cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bringing central line-associated bloodstream infection prevention home: catheter maintenance practices and beliefs of pediatric oncology patients and families.

Article-at-a-Glance Background A study was conducted to investigate (1) the extent to which best-practice central line maintenance practices were employed in the homes of pediatric oncology patients and by whom, (2) caregiver beliefs about central line care and central line–associated blood stream infection (CLABSI) risk, (3) barriers to optimal central line care by families, and (4) educational experiences and preferences regarding central line care. Methods Researchers administered a survey to patients and families in a tertiary care pediatric oncology clinic that engaged in rigorous ambulatory and inpatient CLABSI prevention efforts. Results Of 110 invited patients and caregivers, 105 participated (95% response rate) in the survey (March–May 2012). Of the 50 respondents reporting that they or another caregiver change central line dressings, 48% changed a dressing whenever it was soiled as per protocol (many who did not change dressings per protocol also never personally changed dressings); 67% reported the oncology clinic primarily cares for their child's central line, while 29% reported that an adult caregiver or the patient primarily cares for the central line. Eight patients performed their own line care "always" or "most of the time." Some 13% of respondents believed that it was "slightly likely" or "not at all likely" that their child will get an infection if caregivers do not perform line care practices perfectly every time. Dressing change practices were the most difficult to comply with at home. Some 18% of respondents wished they learned more about line care, and 12% received contradictory training. Respondents cited a variety of preferences regarding line care teaching, although the majority looked to clinic nurses for modeling line care. Conclusions Interventions aimed at reducing ambulatory CLABSIs should target appropriate educational experiences for adult caregivers and patients and identify ways to improve compliance with best-practice care.
Prescription Drug Histories Among Drug Overdose Decedents in Delaware

Background: The US opioid epidemic largely featured deaths from prescribed medications during Wave 1 (1990-2010), but its progression since then has resulted more so from deaths to illegal opioids-such as heroin (Wave 2 - 2010-2013) and fentanyl (Wave 3 - 2013-present). As deaths to illegally manufactured fentanyl have increased, attention to the role of prescribed opioids may be waning. However, the shifting nature of today's opioid epidemic demands we monitor how both legal and illegal drugs are involved in overdose deaths. Objectives: The purpose of our study is to investigate the prescription drug (Rx) records of overdose death decedents to illuminate the continued role of prescribed medications in Wave 3 deaths. Methods: We matched drug overdose death data and prescription drug monitoring data to investigate the prescription drug records (i.e. types of opioids and other medications) of Delaware, USA, decedents who died from a drug overdose death between January 1, 2013, and March 31, 2015 (27 months). Results: Fentanyl decedents differed significantly from other decedents in prescribed medications, including the amount and proximity of opioid and Rx fentanyl prescriptions before death. These relationships held while controlling for demographic characteristics and contributing health conditions. Conclusions: Our findings show a continued presence of Rx opioids in overdose deaths and that those dying from fentanyl had different Rx records than those who died from other drugs. Continued monitoring of Rx drugs, improved toxicology testing and greater data access for more research should follow to inform effective interventions.
Study Strategies for General Surgery Residents Preparing for the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination: What to Keep, Discard, and Adopt.

Objective Undergraduate and graduate education research has stratified study strategies from low-utility to high-utility with respect to durable learning. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of these evidence-based learning strategies among surgery residents in preparation for the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE). Design A 23-item survey was administered during individual interviews. It assessed whether they had a study plan, and the average length and frequency of their independent study, both during the year and the month prior to the ABSITE. Data were also collected on their primary resources and study strategies. Residents rated their usage of those strategies based on a 5-point Likert scale. Setting Maine Medical Center, an academic tertiary care center located in Portland, ME. Participants All residents in the Department of Surgery. Results Residents (n= 23) intensified their preparation for the ABSITE in the month prior to the exam compared to the remainder of the year, adopting study plans (87% vs 61%, p = 0.53) and increasing the time spent studying (median, 420 vs 120 minutes per week, p Conclusions All residents use self-testing as a study strategy. Most underuse spacing and overuse highlighting. Further research is needed to establish the relationship between these study strategies and ABSITE scores.
Cerebral Cavernous Malformations, Developmental Venous Anomaly, and Its Coexistence: A Review.

