cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Compatibility screening of oxaliplatin during simulated Y-site administration with other drugs:

The physical compatibility of oxaliplatin (Eloxatin, Sanofi-Synthelabo, Malvern, PA) with 58 selected other drugs during simulated Y-site injection was evaluated by visual observation, turbidity measurement, and electronic particle content assessment when appropriate.Five-milliliter samples of oxaliplatin 0.5 mg/mL in 5% dextrose injection were combined with 5 mL of 58 other drugs. The other test drugs included antineoplastics, analgesics, antihistamines, diuretics, steroids, and other supportive care drugs undiluted or diluted in 5% dextrose injection. Visual examinations were performed with the unaided eye in normal diffuse fluorescent light and using a Tyndall beam (high-intensity monodirectional light beam) to enhance visualization of small particles and low-level turbidity. The turbidity of each sample was measured as well. For samples with no visible incompatibility, the particle content was measured. Evaluation of the samples was performed initially and at 1 and 4 h after preparation.Fifty-seven of...
Criterion-related construct validity

Established results on latent variable models are applied to the study of the validity of a psychological test. When the test predicts a criterion by measuring a unidimensional latent construct, not only must the total score predict the criterion, but the joint distribution of criterion scores and item responses must exhibit a certain pattern. The presence of this population pattern may be tested with sample data using the stratified Wilcoxon rank sum test. Often, criterion information is available only for selected examinees, for instance, those who are admitted or hired. Three cases are discussed: (i) selection at random, (ii) selection based on the current test, and (iii) selection based on other measures of the latent construct. Discriminant validity is also discussed.
The impact of heat stress on operative performance and cognitive function during simulated laparoscopic operative tasks

Background Increasing ambient temperature to prevent intraoperative patient hypothermia remains widely advocated despite unconvincing evidence of efficacy. Heat stress is associated with decreased cognitive and psychomotor performance across multiple tasks but remains unexamined in an operative context. We assessed the impact of increased ambient temperature on laparoscopic operative performance and surgeon cognitive stress. Study design Forty-two performance measures were obtained from 21 surgery trainees participating in the counter-balanced, within-subjects study protocol. Operative performance was evaluated with adaptations of the validated, peg-transfer, and intracorporeal knot-tying tasks from the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery program. Participants trained to proficiency before enrollment. Task performance was measured at two ambient temperatures, 19 and 26°C (66 and 79°F). Participants were randomly counterbalanced to initial hot or cold exposure before crossing over to the alternate environment. Cognitive stress was measured using the validated Surgical Task Load Index (SURG-TLX). Results No differences in performance of the peg-transfer and intracorporeal knot-tying tasks were seen across ambient conditions. Assessed via use of the six bipolar scales of the SURG-TLX, we found differences in task workload between the hot and cold conditions in the areas of physical demands (hot 10 [3–12], cold 5 [2.5–9], P = .013) and distractions (hot 8 [3.5–15.5], cold 3 [1.5–5.5], P = .001). Participant perception of distraction remained greater in the hot condition on full scoring of the SURG-TLX. Conclusion Increasing ambient temperature to levels advocated for prevention of intraoperative hypothermia does not greatly decrease technical performance in short operative tasks. Surgeons, however, do report increased perceptions of distraction and physical demand. The impact of these findings on performance and outcomes during longer operative procedures remains unclear.
Adverse Structural Remodeling of the Left Ventricle and Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients With Depressed Ejection Fraction

Abstract Background The relationship of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias to specific patterns of adverse LV remodeling has not been reported. We examined the relationship of ventricular tachycardia and/or fibrillation (VT/VF) to the pattern of left ventricular (LV) structural remodeling and to the degree of LV dysfunction in patients with a low ejection fraction (EF). Methods and Results Data from 127 patients with a low EF (≤0.45) and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) were examined and VT/VF identified by means of ICD device interrogation. Echocardiographic data were used to define LV structural remodeling (eccentric hypertrophy, concentric remodeling/hypertrophy, and normal geometry). VT/VF occurred in 26% of the 127 patients. VT/VF was more common in the 60 patients with LV hypertrophy versus the 67 with normal LV mass (40% vs 13%; P = .001) and in the 61 patients with LV enlargement versus the 66 with a normal chamber size (34% vs 18%; P = .04). When LV chamber size, wall mass, and geometry were assessed in a combinatorial fashion, a Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that the occurrence of VT/VF was highest in the patients with eccentric hypertrophy (43%), intermediate in those with concentric remodeling/hypertrophy (30%), and lowest (12%) in those with normal geometry (all P P = ns) in these 3 groups of distinctly different patterns of remodeling. Conclusions Life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias in patients with a low EF are related to the pattern of LV remodeling, not the degree of LV dysfunction. Risk stratification of such patients might be improved by a consideration of the pattern of LV remodeling.
Crosslinking poly(ethylene oxide) in dilute solutions by gamma rays

