cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Echocardiographic Characteristics of Significant Pericardial Effusions Following Cardiothoracic Surgery and Outcomes of Echo-Guided Pericardiocentesis for Management: Mayo Clinic Experience, 1979–1998

Study objectives This study assessed the clinical features, timing of presentation, and echocardiographic characteristics associated with clinically significant pericardial effusions after cardiothoracic surgery. The outcomes of echocardiographically (echo-) guided pericardiocentesis for the management of these effusions were evaluated. Design From the prospective Mayo Clinic Registry of Echo-guided Pericardiocentesis (February 1979 to June 1998), 245 procedures performed for clinically significant postoperative effusions were identified. Clinical features, effusion causes, echocardiographic findings, and management outcomes were studied and analyzed. Cross-referencing the registry with the Mayo Clinic surgical database provided an estimate of the incidence of significant postoperative effusions and the number of cases in which primary surgical management was chosen instead of pericardiocentesis. Results Use of anticoagulant therapy was considered a significant contributing factor in 86% and 65% of early effusions (≤ 7 days after surgery) and late effusions (> 7 days after surgery), respectively. Postpericardiotomy syndrome was an important factor in the development of late effusions (34%). Common presenting symptoms included malaise (90%), dyspnea (65%), and chest pain (33%). Tachycardia, fever, elevated jugular venous pressure, hypotension, and pulsus paradoxus were found in 53%, 40%, 39%, 27%, and 17% of cases, respectively. Transthoracic echocardiography permitted rapid diagnosis and hemodynamic assessment of all effusions except for three cases that required transesophageal echocardiography for confirmation. Echo-guided pericardiocentesis was successful in 97% of all cases and in 96% of all loculated effusions. Major complications (2%), including chamber lacerations (n = 2) and pneumothoraces (n = 3), were successfully treated by surgical repair and chest tube reexpansion, respectively. Median follow-up duration for the study population was 3.8 years (range, 190 days to 16.4 years). The use of extended catheter drainage was associated with reduction in recurrence for early and late postoperative effusions by 46% and 50%, respectively. Conclusions The symptoms and physical findings of clinically significant postoperative pericardial effusions are frequently nonspecific and may be inadequate for a decision regarding intervention. Echocardiography can quickly confirm the presence of an effusion, and pericardiocentesis under echocardiographic guidance is safe and effective. The use of a pericardial catheter for extended drainage is associated with lower recurrence rates, and the majority of patients so treated do not require further intervention.
Challenges to Implementing the AWHONN Staffing Guidelines

Implications for Nursing Practice Perhaps the first lesson from this program that has affected nursing practice at the Women’s Care Hospital is that practice really does make perfect; the once per year checklist is not always enough to prepare a staff member for real-life high-risk scenarios. Nurses also now feel like they have a voice and have the opportunity for open dialogue with staff and physicians from their areas and other departments. This program’s most valuable implication is that staff members have discovered that communication is key, that each person and department is critical in a high-risk scenario, and that it takes teamwork to promote good patient outcomes.
Removal of symptomatic craniofacial titanium hardware following craniotomy: Case series and review☆ , ☆☆

Abstract Titanium craniofacial hardware has become commonplace for reconstruction and bone flap fixation following craniotomy. Complications of titanium hardware include palpability, visibility, infection, exposure, pain, and hardware malfunction, which can necessitate hardware removal. We describe three patients who underwent craniofacial reconstruction following craniotomies for trauma with post-operative courses complicated by medically intractable facial pain. All three patients subsequently underwent removal of the symptomatic craniofacial titanium hardware and experienced rapid resolution of their painful parasthesias. Symptomatic plates were found in the region of the frontozygomatic suture or MacCarty keyhole, or in close proximity with the supraorbital nerve. Titanium plates, though relatively safe and low profile, can cause local nerve irritation or neuropathy. Surgeons should be cognizant of the potential complications of titanium craniofacial hardware and locations that are at higher risk for becoming symptomatic necessitating a second surgery for removal.
Restoration of hearing in the VGLUT3 knockout mouse using virally mediated gene therapy.

Mice lacking the vesicular glutamate transporter-3 (VGLUT3) are congenitally deaf due to loss of glutamate release at the inner hair cell afferent synapse. Cochlear delivery of VGLUT3 using adeno-associated virus type 1 (AAV1) leads to transgene expression in only inner hair cells (IHCs), despite broader viral uptake. Within 2 weeks of AAV1-VGLUT3 delivery, auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds normalize, along with partial rescue of the startle response. Lastly, we demonstrate partial reversal of the morphologic changes seen within the afferent IHC ribbon synapse. These findings represent a successful restoration of hearing by gene replacement in mice, which is a significant advance toward gene therapy of human deafness.
Assessing limitations on the growth of endangered plant populations, I. Experimental demography of Erysimum capitatum ssp. Angustatum and Oenothera deltoides ssp. Howellii

