cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antiatherogenic effects of β-adrenergic blocking agents : theoretical, experimental, and epidemiologic considerations

Theoretical considerations and results from experimental studies in animal models suggest that long-term beta-adrenergic blockade should be antiatherogenic. Some of these experimental results indicate that beta-blockers could inhibit atherogenesis and thus prevent clinical events independently of any effects on blood pressure through concomitant reductions in heart rate, blood velocity and energy, endothelial permeability to lipoproteins, and the likelihood of plaque rupture. Any such independent inhibition of atherogenesis implies, in turn, that beta-blockers might be more desirable than alternative antihypertensive therapies in persons at high risk for atherosclerotic diseases. Results of the three major trials directly comparing beta-blockers to diuretics in the primary prevention of coronary heart disease among patients with hypertension were largely inconclusive. However, ancillary data from these and other trials are consistent in demonstrating that beta-adrenergic blockade is associated with anti-coronary heart disease effects and, thus, is perhaps antiatherogenic. A definitive evaluation of the antiatherogenic effects of beta-blockers is not forthcoming because no large clinical trials directly assessing the effect of these drugs on atherosclerosis have been done or are planned.
Reduced heart rate variability correlates with insulin resistance but not with measures of obesity in population undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Abstract Background Obesity is associated with a pathologic predominance of sympathetic over parasympathetic tone. With respect to the heart, this autonomic dysfunction presents as a decreased heart rate variability (HRV), which has been associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity. Gastric bypass (GB) reduces cardiovascular mortality, and, thus, could beneficially affect the HRV. We sought to identify the factors predictive of HRV in a severely obese population of undergoing GB at a university hospital in the United States. Methods The data of all patients presenting for GB were included in a prospective database. The homeostatic model of assessment (HOMA) was used to calculate the insulin resistance and glucose disposition index. A 24-hour Holter monitor was used to assess the HRV. Measurements were repeated at 2 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. The correlations between variables were determined using linear mixed models. Results We studied 30 patients undergoing GB. All exhibited some degree of reduced HRV that improved postoperatively. The HOMA-insulin resistance inversely correlated with the HRV, and the HOMA-glucose disposition index directly correlated with the parameters of HRV in our longitudinal models. Weight, body mass index, excess body weight, gender, and age did not correlate with HRV. Improvements in HRV correlated with reductions in the average heart rate, underscoring a postoperative increase in relative vagal tone. Conclusion HRV in the severely obese is better predicted by the degree of insulin resistance, than by the degree of obesity, age, or gender. GB led to an improvement in HRV, the magnitude of which correlated with the change in insulin resistance and glucose disposition index, but not with weight loss.
Optically excited self-resonant microbeams

Abstract Optically excited self-resonance of polysilicon microbeams sealed in a cofabricated vacuum enclosure has been achieved. Unmodulated low-power laser diodes from 650 to 840 nm have been used to excite resonances ranging from 65 to 750 kHz on microbeams ranging from 0.79 to 2.38 μm in thickness. The photovoltaic excitation mechanism uses a p-n junction photodiode underneath the microbeam. The structure forms an effective optomechanical modulator at the microbeam resonance frequency, and the resonance can be readily detected with the reflected laser light, which is modulated at levels that can approach 100%. Analysis of the conditions for self-resonance gives predictions of minimum Q -values for self-resonance. Observed Q -values (20 000 to 130 000) are well in excess of the required values. Thicknesses of the microbeam and vacuum gaps above and below it are critical for achieving low oscillation thresholds, which may be as low as 1 μW of optical power. The clamped—clamped microbeams are sensitive strain transducers with high gage factors, low temperature sensitivity, and wide dynamic range. These are the first optically powered active devices to achieve gain by interchanging optical, electrical, and mechanical energy in a merged structure. They uniquely combine silicon microfabrication technology with optoelectronic technology and can form the basis for a new class of fiber-optic sensors for pressure, temperature, acceleration, and other variables that can be converted to a strain using an appropriate silicon microstructure.
Careflow System with Case-Handling Flexibility - Case Study of Gastric Cancer

Careflow systems are workflow management systems in healthcare domain. The main difference is a requirement of flexibility in interaction between healthcare professionals and IT environment. Case handling is one of the approaches to support flexibility of the workflow systems. A case-handling system is composed of a workflow engine that executes the process, a document manager that manipulates case data, and a database manager that manipulate global data. Yasper tool is used to define the behavioral model, Microsoft Office application InfoPath is used to define the information model. Sareflow system is evaluated based on a case study of the gastric cancer that requires flexibility. The paper describes the implementation of case-handling principles for the gastric cancer case study.
Single cell genome sequencing

