cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does Public Service Motivation Really Make a Difference on the Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intentions of Public Employees

Many in public administration hypothesize that public service motivation (PSM) has a direct positive impact on the attitudes and behaviors of public employees. However, there are inconsistencies in the PSM literature that challenge this hypothesis. This study sought to find out whether person-organization (P-O) fit can provide a reason for these inconsistencies. Specifically, this study explored whether the relationships among PSM, job satisfaction, and the turnover intentions of public employees were mediated by P-O fit. Using a sample of 205 employees drawn from three public organizations in the states of Oregon, Indiana, and Kentucky, this study found that PSM had no significant relationship to the job satisfaction and turnover intentions of public employees when P-O fit was considered. The implications of this study and areas of future research are discussed.
A counterexample and a modification to the adiabatic approximation theorem in quantum mechanics

A counterexample to the adiabatic approximation theorem is given when degeneracies are present. A formulation of an alternative version is proposed. A complete asymptotic decomposition for n dimensional self-adjoint Hamiltonian systems is restated and used.
Low resistance junctions in crayfish. II. Structural details and further evidence for intercellular channels by freeze-fracture and negative staining.

Low resistance junctions between axons of crayfish ganglia are studied by freeze-fracture and negative staining. In freeze-fracture, fracture planes that go through a junctional membrane expose two faces, both internal, called face A and face B. Face A belongs to the internal membrane leaflet and faces the gap. Face B belongs to the external membrane leaflet and faces the axoplasm. Face A displays pits, 60–100 A in diameter, arranged in a hexagonal array with a unit cell of ∼200 A. An ∼25 A bump is frequently seen at the center of each pit. Some pits are occupied by a globule ∼125 A in diameter, which displays a central depression ∼25 A in size. Face B contains globules also arranged in a fairly regular hexagonal pattern. The center-to-center distance between adjacent globules is most frequently ∼200 A; however, occasionally certain globules are seen separated by a distance as short as ∼125 A. The top surface of the globules occasionally displays a starlike profile and seems to contain a central depression ∼25 A in diameter. In negatively stained preparations of membranes from the nerve cord, two types of membranes are seen containing a fairly regular pattern. In one, globules ∼95 A in diameter form a hexagonal close packing with a unit cell of ∼95 A. In the other, globules of the same size are organized in a larger hexagonal array with a unit cell of ∼155 A (swollen arrangement). Some of the globules forming the swollen arrangement are seen containing six subunits. The six subunits form a hexagon which is skewed with respect to the main rows of hexagons in such a way that the subunits lie on rows which make an angle of ∼37° with the main rows.
Taxonomic Status of the Pine Vole in Florida

The diagnostic characters of Pitymys parvulus (size and color) are demonstrated to overlap considerably with those of P. pinetorum to the north and west. Considerable variation is apparent in all characters tested: size, color, molar patterns, etc. Molar patterns of P. pinetorum from the Pleistocene of peninsular Florida are described. P. parvulus is considered conspecific with P. pinetorum .
Multiscale Considerations in Modeling of Nonlinear Elastomers

We present a survey of results from an extended project focused on the understanding of the dynamic behavior of elastomers or filled rubbers. This entailed experimental, modeling, computational and theoretical efforts. Of particular emphasis are the nonlinear and hysteretic aspects of dynamic deformations.
Magnetic nanocarriers : from material design to magnetic manipulation

Magnetic nanocarriers play an increasing role in various biomedical applications such as the separation of magnetically 'tagged' DNA, drug delivery or identification of biological species. Recent developments in nanotechnology allow the fabrication of both artificial nanocarriers and magnetic separation devices which may achieve great performances at an incredibly small-volume sample handling. However, as the sizes of magnetic carriers and separation devices diminish, important theoretical and experimental challenges may occur mainly due to the important variations of the surface-to-volume ratio. Under these circumstances, intrinsic properties of individual carriers and their influence on functionality and performances of the magnetic manipulation have to be investigated with a higher degree of accuracy. In this paper, we present the state-of-the-art techniques for extracting accurate information about individual magnetic entities from magnetic measurements performed on ordered arrays or clusters of magnetic nano-objects of various dimensionalities and geometries. As the mutual magnetic interactions may be responsible for collective effects, both analytical and numerical techniques for evaluating the mutual interactions between magnetic nanoparticles and nanowires are reviewed, special emphasis being put on the dimensionality of their assemblages. As the efficiency of the manipulation and capture of individual magnetic carriers in magnetic confinement devices depend strongly on their size, the theoretical description of the motion of magnetic particles under various conditions of flow and field configurations become very important especially with the transition to the nanoscale regime. The equations of motion of magnetic nanocarriers in continuous-flow microfluidic devices are reviewed and some solutions for superparamagnetic interacting clusters, non-interacting beads and ferromagnetic contiguous or codebar nanowires are presented. The influence of both carrier size and transition toward the nanoscale regime on the trappability of some magnetic nanocarriers is evaluated in terms of finite-length Navier boundary conditions and applied in order to compare the motion of superparamagnetic beads and ferromagnetic nanowires in conventional continuous-flow magnetic confinement devices.
Search Middleware and the Simple Digital Library Interoperability Protocol

