cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Large-Area Electronics HF RFID Reader Array for Object-Detecting Smart Surfaces

This letter presents a system that enables identification and localization of objects through an array of RFID-readers integrated into a thin sheet via large-area electronics, for lining everyday surfaces. We demonstrate a 5 ${\times }$ 5 active matrix of RFID readers based on thin-film transistor (TFT) LC oscillators, using in-house fabricated ZnO TFTs. The array is designed to read commercial ISO14443 13.56 MHz tags, employing a tag-talks-first protocol to maximize readout speed for high array frame rate. The spatial resolution is set by the reader coil dimensions, which are 3.7 cm ${\times }$ 3.7 cm, for a maximum of 730 pixels/m2. Using a 2.4 cm ${\times }$ 2.4 cm tag the array achieves a vertical read range of 3 cm and lateral range of 1.6 cm at a readout speed of 5 ms per element (set by the commercial tag). Readout is accomplished by sensing the current via the shared VDD line of the array, in order to reduce interfacing requirements as array size scales. After filtering and amplification, the demodulated data has an amplitude of >350 mV and the maximum power consumed by the reader array is <280 mW.
Abstract P280: Serum L-Selectin and Subclinical Cardiovascular Outcomes: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) Study

L-selectin is an adhesion molecule constitutively expressed on leukocytes and mediating their interaction with the endothelium. As a member of the selectin family, it plays a crucial role in leukocyte adhesion to and migration through the endothelial wall during inflammation. A protective role of L-selectin in early atherosclerosis was demonstrated in animal models. Previous studies assessing the relationship of this protein with cardiovascular disease were inconsistent. Lower serum L-selectin levels were found in patients with coronary artery disease (CHD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) compared to controls. In contrast, plasma levels of L-selectin were increased in patients with CHD and PAD. These inconsistencies might be due to an interaction of soluble L-selectin with clotting factors or anticoagulants present in plasma but not in serum. Also, the small number and Caucasian predominance of patients included in previous studies represent limitations that need to be addressed using a rigorous, population-based approach. Herein, we seek to investigate the association of serum L-selectin with subclinical outcomes in a large, ethnically heterogeneous population. In a randomly selected subset of 720 subjects for each of the four ethnicities included in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), serum samples were available for 2403 individuals (579 African Americans, 620 Caucasians, 600 Chinese and 604 Hispanics). Serum L-selectin levels and intima-media thickness (IMT) were measured at exam 2 and CAC was measured at exam 2 or 3 during the cohort follow up. Regression analysis and the Tobit model were used to assess the association of L-selectin levels with IMT and CAC respectively. The mean age was 63±10 years and 47% were men. The mean±SD protein levels were significantly different across ethnicities (867±192 ng/mL in African Americans, 956±215 ng/mL in Caucasians, 834±174 ng/mL in Chinese and 904±195 ng/mL in Hispanics; p
A novel intraoperative physician-assigned grading score to predict postoperative return of potency at 1 year after robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy

Introduction: We examined a novel method of grading nerve sparing in robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy to better predict the potency outcomes of patients at 1-year after surgery. This grading (scale) was based on the surgeon's criteria of intraoperative findings during completion of nerve sparing. This grading was then analyzed statistically to validate its association with potency outcomes. Methods: We devised a study module based on measurable visual cues intraoperatively where the surgeon risk stratified the surgery into four grades depending on the completeness of nerve sparing, keeping in mind the known parameters influencing potency outcomes. A novel grading scale was then proposed and used in this study for the same. We prospectively collected data and retrospectively analyzed 425 patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) at a high-volume center by a single surgeon. Results: At 1 year of follow-up, it was found that age, laterality of nerve preservation, weight of prostate, and the surgeon-assigned grading were all statistically significant independent predictors of return of potency in terms of satisfactory penetrative intercourse >50% of times and Sexual Health Inventory for Men ≥17. However, prostate-specific antigen was found not to be a predictor of the same. Conclusions: Intraoperative physician-assigned grading was found to be the single most significant predictor of the return of potency at 1-year post-RALP.
Risk, migration, and rural financial markets: Evidence from earthquakes in El salvador

This study examines the circumstances under which rural households can use outmigration to cope with negative shocks. In theory, when financial markets are imperfect and when migration involves a fixed cost, the impact of economic shocks on migration can depend on the extent to which shocks are common across households. When shocks are idiosyncratic, shocks are likely to raise migration. But aggregate shocks may make it more difficult to pay fixed migration costs, and so can actually lead to less migration. In a rural household panel from El Salvador, idiosyncratic and aggregate shocks do have opposite effects on migration. Households become differentially more likely to have a migrant relative in the year following an idiosyncratic shock (a death in the family). By contrast, aggregate shocksCproximity to the massive 2001 earthquakesClead to large differential declines in migration. Increased difficulty in financing migration=s fixed cost is likely to help explain declines in migration in areas closest to the quakes: households in quake-affected areas also experience differential declines in granted credit. Empirical evidence does not support alternative explanations for the quake-induced migration decline, such as a desire for family unity, increases in outside aid, a need for family labor in reconstruction, or improved local income opportunities.
Excess Risk for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Outcomes Among US Adults With HIV in the Current Era.

