cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abdominal Computed Tomography Utilization and 30‐day Revisitation in Emergency Department Patients Presenting With Abdominal Pain

Objectives The objective was to explore which patient characteristics are associated with repeat emergency department (ED) visitation within 30 days of ED discharge for patients presenting with abdominal pain. Methods A retrospective, observational study was conducted at a single, academic, urban ED with over 85,000 annual visits. A consecutive sample of adult patients with a chief complaint of abdominal pain from January 2010 through December 2010 who were discharged following ED evaluation were included in the analysis. A logistic regression model was used to determine which patient-level factors, including computed tomography (CT) utilization, were associated with the primary outcome of ED revisit within 30 days. Results Of 80,619 total ED patient visits during the study period, 3,928 ED discharges with a chief complaint of abdominal pain were included. A total of 487 (12.4%) patients revisited the ED within 30 days. No deaths were recorded. CT imaging was associated with a lower 30-day revisit rate (odds ratio [OR] = 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.55 to 0.87) after controlling for multiple other patient-level factors associated with revisits. Increasing age (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.02), increasing triage pain scores (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.18), elevated triage heart rate (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.07 to 1.89), low sodium levels (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.07 to 2.23), and anemia (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.95) were all associated with increased rate of return. Conclusions Performance of an abdominal CT was associated with fewer 30-day revisits, suggesting that future measures of “imaging appropriateness” and “ED overuse” consider downstream utilization of health care resources in addition to the index visit.
DEVELOPING DEMOCRACY WHEN CIVIL SOCIETY IS WEAK: THE CASE OF BOTSWANA

ANALYSES OF AFRICAN POLITICS increasingly eall for the development of demoeratie eontrols on the continent's political elites. They believe that such eontrols will help to overeome the serious eeonomie and legitimacy crises with which many governments are eonfronted. 1 These well meaning proposals are only realistic in so far as existing socio-eeonomie structures have the eapaeity to sustain organized forms of eitizen influence. The prevailing theory in political science is that demoeraey, partieularly in its liberal democratic form, requires a developed economy with a substantial middle class. Members of this class possess the knowledge, wealth and time to organize groups which influenee government deeisions regarding important interests of civil society.9 Most proponents of this pluralist theory reeognize few exceptions to this generalization. The most prominent are the United States in the nineteenth century and India currently. Pluralists argue that, in these deviant cases, a traditional political culture existed which could sustain the necessary multiple group linkages between civil society and government required for a liberal democracy to persist over time.3
Interference with Ca(2+) release activated Ca(2+) (CRAC) channel function delays T-cell arrest in vivo.

Entry of lymphocytes into secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) involves intravascular arrest and intracellular calcium ion ([Ca2+]i) elevation. TCR activation triggers increased [Ca2+]i and can arrest T-cell motility in vitro. However, the requirement for [Ca2+]i elevation in arresting T cells in vivo has not been tested. Here, we have manipulated the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel pathway required for [Ca2+]i elevation in T cells through genetic deletion of stromal interaction molecule (STIM) 1 or by expression of a dominant-negative ORAI1 channel subunit (ORAI1-DN). Interestingly, the absence of CRAC did not interfere with homing of naive CD4+ T cells to SLOs and only moderately reduced crawling speeds in vivo. T cells expressing ORAI1-DN lacked TCR activation induced [Ca2+]i elevation, yet arrested motility similar to control T cells in vitro. In contrast, antigen-specific ORAI1-DN T cells had a twofold delayed onset of arrest following injection of OVA peptide in vivo. CRAC channel function is not required for homing to SLOs, but enhances spatiotemporal coordination of TCR signaling and motility arrest.
Sustained release of amnion-derived cellular cytokine solution facilitates achilles tendon healing in rats.

Objective: In the United States, around 50% of all musculoskeletal injuries are soft tissue injuries including ligaments and tendons. The objective of this study is to assess the role of amnion-derived cellular cytokine solution (ACCS) in carboxy-methyl cellulose (CMC) gel in the healing of Achilles tendon in a rat model, and to examine its effects on mechanical properties and collagen content. Methods: Achilles tendons of Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed and transected. The distal and proximal ends were injected with either saline or ACCS in CMC, in a standardized fashion, and then sutured using a Kessler technique. Tendons from both groups were collected at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks postoperatively and assessed for material properties. Collagen studies were performed, including collagen content, collagen cross-linking, tendon hydration, and immunohistochemistry. Tendons were also evaluated histologically for cross-sectional area. Results: Mechanical testing demonstrated that treatment with ACCS in CMC significantly enhances breaking strength, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and Young's modulus in the tendon repair at early time points. In context, collagen content, as well as collagen cross-linking, was also significantly affected by the treatment. Conclusion: The application of ACCS in CMC has a positive effect on healing tendons by improving mechanical properties at early time points. Previous studies on onetime application of ACCS (not in CMC) did not show significant improvement on tendon healing at any time point. Therefore, the delivery in a slow release media like CMC seems to be essential for the effects of ACCS demonstrated in this study.
Energy requirements and physical activity in free-living older women and men: a doubly labeled water study

