to enhance the outcomes of a cognitive therapyexperience for older adults enrolled in outpatient psychotherapy treatment for acuteadjustment disorder with an affective component.Conclusions and relevance to clinical practice. The advanced practice psychiatricmental health nurse who approaches psychotherapeutic interventions with olderadult clients from an eclectic approach can achieve successful outcomes by having aclear understanding of (i) the dynamics of the various psychotherapeutic approa-ches, (i) the skill level of the practitioner, (iii) the psychosocial sophistication of theclient, and (iv) the pathology being treated. In addition, active involvement by theclient in a treatment process that matches his/her psychosocial skill and copingresource level will contribute to effective resolution of pathology. A cognitivetherapy approach supplemented by life review techniques is an excellent example ofan effective, eclectic treatment approach of affective disorders in older adults.Key words: affective disorders, cognitive therapy, life review, older adults
Synthesis and crystal structure of feldspar analogs in beryllosilicate and aluminum–cobalt phosphate systems

Abstract The hydrothermal syntheses and X-ray crystal structures of two three-dimensional framework structures encapsulating potassium and ammonium cations are presented. Both K 2 BeSi 7 O 16 and NH 4 AlCoP 2 O 8 have a feldspar framework topology. The structure consists of cross-linked, double-crankshaft chains of Si 4+ (or P 5+ ) and Be 2+ (or Co 2+ and Al 3+ ) tetrahedra with charge-compensating cations occupying small cavities in the framework. The Be 2+ and Si 4+ sites are indistinguishable, but the strict alternation between metal-atom sites and phosphorous sites leads to a two-fold supercell for NH 4 AlCoP 2 O 8 . Despite the ubiquity of feldspars, these two phases have unprecedented chemical compositions and unique tetrahedral atom charge combinations. Crystal data for K 2 BeSi 7 O 16 : M =539.84, space group C2/m, a =8.546(1) A, b =12.833(2) A, c =7.060(1) A, β =116.128(3), V =695.0(2) A 3 , Z =2, D c =2.579 g cm −3 , Mo Kα, μ =1.379 mm −1 , 2 θ max =50°, R ( F )=3.22% for 68 parameters and 574 reflections with I >2 σ ( I ). Crystal data for NH 4 AlCoP 2 O 8 : M =293.89, space group I2/a, a =8.9598(7) A, b =13.257(1) A, c =14.700(1) A, β =115.844(1), V =1571.5(2))A 3 , Z =8, D c =2.484 g cm −3 , Mo Kα, μ =2.719 mm −1 , 2 θ max =50°, R ( F )=4.28% for 123 parameters and 1302 reflections with I >2 σ ( I ).
Validation studies of the maven scale

Boster et al. (2011) proposed that to be highly influential (a superdiffuser) one must be highly expert in a domain (a maven), highly connected, and highly persuasive. Two studies are presented testing the construct validity of the maven scale they developed. The first (n = 131) found that political mavens are more politically active and knowledgeable than those lower in political expertise. The second (n = 34) found that health mavens report both that others seek them for health information and that others report that they are good sources of health information. These results provide ample evidence of high construct validity.
Implementation of Shared Decision Making in Cardiovascular Care Past, Present, and Future