Background In the 2000s, adults with HIV had a higher risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) compared with those without HIV. There is uncertainty if this excess risk still exists ...
Digital holography experiments with degraded temporal coherence

To simulate the effects of multiple-longitudinal modes and rapid fluctuations in center frequency, we use sinusoidal phase modulation and linewidth broadening, respectively. These effects allow us to degrade the temporal coherence of our master-oscillator laser, which we then use to conduct digital holography experiments. In turn, our results show that the coherence efficiency decreases quadratically with fringe visibility and that our measurements agree with our models to within 1.8% for sinusoidal phase modulation and 6.9% for linewidth broadening.
Age-varying associations between e-cigarette use and peeruse, household use, and exposure to e-cigarette commercialsamong alternative high school students in Southern California

INTRODUCTION Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have rapidly become the most commonly used tobacco product among youth in the United States. Exposure to advertising, peer use, and household use, increases the risk of current e-cigarette use; however, the influence of these factors may be dynamic across adolescence. The aim of this study is to examine the age-varying associations between e-cigarette use and peer use, household use, and exposure to e-cigarette commercials among alternative high school students in Southern California. METHODS Using data previously collected for a tobacco marketing study, we examine the age-varying associations of current e-cigarette use and three risk factors (peer use, exposure to commercials, and household use) across ages 15 to 20 years using time-varying effect modeling (TVEM). Analyses include three waves of data from alternative high school students (N=1060 students; 2036 observations). RESULTS The probability of e-cigarette use gradually increased over the age of 15 years and then decreased by the age of 17 years for females and after the age of 18 years for males. Significant gender differences were observed between the ages of 17 and 19.5 years. Peer e-cigarette use was associated with higher odds of current e-cigarette use across all ages for females and after the age of 16 years for males. Exposure to e-cigarette commercials increased current use significantly for males between the ages of 16 and 18 years. Household use increased the odds of current use of e-cigarettes between the ages of 17 and 19 years for males and under 16.5 and over 18 years for females. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the utility of TVEM in understanding the risk factors of e-cigarette use and suggest that these factors are dynamic across adolescence.
The Importance of Being Human

Humans imperfectly but incessantly try to address the unique problems in our contexts in ways that enable us as a society to embrace the multitude of actions, behaviors, and processes that bring us together. When we as individuals reach out to those in our immediate contexts to consider new ideas and value propositions, we engage others in remedying our unique issues and evolving new solutions that continuously improve society. Many new ideas may be rejected or become failed solutions. But each of these failures and rejections brings the entire service ecosystem closer to a solution through a series of feedback loops. It is when this happens that innovation comes to fruition. Grit and perseverance make innovation possible. When humans take risks, they open the service ecosystem to infinite possibilities. This improves plasticity in the service ecosystem so that it can take new forms and retain new forms. This is the most promising way for the service ecosystem to respond to continuous disruption. Because of technology, humans have taken on some functions of the organization and now—despite technology—play a new enhanced role in today’s twenty-first-century economy than they did in yesteryear.
Experts and Their Ecology

MOTIVATIONAL ASSUMPTIONS OF INFORMATION CHOICE THEORY There are three key motivational assumptions of information choice theory. First, experts seek to maximize utility. Thus, the information-sharing choices of experts are not necessarily truthful. Second, cognition is limited and erring. Third, incentives influence the distribution of expert errors. I take up each point in turn. Experts Seek to Maximize Utility The information-choice assumption that experts seek to maximize utility is parallel to the public-choice assumption that political actors seek to maximize utility. I have used the word “seek” to avoid any suggestion that experts must be modeled as “rational.” The assumption of utility maximization should not be given a narrowly selfish meaning. Agents who seek to maximize utility may seek praise or praiseworthiness as well as material goods. Truth may often be an element in the utility function, though it will usually be subject to tradeoffs with other values. While I think truthfulness is a value that should generally be treated as like any other, I do not wish to deny that some experts will find ways to constrain themselves to a corner solution. Hausman and McPherson (1993, p. 685, n. 21) relate an apposite story about Lincoln's response to a man who tried to bribe him. (They report that they could not trace the origin of the story.) “Lincoln kept brushing him off genially and the briber kept increasing his price. When the price got very high, Lincoln clouted him. When asked why he suddenly got so aggressive, Lincoln responded – because you were getting close to my price!” On the other hand, we also have instances in which truth seems to be quite absent from an expert's utility function, as in the fraudulent forensic science of Fred Zain, who simply lied in court about tests he had never performed (Giannelli 1997, pp. 442–9). Abe Lincoln and Fred Zain remind us that different experts will have different utility functions, in some of which truthfulness will have a higher marginal value than in others. The assumption of utility maximization has created controversy for public choice theory. That theory has been criticized for assuming “egoistic rationality” (Quiggin 1987). There is some truth to the claim that public choice theorists have assumed people are selfish in some sense.
Identification of a novel robigovirus and a Prunus-infecting tepovirus in Pyrus communis and their transmissibility on Malus spp.

