cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing Physicians’ Roles on Health Care Ethics Committees

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of physicians on HEC including structural and process features. Four committees were selected from among 12 volunteering to participate with 12 sessions observed. Power analysis (0.8) confirmed an adequate number of communication exchanges, and no statistical significant difference (p < 0.05) among two prior surveys affirmed the sample. Data collection included established questionnaires and communication analyses with a tested method. Results revealed physician presence was robust and similar to prior reports on HEC structure; however, physicians rated their role effectiveness lower than other occupations and lower than overall committee effectiveness. Communication exchanges representing process revealed three positive communication types, and consistent attempts to aid committee functions through consensual processes that also were substantiated by non-physician members. Findings suggested more attention to both structural and process functions of HEC and their members.
Aging of collagen: comparative rates in four mammalian species.

Abstract Resistance to collagenase digestion was used to compare rates of collagen aging in rat, dog, macaque, and man. The apparent rates were different for each species. Rat collagen was uniformly and readily digested, even at low calcium ion concentration where human collagen is digested slowly. Dog, macaque and human collagens all showed evidence of a progressive, age-related, increased stabilization. Some older dog specimens showed a much greater extent of stabilization than human specimens of the same chronological age, but similar if relative lifespans are used. These results demonstrate the problems caused by uncritically extrapolating an age-related observation from a short-lived species such as rat to a long-lived species such as human.
Reversible tyrosine phosphorylation of cdc2: Dephosphorylation accompanies activation during entry into mitosis

Tyrosine phosphorylation of cdc2 is regulated in the cell cycle of mouse 3T3 fibroblasts. Phosphotyrosine in cdc2 is detectable at the onset of DNA synthesis and becomes maximal in the G2 phase of the cell cycle. Quantitative tyrosine dephosphorylation of cdc2 occurs during entry into mitosis and no phosphotyrosine is detected during the G1 phase of the cell cycle. While increasing tyrosine phosphorylation of cdc2 correlates with the formation of a cdc2/p62 complex, the tyrosine phosphorylated cdc2 is inactive as a histone H1 kinase. cdc2 is fully dephosphorylated in its most active mitotic form, yet specific tyrosine dephosphorylation of interphase cdc2 in vitro is insufficient to activate the kinase. In vivo inhibition of tyrosine dephosphorylation by exposure of cells to a phosphatase inhibitor is associated with G2 arrest, which is reversible upon the removal of the phosphatase inhibitor. Tyrosine dephosphorylation of cdc2 may be one of a number of obligatory steps in the mitotic activation of the kinase.
The Embedded Curved Boundary Method for Orthogonal Simulation Meshes

A method for incorporating piecewise-linear approximations to curved boundaries is developed for codes using orthogonal meshes. The resulting method retains much of the fidelity of adaptive triangle meshes in 2D while retaining essentially all of the speed of traditional methods relying on banded matrix solutions. We find this technique useful for situations lying between the crude but fast stairstep approximation and the elegant but slower adaptive mesh techniques. This method provides a practical approach to problems such as space charge emission while retaining the simplicity and run time advantage of orthogonal-mesh-based codes. Examples from space-charge-limited flow between curved electrodes are given.
A study of particle emission from a radio frequency driven ferroelectric plasma thruster

Summary form only given. Many propulsion concepts exist for micropropulsion such as MEMS fabricated thrusters and pulsed plasma thrusters. The ferroelectric plasma thruster (FEPT) is a new micropropulsion concept. Preliminary calculations show that the thruster will ideally have specific impulse of 2000-3000 s, thrust of .1-1 mN, and specific power of 15 W/mN. The FEPT is a ferroelectric plasma source driven by oscillating high voltage at RF frequencies. The ferroelectric plasma source produces plasma at a surface partially covered by an electrode when the spontaneous polarization vector is reversed by application of an oscillating electric field. Thrust is generated by the FEPT by acceleration of ions from the surface plasma via the ponderomotive force. Potential advantages of the FEPT include the absence of the complicating components of a neutralizer and external acceleration grids. At the University of Missouri Plasma Physics, Engineering, and Technology Laboratory, experiments are being conducted on optimizing a FEPT for microspacecraft propulsion. This includes measurements of total electron and ion current emitted from the device as well as the energy distribution of the emitted ions. The requirements for plasma formation and the pulse-to-pulse reliability of formation will be studied. In addition, the effect of applied voltage amplitude, number of pulses per burst, electrode dimensions, and background gas pressure will be explored
Homologues for prolactin-like proteins A and B are present in the mouse.