Background Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are intracranial vascular malformations that can exist as a single lesion or mixed vascular lesions. The most common mixed form is the coexistence of CCM with an associated developmental venous anomaly (DVA). In this paper, we aim to give a comprehensive review of CCM, DVA, and their coexistence as mixed lesions. A PubMed search using the keywords "Cerebral cavernous malformations, Developmental venous anomaly, Mixed Cerebral cavernous malformations with Developmental venous anomaly" was done. All studies in the English language in the past 10 years were analyzed descriptively for this review. Summary The search yielded 1,249 results for "Cerebral cavernous malformations," 271 results for "Developmental venous anomaly," and 5 results for "Mixed Cerebral cavernous malformations with Developmental venous anomaly." DVA is the most common intracranial vascular malformation, followed by CCM. CCM can have a wide array of clinical presentations like hemorrhage, seizures, or focal neurological deficits or can also be an incidental finding on brain imaging. DVAs are benign lesions by nature; however, venous infarction can occur in a few patients due to acute thrombosis. Mixed CCM with DVA has a higher risk of hemorrhage. CCMs are angiographically occult lesion, and cerebral digital subtraction angiography is the gold standard for the diagnosis of DVA. Mixed lesions, on the other hand, are best diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging, which has also been effective in detecting specific abnormalities. Asymptomatic lesions are treated through a conservative approach, while clinically symptomatic lesions need surgical management. Conclusion Individual CCM or DVA lesions have a benign course; however, when they coexist in the same individual, the hemorrhagic risk is increased, which prompts for rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Deep Neural Network based Complex Spectrogram Reconstruction for Speech Bandwidth Expansion

In this paper, we present a deep neural network (DNN) based complex spectrogram reconstruction algorithm for speech bandwidth expansion, where the DNN is applied for estimating the real and imaginary parts of spectrograms of the wideband speech from those of the narrowband speech. Unlike the previous DNN based method, which only estimates the magnitude and employs the simple mirror version phase for reconstruction, we employ the complex spectrogram to recover the magnitude and phase of the high-frequency component simultaneously. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method outperforms the non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) and the state-of-the-art DNN based speech bandwidth expansion methods in terms of objective performance metrics.
Error Sensitivity and Numerical Examples

This chapter discusses error sensitivity and numerical examples. The error in the output 3-D structure and motion parameters depend on the uncertainty in the input flow parameters. The errors in the flow parameters in turn depend on two factors: (1) the image quality and (2) the computational method employed in estimating the flow derivatives. If a tolerance is specified for the output structure and motion, then it is in principle possible to obtain an approximate idea of the required image quality. A sensitivity analysis based on error differentials gives only the worst case behavior. Therefore, such an analysis is often inadequate in practical applications. A more accurate analysis is difficult unless a domain of application is specified. This difficulty arises from the nonlinear nature of the problem. A theoretical sensitivity analysis can be done by taking error differentials. If the uncertainty in the input image flow parameters is known, then approximate bounds on the maximum error in the 3-D structure and motion parameters can be estimated.
Through the eyes of the expert: Evaluating holistic processing in architects through gaze-contingent viewing

Studies in the psychology of visual expertise have tended to focus on a limited set of expert domains, such as radiology and athletics. Conclusions drawn from these data indicate that experts use parafoveal vision to process images holistically. In this study, we examined a novel, as-of-yet-unstudied class of visual experts-architects-expecting similar results. However, the results indicate that architects, though visual experts, may not employ the holistic processing strategy observed in their previously studied counterparts. Participants (n = 48, 24 architects, 24 naive) were asked to find targets in chest radiographs and perspective images. All images were presented in both gaze-contingent and normal viewing conditions. Consistent with a holistic processing model, we expected two results: (1) architects would display a greater difference in saccadic amplitude between the gaze-contingent and normal conditions, and (2) architects would spend less time per search than an undergraduate control group. We found that the architects were more accurate in the perspectival task, but they took more time and displayed a lower difference in saccadic amplitude than the controls. Our research indicates a disjunctive conclusion. Either architects are simply different kinds of visual experts than those previously studied, or we have generated a task that employs visual expertise without holistic processing. Our data suggest a healthy skepticism for across-the-board inferences collected from a single domain of expertise to the nature of visual expertise generally. More work is needed to determine whether holism is a feature of all visual expertise.
Moaning and Eye Contact: Men's Use of Ambiguous Signals in Attributions of Consent to Their Partners.

In recent years, there has been increasing pressure on men to prevent sexual violence. This study uses data from 25 semi-structured interviews to explore how heterosexual undergraduate men have res...
THE UNIVERSITY LABORATORY SCHOOL: THE BENEFITS OF QUALITY PRACTICES

This study investigated student teachers' perspectives on their experiences at the Joyce M. Huggins Early Education Center (Huggins Center), a university (ECE) laboratory (lab) school. The researcher examines whether or not training in a high quality, accredited ECE lab school assists students enrolled in the credential program, ECE option to grow professionally in learning to apply ECE theory to classroom practice. Sixteen student teachers were placed in ECE classrooms (infant, toddler, and preschool) at the Huggins Center. Prior to their experience, and after their placement, students completed a 10-item survey to determine if their student teaching experience met their expectations. The researcher also observed the students during student teaching. Their work, including a class presentation, written reflections and other assignments were also analyzed to look at their implementation of quality ECE practices in their teaching at the lab school such as: design of project activities, parent involvement, and use of documentation. Based on the qualitative and quantitative analysis, results of the project The University Laboratory School: The Benefits of Quality Practices show that the student teaching experience provided at the ECE lab school was highly effective in helping student teachers achieve experience with NAEYC standards and yielded positive outcomes for the student teachers. An aspect that requires more attention is the student teachers’ need for more feedback from classroom teachers to enhance their preparation for teaching. Article visualizations:
A Safe and Practical Cycle for Team-Based Development and Implementation of In-House Clinical Software