High-throughput sequencing (HTS) of three pear trees (Pyrus communis) resulted in the identification of two isolates of a Tepovirus species and one isolate of a Robigovirus species, both genera from the family Betaflexiviridae and never reported in pears. Their complete genomes were fully characterized, revealing genomes of about 6.8 kb (Tepovirus) and 8.4 kb (Robigovirus). According to the species demarcation criteria in the family Betaflexiviridae, the tepovirus isolates reported here are divergent isolates of Prunus Virus T (PrVT). The robigovirus isolate had enough difference in pairwise comparison with its closer related species, cherry virus Turkey (CVTR) and it should be considered a new species of this genus, tentatively named as pomes virus Greece (PVGR). A survey was conducted using specific primers designed for each of the viruses and one additional pear accession tested positive to PrVT. Furthermore, both viruses were successfully graft-transmissible to Malus domestica or Malus micromalus, suggesting their potential to be transmitted to Malus species. This study expands the list of viruses infecting pome fruit trees and augments our knowledge on the molecular diversity and host range evolution of betaflexiviruses.
Mismatch negativity amplitude in first-degree relatives of individuals with psychotic disorders: Links with cognition and schizotypy.

Abstract Mismatch negativity (MMN) amplitude is reliably reduced in psychotic disorders. While several studies have examined this effect in first-degree relatives of individuals with schizophrenia, few have sought to quantify deficits in relatives of individuals with other psychotic disorders. While some conclude that, compared to healthy subjects, first-degree relatives of schizophrenia show reduced MMN, others contradict this finding. Furthermore, though MMN is often shown to be associated with cognitive impairments and clinical symptoms in psychotic disorders, to our knowledge no studies have sought to fully examine these relationships in studies of first-degree relatives. The present study sought to clarify the extent of MMN amplitude reductions in a large sample of siblings of individuals with diverse psychotic disorders (n = 67), compared to probands with psychosis (n = 221) and never psychotic comparison subjects (n = 251). We further examined associations of MMN amplitude with cognition and schizotypal symptoms across these groups. We found that MMN amplitude was intact in siblings compared to probands. MMN amplitude was associated with cognition and schizotypal symptoms dimensionally across levels of familial risk. The present results imply that MMN reductions do not reflect genetic risk for psychotic disorders per se, and instead emerge as a result of, or in conjunction with, clinical features associated with psychosis. Such findings carry important implications for the utility of MMN amplitude as an indicator of inherited risk, and suggest that this component may be best conceptualized as an endophenotype for clinical symptoms and cognitive impairments, rather than risk for psychosis per se.
Studies of Idiotypic Antibodies in Rabbit Anti-p-Azobenzoate Antibodies

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the study of idiotypic antibodies in rabbit anti-P-azobenzoate antibodies. Most antibody preparations used for immunization were first polymerized with glutaraldehyde. Polymerization was allowed to proceed until slight turbidity developed, and the reaction was then stopped by the addition of excess L-lysine. More than 80% of the recipient rabbits, challenged with polymerized specifically purified anti-p-azobenzoate antibody, responded with the formation of detectable amounts of precipitating or nonprecipitating anti-idiotypic antibodies. The percentage of D molecules directly precipitable ranged from 2% to 56%, and values obtained by indirect precipitation ranged from 13 to 74%. In almost all cases the amounts of idiotypic antibody precipitable by anti-D serum were greater when the indirect method was employed. In two instances, antisera that failed to form precipitates, either by the Ouchterlony test, or in a test tube, were shown to bind significant amounts of the D by the indirect method
Fluorescence assay of the interaction between hemoglobin and the cytoplasmic domain of erythrocyte membrane band 3.

Oxygen tension has emerged as a potent regulator of multiple erythrocyte properties, including glucose metabolism, cell volume, ATP release, and cytoskeletal organization. Because hemoglobin (Hb)1 binds to the cytoplasmic domain of band 3 (cdb3) in an oxygen dependent manner, with deoxyHb exhibiting significantly greater affinity for cdb3 than oxyHb, the deoxyHb-cdb3 interaction has been hypothesized to constitute the molecular switch for all O2-controlled erythrocyte processes. In this study, we describe a rapid and accurate method for quantitating the interaction of deoxyHb binding to cdb3. For this purpose, enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) is fused to the COOH-terminus of cdb3, and the binding of Hb to the NH2-terminus of cdb3-eGFP is quantitated by Hb-mediated quenching of cdb3-eGFP fluorescence. As expected, the intensity of cdb3-eGFP fluorescence decreases only slightly following addition of oxyHb. However, upon deoxygenation of the same Hb-cdb3 solution, the fluorescence decreases dramatically (i.e. confirming that deoxyHb exhibits much greater affinity for cdb3 than oxyHb). Using this fluorescence quenching method, we not only confirm previously established characteristics of the Hb-cdb3 interaction, but also establish an assay that can be exploited to screen for inhibitors of the sickle Hb-cdb3 interaction that accelerates sickle Hb polymerization.
Space-time coding for impulse radio

