cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Substance P in the ventral pallidum: Projection from the ventral striatum, and electrophysiological and behavioral cinsequences of pallidal substance P

The ventral pallidum of the basal forebrain contains a high concentration of substance P and receives a massive projection from the nucleus accumbens. The present study was designed to determine whether the accumbens serves as a source for substance P-containing fibers in the ventral pallidum and characterize the function of this tachykinin peptide within the ventral pallidum. By combining in situ hybridization for messengerRNA of the substance P prohormone, β-preprotachykinin, with Fluoro-Gold retrograde labeling from iontophoretic deposits in the ventral pallidum, a population of substance P-containing neurons was demonstrated in the shell and core components of the nucleus accumbens and the ventromedial striatum. The function of substance P within the ventral pallidum was characterized at the level of the single neuron, and the behaving animal. Electrophysiological assessment revealed that approximately 40% of the 97 ventral pallidal neurons tested were readily excited by microiontophoretic applications of substance P or a metabolically stable agonist analog, DiMeC7 [(pGlu5, MePhe8, MeGly9)-substance P5-11]. Response characteristics were distinguished from glutamate-induced excitations by a slower onset and longer duration of action. Recording sites of tachykinin-sensitive neurons were demonstrated to be located throughout the ventral pallidum and within high densities of fibers exhibiting substance P-like immunoreactivity. When behaving rats received microinjections of DiMeC7 into this same region, the animals displayed an increase in motor activity, with a response threshold of 0.1 nmol per hemisphere. These results verify the existence of a substantial substance P-containing projection from the nucleus accumbens to the ventral pallidum. The projection likely serves to excite ventral pallidal neurons for these neurons readily increased firing following local exposure to tachykinins. Furthermore, an increase in motor behavior appears to be a consequence of this neuronal response.
Functional screening of 2 Mb of human chromosome 21q22.2 in transgenic mice implicates minibrain in learning defects associated with Down syndrome

Using Down syndrome as a model for complex trait analysis, we sought to identify loci from chromosome 21q22.2 which, when present in an extra dose, contribute to learning abnormalities. We generated low-copy-number transgenic mice, containing four different yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) that together cover approximately 2 megabases (Mb) of contiguous DNA from 21q22,2. We subjected independent lines derived from each of these YAC transgenes to a series of behavioural and learning assays. Two of the four YACs caused defects in learning and memory in the transgenic animals, while the other two YACs had no effect. The most severe defects were caused by a 570-kb YAC; the interval responsible for these defects was narrowed to a 180-kb critical region as a consequence of YAC fragmentation. This region contains the human homologue of a Drosophila gene, minibrain, and strongly implicates it in learning defects associated with Down syndrome.
Screening for the major malignancies affecting women: current guidelines.

Abstract Throughout their lifetimes, many women rely on the obstetrician-gynecologist to provide them with regular health care. Therefore the obstetrician-gynecologist should be able to provide comprehensive information regarding consensus screening recommendations for the major malignancies that occur in women. Additionally, a woman’s health care provider should continually refine his or her cancer risk–assessment skills and should remain apprised of high-risk habits, family histories, and other cancer-predisposing factors that allow identification of those women in whom heightened surveillance or intervention may be appropriate. This article reviews the epidemiologic and risk factors associated with the major malignancies that affect women today and provides screening guidelines. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;184:1021-30.)
Induction of Prostaglandin Synthesis as the Mechanism Responsible for the Chills and Fever Produced by Infusing Amphotericin B

Amphotericin B produces chills and fever in a significant proportion of patients who receive this drug. The mechanism for this adverse effect is unknown. Amphotericin B suspension at a concentration of 1.0 microgram/ml was demonstrated to be a potent inducer of prostaglandin E2 synthesis by human and murine mononuclear cells in vitro. A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial demonstrated that ibuprofen (10 mg/kg), a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, administered 30 min before amphotericin B administration reduced the incidence of chilling from 87% to 49% (P = .01); the incidence of chilling reactions considered severe was reduced from 69% to 15% (P = .008). We postulate that the chills and fever produced by an infusion of amphotericin B are mediated through prostaglandin E2 synthesis. Ibuprofen is therapeutically useful in ameliorating the chills and fever caused by amphotericin B.
Characterization of the rill geometry over straight hillslopes through spatial scales

