cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgeons', nurses' and bereaved families' attitudes toward dying in the burn centre

Abstract Because death of a patient is one of the most emotionally disruptive events in the health professionals' life as well as the bereaved, it was hypothesized that surgeons' and nurses' attitudes in the burn centre would interfere with their emotional support of the bereaved family. Consequently, we performed a psychometric assessment of the surgeons', nurses' and bereaved families' attitudes about death and dying in the burn centre. A psychometric instrument was developed and validated that assessed 13 surgical directors' of burn centres, 13 burn nurses' and nine bereaved family members' attitudes on death and dying in the burn centre. In the case of the bereaved family member, this instrument was complemented by interviews to ensure that the respondents understood each question. All surgeons and nurses were experienced health professionals working for an average of 12 ± 8 years and 3 ± 1 years respectively. The majority of burn surgeons (six) and the burn nurses (seven) found it to be emotionally difficult to support emotionally the bereaved family after the death of the patient. Over half the burn surgeons (seven) and nurses (seven) felt that the process of dealing with the bereaved family was different from that experienced in other hospital settings. The surgeons attributed this difference to the long duration of the patients' illnesses, while the nurses felt that it was due to the traumatic and painful qualities of burn injury. These emotional difficulties experienced by the staff in dealing with the dying patients were associated with a relatively low frequency of contact with the bereaved families after the patients' death. While six burn surgeons and ten burn nurses contacted the bereaved families by telephone, only one surgeon and three nurses sent a sympathy card to the families. One burn surgeon notified the family about the autopsy results. Two burn nurses were the only health professionals to attend a patient's funeral. All but one health professional felt that death and dying practices should be integrated into the medical school and nursing curricula. Despite the health professionals' perceived emotional difficulty in death-telling and low frequency of contact with bereaved families, all bereaved family members expressed considerable satisfaction with the care of the dying patient as well as their emotional support. Their high level of satisfaction was attributed to their perception of excellence of patient care as well as constant and supportive communication.
Low-dimensional topology and geometry

At the core of low-dimensional topology has been the classification of knots and links in the 3-sphere and the classification of 3- and 4-dimensional manifolds (see Wikipedia for the definitions of basic topological terms). Beginning with the introduction of hyperbolic geometry into knots and 3-manifolds by W. Thurston in the late 1970s, geometric tools have become vital to the subject.
A continuous culture device for protozoan cells.

SYNOPSIS. A continuous culture device suitable for controlled growth of Euglna gracilis is described. It could probably be adapted to other similar cell types with generation times no greater than 150–200 hrs.
Quenching of laser induced fluorescence of O2 (b1Σ+g) by O2 and N2

Abstract Molecular oxygen in the b 1 Σ + g electronic state was generated by direct excitation at 7628.225 A with a tunable dye laser. A new oxygen quenching rate constant of k = (4.0 ± 0.4) × 10 −17 cm 3 /molecule s was measured from the decay of fluorescence. A nitrogen quenching rate constant of k N 2 = (2.2 ± 0.1) × 10 −15 cm 3 /molecule s was obtained.
A kinetic study of the oxidation of the 2-, 3- and 4-pyridinecarboxaldehydes by aqueous Co(III) ions

Abstract The rates of oxidation of the 2-, 3- and 4-pyridinecarboxaldehydes by aqueous cobaltic perchlorate in perchloric acid media were found to decrease in the order 4-PA > 3-PA > 2-PA. The reactive species of oxidant was found to be the hydrolyzed cobaltic ion, Co(OH)(H2O)5++, and the reactive species of reductant showed indications of being the hydrated form of the aldehydes. No ionic strength effects were found. The rate law was the same for all three aldehydes, and was found to be Rate = k′2(Co(H2O)6+3)(PA)/(H+. Activation parameters were determined for the reactions of the three aldehydes.
Control Experiments on a Shoe String [Focus on Education]

When teaching control systems, it is important for students to implement controllers experimentally. Oftentimes off-the-shelf experimental systems are used to achieve this goal. These systems can have a number of advantages, such as repeatability, durability, and safety, and can be interesting and exciting for students.
Influences of caffeine, acetazolamide and cognitive stimulation on cerebral blood flow velocities

Assessment of cerebral blood flow velocities (CBFV) can be used as a non-invasive tool to evaluate specific drug effects, like caffeine (CAF), acetazolamide (AA) as well as cognition. Their influences on each others CBFV were evaluated in detail, using a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled three-fold cross-over study design in 18 right-handed healthy male volunteers. CBFV (maximal, mean, minimal) and pulsatility index of both middle cerebral arteries were recorded by transcranial Doppler ultrasound simultaneously, during a verbal memory test, oral CAF, intravenous AA or placebo. AA led to increase in CBFV of 25-32%. Caffeine resulted in decreased V(mean) and V(min) of 10-13%. Cognitive stimulation resulted in a slight increase of CBVF of about 4%, but was overruled by effects of AA and CAF. We conclude that pharmacological effects can easily be assessed by TCD during clinical pharmacological studies of vasoactive drugs. However intraindividual variability and effects of neuropsychological stimulation needs to be taken into account.
Direct conversion of alkenes into methyl-substituted cyclopropanes using an organoiron ethylidene transfer reagent☆