A high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) is gelled by radiation from a 60Co source. At concentrations of 0.25 to 1 wt-%, doses of 4.5 to 7.5 × 104 rad cause gelation. The storage modulus of the gel formed increases linearly with additional dose to a plateau value and then remains constant during further irradiation. The does needed to reach the plateau, Dp in rads, and the plateau modulus Gp in dynes per square centimeter, are related to the concentration c, in weight per cent: Dp = 1.05 × 106c and Gp = 1.75 × 104c2.5. The energy absorbed by the polymer per crosslink formed is about 80 ± 10 kcal/mol. The crosslink density produced by radiation is calculated from the measured modulus by using the theory of rubber elasticity. Both modulus and loss are measured in a special air-bearing, recording torsion pendulum with a coneplate geometry.
Ruthenium red and violet. II. Fine structural localization in animal tissues.

The inorganic dye, ruthenium red, stains extracellular materials in animal tissues which probably are acidic mucopolysaccharides. It complements other techniques, its advantages being fine grain, high resolution and good contrast. Localization is shown in mouse and rat muscle, heart, lung and intestine, frog cartilage and cells scraped from oral epithelium of human beings. Attention is paid to collagen bundles, the cell/collagen interface and particularly the myotendinal junction, cartilage matrix and agar gel, desmosomes, intestinal microvilli, erythrocytes and vascular endothelium, nerve fibers and the T-system of striated muscle. Although ruthenium red generally is excluded by plasma membranes, it penetrates giving intracellular density, if the membrane is broken. Even when the cell membrane is intact, exceptions occur with selective staining of the T-tubules or the sarcoplasmic sacs depending upon the state of contraction of the muscle cell, and with intracellular staining of certain nuclei and epithelial cells. Ruthenium red stains intracellular lipid droplets revealing lamellae, and stains myelin forms grown from crude egg lecithin but cannot penetrate deeply. It is localized in extracellular materials which have an important mechanical function. Its exclusion by cell membranes permits tracing tortuous cellular invaginations and those exceptions to its exclusion invite a comparison of the localization of the dye with the function of the cell.
Complete sequence-specific 1H NMR resonance assignment of hyperfine-shifted residues in the active site of a paramagnetic protein: application to Aplysia cyano-metmyoglobin.

Two-dimensional sequence-specific1H NMR resonance assignment methodology (Wuthrich, 1986) has been applied for the first time to a 18-kDa paramagnetic hemoprotein (cyano-metAplysia Mb) to identify all the hyperfine-shifted residues. The assignment was greatly facilitated by the fact that hyperfine shifts of residues impart a strong temperature dependence to the cross peaks, which aids location and identification, and provides improved spectral dispersion, particularly in the fingerprint region. 2D COSY and TOCSY were found to be surprisingly effective in locating the complete spin connectivities of all of the hyperfine-shifted residues, with the exception of the axially coordinated His95 imidazole ring, whose proton resonances were found to exhibit severe line broadening (> 400 Hz). Conventional 1D NOE and NOESY with short mixing times, combined with paramagnetic-induced relaxation effects, led to the successful assignment of even extremely broad proton signals. Three helical stretches and two loop regions were identified as the source of all hyperfine-shifted residues: the F helical residues 3–9, the E-helix residues 6–14, the G-helix residues 5–9, the FG-loop residues 1–4 and the CD-loop residues 1–4. These segments comprise all the residues that make contact with the heme and modulate the reactivity of the prosthetic group. The sequence-specific identifications of the active-site residues revealed that the solution structure ofAplysia metMbCN is fully consistent with that observed by X-ray diffraction in single crystals for a variety of other derivatives, except for the distal Arg66 (E10), which is turned into the heme pocket, as found only in the metMbF crystal structure (Bolognesi et al., 1990). The ready identification, by their temperature sensitivity, and the complete assignments of all hyperfine-shifted residues ofAplysia metMbCN demonstrate that sequence-specific assignment can be profitably applied to paramagnetic proteins, and that it should be possible to determine the solution structures of paramagnetic proteins, at least for low-spin complexes, by using NMR techniques used for diamagnetic proteins.
THE ROLE OF BACTERIA IN BURN MORTALITY

SUMMARY In summary, the evidence for the role of bacteria in burn mortality is: A majority of severely burned mice showed positive blood cultures during shock period; gram-negative bacteria predominated. Germ-free mice showed a significant reduction in mortality during the shock period and later compared with conventional mice. Pretreatment of conventional mice with sulfadiazine and/or antibiotics reduced shock and late mortality after burns. E. coli added to the environment of mice reared in the absence of E. coli significantly increased shock mortality after severe burns. Burned conventional and germ-free mice were up to 1000 times more sensitive to E. coli endotoxin during the shock period than unburned mice. E. coli endotoxin injected after thermal trauma made burned mice more susceptible to death after local pseudomonas challenge. Conventional mice made tolerant to E. coli endotoxin were more resistant to burn shock mortality. These results show conclusively for the first time that bacteria do play an important role in early or shock mortality as well as in late mortality after thermal injury.
Coordinated Charging of EVs Based on Demand-Side Management