Impulse radio (IR) ultrawide band systems have well documented advantages for low-power peer-to-peer and multiple access communications. Space-time (ST) coding on the other hand, has gained popularity as an effective means of boosting rates and performance. Existing IR transmitters rely on a single antenna, while ST coders have so far focused on digital linearly modulated transmissions. In this paper, we develop an orthogonal ST coding scheme for the analog nonlinearly (pulse-position) modulated multi-antenna IR system. We show that the resulting analog noncoherent detector is equivalent to an existing digital ST decoder possessing maximum likelihood optimality. Simulations testing peer-to-peer and multi-access IR scenarios confirm considerable increase in both bit-error-rate performance and number of users that can be accommodated, when wedding ST coding with IR.
Integrated and first trimester prenatal screening in California: program implementation and patient choice for follow-up services.

Objectives The California Prenatal Screening Program serves over 350 000 women annually. This study examines utilization rates for the various screening options and patient choices regarding follow-up services. Methods The study tracked patients with first trimester positive results for Down syndrome to examine patient decisions regarding follow-up services and/or additional screening and to identify determinants of patient decisions. For first trimester screen positive women who elected further screening, second trimester integrated screening results were analyzed. The Genetic Disease Screening Program Chromosome Registry was used to identify Down syndrome cases. Results Ethnicity, but not age, was a strong predictor of acceptance of prenatal diagnosis. Approximately 47% of first trimester screen positive women opted for further screening. Among these women, 46% percent received an integrated screen negative result. All but one confirmed Down syndrome case in this cohort were still screen positive. Conclusions Data from the California Prenatal Screening Program indicate that all of the major screening modalities continue to be utilized. The wide range of choices made by women with screen positive results demonstrate the importance of including multiple options within the Program. Providing integrated screening to first trimester Down syndrome screen positive women reduced the number of unnecessary invasive procedures. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overlapping genes in the human genome

Overlapping genes in mammalian genomes are unexpected phenomena. Over 700 pairs of protein-coding overlapping genes have been reported so far. Overlapping genes can be divided into those that share the same locus but the overlaps are only between exonic region in one gene and intronic area in another and genes that share not only locus but also exonic sequences. Depending on which parts of two genes share the genomic region, we can also categorize these overlaps as head to head when they overlap in the 5′ regions, and tail to tail when overlap involves the 3′ ends. Special types are embedded genes, a case where one gene lies completely in the area of another one. The biologic functions of natural antisense transcripts, their involvement in physiological processes and gene regulation in living organisms are not fully understood. Similarly, evolution of such genes is not known, existing hypotheses can explain only selected cases of mammalian gene overlaps. Keywords: overlapping genes; antisense; antitranscript; evolution; gene structure; genome organization
THE DEVELOPMENT OF GAINS FROM TRADE THEORY: CLASSICAL TO MODERN LITERATURE

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the normative aspects of neoclassical trade theory. The classical theory of international trade was formulated primarily to provide guidance on important questions of national policy. It originated in Britain, where a major issue revolved around the potential gains to England from free trade, as well as the distribution of gains from trade between England and the rest of the world. The classical economists utilized three methods in dealing with the question of the gains from trade: (1) the doctrine of comparative costs; (2) the increase in income as a criterion of gain; and (3) the terms of trade as an index of the gains from trade and its distribution. The free trade doctrine, as presented by Adam Smith was based on the apparent advantage to a country of importing, in exchange for domestic products, those goods that either could not be produced at home or could be produced only at costs absolutely greater than those at which they could be produced abroad. David Ricardo and Robert Torrens corrected Smith's theory to show that a country can gain from trade even if it has no absolute real cost advantage in the production of any commodity.
An in vitro model for preclinical testing of thrombogenicity of resorbable metallic stents.