Abstract Experimental evidence is presented which shows that there exists a spatial scale over which ergodic assumptions are applicable for rilled hillslope surfaces. The property of expected spatial rill density (ESRD) is defined and this property is shown to stabilize after the averaging interval is more than 20 ft over the hillslope. The rilled hillslope geometry may be readily quantified in terms of this easily measurable quantity. The rill geometry has a significant influence on the surface distribution of overland flow and sediment transport. An analysis of the spatial scales suggests that a continuum representation may be utilized in modeling these hydrodynamic flow phenomena. For a complete characterization of the rilled hillslope geometry, the distributions of the rill widths and rill depths at various locations along the hillslope have been presented. These preliminary results show that the mean rill widths, the mean rill depths and the ESRD increase with increasing slope lengths. The distributions of the rill widths and rill depths suggest that these quantities may be modeled by truncated Gaussian or Gamma distributions at different spatial locations. The rill geometry properties may be related to hydrologic, and geomorphologic properties of the hillslope. It is suggested that the ESRD is a better descriptor of the rill geometry on the hillslope than the rill density because of the wide variations exhibited by the distributions of the rill widths.
A Multiphase Model for Cold Start of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

A multiphase and transient model is presented to describe transport and electrochemical processes with ice formation during startup of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) from subzero temperatures. The model accounts for ice/frost precipitation and growth in the cathode catalyst layer (CL) and gas diffusion layer, water transport at very low temperatures, heat transfer with phase transition, oxygen transport, electrochemical kinetics, and their mutual interactions. The governing equations of mass, momentum, species, heat, and charge transport under cold-start conditions are developed in a single-domain framework and solved by a finite-volume-based computational fluid-dynamics technique. Validated by extensive experimental data, this computational model is used to predict PEFC cold-start performance as well as to reveal 3D distributions of current density, temperature, membrane water content and ice fraction in the CL. Effects of startup current density and membrane thickness are numerically explored to illustrate the utility of the model.
Copping, Running, and Paraphernalia Laws: Contextual Variables and Needle Risk Behavior among Injection Drug Users in Denver

This paper addresses syringe sharing, the primary method of HIV transmission among drug injectors. It argues that this high risk drug injection behavior cannot be adequately understood by relying on psychological and cultural explanations alone. Rather, this ethnographic study contends that, among drug injectors in Denver, syringes are shared because they are scarce, and they are scarce because they are illegal to possess without medical justification. A legal mandate combines with other aspects of law enforcement to discourage street-based drug users from carrying syringes, particularly when they are in the process of obtaining drugs. The result is that drug injectors are least likely to have syringes when they need them the most. This study concludes by suggesting that the paraphernalia laws currently in place in approximately 44 states and numerous municipalities may no longer
The Role of the Social Engagement in the Definition of Successful Ageing among Alaska Native Elders in Bristol Bay, Alaska

This article explores the role of social engagement (family and community support) in Alaska Native (AN) Elders’ definitions of successful ageing, why social engagement is important to the health and well-being of AN Elders. In terms of methods, each tribal council nominated AN Elders, ranging in age from 61 to 93 years old, resulting in a purposive sample of 25. Interviews consisted of open- and closed-ended questions, ranging from 45 to 90 minutes. Content analysis was used to find recurring themes and infer meaning from the data and understand the ageing process in rural Alaska. The Elders discussed the importance of family and community, not only as a source of support but also as part of their culture and identity. Family support provided them with meaningful roles in their family, which contributed to their well-being, optimism and generative behaviours. Community support involved Elders’ inclusion in community events and activities and feeling they were supported and meaningfully engaged by their c...
Inhibition of steroid 5α-reductase from human skin fibroblasts by 17β-N, N-diethylcarbamoyl-4-methyl-4-aza-5α-androstan-3-one

Abstract The capacity of 17 β - N , N -diethylcarbamoyl-4-methyl-4-aza-5 α -androstan-3-one (DMAA) to inhibit competitively steroid 5α-reductase has been confirmed in human foreskin fibroblasts. The inhibitor works equally well in homogenates and in intact cells, is rapidly reversible, does not influence the amount of the enzyme, is equally effective in inhibiting the 5α-reduction of testosterone, 4-androstene-3,17-dione, 20α-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one and cortisol, and appears to be weakly bound to serum protein. The inhibitor is particularly effective (apparent K i of approximately 3 nM) at the optimal pH of the enzyme (pH 5.5) and has no effect in the alkaline range (pH 9.0). DMAA appears to be a steroid that will be useful in the investigation of 5α-reduction of steroid hormones in intact animals and in embryos.
Health report on U.S. marine fisheries

While a 1 May report on the status of U.S. fisheries indicates that stock levels for many marine fish managed by the United States in its 5.2-million-square-kilometer Exclusive Economic Zone are healthy and others are steadily rebuilding, several key problems remain. The report, “Toward Rebuilding America's Marine Fisheries,” issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), notes that the number of fish stocks with sustainable harvest rates rose from 159 to 230 between 1999 and 2001; the number of stocks exceeding allowable harvest levels dropped from 77 stocks to 65; and the number of stocks deemed as overfished declined from 92 stocks to 81.
Sunset, skylight polarization and the migratory orientation of yellow-rumped warblers, Dendroica coronata

