cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teacher and peer reactions to boys' and girls' play styles

Seventy children (35 boys and 35 girls) aged 24 to 30 months were observed in play groups consisting of 12–15 2- and 3-year-old children and two teachers. The social interaction was coded using an observation schedule which allowed for coding the children's behaviors and reactions to that behavior by others in the environment. The behavior scores were factor analyzed, using the complete sample of 180 children with six factors (play styles) resulting. Children who were high and low on each factor were examined to see if play style influenced the type of social reaction received. Children who preferred to work at tasks quietly received positive teacher feedback, but there was no change in peer interaction; children who engaged in active motor play received positive peer feedback, but negative teacher reactions. Children who were passive received less peer reaction and played alone significantly more than other children. Sex differences in reactions did not appear except when the child was engaged in male- and female-typical behaviors when examining scores on one factor only. When combinations of factors are examined (e.g., activity level and task performance), then different patterns of responses start to appear for boys and girls. The implications for differing patterns of social reactions to different play styles are discussed.
Laminar Film Condensation on the Inside of Slender, Rotating Truncated Cones

A solution for film condensation on the inside of slender rotating truncated cones is established in the region where the half cone angle phi is close to zero and where the equation of Dhir and Lienhard (1971) is no longer valid. All the familiar assumptions used in Nusselt's theory of laminar film condensation are assumed valid, including negligible sub-cooling and momentum changes in the condensate film, no interfacial shear between the condensate and the vapor, and pure conduction within the condensate film. A Runge-Kutta numerical integration method using a digital computer was used. Results for a specific geometry are given for water condensing at 212 F on a condenser wall maintained at 70 F.
The Interaction between dHAND and Arix at the Dopamine β-Hydroxylase Promoter Region Is Independent of Direct dHAND Binding to DNA

Dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) catalyzes the production of norepinephrine, and its expression defines the noradrenergic phenotype. Transcription factors dHAND, a basic helix-loop-helix protein, and Arix/Phox2a, a homeoprotein, have been demonstrated to play a role in the differentiation and maintenance of catecholaminergic neurons. Three Arix regulatory sites have been identified in the DBH promoter proximal region, but there is no such evidence for dHAND. Cotransfection with a DBH promoter-luciferase reporter construct plus dHAND or dHAND-E12 expression plasmids did not alter luciferase activity, whereas transfection with Arix resulted in a 2.5-fold stimulation of luciferase activity. However, a 5.5-fold increase was observed when Arix and dHAND were combined, and an 8-fold level of expression was observed when Arix was transfected with a dHAND mutant lacking the basic DNA-binding domain. When the homeodomain sites in the DBH promoter proximal region were mutated, all activity was lost, demonstrating dependence upon Arix-DNA interaction for transcriptional activation. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays, the addition of dHAND decreased the amount of Arix needed to elicit a mobility shift with the DBH homeodomain sites, and the dHAND basic mutant potentiated Arix binding in a manner similar to wild-type dHAND. The dHAND-Arix complex was dissociated upon the addition of an unlabeled competitor containing a homeodomain, but not upon the addition of a competitor containing E-boxes. Arix coprecipitated with antisera directed against recombinant dHAND, demonstrating direct protein-protein interactions. These results indicate that the activation of the DBH promoter by Arix is potentiated by dHAND via a mechanism independent of a direct interaction of dHAND with DNA.
Performance analysis of emulated dynamic multi-service UMTS core networks using clustering and neural modelling

In this paper, we present the modelling of the dynamic behaviour of an ATM-based, multi-service UMTS core network with calls that belong to one of four service classes and arrive randomly. Arriving calls are granted service based on specific service class, required maximum and minimum bandwidth, and available network resources.
Next-to-Leading Order Predictions for Dark Matter Production at Hadron Colliders

We provide next-to-leading order (NLO) predictions for dark matter (DM) production in association with either a jet or a photon at hadron colliders. In particular we study the production of a pair of fermionic DM particles through a mediator which couples to Standard Model via either a vector, axial-vector, scalar, pseudo-scalar, or gluon-induced coupling. Experimental constraints on the scale of new physics associated with these operators are limited by systematics, highlighting the need for NLO signal modeling. We factorize the NLO QCD and the DM parts of the calculation, allowing the possibility of using the results presented here for a large variety of searches in monojet and monophoton final states. Our results are implemented into the Monte Carlo program MCFM.
A simple and rapid fluorescence in situ hybridization microwave protocol for reliable dicentric chromosome analysis