Abstract (η 5 -C 5 H 5 )(CO) 2 FeCH(CH 3 )SPh ( 8 ) serves as a quite useful reagent for the transfer of ethylidene groups to alkenes to give methyl-substituted cyclopropanes in good yields. The reaction is accomplished by allowing 8 to react with an alkylating agent such as trimethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate or methyl fluorosulfonate in the presence of the alkene substrate. The active ethylidene transfer reagent is apparently a sulfonium salt which is too reactive to be isolated under normal conditions. In all cases, cyclopropanes are obtained stereospecifically with respect to the configuration of the starting alkenes, and with certain classes of substrates such as cis -disubstituted alkenes, the reaction also occurs with very high syn -stereoselectivity.
Rapid synthesis of diamond by counter-flow liquid injection into an atmospheric pressure plasma jet

Abstract Diamond films with high growth rates of up to 1 mm/h have been deposited at atmospheric pressure in a counter-flow liquid injection DC thermal plasma reactor. A variety of liquid organics has been used as precursors to deposit diamond on different substrates. Diamond films have been obtained in all cases. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that the diamond films are well-faceted. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy have confirmed the phase purity of the diamond films. Exhaust gas samples from some diamond synthesis processes have been analyzed to determine the destruction and removal efficiencies for the input liquid precursors which have been also considered as simulants of toxic wastes.
Programmatic Status of Nasa's Csti High Capacity Power Stirling Space Power Converter Program

An overview is presented of the NASA Lewis Research Center Free-Piston Stirling Space Power Converter Technology Development Program. This work is being conducted under NASA's Civil Space Technology Initiative (CSTI). The goal of the CSTI High Capacity Power element is to develop the technology base needed to meet the long duration, high capacity power requirements for future NASA space initiatives. Efforts are focused upon increasing system thermal and electric energy conversion efficiency at least fivefold over current SP-100 technology, and on achieving systems that are compatible with space nuclear reactors. This paper will discuss the status of test activities with the Space Power Research Engine (SPRE). Design deficiencies are gradually being corrected and the power converter is now outputting 11.5 kWe at a temperature ratio of 2 (design output is 12.5 kWe). Detail designs have been completed for the 1050 K Component Test Power Converter (CTPC). The success of these and future designs is dependent upon supporting research and technology efforts including heat pipes, gas bearings, superalloy joining technologies and high efficiency alternators. This paper also provides an update of progress in these technologies.
Monitoring by Parents and Hypothesized Male-Female Differences in Evidence from a Nationally Representative Cohort Re-sampled from Age 12 to 17 Years: An Exploratory Study Using a "Mutoscope" Approach.

The link between adept parental monitoring (PM) and later positive behavioral and health outcomes already has motivated intervention trials, but questions remain about which specific facets and mechanisms of PM make a difference. Our current research questions concern fundamental male-female differences in PM facets as manifest in a US cohort, re-sampled each year at age 12 through 17 years during an interval from 2004 to 2009. We hypothesized emergence, by mid-adolescence, of a specific male-female difference in a “limit time with friends” (LTF) facet of adept PM, with overall PM levels held constant. The data, arranged using a “mutoscope” approach, are from six successive nationally representative independent cross-sectional sample surveys of the cohort, with each adolescent measured only once, via a multi-item PM module nested within the larger survey. Estimates and tests of male-female differences are from a “multiple indicators, multiple causes” latent structure model appropriate for complex survey data. In evidence consistent with the advance hypothesis and with PM level held constant via the model, the LTF facet generally was more relaxed for boys as compared to girls, in a difference that emerged by mid-adolescence, possibly due to greater LTF constraints for girls at mid-adolescence. This research adds to the knowledge base about male-female similarities and differences in facets of PM. As a specific PM facet, LTF might function as a mechanism suitable for deliberate intervention and as a possible specific target in “micro-trials” of new prevention research. We acknowledge limitations such as omitted variables, including social media effects, not measured in this investigation’s national surveys, but of potential importance in future research on peer influence as might have more distal parenting determinants.
Certification in infection control matters: Impact of infection control department characteristics and policies on rates of multidrug-resistant infections

