cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Trial Comparing Daptomycin to Vancomycin for the Treatment of Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections in an Observation Unit.

Abstract Background Incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasing in complicated skin and skin structure infection (cSSSI) presenting to emergency departments (EDs). Treatment is heterogeneous and can require inpatient admission to an observation unit (OU). Vancomycin is commonly used in the OU for treatment, but increasing MRSA resistance to vancomycin suggests the need for alternatives. Daptomycin is an alternative but it is not known how it compares with vancomycin. Objective This study tested the hypothesis that daptomycin is noninferior to vancomycin for the treatment of cSSSI in an OU, using a relative risk (RR) of 1.3 as the noninferiority limit. Methods Subjects admitted to an ED-based OU with a diagnosis of cSSSI were eligible. Consenting subjects were randomized 1:1 to intravenous (i.v.) vancomycin at 15 mg/kg dosing every 12 h or i.v. daptomycin at 4 mg/kg once. Subjects were followed until they met objective criteria for discharge home or hospital admission. Discharged patients were prescribed 10–14 days of oral cephalexin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or clindamycin if allergic to either of these medications. The primary endpoint was meeting objective discharge criteria with no change in antibiotic therapy or return to the ED for the same cellulitis within 30 days of OU discharge. Results There were 100 patients enrolled. RR for satisfying the endpoint was 1.07 (95% confidence interval 0.58–1.98) for daptomycin compared with vancomycin. Hospital admission rates were 36% and 32% for daptomycin and vancomycin treatment, respectively. Conclusion Daptomycin was not inferior to vancomycin in the treatment of cSSSI in an OU.
Basic Principles of Gravitational Wave Interferometers

Modern interferometric gravitational wave detectors can trace their heritage to the Michelson-Morley experiment. In this lecture, I discuss the way such instruments elucidate the nature of space-time, and derive the fundamental limit to their sensitivity.
A geometry-based particle filtering approach to white matter tractography

We introduce a fibre tractography framework based on a particle filter which estimates a local geometrical model of the underlying white matter tract, formulated as a 'streamline flow' using generalized helicoids. The method is not dependent on the diffusion model, and is applicable to diffusion tensor (DT) data as well as to high angular resolution reconstructions. The geometrical model allows for a robust inference of local tract geometry, which, in the context of the causal filter estimation, guides tractography through regions with partial volume effects.We validate the method on synthetic data and present results on two types in vivo data: diffusion tensors and a spherical harmonic reconstruction of the fibre orientation distribution function (fODF).
Common Dermatologic Procedures

Dermatologists perform a wide variety of procedures on a daily basis. The skin biopsy is a fundamental technique that can be performed by all physicians who manage cutaneous conditions. Specimens should always be sent for pathologic evaluation, regardless of whether the sampled lesion appears benign. Postoperative care and education are critical for minimizing complications.
Level set based on signed pressure force function and its application in liver image segmentation

The edge-based level set model gives no satisfactory results for images with weak edge, and the region-based model performs poorly for intensity inhomogeneity images. In this paper, we propose an improved region-based level set model that integrates both the gradient information and the region information. The proposed model defines a novel external energy term, which consists of gradient information and signed pressure forces function. In order to eliminate the re-initialization procedure of traditional level set model, an internal energy term is also introduced for the level set function to maintain signed distance function. Compared with traditional models, our model is more robust against images with weak edge and intensity inhomogeneity. Experiments on liver segmentation from abdominal CT images demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method.
Exile and PVS.

Why do we match the persistent vegetative state with what we frankly should call the persistent medicative state-a relentless use of artificial nourishment and other treatments to perpetuate unconscious existence? Given a patient's prior request, physicians are ethically free-and in most states legally bound-to end support for this form of life. Even in the absence of prior directions there is authoritative medical consensus to do so. Yet an estimated five to ten thousand patients in PVS are maintained in health care facilities. This reluctance to terminate life support may represent nothing more than financial self interest or fear of litigation; but we cannot ignore a more morally supportable reason, namely the concern that social value judgments might decay into egregious public policy killings. Is there an argument sufficiently compelling to override this slippery slope objection? One possible line of reasoning is exemplified by considering the patient in intractable pain from advanced metastatic cancer. To abolish the pain a physician might find it necessary to employ large doses of morphine--which could shorten the patient's life. Today there is general medical agreement that--barring patient preferences to the contrary--it is a greater act of beneficence, therefore the physician's duty, to alleviate suffering, even if the patient's life is shortened. Can this rationale be applied to the patient in PVS? Ironically, this argument is confounded by the very authorities, such as the AMA and the American Academy of Neurology, who while advocating treatment withdrawal, assert that: "Persistent vegetative state patients do not have the capacity to experience pain or suffering." How then can we justify ending a life which is incapable of suffering? We cannot know of course that PVS patients do not suffer. We can only surmise this based on observations we make of external manifestations that correspond to inner states (so we are told) in conscious people. The patient does not smile or frown in response to the sounds of voices or music--therefore, we assume the patient is deriving no meaning or satisfaction from these stimuli. We observe none of the customary signs of awareness or recognition or emotions or thoughts. But even if this lack of awareness is not suffering, can we nonetheless conclude that the patient exists in a state so undesirable that it is perhaps worse than death? If so then we would have the moral warrant to end that state. What do we know about the patient who is permanently unconscious? Only that he or she is isolated from any form of communication-as though exiled or banished from society, a condition once regarded as punishment equal to if not worse than death, because it is, in effect, dehumanizing. From the earliest known time human beings have functioned as organic components within a community, connected to family, friends, work, rituals, customs, duties, and entertainments. …
A statistical study of magnetosphere–ionosphere coupling in the Lyon–Fedder–Mobarry global MHD model