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is an extremely effective and sensitive approach to analyzing chromosome aberrations. Until recently, this procedure has taken multiple days to complete. The introduction of telomeric and centromeric peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes has reduced the procedure’s duration to several hours, but the protocols still call for a high temperature (80–90°C) step followed by 1– 3ho f hybridization. The newest method to speed up the FISH protocol is the use of a microwave to shorten the heating element to less than a minute; however this protocol still calls for a 1-h hybridization period. We have utilized PNA centromere/telomere probes in conjunction with a microwave oven to show telomere and centromere staining in as little as 30 s. We have optimized the hybridization conditions to increase the sensitivity and effectiveness of the new protocol and can effectively stain chromosomes in 2 min and 30 s of incubation. We have found that our new approach to FISH produces extremely clear and distinct signals. Radiation-induced dicentric formation in mouse and human fibroblast cells was analyzed by two individual scorers and the observed dicentrics matched very well.
Two Approaches to the Study of Experts' Characteristics

The nature of expertise has been studied in two general ways. One way is to study truly exceptional people with the goal of understanding how they perform in their domain of expertise. I use the term domain loosely to refer to both informal domains, such as sewing and cooking, and formal domains, such as biology and chess. One could choose exceptional people on the basis of their well-established discoveries. For example, one could study how Maxwell constructed a quantitative field concept (Nersessian, 1992). Or one could choose contemporary scientists whose breakthroughs may still be debated, such as pathologist Warren and gastroenterologist Marshall’s proposal that bacteria cause peptic ulcers (Chi & Hausmann, 2003 ; Thagard, 1998; also see the chapters by Wilding & Valentine, Chapter 31, Simonton, Chapter 18, and Weisberg, Chapter 42). Several methods can be used to identify someone who is truly an exceptional expert. One method is retrospective. That is, by looking at how well an outcome or product is received, one can determine who is or is not an expert. For example, to identify a great composer, one can examine a quantitative index, such as how often his or her music was broadcast (Kozbelt, 2004). A second method may be some kind of concurrent measure, such as a rating system as a result of tournaments, as in chess (Elo, 1965), or as a result of examinations (Masunaga & Horn, 2000), or just measures of how well the exceptional expert performs his task. A third method might be the use of some independent index, if it is available. In chess, for example, there exists a task called the Knight’s Tour that requires a player to move a Knight Piece across the rows of a chess board, using legal Knight Moves. The time it
First High Solar Phase Angle Observations of Rhea Using Cassini VIMS: Upper Limits on Water Vapor and Geologic Activity

Using radiances acquired with Cassini's Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS), we construct high solar phase angle curves for Saturn's second largest moon, Rhea. Ground-based studies of Rhea and Saturnian icy satellites are focussing on low phase angles; to our knowledge, these are the first solar phase curve data for Rhea on phase angles >70°. We compare these data to similar phase curves for Enceladus at near-infrared wavelengths to estimate the amount of water vapor that could possibly be generated and thus set an upper limit on the amount of geologic activity that may be occurring on Rhea. We find that Enceladus's plume manifests itself in the VIMS solar phase curve at a phase angle near 160° and peaks most strongly for -->λ = 2.017810 μm. No such peak can be found in the Rhea VIMS phase curve. Absence of a forward scattering peak supports the recent determination that particles in Rhea's surrounding ring are not small. We calculate that the maximum water vapor column density that could be supplied from Rhea ranges from -->1.52 × 1014 to -->1.91 × 1015 cm−2, 2 orders of magnitude less than what is calculated by Cassini UVIS for Enceladus. This implies that for Rhea, the level of active internal (endogenic) processes is exceedingly small, if any.
Evaluation of local structure alphabets based on residue burial

Residue burial, which describes a protein residue's exposure to solvent and neighboring atoms, is key to protein structure prediction, modeling, and analysis. We assessed 21 alphabets representing residue burial, according to their predictability from amino acid sequence, conservation in structural alignments, and utility in one fold-recognition scenario. This follows upon our previous work in assessing nine representations of backbone geometry.1 The alphabet found to be most effective overall has seven states and is based on a count of C(beta) atoms within a 14 A-radius sphere centered at the C(beta) of a residue of interest. When incorporated into a hidden Markov model (HMM), this alphabet gave us a 38% performance boost in fold recognition and 23% in alignment quality.
An algorithm for joint symbol timing and channel estimation for OFDM systems

We consider the problem of joint synchronization and channel estimation for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. A new algorithm is proposed that estimates the channel and symbol timing simultaneously by using a technique based on maximum-likelihood (ML) theory and the generalized Akaike information criterion (GAIC). Finally, we demonstrate the performance of our algorithm by simulation results.
Growth factors in breast cancer.

