cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Risk for developing gestational diabetes in women with twin pregnancies.

Objective. To examine the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women with twin compared with singleton pregnancies.Research design and methods. We examined a cohort of 23,056 pregnant women who gave birth to a live infant between 1 September 1998 and 31 December 2006, 553 of whom had twin pregnancy. The primary exposure was twin versus singleton pregnancy, and the primary outcome was the development of GDM. Standard univariate analyses were performed, as were multivariable analysis with logistic regression to control for potential confounding variables. GDM was diagnosed using criteria of the National Diabetes Data Group.Results. Patients with twin pregnancies had a higher rate of GDM when compared with singleton pregnancies (3.98%vs. 2.32%; p = 0.01). In a multiple regression analysis after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, maximal systolic and diastolic blood pressure, smoking and parity, twin pregnancy was associated with an approximately two-fold increase in risk...
Thermionic Phenomena Caused by Vapors of Rubidium and Potassium

Thermionic effects similar to those studied by Langmuir and Kingdon for caesium have been found for rubidium and potassium. Because of the difference in the electron affinity of tungsten (4.53 volts) and that of an atom of rubidium or potassium (4.16 and 4.32 volts respectively) positive ions are formed which at filament temperatures above 1000\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} are drawn to the cylindrical collector from the coaxial filament. Below this temperature the ions are adsorbed on the surface of the filament and decrease its work function raising the electron emission. The degree of thermal ionization at various filament temperatures is found to be within the experimental error of that determined from Saha's equation. At low temperatures the filament is partially covered by adsorbed ions and the electron emission increases exponentially with the reciprocal of the temperature. A transition region is reached as the average life of an atom on the surface becomes shorter and then the emission decreases logarithmically with the reciprocal of the temperature. The curves and values are given. The positive ion emission increases logarithmically with the reciprocal of the temperature until a certain fraction of the atoms striking the filament is ionized. Further increase in temperature causes every atom to be ionized. The coincidence of experimentally determined points with the theoretical space charge curve shows each ion to have the mass of a single atom in the range of pressures studied.Vapor pressure of rubidium and potassium.---The vapor pressure of rubidium and potassium is calculated from the maximum ion current; for rubidium $logp=10.55\ensuremath{-}\frac{4132}{T}$ and for potassium $logp=11.83\ensuremath{-}\frac{4964}{T}$; here $p$ is in bars.
Choice and self-control in children: A test of Rachlin’s model

Rachlin and Green (1972) proposed a model which analyzed self control as a reversal of preference for two reward values in time. The present study investigated the utility of the model in the investigation of self-control in children. Two boys (ages 9-10) were exposed to a chain of events in which a left alternative (initial link) lead to a choice (terminal link) between a small, immediate reward (2 tokens) or a large. delaved reward (4 tokens delaved 4 sec). Equal preference was found for both left and right alternatives although once the left alternative had been selected, the immediate reward was chosen on a large percentage of the trials. However, as these choices were moved further into time, preference for the left alternative increased and the children chose the immediate reward almost exclusively. In addition, subjects spent a greater percentage of their daily tokens as time to the choice point increased. These results do not replicate Rachlin and Green’s findings with pigeons. However, the subjects did show a reversal of preference as time to the choice point was manipulated, suggesting the model’s utility in the investigation of self-control with humans.
Use of ac admittance voltammetry to study very fast electron-transfer reactions. The [Ru(NH3)6]3+/2+ system in water.

The kinetics of electroreduction of Ru(NH3)63+ has been studied at a polycrystalline gold electrode using high-frequency ac admittance voltammetry. It is shown that precise kinetic data may be obtained for a very fast electron-transfer reaction using this technique. The kinetic data show a small double layer effect when the concentration of HClO4 used as background electrolyte is varied. This is discussed in terms of the point of zero charge, which is very close to the standard potential for the studied reaction.
Development of a gate metal etch process for gallium arsenide wafers

Abstract The reactive ion etching of TiWN, which is used as a gate metal on gallium-arsenide device wafers, was studied in a parallel-plate, single-wafer plasma reactor operating at a frequency of 13.56 MHz. We discuss our experimental program designed to develop a highly uniform TiWN etch process with low linewidth loss for 100 mm GaAs wafers, using a sulfur hexafluoride, trifluoromethane, helium chemistry. The effects of different gas compositions, plasma power, inter-electrode gap, chamber pressure, and electrode temperature on the TiWN etch rate, linewidth loss, and etch uniformity were determined. The effects of adding oxygen and/or nitrogen to the above mixture were also studied. In preliminary experiments on Si wafers, standard design of experiments methods were used to narrow the ranges of parameters for further experiments to develop an optimum process for Si wafers. The results of these experiments guided us to the optimum process for GaAs wafers. The optimum conditions, for both Si and GaAs wafers, are presented.
Two generations of synthetic membranes for biological/medical applications