Background The study objective is to describe infection control policies aimed at multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) in California hospitals and assess the relationship among these policies, structural characteristics, and rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) bloodstream infections and Clostridium difficile infections. Methods Data on infection control policies, structural characteristics, and MDRO rates were collected through a 2010 survey of California infection control departments. Bivariate and multivariable Poisson and negative binomial regressions were conducted. Results One hundred eighty hospitals provided data (response rate, 54%). Targeted MRSA screening upon admission was reported by the majority of hospitals (87%). The majority of hospitals implemented contact precautions for confirmed MDRO and C difficile patients; presumptive isolation/contact precautions for patients with pending screens were less frequently implemented. Few infection control policies were associated with lower MDRO rates. Hospitals with a certified infection control director had significantly lower rates of MRSA bloodstream infections ( P Conclusion Although most California hospitals are involved in activities to decrease MDRO, there is variation in specific activities utilized with the most focus placed on MRSA. This study highlights the importance of certification and its significant impact on infection rates. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings.
The use of a generic simulation model in evaluating manufacturing processes

Abstract In recent years the application of simulation models to analyze the production capabilities of manufacturing processes has been increasing at IBM's Poughkeepsie plant. To avoid major programming effort for each new application, a generic simulation model was developed. The model, written in SIMPL/1 (Simulation Language Based on PL/1), was designed in modules defined on a functional basis. This language was chosen because it allowed full use of the PL/1 programming language, reduced the excessive run times experienced with large, specialized GPSS models, simplified the procedure for making input changes and provided output that could be easily interpreted by the non-programmer. The input data bases are user-oriented so that changes can be made to the system being modeled without programming support. The output generated by the model can provide the user with information on resource utilization, major process bottlenecks, overtime requirements, process throughput and process cycle time. This data is evaluated by the user to determine how well the process functions under given operating conditions so that cost effective decisions can be made. An example is provided on the model's application to a logic and memory card assembly process.
Late life anxiety is associated with decreased memory and executive functioning in community dwelling older adults

Abstract This study assessed the degree to which anxiety and depression symptoms are associated with memory and executive functioning among community-dwelling older adults ( N = 120; M age = 74.9 years, SD = 7.2 years; 62% women). Participants completed the Geriatric Anxiety Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Comorbidity Index, California Verbal Learning Test, Second Edition (CVLT-II), and the Trail Making, Verbal Fluency, and 20 Questions subtests of the Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System (D–KEFS). Multiple regression analyses indicated that anxiety and depression predicted poorer ability to learn new information (CVLT-II, Trials 1-5). Both anxiety and depression predicted performance on the D–KEFS Trail Making test, Number–Letter Switching condition. Anxiety, but not depression, predicted decreased categorization as measured by the D–KEFS 20 Questions, Initial Abstraction Score. Depression but not anxiety, predicted performance on D–KEFS Letter Fluency and Category Fluency. Findings suggest that anxiety and depression have unique relationships with cognitive functioning in community-dwelling older adults.
POSTSELECTION-FREE ENERGY-TIME ENTANGLEMENT

We report a two-photon interference experiment that realizes a postselection-free test of Bell's inequality based on energy-time entanglement. In contrast with all previous experiments of this type, the employed entangled states are obtained without the use of a beam splitter or a short coincidence window to "throw away" unwanted amplitudes. A (95.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.4)% interference fringe visibility is observed, implying a strong violation of the Bell inequality. The scheme is very compact and has demonstrated excellent stability, suggesting that it may be useful, for example, in practical quantum cryptography.
Lysolipids reversibly inhibit Ca2+‐, GTP‐ and pH‐dependent fusion of biological membranes

Membrane fusion in exocytosis, intracellular trafficking, and enveloped viral infection is thought to be mediated by specialized proteins acting to merge membrane lipid bilayers. We now show that one class of naturally-occurring phospholipids, lysolipids, inhibits fusion between cell membranes, organelles, and between organelles and plasma membrane. Inhibition was reversible, did not correlate with lysis, and could be attributed to the molecular shape of lysolipids rather than to any specific chemical moiety. Fusion was arrested at a stage preceding fusion pore formation. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that biological fusion, irrespective of trigger, involves the formation of a highly bent intermediate between membranes, the fusion stalk.
When the donkey lost its fleas: persistence, minimal situations, and embedded quantifiers

This paper revisits the question of whether propositions in situation semantics must be persistent [Kratzer (1989). Linguistics and Philosophy, 12, 607–653]. It shows that ignoring persistence causes empirical problems for theories which use quantification over minimal situations as a solution for donkey anaphora [Elbourne (2005). Situations and individuals. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press]. At the same time, modifying these theories to incorporate persistence makes them incompatible with the use of situations for contextual restriction [Kratzer (2004). Ms., University of Massachusetts].
Natural evolution of coronavirus defective-interfering RNA involves RNA recombination