Vascular stents that can biodegrade and disappear in time have been reported as a promising solution to the problems of late-stent thrombosis and in-stent restenosis. Iron alloys in particular have many advantages in terms of cytocompatibility and mechanical properties. Despite mechanical behavior and biocompatibility studies, little attention has been given to the thrombogenic potential of these stents. This article presents the first study that aims to close this gap by addressing the hemocompatibility of resorbable iron-based alloys and composites in an in vitro porcine blood model. The investigated braided biodegradable stents included 99.95% pure Fe (50% cold worked), Fe35Mn alloy, Fe35Mn-25% ZM21 (ZM21 is 2% Zn, 0.5% Mn, balance Mg), Fe-25% Mg, and Fe-57% Mg. All stents were formed by braiding 127 µm diameter wires into stents with an outer diameter of 6.35 mm. Inflammatory reaction and thrombocyte activation were examined by assessment of β-thromboglobulin, thrombin–antithrombin complex, and polymorphonuclear elastase levels. The potential of Fe35Mn for use in vascular stenting is demonstrated by its exhibition of the least thrombogenic potential among tested materials. All bioresorbable Fe–Mn alloy compositions showed a reduced propensity towards platelet adhesion compared to 316L stainless steel, further indicating a general positive shift towards reduced thrombogenicity compared to traditional stents. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 2118–2125, 2015.
“Render Unto Caesar What Is Caesar's”: Religiosity and Taxpayers' Inclinations to Cheat

Previous research on the relationship between religiosity and involvement in illegal behavior overlooks Hirschi and Stark's original concern with religion as a sanctioning system. While Hirschi and...
ORBITAL PARAMAGNETISM OF ELECTRONS IN A TWO-DIMENSIONAL LATTICE

It is shown that the orbital response of a two-dimensional electron gas in a periodic potential to a weak magnetic field is always paramagnetic when the Fermi level is sufficiently close to a saddle point of the band structure. Another instance of orbital paramagnetism is found when the Fermi level is close to a narrow indirect gap.
Local perceptions of the mental health effects of the Uganda acquired immunodeficiency syndrome epidemic

Despite much attention in developed countries, little is known about the relationship between mental health problems and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Africa. The objectives of the current study were a) to investigate how people in an African community severely affected by HIV view the mental health effects of the epidemic and b) to use these data to investigate the local construct validity of the Western concepts of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Ethnographic methods-free listing and key-informant interviews-were used among participants from the Rakai and Masaka districts of southwest Uganda. Participants described two independent depression-like syndromes (Yo'kwekyawa and Okwekubaziga) resulting from the HIV epidemic. No syndromes similar to posttraumatic stress disorder were detected. We conclude that local people recognize depression syndromes and consider them pertinent consequences of the HIV epidemic.
The Calibration of Photographic Plates

IN NATURE (May 14, p. 707) Dr. E. A. Baker discusses the calibration curves of photographic plates. The curves he gives certainly show a good agreement in sensitivity between the different batches of plates used under his conditions of standardisation. Concerning the reference to Harvard results (Harvard Circular 302), it may be of interest to note several points not fully discussed in the original paper on spectrophotometric method.
Infinitely many positive solutions of semilinear elliptic problems via sub- and supersolutions

We prove a multiplicity result for positive solutions of a class of semilinear elliptic Dirichlet problems Lu + f(u) = 0 over bounded domains via sub- and supersolutions. A concrete example for the strictly increasing nonlinearity f is given, too.
SYNTHESIS OF AU(II) FLUORO COMPLEXES AND THEIR STRUCTURAL AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES

Gold at ∼20 °C with F2 in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF) acidified with SbF5 dissolves to a red solution from which orange AuII(SbF6)2 crystallizes on removal of volatiles. Au(SbF6)2 is triclini...
Some ethical issues at the population level raised by 'soft' eugenics, euphenics, and isogenics.

It is argued that at the population level there are three central genetic developments raising ethical issues. The first is the emergence of ‘soft’ eugenics, due primarily to the increasing ability to
Idiopathic paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia with a QRS pattern of right bundle branch block and left axis deviation: A unique clinical entity with specific properties

Abstract Eiectrophysiologic evaluation before and after the serial administration of verapamil, lidocaine, propranolol, and procainamide was undertaken in 4 young, asymptomatic patients with recurrent, sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT). No patient had obvious organic heart disease. The electrocardiogram during sinus rhythm showed S-T depression and T-wave inversion over the inferior and lateral precordial leads in 3 patients. QRS morphologic characteristics during episodes of VT showed a pattern of right bundle branch block and left axis deviation. In all 4 patients, VT could be both induced and terminated with electrical stimulation. Verapamil terminated VT and prevented the induction of sustained VT in 3 patients, and markedly slowed the rate of VT in 1 patient. Procainamide effectively prevented the induction of sustained VT in 2 patients, and although ineffective in preventing induction in 2 patients, it slowed the rate of tachycardia in both. Lidocaine and propranolol did not prevent the induction of VT in any patient. These findings suggest that slow-response tissues may be involved in the genesis of VT in these patients, and that VT in these patients may represent a unique clinical entity with distinct electrocardiographic, electrophysiologic, and electropharmacologic properties.
Understanding Barriers to Competitive Employment: A Family Perspective

Abstract This study reports the results of a survey and interviews with families who attended Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT), a training designed to increase expectations for competiti...
The effect of cholecystokinin on intracellular Ca2+, membrane-associated protein kinase-C activity, and progesterone production in chicken granulosa cells