Determinants of daily energy needs and physical activity are unknown in free-living elderly. This study examined determinants of daily total energy expenditure (TEE) and free-living physical activi...
Charge transfer from potassium into the t1g band of C60

Depositing C[sub 60] on potassium multilayers creates a K-rich environment for low coverages of C[sub 60] and photoemission spectra show that not only the [ital t][sub 1[ital u]] but also the [ital t][sub 1[ital g]] band is occupied. This is direct evidence for the formation of K[sub [ital x]]C[sub 60] with 6[lt][ital x][lt]12, which could not be achieved in previous studies where K was evaporated onto solid C[sub 60] surfaces. However, less than one electron can be transferred to C[sub 60] from submonolayer coverages of K on Rh(111) and hence even the [ital t][sub 1[ital u]] band is mostly unoccupied, despite the large K-induced drop in work function from 5.4 to 1.8 eV.
Turbulence Measurements of High Shear Flow Fields in a Turbomachine Seal Configuration

SUMMARYTheflowfieldinsideanannularsealwhirlingatawhirlratio of 1 and an eccentricity ratio of 0.50 has been measured using a 3-D laser Doppler anemometer system. Reynolds numbers of 12,000 and 24,000 were investigated while the Taylor number was heldconstant at 6,600. The flow structure, as evidenced by the velocity and turbulence distributions in the whirling annular seal proved tobe far different than in a statically eccentric seal otherwise operating at the same conditions. Prominent features included a peak axialvelocity that began in the pressure section of the clearance at the inlet and rotated around Io the suction side of the clearance at the exit,avena contracta on the pressure side of the rotor, and no significant increase in tangential velocity with whirling rotor motion whencompared to statically eccentric seals.The axial flow profiles for both the high and low Reynolds number cases have similarities but also display substantialdifferences. In both the profiles, the peak axial velocity rotates from the pressure to the suction side of the clearance. In the lowReynolds number case, this started at 60* with a magnitude of 2.4U,,, over the inlet. By midplane the profile spreads uniformly acrossmost of the clearance. This rotates around the clearance, and at Z/L=0.77 the peak reaches the final circumferential position of 300*.Downstream of this position, the peak continues to grow, increasing to 1.9U,, at the exit of the seal.The mean velocity field reveals a highly three dimensio,ml flow with large radial velocities near the inlet of the seal. Thenormalized axial momentum near the inlet on the pressure side of the rotor is higher in the low Reynolds number case due to an axialrecirculation zone that occurs on the suction side of the rotor at the inlet. Another recirculation zone exists on the rotor surface on thepressure side of the inlet at both Reynolds numbers. This recirculation zone extends from 20* to 200* in the tangential direction, andis one third of a clearance wide radially (not apparent in the contour plots). The high Reynolds number recirculation zone is 1.5 meanclearances long, while the low Reynolds number zone extends 2 mean clearances downstream. When compared to previous non-whirlingflow studies (Johnson (1989)) at similar flow parameters, the tangential momentum does not significantly increase with the onset of whirl.Areas of high tangential momentum occur in regions of the clearance where the axial momentum is low. Average exit plane tangentialvelocities in the low Reynolds number case are 1.5 times greater than those in the high Reynolds number case.NOMENCLATUREA
Estimates of heterogeneous formation of secondary organic aerosol during a wood smoke episode in Houston, Texas

Abstract Observational data, collected during a wood smoke episode in Houston, Texas, were used to assess the extent to which acid-catalyzed reactions of carbonyls might contribute to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. The wood smoke episode was chosen for this analysis because of relatively high concentrations of acidic aerosol, coupled with high concentrations of SOA precursors during the episode. Photochemical modeling, coupled with ambient measurements, indicated that acid aerosol-mediated organic aerosol formation reactions, not accounted for in most current photochemical models, may have led to SOA formation of up to a few μg m−3. In photochemical simulations, acid-mediated organic aerosol formation was modeled by calculating the rate of impingement of aldehyde molecules on acidic particles, and then assuming that a fraction of the impingements resulted in reaction. For reaction probabilities on the order of 0.005–0.0005, the model predicted SOA concentrations were consistent with estimates of SOA based on observations. In addition, observed concentrations of particulate phase ammonium during the episode were consistent with high concentrations of the types of organic acids that would be formed through acid-catalyzed reactions of carbonyls. Although there are substantial uncertainties in the estimates of heterogeneous SOA formation, collectively, these data and modeling analyses provide evidence for the importance of acid-catalyzed SOA formation reactions.
Extended Families of Cardinal Spline Wavelets