Abstract This study was designed to identify factors that limit the growth of populations of two federally-listed endangered plants— Erysimum capitatum ssp. Angustatum (= ECA) and Oenothera deltoides ssp. howellii (= ODH)—both endemic to Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge (Contra Costa County, California, USA). Herein we report on the relevant aspects of experimental seedling demography in situ . Seeds were precisely sown into areas that differed with respect to substrate (dune, clay and clay that had been mechanically disked) and exposure (shaded and exposed dune areas). ECA was very dependent on sandy dune substrate for high germination and survivorship, as well as the vigorous growth of established plants. Mortality was linked to exposure and substrate drought, rather than herbivory or soil nutrient deficiency. Disking the clay substrate promoted germination but not survivorship or plant growth and could not, therefore, be used to improve the availability of high-quality habitat for ECA at the refuge. In contrast, substrate characteristics and exposure were not as critical to ODH because individuals became established and reproductive on disked clay as well as on exposed dune sand. Mortality of ODH was linked to insect herbivory on the dune sand and moisture or nutrient availability on the disked clay and clay substrates. Therefore, in order to increase the size and areal extent of these populations at Antioch Dunes, management should include (1) mechanical disking of clay substrate to improve habitat availability for ODH; (2) removal of non-native vegetation to provide more unstabilized, shaded dune substrate for ECA and to reduce insect herbivory on ODH seedlings; (3) creation of new sand-dune habitat for both taxa by importing riverine sand; and 94) re-establishment of ODH and ECA populations in habitat restored by disking or weeding or into habitat created by sand importation.
Increased growing temperature reduces content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in four oilseed crops

Abstract Environmental temperature directly influences the lipid profile produced by oilseeds. If growing temperatures increase, as is predicted by current models, the precise profile of lipids produced are likely to change. This paper develops models to predict lipid profiles as a function of growing temperature. Data relating to lipid profiles of soybean ( Glycine max ), spring canola ( Brassica napus ), spring camelina ( Camelina sativa ), and sunflower ( Helianthus annuus ) were gathered from the literature and evaluated to examine the influence of temperature on relative production of oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acid. For each crop, a set of linear regressions was used to correlate temperature during the grain fill, defined as 30 days before harvest, with the molar percentages of oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acid present. An increase in temperature from 10 to 40 °C resulted in an increase in the production of oleic acid and a decrease in the production of linoleic and linolenic acid in soybeans, canola, and sunflowers. Over the range of data available, the lipid profile of camelina was temperature insensitive. To test the validity of the correlations, the four crops were grown in a field study in Manhattan, Kansas simultaneously, in the same environment, in 2011. The correlations accurately predicted the field data for soybean, canola, and camelina but not for sunflower. The correlation for sunflower under-predicted the molar amount of oleic acid and over-predicted the molar amount of linoleic acid. This study indicates increasing growing temperatures from 10 to 40 °C will result in more monounsaturated oils and less polyunsaturated oils in soybean, canola, and sunflower.
Cylindrical bessel functions for a large range of complex arguments

Abstract The evaluation of Bessel functions of the first and second kinds, covering a wide range of complex arguments and integer orders, is required in the determination of the intensity of acoustic reflection from absorbing bodies. Numerical problems associated with the calculations are discussed and various means by which these problems have been overcome are explained. The numerical methods used in calculating the Bessel functions of the first, second and third kinds are given, as well as sample results and numerical checks in the form of computer plots and printouts.
The structure and development of a genetic tumour of the pea.

The development of the neoplasm of the pea pod has been examined by electron microscopy. The subsidiary cells of the stomata are the site of neoplastic development, and the earliest signs of tumour growth are the accumulation of lipid material in these cells and a decrease in the degree of their vacuolation. Mitosis in these cells gives rise to a population of neoplastic cells similar in structure to normal parenchyma. The only structural abnormality which persists in mature neoplastic tissue is the degeneration of the plastids. The chloroplasts of the original subsidiary cells undergo a continuous series of degenerative changes involving loss of photosynthetic function. The mode of development of the neoplasm and the ultrastructural changes associated with it are discussed in relation to other plant tumours.
Agitation by Suffocation: How Hypoxia Activates Innate Immunity via the Warburg Effect

A hypoxic microenvironment can enhance the function of innate immune cells; however, the mechanisms remain unclear. Tannahill et al. (2013) find that in macrophages, the accumulation of succinate, an intermediate metabolite of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, stabilizes the transcription factor HIF-1α, leading to activation of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β.
Poly[tetra­kis­(dimethyl­formamide)tris(μ4-terephthalato)trimagnesium]