The prolactin (PRL) family consists of a collection of proteins expressed in the uterus, placenta, and anterior pituitary. These cytokines/hormones are hypothesized to control maternal-fetal adaptations to pregnancy. Establishment of mouse models for members of the PRL family expands the experimental repertoire available for investigations on their biological activities. In this report, we establish the presence of mouse homologues for two rat members, PRL-like protein-A (PLP-A) and PLP-B. We present data on their cDNAs and describe aspects of their expression in uteroplacental tissues. A mouse genomic DNA fragment was found to hybridize with a rat PLP-A cDNA. Perusal of the National Center for Biotechnology Information dbEST database resulted in the identification of several putative mouse PLP-A cDNAs and a single putative mouse PLP-B cDNA. The cDNAs were obtained from the IMAGE consortium and Research Genetics and sequenced, and their corresponding mRNAs and proteins were characterized. Overall, mouse PLP-A and PLP-B showed considerable similarities with rat PLP-A and PLP-B in both structure and expression. PLP-A was expressed in both trophoblast giant cells and spongiotrophoblast cells, whereas PLPB was expressed in decidual and spongiotrophoblast cells. However, some notable exceptions were evident. Mouse PLP-A contained a single putative N-linked glycosylation site and consisted of a single 29-kDa protein species, whereas rat PLP-A contained two putative N-linked glycosylation sites and consisted of two protein species, of 29 and 33 kDa. Subtle differences in the expression patterns in the mouse and rat are also apparent. In summary, we have established the presence of PLP-A and PLPB in the mouse. The findings expand our knowledge of these two cytokines/hormones and provide additional strategies for studying their function.
VEGF-mediated fusion in the generation of uniluminal vascular spheroids

Embryonic mouse allantoic tissue (E8.5) was cultured in hanging drops to generate a three-dimensional vascular micro-tissue. The resulting tissue spheroids had an inner network of small diameter vessels expressing platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) and an outer layer of cells expressing SMαA, SM22-α, and SM-MHC. In a subsequent phase of culture, the fusion-promoting activity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was used to transform the inner network of small diameter endothelial tubes into a contiguous layer of cells expressing PECAM-1, CD34, and VE-cadherin that circumscribed a central lumen-like cavity. The blood vessel-like character of the VEGF-treated spheroids was further demonstrated by their physiologically relevant vasodilatory and contractile responses, including contraction induced by KCl and relaxation stimulated by high-density lipoproteins and acetylcholine-induced nitric oxide production. Developmental Dynamics 237:2918–2925, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Break for Physical Activity: Incorporating Classroom-Based Physical Activity Breaks into Preschools

Engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is essential to lifelong health and wellness. Physical activity behaviors established in early childhood relate to physical activity behaviors in later years. However, research has shown that children are adopting more sedentary behaviors. Incorporating structured and planned physical activity breaks into classroom transition times is an inexpensive and effective technique to increase children’s physical activity during school hours. However, this approach has not been studied in preschool settings. The purpose of this paper is to provide a simple, cost-effective method that incorporates structured physical activity into the preschool curriculum through classroom based physical activity breaks. Results of a case study along with an overview of the implementation of physical activity breaks are discussed.
A Biomechanical Analysis of Four Sprint Start Positions

The sprint starts of 12 skilled collegiate sprinter/hurdlers were filmed for four different sprint start conditions. Ground reaction forces were collected for the first step out of the blocks and velocities through a 2-m speed trap immediately following the first support phase were recorded. The subjects employed their preferred right-left leg placement in the blocks, while the anterior-posterior spacing of the front block with respect to the starting line and the amount of forward lean in the set position were varied. Four positions were constructed that accounted for anthropometric differences. The four positions consisted of combinations of two arm orientations (forward lean and perpendicular to ground) and two front block to starting line distances (bunched and elongated). Kinematic data were reduced to provide center of mass position and velocity measures and analyzed for critical periods throughout the starting action. Selected critical events from the first step kinetic records were also analyzed. The results indicated that the elongated starting positions resulted in greater horizontal displacement, greater propelling impulse, increased first step toe-off velocity, and greater average velocity through a 2-m speed trap. Arm orientation effects were less well defined. Forward lean tended to result in greater vertical velocity at block clearance and horizontal velocity at first step toe-off, whereas perpendicular arm positioning resulted in greater 2-m speed trap velocity.
Bovine adrenal cells secrete interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor in vitro.

Abstract Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are secreted and/or synthesized by the rat and human adrenal cortex. In this study, the release of IL-6 and TNF from bovine adrenal cells was determined. Bovine adrenal glandswere collected from an abattoir and dissected into the zona glomerulosa (ZG), zona fasciculata(ZF), zona reticularis (ZR), and medulla. The tissues wereenzymatically dispersed to single cells and culturedfor 4–6 days. The cells were then exposed (4 h) to angiotensin II (AII), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), phorbol dibutyrate (PDB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-1α (IL-1α), and endotoxin (LPS). The IL-6 and TNF content of the incubation medium was determined by bioassays. The release of IL-6 and TNF from the ZG, ZF, ZR, and medulla was increased by PDB, IL-1α, IL-1β, and LPS. In contrast, ACTH and AII increased IL-6 release from the ZG, ZF, and ZR but had no effect on IL-6 release from the medulla. ACTH decreased TNF release from all adrenal cortical zones but had no effect on TNF release from the medulla. Immunohistochemistry utilizing antibodies against TNFα demonstrated TNFα-containing cells throughout the adrenal gland. The majority of the cells of the ZG, ZF, and ZR contained TNFα. However, the cells of the ZG contained more TNFα than the cells of the ZR or ZF. Small patches of TNFα-containing cells were also found in the adrenal medulla and capsule. These findings support the hypothesis that IL-6 and TNF may have autocrine/paracrine effects on the adrenal gland.
Effects of Rainfall and the Potential Influence of Climate Change on Two Congeneric Tortoise Species

