cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
95. PROVIDER-REPORTED INEQUITY IN CARE DELIVERED DURING RAPID RESPONSE TEAM (RRT) ACTIVATIONS AMONG PATIENTS OF COLOR (POC) AND LOW-ENGLISH PROFICIENT (LEP) PATIENTS

Background Cognitive biases related to race, culture, or language are shown to impact quality of care in hospital settings. Some types of cognitive bias have been negatively associated with decisions to call RRTs, but little is known about biases related to race, culture, or language and their impact on decisions to call RRTs or on care delivered during RRTs. Methods We implemented a novel RRT standardized debrief form and included the question “How might health inequity have played a role in this RRT?” with response choices of race, gender, language, culture, religion, or other. In this retrospective cohort study, we compared provider-reported inequity in the first 6 weeks following implementation of the RRT debrief among POC or LEP patients with white or English-proficient patients, respectively. Fishers exact test was used to assess differences between groups. Results There were 117 RRTs during the study period. Sixty of these patients were POC, and 24 were LEP (20 LEP patients were also POC). Providers reported inequity impacting care in 17/117 RRTs (15%), with 16 (94%) occurring during an RRT for a POC (p=0.0002). Table 1 shows frequencies of reported inequity types. For LEP families, 10 providers (42%) reported language inequity. An interpreter was used during 8/24 RRTs where one was indicated. Providers who were part of an RRT that did not use an interpreter for an LEP family reported inequity 4 out of 16 times (25%), compared to 6 (75%) of the 8 providers who did use an interpreter (p=0.03). Conclusion Provider-reported inequity in care during RRTs was highly prevalent in our study, with the majority occurring for POCs. Use of interpreters when indicated was low. RRT teams that used an interpreter for LEP families were more likely to identify inequities compared to those that did not, suggesting that education regarding identification of inequity and interpreter use may be beneficial. Future work may investigate change in reported rate of inequity over time, ways in which inequity manifests during RRTs, and outcomes of RRTs.
Multidimensional transcriptomic mapping of human endometrium at single-cell resolution.

Single-cell RNA sequencing across the menstrual cycle reveals human endometrial cell–specific preparation for embryo implantation, menstruation and tissue renewal.
Person-Centered Treatment Planning

Person-centered treatment planning is a process and a product. The treatment planning process relies on collaboration and shared decision-making with clients to: (1) synthesize information from the assessment to identify specific problems to be solved; (2) set goals and objectives; (3) select interventions; and (4) monitor progress toward goals through documentation and periodic review. The product is a written plan of action that guides treatment. The treatment plan is derived from the case conceptualization of client strengths, problems, and access to resources developed from information in the assessment. The plan drives the selection of service interventions that can include psychotherapeutic approaches, skill development, rehabilitation, advocacy, self-help, and the acquisition of resources through case management. The specific areas of person-centered treatment planning covered in this chapter include: (1) developing a case conceptualization that synthesizes information from the psychosocial assessment to design a person-centered care plan; (2) developing goals and objectives that are specific, measurable, actionable, achievable, relevant, recovery-oriented, and time limited; (3) selecting interventions from a shared decision-making perspective; and (4) reviewing progress notes and documentation formats. The chapter concludes with a continuation of the case of Mr. Clarence Smith from Chap. 4.
Identification of Streptococcus suis in a cat with endomyocarditis.

Case summary A 3-year-old neutered male domestic mediumhair cat was evaluated for a 4-month history of a fever that was responsive to pradofloxacin. A grade III/VI left parasternal systolic heart murmur was noted on examination. Findings on thoracic radiography were consistent with left-sided congestive heart failure and findings on echocardiographic examination suggested endomyocarditis. Aerobic blood cultures yielded growth of a Streptococcus species that was identified as Streptococcus suis using both matrix-associated laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The cat was treated but clinically deteriorated and was euthanized 23 days after diagnosis. Relevance and novel information To our knowledge, this is the first report of S suis bacteremia, an emerging pathogen, in association with endomyocarditis in the cat. This case also highlights the role of echocardiography to document progressive hemodynamic changes as a result of valvular erosion in the course of infective endocarditis treatment and the role of blood cultures as a diagnostic tool in cats presenting with fever.
Improving Asthma Symptoms Among Inner-City Women During Pregnancy: A Prospective Cohort Intervention.

Background It is unknown how active asthma management influences symptom control among inner-city pregnant women who have unique exposures and socioeconomic limitations affecting their care. Objective To assess the impact of an integrated subspecialty intervention composed of education and monitoring on asthma control among underserved women in an antenatal clinic setting. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of pregnant asthmatic patients participating in a subspecialty clinic integrated into routine prenatal care. We compared baseline characteristics and objective measurements of asthma control between women at an initial visit and those who were evaluated in at least one follow-up. For follow-up, we measured symptom control at successive visits and the incidence of asthma-related complications. Results Among 85 women enrolled, 53 (62.4%) returned for at least one follow-up visit. Mean baseline Asthma Control Test scores were similarly low (≤19) between groups (one or more follow-up and no follow-up), as were self-administered Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire scores ( Conclusions We found that uncontrolled asthma is common among urban women seeking routine obstetric care. Our results suggest that even one interventional visit can result in significant improvement in asthma control. Further investigation into mechanisms for optimizing treatment strategies may improve the quality of asthma care during pregnancy in this underserved population.
A forecast for large-scale, predictive biology: Lessons from meteorology.