We describe our Simple Digital Library Interoperability Protocol (SDLIP), which allows clients to query information sources in a uniform syntax. The protocol was developed in a collaboration between Stanford, the Universities of California at Berkeley, and Santa Barbara, the San Diego Supercomputer Center, and the California Digital Library. In addition to introducing the protocol, we describe several of our design choices, and compare them with the choices made in other search middleware approaches. The protocol allows for both stateful and stateless operation, supports multiple query languages, and defines a simple XML-based return format. A default query language that is included in SDLIP follows the evolving IETF DASL 'basicsearch'. This is an XML-encoded language reminiscent of SQL, but adjusted for use in full-text environments. SDLIP can be used with CORBA or HTTP.
Pulsed photoacoustic spectrometry for selective determination of sorbed and dissolved praseodymium species

Abstract Pulsed photoacoustic spectroscopy is used to monitor the adsorption of praseodymium at a montmorillonite clay surface in situ. Observation of the photoacoustic transient response shows that the signals from solid and solution are temporally resolved, allowing spectra of praseodymium in solution and on the clay surface to be obtained.
Raman studies of nucleic acids. VII. Poly A-poly U and poly G-poly C.

Laser-excited Raman spectra of the double-helical complexes poly A·poly U and poly G·poly C are reported for 2H2O and H2O solutions. The spectra are discussed in relation to their use as quantitative reference spectra for determining the dependence of the Raman scattering of RNA on secondary structure. The Raman line at 815 cm−1, due to the phosphodiester group, exhibits the same intrinsic intensity in spectra of poly A·poly U and poly G·poly C and is thus dependent only upon the amount of ordering of the helix and not on the kinds of nucleotides involved. The hypochromic Raman lines in spectra of poly A·poly U are identified and their intensity changes are determined quantitatively over the temperature range 32–85°C. Comparison of the spectra in the 1500–1750 cm−1 region reveals that the Raman lines from carbonyl group vibrations of uracil are about sevenfold more intense than those of guanine and cytosine for both paired and unpaired states and will thus dominate the spectra of RNA. The Raman frequencies in this region are also compared with previously reported infrared frequencies and give evidence of being strongly perturbed by base-stacking interactions in the helices.
Separate domains in GCN1 for binding protein kinase GCN2 and ribosomes are required for GCN2 activation in amino acid‐starved cells

GCN2 stimulates GCN4 translation in amino acid-starved cells by phosphorylating the alpha-subunit of translation initiation factor 2. GCN2 function in vivo requires the GCN1/GCN20 complex, which binds to the N-terminal domain of GCN2. A C-terminal segment of GCN1 (residues 2052-2428) was found to be necessary and sufficient for binding GCN2 in vivo and in vitro. Overexpression of this fragment in wild-type cells impaired association of GCN2 with native GCN1 and had a dominant Gcn(-) phenotype, dependent on Arg2259 in the GCN1 fragment. Substitution of Arg2259 with Ala in full-length GCN1 abolished complex formation with native GCN2 and destroyed GCN1 regulatory function. Consistently, the Gcn(-) phenotype of gcn1-R2259A, but not that of gcn1Delta, was suppressed by overexpressing GCN2. These findings prove that GCN2 binding to the C-terminal domain of GCN1, dependent on Arg2259, is required for high level GCN2 function in vivo. GCN1 expression conferred sensitivity to paromomycin in a manner dependent on its ribosome binding domain, supporting the idea that GCN1 binds near the ribosomal acceptor site to promote GCN2 activation by uncharged tRNA.
Numerical analysis of rarefied slit flows. II - Navier-Stokes simulations

The model problem of pressure-driven flow of a rarefied monatomic gas through a two-dimensional slit is analyzed via full Navier-Stokes numerical simulation. Parametric solutions are generated for slit-height based Knudsen number ranging from continuum to transitional flow and for reservoir pressure ratios leading to subsonic and supersonic flow. The change in the structure of the flowfield near the slit as a function of pressure ratio and Knudsen number are quantified from a purely continuum standpoint. The choice of numerical domain size, boundary conditions and treatment of the slit are also discussed. As expected, comparison with a Direct Simulation Monte Carlo solution for a highly rarefied case shows large differences in the predicted mass flow. The cause of these differences can be quantified through detailed comparison of the local flowfield properties. For the larger pressure ratio cases qualitative trends with increasing rarefaction are discussed, including the change in the sonic line shape in the slit and the in total mass flow.
Reversible Photo-oxidation of a Cytochrome Pigment in Photosynthesizing Rhodospirillum rubrum

THE investigation reported here is a continuation of experiments1 on reversible changes in light absorption in purple bacteria induced by irradiation. It presents evidence which indicates that, in living bacteria in the absence of oxygen and in the presence of substrate, a cytochrome pigment is oxidized by illumination and is reduced in the dark. The bacteria used were vigorously growing, one or two days old, Rhodospirillum rubrum, strains 1 and 4. The growth medium for strain 1 was tap-water containing 1 per cent peptone, and for strain 4 tap-water with 1 per cent peptone and 0.5 per cent sodium chloride.
Symptoms and their impact on nutrition.