Nerve fibers immunoreactive for cholecystokinin (CCK) have been observed in the rat ovary, but the function of this gut peptide in the ovary is not known. These studies were designed to investigate the effects of the CCK C-terminal octapeptide (CCK-8) on the intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i), protein kinase-C (PKC) activity, and progesterone secretion in granulosa cells obtained from the two largest preovulatory follicles (F1 and F2) of hens. [Ca2+]i was measured in cells loaded with the Ca(2+)-responsive fluorescent dye fura-2. The resting [Ca2+]i in these cells was 96 +/- 5 nM. There was a rapid (i.e. within 5-10 sec) 2- to 4-fold increase in [Ca2+]i in 70% of the cells examined after the addition of 10(-7) M CCK-8. The CCK-8-triggered [Ca2+]i transient was not affected by incubating the cells in Ca(2+)-free medium containing 2 mM EGTA or by pretreating the cells with a Ca2+ channel blocker, such as La3+ (1 mM) or D600 (100 microM). The CCK-8-triggered [Ca2+]i surge was abolished by pretreating the cells with the inhibitor of inositol phospholipid hydrolysis, neomycin (1.5 mM), the CCK antagonists proglumide (1 mM) and benzotript (1 mM), or pertussis toxin (50 ng/ml for 12 h). Incubating granulosa cells with CCK-8 (2 x 10(-7) M) for 10 min stimulated a 1.60 +/- 0.04-fold increase in membrane-associated PKC activity over control levels. In 3-h incubations, CCK-8 (10(-6)-10(-8) M) did not affect basal or LH (20 or 100 ng/ml-stimulated progesterone production. These studies demonstrate that CCK-8 causes a transient increase in chicken granulosa cell [Ca2+]i through the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores and activates membrane-associated PKC activity, but does not affect progesterone production. These results suggest the presence of G-protein-coupled phospholipase-C-activating CCK receptors on the surface of these cells.
Expert Strategies: Nurses Providing Care for their Elderly Parents

Few studies have examined how medical professionals, i.e. “caregiving experts,” approach caregiving when called upon to provide it for someone in their own families. Expert strategies are sought in problem-solving research, and may be of similar benefit in the field of caregiving research. Thus, we report data from a focus group with middle-aged, registered nurses about their experiences providing care for an elderly, chronically-ill parent. Questions centered on: (i) key caregiving tasks performed by nurses for elderly parents (ii) obstacles to performing caregiving tasks, (iii) strategies used to overcome obstacles. Participants reported serving primarily as health educators and patient advocates for elderly parents. They advocated in an assertive manner, while simultaneously framing the need for patient assertiveness as an unfair burden placed on patients by the rushed managed care climate. This climate was viewed as placing elderly parents at risk, and interfering with good nursing practices. In serving as health educators for parents, participants linked the need to do so to inadequate health education provided by doctors and/or parents’ passivity in seeking health information. Health education provided to elderly parents centered on diabetes care, the seriousness of which participants believed diabetic parents did not grasp. Participants bemoaned passivity around health perceived in members of their parent’s generation, and encouraged parents to adopt a consumerist approach to medical help seeking. Key caregiver strategies for supporting elderly parents’ health included being impervious to doctor resistance when seeking medical help for parents; encouraging parents to act as healthcare consumers; and ensuring that elderly parents understood their own medical histories. Findings are discussed in terms of caregiving and eldercare program implications.
Structural Features of Low-Temperature LiCoO2and Acid-Delithiated Products

Abstract X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the structural features of low-temperature LiCoO2(LT-LiCoO2) samples prepared at 400°C either by a simple solid-state reaction or via a sol–gel process. Single-crystal electron diffraction analysis showed that both a lithiated-spinel Li2[Co2]O4(Fd3m) and a layered-type structure (R 3 m) were present in LT-LiCoO2samples but that the lithiated-spinel structure was the major phase. Electron diffraction analysis also indicated that some crystallites in the LT-LiCoO2samples had a cation distribution in the spinel notation, {(Li16−4x)16c[Li4x]16d}layer1{(Co16−4x)16d[Co4x]16c}layer2O32(0
Pulmonary artery pressure monitoring in persistent fetal circulation (PFC)

The use of the Swan-Ganz catheter to monitor pulmonary artery pressure in adults with cardiopulmonary failure has become commonplace. Our meager experience was with four neonates diagnosed as having persistent fetal circulation monitored by the use of this PA catheter. Tolazoline was infused directly into the pulmonary circulation via the catheter. Pulmonary artery pressure was temporarily reduced by tolazoline administration, with a marked increase in PaO2. More experience is required to define the role of the Swan-Ganz catheter in neonatal physiologic monitoring.
Near-infrared-to-visible image conversion using a Si liquid-crystal light valve.