Abstract Purpose Due to a gap in published guidance, we describe our robust cycle of in-house clinical software development and implementation, which has been used for years to facilitate the safe treatment of all patients in our clinics. Methods and Materials Our software development and implementation cycle requires clarity in communication, clearly defined roles, thorough commissioning, and regular feedback. Cycle phases include design requirements and use cases, development, physics evaluation testing, clinical evaluation testing, and full clinical release. Software requirements, release notes, test suites, and a commissioning report are created and independently reviewed before clinical use. Software deemed to be high-risk, such as those that are writable to a database, incorporate the use of a formal, team-based hazard analysis. Incident learning is used to both guide initial development and improvements as well as to monitor the safe use of the software. Results Our standard process builds in transparency and establishes high expectations in the development and use of custom software to support patient care. Since moving to a commercial planning system platform in 2013, we have applied our team-based software release process to 16 programs related to scripting in the treatment planning system for the clinic. Conclusions The principles and methodology described here can be implemented in a range of practice settings regardless of whether or not dedicated resources are available for software development. In addition to teamwork with defined roles, documentation, and use of incident learning, we strongly recommend having a written policy on the process, using phased testing, and incorporating independent oversight and approval before use for patient care. This rigorous process ensures continuous monitoring for and mitigatation of any high risk hazards.
9 – Dynamics of Particles and Rigid Bodies

The chapter reviews fundamental theories, formulas, solution methods, and a set (toolbox) of MATLAB functions for dynamics of particles and rigid bodies. When a particle moves along a path in a reference frame, its position is described by a position vector, which is a function of time. The motion (position, velocity, and acceleration) of a particle can be described in different coordinates, but two commonly used coordinate systems are rectangular Cartesian coordinates and cylindrical coordinates. A particle is subject to a force that is always directed toward a fixed point O. Such a force is called the central force, and O the center of force. The moment of a central force about the center is always zero. So, the angular momentum of a particle moving under a central force is constant. A rigid body is an object in which the distance between any two points remains the same. The chapter presents two-dimensional motion of slablike rigid bodies and a toolbox that has a function—massmin—for computing mass moments of inertia of the bodies.
Peritoneal fluid thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α in endometriosis☆☆☆

An anatomic basis for the infertility associated with endometriosis is often lacking. The present study measured peritoneal fluid levels of two of the stable products of prostaglandin endoperoxides (thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α) in patients with and without endometriosis. Both compounds were significantly elevated in the endometriosis group (n = 15, p < 0.05). This suggests an increase in the peritoneal fluid levels of thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin, both of which could act on tubal smooth muscle and interfere with tubal function. Such altered tubal function might explain the phenomenon of endometriosis-induced infertility when there is no direct damage to the reproductive organs.
Abstract 18816: Relationship of Aortic Valve Surgery and Survival in Patients with Moderate or Severe Aortic Stenosis and Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Introduction: Aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic stenosis (AS) carries additional surgical risk in patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) but has been associated with survival benefit. The current use of AVR and its relationship to mortality in patients with moderate or severe AS and LVD is ill defined. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that AVR was underutilized among patients with moderate/severe AS and LVD, and that it was associated with lower mortality. Methods: We queried the Duke Echocardiographic Database for patients with moderate (mean gradient >25 mmHg and/or peak velocity >3m/s) or severe AS (mean gradient >40 mmHg and or peak velocity >4m/s) and LVD (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] <50%) from 1/1/1995-5/1/2014. We used multivariable Cox modeling to assess the relationship of AVR and all-cause mortality. Results: We identified a total of 1,634/132,804 patients with moderate (1,095, 67%) or severe (539, 33%) AS and LVD. Severe LVD (LVEF ≤35%) was present in 35% of the cohor...
Mixing for Coagulation: Organic Polymers, Static Mixers, and Modeling

This paper is a summary of research on the role of mixing in the coagulation process. In particular, the optimal rapid mix G value and detention time were determined for coagulation using an organic, cationic polyelectrolyte. The optimal G value was in agreement with previous studies, but the optimal detention time was in seconds instead of several minutes. Studies on the use of static mixers are also summarized. Comparing the static mixer to a jar test for enhanced coagulation studies showed that the type of mixer is important in determining optimal coagulant doses for TOC removal. This conclusion has important implications for water treatment plants practicing enhanced coagulation. A computational fluid dynamics model of static mixers is also introduced that can provide detailed, quantitative information on the fluid flow and chemical dispersion in static mixers.
Slip‐pulse rupture behavior on a 2 m granite fault