Abstract Comparison of the resource accumulation patterns exhibited by related species inhabiting disparate hydrological conditions can provide insight into how they are affected by and respond to different environments. We compared the seasonal body condition of the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) in the Mojave Desert with that of the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) in central Florida. We assessed body condition indirectly, with indices derived from the relationship between body mass and size. In turtles, variation in body mass largely reflects tissue hydration, water stored in the bladder, and food stored in the gut. Mean body condition was lower and seasonal fluctuations were of lesser amplitude in the gopher tortoise than in the desert tortoise. Over the short term, body condition of the desert tortoise is correlated strongly with rainfall, but body condition of the gopher tortoise is not. These differences between the two species are consistent with what is known about their physiology and...
Sensitivity of inbred and selectively bred mice to ethanol.

Abstract The Long-Sleep (LS) and Short-Sleep (SS) mice were bred for differences in sensitivity to ethanol as measured by duration of loss of the righting response (sleep time). The foundation population was a heterogeneous stock (HS) which was derived from a cross of eight inbred strains. Ethanol-induced sleep time and waking blood and brain ethanol levels were measured in the eight inbred strains, LS, SS and HS mice. The C3H and ISBI strains were quite resistant to ethanol as measured by sleep time, and only one, RIII, was very sensitive. Waking ethanol concentrations were similar for all of the inbreds, implying a narrow range of central nervous system sensitivity to ethanol. The HS mice had relatively short sleep times and blood ethanol levels equal to most of the inbreds. The LS mice were significantly more, and the SS mice significantly less sensitive to ethanol than any of the inbreds or HS mice. These studies suggest that the extremes of CNS sensitivities to ethanol manifested by the LS and SS mice cannot be traced to any of the inbred strains, and must have arisen through the selection process by changes in allelic frequencies of those genes conferring ethanol sensitivity and resistance.
Atmospheric expansion from Joule heating

Abstract An expression for the vertical velocity of the neutral atmosphere in the F-region is derived for Joule heating by the electric field that drives the auroral electrojet. When only vertical expansion is allowed, it is found that the vertical wind must always increase monotonically with altitude. The heating rate is proportional to the F-region ion density, so that appreciable heating, even during high electric fields, requires some production mechanism of ionization such as auroral secondary ionization or solar photoionization, in the lower F-region. Once started at night, when an ionizing source is present in the lower F-region, the expansion of the atmosphere transports ionization upward, thereby increasing the heating rate, and hence the expansion rate, i.e. positive feedback. Electric field strengths and F-region ion densities of 50 mV/m and 2 × 1011e/m3, respectively, will produce vertal neutral wind speeds of several tens of m/sec in the 300–500 km altitude range. During periods of high magnetic activity, i.e. high electric field, Joule heating can produce large increases in the relative N2 concentration in the upper F-region; computations made with a simple model suggest that tenfold increases can occur at 400 km altitude 1 2−1 hr after the onset of magnetic activity, a result in agreement with satellite observations. When the Joule heating theory is applied to incoherent scatter data taken during one period of high heating, the horizontal electric field in the F-region is found to decrease markedly, possibly approaching zero as the field penetrates a weak, discrete auroral arc; the decrease began 10–20 km from the arc.
TWIST SEQUENCES AND VASSILIEV INVARIANTS

In this paper we describe a difference sequence technique, hereafter referred to as the twist sequence technique, for studying Vassiliev invariants. This technique is used to show that Vassiliev invariants have polynomial growth on certain sequences of knots. Restrictions of Vassiliev invariants to the sequence of (2, 2i + 1) torus knots are characterized. As a corollary it is shown that genus, crossing number, signature, and unknotting number are not Vassiliev invariants. This characterization also determines the topological information about (2, 2i + 1) torus knots encoded in finite-type invariants. The main result obtained is that the complement of the space of Vassiliev invariants is dense in the space of all numeric knot invariants. Finally, we show that the uniform limit of a sequence of Vassiliev invariants must be a Vassiliev invariant.
Phosphorylation of myocardin by extracellular signal-regulated kinase.