Abstract Celestial light cues visible at sunset appear to play an important role in the nocturnal orientation of several species of night-migrating birds. The pattern of skylight polarization, an especially prominent geographical reference at sunrise and sunset, influences the orientation behaviour of migratory birds. Yellow-rumped warblers were capable of seasonally appropriate cage orientation at dusk and were sensitive to manipulation of the axis of skylight polarization (E-vector). A series of experimental treatments was designed to examine the relationship between sunset position and skylight polarization. The window panels of hexagonal enclosures were fitted with a depolarizer and a polaroid filter to rotate the E-vector, and mirrors to reflect the position of sunset. The results indicate that this migrant minimizes sunset position as an orientation relative to skylight polarization and may depend upon the latter to orient at dusk. The possibility that yellow-rumped warblers calibrate their sun compass in relation to polarized light remains a question for future research.
Tranylcypromine enhancement of nicotine self-administration

Tobacco use has one of the highest rates of addiction of any abused drug. Paradoxically, in animal models, nicotine appears to be a weak reinforcer. We report here that the inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO), a major effect of tobacco smoke, increases the reinforcing effect of nicotine. Rats (aged postnatal day 27 and 90) were tested for self-administration, without prior response training, in five daily 3-h sessions. Whereas control rats did not self-administer nicotine, low doses of nicotine (2.5 to 21 microg/kg/injection) were avidly self-administered following a pretreatment with tranylcypromine (3 mg/kg), an irreversible and non-selective MAO inhibitor. Tranylcypromine-enhanced nicotine (10 microg/kg/injection, i.v.) self-administration was reduced by systemic injection of a D1-dopaminergic receptor antagonist, SCH23390 (0.02 mg/kg). Moreover, an increase in extracellular dopamine in the nucleus accumbens was detected, using microdialysis, following nicotine (60 microg/kg) injection in tranylcypromine pre-treated rats. Depending on the time of tranylcypromine pretreatment (20 or 1 h), MAO activity was decreased by 72% and 99% and nicotine intake at day 5 was increased by 619 and 997%, respectively. Taken together, these results indicate that in a stringent self-administration acquisition test, MAO inhibition increases the rewarding effect of low doses of nicotine, possibly via a dopamine-dependent mechanism.
Comparative Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty Versus Penetrating Keratoplasty in the United States

Purpose To perform a comparative cost-effectiveness analysis of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for corneal endothelial disease. Design Retrospective cost-effectiveness analysis. Methods This cost-effectiveness analysis was performed from a third-party payer perspective with a 5-year time horizon. Probabilities of outcomes and complications of each of the procedures were calculated based on review of the published literature. A model was constructed to compare the costs and utilities associated with DSAEK and PK. Costs of donor tissue preparation, surgery, follow-up, postoperative complications, and procedures were considered. Utility values were based on quality-adjusted life years associated with visual acuity outcomes. Both costs and utilities were discounted at 3% per year. Sensitivity analyses were performed on key model inputs. Results Base case analysis found DSAEK to be less costly compared with PK ($9362 vs $10 239), with greater utility (3.15 vs 2.47 quality-adjusted life years). Sensitivity analyses revealed that even at graft failure rates for DSAEK approaching the rates for PK, DSAEK would still reduce costs. Varying the dislocation rate in our model showed that even at dislocation rates approaching 50%, DSAEK remained less costly. Further, with DSAEK rejection rates as high as 28%, DSAEK would remain a dominant procedure over PK. Conclusions Comparative cost-effectiveness analysis of DSAEK versus PK indicates favorable cost and utility outcomes associated with DSAEK for treatment of corneal endothelial disease. Longer follow-up of DSAEK outcomes will provide more accurate information regarding long-term cost-effectiveness of the procedure.
Adenovirus type 5 E1A-induced apoptosis in COX-2-overexpressing breast cancer cells.