Two generations of amphiphilic membranes synthesized in our laboratories for biological/medical applications are highlighted. Recent results obtained with representative 2nd generation membranes designed specifically for immunoencapsulation of pancreatic islets and cells are summarized. The latter tri-component membranes comprise well-defined hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) and hydrophobic/oxyphilic polydimethylsiloxane segments crosslinked by oxyphilic polycyclosiloxane domains, which also provide reinforcement. Select membranes are demonstrated to allow the diffusion of glucose and insulin but prevent the permeation of immunoglobulin G. These membranes remain permeable despite long incubation in IgG solution.
Ergonomic evaluation of hospital bed design features during patient handling tasks

Abstract Patient handling tasks (e.g., transportation and repositioning) are important causes of musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare workers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, during two patient handling tasks, the physical demands resulting from alternative hospital bed design features. Twenty-four novice participants were involved in two laboratory-based studies. The effects of a steering lock and adjustable push height were evaluated during a patient transportation task using perceptual responses and measures of performance and physical demands, and the effect of a bed contour feature was determined based on patient sliding distance during repeated bed raising/lowering. Use of the steering lock reduced the number of adjustments during bed maneuvering by 28% and decreased ratings of physical demands. Use of the adjustable push height reduced shoulder moments by 30%. With the contour feature, patient sliding distance was reduced by ∼40% over 12 raise/lower cycles. These results suggest that the steering lock and adjustable push height features can reduce physical demands placed on healthcare workers during patient transportation tasks. Although patient sliding distance was reduced using the contour feature, assessing direct effects of this feature on physical demands (e.g., reduced need for workers to reposition patients) will require further investigation. Relevance to industry Hospital bed design features have the potential to reduce physical demands required of healthcare workers, yet there have been only limited empirical studies of these. Findings of the two current studies suggest that proactive ergonomic considerations in hospital bed design can reduce these physical demands.
Comparing Four Approaches to Generalized Redirected Walking: Simulation and Live User Data

Redirected walking algorithms imperceptibly rotate a virtual scene and scale movements to guide users of immersive virtual environment systems away from tracking area boundaries. These distortions ideally permit users to explore large and potentially unbounded virtual worlds while walking naturally through a physically limited space. Estimates of the physical space required to perform effective redirected walking have been based largely on the ability of humans to perceive the distortions introduced by redirected walking and have not examined the impact the overall steering strategy used. This work compares four generalized redirected walking algorithms, including Steer-to-Center, Steer-to-Orbit, Steer-to-Multiple-Targets and Steer-to-Multiple+Center. Two experiments are presented based on simulated navigation as well as live-user navigation carried out in a large immersive virtual environment facility. Simulations were conducted with both synthetic paths and previously-logged user data. Primary comparison metrics include mean and maximum distances from the tracking area center for each algorithm, number of wall contacts, and mean rates of redirection. Results indicated that Steer-to-Center out-performed all other algorithms relative to these metrics. Steer-to-Orbit also performed well in some circumstances.
Surface-induced profound hypothermia in infant cardiac operations: a new system.

Abstract A new system of surface-induced profound hypothermia for infant cardiac operations has been developed in order to overcome problems inherent in the current techniques using crushed ice, water baths, and similar methods. The hypothermic chamber consists of two parts: a lower part, containing a refrigeration unit and a blower fan capable of lowering the air temperature in the chamber to −6°GC, and an upper part made of Plexiglas that has a completely detachable end to allow easy access to cannulas, the anesthesia hose, and the infant. A temperature panel recorder to monitor the infant's esophageal and rectal temperatures and the ambient chamber temperature is incorporated into the unit. Following evaluation in the animal laboratory, the hypothermic chamber has been successfully used in 10 infants without any complications attributable to the technique. This method provides a rapid and uniform drop of the body temperature and even skin cooling, eliminates the possibility of contact skin lesions, saves medical and paramedical personnel time in preparation of the infant and equipment, and allows observation of the child during the cooling phase. This hypothermic chamber has facilitated infant hypothermic operations.
Normal incidence reflection multilayer optics for solar soft X-ray/extreme ultraviolet (XUV) observations.