The contractile phenotype of smooth muscle (SM) cells is controlled by serum response factor (SRF), which drives the expression of SM-specific genes including SM α-actin, SM22, and others. Myocardin is a cardiac and SM-restricted coactivator of SRF that is necessary for SM gene transcription. Growth factors inducing proliferation of SM cells inhibit SM gene transcription, in a manner dependent on the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases ERK1/2. In this study, we found that ERK1/2 phosphorylates mouse myocardin (isoform B) at four sites (Ser812, Ser859, Ser866, and Thr893), all of which are located within the transactivation domain of myocardin. The single mutation of each site either to alanine or to aspartate has no effect on the ability of myocardin to activate SRF. However, the phosphomimetic mutation of all four sites to aspartate (4×D) significantly impairs activation of SRF by myocardin, whereas the phosphodeficient mutation of all four sites to alanine (4×A) has no effect. This translates to a reduced ability of the 4×D (but not of 4×A) mutant of myocardin to stimulate expression of SM α-actin and SM22, as assessed by corresponding promoter, mRNA, or protein assays. Furthermore, we found that phosphorylation of myocardin at these sites impairs its interaction with acetyltransferase, cAMP response element-binding protein-binding protein, which is known to promote the transcriptional activity of myocardin. In conclusion, we describe a novel mode of modulation of SM gene transcription by ERK1/2 through a direct phosphorylation of myocardin.
SOME PYROCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF PYROPHYLLITE

Two samples of pyrophyllite from North Carolina were heated at temperatures from 400° to 1400°C. Studies of weight loss, volume change, and other heat effects were made. X-ray examinations were made of the unheated and heated samples to determine the minerals present. Pyrophyllite lost its water of constitution between 400° and 700°C without any heat effect or breakdown of the crystal lattice. There was, however, an increased separation of the alumino-silicate layers reflected in a permanent linear expansion. Between 1000° and 1100°C, the dehydrated pyrophyllite decomposed, one of the products being mullite. In the presence of small quantities of vanadic and tungstic oxides, mullite and cristo-balite were noticed at a lower temperature; boric oxide had no effect.
A quantitative fluorimetric assay for the determination of oxidant production by polymorphonuclear leukocytes: Its use in the simultaneous fluorimetric assay of cellular activation processes

A fluorimetric assay for the indirect determination of superoxide production during the respiratory burst of stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes was described. The method allowed the determination of submicromolar concentrations of superoxide, and was sufficiently sensitive that first-derivative kinetic analysis of the respiratory burst could be quickly analyzed. Conditions for the simultaneous fluorimetric analysis of superoxide production and intracellular calcium fluxes were described.
Avoiding unintended tradeoffs by integrating life-cycle impact assessment with urban metabolism

Urban sustainability assessment should integrate urban metabolism and life-cycle impact assessment to develop an integrated multi-scale framework for evaluating resource depletion and damages to human health and environmental quality. A streamlined framework can be developed by employing emerging neighborhood-scale data, improving resource depletion and damage to human health and environmental quality characterizations, including socio-demographic characteristics, and integrating methods for making decisions with uncertainty. Foundational elements and an analytical path exist to integrate urban metabolism and life-cycle impact assessment in a streamlined manner. Urban sustainability practitioners must eventually develop new methods for integrating social, institutional, and cultural forces instead of focusing on physical systems.
Bone marrow mononuclear cells induce beneficial remodeling and reduce diastolic dysfunction in the left ventricle of hypertensive SS/MCWi rats.

Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) increase capillary density and reduce fibrosis in rodents after myocardial infarction, resulting in an overall improvement in left ventricular function. Littl...
Non-newtonian behavior of an insoluble monolayer: effects of inertia.

Interfacial velocity measurements were performed in an optical annular channel, consisting of stationary inner and outer cylinders, a floor rotating at a constant rate, and a flat free surface on which an insoluble monolayer was initially spread. Measurements for essentially inviscid monolayers and some viscous monolayers on water show good agreement with numerical predictions for a Newtonian interface (Boussinesq-Scriven surface model) coupled to a bulk flow described by the Navier-Stokes equations. Here, we consider in detail a viscous monolayer, namely hemicyanine, and find that above a certain concentration, the monolayer does not behave Newtonian at a Reynolds number of about 250. We show that the discrepancies between the measurements and predicted Newtonian behavior are not due to compositional effects (i.e., nonuniform monolayer distribution), Reynolds number (i.e., inertia and/or secondary flows), or surface dilatational viscosity (which does not play any role in the parameter regime investigated). We show prima facie evidence that the observed shear thinning nature of the velocity profile is associated with a phase transition at C approximately 0.9 mg/m(2) at low Reynolds numbers. At large Reynolds numbers (Re=8500), hemicyanine is found to flow like a viscous Newtonian monolayer on the air/water interface, with viscosity dependent only on the local concentration.
Sharp lower and upper bounds for the Gaussian rank of a graph