Objectives : To provide assessment guidelines and management strategies for symptoms affecting nutritional status in patients with cancer. Data Sources : Published articles, book chapters, and research reports. Conclusions : Patients with cancer experience a variety of symptoms that affect their nutritional status. It is possible to reduce the impact of these symptoms on the nutritional status of the patient through effective symptom management strategies, nutritional assessments, and interventions. Implications for Nursing Practice : The nutritional status of cancer patients can be supported by anticipating and managing disease-and treatment-related symptoms. Nurses contribute actively to the achievement of positive patient outcomes when they manage symptoms in a manner that enhances nutrition.
Public policy and human service institutions

This paper discusses reasons for the apparent lack of interest by both the policy sciences and psychology in human service institutions and provides examples of the relationships between policy and politics and policy and economics in human service institutions. It suggests that two basic assumptions, labeled the professionalism myth and the individualism myth, have been major contributors to this state of affairs. Both the neglect given these institutions and the failure to examine the universe of alternatives in policy formulation are emphasized. Finally, the paper raises the question: Where has psychology been?
CHARACTERIZATION OF BILIARY CONJUGATES OF 4,4'-METHYLENEDIANILINE IN MALE VERSUS FEMALE RATS

4,4'-Methylenedianiline (4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane; DAPM) is an aromatic diamine used in the production of numerous polyurethane foams and epoxy resins. Previous studies in rats revealed that DAPM initially injures biliary epithelial cells of the liver, that the toxicity is greater in female than in male rats, and that the toxic metabolites of DAPM are excreted into bile. Since male and female rats exhibit differences in the expression of both phase I and phase II enzymes, our hypothesis was that female rats either metabolize DAPM to more toxic metabolites or have a decreased capacity to conjugate metabolites to less toxic intermediates. Our objective was thus to isolate, characterize, and quantify DAPM metabolites excreted into bile in both male and female bile duct-cannulated Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were gavaged with [{sup 14}C]-DAPM, and the collected bile was subjected to reversed-phase HPLC with radioisotope detection. Peaks eluting from HPLC were collected and analyzed using electrospray MS and NMR spectroscopy. HPLC analysis indicated numerous metabolites in both sexes, but male rats excreted greater amounts of glutathione and glucuronide conjugates than females. Electrospray MS and NMR spectra of HPLC fractions revealed that the most prominent metabolite found in bile of both sexes was a glutathione conjugatemore » of an imine metabolite of a 4'-nitroso-DAPM. Seven other metabolites were identified, including acetylated, cysteinyl-glycine, glutamyl-cysteine, glycine, and glucuronide conjugates. While our prior studies demonstrated increased covalent binding of DAPM in the liver and bile of female compared to male rats, in these studies, SDS-PAGE with autoradiography revealed 4-5 radiolabeled protein bands in the bile of rats treated with [{sup 14}C]-DAPM. In addition, these bands were much more prominent in female than in male rats. These studies thus suggest that a plausible mechanism for the increased sensitivity of female rats to DAPM toxicity may be decreased conjugation of reactive DAPM metabolites, leading to greater levels of protein adduct formation.« less
Hong Kong Airport Core Programme

Abstract This case focuses on project cost and schedule control issues in an international setting. Two sets of budgets are prepared using alternative assumptions about the rates at which costs are incurred and work progresses on long-term projects. The case emphasizes that there is no single ‘correct’ set of assumptions. Actual costs accumulated and work completed on one component of the Hong Kong Airport Core Programme are compared to these budgets to demonstrate the effects that alternative budgeting assumptions have on the analysis of performance gaps. The case assumes knowledge of basic cost accounting and flexible budgeting. Additionally, a satisfactory understanding of statistical functions is necessary. This case is most appropriate for advanced cost accounting and MBA classes.
Falsifiability and the Semantic Eliminability of Theoretical Languages

Scientific theories typically contain quantities or parameters whose values cannot be determined directly from experience. In some cases, e.g., when the quantities are explicitly definable in the theory, a unique value for each can be inferred from a set of values for directly measurable quantities. This is a statement of Beth's theorem that a quantity is explicity definable if and only if it is implicitly definable, i.e., if and only if every model of the set of consequences of the theory in the observation language has a unique expansion' to a model of the theory. But usually such definitions are lacking. For example, mass ratios are not kinematically definable in classical mechanics, since for any body in inertial motion, any assignment of mass is consistent with the theory. Simon [1959] introduced the weaker notion of 'almost everywhere definability' to capture the idea that, for example, in classical mechanics mass ratios are usually uniquely determinable. Still other concepts of definability, such as partial and conditional definability, have been developed (see, e.g., Chang and Keisler [1973], Chapter 5.3, and Tuomela [19731). A kind of converse question to ask about the formal structure of a theory is whether every model of the set of consequences in the observation language has an expansion to a model of the theory. It might seem paradoxical if this were not the case, but it is well known to model theorists that there are pseudo-elementary classes of structures for first order languages that are not
The characteristic functions of functions

The characteristic functions of various functions of a real or vector random variable are expressed in terms of the characteristic function of that variable. In the examples there is special emphasis on the stable distributions that have real characteristic functions. Some of the results suggest the practicability of generalizing traditional multivariate analysis beyond the multi-Gaussian model.
Canine brain glucose transporter 3: gene sequence, phylogenetic comparisons and analysis of functional sites.