Normal incidence reflection multilayer optics show promise in enabling high spatial resolution (better than 1 arcsec) and low to moderate spectral resolution (λ/uλ = 8 - 200) imaging in the soft X-ray/XUV spectral regime (40 - 300 A). In preparation for a Solar X-Ray/XUV Sounding Rocket observation in late 1986 which will utilize normal incidence reflection X-ray optics, several multilayer coatings have been deposited on concave and convex spherical surfaces. The coatings are tungsten-carbon and molybdenum-silicon multilayers and are designed for normal incidence reflection at wavelengths ranging from 44 A to 304 ⇔. The multilayers havebeen characterized in the laboratory in normal and glancing incidence modes using 1.54 A to 114 A radiation. In addition to measuring spectral resolution and absolute reflectivities, multilayer-coated optics have been successfully tested in the imaging mode. This paper will review the measured characteristics of the multilayer coatings and optics and will describe the optical configurations planned for the upcoming solar observation.
Analysis of phase transformation fronts in SMA composites

Shape memory alloy (SMA) wires can be embedded in a host material to alter the stiffness or modal response and provide vibration control. The interaction between the embedded SMA and the host material is critical to applications requiring transfer of loads or strain from the wire to the host. Although there has been a significant amount of research dedicated to characterizing and modeling the response of SMA alone, little research has focused on the transformation behavior of embedded SMA wires. In the current work, photoelasticity is utilized to quantify the development of internal stresses induced by the actuation of a SMA wire embedded in a pure polymer matrix. Through the use of a CCD camera and a frame grabber, photoelastic images are digitally recorded at discrete time increments. Shear stresses induced during the actuation are calculated as a function of time. Computational predictions of the transformation fronts are made using finite elements analysis and compared with experimental observations.
The role of the minor groove substituents in indirect readout of DNA sequence by 434 repressor.

The sequence of non-contacted bases at the center of the 434 repressor binding site affects the strength of the repressor-DNA complex by influencing the structure and flexibility of DNA (Koudelka, G. B., and Carlson, P. (1992) Nature355, 89–91). We synthesized 434 repressor binding sites that differ in their central sequence base composition to test the importance of minor groove substituents and/or the number of base pair hydrogen bonds between these base pairs on DNA structure and strength of the repressor-DNA complex. We show here that the number of base pair H-bonds between the central bases apparently has no role in determining the relative affinity of a DNA site for repressor. Instead we find that the affinity of DNA for repressor depends on the absence or presence the N2-NH2 group on the purine bases at the binding site center. The N2-NH2 group on bases at the center of the 434 binding site appears to destabilize 434 repressor-DNA complexes by decreasing the intimacy of the specific repressor-DNA contacts, while increasing the reliance on protein contacts to the DNA phosphate backbone. Thus, the presence of an N2-NH2 group on the purines at the center of a binding site globally alters the precise conformation of the protein-DNA interface.
Targeting deforestation rates in climate change policy: a "Preservation Pathway" approach

We present a new methodological approach to incorporating deforestation within the international climate change negotiating regime. The approach, called "Preservation Pathway" combines the desire for forest preservation with the need to reduce emissions associated with forest loss by focusing on the relative rate of change of forest cover as the criteria by which countries gain access to trading preserved forest carbon stocks. This approach avoids the technically challenging task of quantifying historical or future deforestation emission baselines. Rather, it places emphasis on improving quantification of contemporary stocks and the relative decline in deforestation rates necessary to preserve those stocks. This approach places emphasis on the complete emissions trajectory necessary to attain an agreed-upon preserved forest and as such, meets both forest conservation and climate goals simultaneously.
Smaller prostate size predicts high grade prostate cancer at final pathology.

Purpose: Prostate size may influence the likelihood of detecting high grade prostate cancer at final pathology. We evaluated the association between prostate size and high grade (Gleason score 7 or greater) cancer.Materials and Methods: We analyzed data from 2,880 patients who underwent surgical treatment of prostate cancer between January 2000 and June 2008. Prostate size measured at prostatectomy was compared across a strata of clinical variables (age, body mass index, prostate specific antigen, biopsy Gleason score, clinical stage and year of surgery) and pathological outcomes (final Gleason score, extraprostatic extension, positive surgical margin, seminal vesicle invasion and lymph node involvement). Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess prostate size as a predictor of high grade cancer.Results: Older age, higher prostate specific antigen and later year of surgery were associated with larger gland size. Small prostate size was associated with high grade prostate cancer as well as extrap...
Review Essay: Scientific Revolutions Revisited

Weinert defends a distinctively anti-Kuhnian position on scientific revolutions, predicating his argument on a nuanced and clear case analysis. He also builds on his previous work on eliminative induction that he sees as the central scientific method in the rise of revolutionary theories. The treatment of social sciences as revolutionary offers the key elements of a promising ambitious project. His botched attempt to portray the Darwinian view of mind as a brand of emergentism is the only weak point if this insightful book.
Acid-base induced redox changes of the chloroplast cytochrome b-559.