A real-time near IR-to-visible image converter using a Hughes silicon liquid-crystal light valve (Si LCLV) has been demonstrated. A 1.06-μm image was converted to a 0.633-μm laser wavelength. The major advantages of this near-IR-to-visible image converter are its high sensitivity, broad bandwidth, coherent- (incoherent-) to-coherent (incoherent) image conversion, up and down wavelength conversion capability, high resolution (>105 resolution elements), room-temperature operation, and high damage threshold.
Interactions between the innate immune and blood coagulation systems

Blood coagulation and inflammation are universal responses to infection and there is crosstalk between inflammation and coagulation that can either amplify or dampen the responses. Loss of appropriate interactions between these systems probably contributes to morbidity and mortality in infectious diseases. For instance, inflammatory cytokines and leukocyte elastase can downregulate natural anticoagulant proteins that help to maintain endothelial-cell integrity, control clotting, inhibit vasoactive peptides and dampen leukocyte infiltration into the vessel wall. This Review will summarize our current understanding of the mechanisms involved in the crosstalk between these two important systems.
Transfection of siRNA into Brachionus plicatilis (Rotifera)

Transfection experiments have played a prominent role in functional genomics, being used to probe phenotypes with reporters and knockouts with techniques like RNAi, gene over-expression studies, and the creation of transgenic animals. Rotifers are not amenable to many classic genetic manipulations, hence have not been a model system in the genomics revolution. However, no one has explored whether rotifers are susceptible to gene expression knock-out via transfection, and with the establishment of the rotifer transcriptome sequencing project, an increasing amount of sequence data is available to define target genes for manipulation. As a first step towards transfection of rotifers, we describe our attempt to transfect double-stranded, fluorescently-labeled siRNA into resting eggs, hatched rotifers and amictic eggs with varying levels of success. Transfection was successful when hatched rotifers (rather than resting eggs or amictic eggs) were directly treated, and possibly successful when treated as resting eggs. Highest levels of transfection (as determined by significant fluorescence of the siRNA in the pseudocoelom) were observed in fed rotifers that were 2 h old at the time of treatment, which involved combining lipofection and electroporation methods of transfection. Successful transfection of siRNA into these animals now provides a possible mechanism for the exploration of rotifer gene function.
Disruption of the Feni sediment drift by debris flows from Rockall Bank

Abstract Slumping on the eastern margin of Rockall Bank (eastern North Atlantic) 15,000–16,000 years before present, produced a series of debris flows and turbidity currents which have disrupted the Feni Drift around 56°N 13°W. Near-bottom investigations with a deeply towed instrument package show that a large area of slightly irregular hyperbolic echoes (11,000 km2) on the Feni Drift reflects the presence of a large debris flow. Sediment cores indicate that associated turbidity-current deposits are present over a larger area. The irregular topography of the debris-flow deposit results from large blocks of relatively undisturbed sediments protruding from the surface of the flow on the shallower, erosional portion of the flow. The topography on the deeper, depositional region of the flow is due to folded sediments. The debris flow obliterated part of a field of sediment waves, the northern portion of which now forms its northern boundary. Near-bottom investigations indicate that these sediment-wave troughs have been rapidly filling in during most of the last 73,000 years, suggesting that a large sediment input to the trough preceded slumping. Possibly an influx of sediment during the last glacial period, combined with increased wave activity during lower sea-level stands, overloaded these sediment slopes and made them more susceptible to failure.
Extracellular protein disulfide isomerase regulates ligand-binding activity of αMβ2 integrin and neutrophil recruitment during vascular inflammation

β2 integrins play a crucial role during neutrophil recruitment into the site of vascular inflammation. However, it remains unknown how ligand-binding activity of the integrin is regulated. Using fluorescence intravital microscopy in mice generated by crossing protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) floxed mice with lysozyme-Cre transgenic mice, we demonstrate that neutrophil PDI is required for neutrophil adhesion and crawling during tumor necrosis factor-α–induced vascular inflammation in vivo. Rescue experiments show that the isomerase activity of extracellular PDI is critical for its regulatory effect on neutrophil recruitment. Studies with blocking anti-PDI antibodies and αLβ2 or αMβ2 null mice suggest that extracellular PDI regulates αMβ2 integrin-mediated adhesive function of neutrophils during vascular inflammation. Consistently, we show that neutrophil surface PDI is important for αMβ2 integrin-mediated adhesion of human neutrophils under shear and static conditions and for binding of soluble fibrinogen to activated αMβ2 integrin. Confocal microscopy and biochemical studies reveal that neutrophil surface PDI interacts with αMβ2 integrin in lipid rafts of stimulated neutrophils and regulates αMβ2 integrin clustering, presumably by changing the redox state of the integrin. Thus, our results provide the first evidence that extracellular PDI could be a novel therapeutic target for preventing and treating inappropriate neutrophil sequestration.
Quality Improvement of Tuberculosis Screening in Foreign-Born Patients

