cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Democratic Deficit or Deficit of Democracy?: European Integration and Privileged Institutional Position in Domestic Politics

Theorists who have considered the impact of globalization on democracy argue that deepening interdependence of states exacerbates existing problems of large-scale democracy.1 Problems of inadequate state policy capacities, unequal information across groups and between citizens, accountability of policy-makers, popular inclusion and limited control over the agenda are amplified by transnationalization of political institutions. The loss of control over the political agenda by the national demos is particularly marked in systems of transnational federalism.2 This explains the widespread concern with the democratic deficit of the European Union.
Plant breeding: Effective use of genetic diversity.

A new study using sorghum demonstrates how breeders can efficiently mine genetic diversity from plant gene banks.
Microbiota‐Dependent Metabolite Trimethylamine N‐Oxide and Coronary Artery Calcium in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study (CARDIA)

Background Clinical studies implicate trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO; a gut microbiota‐dependent nutrient metabolite) in cardiovascular disease risk. There is a lack of population‐based data on the role of TMAO in advancing early atherosclerotic disease. We tested the prospective associations between TMAO and coronary artery calcium (CAC) and carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT). Methods and Results Data were from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study (CARDIA), a biracial cohort of US adults recruited in 1985–1986 (n=5115). We randomly sampled 817 participants (aged 33–55 years) who attended examinations in 2000–2001, 2005–2006, and 2010–2011, at which CAC was measured by computed tomography and cIMT (2005–2006) by ultrasound. TMAO was quantified using liquid chromotography mass spectrometry on plasma collected in 2000–2001. Outcomes were incident CAC, defined as Agatston units=0 in 2000–2001 and >0 over 10‐year follow‐up, CAC progression (any increase over 10‐year follow‐up), and continuous cIMT. Over the study period, 25% (n=184) of those free of CAC in 2000–2001 (n=746) developed detectable CAC. In 2000–2001, median (interquartile range) TMAO was 2.6 (1.8–4.2) μmol/L. In multivariable‐adjusted models, TMAO was not associated with 10‐year CAC incidence (rate ratio=1.03; 95% CI: 0.71–1.52) or CAC progression (0.97; 0.68–1.38) in Poisson regression, or cIMT (beta coefficient: −0.009; −0.03 to 0.01) in linear regression, comparing the fourth to the first quartiles of TMAO. Conclusions In this population‐based study, TMAO was not associated with measures of atherosclerosis: CAC incidence, CAC progression, or cIMT. These data indicate that TMAO may not contribute significantly to advancing early atherosclerotic disease risk among healthy early‐middle‐aged adults.
Impact of hot and cold exposure on human skeletal muscle gene expression

Many human diseases lead to a loss of skeletal muscle metabolic function and mass. Local and environmental temperature can modulate the exercise-stimulated response of several genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and skeletal muscle function in a human model. However, the impact of environmental temperature, independent of exercise, has not been addressed in a human model. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of exposure to hot, cold, and room temperature conditions on skeletal muscle gene expression related to mitochondrial biogenesis and muscle mass. Recreationally trained male subjects (n = 12) had muscle biopsies taken from the vastus lateralis before and after 3 h of exposure to hot (33 °C), cold (7 °C), or room temperature (20 °C) conditions. Temperature had no effect on most of the genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis, myogenesis, or proteolysis (p > 0.05). Core temperature was significantly higher in hot and cold environments compared with room temperature (37.2 ± 0.1 °C, p = 0.001; 37.1 ± 0.1 °C, p = 0.013; 36.9 ± 0.1 °C, respectively). Whole-body oxygen consumption was also significantly higher in hot and cold compared with room temperature (0.38 ± 0.01 L·min-1, p < 0.001; 0.52 ± 0.03 L·min-1, p < 0.001; 0.35 ± 0.01 L·min-1, respectively). In conclusion, these data show that acute temperature exposure alone does not elicit significant changes in skeletal muscle gene expression. When considered in conjunction with previous research, exercise appears to be a necessary component to observe gene expression alterations between different environmental temperatures in humans.
Geometric Characteristics of the Knee Are Associated With a Noncontact ACL Injury to the Contralateral Knee After Unilateral ACL Injury in Young Female Athletes.

Background:Contralateral anterior cruciate ligament (CACL) injury after recovery from a first-time ACL rupture occurs at a high rate in young females; however, little is known about the risk factor...
CEO Culpability Revisited: A Study of U.S. Subsidiary Divestitures of Korean Multinationals

In this study, we address the unresolved “CEO culpability” question- whether, and when, chief executive officers (CEOs) who bear direct accountability for a strategically important past investment ...
CustomNegotiations.org: A Free Resource for Creating Customizable Negotiation Simulations (WITHDRAWN)

Negotiation role-playing simulations are among the most effective and widely used methods for teaching and doing research on negotiations. Teachers and researchers who want to use role-playing simu...
Extending Ethical Strides: From Tribal IRBs to the Bronx Community Research Review Board