I. Regulation of Mammary Cell Growth and Apoptosis A. Hormonal control of mammary development, proliferation, and lactational defferentation DEVELOPMENT of the normal breast, carcinogenesis of its epithelium breast, and progression of breast cancer are regulated by hormonal factors. The best defined of these factors are the endocrine steroids, peptides, and other molecules produced by the secretory cells of the ovaries, pituitary, endocrine pancreas, thyroid, and adrenal cortex. After their initial interaction with either nuclear or cell surface receptors, these hormones regulate cellular function. In addition, normal and malignant mammary tissues are able to synthesize locally acting hormone-like substances. One class of these factors is known as the paracrine hormones, factors released by one cell type which then modulate the function of neighboring cells of the same or different mammary cell type. A recently described variation on this theme is the class of juxtacrine factors. These factors are growth-...
Neural networks for control systems

A description is given of 11 papers from the April 1990 special issue on neural networks in control systems of IEEE Control Systems Magazine. The emphasis was on presenting as varied and current a picture as possible of the use of neural networks in control. The papers described cover: the design of associative memories using feedback neural networks; a method to use neural networks to control highly nonlinear systems; the modeling of nonlinear chemical systems using neural networks; the identification of dynamical systems; the comparison of conventional adaptive controllers and neural-network-based controllers; a method to provide adaptive control for nonlinear systems; neural networks and back-propagation; the back-propagation algorithm; the use of trained neural networks to regulate the pitch attitude of an underwater telerobot; the control of mobile robots; and the issues involved in integrating neural networks and knowledge-based systems. >
Incongruent patterns of genetic connectivity among four ophiuroid species with differing coral host specificity on North Atlantic seamounts

Seamounts are considered to play a defining role in the evolution and diversity of marine fauna, acting as ‘stepping-stones’ for dispersal, regional centers of genetic isolation and speciation, and refugia for deep-sea populations. This study focused on the patterns of dispersal and genetic connectivity of four seamount ophiuroid species (Asteroschema clavigera, Ophiocreas oedipus, Ophioplinthaca abyssalis, and Ophioplinthaca chelys) displaying differing levels of associative (epifaunal) specificity to cold-water coral hosts inhabiting the New England and Corner Rise Seamount chains, and Muir Seamount in the Northwestern Atlantic. Analyses of mt16S and mtCOI revealed evidence for recent population expansion and high gene flow for all four species. However, species-specific genetic differentiation was significant based on seamount region and depth. Significant differences were found among regional seamount groups for A. clavigera, within seamount regions and seamounts for O. chelys, among 250-m depth intervals for A. clavigera, among 100-m depth intervals for O. oedipus, and there were indications of isolation by distance for A. clavigera and O. oedipus. In addition, A. clavigera and O. oedipus, broadcast spawners with high fidelity to specific coral hosts, displayed predominantly westward historical migration, whereas the ophioplinthacids, with lower host-specificity, displayed predominantly eastward migration. No congruent patterns of historical migration were evident among species and seamounts, yet these patterns can be correlated with species-specific host specificity, specific depth strata, and dispersal strategies. Conservation efforts to protect seamount ecosystems should promote multi-species approaches to genetic connectivity, and consider the impact of the ‘dependence’ of biodiversity on host fauna in these vulnerable marine ecosystems.
Association of heparan sulfate proteoglycan with the neurofibrillary tangles of Alzheimer's disease

The major intracytoplasmic lesion of Alzheimer's disease is the neurofibrillary tangle (NFT), which is primarily composed of paired helical filaments (PHFs). The mechanism responsible for the formation of PHFs, as well as their insolubility and apparent heterogeneity, is unknown. We found that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) binds to heparinase-sensitive sites in NFTs. bFGF binding is due to a heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) immunocytochemically identified in NFTs. In the presence of polycations (e.g., Ca2+), HSPG will bind to free carboxyl groups in NFT proteins. HSPG binding may play a role in transforming normal soluble proteins into insoluble PHFs.
A hybrid network coding technique for single-hop wireless networks

In this paper, we investigate a hybrid network coding technique to be used at a wireless base station (BS) or access point (AP) to increase the throughput efficiency of single-hop wireless networks. Traditionally, to provide reliability, lost packets from different flows (applications) are retransmitted separately, leading to inefficient use of wireless bandwidth. Using the proposed hybrid network coding approach, the BS encodes these lost packets, possibly from different flows together before broadcasting them to all wireless users. In this way, multiple wireless receivers can recover their lost packets simultaneously with a single transmission from the BS. Furthermore, simulations and theoretical analysis showed that when used in conjunction with an appropriate channel coding technique under typical channel conditions, this approach can increase the throughput efficiency up to 3.5 times over the automatic repeat request (ARQ), and up to 1.5 times over the HARQ techniques.
A—Carnegie Institution of Washington

The activity of the Carnegie Institution of Washington in the field of seismology in 1926 may be reviewed briefly somewhat as follows: One major task, jointly elaborated at the outset between the Institution and the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, contemplated fixing the position both in horizontal and vertical dimensions of significant landmarks throughout the entire zone of earth-movement in California. The obvious purpose, which has often been alluded to before, was twofold, (1) to fix with precision the actual displacements occurring during earthquakes, (2) the much more novel, and, eventually, perhaps more useful, purpose of attempting to evaluate indications of accumulating stress or “creep.”
Sonographically guided percutaneous needle tenotomy for treatment of common extensor tendinosis in the elbow.