Defective-interfering (DI) RNAs of RNA viruses, in general, are generated and continue to evolve in size during serial undiluted passages of viruses. This evolution was thought to occur by independent generation of DI RNAs during virus passages and subsequent selection of new DI RNAs under new cellular conditions. Here we demonstrate that recombination between the old DI RNA and the helper viral RNA can be one of the mechanisms for natural DI RNA evolution. A mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) DI RNA, DIssE RNA, was transcribed in vitro and transfected into a mouse cell line infected with a different MHV strain (A59), which is distinguishable from the original natural helper MHV (JHM). During subsequent serial undiluted passages of the harvested virus, several novel DI RNA species were generated, while the original DIssE RNA disappeared by passage 11. cDNA cloning and sequence analysis of one of these novel DI RNAs, designated DI-2, revealed that it is composed of four discontinuous regions of the genomic sequence and is different from the structure of the original DIssE RNA. Sequence comparison among DI-2, DIssE, and helper MHV-A59 RNAs showed that DI-2 sequence is similar to DIssE in the first and second regions, but similar to the helper A59 virus in the third and last regions. Thus, this DI RNA was generated by RNA recombination between the original DIssE RNA and the helper viral RNA. These results indicate that recombination between DI RNA and helper virus RNA can be involved in the natural evolution of DI RNAs.
AN AUTOMATED FOCAL POINT POSITIONING AND EMITTANCE MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE FOR THE INTERACTION POINT OF THE SLC

Abstract To achieve maximum luminosity at the SLC, both the electron and positron beams must reach their minimum transverse size within 1 mm of the longitudinal location where the two bunches collide. This paper describes an automated procedure for positioning the focal point of each beam at this collision point. The technique is based on measurements of the beam size utilizing either secondary emission or bremsstrahlung signals from carbon fibers a few microns in diameter. We have achieved simultaneous and reproducible measurements of the angular spread (∼ 200 μ rad) and of the optimum beam spot size ∼ ω m), which when combined yield measurements of the beam emittance consistent with those obtained using conventional profile monitor techniques.
Crystallization, embrittlement and fracture morphology of annealed Fe81B13.5Si3.5C2

Crystallization of Fe81B13.5Si3.5C2 (Metglas 2605SC) was investigated using angular dispersive X-ray diffractometry and energy dispersive X-ray diffractometry. Transition temperatures were determined by annealing an array of specimens from 0 to 97 h at temperatures ranging from 140 to 490° C. Samples of Metglas 2605SC began to transform in about 2.2 h at 365° C. Crystallization temperatures and products were compared to those previously reported in the literature. In addition, the embrittlement behaviour of the alloy was investigated and the fracture topographies of the as-received and annealed samples were examined and categorized using scanning electron microscopy. The Metglas tended to embrittle easily within short periods of annealing at temperatures as low as 240° C.
Growth of the preimplantation embryo of the northern fur seal and its correlation with changes in uterine protein.

Abstract From samples collected during the period prior to implantation, the growth of the fur seal embryo is described and correlated with changes in the reproductive system of the mother and mitotic activity in the cells of the embryo. The embryo enters a “dormant” stage when it becomes a blastocyst and is not “reactivated” until almost 4 months later. During this time mitosis in the cells of the embryo occurs at a very low (mitotic index = 0.5% and is extraordinarily long (mitotic duration = about 9 hr) so that it takes 50–60 days for the cells to double their number. Activation occurs 1 to 2 weeks before implantation in November and is characterized by a dramatic increase in cell proliferation and overall expansion. In the mother, the corpus luteum increases in size during this time, presumably reflecting the increase in activity reported by others. The composition of the protein components of the uterine fluids changes both quantitatively and qualitatively with activation of the embryo and may result from the increased production of progesterone from the corpus luteum. The change is not related to overall size of the uterus because this does not increase until after implantation.
Effect of an homologous series of aliphatic alcohols on neuronal and smooth muscle voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels

The acute inhibitory actions of alcohol on K(+)-stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake into synaptosomes shows regional variation in sensitivity throughout the brain, suggesting the possibility of a selective action on a specific Ca2+ channel subtype. This was examined by comparing the effects of a homologous series of aliphatic alcohols on synaptosomal Ca2+ channels with their actions on K(+)-stimulated Ca2+ channels in guinea-pig intestinal longitudinal muscle, which have been demonstrated to be of the L-type. K(+)-stimulated contraction of and [3H]nitrendipine binding to smooth muscle were both inhibited by the alcohols at similar concentrations, with the potency increasing with chain length. In synaptosomes, however, K(+)-stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake was 5-30 times more sensitive to the inhibitory actions of alcohol than were [3H]nitrendipine and [125I]omega-conotoxin binding. These observations suggest that K(+)-stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake is mediated by a non-L non-N type channel which is more sensitive to the acute effects of alcohols. This is supported by the observation that K(+)-stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake which is insensitive to L- and N-channel antagonists was inhibited by funnel web spider venom.
A GALS Router for Asynchronous Network-on-Chip

A scalable asynchronous NoC router with lower power consumption and latency comparing to a synchronous design is introduced in this article. It employs GALS interfaces (synchronous to asynchronous/asynchronous to synchronous), imposing negligible area overhead to handle the Metastability issue. It is synthesized with the help of Persia tool, resulting in 23165 transistors. The power consumption and delay factor have been evaluated by means of H-Spice toolset in 90nm manufacturing technology. According to the experimental results the proposed asynchronous design consumes less power than synchronous scheme by removing clock signals. The imposed area overhead of asynchronous design is reported 36% higher than synchronous one.
Frameshift signal transplantation and the unambiguous analysis of mutations in the yeast retrotransposon Ty1 Gag-Pol overlap region.