Abstract There has been a sparsity of various mammalian neuronal glucose transporter 3-encoding sequences ( Glut3 ) available for the purposes of alignment studies. We report here a 2355-bp sequence of canine Glut3 that encodes a deduced protein of 496 amino acids (aa). The full-length canine aa sequence was compared to those of the human, mouse and rat glucose transporter 3 (Glut3), and found to be 88.3, 84.9 and 84.3% identical, respectively. However, while mouse and rat have identical C-termini, the canine and human C-termini share markedly little identity or similarity to one another, or to that of rat/mouse. The canine Glut3 sequence also exhibits 74.5% aa identity with a non-mammalian chicken Glut3 sequence. These differences in the C-termini of Glut3 among the species may result in kinetic or mechanistic differences in the transport of glucose. Computer searches were made for conserved functional motifs, and a brief review of ten sites is provided. This review includes the determination of their locations in two transmembrane (TM) motifs that have been proposed for glucose transporters. The nucleotide (nt) sequence of the 5′-untranslated region ( UTR ) of canine Glut3 was aligned with the comparable human Glut3 region and was shown to be 70% identical over a region of 129 nt just prior to the ATG start codons. A similar comparison of the 3′-UTR shows 74% identity over 350 nt immediately following the stop codons. An adenosine-uridine-binding factor (AUBF) region, which has been identified as a region of importance in mRNA stabilization, is conserved in the 3′-UTR of both canine and human Glut3 . The conservation in the UTR suggests that Glut3 may be post-transcriptionally regulated.
The development of sexual dimorphism in the bony pelvis of the squirrel monkey

Bony pelves of mature squirrel monkeys are sexually dimorphic. They can be sexed confidently using the ratio of pubis length divided by ischium length, together with a measure of the relative width of the superior pubic ramus. Pelves of immature squirrel monkeys are not sexually dimorphic. Pelves of immature monkeys of both sexes resemble pelves of mature males morphologically. Sexual dimorphism in the pelves of squirrel monkeys is the result of female pelves acquiring morphological features at puberty which differentiate them from mature male pelves and from immature pelves of both sexes, and is not the result of male pelves being altered from immature pelves of the female type as reported for mice and rats.
The utilization of rare blood donors

When transfusion is needed for a patient with a rare blood type and the corresponding antibody, it can be challenging and lead to delays in transfusion. Sometimes, the blood cannot be found. Globally, the community of rare donor facilities is extremely collaborative and is quickly engaged in locating and delivering blood to the patients in need of rare blood types. Identifying the rare donor is a resource-intensive activity in every country especially in times of shrinking human and reagent resources. This paper will discuss the process flow for obtaining blood for patient's requiring rare types and the critical steps for each facility in the supply chain. The local facility plays a vital role in the knowledge of patient need and interaction with the patient's physician. The national facility that coordinates obtaining rare blood internationally also plays a vital role. The International Blood Group Reference Laboratory in Bristol as one of its roles, maintains the International Rare Donor Panel and also plays a vital role. These three roles hold the responsibility for collaboration to identify and obtain blood for patients in need. While there are differences in each country's definition of rare blood types, all are in agreement to assist when a country needs blood products. The International Society Blood Transfusion working party for rare donors plays a critical, collaborative role in developing processes between countries to further rare blood transfers between countries and providing expertise when needed. Outcome data are difficult to obtain, therefore success and ultimate improvement is a challenge. This challenge is one that the needs to be met to improve patient outcomes in cases where rare blood is needed throughout the world.
Historical Performance of Shipyards in the United States: A Dynamic Shift-Share Analysis

We analyse the competitive performance of yards within the U.S. shipbuilding industry based on historical order book data. The large U.S. yards that survived the recent industry contraction have done so by achieving a good product mix and remaining competitive in the quest for military contracts. Yards that did not position themselves well in terms of product mix, or failed to succeed in the competition for military contracts, have reduced operations or shut down entirely.
Hormonal signaling in cnidarians : do we understand the pathways well enough to know whether they are being disrupted?