We describe observations of dynamic rupture events that spontaneously arise on meter-scale laboratory earthquake experiments. While low-frequency slip of the granite sample occurs in a relatively uniform and crack-like manner, instruments capable of detecting high-frequency motions show that some parts of the fault slip abruptly (velocity > 100 mm s−1, acceleration > 20 km s−2) while the majority of the fault slips more slowly. Abruptly slipping regions propagate along the fault at nearly the shear wave speed. We propose that the dramatic reduction in frictional strength implied by this pulse-like rupture behavior has a common mechanism to the weakening reported in high-velocity friction experiments performed on rotary machines. The slip pulses can also be identified as migrating sources of high-frequency seismic waves. As observations from large earthquakes show similar propagating high-frequency sources, the pulses described here may have relevance to the mechanics of larger earthquakes.
Fear of Commitment: The Opposing Causes of Third Party Intervention and Commitment

Scholars of conflict management agree that one must understand why a third party manages a conflict before properly evaluating its impact on conflict resolution (Greig 2005; Svensson 2006). While this research focuses on a dichotomous conceptualization of management, further consideration of third party commitment is necessary before we can evaluate management outcomes. For example, existing scholarship does not differentiate between 'cheap talk' and true commitments to conflict resolution. I attempt to flush out false commitments before evaluating the outcomes of third-party efforts by examining both management occurrence and third party commitment. I argue that a third party’s initial choice to manage a conflict and method of commitment have implications for third party temporal commitment and success. My results further our understanding of management occurrence and outcomes.
HER-2/ neu and CD117 (c-kit) overexpression in patients with pesticide exposure and extensive stage small cell lung carcinoma (ESSCLC)

The rate of detection of HER-2/neu and CD117 (c-kit) overexpression in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has varied widely; between 5–35% and 21–70% respectively.
Storing apheresis platelets without agitation with simulated shipping conditions during two separate periods: immediately after collection and subsequently between Day 2 and Day 3.

BACKGROUND: Apheresis platelet (PLT) units are not routinely agitated during transit. Our study compared the in vitro properties of apheresis PLT units that were stored with continuous agitation (CA) and without continuous agitation (WCA) during two separate periods, immediately after collection and between Day 2 and Day 3 of storage. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Two identical apheresis PLTs units were prepared from collections with Amicus (n = 11, Fenwal, Inc.) and Trima (n = 10, CaridianBCT) cell separators. One apheresis PLT unit was continuously agitated, starting routinely within 30 minutes of collection, and an identical apheresis PLT unit was held without agitation initially for 7 to 8 hours and subsequently for 24 hours between Day 2 and Day 3 of storage. The apheresis PLT units were maintained WCA at 20 to 24°C in a shipping box. In vitro PLT properties were evaluated on Day 1 (day after collection), after 5 and 7 days of storage. RESULTS: With both Amicus and Trima apheresis PLT units, the mean PLT content and concentration of CA and WCA were comparable and essentially constant throughout storage. Mean pH levels (±1 SD) after 5 days for Amicus apheresis PLT units were 6.97 ± 0.20 (WCA) and 7.13 ± 0.16 (p < 0.001, CA) and for Trima apheresis PLT units 6.97 ± 0.21 (WCA) and 7.22 ± 0.17 (p < 0.001, CA). In vitro variables, including percentage of disc PLTs, extent of shape change, and hypotonic stress levels, after 5 days of storage, showed mean differences between WCA and CA that were less than 15%. CONCLUSION: The in vitro results show that apheresis PLT units can be stored without agitation for 7 to 8 hours immediately after collection and also subsequently during storage for 24 hours with minimal influence on in vitro PLT properties compared to continuously agitated PLTs.
A Three-Year Prospective Study of Repeat Head Computed Tomography in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury

Background A definitive consensus on the standardization of practice of a routine repeat head CT (RHCT) scan in patients with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage is lacking. We hypothesized that in examinable patients without neurologic deterioration, RHCT scan does not lead to neurosurgical intervention (craniotomy/craniectomy). Study Design This was a 3-year prospective cohort analysis of patients aged 18 years and older, without antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy, presenting to our level 1 trauma center with intracranial hemorrhage on initial head CT and a follow-up RHCT. Neurosurgical intervention was defined by craniotomy/craniectomy. Neurologic deterioration was defined as altered mental status, focal neurologic deficits, and/or pupillary changes. Results A total of 1,129 patients were included. Routine RHCT was performed in 1,099 patients. The progression rate was 19.7% (216 of 1,099), with subsequent neurosurgical intervention in 4 patients. Four patients had an abnormal neurologic examination, with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of ≤8 requiring intubation. Thirty patients had an RHCT secondary to neurologic deterioration; 53% (16 of 30) had progression on RHCT, of which 75% (12 of 16) required neurosurgical intervention. There was an association between deterioration in neurologic examination and need for neurosurgical intervention (odds ratio 3.98; 95% CI 1.7 to 9.1). The negative predictive value of a deteriorating neurologic examination in predicting the need for neurosurgical intervention was 100% in patients with GCS > 8. Conclusions Routine repeat head CT scan is not warranted in patients with normal neurologic examination. Routine repeat head CT scan does not supplement the need for neurologic examination for determining management in patients with traumatic brain injury.
Gabriel: a design environment for DSP