Abstract The statistics of magnetosphere–ionosphere (MI) coupling derived from a two-month long run of the Lyon–Fedder–Mobarry (LFM) global simulation model are investigated. MI coupling characteristics such as polar cap potential and field-aligned current (FAC), downward Poynting flux and vorticity of ionospheric convection are compared with observed statistical averages and with results from the Weimer 05 empirical model. The comparisons for eight different IMF clock-angle orientations show that the LFM model produces reasonably accurate average distributions of the Region I and Region II currents. Both current systems have average amplitudes similar to those observed by the Iridium satellite constellation; however, the average LFM amplitudes are smaller by a factor of two compared with the values from the Weimer 05 model. The comparisons of polar cap potential show that the LFM model produces reasonable patterns of ionospheric convection, but the average cross polar cap potential (CPCP) is greater than the observed results by a factor of approximately 2 and greater than Weimer 05 by a factor of 1.5. The differences in convection in LFM results relative to the Weimer 05 model accounts for much of the difference in the Poynting flux patterns and integrated power produced by the two models. The comparisons of average ionospheric field-aligned vorticity show good agreement on the dayside; however, the LFM model gives higher nightside vorticity which may imply that the ionospheric conductance on the nightside is too small in the simulation.
Intravenously administered abciximab in the management of early cerebral ischemia after carotid endarterectomy: Case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Cerebral ischemia is the most worrisome perioperative complication of carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The stroke rate occurring with CEA is estimated to range from 2.3 to 6.3%. Numerous treatment options are available to the neurosurgeon in this scenario, although no "gold standard" exists. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 61-year-old woman presented with acute left arm weakness 40 minutes after an uneventful CEA for symptomatic carotid stenosis. Emergent angiography demonstrated vascular irregularities in a "moth-eaten" pattern along the arteriotomy closure, suggestive of platelet-fibrin aggregates ("white clot"). INTERVENTION: Abciximab was immediately administered intravenously in the angiography suite, with subsequent improvement of the visualized vascular irregularities on a second angiogram performed 12 minutes after infusion and complete resolution of the presumed platelet-fibrin aggregates on a third angiogram performed the next day. The patient had no further episodes of cerebral ischemia. She was discharged home on the fifth postoperative day with improving left arm weakness, which had completely resolved by her 2-month follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of abciximab administered intravenously in the setting of acute thromboembolic brain ischemia after CEA. For the unique situation in which an acute thrombus, or white clot, is thought to be the cause of cerebral ischemia, we believe that abciximab may offer an effective and potentially safer alternative than fibrinolytics and may be a more appropriate drug to use from a physiological perspective.
Structure and composition of copper(II)-2,2′-bipyridine sorption complexes on amorphous SiO2

We have used solution uptake studies, X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to study the sorption of Cu(II) and 2,2′-bipyridine (bipy) on amorphous SiO2 (am-SiO2). The specific goals of this study were to elucidate the composition of ternary surface complexes, to determine the mode of sorption at the molecular level, and to quantify the effect of the bipy ligand on the sorption behavior of Cu(II) at macroscopic scale. Uptake measurements as a function of pH and bipy to Cu(II) ratio show that bipy enhances Cu(II) sorption onto am-SiO2 at the lowest total Cu concentration studied, Cutot = 0.0001 M, but inhibits Cu(II) sorption at Cutot = 0.0016 M. Both enhancement and inhibition are more pronounced at higher bipy/Cu(II) ratios. The ratio of adsorbed bipy (bipyads) to adsorbed Cu(II) (Cu(II)ads) is very close to the ratio of bipy to Cu(II) in the predominant aqueous solution complex (i.e., bipyads/Cu(II)ads ≈ n when the predominant aqueous complex is Cu(II)-bipyn for n = 1 or 2). EPR and XAFS results, together with FTIR results reported in a separate study, suggest that Cu(II) and bipy are mutually bonded. For Cu(II)-bipy1, XAFS and EPR results suggest that the dominant Cu(II) surface species is an inner sphere, mononuclear, monodentate type A ternary surface complex [i.e., is bonded to the surface through the Cu(II)]. XAFS results also show that the Cu(II)-surface bond length and inferred Cu(II)-Osurface bond strength, in the presence of bipy, are comparable to those in the absence of bipy. For Cu(II)-bipy2, spectroscopic results suggest that the predominant surface species is Cu(II)-bipy2 bonded to the surface in inner sphere mode.
Inhibition of ERK and p38 MAP Kinases Inhibits Binding of Nrf2 and Induction of GCS Genes