Suppression of Bcl-2 expression can overcome cellular resistance to apoptosis induced by the adenovirus type 5 gene E1A in models of ovarian and breast cancer. Celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, is known to downregulate Bcl-2 expression. We hypothesized that celecoxib would enhance E1A-induced apoptosis by suppressing Bcl-2 through suppressing COX-2 expression. If successful, this strategy could represent a means of overcoming resistance to E1A gene therapy. We first established the cytotoxicity of celecoxib in two COX-2-overexpressing E1A-transfected breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435) and in two low-COX-2-expressing E1A-transfected cell lines (MCF-7 (breast cancer) and SKOV3.ip1 (ovarian cancer)). We next tested whether higher sensitivity to celecoxib among these cell lines resulted from increased apoptosis by flow cytometry and western blotting. We further investigated whether suppression of Bcl-2 by celecoxib was involved in the apoptosis resulting from celecoxib treatment, and we explored whether the celecoxib-induced apoptosis in these cells depends on a COX-2 downstream pathway. The two COX-2-overexpressing cell lines MDA-MB-231-E1A and MDA-MB-435-E1A were more sensitive to celecoxib than the corresponding control cells, but the two low-COX-2-expressing cell lines MCF-7-E1A and SKOV3.ip1-E1A were no more sensitive than control cells to celecoxib. Therefore, we used the MDA-MB-231-E1A and MDA-MB-435-E1A cells for all further experiments. In both cell lines, sub-G1 fraction was increased, or cleavage of PARP and caspase-9 were increased after 5 days of exposure to 40 μM celecoxib. However, Bcl-2 was suppressed only in the MDA-MB-435-E1A cells and not in the MDA-MB-231-E1A cells. Restoring Bcl-2 expression in the MDA-MB-435-E1A stable transfectants did not affect their sensitivity to celecoxib. However, adding prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) or PGF2α blunted the sensitivity to celecoxib of both E1A stable transfectants. We speculate that one mechanism by which celecoxib enhances E1A-induced apoptosis in cells that express high levels of COX-2 is through blocking PGE2 or PGF2α.
An invisible keyguard

Overlap errors, in which two keys are pressed down at once, are a common typing error for people with motor disabilities. Keyguards are a commonly suggested means to may reduce overlap errors. However, they are also unpopular with many users. We present an alternative to the keyguard, a software filter which targets overlap errors. Basic, keystroke timing-based, and language-based techniques for identifying and correcting overlap errors are described. Their performance is compared using a corpus of typing data recorded by keyboard users with motor disabilities. The best filter performance was obtained by keystroke timing characteristics to identify and filter out extra characters. Accuracy of error identification was dependent on the typing style of the user. The filter accurately corrected 80% of the overlap errors presented. Combining the identification and correction techniques gave a 50--75% reduction in errors for the three study participants with the highest error rates.
Dynamic mechanical analysis of fumed silica/cyanate ester nanocomposites

Fumed silica particles with average primary particle diameters of 12 and 40 nm were combined with a low viscosity bisphenol E cyanate ester resin to form composite materials with enhanced storage modulus and reduced damping behavior, as evidenced by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The storage modulus increased with volume fraction of fumed silica in both the glassy and rubbery regions, but the increase was more pronounced in the rubbery region. The maximum increase in storage modulus in the glassy region was 75% for 20.7 vol% of 40 nm fumed silica, while the same composition showed a 231% increase in the rubbery storage modulus. Furthermore, decreases in damping behavior were used to estimate the effective polymer-particle interphase thickness. The glass transition temperature of the nanocomposites was not changed significantly with increasing volume fraction.
Can sleep deprivation studies explain why human adults sleep

Purpose of reviewThis review will concentrate on the consequences of sleep deprivation in adult humans. These findings form a paradigm that serves to demonstrate many of the critical functions of the sleep states.Recent findingsThe drive to obtain food, water, and sleep constitutes important vegetat
Computational techniques for adaptive hp finite element methods

Abstract In this paper we present some new computational techniques designed for adaptive hp methods. We also list some established and successful techniques. In particular we introduce a new robust solver for such methods using a novel “space-filling curve” based ordering of the unknowns and a multilevel substructuring type factorization. We also outline an a posteriori error estimator that can be easily used in conjunction with this solver. The ordering introduced is of general applicability and can also be used with non-adaptive methods to great advantage.
A new efficient motion-planning algorithm for a rod in polygonal space

We present here a new and efficient algorithm for planning collision-free motion of a rod in the plane amidst polygonal obstacles. The algorithm calculates the boundary of the space of free positions of the rod, and then uses this boundary for determining the existence of required motions. The algorithm runs in time O(K log n) where n is the number of obstacle corners and where K is the total number of pairs of obstacle walls or corners lying from one another at distance less than or equal to the length of the rod. Since K = O(n2), the algorithm has the same worst-case complexity as the best previously developed algorithm of Leven and Sharir [LS1], but if the obstacles are not too cluttered together it will run much more efficiently.
Union nativism and the immigrant response

(1982). Union nativism and the immigrant response. Labor History: Vol. 23, No. 3, pp. 325-348.
Effect of glucuronidation substrates/inhibitors on N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)succinimidenephrotoxicity in Fischer 344 rats

