cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paracrine Control of Photomembrane Removal

Photomembrane turnover in vertebrate photoreceptors is regulated by light. Rod outer segments (ROS) shed membrane filled tips at light onset, during the coexistence of two light modulated processes: a dark priming factor and a light induction event. Transduction of these two signals is not direct but appears to involve the neural retina and diffusible paracrine molecules. I propose a model wherein three paracrines control this ROS tip shedding. Melatonin, a lipid soluble dark priming molecule, is synthesized in the dark by all photoreceptor cells, diffusing freely and separating the ROS disk membranes. A second paracrine, dopamine is released from the inner retina whenever light is absorbed by the 502 nm-cones, inhibiting melatonin synthesis. Third, a proposed trophic paracrine, "rostrophin", is released in the dark from internal horizontal cells, and stabilizes the photomembrane. Shedding occurs as rostrophin decreases in the presence melatonin; briefly at light onset or continuously in red or dim white light.
Classification tree and minimum‐volume ellipsoid analyses of the distribution of ponderosa pine in the western USA

Aim Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex Lawson & C. Lawson) is an economically and ecologically important conifer that has a wide geographic range in the western USA, but is mostly absent from the geographic centre of its distribution – the Great Basin and adjoining mountain ranges. Much of its modern range was achieved by migration of geographically distinct Sierra Nevada (P. ponderosa var. ponderosa) and Rocky Mountain (P. ponderosa var. scopulorum) varieties in the last 10,000 years. Previous research has confirmed genetic differences between the two varieties, and measurable genetic exchange occurs where their ranges now overlap in western Montana. A variety of approaches in bioclimatic modelling is required to explore the ecological differences between these varieties and their implications for historical biogeography and impending changes in western landscapes.
Testicular radionuclide angiography and static imaging: anatomy, scintigraphic interpretation, and clinical indications.

Radionuclide testicular angiography and static imaging is an easy, rapidly performed study. Its usefulness in separating acute testicular torsion from acute epididymitis has been confirmed. Increased angiographic perfusion with definition of the testicular and deferential arteries In the spermatic cord and the pudendal artery posteriorly is equated with inflammation. Intense increased vascularity on the blood pool image is seen in abscess and acute Inflammation, while cases of tumor and trauma have mild increases. Acute or missed testicular torsion, uncomplicated hydroceles, and spermatoceles show absent vascularity. On the static images, decreased activity is characteristic of the shape and location of the avascular structure. Technical factors are stressed.
Changes induced by sustained pressure in the knee joint articular cartilage of adult rabbits

The right knees of rabbits were rigidly fixed with metal clamps midway between full flexion and full extension. After six dayas the knees of six were preserved while clamped. Twenty other rabbits were sacrificed after 16 days. Ten received colchicine on the eighth, eleventh and fifteenth day following clamp application. Their knees were preserved after clamp removal. The femoral and tibial articular cartilages subjected to pressure for six days were extremely compressed but viable. In knees clamped for 16 days the changes found were related to the amount of knee movement present at autopsy. Where it was small but easily detectable the cartilages were normal. Where there was no movement the cartilage was dead. Where it was only slight variable cartilage changes were found ranging from surface abradement, Matrix swelling, enlargement of lacunae and chondrocytes, increased number of cells per lacuna, and an occasional chondrocyte in mitosis, to an extensive matrix alteration resulting in the disappearance of lacunae, chondrocytes released from the confines of lacunae and interspersed among a meshwork of fine collagen fibers, and a few released chondrocytes in mitosis. The most extensive change was where the cartilage defect area was occupied by a mass of proliferating richly-cellular tissue. The knee articular cartilage changes of this experiment are compared with those occurring during pregnancy in the pubic symphyseal cartilage of mice.
Interferon-α therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia

PURPOSE: To provide a status report on the use of interferon (IFN)-alpha in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). DATA SOURCES: Data on IFN-alpha therapy for CML collected from published articles identified in a MEDLINE computer search. RESULTS: Previously untreated patients with low-risk factors and early-stage disease consistently had the best results in clinical trials. A dose response was seen, with patients treated with dosages of 5 million units (MU)/m2 per day showing the greatest incidence of cytogenetic remissions. In addition, randomized trials showed a survival advantage for IFN-alpha-treated patients. In studies comparing IFN-alpha therapy to chemotherapy, IFN-alpha produced significantly more major and durable cytogenetic responses than chemotherapy did. In studies combining IFN-alpha and chemotherapy, patients had significantly more cytogenetic responses, although more patient accrual and follow-up data are needed to offer conclusive statements concerning durability of response. IFN-alpha also showed activity in maintaining remissions after both chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: IFN-alpha has significant activity in patients with CML, with best results at dosages of 5 MU/m2 per day. At these dosages, in patients with early-stage, Philadelphia+ CML, hematologic response rates of 70% to 80% and cytogenetic response rates of 50% (approximately 20% of which were complete) are seen. One randomized trial shows a survival advantage with cytogenetic response in IFN-alpha-treated patients, and this advantage appears to be unrelated to the degree of that response. These questions remain under study.
Gas-liquid interface temperature rise in the case of temperature-dependent physical, transport and reaction properties