Genes encoding the catalytic (GCS(h)) and regulatory (GCS(l)) subunits of human gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (gammaGCS), which catalyzes the rate limiting step in glutathione synthesis, are up-regulated in response to xenobiotics through Electrophile Response Elements (EpREs). Exposure of HepG2 cells to the GCS-inducing agent, Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), results in ERK and p38 MAP kinase activation. Inhibition of ERK or p38 kinases by PD98059 or SB202190, respectively, results in approximately 50% reduction in GCS gene induction, while simultaneous inhibition completely eliminates induction. Induction of GCS expression is associated with an increase in Nrf2 and JunD binding to GCS EpREs. Pretreatment with the MAPK inhibitors significantly reduces binding of both transcription factors. These studies indicate that ERK and p38 contribute to the transcriptional up-regulation of the GCS subunit genes following PDTC treatment. Furthermore, supershift analyses suggest that binding of Nrf2 and JunD to the EpRE is a downstream consequence of ERK and p38 phosphorylation events.
Effects of autologous priming on blood conservation after cardiac surgery.

Objective:Cardiopulmonary bypass can result in hemodilution due to the crystalloid prime, increasing the need for blood transfusion. Alternative perfusion techniques have the potential to decrease this hemodilution. The objective of this study was to determine whether a protocol of retrograde autologous prime (RAP) and venous antegrade prime (VAP) reduces the need for blood transfusion and increases the hematocrit following cardiac surgery.Methods:We performed a retrospective review of 140 consecutive non-randomized patients who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass between November 2011 and September 2012. RAP and VAP techniques were used in 70 patients while the other 70 were managed with conventional perfusion strategies. The primary outcome measure was a composite outcome of any blood transfusion or a discharge hematocrit less than 27%.Results:Baseline demographics and patient characteristics were similar between the two groups, with the exception of the RAP/VAP group having a lower ba...
Distribution of dissolved manganese in the Peruvian Upwelling and Oxygen Minimum Zone

Abstract The geochemistry of manganese (Mn) in seawater is dominated by its redox chemistry, as Mn(II) is soluble and Mn(IV) forms insoluble oxides, and redox transformations are mediated by a variety of processes in the oceans. Dissolved Mn (DMn) accumulates under reducing conditions and is depleted under oxidizing conditions. Thus the Peruvian upwelling region, characterized by highly reducing conditions over a broad continental shelf and a major oxygen minimum zone extending far offshore, is potentially a large source of Mn to the eastern Tropical South Pacific. In this study, DMn was determined on cruises in October 2005 and February 2010 in the Peruvian Upwelling and Oxygen Minimum Zone, to evaluate the relationship between Mn, oxygen and nitrogen cycle processes. DMn concentrations were determined using simple dilution and matrix-matched external standardization inductively coupled mass spectrometry. Surprisingly, DMn was depleted under the most reducing conditions along the Peruvian shelf. Concentrations of dissolved Mn in surface waters increased offshore, indicating that advection of Mn offshore from the Peruvian shelf is a minor source. Subsurface Mn maxima were observed within the oxycline rather than within the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ), indicating they arise from remineralization of organic matter rather than reduction of Mn oxides. The distribution of DMn appears to be dominated by non-redox processes and inputs from the atmosphere and from other regions associated with specific water masses. Lower than expected DMn concentrations on the shelf probably reflect limited fluvial inputs from the continent and efficient offshore transport. This behavior is in stark contrast to Fe, reported in a companion study which is very high on the shelf and undergoes dynamic redox cycling.
Conceptualizing Affect as Information in Communication Production.

An affective orientation is the degree to which individuals are aware of and use affect cues to guide communication. Some people appear to be very sensitive to their emotional state, while others attend primarily to factual, logical information in making decisions. Four studies investigated how affective orientation relates to other communication constructs and behavior. Study One developed the measure, a 20-item scale with sound factor structure and internal reliability. Study Two assessed construct validity. Affective orientation (AO) was predictably related to conversational sensitivity and femininity. Divergent validity was supported in that AO was unrelated to communication apprehension, masculinity, self-monitoring, and need for cognition. Study Three determined that AO was related to communication production: As affective orientation increased, so too did the number of emotions participants were able to list in a timed trial. Study Four analyzed the ways high versus low affectively oriented communicators differ in their recall and communication of emotional events. High affective-oriented respondents exhibited shorter latencies prior to speaking and less pausing during the account.
Synthesis of the naturally occurring phytanyl diether analogs of phosphatidyl glycerophosphate and phosphatidyl glycerol.