Electric vehicles (EVs) are adopted as an effective way to reduce the pollution of atmosphere. However, if EVs are implemented in a large scale without control, peak load would increase significantly and the grid may be overloaded. Based on Demand-Side Management (DSM), an coordinated charging method for EVs to address the problem of that is proposed. Considering load fluctuation of power grid as well as time-of-use (TOU) power price, a multi-objective optimization model is formulated to minimize the charging cost and restrain the load fluctuation. Overall power load is composed of original daily load and EV charging load, which is obtained through Monte Carlo simulations. On the basis of this, the optimal number of charging EVs in each period is worked out with NSGA-II algorithm. At last, the case study carried out shows the reasonability of this method.
A Stochastic Cumulative Scaling Method Applied to Measuring Wealth in Indonesian Villages

Stochastic cumulative scaling (SCS), sometimes called Mokken scaling, is a technique for converting several dichotomous variables into a single ordinal or interval measure of some latent trait. After a brief review of scaling approaches developed by Guttman and Mokken, the usefulness of SCS is illustrated by applying it to measure individual household wealth in two provinces in Indonesia: East Java and Bali. Recommendations are also offered regarding the application of SCS.
Soil water measurement comparisons between semi-permanent and portable capacitance probes

The objectives of this study were to compare and characterize the soil water measurement responses using the EnviroSCAN semi permanent multisensor capacitance probes (MCP) and the Diviner 2000 (D2k) portable capacitance probe. Both probes are manufactured by Sentek Pty. Ltd., Stepney, South Australia. Comparative soil water measurements were made using the portable D2k and the MCP probes at three field sites where 48 polyvinylchloride (PVC) access tubes were previously installed and being used to near-continuously monitor soil water content at four or more depths. The D2k and MCP soil water sensing data were highly correlated values (R 2 > 0.98), but the D2k water contents averaged about 5% more than the corresponding MCP values. As a result of this high correlation we were able to transform the D2k readings so that the two probes gave essentially the same water content values when measured as the same time and position.
Two case studies for Level Sensitive Scan Design methodology

This work intend to provide an overview of some implementation aspects of Design of Testability through Level Sensitive Scan Design (LSSD) Techniques in two different IC designs developed by the IC Design Group at IBM Brasil Hardware Technology Center. Aspects include LSSD Design Methodology, test pin overhead, logic overhead, fault coverage, and test generation effort.
Accelerated 3D carotid MRI using compressed sensing and parallel imaging

Introduction Imaging of the carotid artery with black-blood MRI can be used to identify plaques that are vulnerable for rupture [1,2]. 3D imaging is particularly interesting to overcome the SNR and volumetric coverage limitations of 2D multislice techniques. However, 3D scans are more susceptible to motion artifacts, particularly swallowing-related artifacts, due to the longer acquisition times [3]. Parallel imaging can be used to accelerate the acquisition, but acceleration is limited by noise amplification. An alternative acceleration technique is compressed sensing (CS) [4], where image compressibility can be exploited to undersample k-space without losing image information. 3D imaging is a natural candidate for CS, since higher dimensional data sets increase sparsity. We propose to combine CS and parallel imaging to increase the acceleration rate for 3D carotid imaging.
Anomalous NFR grating lobes and leakage beams: Causes and solutions

For a planar, limited scan phased array with multiple grating lobes in real space, there are several potential sources of additional, anomalous far-field lobes which may be observed upon transformation of near-field measurement data collected during planar near-field scanning. If there is a constant leakage term present in the measurement receiver independent of the probe position, then a single leakage beam may be observed at boresite regardless of the array scan condition. If the planar, rectangular near-field scan raster is conducted in a bidirectional manner, then periodic aperture spatial or thermal imbalances may induce paired lobes. The measurement grid lattice may need to be reduced below the typical half-wavelength value in order to push the extended grating lobe series associated with the sampling period sufficiently far from the far-field angular region of interest.
Temporal characteristics of lower extremity moment generation in children with cerebral palsy

Lower extremity weakness has been documented in children with cerebral palsy (CP). However, the temporal characteristics of moment generation have not been characterized, and they may be important to function. This study tested ankle, knee, and hip flexion and extension moment generation capabilities in children with CP and in able-bodied children. Maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC), the maximum rates of moment development and relaxation, and the time to produce and reduce the moments were quantified. Relationships between the temporal measures, Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66), and MVICs were also examined. Children with CP had significantly reduced MVICs, maximum development, and relaxation rates, and increased times to produce and reduce moments. The maximum rates of moment development and relaxation at some joints were correlated with the GMFM-66 and MVICs. These results suggest that both the magnitude and temporal characteristics of moment generation need to be targeted during therapeutic interventions for children with CP.
Transparent SU-8 Three-Axis Micro Strain Gauge Force Sensing Pillar Arrays for Biological Applications