Whole genome amplification and next-generation sequencing of single cells have become a powerful approach for studying uncultivated microorganisms that represent 90-99% of all environmental microbes. Single cell sequencing enables not only the identification of microbes but also linking of functions to species, a feat not achievable by metagenomic techniques. Moreover, it allows the analysis of low abundance species that may be missed in community-based analyses. It has also proved very useful in complementing metagenomics in the assembly and binning of single genomes. With the advent of drastically cheaper and higher throughput sequencing technologies, it is expected that single cell sequencing will become a standard tool in studying the genome and transcriptome of microbial communities.
A 45nm resilient and adaptive microprocessor core for dynamic variation tolerance

Microprocessors experience a wide range of dynamic variations, including voltage droops, temperature changes, and device aging, which vary across applications and systems. The necessity of ensuring correct operation even under infrequent worst-case conditions results in clock frequency (FCLK) or supply voltage (VCC) guardbands that degrade performance and increase energy consumption. In this paper, a research microprocessor core is described with resilient and adaptive circuits to mitigate dynamic variation guardbands for maximizing throughput or minimizing energy. The resiliency features consist of embedded error-detection sequentials (EDS) [1-4] and tunable replica circuits (TRC) [5] in conjunction with error-recovery circuits to detect and correct timing errors. A new instruction-replay error-recovery technique is introduced to correct errant instructions with low performance cost and implementation overhead. In addition, the microprocessor contains an adaptive clock controller based on error statistics to operate at maximum efficiency across a range of dynamic variations.
Basement membrane proteins, interstitial collagens, and fibronectin in neurofibroma.

The distribution and nature of extracellular matrix proteins in neurofibroma tissue was studied by indirect immunofluorescence, immunoelectron microscopy, immunoblotting, and rotary shadowing. The most striking feature was an extensive network of basement membranes localized mainly around Schwann cells and small blood vessels. The major components, collagen IV, laminin, and nidogen, were mainly deposited in the lamina densa. Some laminin and nidogen could be extracted with 0.5 M NaCl and were shown by electrophoresis to have the characteristic chain and fragment patterns described previously for these proteins isolated from the mouse Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) sarcoma. Fragments of collagen IV and collagen VI were solubilized by limited proteolytic digestion and identified after rotary shadowing. The more remote interstitial regions of the tumor contained cross-striated collagen fibrils which were composed of collagen III (diameter, 20–30 nm) or collagen I (diameter, 40–50 nm). Collagen fibrils thicker than 80 nm were not found. The interstitial regions also contained collagen VI as a fine filamentous network near cells and between collagen fibrils. Deposits of fibronectin were rather small and showed a scattered distribution. The data indicate that Schwann cells contribute considerably to matrix production in neurofibroma which may therefore be a suitable model for studying basement membranes of neuroectodermal origin.
A Single Parameter, Oxygenated Hemoglobin, Can Be Used to Quantify Experimental Irritant-Induced Inflammation

To quantify the dose-response relation of Irritant- induced erythema, we examined inflammation in human skin after application of an Irritant, using perpendicular polarized photography and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy as compared to clinical visual scoring. The ventral forearms of 11 healthy subjects were patch-tested for 24 h under occlusion in finn chambers with five concentrations of the irritant sodium lauryl sulfate. The tested sites and three control sites were evaluated clinically for erythenia at 24, 48, and 72 h after occlusion, photographed using standard and perpendicular polarized photography, and measured by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. All photographs were evaluated for erythema by three investigators. Diffuse reflectance spectra were analyzed, and changes in apparent oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin concentrations were estimated. Clinical and photographic assessments of erythema yielded similar linear dose-response relations, A linear dose-response relation, with no minimum thresh- old, also was obtained for changes in the apparent oxyhemoglobin concentration with increasing Irritant dose, whereas the apparent deoxyhemoglobin concentrations were unchanged with increasing dose. These results show that diffuse reflectance spectroscopy permits the characterization of irritant-induced inflammation in terms of a single parameter, the apparent concentration of oxyhemoglobin, and that irritant-Induced inflammation primarily involves the capillaries and the superficial arterial plexus.
DETERMINATION OF THE OPTICAL COUNTERPART OF LMC X-1

The X-ray position of LMC X-1, derived from multiple ROSAT-HRI observations, confirms that the optical counterpart is a peculiar O7 III star, known as #32 (Cowley et al. 1978). This resolves a long standing uncertainty whether this star or the nearby supergiant R148 is associated with LMC X-1.
Narrating Professional Development: Teachers' Stories as Texts for Improving Practice

This article traces a systematic, respectful process for using narrative materials as vehicles for teachers' professional development. Ann, a high school history teacher, wrote a series of stories about school experiences, using them as departure points for discussing, thinking, and writing about her ongoing practice in collaboration with the author. The article outlines in detail the methods of narrative inquiry the author employed to safeguard Ann's voice and perspective while supporting her in critical reflection and changed practices.
Nutrient composition in litter fall in Northern Louisiana hardwood deciduous forests.