Abstract The diastereomers of the diphytanyl glycerol ether analogs of phosphatidyl glycerophosphate and phosphatidyl glycerol have been synthesized chemically and compared with the respective natural isomer isolated from the extremely halophilic bacterium, Halobacterium cutirubrum. The structure and configuration of the natural isomer of the phosphatidyl glycerophosphate was thus shown to be 2,3-di-O-(3′R,7′R, 11′R,15-tetramethylhexadecyl)-sn-glycero-1-phosphoryl-3″-sn-glycero-1″-phosphate (XVb); the natural phosphatidyl glycerol was shown to have the structure and configuration, 2,3-di-O-(3′R,7′R,11′R,15-tetramethylhexadecyl)-sn-glycero-1-phosphoryl-3″-sn-glycerol(XVIIIb). The implications of these findings on the biosynthetic mechanisms for these unusual phosphatides are discussed.
The CT scanner as a therapy machine

Many tumors in the brain and in other tissues can be delineated precisely in images obtained with a CT scanner. After the scan is obtained the patient is taken to another room for radiation therapy and is positioned in the beam with the aid of external markers, simulators or stereotactic devices. This procedure is time consuming and subject to error when precise localization of the beam is desired. The CT scanner itself, with the addition of a collimator, is capable of delivering radiation therapy with great precision without the need for external markers. The patient can be scanned and treated on the same table, the isocenter of the beam can be placed precisely in the center of the lesion, the beam can be restricted to just those planes in which the lesion appears several arcs can be obtained by simply tilting the gantry, and the position of the patient in the beam can be monitored continuously during therapy. We describe here the properties of the CTX, the CT scanner modified for therapy.
On the nature and origin of comets and their contribution to planets

The rotation of cometary nuclei and certain properties of cometary ices are discussed. Observations show that comets were formed at extremely low temperatures and probably contain amorphous ices that give off exothermal energy on mild heating. While a large comet has a slow rotation period, many smaller typical comets appear to be rotating rapidly, indicating that encounters among them were frequent during formation. An estimate for the product of the relaxation time for encounters and the mean space density near the end of comet formation is presented, and a time scale of approximately 1,000,000 yr for comet accumulation is suggested. Some probable and possible contribution of comets to the solar system are summarized.
Comparison of Performance of Layers Fed Soybean, Glandless or Glanded Cottonseed Meals

Abstract HEYWANG (1947) reported that glanded cottonseed meals and soybean meal were of about equal value as sources of protein in diets for layers, with egg production, feed consumption, maintenance of body weight, and mortality as criteria. In a later study (Heywang et al., 1949) it was found that glanded cottonseed meal made by either the hydraulic or the solvent process, could be included at the 10% level in diets for breeders with no adverse effect on the hatchability of their eggs if the meal contained 0.12% or less free gossypol. In both reports data are given on the undesirable effect of these cottonseed meals on the color of yolks and whites in stored eggs. The results of experiments by a number of investigators show that: (1) gossypol, which is in the pigment glands of cottonseed, causes dark discolorations in egg yolks, (2) cyclopropenoid fatty acids, which are in cottonseed lipids,…
Reduced disease in black abalone following mass mortality: phage therapy and natural selection.

Black abalone, Haliotis cracherodii, populations along the NE Pacific ocean have declined due to the rickettsial disease withering syndrome (WS). Natural recovery on San Nicolas Island (SNI) off Southern California suggested the development of resistance in island populations. Experimental challenges in one treatment demonstrated that progeny of disease-selected black abalone from SNI survived better than did those from naive black abalone from Carmel Point (CP) in mainland coastal central California. Unexpectedly, the presence of a newly observed bacteriophage infecting the WS rickettsia (WS-RLO) had strong effects on the survival of infected abalone. Specifically, presence of phage-infected RLO (RLOv) reduced the host response to infection, RLO infection loads, and associated mortality. These data suggest that the black abalone: WS-RLO relationship is evolving through dual host mechanisms of resistance to RLO infection in the digestive gland via tolerance to infection in the primary target tissue (the post-esophagus) coupled with reduced pathogenicity of the WS-RLO by phage infection, which effectively reduces the infection load in the primary target tissue by half. Sea surface temperature patterns off southern California, associated with a recent hiatus in global-scale ocean warming, do not appear to be a sufficient explanation for survival patterns in SNI black abalone. These data highlight the potential for natural recovery of abalone populations over time and that further understanding of mechanisms governing host-parasite relationships will better enable us to manage declining populations.
From transplantation to transgenics: Mouse models of developmental hematopoiesis

The mouse is integral to our understanding of hematopoietic biology. Serving as a mammalian model system, the mouse has allowed for the discovery of self-renewing multipotent stem cells, provided functional assays to establish hematopoietic stem cell identity and function, and has become a tool for understanding the differentiation capacity of early hematopoietic progenitors. The advent of genetic technology has strengthened the use of mouse models for identifying critical pathways in hematopoiesis. Full genetic knockout models, tissue-specific gene deletion, and genetic overexpression models create a system for the dissection and identification of critical cellular and genetic processes underlying hematopoiesis. However, the murine model has also introduced perplexity in understanding developmental hematopoiesis. Requisite in utero development paired with circulation has historically made defining sites of origin and expansion in the murine hematopoietic system challenging. However, the genetic accessibility of the mouse as a mammalian system has identified key regulators of hematopoietic development. Technological advances continue to generate extremely powerful tools that when translated to the murine system provide refined in vivo spatial and temporal control of genetic deletion or overexpression. Future advancements may add the ability of reversible genetic manipulation. In this review, we describe the major contributions of the murine model to our understanding of hematopoiesis.
Host Kinase Activity is Required for Coxiella burnetii Parasitophorous Vacuole Formation.