The title framework compound, [Mg3(C8H4O4)3(C3H7NO)4]n or [Mg3(bdc)3(DMF)4]n, was obtained as a side product of the solvothermal reaction of magnesium nitrate, terephthalic acid (bdcH2), and 1,3-bis­(4-pyrid­yl)propane in a 1:2:1 ratio in dimethyl­formamide (DMF). The asymmetric unit consists of three MgII cations, three terephthalate anions, and four coordinating DMF mol­ecules. One of the four DMF mol­ecules was refined as disordered over two mutually exclusive positions, with an occupancy rate for the major moiety of 0.923 (4). The three MgII cations possess distorted octa­hedral coordination geometries that form linear Mg trimers. Of the three MgII cations, the central MgII is octa­hedrally coordinated by six different carboxyl­ate O atoms. The terminal MgII cations are bonded to four O atoms of three bdc linkers and to two O atoms of coordinating DMF mol­ecules. The compound has a two-dimensional 36-network structure parallel to (001) that is formed by connection of the Mg trimers as distorted octa­hedral nodes to the bdc ligands as linkers.
VISUAL OUTCOME AND TUMOR CONTROL AFTER CONFORMAL RADIOTHERAPY FOR PATIENTS WITH OPTIC NERVE SHEATH MENINGIOMA

Purpose Optic nerve sheath meningioma (ONSM) is a rare tumor that almost uniformly leads to visual dysfunction and even blindness without intervention. Because surgical extirpation carries a high risk of postoperative blindness, vision-sparing treatment strategies are desirable. Methods and Materials We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of 25 patients (25 optic nerves) with ONSM, treated at a single institution with conformal fractionated radiotherapy by either stereotactic photon or proton radiation. Primary endpoints were local control and visual acuity. Results The patients presented with symptoms of visual loss (21) or orbital pain (3) or were incidentally diagnosed by imaging (3). The mean age was 44 years, and 64% were female patients. The indication for treatment was the development or progression of symptoms. Of the patients, 13 were treated with photons, 9 were treated with protons, and 3 received a combination of photons and protons. The median dose delivered was 50.4 gray equivalents (range, 45–59.4 gray equivalents). Median follow-up after radiotherapy was 30 months (range, 3–168 months), with 3 patients lost to follow-up. At most recent follow-up, 21 of 22 patients (95%) had improved (14) or stable (7) visual acuity. One patient had worsened visual acuity after initial postirradiation improvement. Of the 22 patients, 20 (95%) had no radiographic progression. Three patients had evidence of asymptomatic, limited retinopathy on ophthalmologic examination, and one had recurrent ONSM 11 years after treatment. Conclusions Highly conformal, fractionated radiation therapy for symptomatic primary ONSM provides tumor control and improvement in visual function in most cases, with minimal treatment-induced morbidity. Longer follow-up is needed to assess the durability of tumor control and treatment-related late effects.
Absolute Charge State Yields of 20 MeV I Ions Scattered from Argon and Xenon

Absolute yields of charge states resulting from the scattering of 20 MeV Fe and I ions were determined over the range of scattering angles 0° to 1.5°. Measurements were made over the pressure range of 10-3 to 1 Torr as measured in a 2 cm long differentially pumped cell, corresponding to the transition region for nonequilibrium to equilibrium final charge state distributions. The final charge state yields were found to be independent of the initial charge state of the ion species. The relatively large integrated yields make the technique attractive for possible use as a terminal stripper in large tandem accelerators.
The biphasic course of regression in the chick mesonephros.

Vergleiche zwischen wachsenden und zuruckgebildeten Mesonephrosen im Hinblick auf Nass- und Trockengewicht und totales nephritisches Luminalvolumen ergaben, dass die Ruckbildung in 2 Phasen verlauft: (1) Wahrend 12 bis 16 Tagen durch beginnenden Gewebeverlust, Organschrumpfung und relativen Wasserverlust (20–30% im nephritischen Lumen). (2) Wahrend 16 bis 24 Tagen ist der relative Wassergehalt hoher, wobei histologische Andeutungen einer Degeneration sichtbar werden.
Insulin resistance does not impair contractile responses of cerebral arteries.

Abstract Insulin resistance (IR) impairs endothelium-mediated vasodilation in cerebral arteries as well as K + channel function in vascular smooth muscle. Peripheral arteries also show an impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation in IR and concomitantly show an enhanced contractile response to endothelin-1 (ET-1). However, the contractile responses of the cerebral arteries in IR have not been examined systematically. This study examined the contractile responses of pressurized isolated middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) in fructose-fed IR and control rats. IR MCAs showed no difference in pressure-mediated (80 mmHg) vasoconstriction compared to controls, either in time to develop spontaneous tone (control: 61 ± 3 min, n = 30; IR: 63 ± 2 min, n = 26) or in the degree of that tone (control: 60 min: 33 ± 2%, n = 22 vs. IR 60 min: 34 ± 3%, n = 17). MCAs treated with ET-1 (10 − 8.5 M) constrict similarly in control (53 ± 3%, n = 14) and IR (53 ± 3%, n = 14) arteries. Constrictor responses to U46619 (10 − 6 M) are also similar in control (48 ± 9%, n = 8) and IR (42 ± 5%, n = 6) MCAs as are responses to extraluminal uridine 5′-triphosphate (UTP; 10 − 4.5 M) (control: 35 ± 7%, n = 11 vs. IR: 38 ± 3%, n = 10). These findings demonstrate that constrictor responses remain intact in IR despite a selective impairment of dilator responses and endothelial and vascular smooth muscle K + channel function in cerebral arteries. Thus, it appears that the increased susceptibility to cerebrovascular abnormalities associated with IR and diabetes (including cerebral ischemia, stroke, vertebrobasilar transient ischemic attacks) is not due to an enhanced vasoreactivity to constrictor agents.
Soil carbon and nitrogen mineralization: Theory and models across scales