Abstract This paper anlyzes the problem of gas-liquid interface temperature rise for a first order gas-liquid reaction when the diffusion coefficient, solubility and reaction rate coefficient are dependent upon temperature. The analysis indicates that as long as the quantity ϵ eff , which is numerically equal to ϵ S − (ϵ + ϵ R /2 (wherein ϵ S , ϵ D and ϵ R are the dimensionless temperature-solubility, temperature-diffusion coefficient and temperature-reaction rate constant coefficients) is zero, Danckwerts' analysis [1–3] is useful for the calculations of large rise in gas-liquid interface temperature. For ϵ eff ≠ 0, the paper presents approximate empirical correlations for calculating gas-liquid interface temperature rise with the knowledge of Danckwerts' analysis and the magnitude of ϵ eff .
Investigation of the effect of solder flux residues on RF signal integrity using real circuits

Purpose – Provide information on the effects of flux residues from surface mount assembly on radio frequency (RF) performance.Design/methodology/approach – A series of test vehicles designed to evaluate the RF performance on various test patterns and some simple circuits. Empirical testing is used in determining the data.Findings – Provides a methodology for checking the performance of flux residues as well as information on the performance of a few different flux residue types.Research limitations/implications – This is not an all encompassing project and the results may not extrapolate out to higher frequency ranges.Practical implications – A good source of reference that can be used to understand the impacts of the assembly process on RF performance.Originality/value – This paper shows the effect of assembly materials (flux residues) on a real circuit and not just test patterns. It can give a basic understanding to process engineers of the potential impact of the assembly process on a RF circuit.
A comparative study of the susceptibility of acid fast bacilli to streptomycin, PAS, neomycin and 4-acetylaminobenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone.

SUMMARY Thirty-seven different strains of acid fast bacilli, E. coli and staph. aureus were used as test organisms against streptomycin, PAS, neomycin and 4-Acetylaminobenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone. Human type tubercle bacilli were inhibited by all of the above agents, virulent bovine bacilli by all but PAS, avian bacilli were resistant to all but streptomycin, while BCG and the saprophytic strains were susceptible to streptomycin and neomycin but unaffected by PAS or 4-Acetylaminobenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone. These characteristic reaction patterns are useful in the identification and classification of strains of acid fast bacilli.
Challenges of Antibiotic Prescribing for Assisted Living Residents: Perspectives of Providers, Staff, Residents, and Family Members

Objectives: To better understand the antibiotic prescribing process in assisted living (AL) communities given the growing rate of antibiotic resistance. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Four AL communities in North Carolina. Participants: Assisted living residents who received antibiotics (n = 30) from October 20, 2010, to March 31, 2011, a primary family member, staff, and the prescribing medical provider. Measurements: Semistructured interviews that were conducted regarding prescribing included the information available at the time of prescribing and the perceptions of the quality of communication between providers, staff, residents and family members about the resident. Providers were asked an open-ended question regarding how to improve the communication process related to antibiotic prescribing for AL residents. Results: For the 30 residents who received antibiotic prescriptions, providers often had limited information about the case and lacked familiarity with the residents, the residents' families, and staff. They also felt that cases were less severe and less likely to require an antibiotic than did residents, families, and staff. Providers identified several ways to improve the communication process, including better written documentation and staff and family presence. Conclusion: In a small sample of AL communities, providers faced an array of challenges in making antibiotic prescribing decisions. This work confirms the complex nature of antibiotic prescribing in AL communities and indicates that further work is needed to determine how to improve the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing.
Effectiveness of leading-edge vortex flaps on 60 and 75 degree delta wings

A series of wind tunnel tests were run on 60 and 75 deg sweep delta wings to examine the effectiveness of leading-edge vortex flaps. Tests results showed that leading-edge vortex flaps are effective in giving large increases in lift-to-drag ratio and decreases in drag over a wide range of angle of attack. Tests on inverted flaps on the 60 deg delta wing showed substantial increases in lift and drag and may indicate a possibility of using inverted flaps on delta wings in the landing portion of flight. The 60 deg data were compared with that for a 75 deg sweep delta wing confirming that leading-edge vortex flap effectiveness is stronger as sweep is increased. Pitching moment effects due to vortex flaps use were also examined.
Management of high-risk coronary angioplasty.