Summary Quantitative systems biology, in which predictive mathematical models are constructed to guide the design of experiments and predict experimental outcomes, is at an exciting transition point, where the foundational scientific principles are becoming established, but the impact is not yet global. The next steps necessary for mathematical modeling to transform biological research and applications, in the same way it has already transformed other fields, is not completely clear. The purpose of this perspective is to forecast possible answers to this question—what needs to happen next—by drawing on the experience gained in another field, specifically meteorology. We review here a number of lessons learned in weather prediction that are directly relevant to biological systems modeling, and that we believe can enable the same kinds of global impact in our field as atmospheric modeling makes today.
Implementation of digital filters for minimum quantization errors

In this paper a technique is developed for choosing programing forms and bit configurations for digital filters that minimize the quantization errors. The technique applies to digital filters operating in fixed-point arithmetic in either open-loop or closed-loop systems, and is implemented by a digital computer program that is based on a digital simulation of the system. As an output the program gives the programing form required for minimum quantization errors, the total bit configuration required in the filter, and the location of the binary decimal point at each quantizer within the filter.
Laser Spectroscopy's Roaring Nineties:Recollections from the First Decade at UGA

The first decade at the University of Georgia (UGA) was an active and exciting time for Bill Yen, his students, post-docs and collaborators. In this paper, I highlight several papers that I hope capture this activity and provide a glimpse into this creative and productive period.
Optical links for printed circuit boards

We identify applications for optics-enabled printed circuit boards, together with a list of requirements that have to be met for real-world products. We draw conclusions for the technology choices, and present our approaches and experiments.
Abstract P058: Cardiovascular Health Screening In 26,063 Adolescent Blood Donors

Introduction and Objective: Cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents track into adulthood and are associated with morbidity and early mortality. As part of a pilot health screening program implemented by Carter BloodCare, the largest independent blood program in Texas, we screened a large adolescent blood donor population for key cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: Blood pressure (SBP and DBP), total cholesterol and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) were measured in 26,063 volunteer high-school blood donors, 16-19 years of age, between 2011 and 2013. Cardiovascular risk factors were classified as high risk (SBP ≥ 140 mm Hg and/or DBP ≥ 90 mm Hg, cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL, HbA1C ≥ 6.5%) and intermediate or high risk (SBP ≥ 120 mm Hg and/or DBP ≥ 80 mm Hg, cholesterol ≥ 170 mg/dL, HbA1C ≥ 5.7%). The main study measures were the prevalence of 1, 2 or 3 risk factors within the same individual in the study population, with stratification by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and school district socioeconomic characteristics. Results: In the overall cohort, 66.5% of donors had at least one and 20.3% had at least two intermediate or high risk factors, and 15.3% had at least one high risk factor (Table). The percentage of donors in each non-zero category of intermediate or high risk factors increased with age (Ptrend Conclusions: The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among adolescent blood donors is common, with two or more concomitant risk factors identifiable in many donors. Blood donation programs may provide a unique portal for early screening and targeted preventive intervention in youth, with potential for cardiovascular disease prevention in the community.
Repairing Damaged Wildlands: A Process-Orientated, Landscape-Scale Approach

The interesting approach to ecological restoration described in this book will appeal to anyone interested in improving the ecological conditions, biological diversity, or productivity of damaged wildlands. Using sound ecological principles, the author describes how these ecosystems are stabilised and directed toward realistic management objectives using natural recovery processes rather than expensive subsidies. An initial emphasis on repairing water and nutrient cycles, and increasing energy capture, will initiate and direct positive feedback repair systems that drive continuing autogenic recovery. This strategy is most appropriate where landuse goals call for low-input, sustainable vegetation managed for biological diversity, livestock production, timber production, wildlife habitat, watershed management, or ecosystem services. Providing a comprehensive strategy for the ecological restoration of any wildland ecosystem, this is an invaluable resource for professionals working in the fields of ecological restoration, conservation biology and rangeland management.
Podophyllin and the mouse cervix: assessment of carcinogenic potential.