Minor stream bottoms (alluvial floodplains) in the southeastern United States contain large areas of hardwood forests which are a potential sink for upstream nutrients. As a sink, they serve an important role in reducing the loss of nutrients from the sites via the watershed. However, little is known about nutrients stored in forest litter that have the potential to be cycled back to the forest or lost through removal from the site. Three hardwood stands of varying management regimens that span common scenarios found in north Louisiana were sampled for nutrient concentration and quantity in falling litter including leaf, woody, and other debris. Across sites, the well-drained site constitutively contributed more nutrients in litter than the poorly drained sites. Also, the sampling time spanning from March to October had the most litter fall and subsequent nutrient discharge from the trees. Of the five nutrients measured, nitrogen was the largest component followed by potassium. These features in nutrient ...
Biomedical tissue phantoms with controlled geometric and optical properties for Raman spectroscopy and tomography

To support the translation of Raman spectroscopy into clinical applications, synthetic models are needed to accurately test, optimize and validate prototype fiber optic instrumentation. Synthetic models (also called tissue phantoms) are widely used for developing and testing optical instrumentation for diffuse reflectance, fluorescence, and Raman spectroscopies. While existing tissue phantoms accurately model tissue optical scattering and absorption, they do not typically model the anatomic shapes and chemical composition of tissue. Because Raman spectroscopy is sensitive to molecular composition, Raman tissue phantoms should also approximate the bulk tissue composition. We describe the fabrication and characterization of tissue phantoms for Raman tomography and spectroscopy. These phantoms have controlled chemical and optical properties, and also multilayer morphologies which approximate the appropriate anatomic shapes. Tissue phantoms were fabricated to support on-going Raman studies by simulating the human wrist and rat leg. Surface meshes (triangle patch models) were generated from computed tomography (CT) images of a human arm and rat leg. Rapid prototyping was used to print mold templates with complex geometric patterns. Plastic casting techniques used for movie special effects were adapted to fabricate molds from the rapid prototypes, and finally to cast multilayer gelatin tissue phantoms. The gelatin base was enriched with additives to model the approximate chemistry and optical properties of individual tissue layers. Additional studies were performed to determine optimal casting conditions, phantom stability, layer delamination and chemical diffusion between layers. Recovery of diffuse reflectance and Raman spectra in tissue phantoms varied with probe placement. These phantoms enable optimization of probe placement for human or rat studies. These multilayer tissue phantoms with complex geometries are shown to be stable, with minimal layer delamination and chemical diffusion.
Relationship of proton release at the extracellular surface to deprotonation of the schiff base in the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle

The surface potential of purple membranes and the release of protons during the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle have been studied with the covalently linked pH indicator dye, fluorescein. The titration of acidic lipids appears to cause the surface potential to be pH-dependent and causes other deviations from ideal behavior. If these anomalies are neglected, the appearance of protons can be followed by measuring the absorption change of fluorescein bound to various residues at the extracellular surface. Contrary to widely held assumption, the activation enthalpies of kinetic components, deuterium isotope effects in the time constants, and the consequences of the D85E, F208R, and D212N mutations demonstrate a lack of direct correlation between proton transfer from the buried retinal Schiff base to D85 and proton release at the surface. Depending on conditions and residue replacements, the proton release can occur at any time between the protonation of D85 and the recovery of the initial state. We conclude that once D85 is protonated the proton release at the extracellular protein surface is essentially independent of the chromophore reactions that follow. This finding is consistent with the recently suggested version of the alternating access mechanism of bacteriorhodopsin, in which the change of the accessibility of the Schiff base is to and away from D85 rather than to and away from the extracellular membrane surface.
Oral health: perceptions of need in a rural Iowa county

Several studies have shown that oral health problems impact the quality of life of older adults. However, few data are available to describe the oral health status, barriers to care, and patterns of care for adults and older populations living in rural areas. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perceived need for treatment of oral health problems by adult residents in a rural county in Iowa. The oral health component was part of a larger longitudinal health study of the residents. The sample was stratified into three groups by residence, that is, farm households, rural non-farm households and town households. The sample was subsequently post-stratified by gender and age group into young elderly, 65–74 years old, and old elderly, 75 years and older. Dentition status varied according to age and was related to the perception of treatment needs. Edentulous persons had fewer perceived treatment needs and utilized a dentist less frequently. Place of residence, education, and marital status were not associated with the subjects' perceived problems with eating and chewing. However, persons with difficulty chewing were more likely to have some missing upper teeth, have a perceived need to have denture work, and have smoked for a number of years. The results suggest that this rural population is retaining more teeth and consequently may need and may seek dental services more often than previous more edentulous cohorts.
Size-dependent near-field coupling observed from InN nanodots grown on nitrided sapphire

Optical contrast from InN nanodots grown on nitrided sapphire is investigated using apertureless near-field scanning optical microscopy at two different visible wavelengths, 633 nm and 532 nm. The dependence of the near-field signal on the size of the dots is described using a coupled dipole model expanded to four dipoles. The near-field signal from InN dots with a height of <1 nm is detected due to dipole-dipole coupling.
A Variable Optical Target Simulator