The yeast retrotransposon Ty1 encodes a 7-nucleotide RNA sequence that directs a programmed, +1 ribosomal frameshifting event required for Gag-Pol translation and retrotransposition. We report mutations that block frameshifting, which can be suppressed in cis by “transplanting” the frameshift signal to a position upstream of its native location. These “frameshift transplant” mutants transpose with only a modest decrease in efficiency, suggesting that the location of the frameshift signal in a functional Ty1 element may vary. The genomic architecture of Ty1 is such that Gag, Ty1 PR (PR), and the Gag-derived p4 peptide share a common sequence. The functional independence of the movement of the frameshift signal to a new location within the Ty1 element is used to unambiguously attribute the effect of mutations deleterious to transposition in this region of overlapping coding sequences to effects on the Ty1 (PR). This work defines the amino terminus of the Ty1 PR and introduces a new technique for studying viral genome organization.
Understanding Friendship and Social Interaction

(1996). Understanding Friendship and Social Interaction. Childhood Education: Vol. 72, No. 5, pp. 282-285.
Some characteristics of bacitracin production by Bacillus licheniformis

Abstract The production of bacitracin by Bacillus licheniformis is a function of the cells in the stage of their life cycle after growth and before sporulation. The antibiotic is released from cells only under cultural conditions that will support spore formation. The time required for production of bacitracin has been shortened from 3 to 6 days to 24 hr., and a working hypothesis for the mechanism of biosynthesis of this polypeptide antibiotic has been proposed.
Relationship between the Augmented-Plane-Wave and Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker Methods of Band Theory

The augmented-plane-wave (APW) method and the recently proposed pseudopotential method of Ziman are derived from the "scattered-wave" or Green's-function approach, thus establishing their connection with the original Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker (KKR) method. It is shown that the differences between these various band-theoretical techniques can be understood in terms of the particular choices for the representations and basis sets used in the expansions of the composite wave function and the Green's function. It is proven that the APW method leads to the most rapidly convergent representation in plane waves of the exact solution to the ordinary wave equation outside the "muffin-tin" spheres, while the KKR scheme yields the most rapidly convergent partial-wave or angular momentum representation of the exact solution to the Schr\"odinger problem within the spheres. The relative advantages of these methods in computing energy bands and one-electron wave functions are discussed.
Improving medication compliance in patients with heart failure.

t A d t r t s Heart failure (HF) is a common clinical problem in the nited States and around the world. More than 550,000 mericans are diagnosed with HF each year, and the incience is steadily increasing. This increase can be attributed o several factors, including earlier and improved treatment or acute myocardial infarction, an increasing prevalence of ypertension, and our aging population.1,2 The overall prevlence of HF is approximately 5.2 million, with substantial ssociated morbidity and mortality. It is estimated that 1 in patients will die within 1 year of diagnosis, and 4 in 5 will ie within 8 years of diagnosis. Annually, HF is the primary eason for 12 million to 15 million office visits and the ause of 1.1 million associated inpatient hospitalizations, ith a cost to the health care system of approximately $33.2 illion.3 Significant advances have been made in the pharmacoogic treatment of HF in recent decades. The benefits of lockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, ngiotensin receptor blockers, aldosterone antagonists, igoxin, and isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine have been upported by a large number of clinical trials showing mprovements in mortality and/or other relevant clinical utcomes (hospitalization rate, quality of life, and funcional capacity).4 The cost of such advances is an increasngly complex HF medical regimen that, in combination ith medications needed for other common conditions and onpharmacologic aspects of HF therapy, makes patient ompliance more and more difficult. Data from the National eart Care Project demonstrate the complexity of contemorary regimens in an older Medicare cohort: during the eriods from 1998 to 1999 and 2001 to 2002, the average umber of prescriptions in a patient with HF was 6.8 and .5, respectively.5 The number of actual administrations as greater (10.1 and 11.1 doses, respectively) given the equirement for multiple dosings over a 24-hour period. The clinical importance of assessing patient compliance as been recognized in the general medical and cardiology iterature for some time.6 Accurate estimates of compliance ith HF medical regimens are plagued by a number of actors. First, the definition of noncompliance is quite varible among studies. Some define a compliant patient as one ho takes 80% of the study drug over a given period of ime. Others cite the proportion of days during the study eriod that the medication is available to the patient or the verall population. Still others assess the percentage of rescribed pills taken as a continuous variable. In addition, variety of methods are used to measure compliance, each
Lymphocyte population dynamics in experimental murine diabetes.