Abstract A suspension of 10 per cent podophyllin in mineral oil was applied twice weekly to the cervix and vagina of 50 mice of the C 3 H strain. A number of animals died during the course of the experiment and were found in a stage of autolysis precluding microscopic study. Thirty-two mice received between 46 and 216 podophyllin applications and had tissues suitable for study. No frankly invasive cancer was found. Squamous cell atypia was found in the cervix and vagina of all animals. Epithelial pegs penetrated deeply into the stroma in 12 animals. They were, however, clearly demarcated from the stromal connective tissue. Comparison of the results of this study with a previous one contrasting the effect of podophyllin on estrogen- and progesterone-treated castrated rats indicates that progesterone may modify the effect of estrogen and podophyllin on cells or stroma.
CMV-induced embryonic mouse organ of corti dysplasia: Network architecture of dysfunctional lateral inhibition

Background Congenital cytomegalovirus infection is the major nongenetic cause of sensorineural hearing loss at birth and beyond. Among other pathologies, there is a striking dysplasia/hyperplasia of organ of Corti hair and supporting cells. Methods Using an in vitro embryonic mouse model of cytomegalovirus-induced cochlear teratogenesis that mimics the known human pathology, and functional signaling network modeling, we tested the hypothesis that cytomegalovirus disrupts the highly ordered organ of Corti hair and supporting cells pattern by dysregulating Notch and Fgfr3, their cognate ligands and downstream effectors. Results Several novel emergent properties of the critical lateral inhibition subnetwork became apparent. The subnetwork has classic small-world properties such as short paths between most gene pairs, few long-distance links, and considerable clustering. Concomitantly, the calculated probability that our specific gene expression dataset is from dysplastic organs of Corti is highly significant (p < 1 × 10−12). Furthermore, we determined that the subnetwork has a highly heterogeneous scale-free topology in which the highly linked genes (hubs), Notch and Fgfr3, play a central role in mediating interactions among the less linked genes. Conclusion This phenomenon has important biologic and therapeutic implications. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:573–582, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Better hill-climbing searches for parsimony

The reconstruction of evolutionary trees is a major problem in biology, and many evolutionary trees are estimated using heuristics for the NP-hard optimization problem Maximum Parsimony. The current heuristics for searching through tree space use a particular technique, called “tree-bisection and reconnection”, or TBR, to transform one tree into another tree; other less-frequently used transformations, such as SPR and NNI, are special cases of TBR. In this paper, we describe a new tree-rearrangement operation which we call the p-ECR move, for p-Edge-Contract-and-Refine. Our results include an efficient algorithm for computing the best 2-ECR neighbors of a given tree, based upon a simple data structure which also allows us to efficiently calculate the best neighbors under NNI, SPR, and TBR operations (as well as efficiently running the greedy sequence addition technique for maximum parsimony). More significantly, we show that the 2-ECR neighborhood of a given tree is incomparable to the neighborhood defined by TBR, and properly contains all trees within two NNI moves. Hence, the use of the 2-ECR move, in conjunction with TBR and/or NNI moves, may be a more effective technique for exploring tree space than TBR alone.
Masking of Bacillus megaterium KM Membrane Reduced Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Oxidase and Solubilization Studies

Solubilization of a reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-2,6 dichlorophenol indophenol (DCIP) oxidoreductase associated with the membrane NADH oxidase system of Bacillus megaterium KM was effected by treatment with 0.2% sodium deoxycholate, 8 m urea, or buffer (pH 9.0) in the presence of ethyl-enediaminetetraacetate. These treatments inactivated membrane NADH oxidase. It was found that membrane NADH oxidase and NADH-DCIP oxidoreductase were masked in membranes. Several procedures, including brief sonic oscillation, treatment with 0.05% deoxycholate, prolonged stirring at 4 C with 10% glycerol, and washing in the absence of Mg(2+), unmasked the oxidase and oxidoreductase activities. It was necessary to study the masking and unmasking of these activities to quantitate adequately the effects of solubilization procedures. Further information on the localization of oxidase and oxidoreductase in subcellular fractions and the effects of electron transport inhibitors on NADH oxidation was also obtained.
Understanding spasticity from patients’ perspectives over time

bhimani r.h., mc alpine c.p. & henly s.j. (2012) Understanding spasticity from patients’ perspectives over time. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(11), 2504–2514. Abstract Aim. The purpose of this paper was to report patients’ understanding and perceptions of personal spasticity experiences over time. Background. Spasticity is an unpleasant and poorly understood experience associated with upper motor neuron disease. Design. An original qualitative study was conducted in 2008–2009. Method. Content analysis was used to extract meaning from the responses of 23 patients to semi-structured interviews during 7 days of acute rehabilitation for neurological diseases associated with spasticity. Findings. Patients used words reflecting muscle tone and spasms to describe spasticity. Themes reflecting the spasticity experience over time were Ambiguous Experiences, Navigating Symptom Experience, Wounded Self, and Unending Journey. Conclusion. Spasticity as experienced is complex, involving a wide range of unusual sensations sensitive to stressors in everyday life. Clinical evaluation of spasticity should include patient reports. Knowledge about patient word choice used to describe spasticity can enhance communication with healthcare providers.
High-performance/small-area multipliers for use in digital filtering applications