An open problem in graphical Gaussian models is to determine the smallest number of observations needed to guarantee the existence of the maximum likelihood estimator of the covariance matrix with probability one. In this paper we formulate a closely related problem in which the existence of the maximum likelihood estimator is guaranteed for all generic observations. We call the number determined by this problem the Gaussian rank of the graph representing the model. We prove that the Gaussian rank is strictly between the subgraph connectivity number and the graph degeneracy number. These bounds are sharper than the bounds known in the literature and furthermore computable in polynomial time.
Calcium-dependent prolonged effects on melanophores of [4-norleucine, 7-D-phenylalanine]-alpha-melanotropin

A single injection of the melanotropin analog [4-norleucine, 7-D-phenylalanine]-alpha-melanotropin into frogs (Rana pipiens) caused near maximum darkening of the skins of the frogs for at least 6 weeks. Injections of the natural hormone alpha-melanotropin or of the analog [Nle4]-alpha-melanotropin also caused darkening, but this effect lasted only a few days. Morphological examination of the skins of frogs injected with [Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha-melanotropin revealed that both dermal and epidermal melanophores were dispersed during the entire 6-week period. In vitro [Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha-melanotropin also causes prolonged darkening of the skin of the lizard Anolis carolinensis. In the absence of the melanotropin, skins previously darkened with the analog could be lightened by removal of calcium from the incubation medium but could then be redarkened by adding calcium. The cycle could be repeated indefinitely without addition of melanotropin. These results demonstrate the role of calcium in receptor signal transduction and the prolonged biological effects of [Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha-melanotropin long after its removal from the assay medium.
CD8αα and T Cell Memory

Following a robust immune response to a foreign pathogen, most activated T cells die whereas a few survive to become memory T cells. Immunologists continue to debate how T cells know whether they are to become effector T cells that die at the end of the immune response or memory T cells that persist ready to respond to the same antigen if it is encountered again. In their Perspective, [Kim and Flavell][1] discuss new findings ([ Madakamutil et al .][2]) that identify the homotypic CD8 molecule, CD8, as the marker that tags a subpopulation of T cells to become memory cells. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/304/5670/529 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/304/5670/590
Resolution of components of the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll-protein 668 and its phototransformation product in Atriplex hortensis

The absorption spectra of a highly purified water-soluble chlorophyll-protein, CP 668, obtained from upper leaves of Atriplex hortensis L., and its phototransformation product have been measured and analyzed as sums of component curves. The difference spectrum before and after transformation has the same major peaks as those previously reported for a preparation from Chenopodium. The curve resolution indicates that, unlike some previous studies with preparations from other species of CP 668 from Atriplex, the main red band is a single, though somewhat unsymmetrical, component very much like the chlorophyll α 670 (Ca 670) common to all green plants. The “740” band of the phototransformed material, however, appears to have at least two components. The amounts of photoconversion of this pigment-protein was more extensive than any complex previously studied. The converted material had a far-red to red absorbance ratio of 2.6.
Intra-genotypic diversity of archival G4P[8] human rotaviruses from Washington, DC.

Abstract Group A human rotaviruses (RVs) remain the most frequently detected viral agents associated with acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children. Despite their medical importance, relatively few complete genome sequences have been determined for commonly circulating G/P-type strains (i.e., G1P[8], G2P[4], G3P[8], G4P[8], and G9P[8]). In the current study, we sequenced the genomes of 11 G4P[8] isolates from stool specimens that were collected in Washington, DC during the years of 1974–1991. We found that the VP7–VP4–VP6–VP1–VP2–VP3–NSP1–NSP2–NSP3–NSP4–NSP5/6-encoding genes of all 11 G4P[8] RVs have the genotypes of G4-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1. By constructing phylogenetic trees for each gene, extensive intra-genotypic diversity was revealed among the G4P[8] RVs, and new sub-genotype gene alleles were identified. Several of these alleles are nearly identical to those of G3P[8] isolates previously sequenced from this same Washington, DC collection, strongly suggesting that the RVs underwent gene reassortment. On the other hand, we observed that some G4P[8] RVs exhibit completely different allele-based genome constellations, despite being collected during the same epidemic season; there was no evidence of gene reassortment between these strains. This observation extends our previous findings and supports the notion that stable, genetically-distinct clades of human RVs with the same G/P-type can co-circulate in a community. Interestingly, the sub-genotype gene alleles found in some of the DC RVs share a close evolutionary relationship with genes of more contemporary human strains. Thus, archival human RVs sequenced in this study might represent evolutionary precursors to modern-day strains.
Moduli, matter scalars, and low energy superstring Lagrangians

Abstract A general method for calculating effective Lagrangians from the accidental symmetries of the string generating functional is discussed. We use this method to derive the Kahler potentials for the moduli of Z N orbifolds. Accidental symmetries are also used to construct the Kahler potential for the moduli of the Z 3 orbifold coupled to 27 and 27 matter scalars. This work provides a string theoretic explanation of the origin of no-scale models in superstring theories. Finally, the Zamolodchikov metric associated with the Z 3 orbifold coupled to 27 and 27 matter scalars is evaluated. It is shown to be identical to the metric in the scalar kinetic energy of the effective Lagrangian determined using accidental symmetries.
Parents' resources and home management of the care of chronically ill infants.