We are grateful to Hull and Wilson (2017) for expanding on our brief discussion of the necessity of recognizing harms to communities that can occur within research, and for making space for further...
Workload-Aware Routing (WAR) for Network-on-Chip Lifetime Improvement

The emergence of Network-on-Chip (NoCs) as a scalable interconnection infrastructure for Chip Multi-Processors (CMPs) creates the need to analyze the degradation and lifetime repercussions incurred by network traffic from exa-scale and distributed workloads. Reliability methods and redundancies are in place to circumvent defective parts or to roll back to a previous safe state. These reliability techniques are reactive in nature and do not focus effort in avoiding degradation which may result in full system failure. Current methods for improving degradation and lifetime focus on design and runtime optimizations. This paper proposes a workload-aware routing algorithm, which complements known techniques and optimizes the overall network traffic balance. The end product is a methodology that utilizes workload signatures and priority-based routing to improve port and router utilization across the network. The proposed WAR algorithm stays within ≈2% of the latency and average hop count of a NoC using XY routing. Simulation results show an improvement in network traffic balance upto ≈17% (average improvement of ≈8.6%) with WAR on NoCs for lifetime improvement.
An overview of first metatarsophalangeal joint implant arthroplasty

The metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe often requires an arthroplasty to correct joint disease and pain. Today, joint replacement systems are combinations of components manufactured to optimize biological ingrowth, mechanical interlock, press fit, and cementing. Three different types of arthroplasties are available to foot surgeons: the double stem hinged silicone implant, the two-component joint mimicking implant, and a hemi-implant available for the phalanx. No comprehensive studies on very large populations have been conducted to accurately evaluate the beneficial long-term effects of these implants. This review article describes the development of the toe arthroplasty, details the commercially available implants, and addresses the advantages and adverse effects of each implant.
Prime Health and the Regulation of Hybrid Healthcare

This article examines the possible constructs behind the announcement by Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, and JPMorgan Chase & Co., that they are jointly building a new healthcare entity for their employees. The article provides context by discussing and comparing the healthcare ambitions of the three largest information technology companies and argues that various forms of hybrid entities will increase their footprint in healthcare data and delivery. The core of the article is a thought experiment about the nature of what the article terms “Prime Health.” That analysis is based initially on observations about Amazon’s existing culture and business model of Amazon. Thereafter the article examines both what Prime Health could and should be, arguing that it will go beyond the pedestrian model of a very large self-funded group insurance plan, will disintermediate traditional healthcare insurers, and attempt to bring consumers and healthcare providers together into some type of online marketplace; an updated, privatized version of managed competition. The final parts of the article deal with the regulatory environment that hybrid healthcare generally and Prime Health in particular will face. The analysis includes federal device and data protection laws, some idiosyncratic state laws, and a brief discussion of the problems inherent in the limited regulation of hybrid healthcare entities.
Planting a Tree Model for Public Health: Shifting the Paradigm Toward Chronic Wellness

ABSTRACTThough the U.S. health care system is among the best in the developed world, access to chronic care remains a problem for many, in part, because the system is not ideally suited to treat lo...
An improved method to determine the hydroxypropyl content in modified starches by 1H NMR.

Hydroxypropyl (HP) starches are used as thickeners and stabilizers in foods. The properties of the etherified starches are dependent on the degree of hydroxypropylation. The objective of this study was to develop an improved acid hydrolysis method to degrade and solubilize HP starches for determining HP content in modified starches by 1H NMR. The effects of acid (DCl) concentration and temperature on hydrolysis and solubilization of hydroxypropylated starches were examined. The optimal conditions proposed to hydrolyze HP starches were 10% starch solid content, 3.5% (wt%) DCl in D2O as the solvent, sodium acetate as an internal standard, and heating at 90 °C for 1 h. Optionally, 6% (v/v) TFA-d may be added as the water-peak shifting reagent. Six hydroxypropylated starches and two cross-linked and hydroxypropylated starches were hydrolyzed with this improved acid method, and the results of the HP content were in agreement with those from an enzyme-catalyzed method.
A new facile method for preparation of heterocyclic α-iminonitriles and α-oxoacetic acid from heterocyclic aldehydes, p-aminophenol, and sodium cyanide

Very efficient, simple, and high yield procedures for the transformation of heterocyclic aldehydes into heterocyclic methylidene-p-hydroxyanilines, heterocyclic α-iminonitriles, and finally into heterocyclic α-oxoacetic acids were described. Considering that many of these compounds have biological activity, the synthetic methodology was optimized using readily available, inexpensive starting materials, and the purification of the product involved only simple crystallization.
Early Selection for Improving Volume Growth in Coastal Douglas-fir Breeding Programs

This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by J. D. Sauerlander's Verlag and can be found at: http://www.sauerlaender-verlag.com/index.php?id=18.
In vitro investigation of the influence of nano-fibrillated cellulose on lipid digestion and absorption