At least 80-90% of the cytochrome b-559 in dark adapted, well coupled spinach chloroplasts has been found to be in a high potential, hydroquinone-reducible state [ f ,2] , whose midpoint is approximately +350 mV [3-61. It has been shown that illumination with actinic light preferentially absorbed by photosystem I can ini duce oxidation of cytochrome b-559 in the presence of either 4-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone [ 1,7,8] or low concentrations of N-methyl phenazonium methosulphate [9], and after pre-illumination with high intensity red light [2]. The inhibition of photooxidation by the plastoquinone antagonist 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl6-isopropyl-p-benzoquinone (DBMIB) in each case implies that a low potential cytochrome b-559 species is being oxidised [ 1,2,8,9] . The very positive dark midpoint potential of cytochrome b-559 is very unusual for a b cytochrome. Because of the known lability of the high potential &ate, it would appear to be the consequence of a positive ionic environment in the neighborhood of the heme, created by an organised membrane structure. The mechanism of a reversible light-induced decrease in cytochrome b-559 potential may involve a change in the charge environment in-the membrane near the heme. ( See [lo] for a detailed discussion). During illumination a large proton flux occurs into or across the thylakoid membrane [ 1 l] . The possibility arises that local membrane pH changes occurring during illumination are responsible for the decrease in midpoint potential of cytochrome b-559. In this paper dark, acid-base induced redox changes of cytochrome b-559 are described, which can be interpreted in terms of a reversible decrease in midpoint potential at low
Flow and heat transfer in a rotating enclosure with axial throughflow

An analysis is made of the fluid flow and heat transfer processes in a circular cylindrical enclosure rotating about its own axis. A coolant is passed through the enclosure, entering and leaving through centrally located apertures in the end walls. This configuration is intended as a model of rotating enclosures in devices such as gas turbines and air compressors. The Navier-Stokes and energy equations were solved by a finite-difference formulation which can accommodate either steady or transient conditions. Buoyancy forces associated with the rotational body forces were included in some cases. All solutions were performed for laminar flow. For the parameter ranges investigated it was found that rotation inhibited the recirculating motion within the enclosure and thereby decreased the heat transfer relative to that for the stationary enclosure. Buoyancy further reduced the heat transfer owing to the break up of residual circulatory motions in the outer portion of the enclosure. Still stronger buoyancy brought about a slight increase in the heat transfer. The coolant flow was confined to a corridor adjacent to the axis of the enclosure, and there was no mixing between the coolant and the fluid in the enclosure proper.
A study of the thermal degradation kinetics of tris dibromo alkyl phosphates

The thermal decompositions of a series of tris dibromo alkyl phosphates similar to tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate (T23DBPP), alone and incorporated in poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fabric have been studied by non-isothermal thermogravimetry. Kinetic evaluation revealed that the decomposition rate for tris(2,3-dibromo-3-methyl butyl) phosphate (T23DB3MBP) was the fastest followed by tris(2,3-dibromo-2-methyl propyl) phosphate (T23DB2MPP). Tris(3,4-dibromobutyl) phosphate (T34DBBP) and tris(2,3-dibromo butyl) phosphate (T23DBBP) had only marginally faster decomposition rates than T23DBPP itself. Measured decomposition rates for PET treated with the chemicals were only marginally faster than those for the untreated fabric, except during the initial weight loss stages where some decomposition of the chemicals appears to be occurring. Calculated kinetic parameters using an isoconversional method, along with regression coefficients of compensation effect plots suggest that all the chemicals behave similar to T23DBPP in having an apparent detrimental effect on the condensed phase decomposition kinetics while relying on their combustion inhibition effects to act as gas phase flame retardants.
Simultaneous fluorescence imaging of protease expression and vascularity during murine colonoscopy for colonic lesion characterization.

Background Molecularly targeted fluorescent probes are currently being developed to improve the endoscopic detection of intestinal pathologic conditions. Objective We report on the development and testing of a novel multichannel microendoscope capable of quantitatively reporting such probes simultaneously at different wavelengths in real time. We assessed the feasibility of detecting and quantifying beacons that can be activated by protease and correlating imaging with disease state. Design The microendoscope consisted of a 20-gauge fiberoptic catheter and dichroic beam splitters that simultaneously display visible light, 700 nm and 800 nm near infrared (NIR) fluorescent light. NIR interchannel separation was tested on in vitro phantoms. Two mouse models were used (Apcmin +/− mice for colonic adenomas and CT26 murine colon cancer). A perfusion probe and one activated by protease at a separate wavelength were injected before endoscopic evaluation. Results The microendoscope fluorochrome detection limit was approximately 10 fmol; ratio imaging in the NIR was accurate (±8% of true probe concentration between 0.3 to 100 μg/ml of a protease sensor). Both colonic adenomas and adenocarcinomas were clearly visible in the NIR channel on protease probe administration in live mice. Ratio imaging of protease activity/perfusion increased from healthy colon to adenomas to adenocarcinomas. Limitations Evaluation across additional spontaneous tumor models may provide more data on the translation of these findings. Conclusions Our data show the feasibility of multichannel microendoscopic imaging of molecular targets in vivo and that ratio imaging may provide a novel means for characterizing colonic lesions. When scaled up clinically, this could aid in increasing lesion detection and quantitative assessment of distinct molecular markers.
The use of systems diagrams for environmental impact assessment: Procedures and an application