A multiplier architecture and encoding scheme well suited for programmable digital filtering applications is described. The multiplier's partial product recoding scheme uses only simple multiplexers and takes advantage of a RAM that stores filter coefficients. We use an optimized 20-transistor full-adder cell in the carry-save adder array, and a carry-select vector-merge adder produces the final output. An integrated circuit comprising an 11-bit by 11-bit multiplier using second order recoding has been fabricated in 2-/spl mu/m CMOS technology. It operates in 22 ns and its core occupies 1.53 mm/sup 2/. Also, an 11-bit by 16-bit multiplier using third order recoding has been fabricated through MOSIS in 1.2-/spl mu/m CMOS technology. Its core occupies 0.9 mm/sup 2/ and it operates in 19 ns. >
Plasma β-casomorphin-7 immunoreactive peptide increases after milk intake in newborn but not in adult dogs

To determine the relation between milk intake and plasma levels of beta-casomorphins as a function of age, we studied the levels of beta-casomorphin-7 immunoreactive material (BCMIR) in 2- and 4-wk-old beagle neonates and adult dogs following milk intake. We used three kinds of milk: 1) bovine casein-based milk formula; 2) canine bitch's milk, and 3) soy protein-based (noncasein) formula. Using a new extraction technique, BCMIR was isolated from plasma and assayed by radioimmunoassay at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h after feeding. We found that BCMIR increased significantly in both 2- and 4-wk-old puppies post bovine and canine milk feeding, but not after soy protein formula. Base-line values were about 80-120 fmol/ml and increased to 100-120% 2 h after bovine casein intake in the older puppies and by 4 h in the younger group. BCMIR levels were undetectable in adult dogs before or after bovine milk feeding. Beta-casomorphin-7 added to plasma was rapidly degraded whereas BCMIR was stable. Chromatographic profiles demonstrated that the BCMIR moiety is larger than beta-casomorphin-7. Our data suggest that the appearance of BCMIR in the plasma of neonatal dogs is a result of beta-casein degradation along a permeable gastrointestinal mucosa. We speculate that morphiceptin and beta-casomorphins can be cleaved from BCMIR and may have important physiologic effects.
The effectiveness of a joint mother–daughter sexual health program for Latina early adolescents☆

Abstract A culturally and cognitively adapted joint mother–daughter sexual health and HIV transmission curriculum was implemented for 96 Latina early adolescents and their mothers (48 mother–daughter dyads). Pretest and posttest surveys, interviews, and observations of participants' conversations about AIDS were used to assess program effectiveness in increasing knowledge and communication about sexuality and HIV transmission, and fostering daughters' positive attitudes toward using condoms in the future. At posttest, mothers and daughters reported an increase in the frequency of home communication about sexual topics and openness in general communication. Systematic observational analysis of videotaped mother–daughter conversations about AIDS revealed that, compared to the pretest, daughters were more engaged in posttest conversations as evidenced by an increase in their spontaneous sharing of information about HIV transmission and their offering of opinions. In addition, the posttest conversations focused on a broader discussion of HIV transmission risk behavior including condom use as a protective measure. Mothers who knew more about HIV transmission at posttest, and who reported more openness in general communication with daughters at posttest, asked their daughters more questions in the conversations about what they had learned in the program. Daughters who contributed more information and opinions to the posttest conversations, who were more knowledgeable about HIV transmission at posttest, and who reported more home communication about sexual topics in the posttest, also reported more positive attitudes toward using condoms in the future.
Environmental impact studies: An interdisciplinary approach for assigning priorities

The cross-impact assessment process (CAP) is presented as a practical method for efficiently identifying a parsimonious set of critically important variables and associated relationships needed to conduct environmental impact studies. CAP was developed from the logic of a number of techniques that are collectively referred to as cross-impact analysis. The process is based on a series of structured workshops. The participants represent a variety of disciplines and individual members are selected because they have both the depth of understanding necessary to contribute specific knowledge on the environmental impact assessment problem and the breadth of view to integrate that knowledge with the information provided by other panelists. The results of the workshops are summarized in an importance index and presented in a cross-impact matrix. CAP is illustrated with an example from an Upper Mississippi River recreation impact study, but it can also be applied to any environmental impact assessment problem that can be characterized as a system of variables and relationships. CAP also provides an efficient and reasonably objective means for assigning priorities to environmental impact studies.
The traveling salesman problem: a hierarchical model.

Our review of prior literature on spatial information processing in perception, attention, and memory indicates that these cognitive functions involve similar mechanisms based on a hierarchical architecture. The present study extends the application of hierarchical models to the area of problem solving. First, we report results of an experiment in which human subjects were tested on a Euclidean traveling salesman problem (TSP) with 6 to 30 cities. The subject’s solutions were either optimal or near-optimal in length and were produced in a time that was, on average, a linear function of the number of cities. Next, the performance of the subjects is compared with that of five representative artificial intelligence and operations research algorithms, that produce approximate solutions for Euclidean problems. None of these algorithms was found to be an adequate psychological model. Finally, we present a new algorithm for solving the TSP, which is based on a hierarchical pyramid architecture. The performance of this new algorithm is quite similar to the performance of the subjects.
Spectral Lineshape Functions For Off-Axis Detectors In Michelson Interferometers