Abstract Many advances have been made in the decade since Dr. Andreas Gruentzig performed the first percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. The technique, which started out as a nonsurgical revascularization procedure for 1-vessel disease, has spread to use in multivessel disease and acute myocardial infarction. Over the last several years, a number of refinements have made angioplasty safer. These techniques/devices have been applied to high-risk patients to allow angioplasty to be performed safely. High-risk patients include those with large amounts of myocardium at jeopardy from a single target lesion and those patients with reduced left ventricular function. The techniques/devices that enhance safety include: (1) the use of a perfusion balloon catheter, (2) infusion of oxygen-carrying substances to the distal coronary artery, (3) coronary sinus retroperfusion, (4) intraaortic balloon pump support, and (5) supported angioplasty.
Median sternotomy and use of a pedicled sternocleidomastoid muscle flap in the management of recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula

Recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula may complicate primary repair of congenital tracheoesophageal fistula. Standard treatment involves repair via a right lateral thoracotomy and use of adjacent soft tissues to separate the suture lines of the fistulous openings. The authors describe an alternative approach via a median sternotomy, which improves access, reduces the operating time required to identify the recurrent fistula, and enables the use of a pedicled sternocleidomastoid muscle flap to decrease the risk of refistulization.
MATRICES OF BISIMPLE REGULAR SEMIGROUPS

A semigroup S is a matrix of subsemigroups Siμ, i e I, μ e M if the Siμ form a partition of S and SiμSjν≤Siν for all i, j in I, μ, ν in M. If all the Siμ are bisimple regular semigroups, then S is a bisimple regular semigroup. Properties of S are considered when the Siμ are bisimple and regular; for example, if S is orthodox then each element of S has an inverse in every component Siμ.
Enhanced expression of chemotactic receptors in multiple sclerosis lesions

We have previously shown that astrocytes and microglia express the receptors for C5a, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP) in vitro. The expression and function of chemotactic receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) is, however, largely unexplored. In this study, we examined tissue sections from normal human brain and active, chronic active and chronic silent multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions for the expression of the receptors for C5a, IL-8 and FMLP by immunohistochemistry. In normal brain tissue, the expression of all three receptors was seen at low levels on astrocytes and microglia. In contrast, expression for all three receptors was markedly elevated on foamy macrophages in the acute and chronic active MS lesions. In addition, fibrous astrocytes stained intensely for the C5a receptor in the chronic active disease. Receptor expression in the chronic silent lesion was low and similar to that seen in normal brain, with staining confined to a few hypertrophic astrocytes and foamy macrophages. These are the first studies to demonstrate expression of these receptors in the CNS and elevated receptor expression in inflammatory MS lesions. The data suggest that these chemotactic receptors may play a role in inflammatory responses in MS and possibly in other CNS diseases.
UNDERSTANDING “DESTARILIZATION”: THE UNITED STATES IMPERATIVE

The U.S. policy of trying to destabilize the Sandinista regime in Nicaragua violates accepted principles of international law. Based on the long-standing principles of “humanitarian intervention” of the Nuremberg Judgment and Article 7 o f the U.N. General Assembly's 1974 Definition of Aggression and American traditional acceptance of the principles of natural law, the Nicaraguan intervention in El Salvador may be interpreted as law enforcement. The United States, on the other hand, is not acting on behalf of the international law of human rights in its llcovertll counter-revolutionary operation in Nicaragua but i s acting to restore repression in Nicaragua. The trouble with U.S. policy in Central America is the Reagan administrationls simplified reliance on the East/West, “free versus nonfree” nations as the only meaningful axis of its foreign policy. This leads to acceptance of the might makes right doctrine and U.S. support for repressive regimes in such places as Guatemala and Haiti. These policies not only are unlawful and contrary toour best political traditions, but are verylikely to fail.
Art Education for Life

In this paper I argue that art is a search for meaning, and should be taught and learned in that context. The immediate goal is to understand ourselves and others better, allowing more intelligent and meaningful action in the arena of life. Toward that end, I suggest that the social agenda of art education, in a world that is both increasingly interdependent and turbulent, can be the construction of community through personal, group–centred, and cross–cultural understandings approached through art. I examine traditionalism, modernism, postmodernism, and contemporary visual culture for content and strategies to serve the purposes of art for life, and construct the outline of a model for instruction utilizing those concerns. Finally, I make a case that thematically mining and creating art works, performances, and visual culture for aesthetic significance that ultimately frames, forms and enhances meaning is the primary strategy for this construction of community, not in the tribal sense, but universally.
How Can Psychological Theory Help Cities Increase Walking and Bicycling

Problem, research strategy, and findings: Planners need a clear understanding of what influences walking and bicycling behavior to develop effective strategies to increase use of those modes. Transportation practitioners have largely focused on infrastructure and the built environment, although researchers have found that attitudes are also very important. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) suggests that behavior such as active transportation results from a mixture of personal attitudes toward these modes, subjective norms, and a person's perceived behavioral control, giving us a way to conceptualize psychological factors that influence travel behavior. Using data from a random phone survey of three neighborhoods in Portland (OR), we test whether TPB explains the possible causal relationships among the built environment, socio-demographics, and active transportation. We find that both the built environment and demographics influence cycling and walking, although indirectly, by influencing attitudes and ...
Ambiguities in the inference of precompound emission from excitation function analysis