Abstract The utility of systems diagrams and of energy as a unit of measure for environmental impact assessment is illustrated using results from the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico Environmental Impact Statement. A set of procedures for developing and evaluating the diagrams is given and applied to White Sands. The utility of results obtained using this method is compared to those obtained from other methods, and the inadequacies of each are discussed. These procedures guide data collection; organize and summarize data; make explicit interactions between the environment and the “proposed project”; place various kinds of impacts and alternatives in perspective with each other and with the entire system; identify components of a macroscale system which need microscale analysis; and permit quantification of total impact and quantitative comparisons of impact types, of alternatives, and of environmental control strategies. The procedures do not guarantee that important impacts have not been overlooked, do not deal with so called aesthetic impacts, and do not guarantee that the appropriate system boundary has been chosen. Impacts at White Sands were evaluated at two system levels of detail. At a macroscale, five types of impacts resulting from missile range activities were analyzed. Results indicated that stresses on the environment caused by those activities represent 1.0% of the natural energy flow through the system. At a more detailed level of analysis, the effect of water consumption by the Missile Range on the aquifer from which the water is obtained was analyzed by means of a hydrologic model. Model simulations indicated that salt water intrusion into the aquifer was eminent and identified two aquifer management strategies that could prevent that intrusion.
Extended Transsternal Thymectomy

The two primary indications for thymectomy are the treatments of patients with thymoma and patients with myasthenia gravis. Several different methods have been described to remove the thymus gland, including transcervical-transsternal "maximal" thymectomy, extended transsternal thymectomy, classic transsternal thymectomy, (extended) transcervical thymectomy, and video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy. The purpose of this article is to focus on the technical aspects of performing an extended transsternal thymectomy and the published results of extended transsternal thymectomy as compared with other techniques available.
Imaging skeletal muscle with linearly polarized light

We developed a polarization sensitive imaging system that can acquire reflectance images in turbid samples using incident light of different polarization states. Using this system, we studied polarization imaging on bovine sternomandibularis muscle strips using light of two orthogonal linearly polarized states. We found the obtained polarization sensitive reflectance images had interesting patterns depending on the polarization states. In addition, we computed four elements of the Mueller matrix from the acquired images. As a comparison, we also obtained polarization images of a 20% Intralipid"R" solution and compared the results with those from muscle samples. We found that the polarization imaging patterns from Intralipid solution can be described with a model based on single-scattering approximation. However, the polarization images in muscle had distinct patterns and can not be explained by this simple model. These results implied that the unique structural properties of skeletal muscle play important roles in modulating the propagation of polarized light.
A One-Sided Goodness-of-Fit Test for a Multinomial Population

Abstract A sample is taken from a population consisting of g + 1 groups or classes with unknown probability pj that an individual chosen is from class j, j = 0, …, g. The null hypothesis H 0 : Pj ⩾ Pj (j = 1, …, g), implying that none of the classes 1, …, g is underrepresented, must be tested; Pj is the known fraction of the population belonging to class j. A modification of the chi-squared goodness-of-fit test that takes into account the one-sided nature of the hypothesis is derived and illustrated. The test for overrepresentation is also given. The test for underrep-resentation is important for equal opportunity cases, and the test for overrepresentation is important in food and drug testing.
Trust based fusion over noisy channels through anomaly detection in cognitive radio networks

Byzantine attacks have been identified as one of the key vulnerabilities in cognitive radio networks, where malicious nodes advertise false spectrum occupancy data in a cooperative environment. In such cases, the resultant fused data is very different from the actual scenario. Thus, there is a need to identify the malicious nodes or at least find the trustworthiness of nodes such that the data sent by malicious nodes could be filtered out. The process is complicated by presence of noise in the channel which makes it harder to distinguish anomalies caused by malicious activity and those caused due to unreliable noisy channels.This paper proposes a scheme for trust based fusion by monitoring anomalies in spectrum usage reports advertised over unreliable channels by secondary nodes which leads to evaluation of trust of a node by its neighbors. The calculated trust is then used to determine if a neighboring node's advertised data could be used for fusion or not. We provide a heuristic trust threshold for nodes to disregard malicious nodes while fusing the data, which holds good for any probability of attack. A trust coefficient is calculated based on interactions with peers in a distributed manner. Results show that even at higher probabilities of attack (0.8 and above), 95% of the nodes generate fused data with accuracy as high as 84%. We compare our results of trust based fusion with blind fusion scheme and observe improvement in accuracy of fusion from individual nodes' as well as overall network's perspective. We also analyze an alternative weighted trust fusion technique and evaluate its performance. We find that at lower probabilities of attack a malicious node's contribution to the overall gain in cooperation is more than the damage done. We observe that above a critical value for probability of attack of 0.40, the overall gain in cooperation is compromised if the malicious nodes are considered in fusion. We also discover that an honest node's benefit due to cooperation depends on its relative position with respect to the spatial orientation of malicious nodes.
Identification of Inverse Regulator-a (Inr-a) as Synonymous with Pre-mRNA Cleavage Complex II Protein (Pcf11) in Drosophila