A crucial experiment, relative to determining the ability of an imaging seeker to track a target and generate accurate terminal guidance, requires an optical device which can provide imagery that grows in size as a real-time estimate of true missile flight conditions. The basic components of an Optical Contrast TV Imaging Seeker are reviewed to establish the need for an optical target simulator. An optomechanical device called a Variable Optical Target Simulator (VOTS) which generates end game scene situations is discussed. The organization of optical components and their control for providing an image which grows in size as a linear estimate of real world situations is presented.
Some aspects of cell interaction in the development of the slime mold Dictyostelium purpureum

Abstract Some aspects of cellular interaction in the slime mold Dictyostelium purpureum Olive have been described, with emphasis on experiments involving an aggregateless mutant and the wild type. The results suggest the following conclusions: 1. 1. In mixed populations with wild-type cells, agg-1 myxamoebae are incorporated into the developing pseudoplasmodia. 2. 2. The presence of agg-1 cells in such mixed populations increases the number of centers of aggregation. The exact nature of this effect is unknown, but an explanation is presented based on the concept of “aggregation territories” ( Bonner and Dodd, 1962 ). 3. 3. Single wild-type cells can initiate center formation leading to subsequent fruiting in a population of agg-1 myxamoebae, and it is suggested that in wild-type populations any cell may initiate a center. 4. 4. When spores are cloned from sorocarps derived from a mixture of aggregateless and wild-type cells, very few if any plaques of the agg-1 type are recovered. In the absence of suitable alternatives, it is suggested that this apparent loss is due to a “conversion” or “reversion” of agg-1 cells into those of the wild type. Several mechanisms (involving enzyme induction, epigenetic homeostasis or cytoplasmic inheritance) by which this change might occur are examined.
The Cost of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Excerpt To the editor: The article by Dooley and coworkers (1) is an important discussion of the comparative diagnostic value of upper gastrointestinal radiography and endoscopy. I will not enter i...
Pulmonary Venous Wedge Pressure Provides an Accurate Assessment of Pulmonary Artery Pressure in Children with a Bidirectional Glenn Shunt

Purpose: In circulations with pulsatile pulmonary artery flow the pulmonary venous wedge pressure (PVWp) has been validated as a good estimate of pulmonary artery pressure (PAp), when PAp is low. The purpose of this study was to validate PVWp estimates of PAp in the less-pulsatile pulmonary circulation of children after bidirectional Glenn shunts. Methods: A retrospective study was performed of 22 simultaneous measurements of PVWp and PAp made during 20 catheterizations in 19 children who had undergone bidirectional Glenn procedures. The PAp was measured directly from the branch PA ipsilateral to the side of the PVWp, or in the SVC. Pulmonary resistance (Rp) was calculated with both PAp and PVWp, to assess the impact of PAp estimates on Rp determinations. Results: Patients ranged in age from 5 months to 10.7 years. There were a variety of univentricular cardiac malformations in the study group. Two children had antegrade pulmonary blood flow in addition to a bidirectional Glenn shunt. The mean PAp ranged from 4 to 14 mmHg, while mean PVWp ranged from 3 to 15 mmHg. Mean PVWp never differed from mean PAp by more than 3 mmHg. There was a significant linear relation between mean PAp and PVWp: PAp = 0.86 (PVWp) + 2.0 (R2= 0.89; P < 0.0001). PVWp provided a good approximation of PAp regardless of the presence (n = 2) or absence (n = 19) of antegrade pulmonary flow. There was a good linear correlation between the Rp calculated by both methods (RpPAp = 0.9 (RpVWp) + 0.5; R2= 0.74; P < 0.0001). Conclusion: The mean PVWp provides a close approximation of mean PAp in children with a bidirectional Glenn shunt and provides valuable hemodynamic information in cases where direct PAp measurements are unavailable. (J Interven Cardiol 2003;16:367–370)
Implications of Regime Transitions for Mountain-Wave-Breaking Predictability

Abstract A suite of high-resolution two-dimensional ensemble simulations are used to investigate the predictability of mountain waves, wave breaking, and downslope windstorms. For relatively low hills and mountains, perturbation growth is weak and ensemble spread is small. Gravity waves and wave breaking associated with higher mountains exhibit rapid perturbation growth and large ensemble variance. Near the regime boundary between mountain waves and wave breaking, a bimodal response is apparent with large ensemble variance. Several ensemble members exhibit a trapped wave response and others reveal a hydraulic jump and large-amplitude breaking in the stratosphere. The bimodality of the wave response brings into question the appropriateness of commonly used ensemble statistics, such as the ensemble mean, in these situations. Small uncertainties in the initial state within observational error limits result in significant ensemble spread in the strength of the downslope wind speed, wave breaking, and wave mom...
Partial Purification and Thermal Characterization of Pectinmethylesterase from Red Grapefruit Finisher Pulp