Objective. Chronic tendinosis of the common extensor tendon of the lateral elbow can be a difficult problem to treat. We report our experience with sonographically guided percutaneous needle tenotomy to relieve pain and improve function in patients with this condition. Methods. We performed sonographically guided percutaneous needle tenotomy on 58 consecutive patients who had persistent pain and disability resulting from common extensor tendinosis. Under a local anesthetic and sonographic guidance, a needle was advanced into the common extensor tendon, and the tip of the needle was used to repeatedly fenestrate the tendinotic tissue. Calcifications, if present, were mechanically fragmented, and the adjacent bony surface of the apex and face of the epicondyle were abraded. Finally, the fenestrated tendon was infiltrated with a solution containing corticosteroid mixed with bupivacaine. After the procedure, patients were instructed to perform passive stretches and to undergo physical therapy. During a subsequent telephone interview, patients answered questions about their experience, their functioning level, and their perceptions of procedure outcome. Results. Fiftyfive (95%) of 58 patients were contacted by telephone and agreed to participate in the study. Thirtyfive (63.6%) of 55 respondents reported excellent outcomes, 16.4% good, 7.3% fair, and 12.7% poor. The average follow-up time from the date of the procedure to the date of the interview was 28 months (range, 17‐44 months). No adverse events were reported; 85.5% stated that they would refer a friend or close relative for the procedure. Conclusions. Sonographically guided percutaneous needle tenotomy for lateral elbow tendinosis is a safe, effective, and viable alternative for patients in whom all other nonsurgical treatments failed. Key words: common extensor tendon; elbow; needle; sonography; tennis elbow; tendinosis.
Imaging Characteristics of Clinical Ultrasonic Transducers in Tissue-Equivalent Material

Our group has been involved in the comparison of ultrasonic pulse-echo transducer characteristics in water versus attenuating and scattering mediums. For this purpose we are using a gelatin- based material with a speed of sound of 1570 m/sec, a variable attenuation coefficient between 0.3 – 1.8 dB/cm/MHz, and a linear dependence of attenuation on frequency over the diagnostic range. Thus we can duplicate under controlled conditions similar interactions that a pulsed ultrasound beam encounters when traversing soft tissue structures. The specific findings regarding clinical pulse-echo equipment and transducers include an increased beam divergence, as seen in tissue samples, in the tissue-equivalent gel as compared to water only. Also, the focal plane and, in fact, the entire focal region whose boundaries are defined by the beam area being twice that of the focal plane are shifted axially closer to the transducer face for the attenuating path. These differences are being studied as a function of transducer frequency, diameter, and focal properties as well as the pulser-receiver combination which is used.
A New Global Poetics

The review article considers the last dozen years’ worth of arguments for de-emphasizing national boundaries in the writing/reading of new poetries. It considers the ways in which such arguments illuminate and are illuminated by debates about the future of comparative literature in general, as well as by trends in literary theory (from Hardt and Negri's Empire to Slavoj Žižek's In Defense of Lost Causes). The piece moves in anecdotal fashion, charting my own recent invitation to consider whether there is such a thing as a ‘new global poetics’ (ACLA Conference 2007, Puebla, Mexico) and my subsequent, mixed and changing responses to issues that should, by implication, change the way we both teach and write about literature.
Fluorescence Detection of a Protein-Bound 2Fe2S Cluster

A fluorescent biosensor is described for 2Fe2S clusters that is composed of green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to glutaredoxin 2 (Grx2), as illustrated here. 2Fe2S detection is based on the reduction of GFP fluorescence upon the 2Fe2S-induced dimerization of GFP-Grx2. This assay is sufficiently sensitive to detect submicromolar changes in 2Fe2S levels, thus making it suitable for high-throughput measurements of metallocluster degradation and synthesis reactions.
Determination of implanted electrode potential distributions in a man model

The finite-element (FE) method has been used to analyze and determine the potential distribution produced by implanted stimulating electrodes used in conjunction with an implanted defibrillator. These electrodes are used to deliver an energy shock to halt ventricular fibrillation during fatal arrhythmias in human beings. The FE solution was obtained by solving the Laplace equation on the basis of a Galerkin procedure. A detailed section through the thorax based on the actual geometry of a human model, including varying layers of tissue characteristics, was used to show the results of the FE model. Electrode locations were changed and the various potential distributions were obtained. The overall objective of this study was to develop a computer model for the study of defibrillation fields. This model can be used to estimate the potential distribution and potential gradients on the heart for various electrode sizes and configurations for a given shock strength. >
Book reviews - Dyadic Green's functions in electromagnetic theory