Abstract Cardinal spline prewavelets ψ m and η m are well known. In this paper we present an extension of cardinal spline prewavelets and construct nonorthogonal cardinal spline wavelet systems. Both compactly supported spline wavelets ψ m , l ; c and globally supported spline wavelets η m , l ; c ( x ) = L ( l ) m + l ; c (2 x - 1) are given. When l = m and c = 0, we obtain cardinal spline prewavelets ψ m and η m . As l decreases, so does the support of the wavelet ψ m , l ; c . When l increases, the smoothness of the dual wavelets ψ m , l ; c and η m , l ; c improves. When c = 0 the wavelets ψ m , l ;0 = ψ m , l and η m , l ;0 = η m , l are symmetric or antisymmetric. The dual wavelets ψ m , l ;0 = ψ m , l and η m , l ;0 = η m , l are l th-order spline functions. We give an explicit analytic formula for the dual wavelet ψ m , l . The wavelets ψ m , l and η m , l have properties similar to spline prewavelets ψ m and η m except for the orthogonality among the wavelet spaces. Each wavelet is constructed by spline multiresolution analysis. The dual MRAs are given.
Ureteroscopic management of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma and ureteropelvic obstruction.

Introduction: Technological advances have increased the application of the endoscopic management of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). Materials and Methods: Published, peer-reviewed articles on endoscopic treatment of upper tract TCC and UPJO were identified using the MEDLINE database. Results: Although nephroureterectomy remains the gold standard for upper tract TCC treatment, low-grade, low-stage and small tumors, especially in patients with solitary kidneys or poor renal function can be managed with encouraging success rates, despite the considerable recurrence rate. Endoscopic alternatives to pyeloplasty for UPJO can be used especially in cases with absence of crossing vessels, stricture length less than 1.5 cm, severe hydronephrosis and renal function less than 30%. Conclusion: Proper patient selection is critical for the successful endoscopic management of treatment of upper tract TCC and UPJO.
Cyanotoxin mixtures and taste-and-odor compounds in cyanobacterial blooms from the Midwestern United States.

The mixtures of toxins and taste-and-odor compounds present during cyanobacterial blooms are not well characterized and of particular concern when evaluating potential human health risks. Cyanobacterial blooms were sampled in twenty-three Midwestern United States lakes and analyzed for community composition, thirteen cyanotoxins by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and immunoassay, and two taste-and-odor compounds by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Aphanizomenon, Cylindrospermopsis and/or Microcystis were dominant in most (96%) blooms, but community composition was not strongly correlated with toxin and taste-and-odor occurrence. Microcystins occurred in all blooms. Total microcystin concentrations measured by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and immunoassay were linearly related (rs = 0.76, p < 0.01) and LC/MS/MS concentrations were lower than or similar to ELISA in most (85%) samples. Geosmin (87%), 2-methylisoborneol (39%), anatoxin-a (30%), saxitoxins (17%), cylindrospermopsins (9%)...
Sensitivity of Trypanosoma equiperdum to the Action of Tumour-inhibitory Antibiotics in vivo

THE marked sensitivity in vitro1 of various metabolic pathways in T. equiperdum to actinomycin D, mitomycin C, porfiromycin, phleomycin, and pactamycin indicated that these tumour-inhibitory antibiotics may be trypanocidal in vivo. Our results show this to be so with all except pactamycin, and also that phleomycin and porfiromycin in particular cured a high percentage of infected mice at certain dosages.
Empirical best prediction for small-area inference based on generalized linear mixed models

Abstract The paper introduces a frequentist's alternative to the recently developed hierarchical Bayes methods for small-area estimation using generalized linear mixed models. Specifically, the best predictor and empirical best predictor (EBP) of small area specific random effect are derived in the context of a generalized linear mixed model. An approximation to the mean squared error (MSE) of the proposed EBP correct up to the order o( m −1 ) is obtained, where m denotes the number of small areas. As a special case, we consider a class of mixed logistic models, in which the asymptotic behavior of the relative savings loss demonstrates the superiority of the proposed EBP over the usual small area proportion.
The Palliative Arterial Switch Procedure for Single Ventricles: Are These Patients Suitable Fontan Candidates?

Background The traditional first stage of palliation for functional single-ventricle lesions with transposition of the great vessels and systemic outflow tract obstruction has been either the Norwood or Sano procedure or the Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure. There is limited literature on the use of an arterial switch procedure as the initial staged palliation for functional single ventricles in this setting. This study is an examination of our institutional experience with performing the palliative switch procedure with examination of suitability for Fontan completion and midterm outcome in these patients. Methods This is a retrospective review of our institutional experience from October 1991 through August 2006 on single-ventricle patients with transposition of the great vessels and systemic outflow tract obstruction who underwent a palliative arterial switch procedure. Results Nine patients underwent an initial palliative switch procedure. Six of 9 patients underwent completion of palliation with the Fontan procedure and are alive and well. One patient is well and is awaiting the next stage of palliation (78%). There was 1 early operative death (11%) and 1 late death (11%). There was 1 case of recoarctation (11%). Conclusions The palliative switch procedure appears a reasonable surgical option for patients with functional single-ventricle lesions, transposition of the great vessels, and systemic outflow tract obstruction. Patients who have undergone a palliative switch procedure are suitable candidates for completion of palliation with the Fontan procedure.
Determinants of knowledge sharing in a public sector organization