Cnidarians occupy a key evolutionary position as basal metazoans and are ecologically important as predators, prey and structure-builders. Bioregulatory molecules (e.g., amines, peptides and steroids) have been identified in cnidarians, but cnidarian signaling pathways remain poorly characterized. Cnidarians, especially hydras, are regularly used in toxicity testing, but few studies have used cnidarians in explicit testing for signal disruption. Sublethal endpoints developed in cnidarians include budding, regeneration, gametogenesis, mucus production and larval metamorphosis. Cnidarian genomic databases, microarrays and other molecular tools are increasingly facilitating mechanistic investigation of signaling pathways and signal disruption. Elucidation of cnidarian signaling processes in a comparative context can provide insight into the evolution and diversification of metazoan bioregulation. Characterizing signaling and signal disruption in cnidarians may also provide unique opportunities for evaluating risk to valuable marine resources, such as coral reefs.
Identification of a Cellular Repressor of Transcription of the Adenoviral Late IVa2 Gene That Is Unaltered in Activity in Infected Cells

Abstract The gene encoding the adenovirus type 2 IVa 2 protein, a sequence-specific activator of transcription from the viral major late promoter, is itself transcribed only during the late phase of infection. We previously identified a cellular protein (IVa 2 -RF) that binds specifically to an intragenic sequence of the IVa 2 transcription unit. We now report that precise substitutions within the IVa 2 -RF-binding site that decreased binding affinity increased the efficiency of IVa 2 transcription in in vitro reactions containing IVa 2 -RF. Consistent with the conclusion that this cellular protein represses IVa 2 transcription, mutations that led to more efficient transcription in the presence of IVa 2 -RF were without effect in reactions lacking this cellular protein. No change in the concentration or activity of IVa 2 -RF could be detected in adenovirus-infected cells during the period in which the IVa 2 gene is transcribed. We therefore propose that restriction of IVa 2 transcription to the late phase is the result of titration of this cellular repressor as the number of copies of the IVa 2 promoter increases upon replication of the viral genome.
Unraveling phytoplankton optical variability in the Gulf of Maine during the spring and fall transition period

Abstract The hydrographic and optical properties in the Gulf of Maine (GOM) are controlled by an array of forces operating on local scales such as the distributed river system to global such as the North Atlantic Oscillation. Regional hydrographic and bulk optical relationships, however, are not always in concert revealing that variable forcing mechanisms operate separately on different water column characteristics leading to a complex set of interrelationships that vary on both vertical and horizontal spatial scales. In this study, we examined hydrographic and bio-optical variability during two seasonal surveys with an emphasis on the influence of regional phytoplankton variability on ocean color. GOM component optical variability suggested that the relatively invariant green ocean color of the GOM is related to the temporal and spatial invariance of the total absorption signal. This invariance, however, masked both variations in the relative magnitudes of the dissolved and particulate optical components (e.g. CDOM, phytoplankton, and non-algal particles) and the optical variations observed within these components. Component absorption variability between provinces of the GOM and between seasonal surveys was distinct with discernible differences. These temporal and regional differences were due in part to particle type and phytoplankton absorption spectral variability. Variability in phytoplankton size-class dominance in both fall and spring implied that phytoplankton size dependencies develop in response to variability in mixing, stratification, and stability which may occur independently within different regions of the GOM. However, depth dependent photoacclimation was not a driving factor indicating that mixing rates exceeded photoacclimation rates during both cruises.
On the *-order for Rickart *-rings

It is shown that a Rickart *-ring forms a pseudo upper semilattice under the *-order and that a Baer *-ring in addition forms a complete lower semilattice.
A one-pass thinning algoruthm and its parallel implementation

Abstract This paper describes a one-pass thinning algorithm that requires only a single cycle of parallel operations per iteration. The major difference between this algorithm and the usual multiple-pass 3 × 3 operators is that it uses two restoring templates (a 1 × 4 and a 4 × 1 operator) to deal with the breakage and disappearance of horizontal and vertical two pixel wide limbs. Connectedness of skeletons has been verified and limitations of the algorithm have been discussed. Results of a comparative study are also presented. In addition, a realization of the thinning algorithm is suggested with processing speed limited only to the propagation delays of logic gates.
Introducing contactless assessment of heart rate variability using high speed video camera

Heart rate variability (HRV) was shown instrumental in assessing the balance of Autonomous Nervous System (ANS). Recent studies demonstrated potential in measuring heart rate using a web cam however existing contactless approaches have limited resolution to satisfy requirements of HRV analysis. In the present article, we propose an approach to measure HRV using contactless methodology based in high-speed camera which addresses this limitation. In this study we estimated precision of contactless estimation of SDNN which is one of the most frequently used HRV parameters. The main goals of this study were (1) to compare between short-term ECG-based standard deviation of RR intervals (SDNN) and short-term image-based standard deviation of RR intervals (iSDNN) (2) to estimate feasibility of using iSDNN as a proxy of SDNN. Correlation analysis in healthy volunteers demonstrated the potential of using iSDDN to estimate SDNN. The results showed a meaningful correspondence between SDNN and iSDNN with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.6 to 1.0. A contactless methodology to monitor ANS balance can be implemented using high speed camera. Based on the initial evaluation the proposed approach has potential for continuous contactless monitoring of stress reactions in a variety of settings. Further assessment of the proposed approach is warranted in larger sample of diverse group of participants.
Outcomes in patients with chest pain evaluated in a chest pain unit: The Chest Pain Evaluation in the Emergency Room study cohort