A common modulation of gene expression in aneuploids is an inverse correlation of the monitored gene with the dosage of another segment of the genome. Such effects can be reduced to the action of single genes. One gene previously found to modulate leaky alleles of the white eye color gene in Drosophila is Inverse regulator-a (Inr-a). Heterozygotes of mutations increase the expression of white about 2-fold, and trisomic regions surrounding the gene reduce the expression to about two-thirds of the normal diploid level. Further cytological definition of the location of this gene on the second chromosome led to a candidate pre-mRNA cleavege complex II protein (Pcf11) as the only gene in the remaining region whose mutations exhibit recessive lethality as do alleles of Inr-a. The product of Pcf11 has been implicated in transcriptional initiation, elongation, and termination reactions. Four mutant alleles showed molecular lesions predicted to lead to nonfunctional products of Pcf11. The identification of the molecular lesion of Inr-a provides insight into the basis of this common aneuploidy effect.
Cardiac Arrest During Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in a Bariatric Patient with Drug-Associated Long QT Syndrome

Obese patients often may demonstrate an acquired prolonged QTc interval due to alteration in cardiac physiology, electrolyte disturbances, and/or medication use. Intraoperatively, bariatric surgery may further contribute additional cardiac stressors to obese patients with long QT syndrome (LQTS). We present a case report of an obese woman with LQTS who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and sustained an intraoperative cardiac arrest. We discuss identification, prevention, and treatment strategies for LQTS in the bariatric surgery patient.
ANESTHETIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE CARDIOVASCULAR PROCEDURES

The trend towards cost-containment of medical expenditures that began in earnest in the early 1990s has created the obvious need to decrease the time that patients spend in the hospital. This emphasis places a premium on devising new methods for treating disease that not only cure the patient but also do so in a way that causes less physical impairment, tissue trauma, or prolongation of the recovery period. Accordingly, the last few years have seen a tremendous increase in the number of procedures that are minimally invasive. An astonishing number of procedures that were formerly quite invasive can now be done with techniques using ultrasonography, radiographic guidance, and videoscopic visualization. Some minimally invasive procedures, such as neuroradiologic treatment of difficult-to-reach aneurysms, are unapproachable by any other means. Less invasiveness is usually accompanied by a lessened need for blunting responses to painful stimuli (i.e., anesthesia services). Patients still want to be amnestic for the experience, though. Light intravenous sedation using agents with short duration of action or for which specific antagonists are available may be provided safely by experienced nurses, nurse practitioners, or technicians under physician supervision. Nevertheless, in many cases these procedures will still require the participation of anesthesia personnel. The basic goals of anesthesia—blocking the awareness of pain and producing a motionless field—are made more difficult to achieve because of compounding medical problems. In many cases, minimally invasive procedures are undertaken specifically because a particular patient may have numerous, severe medical problems. In these instances, a physician anesthesiologist is the best person to take these medical conditions into account in producing a patient able and willing to undergo the procedure. In addition, minimally invasive procedures generate new technical issues that produce unique challenges for which anesthesiologists have the perfect training to manage. This article will describe minimally invasive techniques that have been devised to treat coronary artery disease, major vascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease. In addition, it will discuss the anesthetic management of patients undergoing these procedures with special attention to how the peculiarities of these techniques may produce unique problems for the anesthesiologist.
Dynamism in Practice: Parenting within King's Framework

A dynamic approach to parenting in a neonatal intensive care unit provides a framework to test King's nursing theory. The framework is based on selected concepts from King's theory of goal attainment and current literature on parenting. The framework stresses the valuational components of human interaction. This article describes an attempt to move neonatal care from medicalization of parenting toward transaction between parents and nurses.
Analyzing Topology Dynamics in Ad Hoc Networks Using A Smooth Mobility Model

Understanding the impacts of node mobility on topology dynamics is essential to design a mobility resilient ad hoc network. Current research showed that mobility models can heavily affect the study of network topology due to different mobility patterns (Santi, 2005). In this paper, topology dynamics based on the smooth model (Zhao and Wang, 2006) was analyzed, because it generates smooth, microscopic nodal movements, has no speed decay problem, and maintains a uniform spatial node distribution. Specifically, two topology metrics: expected link lifetime and expected link change rate were studied by using a distance transition probability matrix P. By this means, the link existence based on the present distance between a pair of nodes and their relative speed were predicted. The analytical results of topology dynamics are validated by extensive simulations. In addition, by combining graph theory and queuing theory, the topology metrics expected link lifetime and expected link change rate was applied to formulate the upper bound connectivity of a mobile ad hoc network.
Toward Innovation and Diversity in Management Research Methods

Drawing on a content analysis of all the articles submitted to the 1993 Special Research Forum on Methodology and their reviews, we identify and discuss three requirements for methodological contri...
Invariant natural killer T cells are preserved in patients with glioma and exhibit antitumor lytic activity following dendritic cell-mediated expansion.