The introduction of a dyadic Green's function by means of which the vector wave equation, satisfied by the electric vector or the magnetic vector, can be integrated presents the most elegant and efficient way of dealing with many electromagnetic problems with sources. This text by C.T.Tai, well known for his research and teaching in Electromagnetic Theory, is a very thorough and lucid treatment of this topic. Intended for senior and graduate students in electrical engineering, applied mathematics and applied physics, it provides the basic concepts and properties of dyadic Green's functions as well as important applications of these functions in solving many sophisticated and useful problems in Electrmagnetics. It is also an indispensible primer for any researchers in the antenna and microwave area.
A Convenient Procedure for Preparative Scale Oxidation of Enones

Abstract A convenient procedures for oxidative cleavage of cyclic enones on a preparative scale is described.
In situ water distribution measurements in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell

The overall water vapor balance and concentration distribution in the flow channels is a critical phenomenon affecting polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) performance. This paper presents, for the first time, results of a technique to measure in situ water vapor, nitrogen and oxygen distribution within the gas channels of an operating PEFC. The use of a gas chromatograph (GC) to measure high levels of water saturation directly, without dehumidification of the flow stream, is a unique aspect of this work. Following careful calibration and instrumentation, a gas chromatograph (GC) was interfaced directly to the fuel cell at various locations along the serpentine anode and cathode flow paths of a specially designed fuel cell. The 50 cm 2 active area fuel cell also permits simultaneous current distribution measurements via the segmented collector plate approach. The on-line GC method allows discrete measurements of the water vapor content up to a fully saturated condition about every 2 minutes. Water vapor and other species distribution data are shown for several inlet relative humidities on the anode and cathode for different cell voltages. For the thin electrolyte membranes used (51 m), there is little functional dependence of the anode gas channel water distribution on current output. For thin membranes, this indicates that there is little gradient in the water activity between anode and cathode, indicating diffusion can offset electro-osmotic drag under these circumstances ( i< 0.5 A/cm 2 ). This technique can be used for detailed studies on water distribution and transport in the PEFC.
Selective migration of neuralized embryonic stem cells to stem cell factor and media conditioned by glioma cell lines

Pluripotent mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells can be induced in vitro to become neural progenitors. Upon transplantation, neural progenitors migrate toward areas of damage and inflammation in the CNS. We tested whether undifferentiated and neuralized mouse ES cells migrate toward media conditioned by glioma cell lines (C6, U87 & N1321) or Stem Cell Factor (SCF). Cell migration assays revealed selective migration by neuralized ES cells to conditioned media as well as to synthetic SCF. Migration of undifferentiated ES cells was extensive, but not significantly different from that of controls (Unconditioned Medium). RT-PCR analysis revealed that all the three tumor cell lines tested synthesized SCF and that both undifferentiated and neuralized ES cells expressed c-kit, the receptor for SCF. Our results demonstrate that undifferentiated ES cells are highly mobile and that neural progenitors derived from ES cells are selectively attracted toward factors produced by gliomas. Given that the glioma cell lines synthesize SCF, SCF may be one of several factors that contribute to the selective migration observed.
TNF/TNFR1 signaling mediates doxorubicin-induced diaphragm weakness.

Doxorubicin, a common chemotherapeutic agent, causes respiratory muscle weakness in both patients and rodents. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine that depresses diaphragm for...
Assessing real-valued transform algorithms for fast convolution in electric power quality calculations

It is argued that real- versus complex-valued trigonometric transform algorithms may deserve increased awareness in systems analysis in general, and application to nonsinusoidal waveform propagation in electric power systems in particular, due to their favorable convolution property when linear, time-invariant systems are studied. The performance of the three real-valued trigonometric transforms is assessed based on timing study results. The importance of instructions other than the multiplicative and additive complexities, namely those instructions involved in data transfer operations (e.g. loads and stores), is pointed out.
Effects of robotically modulating kinematic variability on motor skill learning and motivation

It is unclear how the variability of kinematic errors experienced during motor training affects skill retention and motivation. We used force fields produced by a haptic robot to modulate the kinem...
Corporate Performance, Stock Option Compensation, And Measurement Error In CEO Pay