This paper presents three-axis micro strain gauge force-sensitive pillar arrays constructed of multiple layers of SU-8 and metal on quartz substrates to create transparent sensors for use in standard inverted microscopes. The sensor meets specific requirements for measuring tactile sensitivity and forces exerted during locomotion by small organisms such as fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), including: 1 muN force sensitivity, >25 muN range, and bio-compatibility By virtue of its three-axis capability, this sensor has flexible applications for biological and non-biological force sensing.
The psychological paradigm shift in genetic counseling

Abstract The history of genetic counseling can be organized around three different paradigms: eugenics, preventive medicine, and psychologic medicine. Each paradigm is based on a differing set of beliefs and assumptions regarding the goals, principles, and practices of genetic counseling. The emergence of a more psychologically‐oriented genetic counseling has resulted, in part, from an awareness of difficulties in achieving the goals of the other paradigms and a realization of the psychosocial nature of genetic disorders and of the genetic counseling process. The shift to a more psychological paradigm has important philosophical and practical implications, and some of these are discussed around the issues of genetic education, communication, decision‐making, and the provision of supportive counseling.
Autoradiographic localization of 3H-estradiol or its metabolites in the central nervous system of the developing rat.

The cellular and subcellular localization of radioactivity in the brain of 2-day-old female rats was investigated by dry-mount and thaw-mount autoradiography 2 hr after SC injection of 1.0 µg of 2,4,6,7 3H estradiol-17β per 10 g body wt. A specific topographic pattern of nuclear concentration of estrogen was obtained similar to that of the adult rat in specific neurons of the basal hypothalamus, preoptic region and amygdala, thus providing the first in vivo evidence for estrogen receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) ofthe developing rat during the “critical period” of brain organization. In competition experiments, nuclear concentration of radioactivity was inhibited in all areas studied with estradiol, while no inhibition wasobtained with 5α-dihydrotestosterone. Testosterone clearlyinhibited the nuclear concentrationof radioactivity in all areas studied except the nucleus preopticus medialis in which either noinhibition or only a partial inhibition occurred. The implications of this selective com...
Association of Preoperative Plasma Levels of Insulin-Like Growth Factor I and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins-2 and -3 With Prostate Cancer Invasion, Progression, and Metastasis

PURPOSE: We tested the hypothesis that preoperative plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein (BP)-2 or IGFBP-3 would predict cancer stage and prognosis in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Plasma levels of IGF-I, IGFBP-2, and IGFBP-3 were measured preoperatively in 120 consecutive patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for clinically localized disease, postoperatively in 51 of these patients, in 44 healthy men, in 19 patients with metastases to regional lymph nodes, and in 10 patients with bone metastases. RESULTS: Plasma IGFBP-3 levels were lowest in patients with bone metastases (P ≤ .043). IGFBP-2 levels were elevated in prostate cancer patients compared with healthy subjects (P ≤ .006). However, within the group of prostatectomy patients, preoperative plasma IGFBP-2 levels were lower in patients with advanced disease (P ≤ .033), were inversely correlated with prostatic tumor volume (P = .037), and declined after prostate removal (P = .044)....
Compact designs for comprehensive proton beam clinical facilities

Abstract The use of accelerated beams of protons in cancer therapy has proven to be of great value. The accelerators currently being used for such therapy were originally built for other purposes, e.g. physics research. Several institutions are presently hoping to construct medically dedicated proton accelerators, and because of the great expense associated with added space in medical facilities there is great interest in designing complete proton-beam facilities that are as compact as possible. The shielding and other requirements for such facilities are discussed and applied to a specific example: a facility with a movable isocentric gantry (for beam delivery to the patient from a variety of angles) and two fixed beams.
The effect of heterogeneity in tumor cell kinetics on radiation dose-response. An exploratory investigation of a plateau effect.

Abstract Purpose : To investigate the effect of heterogeneity in tumor cell kinetics on radiation dose-response curves for a population of patients. Materials and methods : A series of exploratory calculations have been performed using an improved geometric-stochastic model of tumor cure. Results : Radiation therapy dose-response curves may plateau, or nearly so, at tumor control levels well below 100%, if a proportion of tumors would grow sufficiently fast to counterbalance the effect of fractionated radiotherapy. If the model assumptions of doubling time heterogeneity are correct, the difference between a short and protracted radiation regimen would be not only in the position and steepness of the radiation dose-response curve, but also in the level of the predicted plateau. Conclusions : For a given rate of dose accumulation, the one-sided flattening in dose-response curves at high doses is predicted from the modeling, and determined by the proportion of most radioresistant and rapidly growing tumors. This shows that empirical models of tumor control probability which assume a symmetric sigmoid relationship from 0 to 100% have apparent limitations, seemingly not well acknowledged in the literature.
High Expression of the PAX3-FKHR Oncoprotein Is Required to Promote Tumorigenesis of Human Myoblasts