The agricultural fungicide N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)succinimide (NDPS) is an acute nephrotoxicant in rats. Our previous studies have strongly suggested that glucuronide conjugation of NDPS metabolites might be a bioactivation step mediating NDPS nephrotoxicity. In this study, effects of substrates and/or inhibitors of primarily glucuronidation on NDPS nephrotoxicity were examined to explore further the role of glucuronidation in NDPS nephrotoxicity. Male Fischer 344 rats (4-6/group) were administered one of the following intraperitoneal (i.p.) pretreatments (dose, pretreatment time) prior to NDPS (0.4 mmol/kg) or NDPS vehicle (sesame oil, 2.5 ml/kg): (1) no pretreatment; (2) borneol (900 mg/kg, 30 min); (3) eugenol (500 mg/kg per day, 3 days); (4) clofibric acid (400 mg/kg, 15 min before (1/2 dose) and 3 h after (1/2 dose)), or (5) valproic acid, sodium salt (1.0 mmol/kg, 15 min). Following NDPS or NDPS vehicle administration, renal function was monitored at 24 and 48 h. Pretreatment with borneol or eugenol, substrates for ether glucuronidation and sulfation (mainly glucuronidation), afforded complete protection against NDPS nephrotoxicity. Substrates for acyl glucuronidation, clofibric acid or valproic acid, mildly reduced or had little effect on NDPS nephrotoxicity, respectively. These results suggest that ether glucuronide conjugates of NDPS metabolites, rather than acyl glucuronide conjugates, may be the primary ultimate nephrotoxicant species mediating NDPS nephrotoxicity.
Angular distribution of alpha particles emitted in the fission of 252 Cf

The angular distribution of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particles emitted in the spontaneous fission of $^{252}\mathrm{Cf}$ has been determined with respect to the light fragments and with respect to the heavy fragments. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) for the angular distribution of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particles is 23.5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}-distinctly narrower than has been reported in the literature. The FWHM for the angular distribution of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particles emitted in coincidence with all the fragments is 37.5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. Trajectory and Monte Carlo calculations were done to find a set of initial parameters that give rise to an angular distribution and energy spectrum of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particles in agreement with experiment. The parameters so obtained were: $D$ is the interfragment distance at scission (21.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ cm); $t$ is the time of emission of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particle (0.4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}21}$ sec); ${E}_{0}$ is the average initial energy of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particle at scission (2 MeV); $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ is the standard deviation in the initial position of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particle (2.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ cm). These parameters are contradictory to predictions of the statistical model. Furthermore, we have found that parameters given by the statistical model at fission lead to a calculated energy spectrum that is not in agreement with experiment.
Investigating the cost/schedule trade-off in software development

The author has studied the effects of schedule compression or stretch-out on total project cost within a much broader effort to study and predict the dynamics of the entire development process. The resulting cost/schedule tradeoffs were examined. Much of this project involved developing a comprehensive system-dynamics model. He used the model to conduct three simulation experiments. (1) He investigated the effects of different levels of schedule compression and stretch-out on total project cost in man-days and compared the results to those reported in the literature. (2) He addressed the stealthy role undersizing plays in schedule compression. (3) He investigated how different levels of managerial commitment affect the project's final cost and completion time. The results of all three experiments are presented and discussed. >
In Vitro Expansion of Corneal Endothelial Cells on Biomimetic Substrates

Corneal endothelial (CE) cells do not divide in vivo, leading to edema, corneal clouding and vision loss when the density drops below a critical level. The endothelium can be replaced by transplanting allogeneic tissue; however, access to donated tissue is limited worldwide resulting in critical need for new sources of corneal grafts. In vitro expansion of CE cells is a potential solution, but is challenging due to limited proliferation and loss of phenotype in vitro via endothelial to mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and senescence. We hypothesized that a bioengineered substrate recapitulating chemo-mechanical properties of Descemet's membrane would improve the in vitro expansion of CE cells while maintaining phenotype. Results show that bovine CE cells cultured on a polydimethylsiloxane surface with elastic modulus of 50 kPa and collagen IV coating achieved >3000-fold expansion. Cells grew in higher-density monolayers with polygonal morphology and ZO-1 localization at cell-cell junctions in contrast to control cells on polystyrene that lost these phenotypic markers coupled with increased α-smooth muscle actin expression and fibronectin fibril assembly. In total, these results demonstrate that a biomimetic substrate presenting native basement membrane ECM proteins and mechanical environment may be a key element in bioengineering functional CE layers for potential therapeutic applications.
Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging in multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a demyelinating disease, occurs principally in the white matter (WM) of the central nervous system. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is sensitive to some, but not all, brain changes associated with MS. Diffusionweighted imaging (DWI) provides information about water diffusion in tissue and diffusion tensor MRI (DT-MRI) about fiber direction, allowing for the identification of WM abnormalities that are not apparent on conventional MRI images. These techniques can quantitatively characterize the local microstructure of tissues. MS-associated disease processes lead to regions characterized by an increased amount of water diffusion and a decrease in the anisotropy of diffusion direction. These changes have been found to produce different patterns in MS patients presenting different courses of the disease. Changes in water diffusion may allow examination of the type, appearance, enhancement, and location of lesions not readily visible by other means. Ongoing studies of MS are integrating conventional MRI and DT-MRI measures with connectivity-based regional assessment, aiming to provide a better understanding of the nature and the location of WM lesions. This integration and the development of novel image-processing and visualization techniques may improve the understanding of WM architecture and its disruption in MS. This article presents a brief history of DWI, its basic principles and applications in the study of MS, a review of the properties and applications of DT-MRI, and their use in the study of MS. In addition, this article illustrates the methodology for the analysis of DT-MRI in ongoing studies of MS.
Emergency Department Visits After Surgery Are Common For Medicare Patients, Suggesting Opportunities To Improve Care