Four forms of pectinmethylesterase have been partially purified from red grapefruit finisher pulp by chromatography on Heparin-Sepharose CL-6B. Three forms bound to the heparin-sepharose and could be eluted with a sodium chloride gradient. One form (RGPME3) exhibited high thermal stability retaining 66.7% relative activity after 2 min incubation in an 80°C water bath, and 45.2% of its relative activity after 60 sec incubation in a 95°C water bath. RGPME3 had a K m of 0.106 mg mL -1 citrus pectin and a pH optimum between 6 and 7. The most abundant form (RGPME2) had a K m of 0.079 mg mL -1 citrus pectin. Denaturing electrophoresis and gel filtration chromatography suggested molecular weights between 20 and 40 kDa for the various forms.
Sexual Harassment of Lesbians in the Workplace

Abstract This article explores the literature addressing sexual harassment of lesbians and discusses the ways in which one form of prejudice, that against lesbians, contributes to this problem. The first section of the article discusses the lesbian experience of violence, harassment, and discrimination. In exploring the above experiences of lesbians it becomes apparent that lesbians are the victims of a specific form of prejudice–homophobia. Homophobia impacts lesbians in two ways: (1) in the form of negative attitudes and denigrating or destructive acts; and (2) by means of actual discrimination, whether overt or subtle. Unlike sexism and racism, homophobia has had little public discussion, and the article concludes with a discussion of the impact of homophobia on lesbians in the workplace.
Insulin growth factors regulate the mitotic cycle in cultured rat sympathetic neuroblasts.

Abstract While neuronal mitosis is uniquely restricted to early development, the underlying regulation remains to be defined. We have now developed a dissociated, embryonic sympathetic neuron culture system that uses fully defined medium in which cells enter the mitotic cycle. The cultured cells expressed two neuronal traits, tyrosine hydroxylase [L-tyrosine, tetrahydropteridine:oxygen oxidoreductase (3-hydroxylating); EC 1.14.16.2] and the neuron-specific 160-kDa neurofilament subunit protein, but were devoid of glial fibrillary acidic protein, a marker for non-myelin-forming Schwann cells in ganglia. Approximately one-third of the tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells synthesized DNA in culture, specifically incorporating [3H]thymidine into their nuclei. We used this system to define factors regulating the mitotic cycle in sympathetic neuroblasts. Members of the insulin family of growth factors, including insulin and insulin-like growth factors I and II, regulated DNA synthesis in the presumptive neuroblasts. Insulin more than doubled the proportion of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells entering the mitotic cycle, as indicated by autoradiography of [3H]thymidine incorporation into nuclei. Scintillation spectrometry was an even more sensitive index of DNA synthesis, revealing a 4-fold insulin stimulation with an ED50 of 100 ng/ml. Insulin-like growth factor I was 100-fold more potent than insulin, whereas insulin-like growth factor II was less potent, suggesting that insulin growth factor type I receptors mediated the mitogenic responses. In contrast, the trophic protein nerve growth factor exhibited no mitogenic effect, suggesting that the mitogenic action of insulin growth factors is highly specific. Our observations are discussed in the context of the detection of insulin growth factors and receptors in the developing brain.
Pediatric venous thromboembolism in relation to adults

Objective This review was performed to analyze the current knowledge and controversies in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of pediatric venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared with adults. Methods Searches of the MEDLINE database and manual searches of the references of selected articles were performed to select reports for their relevance and quality of information on the similarities and differences in pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of VTE in children and adults. Results Symptomatic VTE incidence is reported at a rate of 0.07 in every 10,000 children, which is significantly lower than the rate in adults. Pulmonary emboli in adolescents are rarely fatal, unlike in adults. VTE recurrence is also much lower in children. Young age has been shown to be protective of VTE, whereas central venous catheters are very important in pediatric venous thrombosis. The incidence of postthrombotic syndrome varies from 20% to 65%, with mild symptoms in most children. Cerebral and visceral vein thrombosis may lead to severe morbidity and death. Some factors of thrombophilia have a significant effect in the pediatric population; however, its overall significance is controversial. Most data on VTE treatment are extrapolated from studies in adults. Children with acute VTE should be treated with anticoagulation therapy. Treatment duration depends on the nature of the thrombosis and previous VTE events. Conclusions There is a paucity of prospective randomized studies with data determining not only the effect of VTE but also the treatment options in children. Thrombophilia is a risk factor for pediatric VTE, but its significance has not been thoroughly investigated. Guidelines specific to children for antithrombotic therapy, prophylaxis, and optimal duration need re-evaluation and support by strong evidence.
A vectorized long-period shift-register random number generator