In the United States, a disproportionate percentage of tuberculosis (TB) cases occur in foreign-born persons. We implemented a performance improvement project to improve rates of screening for latent tuberculosis infection in a medical clinic. A questionnaire was developed to identify patients for tuberculosis screening, which was performed as a Tuberculin Skin Test (TST). Patients with positive skin tests underwent further testing. One hundred and sixty-five patients were screened, with 58 TSTs ordered and 36 placed. Twenty-seven patients returned to have the TST read with 12 positive. Eleven of these patients had chest X-rays, 2 revealing findings suggestive of active TB. This project identifies the importance of a standardized TB screening process for high-risk patients and identifies barriers to such a process.
An integral energy-balance model for the melting of solids on a hot moving surface, with application to the transport processes during extrusion

Abstract This paper describes an energy-balance integral method for analyzing the contact melting of solids on a hot, moving surface. Temperature-dependent viscosity, sensible heat and viscous heat generation terms are included in the melting model, which is suitable in practice for inclusion in any of several proposed formulations for modeling the polymer melting processes in extruders. Two example cases are computed and compared with experimental data for the solid bed profile in an extruder. The first is one in which both viscous heat generation and temperature-dependent viscosity effects are important, while the second example is one in which the large temperature difference across the melt film is predominant and the viscous heat generation is relatively unimportant. Good agreement between the melting model and the experiments is obtained for both cases.
Spectral and spatial diffusion in a disordered system

Spectral and spatial diffusion in a three-dimensional inhomogeneously broadened system is studied for a two-site rate independent of the energy mismatch. The spectral diffusion is expressed in terms of spatial diffusion, and a Monte Carlo calculation is performed for the latter. The time-dependent behavior of the spectral profile is compared with the results of simple theoretical calculations.
Residential implementation of critical-peak pricing of electricity

This paper investigates how critical-peak pricing (CPP)affects households with different usage and income levels, with the goalof informing policy makers who are considering the implementation of CPPtariffs in the residential sector. Using a subset of data from theCalifornia Statewide Pricing Pilot of 2003-2004, average load changeduring summer events, annual percent bill change, and post-experimentsatisfaction ratings are calculated across six customer segments,categorized by historical usage and income levels. Findings show thathigh-use customers respond significantly more in kW reduction than dolow-use customers, while low-use customers save significantly more inpercentage reduction of annual electricity bills than do high-usecustomers results that challenge the strategy of targeting only high-usecustomers for CPP tariffs. Across income levels, average load and billchanges were statistically indistinguishable, as were satisfaction ratesresults that are compatible with a strategy of full-scale implementationof CPP rates in the residential sector. Finally, the high-use customersearning less than $50,000 annually were the most likely of the groups tosee bill increases about 5 percent saw bill increases of 10 percent ormore suggesting that any residential CPP implementation might considertargeting this customer group for increased energy efficiencyefforts.
Enantioselective heterogeneous catalysis. 2. Examination of the formation of the individual (R) and (S) lactates in the cinchonidine modified platinum hydrogenation of pyruvate

The formation of the individual (R) and (S) lactates was measured during the dihydrocinchonidine modified platinum catalyzed hydrogenation of ethyl pyruvate at atmospheric pressure in a methyl acetate solvent. It was found that the product ee increased during the initial phase of the reaction. Plotting the amount of each enantiomer formed in one minute intervals against reaction time showed clearly that, as previously suggested, this reaction proceeds through an initial stage characterized by a significant increase in ee followed by a period of essentially stable ee. When (R) methyl lactate was added as a co-modifier with the dihydrocinchonidine, the production of (R) ethyl lactate decreased somewhat and the incremental changes observed during the first ten minutes of the reaction were less than those seen in the absence of the (R) methyl lactate co-modifier. With (S) methyl lactate as the co-modifier, the production of (R) ethyl lactate decreased significantly and the incremental changes were markedly different from those observed in the absence of a co-modifier. The production of (S) ethyl lactate was affected only slightly by the presence of either (R) or (S) methyl lactate as the co-modifier.
The use of ice for pain associated with chest tube removal

Every year more than 300,000 patients undergo cardiothoracic surgery, requiring placement of at least one chest tube. Removal of these chest tubes has been described as one of the worst intensive care unit experiences for these patients. Pain associated with chest tube removal (CTR) has been poorly controlled in many surgical patients. The purpose of this experimental study was to ascertain if the application of ice would decrease pain before, during, and after chest tube removal. Fifty postcardiac surgery patients were randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group received ice therapy before CTR, whereas control subjects received a placebo. Pain intensity and pain distress were measured on a 0-10 numeric rating scale, and pain quality was measured using the McGill Pain Questionnaire-Short Form (MPQ-SF). Differences in pain intensity and pain distress between the experimental and control groups were not significant. A significant change in pain over time was noted in both groups, with pain intensity and distress being most severe during actual chest tube removal. Additionally, patients who received preprocedural pain medication did not differ in their levels of pain intensity or distress. Both groups used all the quality descriptors on the MPQ-SF for the sensory and affective components of pain, with cramping and gnawing as the most frequently chosen words. Continued research with larger samples is encouraged to further evaluate ice and other interventions that can be used to manage pain associated with CTR.