Coxiella burnetii is the etiologic agent of human Q fever and targets alveolar phagocytic cells in vivo wherein the pathogen generates a phagolysosome-like parasitophorous vacuole (PV) for replication. C. burnetii displays a prolonged growth cycle, making PV maintenance critical for bacterial survival. Previous studies showed that C. burnetii mediates activation of eukaryotic kinases to inhibit cell death, indicating the importance of host signaling during infection. In the current study, we examined the role of eukaryotic kinase signaling in PV establishment. A panel of 113 inhibitors was analyzed for their impact on C. burnetii infection of human THP-1 macrophage-like cells and HeLa cells. Inhibition of 11 kinases or two phosphatases altered PV formation and prevented pathogen growth, with most inhibitor-treated cells harboring organisms in tight fitting phagosomes, indicating kinase/phosphatase activation is required for PV maturation. Five inhibitors targeted protein kinase C (PKC), suggesting a critical role for this protein during intracellular growth. The PKC-specific substrate MARCKS was phosphorylated at 24 h post-infection and remained phosphorylated through five days post-infection, indicating prolonged regulation of the PKC pathway by C. burnetii. Infection also altered the activation status of p38, myosin light chain kinase, and protein kinase A, suggesting C. burnetii subverts numerous phosphorylation cascades. These results underscore the importance of intracellular host signaling for C. burnetii PV biogenesis.
Time-on-Task: The Second Time Around:

Recent research findings relating to time-on-task have had lit tle impact on school practice. This writer looks at the reasons why, and offers some suggestions to increase time-on-task.
Academic goals, goal process cognition, and exam performance among college students

Abstract We investigated the nature of and linkages between student-generated academic goals, individual differences in self-regulatory thinking (goal process cognition), and exam performance among college students. In Study 1 ( N = 365) and in Study 2 ( N = 325), we elicited students' self-ascribed most important academic goals for introductory psychology and their goal process cognition toward their most important goal. In addition, in Study 2, we collected data on students' exam scores in introductory psychology and their most important academic goal and goal process cognition for another course. Three types of academic goals were identified: performance (39–55%), mastery (22–39%), and study strategies (20–23%). Students with mastery academic goals had the highest positive arousal whereas students with performance academic goals had the highest negative arousal. Compared to students with performance academic goals, students with mastery academic goals had lower exam scores in introductory psychology and this difference was mediated, in part, by goal process cognition.
A Comparison of Different Methods of Progesterone Administration to the Fowl in Affecting Egg Production and Molt

Abstract THE presence of progesterone in the blood plasma of cocks, and ovulating and non-ovulating hens has been demonstrated by Fraps, Hooker and Forbes (1948 Fraps, Hooker and Forbes (1949) although its role in the physiology of the domestic fowl is not understood. Fraps and Dury (1943) induced premature ovulation of the mature follicle in the fowl by injecting progesterone. Evidence of a progesterone effect on the pituitary was reported by Rothchild and Fraps (1949) when it was found that progesterone-induced ovulation did not occur unless the pituitary remained in situ for at least two hours. Progesterone interactions with estrogen in the fowl have been reported by Hertz et al. (1947), Mason (1951), and Adams and Herrick (1955). According to Mason (1952) progesterone can be either antagonistic or synergistic to estrogens depending on the relative amounts of each. It has been shown recently that progesterone will cause molt when injected into hens (Shaffner, 1954; Adams, …
Stable Boundary Layer and Its Impact on Tropical Cyclone Structure in a Coupled Atmosphere–Ocean Model

AbstractThe atmospheric boundary layer (BL) in tropical cyclones (TCs) connects deep convection within rainbands and the eyewall to the air–sea interface. Although the importance of the BL in TCs has been widely recognized in recent studies, how physical processes affect TC structure and intensity are still not well understood. This study focuses on a particular physical mechanism through which a TC-induced upper-ocean cooling within the core circulation of the TC can affect the BL and TC structure. A coupled atmosphere–ocean model forecast of Typhoon Choi-Wan (2009) is used to better understand the physical processes of air–sea interaction in TCs. A persistent stable boundary layer (SBL) is found to form over the cold wake within the TC’s right-rear quadrant, which influences TC structure by suppressing convection in rainbands downstream of the cold wake and enhancing the BL inflow into the inner core by increasing inflow angles over strong SST and pressure gradients. Tracer and trajectory analyses show ...
Thermodynamic properties of the two channel Kondo problem in a magnetic field