Background Limited data exist on the long-term outcomes of patients who undergo evaluation in a chest pain unit (CPU). Methods Our study included patients with chest pain at intermediate risk for acute cardiovascular events enrolled in the CHEER study. The primary outcome included a composite of death, myocardial infarction, acute heart failure, stroke, and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The secondary outcome included a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, acute heart failure, stroke, revascularization, and unstable angina. Data were obtained through a medical record review. We compared outcomes between groups randomized to the CPU versus admission, those admitted from the CPU versus dismissed home, and those who were admitted versus dismissed home after a cardiac stress test in the emergency department. Results The final analysis included 407 patients. Median surveillance length was 5.5 years. No differences in the primary outcome or secondary outcome existed between patients randomized to the CPU versus admitted to hospital (21.6% vs 20.2% and 29.9% vs 33.0%, respectively, P > .05 for all comparisons). Patients admitted from the CPU had higher rates of the secondary outcome (adjusted hazard ratio 2.26) than patients dismissed from the CPU. Patients admitted after a cardiac stress test in the CPU had higher rates of the secondary outcome (adjusted hazard ratio 2.42) than patients dismissed from the CPU. Conclusions A CPU does not increase long-term adverse outcomes in patients with chest pain at intermediate risk for an acute event.
The effects of TGF-β1 and IGF-I on the biomechanics and cytoskeleton of single chondrocytes

Summary Objective Ascertaining how mechanical forces and growth factors mediate normal and pathologic processes in single chondrocytes can aid in developing strategies for the repair and replacement of articular cartilage destroyed by injury or disease. This study examined effects of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) on the biomechanics and cytoskeleton of single zonal chondrocytes. Method Superficial and middle/deep bovine articular chondrocytes were seeded on tissue culture treated plastic for 3 and 18h and treated with TGF-β1 (5ng/mL), IGF-I (100ng/mL), or a combination of TGF-β1 (5ng/mL)+IGF-I (100ng/mL). Single chondrocytes from all treatments were individually studied using viscoelastic creep testing and stained with rhodamine phalloidin for the F-actin cytoskeleton. Lastly, real-time RT-PCR was performed for β-actin. Results Creep testing demonstrated that all growth factor treatments stiffened cells. Image analysis of rhodamine phalloidin stained chondrocytes showed that cells from all growth factor groups had significantly higher fluorescence than controls, mirroring creep testing results. Growth factors altered cell morphology, since chondrocytes exposed to growth factors remained more rounded, exhibited greater cell heights, and were less spread. Finally, real-time RT-PCR revealed no significant effect of growth factor exposure on β-actin mRNA abundance. However, β-actin expression varied zonally, suggesting that this gene would be unsuitable as a PCR housekeeping gene. Conclusions These results indicate that TGF-β1 and IGF-I increase F-actin levels in single chondrocytes leading to stiffening of cells; however, there does not appear to be direct transcriptional regulation of unpolymerized β-actin. This suggests that the observed response is most likely due to signaling cross-talk between growth factor receptors and integrin/focal adhesion complexes.
Role of platelets and thrombosis in coronary atherosclerotic disease and sudden death.

During the last decade, significant advances have been made in the understanding of the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerotic disease. Two facts are important: 1) the early and some of the advanced coronary atherosclerotic lesions progress very slowly, probably by means of a complex stepwise biologic process with one of the steps being an interaction between platelets and the arterial wall; the process can be favored by the so-called risk factors of atherosclerotic disease, and 2) some of the advanced coronary atherosclerotic lesions progress very rapidly, probably by means of complicating anatomic events, one of which is related to a thrombogenic process. From a clinical point of view, technologic improvements, such as serial coronary arteriography, reperfu- sion during the acute coronary artery syndromes, postmortem coronary arteriography, and methods for serial histopathologic and histochemical studies, have brought to light the clinical importance of the processes of plaque rupture, dissecting hemorrhage and, most important, thrombosis. These complicated processes appear to be of paramount importance in the pathogenesis of some of the acute coronary syndromes including unstable angina, myocardial infarction and sudden coronary death. Antithrombotic and platelet inhibitor therapy is under investigation and appears promising in some of these patient subsets.
Differential effects of amrinone on contractility and taurine influx in rat and guinea pig hearts

Abstract Amrinone (5-amino-3,4′-bipyridin-6(IH)-one) is a non-glycoside, non-catecholamine, positive inotropic agent with an unknown mechanism of action. In the Langendorff-perfused isolated guinea pig heart, we found that amrinone produced a maximum increase in contractile force of 33% at a concentration of 10 μg/ml (10.7 × 10 −5 M), without change in heart rate. Maximum response occurred within 2 min of initiating perfusion, and increased contractility persisted for several minutes of drug-free washout. Amrinone neither alleviated nor aggravated spontaneous arrhythmias. At the time of maximum inotropic reponse, amrinone produced no change in cyclic AMP levels. In contrast to the guinea pig, the Langendorff-perfused isolated rat heart responded with a decreased contractility when perfused with amrinone. Furthermore, whereas amrinone stimulated the influx of taurine in guinea pig hearts, taurine influx remained unaltered in rat hearts. This is the first of stimulated taurine influx not being associated with an increased in cAMP concentrations. In the guinea pig heart, amrinone increased markedly the half life of exchange of intracellular calcium. It has been suggested that amrinone is positively inotropic because of a direct action on the contractile proteins. On the basis of our observations, we think it more likely to be due to the alterations in calcium flux caused by amrinone.
Purification and characterization of a thermostable α-glucosidase from aBacillus subtilis high-temperature growth transformant