Considerable attention is being paid to hospital readmission as a marker of poor postdischarge care coordination. However, little is known about another potential marker: emergency department (ED) use. We examined ED visits for Medicare patients within thirty days of discharge for six common inpatient surgeries. We found that these visits were widespread and showed extensive variation across facilities. For example, 17.3 percent of these patients experienced at least one ED visit within the postdischarge period, and 4.4 percent of patients had multiple ED visits. Among those patients who were readmitted, 56.5 percent were readmitted from the ED. There was substantial variation—as much as fourfold—in hospital-level ED use for these patients across all six procedures. The variation might signify a failure in upstream coordination of care and therefore might represent a novel hospital quality indicator. In addition, the postdischarge ED visit is an opportunity to ensure that care is properly coordinated and ...
The effect of extrinsic defects in pyrolytic graphite on the a-axis resistivity

A contactless r.f. resistivity technique is shown to be well suited to the measurement of room temperature a-axis resistivities in lamellar compounds, particularly those of graphite. The method is used to investigate the relative damage induced by different techniques employed in cutting of samples.
Theory and simulation for associating chain fluids

The effect of association on chain molecules is studied, and we consider the case of an associating homonuclear disphere fluid as an example. Monte Carlo simulation results of associating hard disphere and Lennard-Jones (LJ) disphere fluids are presented. We consider the molecules to have one association site placed along the molecular axis. For associating LJ dispheres we investigate the effect of bond length on the properties of the molecule. We extend a theory for associating spherical molecules to chain molecules. The agreement between molecular simulation results and predictions from theory is good. We explain the approximations used to simplify the theory and show how a spherical reference can be used to predict the properties of an associating chain fluid.
Identity and the Illness Experience: Issues Faced by Mothers with Cancer:

Facing a life-threatening illness such as cancer can lead a woman to reevaluate her identity and the meaning of her existence. Utilizing a relational perspective, this study examined changes in identity experienced by a sample of mothers with cancer. Qualitative data on forty-one women were collected utilizing a semistructured interview schedule. While the theme of relationships was interwoven throughout their self-descriptions, the women's responses varied regarding how they managed their relational activities during their illness. Most respondents reported having positive feelings about who they were despite the often difficult impact that the illness and treatment had on their family roles. Many also reported that their experience with cancer had changed their sense of identity by causing them to reprioritize what was important and by revealing their personal strengths. Suggestions for health care professionals to assist women with cancer in coping with identity-related issues are offered.
Integrating principles and multidisciplinary projects in design education

The critical need to improve engineering design education in the U.S. is presented and a number of actions to achieve that end are discussed. The importance of teaching undergraduates the latest methods and principles through the means of team design in multidisciplinary projects leading to a testable product is emphasized. Desirable training for design instructors is described and techniques for selecting and managing projects that teach effectively are discussed.
Communities of Creative Practice: Follett's Seminal Conceptualization

Abstract The concept of communities of practice has enjoyed a major affirmation in recent literature. In particular, the evolving research on communities of practice resurrects the idea that groups of people can integrate their diverse experiences and knowledge to function in a socially and economically just and value-adding way. This current movement, however, has tended to overlook Mary Parker Follett's original conceptualization of the community of practice phenomenon. The purpose of this article is to reacquaint us with her unique ideas and embed them into the current view of the community of practice concept. We focus on three dichotomies/paradoxes that must be understood and resolved if unity is to emerge from diversity. We conclude that this reacquainting of the research community with Follett's seminal ideas on communities of practice reaffirms the legacy of management history to bring the wisdom of past insights to future research committed to capturing the essence of social change.
Kinetics of laser induced desorption and decomposition of Fomblin Zdol on carbon overcoats

Abstract Heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) on magnetic hard disks is being explored as a means of increasing the areal density of stored data beyond the limits of current technologies. HAMR will subject the magnetic media, the overcoat, and the lubricant on its surface to temperatures in the range 400–650 °C for periods of a few nanoseconds per pass of the read-write head. During such rapid heating events the lubricant is prone to decomposition and desorption from the surface, either of which lead to degradation of the lubricant film, jeopardizing the integrity of the stored data. Rapid laser annealing is known to bias the reactions of small molecules adsorbed on surfaces to favor desorption over decomposition. Analysis of the desorption and decomposition kinetics of perfluoropolyalkylether lubricants such as Fomblin Zdol shows that rapid heating to high temperatures favors desorption over decomposition for molecules with molecular weights of less than 3000. For higher molecular weight Fomblins decomposition is favored at the temperatures to be used for HAMR.
Modeling nighttime ecosystem respiration from measured CO2 concentration and air temperature profiles using inverse methods