In the last 80 years, a number of mathematical models of different level of complexity have been developed to describe biogeochemical processes in soils, spanning spatial scales from few μm to thousands of km and temporal scales from hours to centuries. Most of these models are based on kinetic and stoichiometric laws that constrain elemental cycling within the soil and the nutrient and carbon exchange with vegetation and the atmosphere. While biogeochemical model performance has been previously assessed in other reviews, less attention has been devoted to the mathematical features of the models, and how these are related to spatial and temporal scales. In this review, we consider ∼250 biogeochemical models, highlighting similarities in their theoretical frameworks and illustrating how their mathematical structure and formulation are related to the spatial and temporal scales of the model applications. Our analysis shows that similar kinetic and stoichiometric laws, formulated to mechanistically represent the complex underlying biochemical constraints, are common to most models, providing a basis for their classification. Moreover, a historic analysis reveals that the complexity and degree and number of nonlinearities generally increased with date, while they decreased with increasing spatial and temporal scale of interest. We also found that mathematical formulations specifically developed for certain scales (e.g., first order decay rates assumed in yearly time scale decomposition models) often tend to be used also at other spatial and temporal scales different from the original ones, possibly resulting in inconsistencies between theoretical formulations and model application. It is thus critical that future modeling efforts carefully account for the scale-dependence of their mathematical formulations, especially when applied to a wide range of scales.
Self-Concepts of Youth Sport Participants and Nonparticipants in Grades 3 and 6:

Increasing concern has been expressed about the possible detrimental effects of competitive youth sports upon aspects of psychological development, especially concerning aggression, anxiety, and poor self-concept. This study examined the self-concepts of 208 participants and nonparticipants in third and sixth grade youth team spores from urban, middle, and lower middle-class backgrounds. A three-factor (participation × grade × sex) analysis of variance applied to self-concept data yielded a significant main effect with participants higher in self-concept than nonparticipants. Significant interactions indicated that differences were not uniform. Perhaps at different ages (grades) participation and nonparticipation in youth team sports may provide different social reinforcement for boys and girls.
Tip-Induced Calcite Single Crystal Nanowear

Wear behavior of freshly cleaved single crystal calcite (CaCO3) was investigated by continuous scanning using the Hysitron Triboindenter in ambient environment as a function of scanning frequency (1 Hz – 3 Hz) and contact load (2 µN – 8 µN). At lower loads below 4 µN, initiation of the ripples takes place at the bottom of the surface slope, which continue to propagate up the slope as scanning progresses. The orientation of these ripple structures is perpendicular to the long scan direction. As the number of scans increases, ripples become fully developed, and their height and periodicity increase with the number of scans. At 6 µN normal load, tip-induced wear occurs as the tip begins removing the ripple structures with increased number of scan cycles. As the contact load increased further, ripples did not initiate and only tip-induced wear occurred on the surface, and saturated after 20 scans. At 1 Hz frequency wear takes place as material slides towards the scan edges when the tip moves back and forth. Material removal rate increased with contact load and it is observed that the number of scans required to create a new surface is inversely proportional to the contact load. Possible mechanisms responsible for the formation of ripples at higher frequencies are attributed to the slope of the surface, piezo hysteresis, system dynamics, or a combination of effects. The wear regime is due to abrasive wear. Single crystal calcite hardness of 2.8±0.3 GPa and elastic modulus of 75±4.9 GPa were measured using nanoindentation and used to determine the wear mode.
Test for allelopathic interactions between two marine microalgal species grown in intensive cultures

Both high pH and cell senescence are believed to lead to the production of toxic extracellular metabolites in freshwater microalgae. However, there was no evidence for allelopathic suppression of photosynthesis when filtrates of either of two marine microalgae,Phaeodactylum tricornutum andDunaliella tertiolecta, were mixed with whole cultures of the other species. This was true even when filtrate ofP. tricornutum sample was derived from a culture at high pH or from one in various stages of senescence. It is believed that the major factor leading to the dominance ofP. tricornutum in intensive outdoor cultures is the unique ability of this alga to tolerate pH levels above 9.5, not the allelopathic inhibition of competing species.
Numerical and classical analysis of V/STOL aircraft using selected propulsion systems