Despite recent health policy recommendations supporting shared decision making (SDM), a rapidly growing evidence base supporting the desirable effects of tools to facilitate SDM, availability of SDM tools specifically designed for cardiovascular care (Table 1),1 and recent advocacy for SDM in cardiovascular guidelines,2,3 SDM has not been widely incorporated into routine clinical practice. Although tools that summarize the best scientific evidence to support decision making, communicate risk, and prompt clarification of patients’ values and preferences may be necessary to support SDM, they are insufficient in and of themselves to routinize SDM. This lack of uptake of SDM may reflect many challenges associated with incorporating complex interventions into healthcare delivery. In this article, we describe the main approaches to SDM published in the literature to date, highlight barriers and facilitators relevant to each approach, and suggest future work that is needed to facilitate implementation of SDM in cardiovascular practice. View this table: Table 1. Decision Aids to Facilitate Decision Making for Cardiovascular Conditions: Publicly Available Through the Ottawa Health Research Institute1 Investigators have designed and tested patient decision aids that are delivered at different points along the continuum of medical care. Out-of-visit decision aids seek to activate and empower patients by informing them of their treatment options outside the context of the clinical encounter. One factor that influenced the development of out-of-visit approaches to SDM was data demonstrating regional variation in treatment driven, in part, by differences in physician preferences rather than the health status of patients.4 An example of one such decision aid is the Living with Coronary Heart Disease program developed by the Informed Medical Decisions Foundation.5 This decision aid helps patients with stable coronary heart disease distinguish between treatments that relieve symptoms (eg, angioplasty and stenting) and choices they can make to decrease their future …
In the time of significant generational diversity – Surgical leadership must step up!

The diverse attitudes and motivations of surgeons and surgical trainees within different age groups present an important challenge for surgical leaders and educators. These challenges to surgical leadership are not unique, and other industries have likewise needed to grapple with how best to manage these various age groups. The authors will herein explore management and leadership for surgeons in a time of age diversity, define generational variations within "Baby-Boomer", "Generation X" and "Generation Y" populations, and identify work ethos concepts amongst these three groups. The surgical community must understand and embrace these concepts in order to continue to attract a stellar pool of applicants from medical school. By not accepting the changing attitudes and motivations of young trainees and medical students, we may disenfranchise a high percentage of potential future surgeons. Surgical training programs will fill, but will they contain the highest quality trainees?
Validation of algorithms for optimal routing of flow in networks

This paper presents computational results relating to solution of convex multicommodity network flow problems by using several recently developed optimization algorithms. These algorithms are based on the ideas of Gallager's method for distributed optimization of delay in data communication networks [1], and gradient projection ideas from nonlinear programming [2], [3]. They can be used both with and without a line search. An important common feature of the algorithms which distinguishes them from other existing methods is that they utilize second derivatives and are geared towards approximating a constrained version of Newton's method. The computational results confirm that the algorithms tend to employ good search directions as well as automatically generate a satisfactory stepsize regardless of the level and pattern of traffic input to the network. This latter advantage is of crucial importance when the algorithms are used for distributed routing of flow in data communication networks where the use of line search is nearly impossible.
Egg‐trading in simultaneous hermaphrodites: an alternative to Tit‐for‐Tat

Keywords: Reciprocity; reciprocal altruism; tit-for-tat; cooperation; seabasses; egg-trading; simultaneous hermaphroditism
Non-equilibrium ionic assemblies of oppositely charged nanoparticles

Structure and evolution kinetics of non-equilibrium clusters formed in a solution of oppositely charged nanoparticles are studied using a recently developed kinetic Monte Carlo simulation scheme (Jha et al., Soft Matter, 2012, 8, 227–234). A diverse range of dynamic cluster configurations are obtained by varying the interaction strength between nanoparticles, screening length, and packing density of nanoparticles. Structural details of the resulting clusters are obtained using the correlations of local bond orientational order parameters. At low-salt concentrations (weak screening), clusters with structures ranging from NaCl-type cubic aggregates to fibril-like chains are observed, while at high-salt concentrations (strong screening), disordered compact clusters are observed. A chain-folding barrier model is proposed to explain the kinetically trapped fibril-like assemblies. In higher-density solutions, large ionic clusters or percolated gel structures are observed. Our work demonstrates the structural richness of non-equilibrium ionic assemblies of oppositely charged nanoparticles and elucidates the effect of ion correlations on the determination of the structure of assemblies of oppositely charged nanoparticles. These “nanoionic composites” hold great promise in a variety of emerging applications such as templated polymerization of charged molecules and assembly of charged nano-objects.
The Macroeconomic Impact of HIV/AIDS in Botswana