Hyperglycemia was induced in BALB/c mice with alloxan monohydrate. The spleen and lymph nodes of control vs. diabetic groups were analyzed for total cell content and the distribution of lymphocyte subpopulations when immunized 1) with DNFB, a contact allergen or 2) horse apoferritin, a protein antigen or 3) non-immunized at quiescence. The total cell contents of spleen and lymph nodes from diabetic groups, when stimulated with either antigen or at quiescence, were less than respective control groups. The distributions of B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes and suppressor T lymphocytes in the spleen and lymph nodes of diabetic mice at quiescence or during either immune response did not differ from controls. Diabetic mice produced more horse apoferritin-specific antibody in vivo than controls and lymphocytes from DNFB sensitized diabetic mice proliferated in vitro in response to DNBSO3. However, the proportion of proliferative lymphocytes in situ in diabetic DNFB-challenged mice was decreased in comparison to DNFB...
Seeking an effective strategy for promoting breast self-examination among women.

Breast self-examination (BSE) may be effective in the early detection of breast cancer, but women must be aware of both the benefit of the procedure and the need for regular practice. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effects of modeling plus rehearsal with respect to knowledge, attitudes, and subsequent frequency of BSE among women. The sample for this study consisted of 292 college students randomly assigned to one of two groups and exposed to: (1) a facilitator-conducted program using modeling plus rehearsal (treatment group); or (2) pamphlets addressing breast cancer and BSE (comparison group). A posttest-only comparison-group design was used. At completion of the programs, subjects responded to knowledge and attitude inventories. Three months later, a questionnaire requesting information on BSE practice was mailed to all subjects. Performance on the knowledge inventory indicated no group differences (P=0.05). However, there were significant differences between groups in practice frequency and in selected attitudes (P<0.05). At three-month follow-up, significantly more members of the treatment group indicated practicing BSE at least once since exposure to the educational program. Conclusions support those of earlier investigations and indicate that modeling with rehearsal can be a useful method for promoting the practice of BSE.
Orbital-frontal delayed hemorrhagic contusions: clinical course and neurosurgical treatment protocol.

BACKGROUND Delayed posttraumatic hemorrhage into the underlying contusion could cause significant elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) and dramatic clinical and radiographic deterioration. The authors identified a subgroup of young patients with initial mild/moderate head injury, who presented with orbito-frontal and temporal tip minimal punctate contusions, which within 24 hours, expanded into dramatically larger noncoalesced hemorrhagic contusions. METHODS Four consecutive patients within a 13-month period admitted to our institution with the above radiographic picture are presented and their clinical and treatment courses compared. RESULTS After observing the relentless downhill course of two earlier patients treated for the control of ICP, our treatment protocol changed to early prophylactic intubation and moderate hyperventilation, insertion of an intraventricular catheter for ICP monitoring, hyperosmolar therapy with mannitol, sedation, chemical paralytics, and eventually pentobarbital for control of increased ICP. These interventions were mostly taken before the radiographic evidence of contusion blossoming and dramatic clinical deterioration. These two subsequent patients had a prolonged course of intubation and ICP problems requiring tracheostomy placement. The clinical outcome was excellent, however, with both patients decanulated from the tracheostomy within 6 weeks, and both returned to relatively normal premorbid functions. CONCLUSION Although the series consists only of four consecutive patients with similar radiographic appearances, the authors advocate ultra-early aggressive medical treatment for this subgroup of patients with orbito-frontal contusion, prior to dramatic clinical and radiographic deterioration, as the outcome difference could be great.
Mammalian alpha beta hydrolase domain (ABHD) proteins: Lipid metabolizing enzymes at the interface of cell signaling and energy metabolism

Dysregulation of lipid metabolism underlies many chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Therefore, understanding enzymatic mechanisms controlling lipid synthesis and degradation is imperative for successful drug discovery for these human diseases. Genes encoding α/β hydrolase fold domain (ABHD) proteins are present in virtually all reported genomes, and conserved structural motifs shared by these proteins predict common roles in lipid synthesis and degradation. However, the physiological substrates and products for these lipid metabolizing enzymes and their broader role in metabolic pathways remain largely uncharacterized. Recently, mutations in several members of the ABHD protein family have been implicated in inherited inborn errors of lipid metabolism. Furthermore, studies in cell and animal models have revealed important roles for ABHD proteins in lipid metabolism, lipid signal transduction, and metabolic disease. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary surrounding the current state of knowledge regarding mammalian ABHD protein family members. In particular, we will discuss how ABHD proteins are ideally suited to act at the interface of lipid metabolism and signal transduction. Although, the current state of knowledge regarding mammalian ABHD proteins is still in its infancy, this review highlights the potential for the ABHD enzymes as being attractive targets for novel therapies targeting metabolic disease.
Depletion of circulating insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 after open surgery is associated with high interleukin-6 levels.