The development needed for the evolution of selected V/STOL research vehicles into optimized antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft configurations, using numerical procedures and traditional analytical methods, has been examined. Three propulsion systems, which represent state-of-the-art development aimed at solving the thrust-vectoring and attitude-control problems of V/STOL aircraft, are analyzed. The use of NASA computer programs for aircraft synthesis (ACSYNT), and for optimizing configurations (COMMIN), coupled with contractor-supplied propulsion system data provides for accurate performance prediction of the selected ASW configurations. Particular emphasis on the transition phase between the research vehicle and the optimized configuration demonstrates the strengths and weaknesses of using generic research aircraft instead of building prototypes to demonstrate new technology
POLARIZATION OF SURFACE IONS ON A SPHERICAL PARTICLE IN AN ELECTRIC FIELD

Polarization of surface ions on a spherical colloidal particle in a transient electric field is simulated using a random walk method. Total polarization increases as ion density increases but saturates when the Coulomb repulsive forces between the ions become dominant. The time constant of polarization is shorter for larger ion densities, and non-linear relations between polarization and the electric field strength are also seen.
The ethics of letting go

Abstract Emphasis in medical training is laid on therapeutic approaches that prolong life at all costs. This training is reinforced by current medical practices in the United States and by an ever-expanding medical technology, such that it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to “let the patient go.” In response, individuals promote the “right-to-die” and euthanasia, so that patients may maintain their human dignity during the dying process. A more rational and nonpolarized approach to this issue would be to strive for the preservation of human function, not physiological function alone. The goal would include helping patients advance their life plans and values. On this basis, therapies can be withheld and withdrawn when they no longer reflect these goals. Caution regarding potential abuses of this approach need to be raised, however, when considering care for the very vulnerable of society. In that regard, therapeutic goals directed at maintaining human function need to be developed in parallel with global societal values regarding quality of life issues.
ENERGY DEPENDENCE OF REACTIONS AT THRESHOLDS

As a development of Wigner's work on the subject, the behavior of nuclear reactions at thresholds is discussed by employing the $\mathcal{R}$-matrix formalism with special attention to the effect of a nuclear reaction threshold in a particular channel on the energy dependence in other channels. In addition to the characteristic cusp-like behavior for $L=0$, ${Z}_{1}{Z}_{2}=0$ it is found that for this case it is also possible to have another type of plot of cross section versus energy. The second type differs from the first by a relative change of sign of the extra effect on one side of the threshold.
P-005 Is bridging with intravenous thrombolysis of any benefit in endovascular therapy of acute ischemic stroke?

Background Large vessel occlusions with a high clot burden are less likely to improve with presently accepted and FDA-approved intravenous thrombolysis (IV) strategy. Endovascular therapy within the first 3 h of stroke symptom onset provides an effective alternative treatment in patients with large vessel occlusion. It is not clear if combination of IV thrombolysis and endovascular approach is superior to endovascular treatment alone. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all cases of acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion treated within the first 3 h stroke onset during the 2005–2010 period. First group received endovascular therapy within the first 3 h of stroke onset. Second group consisted of patients who received IV thrombolysis within the first 3 h followed by endovascular therapy. We compared the following outcomes: revascularization rates, NIHSS score at discharge, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge and 3 months, symptomatic hemorrhage rates and mortality. Results Among 104 patients identified, 42 received combined therapy, and 62 received endovascular therapy only. The two groups had similar demographic (age and sex distribution) and vascular risk factors distribution, as well as NIHSS score on admission (14.8±4.7 and 16.0±5.3; p=0.23). We found no difference in TIMI recanalization rates (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction scale score of 2 or 3) following combined or endovascular therapy alone (83.3% and 79.0%; p=0.59). A preferred outcome, defined as a mRS of 2 or less at 90 days also did not differ between the combined therapy group and the endovascular only group (37.5% and 34.5%; p=0.76). There was no difference in mortality rate (22.5% and 31.0%; p=0.36) and the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (9.5% and 8.1%; p=0.73). There was a significant difference in mean time from symptom onset to endovascular treatment between the combined group (227±88 min) and endovascular only group (125±40 min; p Conclusion Combining IV thrombolysis and endovascular therapy achieves similar rates of clinical outcomes, revascularization rates, complications and mortality rates, when compared with endovascular treatment alone. The combined therapy, however, significantly delays initiation of endovascular treatment. A randomized prospective trial comparing both treatment strategies in acute ischemic stroke is warranted.
Local Dynamics Probing by Real-Time Single-Particle Tracking Spectroscopy

Instrumentation of real-time three-dimensional single-particle tracking spectroscopy will be discussed in conjunction with its application in sensing local dynamical interactions by using materials-based nanoparticles such as quantum dots and metallic nanoparticles.
Method for the accelerated measurement of electroosmosis in chemically modified tubes for capillary electrophoresis.