purpose. To identify resources of parents or primary caretakers who managed chronically ill infants at home and to determine psychometric properties of Home Care Resources Inventory (HCRI) design. Cross-sectional, descriptive setting. Outpatient clinics participants. Parents or primary caretakers (N = 100) of chronically ill infants who were discharged from hospital at least one week; 93% of sample were mothers; infants' ages ranged from 1–22 months main outcome measures. HCRI, the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory, and a demographic questionnaire results. Parents reported strong resources in the area of support and inconsistent resources in areas of coping, time, and respite. The HCRI has acceptable psychometric properties. conclusions. Identifying resources, especially personal time and respite, is essential for successful home management of chronically ill infants. The HCRI can be used to pinpoint areas that are strong or weak in the two resource areas measured.
History of Helicobacter pylori, duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer and gastric cancer

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection underlies gastric ulcer disease, gastric cancer and duodenal ulcer disease. The disease expression reflects the pattern and extent of gastritis/gastric atrophy (i.e., duodenal ulcer with non-atrophic and gastric ulcer and gastric cancer with atrophic gastritis). Gastric and duodenal ulcers and gastric cancer have been known for thousands of years. Ulcers are generally non-fatal and until the 20th century were difficult to diagnose. However, the presence and pattern of gastritis in past civilizations can be deduced based on the diseases present. It has been suggested that gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer both arose or became more frequent in Europe in the 19th century. Here, we show that gastric cancer and gastric ulcer were present throughout the 17th to 19th centuries consistent with atrophic gastritis being the predominant pattern, as it proved to be when it could be examined directly in the late 19th century. The environment before the 20th century favored acquisition of H. pylori infection and atrophic gastritis (e.g., poor sanitation and standards of living, seasonal diets poor in fresh fruits and vegetables, especially in winter, vitamin deficiencies, and frequent febrile infections in childhood). The latter part of the 19th century saw improvements in standards of living, sanitation, and diets with a corresponding decrease in rate of development of atrophic gastritis allowing duodenal ulcers to become more prominent. In the early 20th century physician's believed they could diagnose ulcers clinically and that the diagnosis required hospitalization for "surgical disease" or for "Sippy" diets. We show that while H. pylori remained common and virulent in Europe and the United States, environmental changes resulted in changes of the pattern of gastritis producing a change in the manifestations of H. pylori infections and subsequently to a rapid decline in transmission and a rapid decline in all H. pylori-related diseases.
Validation of Nuclear Reaction Codes for Proton-Induced Radiation Effects: The Case for CEM03

Experimental cross-section data for the interaction of protons with Al, Co, and Au at intermediate energies are compared with the predictions of the nuclear reaction models CEM03, BIC, Bertini INC, and INCL-ABLA. Fission cross-section data for the interaction of protons with W and Au in the energy range 50 MeV-3 GeV are also compared with the considered models. The study reveals that all of the models are satisfactory in limited ranges. However, of these, the CEM03 code from Los Alamos exhibits the broadest applicability for radiation effects computations.
TAXONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF GENETICS IN RYEGRASSES (LOLIUM)

Introduction 1 3 138 Chromosome numbers and karyotypes .139 Inheritance of morphological characteristics . .140 Natural interspecific and intergeneric hybrids . .141 Self-fertility and cross-fertility..142 Interspecific crosses..143 1. Cross-pollinated group .143 2. Self-pollinated group .145 3. Cross-pollinted x self-pollinated groups .145 Intergeneric crosses.. . 148
Probabilistic deployment for multiple sensor systems

The performance of many multi-sensor systems can be significantly improved by using a priori environmental information and sensor data to plan the movements of sensor platforms that are later deployed with the purpose of improving the quality of the final detection and classification results. However, existing path planning algorithms and ad-hoc data processing (e.g., fusion) techniques do not allow for the systematic treatment of multiple and heterogeneous sensors and their platforms. This paper presents a method that combines Bayesian network inference with probabilistic roadmap (PRM) planners to utilize the information obtained by different sensors and their level of uncertainty. The uncertainty of prior sensed information is represented by entropy values obtained from the Bayesian network (BN) models of the respective sensor measurement processes. The PRM algorithm is modified to utilize the entropy distribution in optimizing the path of posterior sensor platforms that have the following objectives: (1) improve the quality of the sensed information, i.e., through fusion, (2) minimize the distance traveled by the platforms, and (3) avoid obstacles. This so-called Probabilistic Deployment (PD) method is applied to a demining system comprised of ground-penetrating radars (GPR), electromagnetic (EMI), and infrared sensors (IR) installed on ground platforms, to detect and classify buried mines. Numerical simulations show that PD is more efficient than path planning techniques that do not utilize a priori information, such as complete coverage, random coverage method, or PRM methods that do not utilize Bayesian inference.
Comparison of cycle outcome for gamete intrafallopian transfer alone and in combination with intrauterine embryo transfer.