This paper provides an overview of the potential macroeconomic effects of HIV/AIDS in Botswana, focusing on the key channels through which the pandemic is likely to affect the economic outlook and on the uncertainties involved. To estimate the impact of HIV/AIDS, a dual-economy equilibrium model is constructed and simulated under different scenarios. Depending on exactly how AIDS affects the outlook, GDP growth is projected to fall from around 5½ percent a year without the pandemic to between 1½ and 2½ percent a year with AIDS. Non-negligible redistribution effects across sectors and labor skill categories are also likely to arise. Finally, the paper draws attention to the potential effects of HIV/AIDS on the long-term fiscal position of Botswana, highlighting the need for increased international support and/or lower drug prices so that the widespread introduction of anti-retroviral drug treatments is feasible.
Comparitive Study of Two Computerized Semen Motility Analyzers1: Vergleichende Studie an zwei verschiedenen Computer‐Samen‐Analysern

Summary: Semen analysis is one of the primary tests carried out to investigate the infertile male. Subjective evaluation of semen is often prone to observer bias and error. To eliminate this, a number of computerized semen analyzers have recently been introduced into the market and we have evaluated two of the more popular models, the Cell Soft Semen Analyzer and the Hamilton Thorn Motility Analyzer (HTM 2000). The Cell Soft identifies sperm on the basis of user defined values for cell size and luminosity whereas the Hamilton Thorn identifies sperm by motility, and then applies the computer-calculated average size and luminosity of all moving objects to non moving sperm cells. Semen samples from 25 normal donors and 25 subfertile patients were analyzed using these two models of computerized semen analyzers, and also by an experienced technician using both the Makler chamber and the hemocytometer. The results obtained from the two automated analyzers were compared with those obtained by subjective evaluation. Variation in sperm count and motility were analyzed according to the sperm density. Four groups, 50 million/ml were studied. The majority of patients fit into the first two groups. We observed that the HTM 2000 is superior to the Cell Soft in evaluating sperm count within the patient population group. For our donor population with an average sperm count of > 85 million/ml both systems provide extremely accurate counts. Both systems help to standardize semen analysis in the laboratory, increase speed and provide additional parameters for research and perhaps eventual clinical application. However they do not eliminate the role of the technician in the morphological evaluation of semen. Zusammenfassung: Es wurde eine vergleichende Studie mit zwei Modellen zur computerisierten Spermaanalyse vorgenommen und zwar mit dem Cell Soft Semen Analyzer und dem Hamilton Thorn Motility Analyzer. Der Cell Soft-Analyzer identifiziert Spermatozoen auf der Basis von definierten Werten fur Zellgrose und Helligkeit, wahrend der Hamilton-Analyzer die Spermatozoen-Motilitat sowie die computercalculierte Grose und die Helligkeit aller beweglichen Elemente von den nichtbeweglichen Zellen zur Anwendung brachte. Auf diese Weise wurden die Spermaproben von 25 Spendern und 25 Fertilitatspatienten an beiden Modellen analysiert. Die hierbei ermittelten Resultate wurden mit den Ergebnissen verglichen, die mittels der subjektiven Auswertung gewonnen waren. Die Mehrheit der Patienten paste in die Gruppe unter 30 Mill Sp./ml und 30–50 Mill Sp./ml. Der Hamilton-Analyzer war bei der Auswertung der Spermatozoendichte dem Cell-Soft-Analyzer uberlegen. Fur die Ejakulate zur heterologen Insemination waren beide Systeme bei uber 85 Mill Sp./ml ubereinstimmend. Beide Systeme konnen eine gute Hilfe fur die exakte Auswertung sein, sie ersetzen jedoch nicht die Arbeit einer technischen Assistentin.
Entrainment of bottom sediment in the Seto Inland Sea in summer