PAX3-FKHR is a fusion oncoprotein generated by the 2;13 chromosomal translocation in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS), a cancer associated with the skeletal muscle lineage. Previous studies determined that high-level PAX3-FKHR expression is a consistent feature in ARMS tumors. To investigate the relationship between expression and phenotype in human myogenic cells, PAX3-FKHR was introduced into immortalized human myoblasts to produce a low overall PAX3-FKHR expression level. Although PAX3-FKHR alone failed to exert transforming activity, a combination of PAX3-FKHR and MYCN induced transforming activity in cell culture assays. Furthermore, myoblasts expressing PAX3-FKHR with or without MYCN formed tumors in SCID mice. These tumors demonstrated invasive features and expressed myogenic markers, consistent with rhabdomyosarcoma. Comparisons of tumor and parental cells revealed that only a subset of parental cells developed into tumors and that tumor cells expressed high PAX3-FKHR levels compared with transduced parental cells. Subcloning of parental PAX3-FKHR/MYCN-transduced myoblasts identified rare high PAX3-FKHR-expressing subclones with high transforming and tumorigenic activity; however, most subclones expressed low PAX3-FKHR and showed neither transforming nor tumorigenic activity. Finally, RNA interference experiments in myoblast-derived tumor and ARMS cells revealed that high PAX3-FKHR expression plays a crucial role in regulating proliferation, transformation, and differentiation. These findings support the premise that high PAX3-FKHR-expressing cells are selected during tumorigenesis.
Unresolved controversies concerning psychopathy: Implications for clinical and forensic decision making.

At some point in their careers, clinicians who work or consult in forensic and correctional settings will almost certainly encounter individuals who exhibit psychopathic personality features. Because of the widespread use of this disorder to inform legal and clinical decision making, psychologists should be exceedingly familiar with the relevant research literature on this topic before venturing into these settings. This article reviews the empirical bases of several clinically relevant claims and assertions regarding psychopathy and concludes that many areas of research are decidedly more equivocal in their findings than is commonly perceived. Although there is much to be gained by assessing psychopathy in various contexts, clinicians need to be cautious about drawing overzealous and empirically questionable conclusions about an important disorder that also has great potential for abuse.
The Impact of Laws, Regulations, and Culture on Cross-border Joint Ventures

Abstract Both formal (legal) and informal (culture, language, religion) institutions determine the intensity of cross-border joint ventures between one US and one foreign partner. Using a sample of cross-border joint ventures from 105 countries, we investigate the impact of country legal, cultural and business environment factors, industry factors as well as deal specific factors on the intensity of cross-border joint ventures with one US partner. Our results suggest that US firms are more likely to form joint ventures with firms from countries with weaker legal and regulatory environments and with higher cultural, language, and religious disparity from the US. However, compared to mergers between a foreign target and a US bidder, US firms are more likely to form joint ventures with firms from countries with strong laws and regulations, as well as with smaller cultural, language, and religious differences from the US. These findings are consistent with cross-border joint ventures being a “hybrid” organizational form existing in between free-market contracts and firm-like deals such as mergers and acquisitions. Our results further suggest that foreign countries receiving large US foreign direct investments and/or relying less on export and import are associated with higher intensity of cross-border joint ventures. The volume of cross-border joint ventures with US partner is higher for firm from less competitive and/or more politically stable countries. On a firm level, US firms are more likely to form cross-border joint ventures in cases of technology transfers between the joint venture partners, in deals involving partners from unrelated industries or with foreign firms not cross-listed in the US. Overall, the results suggest that cross-border joint ventures are optimal, low cost organizational form mitigating information asymmetries, hold-up costs, and poor contract enforceability, especially in environment with larger market imperfections.
Assessing the Utility of Satellite Imagery with Differing Spatial Resolutions for Deriving Proxy Measures of Slum Presence in Accra, Ghana

Little research has been conducted on how differing spatial resolutions or classification techniques affect image-driven identification and categorization of slum neighborhoods in developing nations. This study assesses the correlation between satellite-derived land cover and census-derived socioeconomic variables in Accra, Ghana to determine whether the relationship between these variables is altered with a change in spatial resolution or scale. ASTER and Landsat TM satellite images are each used to classify land cover using spectral mixture analysis (SMA), and land cover proportions are summarized across Enumeration Areas in Accra and compared to socioeconomic data for the same areas. Correlation and regression analyses com- pare the SMA results with a Slum Index created from various socioeconomic data taken from the Census of Ghana, as well as to data derived from a "hard" per-pixel classification of a 2.4 m Quickbird image. Results show that the vegetation fraction is significantly correlated with the Slum Index (Pearson's r ranges from -0.33 to -0.51, depending on which image-derived product is compared), and the use of a spatial error model improves results (multivariate model pseudo-R 2 ranges from 0.37 to 0.40 by image product). We also find that SMA products derived from ASTER are a suf- ficient substitute for classification products derived from higher spatial resolution QB data when using land cover fractions as a proxy for slum presence, suggesting that SMA might be more cost-effective for deriving land cover fractions than the use of high-resolution imagery for this type of demographic analysis.
Prevention of hospital-acquired infections by selective digestive decontamination.