We address several indirect methods of deducing neutron emission energies in heavy ion reactions. It is shown that a pure statistical decay process can lead to apparently very high average neutron kinetic energies. It is shown that the result follows from prejudicial gating due to ignoring charged particle emission, and that the error is present even if only the xn channels are measured and analyzed. It is concluded that interpretation of experimental results vis-a-vis precompound particle emission must be performed with extreme caution when other than direct particle spectral measurements are performed.
Molecular dynamics algorithm for flexible molecules using normal coordinates

A new algorithm for the treatment of flexible molecules in molecular dynamics simulation is presented. The equations of motion are formulated in terms of centre-of-mass position, quaternions, normal coordinates, and the corresponding momenta. Advantage is taken of the nearly harmonic motion of the normal coordinates by employing special purpose methods devised for the integration of trigonometric functions. Compared to simulations using Cartesian coordinates, much larger time steps can be used without affecting energy conservation. The algorithm is applied to liquids of diatomic molecules resembling nitrogen and to a model for liquid carbon tetrachloride. A time step acceptable for most applications turns out to be nearly independent of the internal frequencies involved, and is of the same size as is appropriate for the rigid molecule case.
Event-by-event physics in NA49

Abstract NA49 event-by-event analysis of mean p t for primary hadrons in 100,000 central Pb-Pb events is discussed. This analysis includes application of the Φ pt variance-comparison measure as a central-limit test for incomplete equilibration. An extension of the analysis to N -〈 p t 〉 covariance and two-point momentum correlations is also addressed.
Spontaneous emission from an excited atom in the presence of N atoms and M modes.

The long-time behavior of the number of photons in a mode of the electromagnetic field is given in closed form in terms of elementary functions when there is initially one (two-level) atom excited in the presence of $N$ unexcited identical atoms and $M$ field modes. The radiation trapping which occurs with only one mode disappears when the number of modes $M$ approaches the total number of atoms in the continuum mode approximation.
Computation of turbulent flows on rotating bodies and ducts

A K-epsilon model for three-dimensional boundary layers modified to include anisotropy and one modified for rotating flows are described. Based on these models, the predictions of a space-marching code show good agreement with the flow data for a rotating cylinder and a rotating channel.
Emerging resistance to antibiotics: impact on respiratory infections in the outpatient setting

Background To review the major mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and provide an overview of currently available oral antibiotics. This article discusses the impact of antibiotic resistance on respiratory infections (eg, otitis media, sinusitis, and pneumonia) encountered in the outpatient setting and appropriate management strategies for these infections are proposed. Data sources A MEDLINE search was performed to identify recent references from the English language pertinent to this topic. Proposed management schemes for infections due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria were derived from current literature as well as the opinion of the authors. Results Currently available oral antibiotics including penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, trimethroprim/sulfamethoxazole, and clindamycin continue to provide effective therapeutic options despite the increasing importance of antibiotic resistance in bacteria causing respiratory tract infections in the outpatient setting. The effectiveness of a given agent may no longer be assured, leading to the need for development of updated management strategies for patients experiencing treatment failure with antibiotics. Diagnostic strategies (ie, tympanocentesis) and novel treatment algorithms (eg, use of amoxicillin in combination with amoxicillin/clavulanate) for patients experiencing clinical failures potentially due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria are proposed. Conclusions The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria (especially penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae ) is leading to new approaches to the management of common respiratory infections in the outpatient setting. Additional experience and careful clinical trials are necessary to identify optimal management strategies for these infections.
On Ring Grooming in optical networks

An instance I of Ring Grooming consists of m sets A1,A2,…, Am from the universe {0, 1,…, n − 1} and an integer g ≥ 2. The unrestricted variant of Ring Grooming, referred to as Unrestricted Ring Grooming, seeks a partition {P1 , P2, …,Pk} of {1, 2, …, m} such that \( \vert P_{i} \vert \leq g\) for each 1 ≤ i ≤ k and \( \sum _{i=1}^{k}\vert \bigcup_{r\in P_{i}}A_{r}\vert \) is minimized. The restricted variant of Ring Grooming, referred to as Restricted Ring Grooming, seeks a partition \(\{ P_{1},P_{2},\ldots,P_{\lceil \frac{m}{g}\rceil}\}\) of {1,2,…,m} such that | Pi| ≤ g for each \(1\leq i\leq\lceil \frac {m}{g}\rceil \) and \( \sum_{i=1}^{k}\vert \bigcup_{r\in P_{i}} A_{r}\vert \) is minimized. If g = 2, we provide an optimal polynomial-time algorithm for both variants. If g > 2, we prove that both both variants are NP-hard even with fixed g. When g is a power of two, we propose an approximation algorithm called iterative matching. Its approximation ratio is exactly 1.5 when g = 4, at most 2.5 when g = 8, and at most \(\frac{g}{2}\) in general while it is conjectured to be at most \(\frac{g}{4}+\frac{1}{2}\). The iterative matching algorithm is also extended for Unrestricted Ring Grooming with arbitrary g, and a loose upper bound on its approximation ratio is \(\lceil \frac{g}{2}\rceil \) . In addition, set-cover based approximation algorithms have been proposed for both Unrestricted Ring Grooming and Restricted Ring Grooming. They have approximation ratios of at most 1 + log g, but running time in polynomial of mg.
A Revised Index of Interrater Agreement for Multi-Item Ratings of a Single Target