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that affect knowledge sharing in a public sector organization.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on quantitative research. The data were gathered through questionnaires and analyzed using multiple regression.Findings – Community‐related considerations, normative considerations and personal benefits were three motivators found to have a unique contribution to the variance in knowledge sharing. The following enablers had a significant main effect on knowledge sharing: social interaction, rewards, and organizational support. Two barriers, degree of courage and degree of empathy, which measured organizational climate, were found to have a significant main effect on knowledge sharing. The interaction of normative consideration with social interaction, personal benefit with organizational support, and normative considerations with degree of courage, had a moderating effect on the relationship between motivating factors and knowledge...
Revealing Nature’s Synthetic Potential Through the Study of Ribosomal Natural Product Biosynthesis

Ribosomally synthesized posttranslationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are a rapidly growing class of natural products with diverse structures and activities. In recent years, a great deal of progress has been made in elucidating the biosynthesis of various RiPP family members. As with the study of nonribosomal peptide and polyketide biosynthetic enzymes, these investigations have led to the discovery of entirely new biological chemistry. With each unique enzyme investigated, a more complex picture of Nature’s synthetic potential is revealed. This Review focuses on recent reports (since 2008) that have changed the way that we think about ribosomal natural product biosynthesis and the enzymology of complex bond-forming reactions.
Effect of a signal previously paired with free food on operant response rate in pigeons

In Phase 1, food was presented independently of the birds’ behavior. In one group, the food was paired with an auditory CS; in the other group, CS and food occurred randomly. In Phase 2, the birds were trained to peck a key for variable-interval food reinforcement, with CS off. Then, following additional Phase 1 training, they were tested with CSs presented during operant extinction. For both key pecking and a photocell measure of activity near the speaker, the CS produced changes in behavior which, when measured independently of the direction of change, were significantly greater in the paired group than in the random group.
Efficacy and safety of nifedipine versus magnesium sulfate in the management of preterm labor: A randomized study

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to establish the efficacy and safety of nifedipine versus magnesium sulfate in arresting preterm labor and the efficacy of nifedipine versus terbutaline in preventing recurrent labor. STUDY DESIGN: Singleton pregnancies at RESULTS: Of 100 patients 80 were considered eligible, of whom 39 were randomized to the nifedipine group. Both groups were comparable in terms of a number of entry variables, including cervical examination, contraction frequency, and gestational age. Both drugs were equally effective in arresting labor and delaying delivery >48 hours, 92% versus 93%. Both study groups had a similar incidence of side effects, although four (10%) of magnesium sulfate—treated patients required drug discontinuation because of severe symptoms. Nifedipine was as effective as terbutaline in preventing recurrent labor, 26% versus 24%, and in achieving a gestation >34 weeks, 62% versus 68%. CONCLUSIONS: Oral nifedipine is as effective as magnesium sulfate and terbutaline in arresting and preventing idiopathic preterm labor.
Responses of base-isolated shear beam structures to random excitations

Abstract Responses of base-isolated shear beam type structures subject to random ground excitations are studied. Several base isolation systems, including the laminated rubber bearing, the resilient-friction base isolator with and without sliding upper plate, and the EDF system, are considered. Stationary and nonstationary stochastic models for earthquake ground accelerations are considered and the method of time-dependent equivalent linearization in conjunction with moments of the Fokker-Planck equation are used for response analysis. Mean-square statistics of the base raft displacement and the absolute acceleration at the roof of the base-isolated structure are evaluated. A series of parametric studies are also carried out. Comparisons of the results with those for the fixed-base structure show that base isolation systems are, in general, highly effective in reducing mean-square responses of the superstructure. The advantages and disadvantages of various base isolation systems are also discussed.
PM-16IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE FACTORS, MDSC AND ARGINASE, ARE ELEVATED IN DOGS WITH MALIGNANT GLIOMA

Immunotherapy for malignant gliomas has striking efficacy in rodent models but very limited effects in clinical trials, which may reflect immunological differences between induced and spontaneous tumors. The monocytes that heavily infiltrate GBM develop myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) phenotype, and these immunosuppressive cells are increased in GBM patients, but not in murine models. Canine primary brain tumors may offer a more faithful representation of the human disease due to similarities in clinical and pathobiological characteristics. We were recently first to identify MDSC in dogs and found significantly increased in number in dogs with advanced cancers. To add further support to pet dogs with glioma as a translational model, we assessed whether canine glioma patients also have elevated numbers of MDSC relative to healthy dogs. MDSC secrete arginase that removes L-arginine from the microenvironment profoundly impairing T cell proliferation and function. Therefore we also measured serum levels of arginase 1 in all dogs. The mean percentage of monocytic MDSC in peripheral blood of dogs with glioma (n = 26) was 7.51 ± 1.31, which was significantly greater than healthy controls (n = 10) with 0.74 ± 0.34 (P< 0.0001). The median percentages of granulocytic MDSC did not differ between dogs with glioma versus controls, 15.95% and 12.5% respectively. There were also significantly increased levels of arginase in the serum of dogs with gliomas, 8.00 ± 3.32 U/L, relative to that of healthy controls, 2.40 ± 1.40 U/L (P < 0.0001). These data demonstrate that some of the immunosuppressive mechanisms present in human gliomas patients are also found in dogs with malignant gliomas. These findings lend further support that the pet dog with spontaneous brain cancer that shares our environment is an excellent translational model for the human disease. We are currently working to correlate changes in numbers of MDSC and arginase levels in serum with disease burden as possible biomarkers for response to therapy.
Artifacts and signal loss due to flow in the presence of Bo inhomogeneity