Abstract The thermodynamic Bethe ansatz equations of the two channel spin 1 2 Kondo problem are solved numerically as a function of field and temperature and the entropy, specific heat, magnetization and susceptibility are obtained. The results are interpreted in terms of an axially distorted quadrupolar Kondo effect as introduced by Cox to explain some unusual properties of UBe13. Here the field plays the role of the quadrupolar splitting and the magnetization represents the quadrupolar moment. The coupling to the field leads to a lattice instability and to large γ values of the specific heat.
Energy levels of 90Nb populated by the decay of 90Mo

Abstract The energy levels of 90 Nb populated by the decay of 5.7 h 90 Mo have been studied with the use of high-resolution germanium γ-ray spectrometers. The γ-ray spectrum revealed a number of low-intensity transitions in addition to the intense 122 and 257 keV lines. The multipolarities of most of these transitions were determined by means of K-shell conversion coefficients, which were calculated from the photon intensities measured in this work together with previously reported conversion electron intensities. In addition, coincidence relationships among the more intense transitions were studied with γγ coincidence systems using Ge(Li)Ge(Li) and Ge(Li)NaI(Tl) detectors. These and previously reported data have been used to construct a decay scheme in which all of the transitions of greater than 1 % intensity are placed. The low-energy transition depopulating the 24 sec isomeric state has not been observed directly, but from lifetime considerations its multipolarity is interpreted as M2, and from energy differences its energy is inferred as 2.38 ± 0.36 keV.
Tunable molecular orientation and elevated thermal stability of vapor-deposited organic semiconductors.

Physical vapor deposition is commonly used to prepare organic glasses that serve as the active layers in light-emitting diodes, photovoltaics, and other devices. Recent work has shown that orienting the molecules in such organic semiconductors can significantly enhance device performance. We apply a high-throughput characterization scheme to investigate the effect of the substrate temperature (Tsubstrate) on glasses of three organic molecules used as semiconductors. The optical and material properties are evaluated with spectroscopic ellipsometry. We find that molecular orientation in these glasses is continuously tunable and controlled by Tsubstrate/Tg, where Tg is the glass transition temperature. All three molecules can produce highly anisotropic glasses; the dependence of molecular orientation upon substrate temperature is remarkably similar and nearly independent of molecular length. All three compounds form “stable glasses” with high density and thermal stability, and have properties similar to stable glasses prepared from model glass formers. Simulations reproduce the experimental trends and explain molecular orientation in the deposited glasses in terms of the surface properties of the equilibrium liquid. By showing that organic semiconductors form stable glasses, these results provide an avenue for systematic performance optimization of active layers in organic electronics.
ETS Protein–Dependent Accessibility Changes at the Immunoglobulin μ Heavy Chain Enhancer

Abstract Directed accessibility mediated by antigen-receptor gene enhancers ensures developmental stage–specific activation of V(D)J recombination. Here, we used a combination of in vitro and in vivo assays to explore the mechanisms that regulate immunoglobulin μ heavy chain gene enhancer–dependent chromatin accessibility. Ets-1 or PU.1 bound to μ enhancer–containing plasmids assembled into chromatin in vitro and increased restriction enzyme access to a proximal site. In complementary analyses, expression of PU.1 in Ets-1-containing 2017 pro-T cells or NIH 3T3 cells induced sterile Iμ transcripts at the IgH locus and increased accessibility of the endogenous μ enhancer to restriction endonucleases. These observations suggest that one role of PU.1 is to increase accessibility of the μ locus to initiate heavy chain gene expression.
Periosteal changes secondary to prostaglandin administration

underestimated, as illustrated by Dr. O'Sullivan's report and our experience. Mild symptoms and objective evidence for psychomotor impairment have been reported at COHb concentrations <10%? Smokers commonly have COHb concentrations in the 5% to 10% range, and may be especially vulnerable to undetected indoor sources of carbon monoxide. Finally, carbon monoxide exposure is potentially lethal and, once suspected, can be easily verified by measuring COHb in a venous blood sample. Jose Velasquez Rojas, M.D. Anthony L. Mansell, M.D. Department o f Pediatrics Pediatric Pulmonary Division College o f Physicians & Surgeons o f Columbia University 630 W. 168th St. New York, N Y 10032 REFERENCES 1. Ayres SM, Muller HS, et al: Systemic and myocardial hemodynamic responses to relatively small concentrations of carboxyhemoglobin. Arch Environ Health 18:699, 1969. 2. Morandi M, Eisenbud M: Carbon monoxide exposure in New York City: A historical overview. Bull NY Acad Med 56:817, 1980. 3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: A study of indoor air quality. Research Triangle Park, NC, 1974, No. 650/474-042. 4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Indoor air pollution in the residential environment, vol. 1. Data collection: Analysis and interpretation. Research Triangle Park, NC, 1978, HUD-US, EDA 600/7-78-229a. 5. National Academy of Sciences: Carbon monoxide. Washington, DC, 1977, The Academy.
Substance abuse treatment outcomes for cognitively impaired and intact outpatients