[1] A major challenge for quantifying ecosystem carbon budgets from micrometeorological methods remains nighttime ecosystem respiration. An earlier study utilized a constrained source optimization (CSO) method using inverse Lagrangian dispersion theory to infer the two components of ecosystem respiration (aboveground and forest floor) from measured mean CO2 concentration profiles within the canopy. This method required measurements of within-canopy mean velocity statistics and did not consider local thermal stratification. We propose a Eulerian version of the CSO method (CSOE) to account for local thermal stratification within the canopy for momentum and scalars using higher-order closure principles. This method uses simultaneous mean CO2 concentration and air temperature profiles within the canopy and velocity statistics above the canopy as inputs. The CSOE was tested at a maturing loblolly pine plantation over a 3-year period with a mild drought (2001), a severe drought (2002), and a wet year (2003). Annual forest floor efflux modeled with CSOE averaged 111 g C m−2 less than that estimated using chambers during these years (2001: 1224 versus 1328 gCm−2; 2002: 1127 versus 1230 gCm−2; 2003: 1473 versus 1599 gCm−2). The modeled ecosystem respiration exceeded estimates from eddy covariance measurements (uncorrected for storage fluxes) by at least 25%, even at high friction velocities. Finally, we showed that the CSOE annual nighttime respiration values agree well with independent estimates derived from the intercept of the ecosystem light-response curve from daytime eddy covariance CO2 flux measurements.
Is there a role for extracorporeal life support after stage I Norwood

Objectives: Controversy still surrounds the use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in patients with single ventricle physiology. An analysis of the experience with a group of neonates who underwent stage I Norwood palliation and received ECLS is reported. Methods :A retrospective review of hospital records, operative notes and perfusion data was performed in a group of 12 consecutive patients undergoing ECLS in the perioperative period after stage I. An analysis to identify risk factors for poor outcome was performed. Results: The mean age and weight were 3.9 days (1‐14) and 2.6 kg (1.4‐3.8), respectively. There were 3/12 patients under 2.5 kg and four patients were under 35 weeks of gestation. The most common diagnosis (7/12) was hypoplastic left heart syndrome with aortic atresia. Associated extracardiac anomalies were present in four patients. Three patients had an additional cardiac defect and two of these required an additional surgical procedure besides the stage I Norwood. The mean circulatory arrest was 56 min (46‐63). ECLS was initiated preoperatively in one, intraoperatively in nine, and postoperatively in two patients. The indication for support was: arrhythmia (one), low output (six), cardiac arrest (three), unbalanced circulation (one), and hypoxemia (two). The mean duration of support was 68 h (24‐192). Eight patients were weaned off support, and six were discharged home in good condition. Morbidity included sepsis in five, renal failure in five, neurologic sequelae in three, and bleeding in two. Prematurity, renal dysfunction and the initiation of ECLS outside the operating room were significantly associated with poor outcome. Residual hemodynamic effect, low birth weight and neurologic event showed a tendency towards poor outcome, but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Although the use of ECLS in patients with single ventricle physiology still carries a significant risk, prompt initiation of support can improve the outcome in a group of patients with impaired cardiopulmonary function after stage I palliation. q 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Two Dynamical Core Formulation Flaws Exposed by a Baroclinic Instability Test Case

Two flaws in the semi-Lagrangian algorithm originally implemented as an optional dynamical core in the NCAR Community Atmosphere Model (CAM3.1) are exposed by steady-state and baroclinic instability test cases. Remedies are demonstrated and have been incorporated in the dynamical core. One consequence of the first flaw is an erroneous damping of the speed of a zonally uniform zonal wind undergoing advection by a zonally uniform zonal flow field. It results from projecting the transported vector wind expressed in unit vectors at the arrival point to the surface of the sphere and is eliminated by rotating the vector to be parallel to the surface. The second flaw is the formulation of an a posteriori energy fixer that, although small, systematically affects the temperature field and leads to an incorrect evolution of the growing baroclinic wave. That fixer restores the total energy at each time step by changing the provisional forecast temperature proportionally to the magnitude of the temperature change at that time step. Two other fixers are introduced that do not exhibit the flaw. One changes the provisional temperature everywhere by an additive constant, and the other changes it proportionally by a multiplicative constant.
UNIVERSAL GRAMMAR IN SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION: A HISTORY