As an alternative to embryo cryopreservation, the efficacy of intrauterine transcervical transfer of a small number of embryos resulting from fertilization of supernumerary oocytes obtained during a GIFT cycle (GIFT-ET) was assessed in this investigation. Data from 72 consecutive GIFT (N =27) and GIFT-ET (N =45) cycles were retrospectively reviewed. Age and infertility diagnoses were similar among the two groups. Clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, and abortion rates per retrieval were not significantly different between the two groups. We conclude that GIFT-ET offers no advantage over GIFT alone and that cryopreservation of all supernumerary embryos with intrauterine transfer in subsequent cycles would maximize pregnancy rates from a single oocyte aspiration and GIFT procedure.
Beyond paradigm: Making transcultural connections in a scientific translation of acupuncture

This paper examines the ways in which the acupuncture phenomenon is translated into scientific language through the mobilization of functional magnetic resonance imaging. In doing so, it explores how differences between science and traditional medicine are bridged and negotiated through an open-ended tuning process among heterogeneous elements. By showing the constructive interaction between traditional medicine and science, I aim to refute a conception of East Asian medicines as culturally bounded and to provide an interpretation of transculturalism that emphasizes its diverse and hybrid formations. Particularly, in order to explain the scientific translation of acupuncture, I refer to Andrew Pickering's "mangle of practice" as an alternative to Thomas Kuhn's paradigm. Adopting a performative perspective rather than a representational one with regard to science, I read the scientific interpretation of acupuncture as an interactive stabilization between the acupuncture phenomenon, neurological theory, and the material procedure of the MRI machine.
Comet Giacobini‐Zinner: Comparison of a post‐encounter image with in‐situ and groundbased observations

An unfiltered image of Comet Giacobini-Zinner was obtained 16 hours after the ICE encounter. While it is not possible to separate the dust, gas and plasma components of the "white light" image, comparisons of the visible structures with ICE in-situ plasma and field observations, groundbased optical data, and computer simulation results suggest that the image shows emission from plasma structures along the equivalent ICE trajectory.
Applications of automatic identification technologies across the I.E. curriculum

Abstract The prevailing focus on enterprise-wide integration rather than a narrow focus on the effectiveness of functional areas places more stringent requirements for data integrity as enabler for effective coordination of the activities required to carry out the functions necessary for attaining the organizational mission. Automatic Identification (Auto ID) technologies provide an avenue for attaining a totally integrative enterprise management. For this reason, it is imperative that the I.E. curriculum, under the coverage of systems approach to design and operation, be adequately infused the various Auto. ID technologies and concepts as they apply to the vast areas of interest in the field. These technologies are critical to the success of a number of key areas of particular interest to the industrial engineer, including automated manufacturing systems, distribution, inventory control and other computer facilitated activities related to enterprise integration. This paper focuses on bar-codes, and the approach that has been taken at the I.E. department at North Carolina A&T State University to achieve integration throughout the curriculum.
Inactivation of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in an animal model of relapse: effects on conditioned cue-induced reinstatement and its enhancement by yohimbine.

Rationale Drug-associated cues and stress increase craving and lead to greater risk of relapse in abstinent drug users. Animal models of reinstatement of drug seeking have been utilized to study the neural circuitry by which either drug-associated cues or stress exposure elicit drug seeking. Recent evidence has shown a strong enhancing effect of yohimbine stress on subsequent cue-elicited reinstatement; however, there has been no examination of the neural substrates of this interactive effect.
Effects of maternal chlorpromazine on offspring nervous system development.

Abstract Administration of chlorpromazine (7 mg/kg/day) to rat dams from day 8 of pregnancy until the pups were weaned produced small but statistically significant decreases in litter size and birth weight. The difference in pup weight was no longer present at the time of weaning. The offspring of chlorpromazine-treated dams were less able to maintain body temperature in response to restrained cold stress as determined when they were 60–65 days of age. They also incorporated significantly less 14 C from tyrosine into heart norepinephrine during acute cold exposure. No differences in incorporation of 14 C into norepinephrine from tyrosine were evident when the animals were not subjected to cold stress. Similarly treated offspring did not have an increase in superior cervical ganglion tyrosine hydroxylase activity after 48 hr of cold exposure while the offspring of control dams did have a significant increase in the activity of this enzyme. These data suggest that maternal administration of chlorpromazine produces a permanent alteration in the ability of the offspring to respond to cold stress and that this deficit is related to an alteration in nervous system development.
Failure analysis of the Columbia space shuttle glass windshields

The silica glass windshields failed under brittle fracture conditions during the devastating destruction of the Columbia space shuttle. Macroscopic analysis and the use of a stereomicroscope on two fragments of the windows showed that each had one critical crack origin. The crack tips could be traced by the Wallner lines making up the mirror zones along the fracture surfaces of the samples. Particle impact zones along the fracture surfaces of the specimens implied that the windshields failed during breakup and were bombarded with debris during re-entry. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to identify the preexisting coatings found on the front and rear faces of the samples.
Welfare-improving competition for mobile capital