Abstract Background: Selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) has been advocated to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and possibly other nosocomial infections. However, its incorporation into standard health care practices has been limited. Methods: Comprehensive literature search using www.pubmed.gov and derivative cross-references. Results: The abundance of basic science and clinical literature largely supports the concept that the incidence of VAP declines after the introduction of SDD, although there are some controversial aspects. Several meta-analyses and recent controlled clinical trials have supported the benefit of SDD. A few years ago, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement introduced the “ventilator bundle,” a set of simple evidence-based measures designed to reduce the incidence of pneumonia. These measures have been implemented rapidly throughout the country. Of the four initial measures (elevation of the head of the bed, daily “sedation vacations” with assessment ...
Scalars from Top-Condensation Models at Hadron Colliders

We study the production and decay of neutral scalars and pseudoscalars at hadron colliders, in theories where the top quark mass is the result of a t{bar t} condensate. We show that the dominant decay channel for masses below the t{bar t} threshold is the flavor changing mode tc . This is a consequence of the nonuniversal nature of the underlying interactions in all top-condensation models and provides a model-independent signature of these scenarios. We show that an upgraded Tevatron is sensitive to a sizable region of the interesting parameter space and that the CERN Large Hadron Collider will highly constrain these models through this flavor violating channel. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society }
Arm training in standing also improves postural control in participants with chronic stroke.

Purpose To prove the concept that postural control will improve without specific balance control training during arm training in standing with individuals with chronic stroke.
A review of techniques for instrumentation design and upgrade in process plants

This article is a review of the area of optimal instrumentation location in process plants for both grassroots designs and upgrades. Emphasis is put in methods for monitoring purposes and based on the cost minimization model. These methods are mostly related to data reconciliation paradigms and include especial consideration to the detection of gross errors. Connections between this model and other models based on other objective functions and goals are analyzed. Finally, the emerging field of sensor design for efficient process fault detection is briefly covered. On passe en revue dans cet article la problematique du positionnement optimal de I'instrumentation dans les usines dans le cas de nouveaux procedes ou d'amelioration de procedes existants. L'accent est mis sur les methodes destinees au contrǒle et basees sur un modele de minimisation des coǔts. Ces mehodes renvoient surtout a des paradigmes de reconciliation des donnees et portent une attention particuliere a la detection des erreurs globales. Les relations entre ce modele et les autres modeles reposant sur d'autres fonctions objectives sont analysees. Enfin, le domaine emergent de la conception des senseurs pour la detection efficace des defauts de procede est examine brievement.
The impact toughness characteristics of steel wire-reinforced polymer composites

Abstract In this paper, the impact toughness properties of fine steel wire-reinforced polymer matrix composites is presented and discussed. Strips of the polymer composite is attached on to a standard Charpy V-notch impact specimen. Temperature influences, in the range from cryogenic (−190°C) to ambient (30°C) on the impact toughness properties of the polymer composites are highlighted in light of energy absorbed and macroscopic fracture behavior of the dynamically deformed samples.
Population structure of the rare damselfly, Ischnura gemina (Kennedy) (Odonata: Coenagrionidae).

The population structure of the endemic San Francisco Bay Area damselfly, Ischnura gemina, is examined using mark-recapture methods. Average daily movements, sex ratios, population size, maturation times, survivorship, and dispersion patterns, were recorded and calculated from two small (each less than one hectare) sites 150 m apart in Glen Canyon, San Francisco. Of 563 adults marked over 36 days, 412 (73%) were recaptured at least once. Average daily movements for males and females were less than 6 m, suggesting local movements. However, directional movements of 150 m were observed from one site to the other, indicating dispersal potential. One of the populations was a satellite composed entirely, of emigrating individuals from the other site; no larvae or teneral adults were found at the satellite area. Males were more aggregated than females at both sites. Both sexes were highly clumped at one site but were nearly randomly dispersed at the other site. Total population size for both sexes tended to be constant throughout the sampling period, at about 250. Adult population estimates showed more males were present than, females, but larval counts at one site indicated only a slight excess of males. Average life span estimates ranged from 6.5 days (females) to 23.3 days (males). One male lived at least 36 days. Maturation time for males was about 5–7 days, 7–10 days for females. A long life span and long flight season (March to November) are probably adaptations to the foggy San Francisco climate. All populations of I. gemina located to date are small, possibly originating from founders from nearby demes, and may be subject to different selection pressures. The dispersal potential of I. gemina may increase its chance of survival should small urban demes be threatened with destruction.
Family members CREB and CREM control thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) expression in the hypothalamus