Nanocellulose, including nano-fibrillated cellulose (NFC), has been a topic of significant interest and a number of studies have focused on using it for the fabrication of stable oil-in-water emulsions. However, limited studies have been performed to understand the potential influence of NFC on lipid digestion and absorption. In this study, a simulated digestion model, consisting of salivary, gastric and intestinal digestion phases, was used to investigate the effects of NFC on lipid digestion and absorption. To better understand the mechanisms behind, the effects of NFC on lipase activity, micellar solubility of cholesterol and bile acid diffusion were studied in addition to the cholesterol adsorption capacity of NFC, with conventional cellulose as a comparison. Results showed that NFC slightly reduced lipase activity, but NFC or cellulose at concentrations up to 1.1% (w/w) did not significantly influence lipid digestion under simulated intestinal conditions. Moreover, NFC showed greater bile acid retardation effect than cellulose, and slightly higher cholesterol adsorption capacity probably due to its larger specific surface area. Nonetheless, NFC did not significantly affect micellar solubility of cholesterol. These results suggest that NFC, when added into fat-rich foods, may have health benefits via its viscosity effect and retardation effect on bile acid absorption.
Ultrafast quasiparticle dynamics in correlated semimetals (Conference Presentation)

The correlated polar semimetal Ca3Ru2O7 exhibits a rich phase diagram including two magnetic transitions (TN =56 K and TC =48 K) with the appearance of an insulating-like pseudogap (at TC ). In addition, there is a crossover back to metallic behavior at T∗=30 K, the origin of which is still under debate. We utilized ultrafast optical pump optical probe spectroscopy to investigate quasi- particle dynamics as a function of temperature in this enigmatic quantum material. n conjunction with density functional theory, our experimental results synergistically reveal the origin of the T-dependent pseudogap. Further, our data and analysis indicate that the T∗ emerges as a natural consequence of T-dependent gapping out of carriers, and does not correspond to a separate electronic transition. Our results highlight the value of low fluence ultrafast optics as a sensitive probe of low energy electronic structure, thermodynamic parameters, and transport properties of Ruddlesden-Popper ruthenates.
Survey of Pharmacists' Knowledge of Connecticut's Medical Cannabis Program.

Introduction: Over the last few years, a growth in research and interest in medical cannabis (most often referred to as medical marijuana) use have occurred nationally. Medical cannabis has become ...
Factors associated with benzodiazepine prescribing in community mental health settings.

Abstract Objective One class of drugs increasingly involved in overdose fatalities is benzodiazepines. Prescribing benzodiazepines to people with co-occurring substance use disorders (SUDs) poses risk for overdose and dependence and is not recommended. The current study reports prevalence rates of prescribing benzodiazepines to people with and without co-occurring SUDs in community mental health settings. Clinical and socio-demographic factors associated with receipt of a benzodiazepine were examined, including whether factors potentially indicative of prescribing biases (older age and race) moderated the relationship between having a co-occurring SUD and receiving a benzodiazepine prescription. Methods Retrospective chart review data from service users treated between August 2014 and August 2017 were collected as part of an NIMH-funded RCT of Person-Centered Care Planning. Data were assessed from 774 charts collected across 14 sites nested within ten community mental health centers (CMHCs). Mixed effects logistic regression models examined direct and interaction effects related to receipt of a benzodiazepine. Results Of the 774 service users, 19.9% (N = 154) were prescribed at least one benzodiazepine. Of those prescribed a benzodiazepine, 35.1% (N = 54) had a co-occurring SUD and 31.8% (N = 49) had an anxiety disorder. Our main effects model did not find a significant difference in the odds of receiving a benzodiazepine among service users with and without a co-occurring SUD (OR = 0.77, CI: 0.50–1.17). However, moderation analyses found that the odds of being prescribed a benzodiazepine among people with co-occurring SUDs was greater among service users of older age (OR: 2.01, CI: 1.01–4.02) and non-Hispanic white race (OR = 3.34, CI: 1.55–7.22). Discussion Our findings demonstrate that a considerable number of people with a documented co-occurring SUD are prescribed benzodiazepines in CMHCs, a practice that poses risks for dependence and overdose. Prescribing decisions may be influenced by service user age and race.
Diagnosis of non-neoplastic kidney diseases in cancer nephroureterectomy specimens:

Purpose:Renal function preservation is an important objective for renal malignancies, and similar data are emerging for urothelial carcinoma. Non-neoplastic kidney diseases can be identified in up ...
The Everyday Communication of Commitment: Testing an Integrated Model of Self-Construal, Cognition, Affect, Motivation and Communication

People build and sustain their relationship commitment through their everyday communication. Two studies tested an integrated motivational model exploring the multiple ways relational self-construa...
Anal dysplasia as an incidental finding: the importance of specimen evaluation.