The commonly used form of rwg. (J) can display irregular behavior, so four variants of this index were examined. An alternative index, r*wg. J, is recommended. This index is an inverse linear function of the ratio of the average obtained variance to the variance of uniformly distributed random error. r*wg.Jis superficially similar to Cronbach’s α, but careful examination confirms that r*wg.Jis an index of agreement, not reliability. Based on an examination of the small-sample behavior of rwgand r*wg.J, sample sizes of 10 or more raters are recommended.
Complications of obstetric anesthesia

T HIS ARTICLE focuses on complications that practicing obstetric (OB) anesthesiologists face today. I focus primarily on complications associated with labor epidurals because anesthesiologists are seeing increased demand by both patients and surgeons to provide labor analgesia. 1'2 And because maternal death is usually caused by failed or esophageal intubation and aspiration, I discuss the management of difficult airway, along with several life-threatening events peculiar to parturients.
Rat liver membrane preparations

Abstract The quality of rat liver plasma membranes was examined using three different methods of preparation. Hypotonic Ca ++ -free preparation media were compared with hypotonic Ca ++ media and with isotonic Ca ++ media. The plasma membranes prepared in hypotonic Ca ++ free media were as pure or better than the other two preparation types, while the (Na + K + )-MgATPase, MgATPase, and the ADPase specific activities were higher. The AMPase specific activities were of similar value for all three types of preparation.
Tanshinone IIA inhibits viral oncogene expression leading to apoptosis and inhibition of cervical cancer

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the well-established etiological factor of cervical cancer. E6 and E7 oncoproteins expressed by HPV are known to inactivate tumor suppressor proteins p53 and pRb, respectively. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is a diterpenoid naphthoquinone found in the traditional Chinese medicine Danshen (Salvia sp.). Tan IIA has been shown to possess anti-tumor activity against several cancer types. In this study we show that Tan IIA potently inhibited proliferation of the human cervical cancer CaSki, SiHa, HeLa and C33a cells. Mechanistically in HPV positive CaSki cells, Tan IIA was found to (i) downregulate expression of HPV E6 and E7 genes and modulate associated proteins E6AP and E2F1, (ii) cause S phase cell cycle arrest, (iii) induce accumulation of p53 and alter expression of p53-dependent targets, (iv) modulate pRb and related proteins, and (v) cause p53-mediated apoptosis by moderating Bcl2, Bax, caspase-3, and PARP cleavage expressions. In vivo, Tan IIA resulted in over 66% reduction in tumor volume of cervical cancer xenograft in athymic nude mice. Tan IIA treated tumor tissues had lower expression of proliferation marker PCNA and changes in apoptosis targets were in agreement with in vitro studies, further confirming reduced proliferation and involvement of multiple targets behind anti-cancer effects. This is the first demonstration of Tan IIA to possess significant anti-viral activity by repressing HPV oncogenes leading to inhibition of cervical cancer. Together, our data suggest that Tan IIA can be exploited as a potent therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of cervical and other HPV-related cancers.
Calculation of the Luminous Efficiency of Ionized Cesium Vapor

Theoretical computations are given for the radiation and electrical characteristics of the cesium discharge for pressure and power input above the range of present experimental technique. For a given pressure and temperature the electron concentration is given by Saha’s equation, the resistivity depends on the temperature and electron concentration and for sufficiently high pressures the power input is not much greater than the total power radiated by the vapor. The power radiated is evaluated from values of the emissivity times the radiant flux of a blackbody at the vapor temperature. Graphical integration gives the total radiant and luminous flux. An optimum luminous efficiency of about 180 lumens per watt is estimated for a fairly wide range of conditions centering around tube diameter 1 cm, pressure 176 mm, and temperature 6000°K. This requires a current of about 300 amperes and a gradient of 22 volts per cm. The brightness temperature is 5400°K and the color temperature roughly 3700°K. At 760 mm the brightness and color are nearly those of a blackbody. Values for various conditions are tabulated.
A reversal in the ratio of estrone and estradiol during late pregnancy in the uterine vein of ovariectomized rhesus monkeys.