Time series of the vertical distribution of resuspended matter and bottom current were collected concurrently during summer at a few anchored stations in the Seto Inland Sea. The vertical distribution of resuspended matter was measured every hour for about one tidal cycle and the three components of current fluctuation were obtained at each sampling station. Current data at each sampling station show that the bottom is hydraulically smooth.
Men's job and partner roles : spillover effects and psychological distress

What is the relationship between the quality of men's job and partnership roles on the one hand and men's mental health on the other? This question was addressed in a random sample of 300 men, ages 25–40, in dual-earner couples. Predictions were made from both main-effects and two interaction-effects models of this relationship. More specifically, negative-spillover effects, as predicted by the role-stress model, were estimated both from work to home and home to work. Positive-spillover effects, as predicted by the role-enhancement model, were estimated from home to work and from work to home. The general finding was that the effects are additive not interactive, thus supporting the main-effects model. With respect to spillover effects, there was some support for the role-stress model, but no support for the role-enhancement model. More specifically, the relationship between job stress and psychological distress was exacerbated among men who had troubled relationships with their partners.
TWO HUMAN PARAMYOTONIA CONGENITA MUTATIONS HAVE OPPOSITE EFFECTS ON LIDOCAINE BLOCK OF NA+ CHANNELS EXPRESSED IN A MAMMALIAN CELL LINE

1. Two mutant human skeletal muscle voltage-gated Na+ channel alpha-subunits (hSkM1), with mutations found in patients with hereditary paramyotonia congenita (T1313M on the III-IV linker and R1448C on the outside of S4 of repeat IV), and wild-type hSkM1 channels were expressed in a human embryonic kidney cell lines (tsA201) using recombinant cDNA. 2. Compared with wild-type, both mutants exhibited altered inactivation phenotypes. Current decay was slowed for both, but voltage-dependent availability from inactivation was shifted in the negative direction for R1448C and in the positive direction for T1313M. 3. The hypothesis that a local anaesthetic, lidocaine (lignocaine), binds primarily to the inactivated state to block the channel was reassessed by testing lidocaine block of these two mutants and the wild-type channel. 4. T1313M showed reduced phasic block, but R1448C showed increased phasic block for trains of depolarizations. 5. Rest block (from -120 mV) was increased for R1448C (IC50 approximately equal to 0.2 mM) and decreased for T1313M (IC50 approximately equal to 1.3 mM) compared with wild-type (IC50 approximately 0.5 mM), but these differences were diminished at a holding potential of -150 mV, suggesting that the differences were caused by binding to the inactivated state rather than a different affinity of lidocaine for the resting state. 6. Inactivated state affinity measured from lidocaine-induced shifts in voltage-dependent availability was reduced for T1313M (Kd = 63 microM) but little changed for R1448C (Kd = 14 microM) compared with wild-type (Kd = 11 microM). Two pulse recovery protocols showed faster recovery from lidocaine block for T1313M and slower recovery for R1448C. Together these accounted for the opposite effects on lidocaine phasic block observed for the mutant channels. 7. Neither mutation is located at a putative lidocaine binding site in domain 4 S6, yet both affected lidocaine block. The data suggest that R1448C altered phasic lidocaine block mainly through altered kinetics, but T1313M altered block through a change in affinity for the inactivated state. These findings have implications for drug therapy of paramyotonia congenita, and also provide an insight into structural requirements for drug affinity.
CholecystokininB receptor antagonist increases food intake in rats

Abstract DORRE, D. AND G. P. SMITH. Cholecystokinin B receptor antagonist increases food intake in rats. PHYSIOL BEHAV 65 (1) 11–14, 1998.—-To investigate the role of cholecystokinin B (CCK B ) receptors in the brain in the control of food intake, we administered PD-135158, a specific and potent CCK B antagonist, into the lateral ventricle of male, Sprague–Dawley rats 30 min before a 60-min intake test. PD-135158 (0.001–0.5 mg) increased intake significantly; the mean peak increase was 39% more than the intake after vehicle treatment. The increased intake was due to a larger first meal and more intake during the last 30 min of the test. Because intake during the first 3 min, a measure of palatability or orosensory stimulation did not change significantly, we suggest that antagonism of brain CCK at central CCK B receptors decreased the satiating potency of the ingested food during the meal and decreased the potency of the mechanisms that prevent the reinitiation of eating during the postprandial intermeal interval.
Hydrogen peroxide: a poor ligand to gallium tetraphenylporphyrin.