An in vitro study was performed to investigate the effects of B(o) inhomogeneity on magnetic resonance images of flow. Controlled inhomogeneity gradients (Gi) were applied and the magnitude of the artifacts produced was quantified for different echo delay times (TE). Both steady and pulsatile flows were examined. In the presence of an inhomogeneity gradient, signal loss is apparent if the flow is pulsatile and/or if the slice thickness is large. The signal loss increases with increasing TE and Gi. With pulsatile flow, ghosting artifacts are also generated. These increase in intensity with increasing TE and Gi. In vivo, field inhomogeneity due to susceptibility variations is large enough to produce these effects. Representative time-of-flight images obtained of a normal volunteer with two different TEs demonstrate the effect in vivo. Flow-related signal loss and artifacts, therefore, increase with increasing TE independent of the moments of the applied gradients.
Phosphate Incorporation during Glycogen Synthesis and Lafora Disease

Glycogen is a branched polymer of glucose that serves as an energy store. Phosphate, a trace constituent of glycogen, has profound effects on glycogen structure, and phosphate hyperaccumulation is linked to Lafora disease, a fatal progressive myoclonus epilepsy that can be caused by mutations of laforin, a glycogen phosphatase. However, little is known about the metabolism of glycogen phosphate. We demonstrate here that the biosynthetic enzyme glycogen synthase, which normally adds glucose residues to glycogen, is capable of incorporating the β-phosphate of its substrate UDP-glucose at a rate of one phosphate per approximately 10,000 glucoses, in what may be considered a catalytic error. We show that the phosphate in glycogen is present as C2 and C3 phosphomonoesters. Since hyperphosphorylation of glycogen causes Lafora disease, phosphate removal by laforin may thus be considered a repair or damage control mechanism.
Ketamine Strengthens CRF-Activated Amygdala Inputs to Basal Dendrites in mPFC Layer V Pyramidal Cells in the Prelimbic but not Infralimbic Subregion, A Key Suppressor of Stress Responses

A single sub-anesthetic dose of ketamine, a short-acting NMDA receptor blocker, induces a rapid and prolonged antidepressant effect in treatment-resistant major depression. In animal models, ketamine (24 h) reverses depression-like behaviors and associated deficits in excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) generated in apical dendritic spines of layer V pyramidal cells of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). However, little is known about the effects of ketamine on basal dendrites. The basal dendrites of layer V cells receive an excitatory input from pyramidal cells of the basolateral amygdala (BLA), neurons that are activated by the stress hormone CRF. Here we found that CRF induces EPSCs in PFC layer V cells and that ketamine enhanced this effect through the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 synaptogenic pathway; the CRF-induced EPSCs required an intact BLA input and were generated primarily in basal dendrites. In contrast to its detrimental effects on apical dendritic structure and function, chronic stress did not induce a loss of CRF-induced EPSCs in basal dendrites, thereby creating a relative imbalance in favor of amygdala inputs. The effects of ketamine were complex: ketamine enhanced apical EPSC responses in all mPFC subregions, anterior cingulate (AC), prelimbic (PL), and infralimbic (IL) but enhanced CRF-induced EPSCs only in AC and PL—responses were unchanged in IL, a critical area for suppression of stress responses. We propose that by restoring the strength of apical inputs relative to basal amygdala inputs, especially in IL, ketamine would ameliorate the hypothesized disproportional negative influence of the amygdala in chronic stress and major depression.
Determinants of Employee Creativity: A Survey of Lithuanian Nonprofit Organizations

Building on the current creativity literature, the authors developed and tested a model of employee creativity in a sample of Lithuanian nonprofit organizations. It was hypothesized that individual cognitive style, intrinsic motivation, leadership behaviors, job design, cultural norms of diversity, and work group relations would be related to employee creativity. Sixty nonprofit organizations were randomly sampled from the Database of Lithuanian Nonprofit Organizations and packets containing questionnaires were mailed to the organizations that agreed to participate. One hundred and twenty two questionnaires were returned out of 180 total (67.8% response rate). Results showed that innovative cognitive style, intrinsic motivation, and cultural norms for diversity were the most important predictors, explaining 41.5% of variance in employee creativity. Suggestions for hiring and staff development practices are provided along with implications for future research.
Cytologic findings from a benign giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath in a dog