AIM: The incidence of anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has increased dramatically in the USA. The squamous intraepithelial lesion has been identified as a precursor lesion to SCC, stratifying the abnormality into low grade or high grade. There have been studies on the prevalence of incidentally found SCC in haemorrhoidectomy specimens, but there are no studies to date on the incidence of dysplasia. The purpose of this study was to establish a baseline incidence of dysplasia that provides helpful information for future epidemiological studies. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent haemorrhoidectomy from 2005 to 2019. Pathology regarding the type of dysplasia, medications, and diagnoses that may predispose to immunosuppression were collected. RESULTS: In all, 810 patients with a mean age of 51.7 (range 20-91) years underwent haemorrhoidectomy. Eighteen (2.2%) of the patients had abnormal pathology (low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, 3; high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, 12; SCC, 2; adenocarcinoma, 1). Thirty-seven (4.5%) of the entire cohort had some risk factors for immunosuppression: chronic steroid use (nine), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (13), biologic medications (six), transplant recipients (two) and immunocompromising diseases (four). Only 4/18 patients had an immunosuppression risk in that all four of these patients were HIV-positive. Surveillance following excision was undertaken for an average of 6 (range 1-12) months, during which time four patients underwent a repeat biopsy. DISCUSSION: Anal dysplasia found in an otherwise asymptomatic population has a prevalence of 2.2%. This finding supports the routine examination of benign anorectal specimens undergoing microscopic examination. Interestingly, the majority of the patients identified had no immunosuppressant risk factors.
Gender Differences in Compensation, Mentorship, and Work‐Life Balance within Facial Plastic Surgery

OBJECTIVES Our objective was to identify gender differences in work-life balance, professional advancement, workload, salary, and career satisfaction among facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons. STUDY DESIGN Cross-Sectional Survey. METHODS American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) members were invited by email to respond to a confidential 25-question online survey. The survey had a response rate of 12%. There were a total of 139 participants; 23 participants were in training and 116 were either board-eligible or board-certified facial plastic surgeons. Collected variables included general demographics, personal life, academic involvement, career development, workload, and career satisfaction. RESULTS Forty percent of participants were female. Fifty-nine percent of female participants were 25-35 years old compared with 15% of male participants. The majority of male participants were over 45 years old (63%) while only 19% of female participants fell into this age category (P < .0001). Women were more likely to be in a relationship with a physician (35% vs. 19%) or non-physician full-time professional (55% vs. 31%). The vast majority of men had children (89%) while only half of women (52%) had children. On average, women with children had fewer children than men (P < .0001). No gender difference was seen with respect to working full versus part-time (P = .81). Participants were equally satisfied with a surgical career regardless of gender. CONCLUSION Although significant progress has already been made towards closing the gender gap, gender disparities remain both professionally and personally for facial plastic surgeons. With an increasing number of women in medicine, we should continue to strive to close the gender gap. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E787-E791, 2021.
Incidental finding of tracheobronchial foreign body during double lumen tube placement-lessons learned

Tracheobronchial foreign bodies are common in pediatric patients, but also seen in adult patients. Most of these patients present with history of foreign body inhalation, or with the symptoms like cough, respiratory distress. In this paper, we would like to report an incidental finding of a tablet in tracheobronchial tree during double lumen tube placement with fiberoptic bronchoscopy in a middle-aged patient scheduled for right lung decortication for hemothorax. We also learned that delay in removing the tablet would make the removal of foreign body complicated. The patient did not report any history of aspiration or have any signs and symptoms consistent with aspiration. We also discussed the difficult in diagnosing foreign-body aspiration in adults with nonspecific symptoms.
Program Evaluation: Pragmatic Methods for Social Work and Human Service Agencies

Be prepared for your future role in a service-oriented agency. This textbook provides practical guidance on program evaluation while avoiding replicating other course material. Drawing on over 40 years of subject knowledge, Allen Rubin describes outcome designs that are feasible for service-oriented agencies and that match the degree of certainty needed by key users of outcome evaluations. The utility and easy calculation of within-group effect sizes are outlined, which enhance the value of evaluations that lack control groups. Instructions are also given on how to write and disseminate an evaluation report in a way maximizes its chances of being used. Conducting focus group interviews and capitalising on the value of non-probabilitysamples will become second nature after following the effective and pragmatic advice mapped out chapter-by-chapter.
The AG/PRO Parameter in Early Grammars

In the last chapter we began our discussion of the pro-drop phenomenon by noting that English-speaking children frequently produce ‘subjectless’ sentences1 like those in (1).
How and why aztreonam works