We have previously shown that plasma from open, but not laparoscopic-assisted, surgery patients has increased mitogenic activity for colon cancer cells. Decreased insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 levels, most likely the result of an open surgery-induced proteolytic activity, may account for this finding. Plasma proteases are activated by interleukin-6. This study was designed to investigate plasma insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 and interleukin-6 levels after major open or laparoscopic-assisted surgery. EDTA plasma was obtained from 24 patients undergoing resection for colonic adenocarcinoma. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 was detected by Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Interleukin-6 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The effect of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 on tumor growth was tested using HCT116 cells. In patients undergoing open surgery, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed a significant decrease in total insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 levels on postoperative Day 1 (915.6 ± 378.5 ng/ml) compared with preoperative levels (1,267.5 ± 407.9 ng/ml; P < 0.001). Western blots revealed a decrease in the levels of intact insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3. In patients undergoing laparoscopic-assisted surgery, levels of total and intact insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 before surgery (1,088.9 ± 232.5 ng/ml) and on postoperative Day 1 (1,202.3 ± 285.6 ng/ml) were comparable with no significant changes in Western blot analysis. Interleukin-6 levels were undetectable preoperatively. On postoperative Day 1, interleukin-6 concentration was higher in open surgery group (434.8 ± 506.6 pg/ml) compared with laparoscopic-assisted surgery group (100.9 ± 60.2 pg/ml; P < 0.0001), and correlated significantly with a decrease in plasma insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 after open surgery (r = 0.81; P < 0.0001). A significant decrease in both total and free insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 occurs after open but not laparoscopic colectomy. There is an associated increase in the levels of interleukin-6. It remains to be proven that the interleukin-6 elevations are responsible for the low insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 level seen after open surgery.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Parent Education for Incarcerated Mothers.

ABSTRACT Investigators evaluated a 15-week parent education program in a state prison for women. The majority of the 44 participants had been abused and 69% reported a history of drug and alcohol abuse. Pre- and post-measures consisted of a self-esteem index, a parenting attitudes inventory, and structured interviews. Results indicated a positive increase in self-esteem and significant positive changes in the following parenting attitudes: appropriate developmental expectations of children, empathetic awareness of children's needs, alternatives to corporal punishment, and appropriate family roles and responsibilities. Additionally, the participants evaluated the program as assisting them in improving interactions with their children on visitation and in their communication through letters. The findings support parent education programs for inmate mothers.
Evaluation of a diffractive microlens-array beam shaper for use in acceleration of laser-driven flyers

A promising new tool in shock wave physics is the generation of shock waves in test materials through the impact of small, laser-accelerated discs ('flyers'). In order to achieve the necessary one-dimensional condition of uniaxial strain in the shock-loaded material, it is vital that flyers maintain a nearly planar geometry during the acceleration and impact processes. The geometry of the flyer is significantly influenced by the spatial intensity profile of the driving laser beam. With the goal of achieving a nearly uniform drive intensity for this application, we have evaluated a diffractive, microlens-array beam shaper for use with a high-energy, Nd:Glass laser driver. Based on the near-field spatial profile of this multimode laser, a 30-mm-diameter array containing multiple hexagonal diffractive lenslets was designed and fabricated. In combination with a primary integrator lens of 76.2-mm focal length, this optical element was intended to produce a uniform intensity distribution over a 2-mm-diameter spot at the focal plane of the primary lens. Beam profiling studies were performed to determine the performance of this optical assembly. At the focal plane of the primary lens, the beam shaping optics generated a reasonably uniform profile over a large portion of the focused beam area. However, a small amount of undiffracted light resulted in a high-intensity, on-axis spike. A beam profile approaching the desired 'top hat' geometry could be obtained by moving the flyer launch plane a few mm inside or outside of the focal plane. The planarity of flyers generated using this optical assembly was evaluated using a line-imaging, optically recording velocity interferometer system (ORVIS). Results of these measurements demonstrate the deleterious effect of the on-axis spike on flyer planarity. Acceptable conditions for useful flyer impact experiments can be obtained by operating at a position that provides a near-top-hat profile.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Ice flow dynamics of the Greenland Ice Sheet from SAR interferometry

Synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) interferograms produced from ESA's ERS-1 satellite, provide the first synoptic view of ice flow dynamics of the western sector of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Glacial motion is detected in the radar ranging direction at millimetric scales, across a complete sequence of snow accumulation and melting regimes, despite significant variations in their radar scattering properties. Ice flow evolves from a slow, regular motion at the higher elevations. At lower elevations, motion is strongly convoluted by meter-scale undulations in surface topography, which have a unique interferometric signature that enables a novel approach for retrieving flow direction. Inferred flow directions, combined with surface displacements in the radar ranging direction, yield ice velocity estimates that are within 6% of in-situ measurements gathered along a 40 km survey line. Application of repeat-pass SAR interferometry to the entire Greenland Ice Sheet should enable precise mapping of its ice flow dynamics at an unprecedented level of spatial detail.
A dynamic numerical method for models of renal tubules

We show that an explicit method for solving hyperbolic partial differential equations can be applied to a model of a renal tubule to obtain both dynamic and steady-state solutions. Appropriate implementation of this method eliminates numerical instability arising from reversal of intratubular flow direction. To obtain second-order convergence in space and time, we employ the recently developed ENO (Essentially Non-Oscillatory) methodology. We present examples of computed flows and concentration profiles in representative model contexts. Finally, we indicate briefly how model tubules may be coupled to construct large-scale simulations of the renal counterflow system.
The closure of the neural tube in the golden hamster.