A 6-year-old male neutered Australian Shepherd dog was presented for evaluation of a subcutaneous mass on the plantar aspect of the proximal left metatarsus. Fine-needle aspirate smears contained numerous plump spindle cells and large multinucleated cells amongst a considerable amount of pink extracellular matrix. Histopathologic diagnosis of the tissue obtained during initial biopsy and eventual surgical cytoreduction of the mass was a benign giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCTTS). Immunohistochemically, the synovioblastic neoplastic cells were diffusely strongly positive for vimentin and S-100, were multifocally moderately positive for cytokeratin AE1/3, and were negative for CD18, muscle-specific actin (MSA), and melanoma-associated antigen (mutated) 1 (MUM-1). The dog recovered from surgery and underwent definitive radiation therapy to treat the local residual disease. Eight months later, the mass had not recurred. The diagnosis of GCTTS in this case supports previously published reports describing GCTTS as a relevant disease entity in dogs, and provides the first documentation of cytologic findings with this tumor. Further investigation is needed to correlate pathologic features with clinical behavior and response to therapy in dogs.
Polycontextual Construction Zones: Mapping the Expansion of Schooled Space and Identity

By analyzing the activity of students building a cabin in a school setting, this article examines how conflicts among schooling and extraschooling activity systems can create an expansive space of identity development and learning. Drawing together activity system theories and theories of social space, the article illustrates how polycontextual conflicts and expansions are spatially contingent and productive of space. Symbolic and material dimensions of social space provide a sharpened lens through which to conceptualize intersystemic conflict and development. As the traffic of conflict and negotiation between modal schooling activity and cabin building is heightened around productions of social space, potential expansion of the systems and persons across them is related to the resolution of spatial dilemmas.
Ruthenium oxide–niobium hydroxide composites for pseudocapacitor electrodes

Abstract A simple solution-based method has been developed to vary the composition of redox active ruthenium oxide with highly proton-conducting niobium hydroxide to create stable, high capacitance electrodes at elevated temperatures. This method presents a dramatic departure from most other ruthenium oxide systems, which are prepared through annealing of hydrous ruthenium oxide. Typically RuO 2 processed at high temperature only exhibits high electrical conductivity and suffers from poor proton conduction, giving low overall capacitances. Here, the optimized Ru/Nb oxide composition can be used to achieve high power densities, high capacitances, and stabilized electrodes while significantly reducing ruthenium content. Extensive materials characterization including high-resolution cross-sectional TEM, elemental mapping, XRD, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and proton NMR were used to evaluate the structure of the material system. The electrochemically inert niobium oxide serves as a network former enhancing accessibility to redox active ruthenium oxide. The dispersion of RuO 2 in the NbO(OH) x matrix results in reduced RuO 2 particle size, as observed via TEM and XRD, while also increasing the proton concentration in the material. Interconnected RuO 2 particles provide electrically conducting pathways, even at low Ru contents, where percolation networks remain intact. Ruthenium is more efficiently utilized in the Ru/Nb composites and ruthenium content can be significantly reduced without decreasing capacitive performance. In addition, the composite electrodes, with the fine mixing of Ru and Nb, give higher power performance than for RuO 2 alone.
Simple adjustments to improve control limits on attribute charts

Many SPC software packages determine control chart limits for attribute data using normal approximations. For some sample sizes and/or process parameter values these approximations are far from adequate, mainly due to skewness in the exact distribution. Significant improvements can be made to the probabilistic accuracy of control limits by simple adjustments derived from Cornish and Fisher expansions for percentage points. The adjustments are preferable to normalizing transformations in that the original scale of the data is retained and most SPC packages allow self-determined control limits to be inserted. The overall objective is to bring operational meaning and practice for attribute charts more into line with charts for variables.
Anticonvulsant-induced antinuclear antibodiesand lupus-like disease in children

Antinuclear antibodies are found with increased frequency in sera from children whoare receiving hydantoins, trimethadione, or ethosuximide. The incidence is increased specifically in females and may be related to the number of anticonvulsants administered but not to age. Most children who develop lupus-like symptoms have a relatively benign, albeit prolonged, course after cessation of the implicated drug. Children with symptoms have higher titers of antinuclear antibodies than children without symptoms.
Proposed U.S. Policy for Ocean, Coast, and Great Lakes Stewardship