ABSTRACT The increasing use of detector arrays in Fourier Transform Spectroscopy requires an understanding of the line shape spectral shifts and distortions inherent in using off-axis sensors. For rectangular, sector, and circular shaped detectors a compact formulation is presented for calculating these factors without the necessity for numerical modeling.1. SUMMARYThe use of mosiac detector arrays in the focal planes of Michelson interferometers has prompted interest in the spectral line shape functions for detectors placed beyond the usual on-axis position within the first Haidinger fringe. Beginning with the paper by 4 Guelachvili2 for off-axis circular detectors, and the work of Niple, et al3 and Yapp et al, a qualitative view of the spectral distortions expected for various shaped off-axis detectors was achieved after considerable numerical modeling.*'"''However, it appears that quantitative formulae can be given for the rectangular, sector, and circular off-axis detectors which represent the line shape functions in terms of compact inverse trigometric functions, and which are useful for quickly determining these factors for optimization studies, for example in using focal planes arrays in field- widening applications.Because of the variation of optical path length difference between the two beams of a Michelson interferometer for off-axis rays, a finite size detector in the focal plane responds to the spatial average of the Haidinger fringe pattern over the solid angle subtended by the detector. For a particular wave number ao, and for small off-axis angles, this requires the evaluation of the integral
A Method to Resolve Atomic Force Microscopy Feature Definition Issues for Cells Cultured on Nanofibrillar Scaffolds

Atomic force microscopy is emerging as a new standard technique for nanobiomedical investigation. Even so, AFM remains an under-utilized technique and more importantly an under-developed enabler of significant new biomedical discoveries due to a general problem with inconsistent feature definition. In this work, astrocyte neural cells cultured on nanofibrillar tissue scaffolds that have shown promise for brain and spinal cord injury repair were investigated by AFM. It was inherently not possible to distinguish potentially important cell-scaffold interactions within the dynamic range of conventional AFM height, deflection, amplitude or phase images because the cell processes and edges were on the same spatial order as the background nanofibers, ∼100 to 200 nm. We developed a diagnostic method based on analysis of standard AFM section measurements that provided clear guidance for the selection of a combination of image processing techniques to extract boundary information actually contained within the AFM images all along. The diagnostic conclusions were that the combination of dynamic range enhancement with low frequency component suppression would enhance feature definition of cellular edges and process relative to nanofibrillar tissue scaffolds. Implementation of this combination resulted in clear images of cellular processes and edges on the nanofibrillar surfaces. The clear images revealed previously unrecognized cell-cell interactions and provided new information for ongoing investigations of why cells cultured on nanofibrillar surfaces seem more biomimetic. The same diagnostic method was successfully applied to cerebellar granular neurons cultured on nanofibrillar surfaces, and would be useful in similar investigations, e.g., cardiomyocytes on nanofibrillar surfaces. The methods developed here can therefore extend the usefulness of AFM nanoscale imaging in regenerative medicine.
Low-density lipoprotein catabolism in WHHL rabbits after partial ileal bypass surgery

The effect of partial ileal bypass surgery (PIB) on lipoprotein concentrations and compositions and on the catabolism of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) was studied in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits. After PIB, total serum cholesterol was 65% lower (6.22 ± 1.58 vs.17.24 ± 3.22 mmol/l) and LDL cholesterol 81% lower (2.02 ± 0.95 vs.10.90 ± 3.60 mmol/l) than in control WHHL rabbits; cholesteryl esters, expressed as percentage of mass, were 55% lower in the very-low and intermediate-density lipoprotein (VLDL + IDL) fractions, and 45% lower in LDL, whereas triacylglycerols were 89% higher in VLDL + IDL and 121% higher in LDL. The fractional catabolic rate (FCR) of LDL protein (apoLDL) from operated animals was 10% higher than that from controls in all animals (0.55 ± 0.10 vs.0.50 ± 0.10 pools/day; P
Cross-Cultural Codes On Seven Types of Rape

The paper presents cross-cultural codes for rape, based on a reconceptualization of rape, giving definitional precedence to female choice, across social norms. The social complexity of rape was indicated by the fact that in 60% of the societies both normative (socially condoned) and non-normative rape were found in the same society, suggesting regulation rather than prohibition. The importance of code construction due to the direct link between incidence rates and operational definitions of rape is discussed.
Protein Microarray Analysis using Surface Optical Wave Resonance in Photonic Band Gap Multilayers

A label-free optical method of analyzing protein reactions in microarrays is demonstrated. The technique is based on the resonant excitation of surface optical waves in photonic band gap multilayers.
Fixation of C3 to Platelets in Vitro by Antiplatelet Antibody from Patients with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Summary. Chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is due to platelet destruction by an IgG antiplatelet antibody. Recent studies by some investigators suggest in vivo fixation of C3 by the antiplatelet antibody in ITP patients; other groups have not confirmed these findings. In the present studies, purified IgG produced in vitro by splenic cells from two patients with ITP resulted in C3 fixation to target platelets. Since cell-bound C3 increases the efficiency of cell destruction in many experimental antibody systems, the ability of the IgG antibody in patients with ITP to fix C3 may influence the severity of their disease.
Interfacial Coarsening in Epitaxial Growth Models without Slope Selection