The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of cognitive impairment on the efficacy of substance abuse treatment outcome. Alcohol, drug, medical, legal, psychological, employment, and family functioning related treatment outcomes were examined for 26 cognitively impaired and 68 cognitively intact abusing outpatients. Subjects were enrolled in an intensive, 3-week, outpatient program for the treatment of their substance abuse. Subjects were administered a battery of neuropsychological tests prior to treatment onset, and outcome data were obtained at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months posttreatment entry. No significant between-group differences were found on any of the outcome measures, and significant treatment gains were observed across all problem domains in both groups. Subjects' largest improvements were made in the first month of treatment for alcohol, drug, legal, family, and psychological problems. Improvements for employment and medical problems were not observed until 6 months posttreatment. Success across domains was maintained through 12 months follow-up, with the exception of psychological problems; 12-month data indicated a return to the level observed at 30 days posttreatment for psychological problems, a level that reflected significant improvement from baseline functioning. A greater proportion of treatment dropouts (i.e., no follow-up data obtained after 30 days) were cognitively impaired as compared to treatment completers. These results suggest that this method of intensive substance abuse outpatient treatment is effective for cognitively impaired patients, an important finding given that research evaluating the efficacy of interventions for such patients is limited. Additionally, neuropsychological evaluation may be important in reducing treatment dropouts, as the present findings indicated that greater cognitive impairment was related to an increased likelihood of treatment dropout.
Writing on the Front Line: A Study of Workplace Writing.

Althoteoh researchers have studied extensively the workplace writing of col lege-degreed professionals, less is known about the writing habits of those without such degrees. This study examined the on-the-job writing of one such group—60 front-line supervisors in a Midwest steel manufacturing plant. Responses to a questionnaire, interviews, and an analysis of 246 documents produced information about the frequency, type, purpose, and length of writ ing produced along with the challenges the supervisors faced as writers on the job. This information will help business communications instructors enhance their understanding of writing on the front line.
Specificity and sites of calcium ion interactions with elastin.

Abstract Elastin was investigated for it's ability to interact with metal ions, as measured by their capacity to effect a conformational change in the protein. A high degree of specificity was evident, with the Ca 2+ -elastin interaction being greater than the other ions investigated. Metal ions, other than Ca 2+ , that did exhibit a significant interaction included the rare earths, Sr 2+ , and Mg 2+ . The data also indicate that there are at least two conformationally distinct binding sites on the elastin molecule. Studies on a chemically modified α-elastin demonstrated that metal ion-elastin interactions do not depend on the presence of amino and carboxyl groups on the protein.
Investigation of Residual Stresses in Drawn Wire by the Finite Element Method

Based on a finite element modeling of the wire drawing process, a parametric study was conducted to investigate the effects of die geometry and area reduction factor on the magnitude and distribution of residual stresses through the wire cross section at the die exit. Two major variables of die geometry were considered in the study: the die radius and the die inlet angle
Exploring fathers' experiences of pregnancy after a prior perinatal loss.

Purpose To explore fathers' experiences of pregnancy after a prior perinatal loss. Study design and methods This phenomenological study used unstructured, in-depth interviews with four men whose wives were currently pregnant subsequent to previous perinatal loss in the second or third trimester. Results Regardless of the timing of the loss or their investment in the previous pregnancy, fathers expressed anxiety about the outcome of the subsequent pregnancy, a heightened sense of risk, and a need for increased vigilance. Themes concerning the intensity of the loss experience, dealing with grief, spirituality, supporting their spouse, influence of the previous loss, replacement of the loss, the importance of milestones, and change in world view were described. Clinical implications This study can provide insight for nurses into the needs of these families during a subsequent pregnancy and can help nurses to better support fathers during this critical time.
Enhancing the accuracy of a recognition system using two fused patterns of same classifier

Several approaches have been presented to enhance the recognition capabilities of certain patterns. This is particularly important in applications involve recognizing the identity of some individual accurately, especially in critical applications such as border entry, access to secured buildings, and in financial transactions, among other things. In this paper, we present an approach to improve the accuracy of a biometric recognition system using two fused patterns (two fingers) of same classifier (individual). In this method, two or more fingers of the same classifier are fused together to form a unique fingerprint pattern to be used in the recognition process. Techniques related to pattern and decision fusions are tested. In particular, the logical AND operator used in the decision fusion algorithm has resulted in a higher level of accuracy of recognition.
Determination of structure of unsaturated fatty acid positional isomers

The methods for determining the positions of unsaturation in fatty acids are reviewed. Overoxidation and isolation problems germane to permanganate oxidations, and the formation of by-products and attack of solvents during ozonolysis are considered. The applicability of mass, nuclear magnetic and infrared spectral data to the problem of locating positions of unsaturation is discussed.
College students as facilitators in reducing adolescent obesity disparity in Southern Appalachia: Team Up for Healthy Living.