Abstract Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus is regulated by thyroid hormone (TH). cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) has also been postulated to regulate TRH expression but its interaction with TH signaling in vivo is not known. To evaluate the role of CREB in TRH regulation in vivo, we deleted CREB from PVN neurons to generate the CREB1ΔSIM1 mouse. As previously shown, loss of CREB was compensated for by an up-regulation of CREM in euthyroid CREB1ΔSIM1 mice but TSH, T4 and T3 levels were normal, even though TRH mRNA levels were elevated. Interestingly, TRH mRNA expression was also increased in the PVN of CREB1ΔSIM1 mice in the hypothyroid state but became normal when made hyperthyroid. Importantly, CREM levels were similar in CREB1ΔSIM1 mice regardless of thyroid status, demonstrating that the regulation of TRH by T3 in vivo likely occurs independently of the CREB/CREM family.
Is interannual zonal mean flow variability simply climate noise

This study uses National Centers for Environmental Prediction‐National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis data to investigate the extent to which interannual zonal index (ZI) fluctuations occur in the atmosphere and whether interannual ZI fluctuations can be accounted for by climate noise associated with the intraseasonal ZI. By using an empirical orthogonal function analysis, it is shown that the ZI is indeed a prominent form of interannual variability, because the interannual ZI corresponds to EOF1 (EOF2) for the winter (summer) seasons of both hemispheres. Also, by application of spectral, correlation, and x 2 analyses, it is shown that interannual ZI variability can be interpreted as arising from climate noise.
Organizations in community living: Supporting people with disabilities

This article highlights the common characteristics of organizations that promote community integration, compares these organizations on several structural dimensions, discusses emerging practices in community living and argues against the use of the model replication framework underlying many current research, training, dissemination and change strategies in the disability field. Based on an analysis of research field data collected from 31 human service organizations in 21 states, this article contributes to the growing body of literature on alternative approaches to helping people with severe disabilities2–5 live in their own homes6–8.
Hepatic overexpression of glycerol-sn-3-phosphate acyltransferase 1 in rats causes insulin resistance.

Fatty liver is commonly associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, but it is unclear whether triacylglycerol accumulation or an excess flux of lipid intermediates in the pathway of triacyglycerol synthesis are sufficient to cause insulin resistance in the absence of genetic or diet-induced obesity. To determine whether increased glycerolipid flux can, by itself, cause hepatic insulin resistance, we used an adenoviral construct to overexpress glycerol-sn-3-phosphate acyltransferase-1 (Ad-GPAT1), the committed step in de novo triacylglycerol synthesis. After 5–7 days, food intake, body weight, and fat pad weight did not differ between Ad-GPAT1 and Ad-enhanced green fluorescent protein control rats, but the chow-fed Ad-GPAT1 rats developed fatty liver, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance. Liver was the predominant site of insulin resistance; Ad-GPAT1 rats had 2.5-fold higher hepatic glucose output than controls during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Hepatic diacylglycerol and lysophosphatidate were elevated in Ad-GPAT1 rats, suggesting a role for these lipid metabolites in the development of hepatic insulin resistance, and hepatic protein kinase Cɛ was activated, providing a potential mechanism for insulin resistance. Ad-GPAT1-treated rats had 50% lower hepatic NF-κB activity and no difference in expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-β, consistent with hepatic insulin resistance in the absence of increased hepatic inflammation. Glycogen synthesis and uptake of 2-deoxyglucose were reduced in skeletal muscle, suggesting mild peripheral insulin resistance associated with a higher content of skeletal muscle triacylglycerol. These results indicate that increased flux through the pathway of hepatic de novo triacylglycerol synthesis can cause hepatic and systemic insulin resistance in the absence of obesity or a lipogenic diet.
THE NATURE AND ORIGIN OF THE CANADIAN DRY BELT

PALLISER'S Triangle, a large dry area in southern Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, extending northward from the United States border approximately to latitude 520N. and westward from longitude 100'W. to 114'W., has been a regional geographic reference since Captain John Palliser' explored the vast unsettled interior of southern Canada nearly a century ago. Recognition of the distinctively dry character of this part of Canada is found in Palliser's reports made as a result of field work in 1857, 1858, 1859, and 1860.2 Although Palliser's contemporaries varied in their opinions of his conclusions regarding the usability of the land for agricultural settlement,3 opinion based upon climatological observations has been unanimous in its indictment of the area. Fifty years ago Stupart noted significant regionalisms in terms of temperature and precipitation characteristics in western Canada,4 and later Connor, in the most painstaking research on Canadian climate, pointed to the problem nature of the "Dry Belt," as he called it, refining somewhat Palliser's conclusions concerning the extent of abnormally dry conditions.5 Since Connor's study of Canadian climate was made, a great body of surface
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mapping of the Motor Cortex in Patients with Cerebral Tumors