The sequence of events leading to the closure of the neural tube has been investigated in hamster embryos. This consisted of: (1) approach and fusion of the neural folds at the level of the presumptive neural-crest cells; (2) active proliferation of the neural-crest cells at the area of fusion and formation of a distinct wedge by them; (3) fusion and closure of the surface ectoderm; (4) reduction of the number of neural-crest wedge cells due to their active migration from it; (5) fusion of the neurectoderm beginning at the ependymal surface, progressing dorsally until the neural tube was completely closed; and (6) fusion and closure of the mesoderm between the surface ectoderm and the closed neural tube. The time required to complete this sequence of events, the amount of embryonic tissue involved in it at a given time, and the number of neural-crest cells formed at the area of fusion varied from one region of the embryo to another. It is postulated that the mesoderm appeared to play a double role in the process of closure—a direct one late in the closure process (see 6) and an indirect one, perhaps as a buttress supporting the other cellular elements during the entire closure process.
RECENTLY IDENTIFIED COLON CANCER PREDISPOSITIONS: MYH AND MSH6 MUTATIONS

Single-gene germline mutations conferring a high lifetime risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) account for up to 6% of all CRC cases. The most widely studied monogenic colorectal cancer syndromes include familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome. However, additional syndromes continue to be defined and new predisposition genes are continuing to be identified. Most recently, MYH-associated polyposis (MAP) and an “atypical Lynch syndrome” related to the presence of MSH6 mutations have been linked to an increased risk of CRC. In this review, we summarize basic information related to these newly recognized gene mutations, including the accumulating data on the prevalence and penetrance of deleterious mutations, as well as the management options for identified carriers and their families. Recognizing these heritable syndromes is essential and predictive genetic testing will continue to transform the field of cancer risk assessment by offering the opportunity to focus on more precise risk management and cancer prevention.
NMR relaxation in half-integer antiferromagnetic spin chains

Nuclear relaxation in half-integer spin chains at low temperatures (T\ensuremath{\ll}J, the antiferromagnetic exchange constant) is dominated by dissipation from a gas of thermally excited, overdamped, spinons. The universal low-temperature dependence of the relaxation rates 1/${\mathit{T}}_{1}$ and 1/${\mathit{T}}_{2\mathit{G}}$ is computed.
Polyethylene glycol 400 as a stabilizing solvent in parenteral pentobarbital sodium solutions

The stability of 15 per cent pentobarbital sodium in aqueous solutions containing 2 per cent benzyl alcohol and concentrations of polyethylene glycol 400 up to 60 per cent has been determined. The effects of pH, methods of heat sterilization, and the presence of 10 per cent alcohol were observed periodically on samples stored at room and at elevated temperatures. Results indicate that the pH influences the concentration of polyethylene glycol 400 required for optimum stability. At a concentration of 30 per cent of this glycol and at a pH of 10, aseptic formulation of a stable product is possible. Where autoclaving is the preferred procedure, the inclusion of 10 per cent alcohol is required to avoid discoloration. It has proved possible to prepare formulations containing 60 per cent of the glycol and 10 per cent alcohol at a pH at low as 8, in contrast to presently marketed solutions at pH 9.5 to 10 prepared with various glycols; these solutions at the lower pH have proved stable after sterilization by autoclaving. A proof of the applicability of the ultraviolet absorption method of assay of pentobarbital sodium in the presence of its decomposition products and other solution components is presented.
Stimulus conditions influencing the development of tolerance to repeated cold exposure in rats

Tolerance to an environmental cold challenge in rats is eliminated when cold exposure occurs in a context different from the adaptation context, indicating that learning mechanisms play a role in thermoregulation (Riccio, MacArdy, & Kissinger, 1991). This finding, analogous to outcomes obtained with drug tolerance, was investigated in the present study. Experiment 1 demonstrated that a change in both proximal and distal contextual cues disrupts an established cold adaptation, an outcome consistent with the view that associative processes contribute to the tolerance. In Experiment 2, although cold tolerance persisted over a 7-day retention interval, the disruption of tolerance by a shift in context was attenuated with the delay of testing. This finding suggests that the precise stimulus attributes of the context were forgotten over the interval. Experiment 3 demonstrated that cold-tolerance disruption is due to the actual change in context and not to novelty of the test context. Experiment 4 showed that changing the context associated with each cold exposure impaired the development of tolerance. The results of these experiments provide additional evidence that cold tolerance is regulated at least partially by associative learning processes.