To evaluate hormone secretion by the fetoplacental unit in the absence of ovaries, eight rhesus monkeys were ovariectomized on days 22 or 48–50 after mating and blood samples were obtained from the uterine and femoral veins during the remainder of pregnancy. Estradiol declined significantly (P < 0.05) in uterine vein samples from about day 100, becoming equivalent to that in the peripheral circulation near the time of delivery. During the same interval, uterine vein estrone increased significantly (P < 0.01) and reached the highest concentrations at delivery. Changes in the peripheral concentrations of these two steroids were smaller but followed a similar pattern. Progesterone in these samples varied in an apparent random manner. After delivery, all three steroids declined to low levels. Serum concentrations of CG were undetectable in all uterine vein samples taken after day 37 of pregnancy. These observations indicate that estrogen production by the fetoplacental unit undergoes a distinct adjustment in ...
Designing and Evaluating the Campus Organ Donor Project

The researchers in this study report on the effectiveness of a health campaign called the Campus Organ Donor Project. The campaign consisted of two parts: a media component and a face-to-face component. The media campaign involved a public service announcement that focused on potential knowledge gaps within the target audience (i.e., college students). The public service announcement took a positive and light approach, using college-aged actors. The face-to-face component involved a presentation that included an organ procurement organization representative and a college-aged member of a donor family. College students exposed to both parts of the campaign reported more knowledge about organ donation and were more likely to sign an organ donor consent form than college students at a different institution who were not exposed to either component of the campaign (who served as the control group).
Aneurysmal bone cyst of the mandible

The case of a 48-year-old male patient with a slowly growing mass in the right molar region of the mandible is presented. The biopsy specimen showed an aneurysmal bone cyst. After radiation therapy failed to arrest the process, the patient was treated surgically via an external approach. Between the time of the initial presentation and the date of definitive surgery 9 months later, a dramatic change was noted in the roentgenographic pattern of the lesion, demonstrating early and late stages in the development of an aneurysmal bone cyst. There has been no recurrence in a 17-year follow-up period.
The bonding of ferrous iron to sulfur and oxygen in tetrahedral coordination: A comparative study using SCF Xα scattered wave molecular orbital calculations

Abstract Molecular quantum mechanical calculations have been performed on high-spin ferrous iron tetrahedrally coordinated to sulfur and oxygen, respectively. The molecular orbital energies obtained from the calculations are compared with experimental optical and X-ray emission spectra. Good agreement was found between calculated and experimental spectral transition energies for the optical absorption spectra of Fe2+ in sphalerite, of Fe2+ in FeAl2O4, staurolite and (Zn, Fe)O, and for the FeKβ X-ray emission spectra of FeCr2O4. This both clarified interpretation of the spectra and established the validity of the calculations. Distinct differences occur in the molecular orbital structures of the sulfide and oxide clusters. In the sulfide, the crystal field type (mainly Fe 3d) molecular orbitals lie within the nonbonding (mainly S 3p) orbitais in energy, whereas in the oxide, they lie well above the 02p nonbonding orbitals. This also results in a wider valence band in the oxide than in the sulfide. The crystal field type (Fe 3d) molecular orbitais have more ligand character in the sulfide than the oxide and the chalcophilic properties of iron are partly attributed to this observation.
Prediction of Veno-Occlusive Disease Using Biomarkers of Endothelial Injury

Predicting the development of veno-occlusive disease (VOD) of the liver remains challenging. We hypothesized that biomarkers of endothelial injury in myeloablative allogeneic transplantation recipients could predict VOD occurrence. We evaluated 4 biomarkers—von Willebrand Factor (vWF), thrombomodulin, E-selectin, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1)—weekly in the peritransplantation period in an attempt to predict VOD. In the patients who received sirolimus, vWF, thrombomodulin, and sICAM-1 levels were significantly elevated in patients with VOD compared with those without VOD on day −1 (P ≤ .035), day +7 (P ≤ .0001), and day +14 (P ≤ .004). E-selectin was predictive on day +7 (P = .007). Levels of vWF ≥1400 IU/mL and thrombomodulin ≥100 ng/mL on day +7 were both 100% sensitive and 100% specific in predicting VOD. These biomarkers were informative when adjusted for other risk factors for VOD in regression analysis. Among patients not receiving sirolimus, biomarkers of endothelial injury were not informative. We conclude that vWF, thrombomodulin, and sICAM-1 elevations before and early after transplantation may be useful in predicting VOD in patients receiving sirolimus.
The effect of syllabic stress and syllabic organization on the identification of speech sounds

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of syllabic stress and segment structure on selective adaptation in speech. To this end, a CV place of articulation test continuum was selectively adapted by seven different adapting stimuli; the monosyllables [ba] and [ga], two disyllabic stimuli containing equal stress on both syllables, [baga] and [gabal, and three disyllabic stimuli ([baga]) in which stress placement varied and was cued by the acoustic parameters of fundamental frequency and duration. Results for the two adapting stimuli demonstrated significant [b] adaptation for the stimulus [ba] and significant [g] adaptation for [gal. Of the five other adapting stimuli, only [g] adaptation for the stimulus [baga] was found to be significant. These findings indicate that the operation of detector mechanisms susceptible to fatigue by an adapting stimulus are even more constrained than has heretofore been suggested. It appears that the adapting and test stimuli must not only have the same phonetic and syllable structure, but also the same syllabic organization.
Two-soliton interaction energy and the soliton lattice in polyacetylene