Brain tumors carry a poor prognosis, and newer approaches to their therapy are urgently needed. Natural killer T (NKT) cells are distinct innate lymphocytes with antitumor potentials. Defects in NKT cell function have been observed in patients with other forms of cancer. Here we show that both the frequency and interferon-γ-producing function of NKT cells are well preserved in adult patients with glioma (n = 9) and comparable to findings in healthy controls (n = 9). These cells can be readily expanded in culture using autologous mature dendritic cells loaded with the NKT ligand, α-galactosyl ceramide. The expanded NKT cells from glioma patients are functional and, importantly, kill glioma cells in a ligand- and CD1d-dependent manner. Expression of CD1d is detected both on primary glioma cells as well as endothelial cells in infiltrating new blood vessels by immunohistochemistry of glioma tissue sections. These data suggest that targeting NKT cells may provide a novel strategy for immunotherapy of glioma. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Group research: A practitioner's perspective

Abstract This article addresses practitioner reservations about research in the practice setting, and responds to ideas and recommendations presented in the series of articles on group research in a special issue of The Journal for Speciailists in Group Work (DeLucia-Waack, 1997a).
The use of sedatives, analgesic and anaesthetic drugs in the horse: an electronic survey of members of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).

Summary Reasons for performing study: To determine the sedative, analgesic and anaesthetic drugs and techniques that are used by equine veterinarians. Hypothesis or objectives: To provide equine veterinarians with information concerning veterinary use of anaesthetic techniques, a reflection of the collective experiences of the profession. Methods: A survey was conducted of those members of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) with an electronic mail address on file with the organisation using proprietary, web-based software. The survey was comprised of 30 questions divided into 8 sections: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; local anaesthesia; alternative techniques; standing chemical restraint; epidural anaesthesia; short-term anaesthesia; long-term anaesthesia; and a place for the respondent to make comments. Results: The response rate was 13.8% (952/6911) AAEP member veterinarians primarily use phenylbutazone and flunixin as anti-inflammatory drugs, and lidocaine and mepivacaine for local anaesthesia. Combinations of drugs are preferred for standing chemical restraint. While many veterinarians frequently utilise short-term anaesthesia, longer anaesthesia is less frequently performed. Conclusions: Most AAEP member veterinarians use sedatives in combination to provide standing chemical restraint. Extra-label use of drugs is a core component of current equine sedation and anaesthetic practice. Potential relevance: Equine veterinarians can compare their choices of anaesthetic drugs with others practising equine medicine and surgery and may be stimulated to investigate alternative methods of providing comfort to horses.
A Real-Time Four-Dimensional Doppler Dealiasing Scheme

Abstract A new dealiasing scheme uses the full four-dimensionality available in an operational Doppler radar data stream. It examines one tilt angle at a time, beginning at the highest elevation where clutter is minimal and gate-to-gate shear is typically low compared to the Nyquist velocity. It then dealiases each tilt in descending order until the entire radial velocity volume is corrected. In each tilt, the algorithm performs six simple steps. In the first two steps, a reflectivity threshold and filter are applied to the radial velocity field to remove unwanted noise. The third step initializes dealiasing by attempting to adjust the value of each gate by Nyquist intervals such that it agrees with both the nearest gate in the next higher tilt and the nearest gate in the previous volume. The gates that pass the third step at a high confidence level become the initial values for step four, which consist of correcting the neighboring gates within the scan, while preserving environmental shear as much as po...
Identification of suicide risk factors using epidemiologic studies

Suicide is a complex outcome of multiple, inter-related factors. This article presents the epidemiology of completed and attempted suicide and discusses the known risk factors for suicide within a framework designed to encourage a systematic approach to theory testing and prevention. Mental and addictive disorders, frequently in co-occurrence, are the most powerful risk factors for suicide in all age groups, accounting for over 90 percent of all completed suicides. In combination with proximal risk factors such as access to firearms or other lethal means, recent and severe stressful life events, and intoxication, they can form the necessary and sufficient conditions for suicide.
First field trial of optical label-based switching and packet drop on a 477 km NTON/Sprint link

We have demonstrated for the first time in our knowledge optical label-based wavelength switching and packet drop over actual field fiber. We have shown SCM-formatted optical labeling transmission with less than 2 dB power penalty for both label and payload over 476 km of fiber. The optical label switching achieves packet drop and re-transmission of the remaining packet.
Personal reflections on observational and experimental research approaches to childhood psychopathology