Gabriel, a second-generation digital signal-processing (DSP) design environment, is described. The Gabriel experimental signal-processing software performs non-real-time algorithm simulations and code synthesis for real-time hardware based on programmable DSPs. Gabriel eases code development for architectures that are not easy targets for conventional compilers. The model of compilation used by Gabriel is discussed at length. Modification of the model to run in real time, target architectures, and scheduling are examined. >
Interferon tau–induced hepatocyte apoptosis in sheep

Clinical applications of Type I interferon (IFN) are limited by adverse side effects mediated largely by unknown mechanisms. This study examined the mechanisms of acute hepatic injury in lambs treated with systemic administration of IFN-tau, a Type I IFN. Liver tissues were collected at 24, 48, or 96 hours after treatment with either IFN-tau or saline. Histopathology revealed acute hepatopathy including cellular swelling, cytoplasmic aggregates, and apoptosis in all IFN-tau-treated lambs, which were accompanied by elevation of aspartate transaminase (AST) (P <.01). The number of apoptotic hepatocytes in IFN-tau-treated lambs was higher than for control lambs (P <.001). Immunohistochemistry for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) revealed that IFN-tau induced hepatocyte growth arrest at the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle and that the majority of hepatocytes in S or G2 phase were eliminated by apoptosis. We investigated expression of bax-alpha and bcl-2, acting as pro- and antiapoptotic molecules, in IFN-tau-induced apoptosis. Northern blot analysis revealed increased expression of bax-alpha messenger RNA (mRNA) in IFN-tau-treated lambs (P <.01) compared with control lambs, consistent with the expression pattern for bax-alpha protein. However, there was no detectable difference in expression of bcl-2 proteins between control and IFN-tau-treated lambs. The levels of bax-alpha associated with the mitochondria also increased during IFN-tau treatment. Bax-alpha immunostaining showed scattered immunoreactive hepatocytes with morphological hallmarks of apoptosis. These results suggest that IFN-tau induces growth arrest as well as apoptosis by regulating bax-alpha expression. These pathological effects of IFN-tau on sheep liver indicate potential mechanisms of Type 1 IFN-induced hepatotoxicity in animals and humans.
Preparation and characterization of (η5-C5H5Co)2-(μ-PPh2)B2H5: evidence for multicenter cluster bonding in σ-π vinyl transition metal complexes

Abstract The structural and spectroscopic properties of the new cobaltaborane,Cp2Co2(PPh2)B2H5 show that this compound, a formal analogue of a dinuclear transition metal complex containing a C2H3 ligand in σ-π bonding mode,exhibits a geometry characteristic of an arachno tetranuclear cluster framework. Comparison with analogous σ-π vinyl complexes suggests a significant component of multicenter cluster bonding character in the carbon-metal interaction in the organometallic compounds.
Effect of exchange currents on orbital g -factors and E1 sum rule for photoabsorption

Abstract The relation between the enhancement κ in the E1 sum rule and δg l of the orbital magnetic moment is reinvestigated. The relation κ = 2 δg l of Fujita and Hirata is modified to κ ′ = 2 δg l where κ′ is the enhancement following from V eff . The tensor correlation leads to large Δ κ = κ − κ ′ as well as κ and κ′.
Can the caregiver replace his/her elderly cancer patient in the physician-patient line of communication?

Only few studies have focussed on the information needs of senior cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate to what extent caregivers perceive their elderly cancer patients’ informational needs. Between June 2004 and February 2005, at the National Cancer Institute of Aviano (northern Italy), we asked 112 elderly cancer patients naive for treatments (age >65 years) and their 112 accompanying family members to fill in a self-administered questionnaire exploring the patient’s information needs and his/her information-seeking behaviour. Elderly patients (60 males and 52 females, mean age 72 years) were mostly affected by genital–urinary (27%) or breast/gynaecological (25%) cancer. Caregivers were usually females (71%), daughters/sons (45%) and/or partners (41%). The interobserver agreement for the information request regarding cancer diagnosis and disease management, for the selected information sources consulted to acquire knowledge and for the reasons for seeking further information between the elderly patients and their caregivers were unsatisfactory to poor. Our results show that caregivers misunderstand the informational needs of their patients. Therefore, elderly patient information preferences cannot be predicted accurately by talking to relatives. The recommendation to oncologists is to be more responsive to the needs of both elderly cancer patients and their family members.
Allosteric Effect of Amphiphile Binding to Phospholipase A2