A pseudo-random number generator, based on a linear-feedback shift-register sequence, is presented. The very long period of the generator, 21279 — 1, makes it useful in modern statistical simulations where the shorter period of other generators could either be exhausted during a single run or determine departures from uniform randomness when generating positions in a multidimensional space. In particular, the proposed generator overcomes the limitations of multiplicative-congruential generators with modulus 231 — 1, which are widely used on computers with a 32-bit integer word size, such as the IBM S/370 family of computers.
Dispersal ability and genetic structure in aquatic invertebrates: a comparative study in southern California streams and reservoirs

SUMMARY 1. The natural seasonal drying and flooding of southern California streams have been altered over the past century by activities related to agriculture, flood control, and reservoir construction. The genetic structure and diversity of aquatic invertebrates inhabiting these environments is largely unexplored, and may be important for conservation. 2. We sampled two species of aquatic invertebrates with different dispersal abilities to assess genetic structure and diversity, and make inferences about the evolutionary processes that underlie these genetic patterns. The mayfly Fallceon quilleri, which has a winged terrestrial stage, was sampled from perennial and intermittent streams from three catchments across San Diego County. The amphipod Hyalella azteca was sampled from streams (perennial and intermittent) and reservoirs in a single catchment (San Dieguito). Because it is obligately aquatic throughout its life-cycle, H. azteca was assumed to disperse less than F. quilleri. 3. Intrapopulation and overall genetic diversity was higher in F. quilleri than in H. azteca .I n F. quilleri there was very little genetic divergence among populations, and most of the genetic differentiation that was observed could be attributed to a single population. In H. azteca, populations were markedly differentiated between the upper and lower segments of the San Dieguito basin, which are separated by a c. 10 km section of stream that rarely has surface flow. Within both segments, genetic divergence between sites connected by reservoirs and perennial streams was not significantly different. 4. Our results suggest that F. quilleri disperses widely and thus avoids genetic bottlenecks and marked levels of population differentiation that may be expected from frequent extinctions and recolonizations. In contrast, restricted dispersal in H. azteca is associated with relatively low genetic diversity and high genetic divergence across a portion of the catchment in which surface flow is rare.
Aprotinin but not tranexamic acid inhibits cytokine-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase expression

Cell expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is increased by cytokines, which results in high endogenous concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) and has been implicated in organ injury, including myocardial reperfusion injury.Serine protease inhibitors reduce cytokine-induced iNOS expressio
Spectral density of the QCD Dirac operator near zero virtuality

We investigate the spectral properties of a random matrix model which in the large [ital N] limit embodies the essentials of the QCD partition function at low energy. The exact spectral density and its pair correlation function are derived for an arbitrary number of flavors and zero topological charge. Their microscopic limits provide the master formulae for sum rules for the inverse powers of the eigenvalues of the QCD Dirac operator, as recently discussed by Leutwyler and Smilga.
Recurrent bottlenecks in the malaria life cycle obscure signals of positive selection

Detecting signals of selection in the genome of malaria parasites is a key to identify targets for drug and vaccine development. Malaria parasites have a unique life cycle alternating between vector and host organism with a population bottleneck at each transition. These recurrent bottlenecks could influence the patterns of genetic diversity and the power of existing population genetic tools to identify sites under positive selection. We therefore simulated the site-frequency spectrum of a beneficial mutant allele through time under the malaria life cycle. We investigated the power of current population genetic methods to detect positive selection based on the site-frequency spectrum as well as temporal changes in allele frequency. We found that a within-host selective advantage is difficult to detect using these methods. Although a between-host transmission advantage could be detected, the power is decreased when compared with the classical Wright–Fisher (WF) population model. Using an adjusted null site-frequency spectrum that takes the malaria life cycle into account, the power of tests based on the site-frequency spectrum to detect positive selection is greatly improved. Our study demonstrates the importance of considering the life cycle in genetic analysis, especially in parasites with complex life cycles.
Teaching residents humanistic skills in a colposcopy clinic.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this project is to add formal training and evaluation of humanistic skills for residents in a colposcopy clinic. Medical education of residents in office procedures has generally focused on proficiency in a particular technical skill and acquisition of clinical knowledge regarding management options. The literature supports assessing pattern recognition with visual images and observing a specific number of procedures to achieve proficiency. Little attention has been given to training residents to demonstrate sensitivity during procedures. However, we believe this is a key element, as the procedure involves anxious patients who are fearful of cancer and fearful of pain in their most private body parts. Further, women who have painful or unpleasant colposcopy procedures are less likely to follow up for further evaluation of treatment and may be at higher risk to develop cervical cancer. DESCRIPTION Colposcopy training for gynecology residents, family medicine residents, medical students, and emergency room sexual assault nurses is provided at a colposcopy clinic that performs more than 400 procedures per year. The majority of women are referred for colposcopy from outside clinics, and more than one third are non-English-speaking. We have added to our traditional didactics and case instruction curriculum a session dedicated to training residents in humanistic skills related to performing colposcopy. Topics of discussion include (1) how to ask sensitive questions regarding risk factors for cervical dysplasia, (2) how to explain the procedure and obtain consent, especially with non-English-speaking women, (3) how to educate patients about human papilloma virus (HPV) and prevention of cervical cancer, (4) how to speak to the patient and the attending physician during the procedure to reduce rather than increase anxiety, (5) how to provide comfort measures during colposcopy (e.g., using a warm speculum, using local anesthesia, hiding instruments from patient view), and (6) how to review findings during and after procedures. The discussion includes errors that previous residents have made and approaches that create effective, culturally sensitive role models. The training session participants are given feedback regarding statements or actions that may make patients anxious or less comfortable during and following clinical procedures. Residents are evaluated at the end of each rotation by faculty who rate their technical skills, visual pattern recognition, knowledge on the subject, and humanistic qualities. DISCUSSION The training session participants have responded favorably to feedback about observed interactions with patients during procedures. Indications are that this training may improve the quality of care given by providers during colposcopy and other sensitive procedures. To document the curriculum's effect on patient satisfaction and care, we plan to pilot the use of a patient survey regarding physicians' humanistic qualities.
Precise and efficient ex situ technique for determining compositions and growth rates in molecular-beam epitaxy grown semiconductor alloys