is a stark of the dependence communities on healthy ecosystems to revise policies to ensure wise stewardship of coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes. In the Gulf, and around the world, c evidence indicates that coastal and oceanic ecosystems are and ous consequences for human well-being ( 1, 2). Oil spills threat. shing, destructive fishing gear, nutrient and chemical pollution, habitat loss, and introduction of nonnative species threaten the health change and ocean acidification interact with and exacerbate the impacts of these stressors. The result is the loss of many benefi ts humans want
HDL Cholesterol and Cancer Risk Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) and cancer risk among type 2 diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of 14,169 men and 23,176 women with type 2 diabetes. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the association of various levels of HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) with cancer risk. RESULTS During a mean follow-up period of 6.4 years, 3,711 type 2 diabetic patients had a cancer diagnosis. A significant inverse association between HDL-C and the risk of cancer was found among men and women. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of cancer at various levels of HDL-C at baseline (<30, 30–39.9, 40–49.9, 50–59.9, 60–69.9, 70–79.9, and ≥80 mg/dL) were 1.00, 0.87, 0.95, 1.01, 0.61, 0.45, and 0.37, respectively, in men ( P trend = 0.027) and 1.00, 0.98, 0.88, 0.85, 0.84, 0.86, and 0.84, respectively, in women ( P trend = 0.025). When stratified by race, BMI, smoking status, or medication use, the inverse association was still present. With an updated mean of HDL-C used in the analysis, the inverse association of HDL-C with cancer risk did not change. The inverse association substantially attenuated after excluding patients who died of or were diagnosed with cancer during the first 2 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The study suggests an inverse association of HDL-C with cancer risk among men and women with type 2 diabetes, whereas the effect of HDL-C was partially mediated by reverse causation.
Hydrogenolysis of carbon and its catalysis by platinum

Abstract The hydrogenolysis of carbon to methane and its catalysis by platinum were studied above and below 1050 K, respectively. Hydrogen pressure varied between ca. 10 and 100 kPa. At 890 K and atmospheric pressure, platinum accelerated the rate of the uncatalyzed reaction by a factor of 2000. Reaction orders with respect to H2 and kinetic isotope effects in H2 and D2 suggest rapid equilibration of the carbon surface with hydrogen followed by a rate-determining step involving breaking of a carbon-carbon bond. This step appears to be a true hydrogenolysis step with direct participation of hydrogen in the uncatalyzed reaction. But with platinum, the rate-determining step seems to lead to the formation of a carbon-platinum bond with subsequent reaction of the carbidic carbon on platinum.
A National Speech and Hearing Survey

Reported are the results of the National Speech and Hearing Survey conducted to estimate the prevalence of speech and hearing disorders in the public school populations, grades 1-12, in coterminous United States, and to obtain descriptive information about normal and abnormal speech and hearing behavior. Results of the survey, involving approximately 38,000 Ss, are presented in the first half of the document, primarily in tabular form (153 tables and nine figures). The second half of the document consists of appended material such as speech testing materials, data recording forms, and total sample and detailed tables of misarticulations and articulation deviations (182 tables in appendixes). Findings included the following: the combined prevalence of speech disorders was 5.7%; the greatest number of Ss with moderate and extreme articulation deviations were found in the first grade, and the number decreased along with increased grade level; 2.6% of the Ss had hearing characteristics which uere classified as impaired; hearing sensitivity improved with grade level; and females performed better than males in both speech and hearing. (IM) ********************************************************************** D cuments acquired by ERIC include many informal unpublished * ma i.ials not available from other sources. ERIC makes every effort * * to obtain the best copy available. Nevertheless, items of marginal * * reproducibility are often encountered and this affects the quality * * of the microfiche and hardcopy reproductions ERIC makes available * * via the ERIC Document Reproduction Service (EDRS). EDRS is not * responsible for the quality of the original document. Reproductions * * supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original. *********************************************************************** Final Report U.S. OEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. EDUCATION & WELFARE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION THIS DOCUMENT HAS SEEN REPRODUCED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED FROM THE PERSON OR ORGANIZATION OR IGIN ATING IT POINTS OF VIEW OR OPINIONS STATED DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT OFF ICIAL NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION POSITION OR POLICY Project No. 50978 Grant No. 0E-32-15-0050-5010(607) NATIONAL SPEECH AND HEARING SURVEY Forrest M. Hull Paul W. Mielke, Jr. Jack A. Willeford Roy J..Timmons Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO 80523
A Flux-Conservation Mixing Plane Algorithm for Multiphase Non-Equilibrium Steam Models

The accuracy of steady multistage turbomachinery calculations is dependent on the exchange of information at an interface, also known as mixing plane, between adjacent blade rows. This paper describes an extension of already available flux conservation mixing plane algorithm to the Eulerian-Eulerian non-equilibrium steam model. Since algorithms that conserve fluxes across the interface have been found to be more accurate and robust, greater emphasis is on the conservation of mixture and droplet fluxes across the interface. The key characteristics of the algorithm are provided, along with its application on simple two- and three-dimensional blade rows.
Theta rhythm oscillations and sequence encoding in the hippocampus

Abstract Phasic changes in variables including membrane depolarization and synaptic input may set appropriate dynamics for encoding and retrieval during each cycle of the hippocampal theta rhythm. Modeling demonstrates that phasic changes allow activation of an appropriate subset of interconnected neurons, resulting in better encoding of sequences in sparse networks. During retrieval, phasic changes in membrane depolarization allow sampling across a range of retrieval strengths, preventing insufficient or excessive retrieval activity. The phasic transition between dynamics dominated by entorhinal input and dynamics dominated by excitatory synapses arising in region CA3 prevents retrieval from interfering with encoding of new input from entorhinal cortex.
Changing precipitation pattern alters soil microbial community response to wet-up under a Mediterranean-type climate