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) to map cerebral functions in patients with frontal or parietal tumors. Methods Charts and images of patients with cerebral tumors or vascular malformations who underwent FMRI with an echoplanar technique were reviewed. The FMRI maps of motor (11 patients), tactile sensory (12 patients), and language tasks (4 patients) were obtained. The location of the FMRI activation and the positive responses to intraoperative cortical stimulation were compared. The reliability of the paradigms for mapping the rolandic cortex was evaluated. Results Rolandic cortex was activated by tactile tasks in all 12 patients and by motor tasks in 10 of 11 patients. Language tasks elicited activation in each of the four patients. Activation was obtained within edematous brain and adjacent to tumors. FMRI in three cases with intraoperative electrocortical mapping results showed activation for a language, tactile, or motor task within the same gyrus in which stimulation elicited a related motor, sensory, or language function. In patients with > 2 cm between the margin of the tumor, as revealed by magnetic resonance imaging, and the activation, no decline in motor function occurred from surgical resection. Conclusions FMRI of tactile, motor, and language tasks is feasible in patients with cerebral tumors. FMRI shows promise as a means of determining the risk of a postoperative motor deficit from surgical resection of frontal or parietal tumors.
Cerebrodiene, arachidonylethanolamide, and hybrid structures: potential for interaction with brain cannabinoid receptors

Cerebrodiene (cis-9, 10-octadecenoamide) was recently isolated from cerebral fluid of sleep-deprived cats and shown to induce sleep in rats. Because this lipid amide is related to arachidonylethanolamide (AEA), and because AEA binds to the cannabinoid receptor with high affinity, we investigated the binding affinity of cerebrodiene and some analogs to the cannabinoid receptor. In addition, we tested the ability of these compounds to act as cannabinoid receptor agonists by determining GTP gamma S binding. Each of the analogs competed for [3H] CP55940 binding, but with relatively low affinity (Ki = 26-44 microM). These analogs were not able to stimulate binding of GTP gamma S at concentrations of 100 microM or 1 mM. We conclude that the sleep-inducing actions of cerebrodiene are not mediated via activation of the cannabinoid receptor.
Park-like campus settings and physical activity.

AbstractObjective: Similar to parks, college campuses may promote physical activity. The purpose of this study was to compare the physical activity of adults at urban campuses and parks. Participants: Participants were individuals observed on campuses and parks in April 2011. Methods: The System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities was used to assess physical activity at 3 campuses and parks, 3 times/day, for 4 days. Results: Greater proportions of individuals (parks, campuses) were observed in vigorous (28.7%, 11.9%) and sedentary (25%, 18.3%) activities at parks than campuses and a greater proportion observed in walking (69.8%, 46.3%) intensity on campuses than parks. More men than women were observed at both parks and campuses, and paths and sport courts were most frequently used for physical activity. Conclusions: Physical activity intensities differ across college campuses and parks that provided similar physical activity amenities. Efforts should focus on increasing awareness of outdoor ...
Biomechanical validation of the solitary lag screw technique for reducing mandibular angle fractures

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the solitary lag screw technique meets the biomechanical demands of angle fractures. Simulated angle fractures in four cadaveric mandibles were reduced using solitary lag screws and the load-displacement relationships determined under functional loading of the individual mandibles. Subsequently, an angle fracture in a photoelastic mandible analog was fixed with a lag screw and subjected to similar loading. The mechanisms by which the solitary lag screw transferred functional loading were observed and recorded in a circular polariscope. Concomitant distraction tendencies were monitored and measured using displacement transducers. Correlation of the force-displacement measurements to photoelastic observation substantiated that the solitary lag screw functions as a tension band to provide a sufficient degree of interfragmentary compression and stability to withstand functional loading of the mandible.
A Note on the Stability of Distributions of Psychological Traits

(1959). A Note on the Stability of Distributions of Psychological Traits. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 50, No. 2, pp. 321-325.
Local Buckling and Failure of Pultruded Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Beams

An experimental investigation of the local compression flange buckling and failure of commercially produced pultruded fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) I-shaped beams is described in this paper. Results of tests on pultruded E-glass/polyester and E-glass/vinylester composite material beams are described. The test configuration was designed to cause local buckling and ultimate failure of the compression flange of the beams and to prevent global lateral-torsional buckling. The beams were stiffened to prevent crippling and warping at the supports, and local tensile failure at the load points. All beams were monitored with strain gages and LVDT's. Buckling loads, failure loads, buckling stresses, deflections, and failure modes are reported. Effective mechanical properties of the beams, obtained from overall flexural and shear strain data, are presented. A discussion of the different failure characteristics of the polyester and the vinylester beams is provided.