A traditional neutral marker approach is combined with fast pressure-driven mobilization to achieve a method that provides accelerated electroosmosis measurements in capillary electrophoresis systems. A marker injection is made prior to and following timed high-voltage application. The marker-sandwiched electrolyte plug is then pressure-driven out of the capillary tube under closely controlled conditions, while the signal is monitored in the usual way. Substantial reduction in measurement time is achieved by allowing the marker to travel only a fraction of the effective length (the injection to detection distance) over a shorter period of time, compared to the traditional method where voltage is applied until the neutral marker shows up at the detector window. One simple equation was derived to express the electroosmotic mobility of the electrolyte (μ eo ) in terms of common operational variables. The method is particularly useful for low-electroosmosis measurements in wall-modified capillary tubes. The scope and limitations of the method are discussed.
The Potential for Dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Through the Anesthesia Breathing Circuit

Background Respiratory pathogens that pass through the anesthesia breathing system potentially can infect other patients. This study was designed to determine if bacteria can pass through contemporary anesthesia breathing systems and if the environment within the machine is hostile to these organisms. Methods Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Mycobacterium tuberculosis were nebulized into the expiratory limb of an anesthesia breathing circuit and collected from the inspiratory and expiratory limbs in an impinger system that provided a quantitative determination of the number of organisms entering the circuit and the number that would reach the patient in the inspiratory gas. Bacteria were collected before, during, and after nebulization. A second experiment determined if a saturated solution of soda lime was bactericidal. Results When the gas flow through the circuit was interrupted for 3 to 1 × 10 5 , around 100% of the nebulized organisms) were collected from the inspiratory gas. Soda lime itself was not bactericidal for any of the organisms tested, but solutions of this material with a pH of 12 were bactericidal. Conclusion Cross contamination between patients may occur unless the gas flow through the anesthesia breathing system is interrupted for > 1 h.
Assessing functional mobility in survivors of lower-extremity sarcoma: reliability and validity of a new assessment tool.

Background Reliability and validity of a new tool, Functional Mobility Assessment (FMA), were examined in patients with lower-extremity sarcoma. FMA requires the patients to physically perform the functional mobility measures, unlike patient self-report or clinician administered measures. Procedure A sample of 114 subjects participated, 20 healthy volunteers and 94 patients with lower-extremity sarcoma after amputation, limb-sparing, or rotationplasty surgery. Reliability of the FMA was examined by three raters testing 20 healthy volunteers and 23 subjects with lower-extremity sarcoma. Concurrent validity was examined using data from 94 subjects with lower-extremity sarcoma who completed the FMA, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS), Short-Form 36 (SF-36v2), and Toronto Extremity Salvage Scale (TESS) scores. Construct validity was measured by the ability of the FMA to discriminate between subjects with and without functional mobility deficits. Results FMA demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC [2,1] ≥0.97). Moderate correlations were found between FMA and SF-36v2 (r = 0.60, P < 0.01), FMA and MSTS (r = 0.68, P < 0.01), and FMA and TESS (r = 0.62, P < 0.01). The patients with lower-extremity sarcoma scored lower on the FMA as compared to healthy controls (P < 0.01). Conclusion The FMA is a reliable and valid functional outcome measure for patients with lower-extremity sarcoma. This study supports the ability of the FMA to discriminate between patients with varying functional abilities and supports the need to include measures of objective functional mobility in examination of patients with lower-extremity sarcoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:183–189. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The School Counselor As Consultant: A Historical Review

This article contains a historical review of the school counselor in the role of consultant. Published articles that have appeared in four APGA journals during the past 21 years provided the basis for the review. General trends in each journal and a developmental history of the consultation movement are presented. The conclusion was that a serious gap exists between the theory and practice of consultation in schools. Specific needs must be addressed for the school counselor as consultant model to be fully realized.
Pulsed out of awareness: EEG alpha oscillations represent a pulsed-inhibition of ongoing cortical processing

Alpha oscillations are ubiquitous in the brain, but their role in cortical processing remains a matter of debate. Recently, evidence has begun to accumulate in support of a role for alpha oscillations in attention selection and control. Here we first review evidence that 8-12 Hz oscillations in the brain have a general inhibitory role in cognitive processing, with an emphasis on their role in visual processing. Then, we summarize the evidence in support of our recent proposal that alpha represents a pulsed-inhibition of ongoing neural activity. The phase of the ongoing electroencephalography can influence evoked activity and subsequent processing, and we propose that alpha exerts its inhibitory role through alternating microstates of inhibition and excitation. Finally, we discuss evidence that this pulsed-inhibition can be entrained to rhythmic stimuli in the environment, such that preferential processing occurs for stimuli at predictable moments. The entrainment of preferential phase may provide a mechanism for temporal attention in the brain. This pulsed inhibitory account of alpha has important implications for many common cognitive phenomena, such as the attentional blink, and seems to indicate that our visual experience may at least some times be coming through in waves.
Control of peripheral devices with a general-purpose processor and universal adaptors