Aztreonam is the first monocyclic beta-lactam antibiotic (monobactam) to be tested clinically. Its synthetic structure determines specific areas of activity, including enhanced activity against Pseudomonas species, exceptional activity against gram-negative bacteria, stability to beta-lactamases and lack of activity against gram-positive bacteria--all of which can be directly related to its chemical composition. Aztreonam has a high affinity for the protein-binding protein 3 (PBP-3) of aerobic gram-negative bacteria. Most of these organisms are inhibited and killed at low concentrations of the drug. Aztreonam binds poorly to PBP sites of the aerobic gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria and consequently has relatively poor inhibitory effects against these bacteria. In vitro, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) values against almost all of the Enterobacteriaceae and against Neisseria and Haemophilus strains are typically below 1 microgram per milliliter. MIC values against Pseudomonas aeruginosa of 8 micrograms per milliliter are comparable with those of other antipseudomonal beta-lactams and the acylureidopenicillins. As combination therapy with amino-glycosides, aztreonam acts in synergy against P. aeruginosa, Acinetobacter and gentamicin-resistant gram-negative rods. Aztreonam is widely distributed in the body tissues and fluids, and the average elimination half-life is 1.7 hours. Intramuscular dosing results in peak serum levels in approximately one hour, while intravenous dosing results in peak levels within five minutes. After a 2 gram dose given intravenously, MIC90 values for most of the Enterobacteriaceae are exceeded for eight hours, and those for P. aeruginosa, for almost six hours. The steady-state volume of distribution is approximately 0.18 liter per kilogram. Concentrations above the MIC90 for most gram-negative bacteria are also present within bone, prostate and cerebrospinal fluid. Between 60 and 70 per cent of the drug is excreted unchanged in the urine, resulting in concentrations approximating 3,000 micrograms per milliliter two hours after a 1 gram dose given intravenously. Serum clearance of aztreonam is directly proportional to creatinine clearance. Dosage adjustment must, therefore, be made in the presence of reduced clearance. Dosing varies between 0.5 and 2.0 grams every six to 12 hours, depending on the severity of the infection. The characteristics of aztreonam suggest that it is a useful nonnephrotoxic drug for treatment of aerobic gram-negative infection.
Chaos in the Quantum Measurement Record

We investigate measures of chaos in the measurement record of a quantum system which is being observed. Such measures are attractive because they can be directly connected to experiment. Two measures of chaos in the measurement record are defined and investigated numerically for the case of a quantum kicked top. A smooth transition between chaotic and regular behavior is found.
Modular Robot Motion Planning Using Similarity Metrics

In order for a modular self-reconfigurable robotic system to autonomously change from its current state to a desired one, it is critical to have a cost function (or metric) that reflects the effort required to reconfigure. A reconfiguration sequence can consist of single module motions, or the motion of a “branch” of modules. For single module motions, the minimization of metrics on the set of sets of module center locations serves as the driving force for reconfiguration. For branch motions, the question becomes which branches should be moved so as to minimize overall effort. Another way to view this is as a pattern matching problem in which the desired configuration is viewed as a void, and we seek branch motions that best fill the void. A precise definition of goodness of fit is therefore required. In this paper, we address the fundamental question of how closely geometric figures can be made to match under a given group of transformations (e.g., rigid-body motions), and what it means to bisect two shapes. We illustrate these ideas in the context of applications in modular robot motion planning.
TWO NEWLY DISCOVERED SOURCES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL OBSIDIAN IN THE SOUTHWEST

Two sources of archaeological obsidian that have appeared in analyses of archaeological assemblages in the Southwest but whose location has remained unknown have now been located, mapped, and chemically characterized. These sources, Bull Creek in western Arizona near the well-known Burro Creek source and the Bear Springs Peak source in the southern Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico, solve two geoarchaeological riddles and in the case of Bear Springs Peak could signal potential cultural ties between the Jemez (Walatowa) and Zuni nations during the seventeenth century.
Fathers' Religious Involvement and Early Childhood Behavior

Previous research suggests that many men increase their religious involvement after the birth of a new child. This study extends this research by examining whether fathers maintain a higher rate of religious participation as children get older and how fathers' religiosity may influence children's behavior. Results suggest that many fathers maintain a higher level of religious participation during the early years of their child's life. Although fathers' religious involvement does not appear to directly influence children?s behavior, there is evidence that fathers' religiosity moderates the influence of other family characteristics on children. Parental relationship quality and mothers' religiosity are associated with fewer problem behaviors among children when fathers believe that religion is important to family life. Results also suggest that being raised by a non-religious father is associated with increased externalizing problem behavior among young children. Overall, this study suggests that religious communities may be a source of support that encourages fathers to be more active in their family life and promote positive development among children.
Incorporation of 14C-1-palmitate into rabbit fetal lipids in vivo.

Abstract 14 C-1-palmitate was injected into rabbit fetuses in utero. Fetal liver, blood, carcass, and placenta collected after 15, 60, 180, and 360 minutes were analyzed for radioactivity in lipid classes. Incorporation differed with tissue and lipid. Highest total early specific activity was detected in plasma but later liver displayed the most extensive incorporation. Phospholipid incorporation was more rapid in all tissues than that of other glycerides. Plasma triglycerides did not display any radioactivity for 3 hours. Results point to multicentric origin of plasma lipids. Ready utilization of the palmitate indicates that maternal fatty acid transfer plays an important role in fetal lipid homeostasis.
Atmospheric Transmission in the CO 2 Bands Between 12 μ and 18 μ

Calculations have been made of high-resolution transmission in the CO2 absorption bands between 12 μ and 18 μ by direct integration across the bands, for both homogeneous and atmospheric slant paths. Mixed Doppler-Lorentz broadening has been used at pressures lower than 100 mb. A method to eliminate the Curtis-Godson approximation has been developed and applied to the slant-path calculations. Comparisons have been made with previous theoretical and experimental data, and reasons for the discrepancies are discussed.
Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation: Challenges to Nurses and Outcome in Extremely Preterm Babies