Abstract This paper constructs a model in which regions provide firms with a public input, financed by taxes that residents choose to levy on capital and wage income. Self-interested government officials face incentives to provide the public input, because its positive impact on labor and capital productivity leads to larger tax bases. The positive relation between tax revenue and the public input is strengthened if capital is mobile across regions. Government officials engage in “expenditure competition,” leaving residents better off than they would be in the absence of capital mobility. To further enhance public sector incentives, residents may choose to tax capital income at a positive rate, although investment is discouraged.
Poisson-Boltzmann Calculations of Nonspecific Salt Effects on Protein-Protein Binding Free Energies

The salt dependence of the binding free energy of five protein-protein hetero-dimers and two homo-dimers/tetramers was calculated from numerical solutions to the Poisson-Boltzmann equation. Overall, the agreement with experimental values is very good. In all cases except one involving the highly charged lactoglobulin homo-dimer, increasing the salt concentration is found both experimentally and theoretically to decrease the binding affinity. To clarify the source of salt effects, the salt-dependent free energy of binding is partitioned into screening terms and to self-energy terms that involve the interaction of the charge distribution of a monomer with its own ion atmosphere. In six of the seven complexes studied, screening makes the largest contribution but self-energy effects can also be significant. The calculated salt effects are found to be insensitive to force-field parameters and to the internal dielectric constant assigned to the monomers. Nonlinearities due to high charge densities, which are extremely important in the binding of proteins to negatively charged membrane surfaces and to nucleic acids, make much smaller contributions to the protein-protein complexes studied here, with the exception of highly charged lactoglobulin dimers. Our results indicate that the Poisson-Boltzmann equation captures much of the physical basis of the nonspecific salt dependence of protein-protein complexation.
Quantitation of 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) by radioimmunoassay.

Abstract Antibodies against 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) were produced in rabbits by immunizing the animal with 13-HODE-thyroglobulin conjugate. The antibodies appeared to be rather specific for 13-HODE since other hydroxy fatty acids showed minimal crossreaction. The radioimmunoassay was capable of detecting 50 pg per assay tube and was applied to the study of the biosynthesis of 13-HODE in platelets and leukocytes. In contrast to reported findings from endothelial cells, A-23187, thrombin and collagen stimulated synthesis and release of 13-HODE from platelets. However, insignificant synthesis of 13-HODE was found in leukocytes following A-23187 stimulation. Exogenous addition of linoleic acid stimulated the synthesis of 13-HODE from both platelets and leukocytes. The majority of 13-HODE synthesized was found in the medium. These studies suggest that both types of blood cells possess active (ω-6) lipoxygenase. Platelets may use endogenously released linoleic acid to synthesize 13-HODE, whereas leukocytes may utilize linoleic acid released from other cell types for 13-HODE synthesis.
Effects of Size and Load on Transport Properties of Nanoscale Metal-Oxide Interfaces

With interface sizes rapidly reducing to the nanometer scale, it has become vital to understand how size and structure can affect transport behavior between materials in order to tune the energy barrier for various applications. Here, the fabrication of Schottky Barriers between Au nanoparticles and doped SrTiO3 materials is reported. The effect of nanoparticle size on the transport properties is clearly evident providing an excellent opportunity to compare new theory on transport characteristics at the nanoscale to classical theory to determine the method that is most effective in predicting nanoscale transport properties.
Mount Hudson's 1991 eruption provides Holocene palaeoclimatic insights

A study of the 1991 eruption of Mt Hudson, a volcano located in southern Chile, was carried out using NOAA Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) and Landsat-7 “Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+)” imagery. It investigated the plume movements and dispersal trajectories of the volcanic material ejected during this eruption and identified the potential air-fall regions for Mt Hudson's Holocene eruptions. For validation purposes, the satellite imagery was combined with field data and isopach distributions of the August 1991 eruption and two Holocene eruptions, dated at 3600 BP and 6700 BP. The elliptical isopach distributions and the well-defined dispersal axes of the 6700 BP and August 1991 events indicate the existence of stable wind conditions at the time of the eruptions. In contrast, the 3600 BP event presents a circular isopach distribution, reflecting the dispersal effects of variable winds. This contribution will provide further insights regarding the pa...
Kernel Classification via Integrated Squared Error

Nonparametric kernel methods are widely used and proven to be successful in many statistical learning problems. Wellknown examples include the kernel density estimate (KDE) for density estimation and the support vector machine (SVM) for classification. We propose a kernel classifier that optimizes an integrated squared error (ISE) criterion based on a "difference of densities" formulation. Our classifier is sparse, like SVMs, and performs comparably to state-of-the-art kernel methods. Furthermore, and unlike SVMs, the ISE criterion does not require the user to set any unknown regularization parameters. As a consequence, classifier training is faster than for support vector methods.