Previous investigations of the association between executive pay and corporate performance have relied heavily on the sum of salary and bonus as a proxy for total compensation. This study shows that the sum of salary and bonus contains a substantial amount of unsystematic measurement error. The results underscore the need for future research in this area to use compensation proxies that incorporate executive stock options.
Immunopathogenesis of Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis consists of a number of different inflammatory processes in thyroid and is caused by a variety of factors. Among the various inflammatory thyroid lesions, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common, and we will focus on the mechanisms involved in this disease. While extensive studies have been performed to elucidate the immunopathogenesis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the processes underlying this disease are still not fully understood. However, significant progress has been made in areas related to the roles that iodine, CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells, and apoptosis play in autoimmune-mediated thyroid damage, the defining feature of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Compound Semiconductor Nanowires as Building Blocks for Nanophotonics

Semiconductor nanowires and nanowire heterostructures are attractive and versatile building blocks to assemble active photonic devices, such as light-emitting diodes, lasers and photodetectors, which enables an unconventional approach for integration on a single chip.
Population Size, Distribution and Concentration

The size of the population within a geographic area – typically measured in terms of the number of people – is the simplest and most straightforward of demographic attributes. And, for many purposes, it is the most important. Not only is the size of a population important in its own right, but many of the calculations utilized in determining healthcare needs and health services demand depend on this information. After size, the pattern of distribution and concentration of persons within a geographic area probably is next in importance for anyone examining the interface of demographics and healthcare.
Abstract 211: A Patient-Centered Approach to Improve Outcomes after Cardiac Electrophysiological Device Implantation

Objective: Infection associated with cardiac implantable electrophysiological device (CIED) implantation or revision occurred in our facility in 17.8% of CIED recipients, leading to hospitalization and device explantation in 5.2% of patients. Our objective was to reduce the incidence of CIED-associated infections, number of hospitalizations and device explantations by 25%. Methods: At baseline, a peri-procedural follow-up occurred on as needed basis. A new patient-centered program was initiated and lead by a nurse-practitioner (NP) (refer to flow map). Patients were seen 1 week prior to CIED implantation, provided with general information, familiarized with the procedure and self-care techniques. On the day of CIED implantation, NP visited patients at bedside and provided a self-care checklist. A follow up visit was scheduled 1 week after the procedure to provide local wound care, discuss symptom monitoring, activity limitations and review self-management techniques supported by a checklist. If any evidence of CIED site infection was discovered, antibiotics were initiated with a weekly follow-up until infection was resolved. If no evidence of infection was noted, further plan of care consisted of a consultation for the patients hospitalized with CIED-related infections by NP, and a chart review at 6 months after implantation in cases when no hospitalizations occurred. Data on incidence of post-CIED implantation infections, hospitalizations and explantations was collected by chart review of 152 patients prior and 66 patients after establishment of the patient-centered program. Results: With initiation of our patient-centered program, incidence of CIED site infections was reduced by 23.5%, and both, the number of hospitalizations and CIED explantations, decreased by 42.4%. Conclusions: Patient education and engagement in post-CIED implantation care combined with a close surveillance by NP can be an effective tool to improve patient outcomes by reducing frequency of CIED site infections, need for hospitalization and device explantation. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
The Sweatshop, Child Labor, and Exploitation Issues in the Garment Industry

AbstractThe issue of child labor and exploitation as it relates to the fashion design industry is about discovering tense interrelationships between modes and agencies of production and ethical responsibility. This survey of the various factors affecting child labor and exploitation acknowledges the tremendous pressure placed on individuals by the convergence of economic need and cultural imperatives. The focus is on locating a constellation of issues, which influence the decision to work in unhealthy environments; as opposed to prescriptive ethical responses to the kind of work people do. This distinction has the potential to realign ethical action and shift the burden of progress from the employee to the parent industry, which should already be in a position of high accountability for creating and enforcing fair labor standards. The intent was not to produce a schema for determining the boundary between fair labor practices and blatant abuse, but to examine the complex nature of work and economic realit...
University Organizational Culture through Insider Eyes: A Case Study of a Writing Program

Using a case study approach, the authors examined university administrator and instructor perspectives about a writing program's organizational culture. In so doing, members of the writing program were invited to participate in interviews over a three-year period. The case study suggests that examples of culture through a three-lens perspective (integration, differentiation, and fragmentation) provided a more nuanced reading of the program's identity than a single lens could. The authors suggested that this wider frame of organizational culture for understanding policy and practice has implications for leadership in such areas as personnel evaluation and the encouragement of experimentation with teaching.
FalconSAT-3 and the Space Environment

FalconSAT-3, the fourth in a series of Cadet built satellites, was launched 9 March 2007. The satellite is a two year space veteran. Using data from FalconSAT-3, this paper analyzes trends over time of battery voltages, solar panel degradation, as well as Low Earth Orbit drag effects on satellite attitude and altitude. The effects of the space environment on these spacecraft parameters can ultimately result in degraded performance of a satellite. Trend lines are created using two years of actual FalconSAT-3 data. These trends are then compared against the initial predicted and calculated values of FalconSAT-3 parameters to determine the current performance of the satellite as compared to its beginning-of-life (BOL) performance. By studying these trend lines, one can analyze the long term effects of the space environment on satellites in low earth orbit. These trend lines will also be validated against the industry standard predictions and calculations to aid in designing future low earth orbiting satellites to better withstand the space environment, maximizing their performance and lifetime.
AN EVOLUTIONARY EXAMINATION OF THE FLORAL DISPLAY of CATALPA SPECIOSA (BIGNONIACEAE).