The past 50 years have seen dramatic changes in childhood psychopathology research. The goal of this overview is to contrast observational and experimental research approaches; both have grown more complex such that the boundary between these approaches may be blurred. Both are essential. Landmark observational studies with long-term follow-up (Robins, 1966; Yarrow, Campbell, & Burton, 1970) have had - and continue to have - unique impact on clinical research and practice. Epidemiological studies showed high rates of psychological disorder and their close tie to neurological impairment (Rutter, Tizard, & Whitemore, 1970). These studies have current impact with respect to brain imaging correlates of clinical outcome. Pharmacological studies, particularly those on stimulants and on treatment of pediatric obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), have propelled experimental methodology and inspired translational approaches. Predicted future trends are: more informed subgrouping of our heterogeneous phenotypes, reliance on multicenter trials, and documentation of non-conventional methods of care delivery.
Nonsynchronous Rotation Evidence and Fracture History in the Bright Plains Region, Europa

Abstract A geologic map for the Bright Plains in the Conamara Chaos region of Europa is presented and is used to unravel a detailed fracture sequence using cross-cutting relationships and fracture mechanics principles. Fracture orientations in the Bright Plains region rotated with time, consistently in a clockwise sense. This conclusion agrees with the observations of other researchers' northern Europan hemisphere investigations and points strongly toward the fracture sequence being controlled by the effect of nonsynchronous rotation, whereby the outer ice crust of Europa rotates slightly faster than the satellite's interior. This is convincing evidence that Europa's crust has been decoupled from the interior, possibly due to the presence of a liquid ocean beneath the crust. Tidal stresses induced in the ice crust by the combined effects of nonsynchronous rotation and diurnal tidal flexing can be calculated using the assumption that the crust behaves elastically over relatively short time scales (i.e., no viscous relaxation of stresses). The fracture orientations in the Bright Plains area were compared to a global scale tidal stress field to determine the longitudes at which each fracture set developed. The fracture sequence points strongly to the Bright Plains region of the crust having rotated at least 720° (and perhaps up to 900°) with respect to the satellite's interior during the visible fracture history. This amount exceeds previously published estimates of nonsynchronous rotation. The orientations of the most recent surface fractures are incompatible with the current state of stress in the Bright Plains region, implying a period of a few thousand years since the most recent fracturing events based on existing nonsynchronous rotation rate estimates.
Stability and Instability in Sino–US Relations: A Response to Yan Xuetong’s Superficial Friendship Theory

Introduction Yan Xuetong’s recent article is a smart effort to explain why, after 30 years of diplomatic relations Sino–US relations are still unstable, indeed becoming more so. He develops the concept of ‘superficial friendship’. While he does not explicitly say so, this appears to be a theory of excessive and failed expectations. That is, leaders on both sides mistakenly believe the relationship is more cooperative than it really is. Thus, when they receive negative signals from the other side, their expectations come crashing down; they react more strongly than they otherwise would have, had their expectations been more realistic. Some might argue that this sense of disappointment has been especially obvious in the Obama–Hu interaction. Unlike previous presidents, Obama came to power without bashing China in the US presidential elections. He proposed close cooperation on a number of global governance issues. According to a leaked US State Department cable distributed by Wikileaks, in 2009 China’s chief foreign policy official, Dai Bingguo, described the interactions between the two as being like that of ‘old friends’. The two sides agreed at the Hu–Obama summit in November 2009 to be careful not to challenge core interests. By January 2010, less than two
Genetic Programming Prediction of Stock Prices

Based on predictions of stock-prices using genetic programming (or GP), a possibly profitable trading strategy is proposed. A metric quantifying the probability that a specific time series is GP-predictable is presented first. It is used to show that stock prices are predictable. GP then evolves regression models that produce reasonable one-day-ahead forecasts only. This limited ability led to the development of a single day-trading strategy (SDTS) in which trading decisions are based on GP-forecasts of daily highest and lowest stock prices. SDTS executed for fifty consecutive trading days of six stocks yielded relatively high returns on investment.
Cold strain index applied to exercising men in cold-wet conditions

A cold strain index (CSI) based on rectal (Tre) and mean skin temperatures ( T ¯ sk) using data from seminude resting subjects has been proposed (Moran DS, Castellani JW, O'Brien C, Young AJ, and P...
Lightning Rounds: Promoting Active Learning and Retrieval Practice in Anatomy Labs

Anatomy laboratory sessions offer opportunities for hands-on, active learning. The innovation implements Lightning Rounds as a team-based learning exercise in a first-year human anatomy laboratory. Lightning Rounds provided students self-assessment in a low-stress environment and an opportunity to practice knowledge retrieval, clinical reasoning, inter-team collaboration, and communication.