In the preceding paper, we showed that the formation of the second premicellar complex of pig pancreatic IB phospholipase A2 (PLA2) can be considered a proxy for interface-activated substrate binding. Here we show that this conclusion is supported by results from premicellar E(i)(#) (i = 1, 2, or 3) complexes with a wide range of mutants of PLA2. Results also show a structural basis for the correlated functional changes during the formation of E(2)(#), and this is interpreted as an allosteric T (inactive) to R (active) transition. For example, the dissociation constant K(2)(#) for decylsulfate bound to E(2)(#) is lower at lower pH, at higher calcium concentrations, or with an inhibitor bound to the active site. Also, the lower limits of the K(2)(#) values are comparable under these conditions. The pH-dependent increase in K(2)(#) with a pK(a) of 6.5 is attributed to E71 which participates in the binding of the second calcium which in turn influences the enzyme binding to phosphatidylcholine interface. Most mutants exhibited kinetic and spectroscopic behavior that is comparable to that of native PLA2 and DeltaPLA2 with a deleted 62-66 loop. However, the DeltaY52L substitution mutant cannot undergo the calcium-, pH-, or interface-dependent changes. We suggest that the Y52L substitution impairs the R to T transition and also hinders the approach of the Michaelis complex to the transition state. This allosteric change may be mediated by the structural motifs that connect the D48-D99 catalytic diad, the substrate-binding slot, and the residues of the i-face. Our interpretation is that the 57-72 loop and the H(48)DNCY(52) segment of PLA2 are involved in transmitting the effect of the cooperative amphiphile binding to the i-face as a structural change in the active site.
The Rise of African Nationalism: The Case of East and Central Africa*

It is all too often assumed that African nationalism is a product of very recent manufacture. One supposes that World War II and its aftermath brought about new forces of change, loosely called “nationalism,” which in a few short years swept African prison graduates into undreamed of positions of power and world importance. To some extent, of course, this presumption is correct: those elements of change unleashed by the war and by the subsequent estrangement of two of the victors did indeed accelerate the emergence of popular movements in Africa south of the Sahara. More rapidly than even the aspirants themselves could have hoped, colonial powers made it evident that freedom could be obtained for the agitation.
Application of linear prediction singular value decomposition for processing in vivo nmr data with low signal to noise ratio

Low sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements of living cell composition by conventional methods requires samples with high cell density compared to that in growing cultures. Reasonably accurate intracellular concentration estimates from lower cell density samples can be obtained by treating the time-domain NMR data by linear prediction singular value decomposition (LPSVD) prior to Fourier transformation. Alternatively, application of LPSVD enables intracellular concentration estimates in less NMR acquisition time, improving time resolution in NMR measurements of intracellular transients.
Osteoarthritis: Priorities for osteoarthritis research: much to be done

With a frustrating lack of progress in the development of treatments for osteoarthritis, EULAR has released recommendations to reorient research into this disease. These recommendations include focused attention on noncartilagenous tissues, the interaction of structures within the joint, the pathogenesis of osteoarthritic pain, new treatment strategies and early disease.
Growth-stimulating effects of human growth hormone therapy in patients with Turner syndrome

We determined the effect of pituitary human growth hormone treatment on the growth rate of 52 children with Turner syndrome. The pretreatment growth rate was 3.2 +/- 0.8 cm/yr. Growth hormone treatment (0.2 IU/kg three times per week) resulted in enhancement of the growth rate to 5.9 +/- 1.4 cm/yr for the first year of therapy. The bone age advanced approximately 1 year during the year of therapy. The growth hormone therapy was discontinued at 12 months, and the mean growth rate decreased to pretreatment levels, 3.1 +/- 1.9 cm/yr; 26 of 41 patients actually had post-treatment growth rates that were less than the pretreatment rate. Glucose tolerance tests at 6-month intervals did not indicate an effect of hGH treatment on glucose intolerance. Several patients had glucose intolerance that preceded hGH treatment, but this remained stable during treatment; glucose intolerance likely was related to obesity in this group of patients. Basal and hGH-stimulated somatomedin C levels (32 patients) correlated with age of the patient but not with growth rate during therapy. We conclude that hGH therapy can accelerate the growth rate of patients with Turner syndrome. The growth rate increased to "normal" levels and was dependent on continued treatment with hGH. If the response continues, long-term treatment of Turner syndrome may result in increased adult height.
Viability of fastidious Phytophthora following different cryopreservation treatments.