Large-scale integration is difficult to apply in the area of peripheral-device control units. This is because frequent design changes result in long design times and limited production runs. The paper presents a solution to this problem, in which the control of a group of peripheral devices is shared between one general purpose microprocessor and a number of `universal adaptors' (u.a.s) all made to the same design. The u.a.s contain certain mandatory features, such as output registers and circuits for recognising addressing information and simple instructions sent from the processor. They also contain two special-purpose stored-program structures aimed at relieving the load on the processor and its input-output interface. One, called the sense unit, detects specified external conditions and interrupts the processor when they occur. The second, called the sequence unit, carries out simple input-output routines that involve the detection of external events and timing or counting. The paper gives details of the facilities these units provide and discusses the reasons for them. Their programs total 9 bytes and are loaded by the processor as needed. A system suitable for low-and medium-speed devices has been built and successfully demonstrated. In this, all the logic and storage functions of the u.a. are provided on a single m.o.s.t. chip containing about 6000 transistors. The u.a. logic circuits and the interface between u.a.s and the processor operate in the serial mode.
Isolation of Listeria spp. from feces of feedlot cattle

MATERIALS AND METHODS Healthy feedlot beef cattle were surveyed for the presence of Listeria spp. in fecal grab samples taken over 3 months. Compos­ ite samples were made from 224 individual animals each month. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from one composite sample (4%) from the first sampling and not from the subsequent two. Listeria innocua was found in composite samples from all three samplings at levels of 17, 9, and 35%, respectively. From the individual samples comprising the Listeria spp.—positive compos­ ites, L. monoytogenes was isolated from one sample (3%) in the second sampling but not in the first or third samplings. L. innocua was found in 9, 8, and 10% of the individual samples comprising Listeria—positive composites in the first, second, and third sam­ plings, respectively. The two L. monocytogenes isolates were pathogenic to mice. Further characterization of these isolates revealed atypical rhamnose fermentation patterns. These results indicate that the frequency of isolation of L. monocytogenes from feedlot beef cattle is low.
Low loss photopatternable matrix materials for LWIR-metamaterial applications

Transparent matrix materials with low-loss and low-permittivity are an important component of integrated optical devices including filters, lenses, and novel metamaterials. Many of the structural matrix materials that are currently utilized at visible and near-infrared wavelengths, such as solution deposited, high-k dielectrics and commercial photoresists, exhibit vibrational absorption bands in the 8–12 μm spectral range which represents a significant challenge to developing transmissive, three-dimensional (3D) metamaterials operating in the long wavelength infrared (LWIR) spectral region. In this paper, we present new, low loss photopatternable polymer dielectrics as well-suited matrix materials for fabricating LWIR-metamaterials. These materials are synthesized by partially hydrogenating polynorbornene to varying degrees followed by a thiol-ene coupling reaction to cross-link the remaining olefin groups. After cross-linking, the olefin LWIR-absorption band is minimized and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the material increases. Thick layers of the polymer (>3 μm), which acts as a negative photoresist, can be deposited easily using a spin coating technique to develop planarizing layers with photopatternable vias. A demonstration on the low loss nature of the polymer dielectrics was carried out by incorporating the polymer into an all-dielectric, infrared metamaterial. Thus, the material is ideal for both lithography and fabrication of 3D metamaterial structures operating in the LWIR spectral region.
Cell Cycle Regulation in Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) give rise to all lineages of blood cells. Because HSCs must persist for a lifetime, the balance between their proliferation and quiescence is carefully regulated to ensure blood homeostasis while limiting cellular damage. Cell cycle regulation therefore plays a critical role in controlling HSC function during both fetal life and in the adult. The cell cycle activity of HSCs is carefully modulated by a complex interplay between cell-intrinsic mechanisms and cell-extrinsic factors produced by the microenvironment. This fine-tuned regulatory network may become altered with age, leading to aberrant HSC cell cycle regulation, degraded HSC function, and hematological malignancy.
An Integrated Framework for Research on Cross-Cultural Information Retrieval

Web Information Retrieval (IR) has become a ubiquitous online activity for people around the globe. There is a critical need to recognize and study diverse attitudes and behaviors exhibited by searchers from different cultures. In this paper we examine and discuss the theoretical and methodological foundations used to establish a framework for research on cross-cultural information retrieval. First, we briefly discuss the evolution of research on search behavior, establish a connection between users’ behavior and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, and then use these dimensions to expand the relatively new Unified Theory of Acceptance and Usage of Technology (UTAUT) to create a framework for research.
PRENUCLEOLAR BODIES OF URECHIS OOCYTES