Those plant species that rely on animals to mediate the transfer of pollen usually attract pollinators with visual and/or aromatic stimuli and then reward them with pollen, nectar, or some other food (Faegri and van der Pijl, 1971; Proctor and Yeo, 1973). Under some circumstances (i.e., competition for pollinators) there may be selective pressures to increase the size of the attractants and rewards in order to secure more visits by the pollinators. One possible response of a plant to these pressures is to cluster flowers in time and space. This would make the plant more conspicuous to pollinators and it would also increase the pollinator's reward by decreasing the search time and distance between food sources (see Burtt, 1961; Janzen, 197 la; Heinrich and Raven, 1972; Gentry, 1974; Willson and Rathcke, 1974; Heinrich, 1975). There are many plant species that regularly produce inflorescences consisting of many flowers but initiate only a few fruits. Species with this flowering and fruiting pattern include Albizia lebbeck (Maheshwari, 1931), Aesculus spp. (Percival, 1965; Benseler, 1975), Cassia grandis (Janzen, 197 la), Eucalyptus spp. (Carr et al., 1971), various orchard trees (see Kozlowski, 1973), Asclepias spp. (Willson and Rathcke, 1974; Wilbur, 1976; Willson and Price, 1977) and Catalpa spp. (Stephenson, 1978). Because each flower on these species has a low probability of setting fruit, there is the possibility that inflorescence size has been selected for factors other than a flower's ability to set fruit (see Willson and Price, 1977). In this study, I use Catalpa speciosa (Warder ex Barney) Engelm. (Bignoniaceae) to test which of three alternative hypotheses explains the proximate factors involved in a high ratio of flowers to fruits and then to test several ultimate factors that infer the adaptive significance of this pattern.
Drop coating deposition Raman (DCDR) for microcystin-LR identification and quantitation.

A drop coating deposition Raman (DCDR) method was developed for the analysis of 2–200 ng samples of microcystin-LR (MC-LR), a ubiquitous and deadly hepatotoxin secreted by cyanobacteria. Solid phase extraction (SPE) of the toxin from a water sample enabled identification of MC-LR at 5 μg/L to 100 mg/L concentrations, and the collected results suggest lower detection limits can be readily attained following DCDR substrate modification. The DCDR process was applied to aqueous sample volumes of 0.5–20 μL that generated sample deposits from which MC-LR Raman spectra could be obtained within seconds. Larger volume samples were not required to improve spectral resolution. Volumes of 2 μL were ideal, producing “coffee-ring” MC-LR deposits that displayed distinct MC-LR Raman signals with high signal-to-noise within 1 s for a 200 ng sample and 300 s for a 2 ng sample. A linear correlation between Raman signal intensity and concentration was observed for 2–100 ng MC-LR samples after signal normalization. Reproducib...
Research on Japan's Agricultural Standardization as a Contribution to Agriculture Products Competitiveness: A Case Study of GAP

Japan's agricultural standardization includes two aspects,which consist of(1) establishing standards and regulations about the production,processing and marketing of agriculture products,(2) implementing these standards and regulations.Production is the most basic and important link in the implementation of Japan's agricultural standardization.In Japan,the standardization of agricultural production is enforced by government agricultural technology extension agencies and JA which is an organization for farmers.On the premise of in favor of food safety and quality,Japan's Good Agricultural Practices(GAP) make farmers implement standardized production according to item list of inspections,which improve safety and quality of agricultural products,and can also strengthen competitiveness of agricultural products.Learning from Japan,through agricultural technology extension agencies,farmer cooperative organizations and industry associations,China should promote standardization of agricultural production and strengthen competitiveness of agricultural products.
Urea kinetic and middle molecule approaches to assessing the adequacy of hemodialysis and CAPD

The historical bases and implications of the urea kinetic and middle molecule approaches to assessing the adequacy of hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) are reviewed in this paper. A critical reappraisal of the findings of the National Cooperative Dialysis Study (NCDS) demonstrates the importance of small solute removal on clinical outcomes of morbidity and mortality in the hemodialysis setting. The applicability of these results to CAPD is examined in the light of differences in transport characteristics of hemodialysis membranes and the peritoneal membrane. It is shown that small solute removal is important even in assessing CAPD adequacy and that past comparisons of hemodialysis and peritoneal membrane transport may have been flawed. The extrapolation of NCDS results to CAPD on the basis of the peak concentration hypothesis is presented along with a review of several longitudinal, cross-sectional, and multicenter studies of CAPD morbidity and mortality.
Do Stimulus Packages Work