A technique based on the principle of coupling an evanescent wave via a prism into a semiconductor thin film has been used to determine simultaneously the composition and the thickness of II–VI semiconductor ternary alloys. This approach, which determines the indices of refraction n with high precision (at least 0.1%), and also concurrently determines the epilayer thicknesses with an uncertainty of less than 0.5%, has been applied to a series of molecular-beam epitaxy grown ternary alloy families; Zn1−xCdxSe, Zn1−xMgxSe, Zn1−xBexSe, Zn1−xMnxSe, and ZnSe1−xTex. The composition determined by x-ray measurements allows one to generate a calibration between n and the alloy composition, which is used subsequently to derive the alloy composition of the ternary specimen by measuring only its value of n. Since the prism coupler method also determines the thickness of the film, the growth rates are also obtained concurrently.
PAQ Types and Power Strategies Used in Intimate Relationships.

A study was conducted to examine the kinds of power strategies used by Masculine, Feminine, Androgynous, and Undifferentiated people in their intimate relationships. Heterosexual college students (50 men and 50 women) de scribed the power strategies they used in a current or past romantic/sexual relationship, described other aspects of their relationships and themselves, and completed the Personal Attributes Questionnaire (PAQ). The data were analyzed and the results interpreted in terms of a two dimensional model of power strategies in intimate relationships Androgynous people reported using primarily bilateral strategies, such as persuasion, to influence their intimate partners. In contrast, Undifferentiated people reported using primarily unilateral strategies, such as doing what they wanted, regardless of their partner's compliance. In addition, Feminine people and women were more likely to report using indirect and unilateral strategies such as growing silent or leaving the room, while Masculine peop...
Reforming the International Monetary Fund – Why its Legitimacy is at Stake

The International Monetary Fund was designed to promote international monetary cooperation and foreign exchange stability, so as to facilitate international trade, high levels of employment and real income, and the development of the productive resources of all its members. However, the Fund's capacity to influence its key members’ policies through its advice, and to give confidence to potential borrowers by offering opportune and meaningful financial assistance in case of trouble, has been seriously put into question. Its governance structure is inconsistent with its multilateral nature and is dysfunctional to its purposes. There is also an ideological bias in its policy advice that prevents the Fund from being responsive to citizens' concerns and challenges posed by globalization. The ongoing reform process is tinkering on the margins and if not redressed will fail to bring additional credibility and effectiveness to the Fund.
Uvarovite* and grossular from the Fengtien nephrite deposits, eastern Taiwan

Uvarovite and grossular, the former com- paratively rare, occur along the serpentinite-graphite schist contact in the Fengtien area, on the eastern slope of the Central Range of Taiwan. Uvarovite occurs as small emerald-green euhedral crystals on diopside-fels with dodecahedral crystal forms and many other modifica- tions. Its refractive index is 1.782, specific gravity 3.702, and unit cell edge 11.912 A. Chemical and probe analyses give average Cr20 3 contents of 11.60 wt. ~; spectro- graphic analysis shows significant enrichment in Cr, Be, Co, Y, Sb, and La over grossular. Associated minerals include nephrite, diopside, tremolite asbestos, zoisite, and clinozoisite. Grossular is reddish-brown; large crystals, dodecahedral in form often modified by trapezohedrons, are associated with diopside, idocrase, and calcite, n = 1.746, SG = 3.636, and a = 11.866A. Structurally and chemically it is quite near the grossular end member. Grossular is considered to be formed from pneumatolysis associated with the intrusion of ultramafic rocks, whereas uvarovite is a replacement product of relict chromite in the original ultramafic rocks where migration of elements such as silicon and calcium from wall rocks are prominent.
Testing a method to estimate county-level demand for educational attainment