Worldwide, about 15 million infants are born prematurely each year. Technological advances, including invasive mechanical ventilation, play a major role in the survival of extremely preterm babies. Those who survive may have prolonged morbid conditions that result in long-term sequelae. Nurses face several challenges during the hospitalization of these infants. Vigilant care, monitoring, and careful handling of the infants can prevent infections and long-term complications. Newer, less invasive technologies are promising for improved outcomes in extremely preterm infants.
Phosphorescence spectrum and lifetime of 1,8- and 1,5-bis (trimethylgermyl) naphthalene

Abstract The 1,8- and 1,5-isomers of bis(trimethylgermyl)naphthalene were prepared (the latter for the first time), and their phosphorescence properties at 77 K were examined. The effects of strain on the spectrum and lifetime of the 1,8-isomer were similar to those found previously in 1,4,5,8-tetrachlotonaphthalene. The trimethylgermanium group has little effect on the phosphorescence properties of naphthalene.
Matrix‐induced peak enhancement of pesticides in gas chromatogrtaphy: Is there a solution?

In this study, it is shown that calibration solution prepared in control matrix extrix extract can be used to compensate for matrix-induced chromatographic response enhancement observed for certain pesticedes. This phenomenon is characterized by enhanced chromatographic response for certain pesticides in the presence of matrix du to reduced analyte loss during injection. Unacceptably high recoveries are seen for affected pesticides when maatrix-free solutions are used for reference and calibration. The effects of matrix concentration on overall enhancement and linear response were determined. When used as reference standards for the determination of recovery, matrix-standard solutions were found to provide acceptable recoveries for pesticides subject to matrix-induced chromatographic response enhancement along with other pesticides. General guidelines are presented for using matrix-standard calibration solutions in pesticide residue analysis.
Germ cell‐specific decrease of acrosomal proteolytic activity, sperm motility, and number in mitomycin C‐treated mice

Assessment of mammalian sperm acrosomal proteolytic activity, sperm motility, and sperm count may be useful for detecting mutagens, carcinogens, developmentally active agents, and antifertility effects. Groups of six albino mice were given a single i.p. injection of 5 mg/kg mitomycin C (MC) or saline. One treated and one control group of mice were killed 1, 3, 5, 7, or 10 weeks later. Sperm extracted from the vasa deferentia at these killing times were derived from cells treated as spermatozoa, spermatids, preleptotene—late spermatogonial cells, spermatogonial cells, and spermatogonial stem cells. In sperm derived from treated preleptotene or spermatogonial cells, the sperm count, sperm motility, and acrosomal proteolytic activity were decreased significantly. Acrosomal proteolytic activity was also decreased in sperm from spermatogonial stem cells. None of these sperm phenotypes were decreased in treated spermatozoa and spermatids. We propose the hypothesis that induced loss of sperm motility and acrosomal proteolytic activity in single spermatozoa derived from MC-treated spermatogonial cells is caused by mutational or developmental effects, whereas in preleptotene-derived and late-spermatogonium-derived sperm similar dysfunction results from developmental effects. Our data support the hypothesis indirectly. Since a low sperm count is correlated with decreased fertility and acrosomal proteolytic activity is essential for penetration of the zona pellucida by the sperm, the presence of these sperm phenotypes may help to detect chemicals with antifertility effects.
Long-term data storage in a clinical laboratory information system

The clinical laboratory is pressured on one side by physicians and regulators who want the laboratory to keep more detailed patient records available for longer periods and on the other side by physical space and cost constraints which favor rapidly transferring such records to Medical Records or a warehouse from which retrieval is slow and difficult. Various forms of inactive data storage and archiving in machine-readable form are available to address this dilemma, yet these solutions can create even more difficult problems. Two different approaches were developed within the framework of RelationaLABCOM to address both the intermediate and long-term storage of data. In this paper we examine the two methods as solutions to the problems, discuss their limitations, and determine why one is superceding the other in the installation base.
Single cell glutamate analysis in Aplysia sensory neurons.

Abstract Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. However, techniques and assays available for the determination and detection of glutamate are limited. Here we have applied an effective glutamate assay toward the high-throughput analysis of single neurons. Initial physiological studies and recent immunohistochemical data strongly suggested that mechanosensory neurons could use l -glutamate as a co-transmitter (in addition to sensorin) in the sensory–motor synapse of Aplysia californica . We have evaluated the levels of glutamate in these cells and compared them to other non-sensory Aplysia neurons. Since this is the first report of this assay in single cellular analysis, a series of chemical and cellular controls were also done. Based on our results, we were able to determine the concentration levels inside single Aplysia sensory neurons to be 29 mM, with significant heterogeneity between individual cells. In comparison to the pleural mechanosensory neurons, non-sensory abdominal neurons contained approximately 3 mM glutamate. These elevated levels in the sensory neurons confirm the earlier findings [Dale N, Kandel ER. l -Glutamate may be the fast excitatory transmitter of Aplysia sensory neurons. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1993;90:7163–7.], suggesting that glutamate plays a role as neurotransmitter in these cells.
Pulse Transient Responses of NO Decomposition and Reduction with H2 on Ag−Pd/Al2O3