We study the dynamics of an epitaxial growth in the presence of interfacial instabilities that induce a pyramidal or mound-type interfacial growth. We develop a collective coordinates method to analytically discuss the coarsening of growing interfaces in the regime when the mounds' slopes increase with time. We calculate the coarsening exponents characterizing the scaling behavior of the mounds' growth.
Using nonprofit organization-level financial data to infer managers' fund-raising strategies

Abstract Using IRS data from 1982 to 1994, this study finds the typical fund-raising elasticities in seven categories of nonprofit organizations to be between zero and one. These results are consistent with most nonprofit managers following intermediate strategies between pure program service maximization and pure organization size maximization. However, the distribution of fund-raising elasticities contains extreme observations that can disproportionately affect mean elasticities and standard deviations. As a result, prior researchers' tests of the difference of mean elasticities from zero may not properly characterize the behavior of typical nonprofit organizations.
A coaxial microwave cavity for improved electron paramagnetic resonance sensitivity with lossy solvents

Abstract A design for a coaxial TE 011 -mode microwave cavity to optimize EPR sensitivity for measurements involving lossy samples is presented. A prototype cavity has been constructed and its sensitivity compared to the sensitivities of commercial rectangular TE 102 - and cylindrical TM 110 -mode cavities under a variety of experimental conditions. For saturable samples, the TE 011 and TM 110 cavities are approximately equivalent in sensitivity and twice as sensitive as the TE 102 cavity. For nonsaturable samples the sensitivity ratio is approximately 3 : 2 : 1 for TM 110 : TE 011 : TE 102 . The magnetic field modulation available from the TE 102 cavity is roughly double that available from the other two, so when broad lines are studied, all three cavities are equivalent. If the experiment requires temperature control deviating from ambient temperature by more than 25°C, the TE 011 coaxial cavity is two to three times more sensitive than the other two. It is concluded that the strength of the coaxial design is not only its sensitivity, but the ease with which its novel sample geometry permits the experimenter to modify the sample during an EPR experiment without adversely affecting the EPR sensitivity.
Core debris behavior and interactions with concrete

Abstract The behavior of LMFBR core debris following a hypothetical core-disruptive accident (HCDA) depends upon a wide range of physical and chemical phenomena. Current understanding of the key phenomena are summarized for core-debris behavior within the reactor vessel, within the reactor cavity, and within the concrete base mat below the reactor cavity. In-vessel behavior was the principal consideration of post-accident heat removal for the FFTF reactor. Several concepts of engineered core-retention systems within the reactor cavity have been considered for other reactors, including the cooled crucible concept, the sacrificial barrier concept, the stable barrier concept, and the catch tray concept. Behavior within the concrete base mat is an important part of a general concept of inherent core retention which depends upon an understanding of the complex interactions of core debris with concrete.
Echocardiographic measurement of left ventricular mass and volume in normotensive and hypertensive rats. Necropsy validation.

Although rats are commonly used to study left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, measurement of LV mass and dimensions has required killing the rat. To determine the accuracy of echocardiography in rats, blinded crossectional area (CSA) and LV mass measurements using either the cube function (LVM) or an elliptical model (LVMel) from high resolution M-mode echocardiograms were compared to necropsy LV weight (0.28 to 1.5 g), in 41 normotensive (body weight 116 to 762 g) and 17 hypertensive rats (350 to 560 g). Postmortem chamber volumes in 28 normal rats (0.02 to 0.19 mL) were also compared to echocardiographic volumes derived from the elliptical model. Correlation with LV weight was r = 0.87 for LVM, 0.90 for CSA and 0.93 for LVMel (all P less than .00001). Comparison of hypertensive and body-weight-matched normotensive rats revealed the upper normal limit for both LVMel and CSA to have 89% sensitivity and 100% specificity for detection of post mortem LV hypertrophy. Necropsy LV volumes were more closely related to systolic echocardiographic volumes than to diastolic volumes (r = 0.78 v 0.71, both P less than .00001), compatible with the effects of post mortem contracture. Stroke volume determined invasively in 5 Wistar rats by thermodilution was similar to that obtained using elliptical model echo volumes in 5 rats of the same body size (0.35 +/- 0.05 v 0.30 +/- 0.06 mL/beat). Echocardiography can be used to evaluate LV structure and function in rats and to detect in vivo LV anatomic differences induced by hypertension.
The effect of calcium on chymotrypsins α and B