Of course, while the President’s inaugural words in 1933 were words the nation needed, it was only the first volley in the war against recession and depression. What followed the Emergency Banking Act of 1933 was a series of initiatives designed to stimulate the economy. The question remains, though — do Keynesian fiscal stimulus policies work?
Theoretical Underpinnings of Reducing the Media’s Negative Effect on Children: Person-Centered, Negatively-Valenced Evaluative Mediation within a Persuasion Framework

While the extant research in the field of parental mediation provides ample evidence that parent-child conversations influence children’s reactions to the media, little research provides theoretical explanations for the ability of these conversations to benefit children. In response to this paucity of theory-based explanation, this chapter situates active mediation within a framework of individual-differences persuasion, develops the conceptualization of active mediation to reflect its persuasive purpose, and shows how such a persuasive framework for active mediation can elucidate the processes at work when parent-child conversations are aimed at thwarting the potentially negative influence of media exposure on children.
The Influence of Mathematics Professional Development, School-Level, and Teacher-Level Variables on Primary Students’ Mathematics Achievement

This study examined the influence of a professional development project about an internet-based mathematics formative assessment tool and related pedagogies on primary teachers’ instruction and student achievement. Teachers participated in 72 h of professional development during the year. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses of variance of the 300 teachers and data from 5300 students indicated that, in some of the participating districts, students whose teachers participated in professional development outperformed students in control classrooms. Multi-level analyses of student achievement indicated that teachers who used the formative assessment tool more had students who scored statistically significantly higher gain than students whose teachers did not use the tool as frequently. The findings call for subsequent studies that examine how teachers specifically use formative assessment data to make instructional decisions, and the influence of those decisions on student achievement.
Senate Special Committee on Aging Hearings and GAO Reports

It has been asserted that the federal government has not played a substantial role in elder abuse. This chapter reviews the Senate Special Committee on Aging’s hearings since its inception and a series of commissioned reports generated by the General Accounting Office (GAO). The review finds that the Committee has held considerably more hearings on financial exploitation/scams than on elder abuse generally. Furthermore, relatively little federal legislation has resulted from the Committee’s efforts. In spite of calls for federal leadership dating back to the 1970s, the federal government has not played a substantial role in structuring or funding adult protective services, providing leadership for the field, or providing comprehensive federal legislation related to elder abuse. Although some progress has been made over the past 35 years, the hearings and reports reviewed in this chapter provide further guidance for how to enhance elder abuse policy, practice, and research at the federal level.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Depression: The Role of Anxiety and Anger

The authors hypothesized that patients with anxious or hostile depression may have a greater risk of mortality from coronary artery disease (CAD) than other depressed patients and therefore proceeded to assess the possible relationship between CAD risk factors and anger and anxiety in a sample of 138 depressed outpatients. The authors observed that increased anxiety scores were associated with higher cholesterol levels and with prolonged QTc intervals. Similarly, the patients with anger attacks tended to have higher cholesterol levels compared with the patients without these attacks. The study's findings partially support the authors' hypothesis that hostile or anxious depressed patients are at greater risk for CAD than other depressed patients.
Morphine responsiveness to thermal pain stimuli is aging-associated and mediated by dopamine D1 and D3 receptor interactions.

Abstract Morphine actions involve the dopamine (DA) D1 and D3 receptor systems (D1R and D3R), and the responses to morphine change with age. We here explored in differently aged wild-type (WT) and D3R knockout mice (D3KO) the interactions of the D1R/D3R systems with morphine in vivo at three different times of the animals’ lifespan (2 months, 1 year, and 2 years). We found that: (1) thermal pain withdrawal reflexes follow an aging-associated phenotype, with relatively longer latencies at 2 months and shorter latencies at 1 year, (2) over the same age range, a dysfunction of the D3R subtype decreases reflex latencies more than aging alone, (3) morphine altered reflex responses in a dose-dependent manner in WT animals and changed at its higher dose the phenotype of the D3KO animals from a morphine-resistant state to a morphine-responsive state, (4) block of D1R function had an aging-dependent effect on thermal withdrawal latencies in control animals that, in old animals, was stronger than that of low-dose morphine. Lastly, (5) block of D1R function in young D3KO animals mimicked the behavioral phenotype observed in the aged WT. Our proof-of-concept data from the rodent animal model suggest that, with age, block of D1R function may be considered as an alternative to the use of morphine, to modulate the response to painful stimuli.