A large soil CO2 pulse is associated with rewetting soils after the dry summer period under a Mediterranean-type climate, significantly contributing to grasslands' annual carbon budget. Rapid reactivation of soil heterotrophs and a pulse of available carbon are both required to fuel the CO2 pulse. Understanding of the effects of altered summer precipitation on the metabolic state of indigenous microorganisms may be important in predicting changes in carbon cycling. Here, we investigated the effects of extending winter rainfall into the normally dry summer period on soil microbial response to a controlled rewetting event, by following the present (DNA-based) and potentially active (rRNA-based) soil bacterial and fungal communities in intact soil cores (from a California annual grassland) previously subjected to three different precipitation patterns over 4 months (full summer dry season, extended wet season and absent dry season). Phylogenetic marker genes for bacteria and fungi were sequenced before and after rewetting, and the abundance of these genes and transcripts was measured. After having experienced markedly different antecedent water conditions, the potentially active bacterial communities showed a consistent wet-up response. We found a significant positive relation between the extent of change in the structure of the potentially active bacterial community and the magnitude of the CO2 pulse upon rewetting dry soils. We suggest that the duration of severe dry summer conditions characteristic of the Mediterranean climate is important in conditioning the response potential of the soil microbial community to wet-up as well as in framing the magnitude of the associated CO2 pulse.
The history of the development of procedures for the rapid assessment of environmental conditions to aid the urban regeneration process at London Docklands

A process of urban regeneration of the former industrial dock area of east London by the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) recognised the importance of geotechnical and geoenvironmental information. A systematic programme of data collection was implemented and stored in a series of bespoke computer database systems and cartographic registers. These allowed retrieval and manipulation of the data to provide rapid site assessments. The understanding of the natural setting of the area was enhanced as a consequence of the collation exercise. The data stored included geotechnical and environmental information on soil and groundwater. The hydrogeological regime was modelled by computer to determine the consequences of development on groundwater movement. In addition, a cartographic register of historic land use was developed. This gave instant detail on the potential for contamination of a site and became a fundamental tool in the UK planning process of the area. The information from the separate systems was finally combined into a geographic information system.
Enantioseparation of vesamicol in human serum by capillary electrophoresis with solid phase extraction and sulfated-β-cyclodextrin

Abstract An enantioseparation of racemic vesamicol in human serum by capillary electrophoresis with solid phase extraction and sulfated B-cyclodextrin (S-B-CD) is presented The separation was achieved on an uncoated 72 cm×50 μm id fused silica capillary maintained at 30 °C and +15 kV applied voltage using a run buffer of 128 μM S-B-CD in 50 mM phosphate buffer at pH 5. The detection wavelength was 260 nm. Bond Elut C18 solid phase extraction cartridges were used in the sample preparation of the vesamicol samples from serum. Among the CDs studied, the migration order of the enantiomers was reversed in CM-B-CD compared to S-B-CD. Increases in migration time and differences in time between enantiomers was observed with increasing concentrations of S-B-CD. Baseline separation was achieved in the 2–20 μg/ml range of enantiomer concentration (r>0.996). A sample stacking technique was used to improve peak shape and LOD. LODs were 0.5 μg/ml for each enantiomer. Studies of various factors and CE conditions showed the effect of CD type, CD concentration, buffer type, buffer concentration and pH on stability and resolution.
Cranial Burst Fracture in Infants: Acute Recognition and Management

In the past, the diagnosis of “growing skull fracture” or “diastatic fracture” has included a subset of injuries better referred to as “cranial burst fracture.” Cranial burst fracture, typically associated with severe injury in infants less than 1 year of age, is a closed, widely diastatic skull fracture accompanied by acute cerebral extrusion outside the calvarium. We treated 11 such infants at the LeBonheur Children's Medical Center and 2 at the Children's National Medical Center from January 1986 through December 1994. Infants ranged in age from 1 to 17 months, with an average age of 5.7 months. All presented with marked scalp swelling and a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 10 or less. Twelve had a history consistent with severe injury (motor vehicle accident, 7, abuse 5). The cause of injury in one patient remains unproven. Surgery (reduction of herniated cerebral tissue, repair of large dural laceration, and cranioplasty) was usually performed within 10 days of injury, a time period long enough to assure hemodynamic stability and resolution of acute cerebral swelling, yet sufficiently brief to avoid the chronic changes (scarring, parasitization of scalp vessels by damaged cortex) associated with a “growing skull fracture.” Prompt repair of cranial burst fracture may prevent ongoing brain injury such as has been neuropathologically demonstrated in patients with “growing skull fracture.” Magnetic resonance imaging establishes the diagnosis of cranial burst fracture in equivocal cases, rendering unnecessary a “waiting period” to see if scalp swelling resolves. Our experience, together with information in the neuropathological and neurosurgicla literature, suggests that cranial burst fracture is associated with severe trauma, requires expeditious treatment, and has been underdiagnosed in the past, leading to “growing skull fracture,” a condition requiring more extensive surgery.