Abstract Recent changes in federal support for local workforce training programs have created an increased need for methods of assessing demand for educational attainment in sub-state regions. This research extends current non-survey methods for estimating demand for educational attainment at the county level. It then evaluates the non-survey method on theoretical grounds, and compares survey and non-survey estimates for two West Virginia counties. We found significant differences between survey and non-survey results and conclude that current non-survey methodology will not consistently provide reasonably accurate estimates. We thus propose adjustments to this methodology that should improve its accuracy. Many, if not most, jurisdictions do not have the expertise or funds to carry out periodic employment surveys. Many local policymakers would therefore benefit from development of an inexpensive, straightforward non-survey methodology that provides reasonably accurate information on local employer demand for labor force characteristics such as educational attainment.
Osteoid osteoma of the rib: A case report

A case of a 6-year-old boy with a painful dorsal scoliosis secondary to an osteoid osteoma in a rib is described. Surgical excision was performed and the scoliosis decreased. Such cases are very rare.
Possible existence and chemistry of ClO·O2 in the stratosphere

The influence of the existence and chemistry of the possible atmospheric constituent ClO.O2 on current models of stratospheric photochemistry is discussed. It is suggested that the formation of an asymmetric ClO.O2 complex may explain the observed suppression of the quantum yield in the chlorine-photosensitized decomposition of ozone in the presence of O2, and that the presence of the ClO.O2 formed may account for the current discrepancy between measurements and theoretical predictions of stratospheric ClO mixing ratio profiles. The presence of stratospheric ClO.O2 is also invoked as a possible mitigating influence on present estimates of ozone destruction due to chlorofluoromethane release.
Comparison of human performance with algorithms for estimating fractal dimension of fractional Brownian statistics

Five standard methods for estimating fractal dimension were compared by means of one-dimensional fractional Brownian series generated by four different algorithms yielding series with different statistics. The same one-dimensional series were also displayed as jagged lines and as one-dimensional luminance patterns for judgments by human observers. Only the algorithm implementing the maximum-likelihood method, which required that the generation statistic for the fractal series be known, gave better performance than human observers in estimating fractal dimension. However, when the method of generation is not known, one of the four other standard methods for estimating fractal dimension must be used, and these performed significantly worse than human observers.
Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry Study of Folded Ubiquitin Conformers Induced By Treatment with cis-[Pd(en)(H2O)2]2+

Ion mobility-mass spectrometry is used to study the new conformers of bovine ubiquitin (Ub) and the palladium(II) binding sites after the incubation with cis-[Pd(en)(H2O)2]2+ where en = ethylenediamine. Palladium(II) complexes are potentially useful proteomic reagents because they selectively bind to the side groups of methionine and histidine and hydrolytically cleave the peptide bond. Incubating 1.0 mM solution of Ub with 10.0 molar excess of cis-[Pd(en)(H2O)2]2+ results with one to four Pd2+ or Pd(en)2+ being attached to intact Ub and two conformer families at each of the 4+ to 11+ charge states. The 4+ and 5+ species exhibit a compact form, which is also observed in untreated Ub, and a new highly folded conformer. The 6+ to 10+ exhibit an elongated form, also observed in Ub, and a new partially folded conformer. The new conformers are shown to be more stable if they contain at least one Pd2+, rather than all Pd(en)2+. IM-MS/MS of [UbPd2en+5H]9+ shows that both the partially folded and elongated conformers first lose the en ligand, followed by dissociating into product ions that indicate that Met1, Glu51/Asp52, His68, and Glu16 are binding sites for Pd2+. These results suggest that Pd2+ is simultaneously binding to multiple side groups across different regions of Ub. This type of sequestering of Pd2+ probably reduces the efficiency of Pd2+ ions to selectively cleave Ub because it prevents Pd2+ anchoring to only Met or His and to an adjacent backbone amide nitrogen and forming the “activated complex” necessary for specific peptide bond cleavage.
The Florida trauma system: assessment of a statewide data base

The State of Florida maintains a statewide trauma registry. This paper examines the data provided to the registry by four Level I, four Level II, and four non-designated trauma care facilities within the state for completion. There were 18,961 patients records in the registry between 1 July 1991 and 30 June 1992 which were reviewed. Completed records were defined as containing appropriate notations for age, mechanism of injury, Glasgow Coma Scale, systolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, and Injury Severity Score. The mean completion rate in Level I facilities was 22.75 per cent, in Level II facilities it was 19.75 per cent and in non-designated centres it was 31.95 per cent. The deficits in completion may lead to errors in calculating trauma system efficacy, outcomes, and costs. Assigning and enforcing responsibility for completion of trauma registry data within individual facilities may aid in the resolution of these issues.