Catalytic decomposition of nitric oxide (NO) over Pd/Al2O3 and Ag−Pd/Al2O3 has been studied using the pulse transient response technique coupled with in situ infrared (IR) and mass spectrometry (MS) at 723−823 K. In the absence of H2, pulsing NO over the Pd/Al2O3 catalyst produces adsorbed NO species (i.e., Pd+−NO, Pd0−NO, and Pd−NO−) as well as gaseous N2, O2, and N2O products. Transient responses of the N2 and O2 profiles show that the addition of Ag onto Pd/Al2O3 catalyst shifts the O2 profile forward, increases oxygen formation and the oxidation resistance of Pd, but did not decrease the amount of retained oxygen (Oret) and did not improve the catalytic cycle for NO decomposition. Oret on the Pd surface is not able to desorb in the temperature range of this study; however, Oret on Ag−Pd/Al2O3 can be desorbed at higher temperatures than its formation and adsorption temperature. The presence of H2 during the NO pulse allowed NO reduction to occur, producing N2, N2O, O2, NH3, and H2O. Pd/Al2O3 is a more ...
Metabolism of 14C-Maltose in Avena fatua Seeds During Germination

Non-dormant and dormant seeds of Avena fatua metabolize (14)C-maltose in different ways: in non-dormant seeds, (14)C-maltose administered to the endosperm is readily converted to sucrose in the scutellum and translocated to the embryo; in dormant seeds, little sucrose is synthesized from (14)C-maltose, and maltose and glucose tend to accumulate in the endosperm. It is suggested that biosynthesis of sucrose is essential for effective transport of the endosperm reserve to the embryonic axis in germinating seeds.
Semantic Matching, Propagation and Transformation for Composition in Component-Based Systems

Composition of software applications from component parts in response to high-level goals is a long-standing and highly challenging goal. We target the problem of composition in flow-based information processing systems and demonstrate how application composition and component development can be facilitated by the use of semantically described application metadata. The semantic metadata describe both the data flowing through each application and the processing performed in the associated application code. In this paper, we explore some of the key features of the semantic model, including the matching of outputs to input requirements, and the transformation and the propagation of semantic properties by components.
A Mutual Protective Effect of Mercury and Selenium in Japanese Quail

Abstract Dietary interactions between methylmercury (Ch3Hg) and sodium selenite (Na2 SeO3) were studied in Japanese quail. Addition of 0.35–6 p.p.m. Se to diets containing toxic levels of Hg (5–30 p.p.m. Hg) reduced the toxicity of methylmercury and increased the survival of Japanese quail. The survival increased with increasing levels of Se in the diet. Selenium at 6 p.p.m did not cause any mortality in males and caused only relatively low mortality in females. However, 12 p.p.m. Se depressed the survival of quail, especially females. No consistent effect of Hg, Se or both was observed on body weight or feed consumption. High levels of Hg reduced egg production, fertility and hatchability, and the addition of Se lessened these effects of Hg. Selenium in the diet alone (6 or 12 p.p.m.) generally produced lower hatchability and a high percentage of deformed embryos, and 12 p.p.m. Se also depressed egg production. Addition of 5–15 p.p.m. Hg to such Se diets overcame these effects and reduced the percentage of abnormal embryos more than 50%. Analysis of tissues for total Hg showed that Hg was distributed in a pattern typical for alkyl mercurials. Hg levels in Se-protected birds equaled or exceeded the levels in those fed Hg without Se. Se levels in tissues were generally elevated by feeding Hg, especially in brain. Extremely high brain Hg levels, up to 58 p.p.m., were observed in birds fed 15 p.p.m. Hg plus 6 p.p.m. Se for 20 weeks prior to sacrifice. The level of Se in the brain of these birds was elevated (4 p.p.m.), but not equimolar to Hg.
Qualitative Analysis of Herbs by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). An Undergraduate Instrumental Analysis Laboratory Exercise

A laboratory exercise to be used in an undergraduate instrumental methods course is presented for the qualitative analysis of interesting real-world herbal extracts. The objective of this experiment is to familiarize students with a modern experimental method gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
A MNDO-Study of Solvent Free and Solvated Dimeric Lithium Ion Pairs of Acetaldoxime. Models for Dimeric Aggregates of Lithiated Oxime Ethers

Abstract Cyclic and stack-type structures of solvent-free and solvated dimeric lithium ion pairs of isomeric carbanions of acetaldoxime were investigated as models for lithiated oxime ethers. The adequacy of MNDO is evaluated critically with reference to ab initio results. Severe overestimation of the pyramidalization at the carbanionic center and insufficient carbon lone-pair—lithium core repulsion are found to cause the following artifacts: excessive charge localization, the breakdown of the pseudo-π conjugation within the ligands, and orbital orientation towards the cation; standard MNDO calculations yield entirely unacceptable results. A simple method is proposed to counteract some of these deficiencies and results thus obtained are in significantly better agreement with ab initio data. Solvated cyclic ( C i symmetric) dimers were found to be the most important aggregated species; they are preferred over bis -solvated monomeric ion pairs at the MNDO level. The magnitudes of the relative energies are such that a definitive conclusion regarding the predominance of monomeric or dimeric aggregates cannot be made. Mechanistic implications with regard to the experimentally observed syn -axial entry of electrophiles into configurationally fixed lithiated oxime ethers are discussed.
Achieving Thermodynamic Control of Adsorption and Desorption at Layered Polymer Interfaces