Making use of a variational solution $\ensuremath{\Delta}(x)$ the dimerization pattern, we calculate the interaction energy of two solitons within the Su, Shrieffer, and Heeger model for polyacetylene. It is found that two solitons attract each other in general except for the case of two solitons having the same charge and the case of the spin triplet pair of neutral solitons. We have also studied the electronic structure of a regular array of solitons with the same charge.
Implantable Cardioverter–Defibrillators: A New Preventive Medical Option

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD or defibrillator) therapy has revolutionized the fields of cardiology and electrophysiology. Hundreds of thousands of patients at risk for sudden cardiac death receive them each year. The devices are not much larger than a pacemaker, and they have full pacemaker capabilities in addition to being able to shock patients out of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. The Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial (MADIT) in 1996 was a landmark trial that showed for the first time a mortality benefit of ICD therapy over medications in patients at high risk for sudden death. Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial II, published in 2002, extended these results to all patients with ischemic heart failure with depressed heart function. Candidates for ICD implantation include most patients with an ejection fraction of <30%, especially those with coronary artery disease. More work needs to be done to define those patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathies who will benefit from ICDs and biventricular pacing for heart failure.
A Working Model of Skill Acquisition with Application to Teaching

(1972). A Working Model of Skill Acquisition with Application to Teaching. Quest: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 3-23.
Conversation skills training for socially isolated children

Abstract A social skills training program consisting of instructions, modeling, behavior rehearsal, performance feedback, and programmed generalization set was used to teach conversational behavior to four socially isolated children. Effects of training were assessed in a multiple-baseline analysis across behavior. Subjects were selected on the basis of peer sociometric ratings, a behavioral role-playing task, naturalistic observation, and teacher ratings. All subjects demonstrated noticeable improvement in the target behavior as well as in overall conversational ability. However, these gains were maintained unequally in the children at follow-up probe administrations (4-and 8-weeks). Generalization assessment revealed some transfer of treatment effects to the school setting for all children. Results are discussed in terms of the complexity of social isolation in children and factors which influenced generalizability of the treatment program.
The osmotic and activity coefficients of some pyrophosphates

Abstract Osmotic and activity coefficients are reported for three pyrophosphate salts: K4P2O7, Na4P2O7, and K2H2P2O7 at (298.15 ± 0.01) K. The results are discussed in terms of the pyrophosphates as models for biologically important compounds such as the sodium and potassium salts of adenosine-5′-triphosphate.
Marked reduction of cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase activity in virally transformed mouse fibroblasts.

Dibutyryl cAMP induced the accumulation of both cAMP phosphodiesterase and cGMP phosphodiesterase in normal mouse fibroblast (3T3) and transformed fibroblast (3T3-SV 40). The increase was larger with cAMP phosphodiesterase. Although both enzyme activities were reduced in the transformed cells, the reduction of cGMP phosphodiesterase was more pronounced. The differential increase of cAMP phosphodiesterase by B 2 cAMP and the disparate reduction of cGMP phosphodiesterase in the transformed cell suggest that the two enzymes are regulated separately.
Factors in myocardial "perfusion" imaging with ultrafast MRI and Gd-DTPA administration.

Ultrafast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and first pass observation of an interstitial contrast agent are currently being used to study myocardial perfusion. Image intensity, however, is a function of several Parameters, inculding the delivery of the contrast agent to the intersitium (coronary flow rate and diffusion into the intersitium) and the relaxation properties of the tissue (contrast agent concentration, proton exchange rates, and relative intra-and extracellular volume fractions). In this study, image intensity during gadopen tetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) adminstration with T1 weighted ultrafast MR imaging was assessed in an isolated heart preparation. With increasing Gd-DTPA concentration the steady-state myocardial image intensity increased but the time to reach steady state remained unchanged, resulting in an increased slope of image intensity change. A range of physiologic perfusion pressures (and resulting coronary flow rates) had insignificant effects on Gd-DTPA in wash in or steady-state image intensity, suggesting that diffusion of Gd-DTPA into the interstitium is the rate limiting step in image intensity change with this preparation. Following global ischemia and reperfusion, transmural differences in the slope of image intensity change were apparent. However, the altered steady state image intensity (due to postichemic edema) makes interpretation of this finding difficult. The studies described here demonstrte that although Gd-DTPA administration combined with ultrafast imaging may be a sensitive indicator of perfusion abnormalities factors other than perfusion will affect image intensity. Extensive studies will be required before image intensity with this protocol is fully understood. © 1991 Academic Press, Inc.
Observations of microphysical evolution in a High Plains thunderstorm anvil