The observation of Greenet al.4 that the presence of calcium in the reaction mixture enhanced the activity of α-chymotrypsin has been confirmed. Calcium exerted even stronger effect on the activity of chymotrypsin B. Both chymotrypsins were stabilized by the presence of calcium in the medium. In order to increase the sensitivity and reliability of the assay methods using substrates like hemoglobin, l-phenylalanine ethyl ester (PhEE), and probably many others, the solubility of which is not influenced by calcium, the inclusion of 0.05 M CaCl2 is recommended for α-chymotrypsin, and 0.1 M CaCl2 for chymotrypsin B. When casein is used as substrate, 0.0005 M CaCl2 is recommended for chymotrypsin B, and 0.005 M for α-chymotrypsin. Contrary to previous results from this laboratory indicating that chymotrypsin B was consistently less activity than α-chymotrypsin, in a system containing 0.1 M CaCl2 and PhEE as substrate, at 30°, pH 6.5, the activity of chymotrypsin B was approximately twice that of α-chymotrypsin.
Potential future effects of current levels of sulfur deposition on stream chemistry in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, U.S.

Using newly available regional data sets we examine the potential for future changes in stream acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) for the Southern Blue Ridge Province (SBRP) of the U.S. as related to (1) levels of S deposition, (2) retention of S within watersheds, (3) current surface water SO4, and (4) potential historical changes in surface water chemistry. We conclude that, although (1) little change in surface water chemistry (as affected by acidic deposition) likely has occurred in the region to date, and (2) soils are currently retaining a majority of atmospherically deposited S, it is likely that marked increases in surface water SO4 will occur. Such increases could be accompanied by significant surface water acidification (loss of ANC).
Forensic methodology for the thermochemical characterization of ANNM and ANFO homemade explosives

Measurements were carried out to obtain thermal signatures of the most commonly used homemade explosive (HME) materials, i.e., ammonium nitrate/nitromethane and ammonium nitrate/No. 2 diesel fuel oil, using a novel laser-heating technique referred to as the laser-driven thermal reactor (LDTR). Experiments were performed for different compositions, initial masses, and steady-state temperatures, along with the effects associated with HME aging. For ammonium nitrate/nitromethane (ANNM), the NM/ANNM mass fractions investigated were 29% (stoichiometric value) and 14%; these experiments were with fresh mixtures. The 29% NM/ANNM mass fraction mixture was also aged to 3%. For ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO), a fresh stoichiometric FO/ANFO mass fraction of 6% was used initially, and aged mixtures were then investigated for mass fractions of 5.4%, 4.7%, 4.4%, and 3.7%. The results indicated that the LDTR thermograms (i.e., sample temperature change with time) for the mixed ANNM were different than the individual isolated components, and that the technique was sensitive to varying HME composition. In addition, changes in the thermograms as ANFO aged were attributed to the varying volatility of the fuel hydrocarbon fractions, and thus provide important information for forensics analysis as to the HME reactivity.
Electron Radiation Effects on the Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene

Capacitor-grade polypropylene film was irradiated in air with a 1 MeV electron beam to different doses up to 108 rads and the post-irradiation effects on the electrical and mechanical properties of the film were evaluated. The electrical properties included the 60 Hz a. c. breakdown voltage, dielectric constant and dissipation factor. The dielectric constant and dissipation factor were obtained at five frequencies ranging from 50 Hz to 10 kHz. The tensile properties comprised the Young's modulus, elongation-at-break and tensile strength. While the electrical and tensile properties were evaluated at room temperature, the dynamic mechanical properties were determined at a frequency of 110 Hz in a temperature range of 12°C to 120°C. The results obtained indicate that while the electrical properties remain relatively stable at doses up to 107 rads, the mechanical properties exhibit a steady decline even at lower dose levels.
Anoxic block and recovery of axoplasmic transport and electrical excitability of nerve

Axoplasmic transport of cat sciatic nerves was studied in vitro in a chamber in which maximal alpha action potentials could also be elicited. After initiation of N2 anoxia, electrical responses fell to zero at an average time of 22 min. A shorter time to zero of 11 min was seen during a second period of anoxia. A good recovery of both action potential responses and axoplasmic transport occurs after a period of anoxia lasting 1--1.5 hr. An apparent failure of recovery of axoplasmic transport was seen after 2 hr of anoxia with a good recovery of electrical responses. Axoplasmic transport tended to return toward normal when more time was allowed for recovery after anoxia. An adequate supply of approximately P was shown to be present by measurement of ATP and creatine phosphate levels. The delay in recovery of transport thus signifies a failure of utilization of approximately P by the transport mechanism. Longer periods of anoxia and recovery were limited in vitro and for this reason, ischemic anoxia was produced in vivo. Blood pressure cuffs were placed on the upper thigh of cats and maintained for times of 1--8 hr at pressures of 300-310 mm Hg. Then, recovery times up to 7 days were allowed. It was shown that axoplasmic transport could gradually recovery after an anoxia lasting up to 6-7 hr if sufficient recovery times were allowed. A possible explanation for the delay in the recovery of axoplasmic transport and the disassociation in the earlier recovery of electrical responses as against the recovery of transport was discussed.
Binding of Crocetin to Plasma Albumin