Ap-nitrophenyl-α-d-maltoside-hydrolyzing α-glucosidase was purified and characterized from aBacillus subtilis high-temperature growth transformant (H-17), previously generated by transformation ofBacillus subtilis 25S withBacillus caldolyticus C2 DNA. The enzyme showed endo-oligo-1,4-glucosidase activity owing to its hydrolysis of linear malto-oligosaccharides to maltose and glucose, and pullulan hydrolase activity owing to its hydrolysis of pullulan to glucose, maltose, and (iso)panose. The enzyme was inactive againstp-nitrophenyl-α-d-glucopyranoside, maltose, isomaltose, isomaltotriose, and panose, but slightly hydrolyzed starch. The native structure of the enzyme is a dimer composed of two identical subunits of Mr 55,000. The enzyme had a pI of 4.8, pH optimum of 7.5, was 80% inhibited by 5 mM Tris-HCl, and had a Km value of 1.46 mM for the chromogenic substratep-nitrophenyl-α-d-maltoside. The enzyme showed optimal activity between 65° and 68°C, and retained 100% of initial activity after incubation at 65°C for 1 h. A minimum concentration of 0.02% 2-mercaptoethanol or 0.005 mM EDTA was required for thermostability. These physiochemical characteristics are similar to those for the previously described corresponding enzyme fromB. subtilis 25S, except that the same enzyme from the transformed strain was thermolabile. Amino acid analysis showed higher levels of alanine, glycine, and proline residues in the H-17 enzyme, compared with 25S. This may account for the enhanced thermostability, owing to increased internal hydrophobicity.
The benefit of low‐dose dopamine during vigorous diuresis for congestive heart failure associated with renal insufficiency: Does it protect renal function?

BACKGROUND Low-dose dopamine, a renal vasodilator, has been used empirically to improve renal function or outcome in critically ill patients with oliguria or acute renal failure. HYPOTHESIS This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of low-dose dopamine (2 micrograms/kg/min) as a renal-protective agent during vigorous diuresis for congestive heart failure (CHF) associated with mild or moderate renal insufficiency. METHODS Of 20 study patients (mean age 74.3 +/- 15 years) with severe CHF, 10 (Group A) were randomized to a treatment strategy of intravenous bumetanide (1 mg b.i.d.) alone and another 10 (Group B) to low-dose dopamine and a similar diuretic regimen for a duration of 5 days or less if clinical edema remitted. RESULTS Group B patients showed a significant improvement in renal function and urinary output: serum blood urea nitrogen 48.9 +/- 10.3 to 32.1 +/- 14.4 mg/dl (p < 0.05); serum creatinine 1.97 +/- 0.24 to 1.49 +/- 0.39 mg/dl (p < 0.05); creatinine clearance 35.6 +/- 11.6 to 48.8 +/- 12.3 ml/min (p < 0.05); and indexed urinary output 0.56 +/- 0.16 to 2.02 +/- 0.72 ml/kg/h (p < 0.05). Group A patients showed a significant increase in urinary output but nonsignificant renal functional deterioration. CONCLUSION The renal-protective effect of low-dose dopamine in the setting of CHF and vigorous diuresis is supported by this study.
An architecture for the intelligent detection and alleviation of overloaded transmission lines

Abstract A new control strategy is proposed that offers intelligent solutions to the problem of alleviating overloaded lines. The subsystems used consist of artificial neural networks, a holographic associative memory, and a knowledge based expert system.
Fluorescent constituents of liver lipid extracts.

Perm and Kaplan1 recently reported the preparation of concentrates exhibiting banded fluorescence spectra from acetone extracts of the livers of cancer patients. They have directed attention to the similarity between these spectra and the fluorescence spectrum of methylcholanthrene.
Percutaneous coronary intervention of or through saphenous vein grafts or internal mammary arteries: the impact of stents, adjunctive pharmacology, and multicomponent distal protection.