As models for possible heme-iron-H2O2 enzymatic intermediates, tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP)-gallium chemistry has been explored in CD2Cl2. (TPP)GaOTf (1) and (TPP)Ga(ClO4) (2) have been prepared from (TPP)GaCl and AgOTf or AgClO4. Trace water reacts with 2 to give [(TPP)Ga(OH2)](ClO4) (5) and with (TPP)GaOOtBu to give (TPP)GaOH (3). These complexes were fully characterized including X-ray structures for 1, 3, the bis(aquo) analogue of 5, and the methyl derivative (TPP)GaMe (4). A convenient procedure for preparing anhydrous dilute solutions of H2O2 in methylene chloride is described. All of these gallium complexes, however, are unreactive with this anhydrous H2O2 in CD2Cl2. H2O2 does not displace even the weakly coordinating perchlorate or triflate anions, or coordinated water, indicating that H2O2 is a very weak ligand.
Accurate valence band maximum determination for SrTiO3(001)

Abstract We reexamine a well-established method for determining valence band maxima (VBM) in semiconductors based on fitting photoemission valence band spectra to theoretical densities of states. In contrast to the situation for covalent semiconductors, application of this technique to SrTiO3 produces poor fits when the density of states is computed within the local density or generalized gradient approximation. The resulting VBM is too high by several tenths of an eV. However, an excellent fit, and a more physically reasonable VBM, is obtained when the density of states is computed within a recently-developed self-consistent GW approximation. Extrapolating the X-ray excited leading edge to the energy axis, and finding the energy at which the UV-excited leading edge intensity goes to zero, also yield physically reasonable VBM values that are in good mutual agreement, and in good agreement with the VBM obtained by fitting to GW theory. These numbers are useful for accurate band offset determination.
Turnover of newly synthesized cytochromes P-450scc and P-45011β and adrenodoxin in bovine adrenocortical cells in monolayer culture: Effect of adrenocorticotropin

The turnover of newly synthesized cytochromes P-450scc and P45011β and adrenodoxin was investigated in bovine adrenocortical cells in primary monolayer cultures. Cells were pulse-radiolabeled with [35S]methionine, and specific newly synthesized enzymes were immunoisolated at various times following labeling and quantitated. Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) treatment did not alter the average turnover rate of total cellular proteins or that of total mitochondrial proteins. The half-life of total cellular proteins of control and ACTH-treated cells was determined to be 20.5 and 23 h, respectively. The half-life of mitochondrial proteins of control and ACTH-treated cells was determined to be 42.5 and 44 h, respectively. The turnover rate of newly synthesized cytochrome P-450scc was approximately the same as total mitochondrial protein (t12 = 38 h), and was unchanged by ACTH treatment (t12 = 42 h). ACTH treatment did not greatly alter the turnover rate of adrenodoxin. The half-life of adrenodoxin from control and ACTH-treated cells was determined to be 20 and 17 h, respectively. However, ACTH treatment appeared to increase the half-life of cytochrome P-45011β from 16 h in control cells to 24 h in treated cells. The differential rate of turnover of mitochondrial proteins studied here supports the contention that mitochondria are subject to heterogeneous degradation. It appears that chronic treatment of bovine adrenocortical cells in culture with ACTH leads to increased steroidogenic capacity, primarily as a result of increased synthesis of steroidogenic enzymes, although, as shown for cytochrome P-45011β ACTH action might also increase steroidogenic capacity by increasing the half-life of this steroid hydroxylase.