Abstract The proportion of obese adolescents in Southern Appalachia is among the highest in the nation. Through funding from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities — National Institutes of Health, the Team Up for Healthy Living project was a cluster-randomized trial targeting obesity prevention in adolescents through a cross-peer intervention. The specific aims of the project were to: 1) develop a peer-based health education program focusing on establishing positive peer norms towards healthy eating and physical activity (PA) among high school students, 2) test program efficacy, and 3) explore mechanisms underlying the program. The study was guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, which presupposes that human behavior is primarily driven by attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and social support. To deliver the intervention, undergraduate students from the disciplines of public health, nutrition, and kinesiology were hired as peer facilitators. Ten area high schools were invited to participate, were matched on demographics and then randomized to intervention or control. The primary outcomes of the study included body mass status, dietary behaviors, PA, and sedentary behaviors which were assessed at baseline and at three and twelve months post baseline. Intervention schools received Team Up for Healthy Living curriculum, which consists of eight 40-minute sessions. The curriculum focused on improving nutrition awareness, PA, leadership and communication. Control schools received their regularly scheduled Lifetime Wellness curriculum. The long-term goal of the study was to establish an effective academia–community partnership program to address adolescent obesity disparity in Southern Appalachia.
Strong solutions and weak-strong uniqueness for the nonhomogeneous Navier-Stokes system

This article is devoted to the study of the nonhomogeneous incompressible Navier-Stokes system in dimension d ≥ 3. We use new a priori estimates, which enable us to deal with low-regularity data and vanishing density. In particular, we prove new well-posedness results which improve the results of Danchin [6] by considering a less regular initial density, without a lower bound. Also, we obtain the first uniqueness criterion for weak solutions which is at the scaling of the equation.
Knowledge in transition: Adults' developing understanding of a principle of physical causality

What are the conditions that make it likely that cognitive change will occur? We investigate this issue with respect to 25 college students' developing understanding of gear movement (a particular problem in the domain of physical causation). The participants solved problems, then received minimal instruction, and solved additional problems. Significantly, only some of the participants changed their approach to solving the problems after receiving instruction; the remainder of the participants were stable in their understanding and either continued to solve all problems correctly or continued to solve key problems incorrectly. Most analyses focused on the participants who began by solving problems incorrectly. In particular, we attempted to differentiate those participants who exhibited cognitive change from those who did not. To do this, we examined precursors of knowledge change that were motivated by different theoretical positions on mechanisms of cognitive change and development (i.e., consideration of multiple approaches, cognitive conflict, and instruction as an example of a sociocultural process). Results suggest that having multiple approaches available and using instructional information to build on not-well-developed conceptions are likely candidates for understanding knowledge change for adult participants with respect to their developing understanding of physical causality.
Effect of winter grazing date on yield components of Lolium perenne (L.)/Trifolium repens (L.) hill pasture

Perennial ryegrass/white clover pastures were grazed at different times in the winter to study the effect of time of grazing on subsequent plant growth. In 1983–84, 1984–85, and 1985–86, pastures were grazed to a residual of 400 kg dry matter ha-1 by sheep once in early December (D), January (J), February (F), March (M), or April (A) and compared with an ungrazed control (C). Rates of herbage accumulation on C in the winter were low, averaging 6, -9, and 2 kg dry matter ha-1 in December, January, and February, respectively. Little forage production occurred during the month immediately following winter grazing. Herbage accumulation rate then increased sufficiently to replace the forage removed from winter-grazed paddocks by early spring. By May, herbage mass on grazed treatments was similar to C except for D and A which averaged 20 and 47% less forage than C, respectively (P<0·01). Herbage accumulation rates of D were unique among winter grazing treatments in never exceeding those of C. By May 1986, D yielded less perennial ryegrass compared with C (P<0·05). Grazing reduced the number of leaves per ryegrass tiller for 1 to 2 months following grazing. By May, J, F and M had numerically more tillers m-2 and more leaves per tiller than C. Similar May yields of J, F, M, and C resulted from fewer but larger and slightly less leafy tillers of ungrazed compared with winter grazed plants.
Single photon generation "on demand" from a single trapped atom strongly coupled to an optical cavity

Optically trapped atoms in the strong coupling regime of cavity QED have been used to generate single photons deterministically. Referenced to the total cavity output, the generation efficiency for polarized photons is 16%
Procedure print: A printer utility for the IBM PC and compatibles

The program PRINT is a Turbo Pascal program written for the IBM PC and true compatibles. PRINT is designed to display files on either the monitor or attached printer, in either a single‐ or double‐spaced format. In addition, PRINT can convert a WordStar file to normal ASCII prior to its display and can be made to either keep or discard the converted file after use. Finally, the program prompts the user for necessary information, but will accept the same parameters from the command line.