We report on the achievement of differential control over adsorption and desorption kinetics of selected vapor phase molecules at ultrathin polymer bilayer interfaces. We synthesize and deposit maleimide−vinyl ether alternating copolymer layers, where each polymer layer contains different pendant side group functionalities and the order of layer deposition is controlled. The adsorption isotherm behavior of these interfacial structures, when exposed to methanol and hexane vapor, shows that the identity of the adsorbates and the order of polymer adlayer deposition both influence the interfacial adsorption characteristics. The absence of hysteresis in the isotherm data indicates that our measurements are made under equilibrium conditions, indicating the achievement of chemical and structural control over the thermodynamics of adsorption at these interfaces.
Processing of Polymeric Precursor, Ceramic Matrix Composites

Ceramic matrix composites have been produced by utilizing polymer pyrolysis as the processing technique. The precursor, polyvinylsilane, is a viscous, thermosetting polymer which yields a predominantly SiC ceramic material when pyrolyzed. This organometallic polymer in combination with SiC fibers and SiC whiskers was used to fabricate ceramic matrix composites. One of the major problems with a brittle/brittle composite system in which strong coupling exist between the fibers and matrix is the characteristic catastrophic failure that occurs once the strain to failure of one of the constituents is exceeded. This brittle behavior can be altered by the application of a suitable barrier layer between the fiber and matrix. Due to the success of a barrier layer between fiber and matrix in producing higher performance composites, multiple barrier layers were used to further improve the performance of the ceramic composite.
Adenovirus-mediated wild-type p53 overexpression inhibits endothelial cell differentiation in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo.

Gene therapy with the tumor suppressor gene p53 induces cancer cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo and inhibits tumor growth in nude mice. We hypothesized that, in addition to cancer cell apoptosis, a replication-deficient adenovirus vector which carries the cDNA for human wild-type p53 (AdCMV.p53) may also modulate endothelial cell function and inhibit angiogenesis. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were infected at different multiplicities of infection (MOI) with either AdCMV.p53, the control vector AdCMV.null or were not infected. Western blot analysis showed p53 overexpression up to 7 days after infection with AdCMV.p53. HUVEC proliferation was either not affected (20 and 50 MOI) or inhibited to comparable levels (100 MOI; P < 0.05) in AdCMV.p53- and AdCMV.null-infected versus uninfected cells. HUVEC differentiation into capillary-like structures on reconstituted basement membrane proteins (Matrigel) was assessed 48 h after infection (100 MOI). After 18 h on Matrigel the capillary-like network formed by AdCMV.p53-infected HUVEC was less extensive than that formed by both AdCMV.null-infected and uninfected control cells (P < 0.05 versus either control). In contrast, conditioned medium from AdCMV.p53-infected HUVEC did not modulate endothelial cell differentiation on Matrigel. The effect of AdCMV.p53 on angiogenesis in vivo was assessed by injecting this vector subcutaneously in mice; 3 days later Matrigel containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was injected at the same site. In other experiments AdCMV.p53 was injected simultaneously with an Ad vector coding for vascular endothelial growth factor (AdCMV.VEGF165) into the rat perirenal fat tissue. AdCMV.p53 significantly inhibited neovascularization induced by bFGF within the Matrigel plugs (P < 0.05) or by AdCMV.VEGF165 in the fat tissue (P < 0.05). Thus, the anti-angiogenic effect of Ad-mediated wild-type p53 overexpression may contribute to the ability of this viral vector to inhibit tumor growth.
Improved Survival for Sarcomas of the Wrist and Hand

Purpose To evaluate survival characteristics of malignant hand tumors compared with those occurring in other musculoskeletal locations over a 30-year period. Methods Patients were identified through a computerized database maintained at the authors' institution over the past 30 years. Each patient's records were reviewed retrospectively. Diagnoses were categorized and survival data for patients with hand malignancies were compared with those of patients having similar tumors in other musculoskeletal sites by using multivariate statistical analysis. Results The most common malignancies were epitheloid sarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Improved survival during the follow-up period was found for hand malignancies versus those occurring in other musculoskeletal sites as a whole, and this difference was statistically significant. No significant survival benefit was identified for individual tumors. Conclusions Patients presenting with primary malignancies of the hand may survive longer than those with similar tumors in other musculoskeletal locations Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic, Level II.
The Archaeology of Regions, edited by Suzanne K. Fish and Stephen A. Kowalewski, Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington D.C. 1989

Eight papers report on full-coverage archaeological survey of regions, plus three commentator's discussions, argue for the value of full coverage rather than sampled surveys. As several authors note, no one would reject the potential of full-coverage surveys, yet it is a historical fact that most American archaeologists assume these are impractical and unnecessary, or worse, naive.