UNIVERSAL GRAMMAR IN SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION: A HISTORY. Margaret Thomas . London: Routledge, 2004. Pp. xiii + 262. $105.00 cloth. As the title of this volume indicates, Thomas traces the history of ideas behind the contemporary concepts of Universal Grammar (UG) and SLA as well as their coming together in contemporary approaches to linguistics and language acquisition.
Invited Commentary on "Sensory Sensitivities of Gifted Children"

This commentary provides an analysis of an article by Gere, Capps, Mitchell, and Grubbs (2009) about sensory sensitivities of gifted children. The article reports that children who are gifted are more sensitive to sensory experiences. Researchers hypothesized that children's sensitivities contribute to their excellent problem-solving skills and might contribute to their challenges with social interaction. The coexistence of a helpful and challenging characteristic that may be related to sensory sensitivity suggests the need for additional intervention paradigms that support all aspects of children's participation. The Gere et al. (2009) study invites occupational therapists to consider broader perspectives about who would benefit from services and how we might provide services in a school context. This article offers suggestions that would strengthen future studies with gifted children and outlines strategies for evidence-based practice that include children who are gifted
Flip-chip soldering to bare copper circuits

The authors describe a process for providing high-yield/high-reliability C4 (controlled collapse chip connection) joining to bare copper circuitry. A study was undertaken in the course of implementing a major change in IBM's metallized ceramic (MC) and metallized ceramic-polyimide (MCP) production line. It involved joining chips with 95/5 Pb/Sn C4 solder bumps to bare copper pads on substrates to replace dip-tinned substrates with 90/10 pB/Sn-coated pads. An extensive analysis of the C4 interconnection was carried out. Over 30000 chips were joined to ceramic substrates to characterize wetting to the copper pads, evaluate C4 fatigue life, and assess any effect on reliability of natural and artificially induced defects in the C4 columns or wetted pad surface. C4 defect levels and C4 fatigue testing were equivalent for both types of product, tinned and untinned pads. Solder wetting to a clean copper surface was shown to be as good as wetting to a solder-coated surface. The reliability effect on the product due to partial wets was found to be insignificant. The technique for C4 interconnection joining to copper pads has been successfully implemented in many manufacturing sites. >
Thermal challenges on solar concentrated thermoelectric CHP systems

We report thermal challenges based on our experiments on a solar concentrated combined heat and power (CHP) generation system. The system is designed to harvest solar radiation as a renewable energy source. The electrical power is generated by a thermoelectric (TE) module and the wasted heat from the module is recovered with a water cooling heat exchanger behind the module. The goal is to achieve a water temperature that is useful for hot water residential applications while generating some electricity. This CHP system includes optical solar concentration to obtain a lower cost per performance [$/W] applying the higher heat flux to the thermoelectric generator, which was theoretically calculated in our previous work. The results are compared with the generic analytical optimization model. For the experimental apparatus, we used a Fresnel lens for the optical concentration. The previous analysis showed that matching of both electrical and thermal resistances of the TE module and the load resistance are key factors. We optimized the load resistor to get the maximum electrical power from the TE generator. The thermal resistance match appeared to be quite challenging, due to the non-uniform profile of the energy flux on the TE module. This yielded inhomogeneous power generation for each thermoelement in a TE module and resulted in significant degradation to power output. This can be improved with appropriate heat spreader at the TE hot plate and/or with optical optimization of the Fresnel lens. The harvested combined power was more than 53% of the received solar with the thermally non-optimized module, while 0.44–0.46 W of electricity was generated by the TE module with a center temperature difference of 143–152°K between the hot side and the cold side of the TE module. The extensive calculation for the thermally matched design (optimum) of the TE module suggests that the same system can produce 10 times as much electrical power.
Gaussian approximation versus nearly exact performance analysis of optical communication systems with PPM signaling and APD receivers

A 25 Mbit/s direct-detection optical communication system that used Q=4 PPM signaling was constructed and its performance measured under laboratory conditions. The system used a single mode AlGaAs laser diode ( lambda =834 nm) and low-noise silicon avalanche photodiode (APD). A procedure is given to numerically compute system performance which uses the nearly exact Webb's approximation of the true Conradi distribution for the APD output that does not require excessive amounts of computer time (a few CPU minutes on VAX 8600 per system operating point). Comparison revealed that modeling the APD output as a Gaussian process under conditions of negligible background radiation and low (less than 10/sup -12/A) APD bulk leakage currents leads to substantial underestimates of optimal APD gain and overestimates of system bit error probability. Examples are given which illustrate the breakdown of the Gaussian approximation in assessing system performance. The measured performance of the system was found to be in excellent agreement with the performance predicted by the nearly exact computational procedure. This system achieved a bit error probability of 10/sup -6/ at a received signal energy corresponding to an average of 60 absorbed photons/bit and optimal APD gain of 700. >