Abstract An instrumented aircraft performed several penetrations of the upper regions of a U.S. High Plains thunderstorm anvil. The concentrations of particles larger than about 50 μm were up to 10 6 m −3 , which is much higher than has been found in some other studies of the anvil regions of thunderstorms. The spatial variation of microphysical population characteristics in the upper regions of the anvil is consistent with a size-sorting process and aggregation within the anvil region.
The role of cognitive functioning and distress in suicidal ideation in older adults.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of cognitive functioning and other clinical and demographic characteristics as potential predictors of suicidal ideation in older primary care patients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Primary care clinics at three Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, three community health centers, and two hospital networks. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen thousand five hundred ninety older adults without dementia who were receiving primary care (mean age+/-standard deviation 74.0+/-6.4; 62.8% men). MEASUREMENTS: Hierarchical logistic regressions were conducted with passive (e.g., thoughts of being better off dead) and active (e.g., thoughts of hurting one self) suicidal ideation as outcome variables. All demographic variables (age, sex, marital status, and ethnicity) were entered in the first block. All clinical variables (distress, cognitive functioning, alcohol consumption, and perceived health) were entered in the second block. RESULTS: In addition to the typical demographic predictors of late-life suicide (age, martial status, and ethnicity), having poorer cognitive functioning, poorer health, and greater mental distress were associated with passive suicidal ideation (chi-square (chi(2)) (14, n=14,618)=1,192.12, P<.001). Younger age, female sex, poorer cognitive functioning, and greater mental distress were associated with active suicidal ideation (chi(2)(14, n=14,605)=205.35, P<.001). CONCLUSION: Distress and cognitive impairment are the only two variables that consistently predicted passive and active suicidal ideation. Primary care providers who work with older adults need to take both into consideration when evaluating suicidal ideation. Language: en
Energy detectable by radiation detectors

It is customary to evaluate the detecting ability of radiation detectors by stating the noise equivalent input power, or its reciprocal the detectivity, as a function of the modulation frequency. The statement is often given in terms of the detectivity D*, which is the reciprocal of the noise equivalent power referred to unit bandwidth and unit area.But in this paper we are interested in the noise equivalent energy, not the noise equivalent power. The difference is more than a mere division or multiplication by time, because the noise equivalent power is usually given as a function of the modulation frequency of the radiation, whereas the noise equivalent energy must be given in terms of a pulse of radiation. The statement of the noise equivalent energy will be given in terms of the energy detectivity Δ*, which is the reciprocal of the noise equivalent energy referred to unit area of the detector.It will be shown that the maximum possible energy detectivity is given by Δm*=2[∫0∞[D*(f)]2df]12.This energy detectivity is, in fact, achieved if the radiation pulse is very short, and if the gain of the associated amplifier is suitably matched to the properties of the detector.
Mentor-Novice Relationships and Learning to Teach in Teacher Induction: A Critical Review of Research

This review examines the influences of teacher-mentor relationships on novice teachers' learning to teach and the program and school contexts shaping this relationship during teacher induction. It reviews systematically four bodies of empirical literature since 1995. They include the studies on the consequences of what mentors and novices do for novices' learning to teach and their student performances, the role of what mentors and novices brought into their relationship that shapes teacher mentoring relationship, the impacts of mentoring programs on mentor-novice relationships, and the influences of school contexts on mentor-novice relationships. The findings, research methodologies, and future directions for research about teacher mentoring relationship are synthesized and discussed in each section and at the end.
Prospective Evaluation of Arthroscopic Bankart Repairs for Anterior Instability

BackgroundArthroscopic treatment has evolved to become the primary surgical option in the management of anterior shoulder instability as studies show comparable outcomes between open and arthroscopic techniques.ObjectiveTo evaluate prospectively the results of our institutional database for arthroscopic Bankart repairs at a minimum 2-year follow-up for patients with anterior instability treated with suture anchors.Study DesignCase series; Level of evidence, 4.MethodsEighty-three consecutive patients underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair with suture anchors. The mean age at the time of surgery was 33 years (range, 15-55 years). At an average follow-up of 33 months (range, 24-49 months), 73 patients (61 males, 12 females) were assessed with outcomes scores including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, L'Insalata, and visual analog scores. The rate of recurrent instability, range of motion, and risk factors for postoperative recurrence were evaluated.ResultsThirteen patients (18%) suffered a recurrence...
The Type IV Pilus Assembly Complex: Biogenic Interactions among the Bundle-Forming Pilus Proteins of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli

Production of type IV bundle-forming pili (BFP) by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) requires the protein products of 12 genes of the 14-gene bfp operon. Antisera against each of these proteins were used to demonstrate that in-frame deletion of individual genes within the operon reduces the abundance of other bfp operon-encoded proteins. This result was demonstrated not to be due to downstream polar effects of the mutations but rather was taken as evidence for protein-protein interactions and their role in the stabilization of the BFP assembly complex. These data, combined with the results of cell compartment localization studies, suggest that pilus formation requires the presence of a topographically discrete assembly complex that is composed of BFP proteins in stoichiometric amounts. The assembly complex appears to consist of an inner membrane component containing three processed, pilin-like proteins, BfpI, -J, and -K, that localize with BfpE, -L, and -A (the major pilin subunit); an outer membrane, secretin-like component, BfpB and -G; and a periplasmic component composed of BfpU. Of these, only BfpL consistently localizes with both the inner and outer membranes and thus, together with BfpU, may articulate between the Bfp proteins in the inner membrane and outer membrane compartments.