Abstract Living stock cultures with constant phenotypes and genotypes are required for a wide range of research and industrial applications; however, long-term, stable preservation of fastidious Phytophthora strains has been challenging. In this study, we systematically evaluated different cryopreservation treatments to identify and clarify freezing, thawing, and other conditions appropriate for long-term maintenance. Optimal preservation conditions were largely strain-specific, with robust strains remaining fully viable and the fastidious yielding lower recovery under all test conditions. Nevertheless, several procedures were shown to be generally applicable for effective cryopreservation of most Phytophthora organisms. Fastidious strains retained higher viability following the −1 °C min−1 freezing protocol (Mr Frosty's) than either of two widely used programmed freezing procedures. Revival was higher when frozen mycelium plugs were thawed at 37 °C for 2 min or 25 °C for 5 min, while lower viability was apparent for fastidious strains thawed at 55 °C for 1.5 min. Among 15 cryoprotective solutions assessed, 5 % dimethyl sulfoxide produced the highest viability for all fastidious strains. The effect of prefreeze and postfreeze treatments on revival was mild, if any, and strain-dependent. This study has generated reliable, practical, long-term preservation solutions applicable to a majority of Phytophthora species. It also has revealed a need for in-depth physiological and morphological investigations to further enhance the preservation methods for fastidious strains.
Role of Informal Networks in Mitigating the Liability of Outsidership: Case of the Iranian Bazaar

This paper proposes a refinement of the Uppsala internalization model (Johanson & Vahne, 1977; Johanson & Vahne, 2009) grounded in the network theory, by developing an intermediate position between...
Controlled DNA Translocation Through a Nanopore Membrane with Different Electrostatic Landscapes

We present computational modeling of a DNA translocation through a nanopore membrane with different electrostatic landscapes. The simulated membrane-DNA system is immersed in a biased electrolyte solution to induce DNA translocation. Thin electrically tunable membrane composed of two layers of n-type and p-type semiconductor materials is used to obtain distinct electrostatic potential landscapes in the nanopore. A simple charges-and-springs model is used to model single stranded DNA molecule. Electrostatic potential landscapes in the nanopore with one and more potential extrema are compared, and their effect on DNA translocation is studied. We show that electrostatic potential landscape in the nanopore controls the translocation of DNA through the nanopore. In particular, we specify different conditions under which DNA translocates through the nanopore in one-nucleotide-at-a-time fashion, can be pulled back and forth as well as paused in the nanopore.
A λ1 transgene under the control of a heavy chain promoter and enhancer does not undergo somatic hypermutation

To identify cis-acting elements responsible for targeting somatic hypermutation to immunoglobulin variable regions, we generated transgenic mice which carry a rearranged lambda 1 gene regulated by the heavy chain intron enhancer, E mu, and the heavy chain promoter PH186.2 from the VH186.2 variable region. C57BL/6 x SJL founders were bred with C57BL/6 mice to establish a line carrying a single copy of the transgene. Somatic hypermutation was studied by generating hybridoma cell lines from mice immunized with the hapten (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NP) coupled to chicken gamma globulin. The immune response in this transgenic line was dominated by the endogenous VH186.2 heavy chain variable region and the transgenic lambda 1 light chain, and the transgene was actively expressed in all hybridomas analyzed. In this work we show that the transgenic V lambda 1 regions do not undergo hypermutation, despite high levels of expression, while the expressed heavy chain V regions accumulate mutations at a rate typical of the NP response in C57BL/6 mice. Thus, within the same B cell, the PH186.2 promoter in connection with E mu drives efficient expression of both a VH and a V lambda region, but only the VH is a target for somatic hypermutation. Our observations show that cis-acting sequences that activate immunoglobulin gene transcription are not sufficient to target somatic hypermutation.
Mechanism of degradation of penicillin G in acidic solution

By analysis of data available in the literature of the degradation of penicillin G in acidic aqueous solution, it is shown that two reactions are involved. One is the acid catalyzed hydrolysis of the undissociated penicillin molecule to form penilloic acid. The second is rearrangement of the penicillin ion following attack by proton or the kinetically equivalent uncatalyzed reaction of undissociated penicillin to form penicillenic acid which rearranges to penillic acid. The significance of this mechanism is discussed.
LQG control with an H/sup infinity / performance bound: a Riccati equation approach

An LQG (linear quadratic Gaussian) control-design problem involving a constraint on H/sup infinity / disturbance attenuation is considered. The H/sup infinity / performance constraint is embedded within the optimization process by replacing the covariance Lyapunov equation by a Riccati equation whose solution leads to an upper bound on L/sub 2/ performance. In contrast to the pair of separated Riccati equations of standard LQG theory, the H/sup infinity /-constrained gains are given by a coupled system of three modified Riccati equations. The coupling illustrates the breakdown of the separation principle for the H/sup infinity /-constrained problem. Both full- and reduced-order design problems are considered with an H/sup infinity / attenuation constraint involving both state and control variables. An algorithm is developed for the full-order design problem and illustrative numerical results are given. >
Alternative splicing of CD79a (Ig-alpha/mb-1) and CD79b (Ig-beta/B29) RNA transcripts in human B cells.