The immature oocyte and unfertilized eggs of Urechis caupo , a marine echiuroid worm, contain many nuclear bodies and a main nucleolus. These bodies are similar to prenucleolar bodies of other materials with respect to their origin, structure, cytochemical and biochemical characteristics. They are formed in large numbers during the diffuse diplotene stage, perhaps by an aggregation of nucleolar materials which had been associated with chromosomes. They are fibrillar in structure, made up mainly of some nucleolar proteins, and are inactive in RNA synthesis. Biochemical analyses suggest the possibility that these structures contain a small amount of ribosomal RNA precursors which may have originated from the main nucleolus. An accumulation of prenucleolar bodies in Urechis oocytes may result from the lack of formation of multiple functional nucleoli, such as those found in amphibian oocytes.
Frequency spectra of reactant fluctuations in turbulent flows

Bilger, Saetran & Krishnamoorthy (1991) give measured values of the variance, cross-correlation coefficient, autospectra, coherence and phase shift of the reactant concentration fluctuations for an irreversible second-order reaction in an incompressible turbulent scalar mixing layer. The present paper approaches the interpretation of the measured data by evaluating the above quantities in the frozen (slow) and equilibrium (fast) chemistry limits. We assume that the limiting values bracket the corresponding intermediate rate data.The analysis leads to values that correspond with the measured variances and correlation coefficients. The paper offers simple procedures for experimenters to evaluate the fast chemistry limit of the spectral characteristics from the measured mixture fraction fluctuations. The investigation of the limiting spectra suggests that, in the frequency region considered in the Bilger et al. measurements, the shape of the autospectrum is quite insensitive to the chemistry rate. The cross-spectrum is much more sensitive to the chemistry than the autospectrum. The analysis predicts correctly that the coherence decreases with increasing frequency while the phase stays equal to π until the decrease of the coherence leads to indeterminate phase results.
Frequency-temperature-load capacitance behavior of resonators for TCXO application

The effective frequency-temperature (F-T) curve of a crystal resonator operated with series load capacitance differs from that of the crystal alone. Since the principal method of compensating for the crystal F-T behavior in a temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) employs series varactors and a temperature sensitive compensation network, it is of major importance to be able to understand and deal with this effect in the design of TCXOs. The necessary formulas and discussion are given in this work.
When Novices Surpass Experts: The Difficulty of a Task May Increase With Expertise

A detailed look at the representations constructed by novice and expert computer programmers is presented. The issue is addressed by looking at the interaction between the representation naturally formed by programmers at each level of expertise and .an experimentally induced abstract or concrete "mental set." The data suggest that, in the absence of an experimentally provided set, experts form abstract representations (denned here as what a program does), whereas novices form concrete representations (defined here as how a program functions). The data also suggest that appropriate sets can aid each group to form the representation not natural to them; however, these representations are not as stable as the preferred ones. The generality of the findings and the utility of the experts' representation of a task is discussed both in relation to computer programming and to problem solving in other domains. In the semantically rich domains of skilled problem solving (Bhaskar & Simon, 1977), the difference between experts and nonexperts is both qualitative and quantitative. Not only do experts perform better than novices on quantitative measures of skill but experimental manipulations also uncover qualitative differ- ences in the representations and strategies used by experts. Repeatedly, we find that the work- ing representations of experts are abstract conceptualizations of the original problem statement, whereas those of novices are less abstract and focus more on surface features of the problem. For example, in a recent ex- periment, Adelson (1981c) found that expert programmers used abstract, conceptually based representations when attempting to re- call programming material, whereas novices used syntactically based representations. Using a multitrial free-recall procedure, Adelson asked novice and expert programmers to recall a set of 16 lines of programming code that had been presented in random order. Although the subjects had not been told that the 16 lines
Political Strength, Economic Structure, and the Debt Servicing Potential of Developing Countries:

The developing countries' need to reschedule their external debts is as much a consequence of the political weakness of their governments vis-a-vis their own societies and the international environment as it is a consequence of unfavorable structural changes in the international financial system. This study's original contribution is to treat the differentials in the political strengths of debtor governments as explicit variables in analyzing the probability of LDCs having to reschedule their external debt, rather than to treat political factors as residuals to an economic explanation.A measure of a government's political strength, relative political capacity (RPC), is used to evaluate the impact of a government's political strength on the probability of debt rescheduling, controlling for the size of a country's debt service burden, the impact of external shocks from the global system, the structure of its domestic economy, and whether its principal exports are agricultural raw materials, minerals, or man...
Mfold web server for nucleic acid folding and hybridization prediction

The abbreviated name,‘mfold web server’,describes a number of closely related software applications available on the World Wide Web (WWW) for the prediction of the secondary structure of single stranded nucleic acids. The objective of this web server is to provide easy access to RNA and DNA folding and hybridization software to the scientific community at large. By making use of universally available web GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces),the server circumvents the problem of portability of this software. Detailed output,in the form of structure plots with or without reliability information,single strand frequency plots and ‘energy dot plots’, are available for the folding of single sequences. A variety of ‘bulk’ servers give less information,but in a shorter time and for up to hundreds of sequences at once. The portal for the mfold web server is http://www.bioinfo.rpi.edu/applications/ mfold. This URL will be referred to as ‘MFOLDROOT’.