The binding of the carotenoid crocetin to human and bovine plasma albumin was studied using absorption and fluorescence techniques. Shifts in the absorption spectrum of crocetin, quenching of the albumin fluorescence, and competitive binding studies all provided information about the binding of crocetin to albumin. These studies suggest that crocetin binds to plasma albumin by occupying the free fatty acid binding sites. The binding constants for the first two binding sites are in the 105-107 M–1 range and are an order of magnitude less than the values reported for other conjugated polyene fatty acids. The importance of this strong plasma albumin binding to the pharmacology of crocetin is discussed.
Four-α-Helix Bundle with Designed Anesthetic Binding Pockets. Part II: Halothane Effects on Structure and Dynamics

As a model of the protein targets for volatile anesthetics, the dimeric four-α-helix bundle, (Aα2-L1M/L38M)2, was designed to contain a long hydrophobic core, enclosed by four amphipathic α-helices, for specific anesthetic binding. The structural and dynamical analyses of (Aα2-L1M/L38M)2 in the absence of anesthetics (another study) showed a highly dynamic antiparallel dimer with an asymmetric arrangement of the four helices and a lateral accessing pathway from the aqueous phase to the hydrophobic core. In this study, we determined the high-resolution NMR structure of (Aα2-L1M/L38M)2 in the presence of halothane, a clinically used volatile anesthetic. The high-solution NMR structure, with a backbone root mean-square deviation of 1.72 A (2JST), and the NMR binding measurements revealed that the primary halothane binding site is located between two side-chains of W15 from each monomer, different from the initially designed anesthetic binding sites. Hydrophobic interactions with residues A44 and L18 also contribute to stabilizing the bound halothane. Whereas halothane produces minor changes in the monomer structure, the quaternary arrangement of the dimer is shifted by about half a helical turn and twists relative to each other, which leads to the closure of the lateral access pathway to the hydrophobic core. Quantitative dynamics analyses, including Modelfree analysis of the relaxation data and the Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill transverse relaxation dispersion measurements, suggest that the most profound anesthetic effect is the suppression of the conformational exchange both near and remote from the binding site. Our results revealed a novel mechanism of an induced fit between anesthetic molecule and its protein target, with the direct consequence of protein dynamics changing on a global rather than a local scale. This mechanism may be universal to anesthetic action on neuronal proteins.
Catheter-based ultrasound applicators for selective thermal ablation: progress towards MRI-guided applications in prostate

High-temperature thermal therapy is emerging as a feasible treatment option for prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Previous investigations have demonstrated distinct advantages of catheter-based ultrasound technology over other heating modalities for thermal ablation therapies, with significant potential for better spatial control and faster heating times. The purpose of this study was to develop ultrasound devices and techniques specifically for treating prostate cancer in conjunction with magnetic resonance thermal imaging (MRTI) to monitor and control treatment progression. Directional transurethral applicators have been designed with arrays of sectored tubular (90 degrees active acoustic sector) or with narrow planar transducer segments and integrated with a flexible delivery catheter with a cooling balloon. This applicator can be rotated within the prostatic urethra to target specific regions during treatment. MRI compatible catheter-cooled interstitial ultrasound applicators with 180 degrees active acoustic sectors were developed specifically to treat the prostate. These applicators may be implanted through the perineum into the posterior portion of the prostate, with their heating energy directed away from the rectum. Both heating strategies were evaluated via biothermal simulations and in vivo experiments within canine prostate (n = 3). During the in vivo studies, MRTI was used to monitor treatment temperatures, cytotoxic thermal doses (t43 > 240 min) and corresponding maximum temperature thresholds (Tmax > 52 degrees C) within three imaging planes simultaneously. Urethral and endorectal cooling was employed with both treatment strategies to provide further protection of the urethral mucosa and rectum from thermal damage. Results using the transurethral applicators demonstrated that narrow zones of coagulation (approximately 30 degrees sector for planar, approximately 90 degrees for tubular), extending up to 20 mm from the urethra to the periphery of the prostate gland, could be produced within 10-15 min. Further, rotation of the applicator during treatment could be used to destroy larger regions in the prostate. Experiments using multiple interstitial directional applicators (approximately 180 degrees active sectors), implanted within the posterior margin of the prostate with the energy directed away from the rectum, produced contiguous zones of thermal coagulation which extended from the posterior prostate toward the anterior-lateral periphery of the gland. Both transurethral and interstitial treatment strategies demonstrated significant potential for thermal ablation of localized prostate cancer, particularly when MRTI is used to guide and assess treatment.
Bowel Displacement and Protection Techniques During Percutaneous Renal Tumor Thermal Ablation

Although bowel injury is a rare complication of renal radiofrequency ablation, the potential consequences can be devastating. Therefore, it is prudent to perform bowel displacement/protection procedures when feasible. The main bowel displacement techniques include hydrodissection, gas-insufflation, balloon interposition, and electrode torquing. In this article, these techniques are discussed and the steps involved in performing these procedures are enumerated.