We hypothesized that the use of stents and aggressive adjunctive pharmacotherapies has been associated with lower rates of complicating myocardial infarction (MI) and improved long-term outcomes compared to either previous balloon-only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or atheroablative intervention for lesions of or through saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) and/or internal mammary arteries (IMAs). PCI of SVG has been complicated by relatively high rates of procedural MI and less favorable long-term outcomes than native vessel PCI, stimulating the development and application of an array of technologies. This study was based on retrospective review of stent-era (1999–2004) 5-year experience of a single center with 95 SVG procedures in 85 patients and 20 IMA procedures in 20 patients. These cases were compared with the previously published experience of one of the operators during the balloon-only period and literature review of the application of multiple technologies to SVG intervention, as well as consideration of the reoperation alternative. There was one in-hospital death each in the SVG cohort (1%) and in the IMA cohort (5%). There were SIX procedural MIs (6%), defined by total CK > normal, and 19 procedural MIs (20%) based on troponin-I > 1.0. Follow-up has been from 4 months to 5 years (average, 2.5 years), with 91% survival and one late CABG in the IMA group. SVG PCI with stents and adjunctive pharmacotherapies is associated with relatively low rates of procedural MI and favorable long-term outcomes. Published 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Estimation of the weighted CTDI∞ for multislice CT examinations

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the variations of CT dose index (CTDI) efficiencies, {epsilon}(CTDI{sub 100})=CTDI{sub 100}/CTDI{sub {infinity}}, with bowtie filters and CT scanner types. Methods: This was an extension of our previous study [Li, Zhang, and Liu, Phys. Med. Biol. 56, 5789-5803 (2011)]. A validated Monte Carlo program was used to calculate {epsilon}(CTDI{sub 100}) on a Siemens Somatom Definition scanner. The {epsilon}(CTDI{sub 100}) dependencies on tube voltages and beam widths were tested in previous studies. The influences of different bowtie filters and CT scanner types were examined in this work. The authors tested the variations of {epsilon}(CTDI{sub 100}) with bowtie filters on the Siemens Definition scanner. The authors also analyzed the published CTDI measurements of four independent studies on five scanners of four models from three manufacturers. Results: On the Siemens Definition scanner, the difference in {epsilon}(CTDI{sub W}) between using the head and body bowtie filters was 2.5% (maximum) in the CT scans of the 32-cm phantom, and 1.7% (maximum) in the CT scans of the 16-cm phantom. Compared with CTDI{sub W}, the weighted CTDI{sub {infinity}} increased by 30.5% (on average) in the 32-cm phantom, and by 20.0% (on average) in the 16-cm phantom. These resultsmore » were approximately the same for 80-140 kV and 1-40 mm beam widths (4.2% maximum deviation). The differences in {epsilon}(CTDI{sub 100}) between the simulations and the direct measurements of four previous studies were 1.3%-5.0% at the center/periphery of the 16-cm/32-cm phantom (on average). Conclusions: Compared with CTDI{sub vol}, the equilibrium dose for large scan lengths is 30.5% higher in the 32-cm phantom, and is 20.0% higher in the 16-cm phantom. The relative increases are practically independent of tube voltages (80-140 kV), beam widths (up to 4 cm), and the CT scanners covered in this study.« less
The Archaic Period in the south-central Andes

Although the Archaic Period of the south-central Andes is not well-known beyond Latin America, there is much of interest in it to archaeologists working with foraging populations. Like the North American Archaic and European Mesolithic, the Archaic in the region is characterized by ethnic differentiation, changes in the scale and frequency of residential mobility, resource intensification and specialization, and population growth. The origin and evolutionary trajectory of these trends are discussed within the context of the development of ecological complementarity, a strategy of land use that exploits the vertically stratified distribution of resources in the Andean environment.
Bond portfolio duration, cash flow dispersion and convexity

Immunization is a well-known fixed-income strategy to lock in a target rate of return over a known investment horizon. This is accomplished by structuring the bonds so that the duration of the portfolio matches the time horizon and then rebalancing the portfolio to maintain the match as time passes and yields change. The structural risk to the strategy can be measured by the cash flow dispersion or by the convexity of the immunizing portfolio. The general relationship between the duration, cash flow dispersion and convexity statistics for any date in the current period is derived in the article. Although both statistics measure the risk, convexity is significantly easier to implement in practice.
Abnormalities of the Mitral Valve in Endocardial Cushion Defects

Absence of the atrioventricular septum and a cleft in the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve is characteristic of almost all anomalies resulting from maldevelopment of the endocardial cushions. These changes produce a specific angiocardiographic picture, characterized in systole by a scalloped right border of the left ventricular outflow tract, with a small lucent notch within it, and in diastole by a gooseneck appearance of the subaortic portion of the ventricle. This appearance is independent of the associated hemodynamic changes or the presence of other lesions. Because the angiocardiogram provides a direct demonstration of the underlying anatomic abnormalities, it is the most sensitive diagnostic method for the recognition of an endocardial cushion defect.
Management of medial epicondylitis inthe throwing athlete

Abstract Medial epicondylitis in the throwing athlete is typically a result of repetitive loading of the flexor pronator massor because of acute overload of the flexor pronator mass. It manifests itself as pain with or after a period of throwing and is typically associated with a more prolonged, frequent, or strenuous regimen. The mechanics in throwing include elbow extension, forearm pronation, and wrist palmar flexion in motion progressed from the acceleration phase to the release phase. The active contraction with forearm pronation and wrist palmar flexion, combined with extension at the elbow, results in an eccentric load being applied to the flexor pronator mass. The additional concern of valgus stress being applied with the throwing mechanism simply exacerbates this mechanical predisposition to overload of the flexor pronator mass.