Abstract The CD79a ( Ig-α mb-1 ) and CD79b ( Ig-β B29 ) molecules form a membrane heterodimer that is non-covalently associated with surface membrane immunoglobulin and is the major signaling component of the B cell antigen receptor complex. We have defined variant RNA transcripts for both CD79a ( Ig-α mb-1 ) and CD79b ( Ig-β B29 ) which appear to arise by alternative splicing. These splice variants are predicted to encode truncated forms of these molecules that result in the deletion of the entire extracellular Ig-like domain of CD79b and of a major portion of the extracellular domain of CD79a. The presence of these short transcripts in a variety of human B cells and B cell lines was established by an RNAse protection assay. The definition of these variant transcripts provides a basis for a continuing effort to define variant protein products of CD79a and CD79b and examine their role in B cell physiology.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a patient with a family history of huntington disease: genetic counseling challenges.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington disease (HD) are generally considered to be distinct and easily differentiated neurologic conditions. However, there are case reports of the co-occurrence of ALS with HD. We present a 57-year-old male with a clinical diagnosis of sporadic ALS in the context of a family history of HD. This case adds to the limited literature regarding individuals with a family history of HD who present with features of ALS. There were several genetic counseling challenges in counseling this patient including the diagnostic consideration of two fatal conditions, complex risk information, the personal and familial implications, and the patient’s inability to communicate verbally or through writing due to disease progression. DNA banking effectively preserved the right of our patient and his wife not to learn his HD genetic status during a stressful time of disease progression while providing the option for family members to learn this information in the future if desired. We present lessons learned and considerations for other clinical genetics professionals who are presented with similar challenging issues.
Tom Noonan: the Man Behind the Scholar

Tom Noonan was not only my husband for over 38 years; he was also my best friend. In this essay, I shall share some impressions of Tom and draw some sketches of our life together. This will help to understand that the public persona of Thomas Schaub Noonan was not a complete picture of his life. Tom was a complex man, fiercely independent, totally honest and trustworthy, and one of a kind. Tom's early death left a huge gap in the academic world and in the personal lives of those who knew him and loved him. I will also include a few foibles and idiosyncrasies, since they were part of the complexity of understanding him.
Recombination, Dissociation, and Transport of Ion Pairs across the Liquid/Liquid Interface. Implications for Phase Transfer Catalysis

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to calculate several free energy profiles relevant to the recombination/dissociation and transport of individual ions and ion pairs across the water/chloroform interface. Tetra methyl ammonium (TMA+) and tetra butyl ammonium (TBA+) (typically used as phase transfer catalysts) and a chloride ion (as an example of a transferred nucleophile) are considered. The free-energy profiles for the transfer of the three ions and the two ion pairs (TMA+Cl– and TBA+Cl–) across the interface, as well as the potential of mean force for the dissociation of these two ion pairs at different interface locations, are calculated and correlated with structural and energetic changes at the interface. These equilibrium calculations, together with nonequilibrium trajectory calculations, provide molecular insight into the mechanism of phase transfer catalysis. In particular, water surface fluctuations are strongly coupled to the ion-pair location along the interface normal and the ion-pair bo...
Synthesis of labeled 1-amino-2-methylenecyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid, an inactivator of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase.

1-Amino-2-methylenecyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (2-methylene-ACC) is an irreversible inhibitor for a bacterial enzyme, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, which catalyzes the conversion of ACC to α-ketobutyrate and ammonia. The inactivation has been proposed to proceed with the ring scission induced by an addition of an enzyme nucleophile, resulting in the formation of a reactive turnover product that then traps an active-site residue. To gain further insight into this unique enzymatic reaction, the tritiated 2-methylene-ACC was prepared and incubated with ACC deaminase to locate and identify the entrapped amino acid residue. The synthesis of this radiolabeled compound and the results of its incubation with ACC deaminase are reported in this paper.
Oxidative stress mechanisms and potential therapeutics in Alzheimer disease

Oxidative damage of biological macromolecules is a hallmark of most neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer, Parkinson and diffuse Lewy body diseases. Another important phenomenon involved in these disorders is the alteration of iron and copper homeostasis. Data from the literature support the involvement of metal homeostasis in mitochondrial dysfunction, protein alterations and nucleic acid damage which are relevant in brain function and consequently, in the development of neurodegenerative disorders. Although alterations in transition metal homeostasis, redox activity, and localization are well documented, it must be determined how alterations of specific copper- and iron-containing metalloenzymes are also involved in Alzheimer disease. The clarification of these phenomena can open a new window for understanding the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and, consequently, for the development of new therapeutic strategies such as gene therapy and new pharmaceutical formulations with antioxidant and chelating properties.
Comparison of cost and effectiveness of several different usability evaluation methods: a classroom case study

Students in a class on usability testing were presented with four methods of testing and evaluating product usability. Each group of students used the four methods to evaluate a product of their choosing, and reported the results of each test and a comparison of the relative effectiveness of each method. Some suggestions for combining evaluation methods for maximum impact are offered.
The Need for Interpersonal Skill Training and Supervision

Principals can improve their skills in supervision by developing an organizational climate around Ouchi's Theory Z. In showing how, the authors explain behavior modeling and illustrate how a typical session can improve classroom instruction.