cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catheterization diastolic pressures correlate with diastolic dyssynchrony in patients with single right ventricles.

Introduction: Diastolic dyssynchrony has correlated with pulmonary capillary wedge pressures in patients with normal cardiac anatomy. No data exist in single right ventricle (sRV) patients. Goal of this study was to determine if diastolic dyssynchrony in sRV patients correlates with ventricular end-diastolic pressures (VEDP). Methods: Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and strain rate (SR) analysis of sRV patients undergoing catheterization were performed. Time interval from onset of QRS to peak TDI e’-wave was obtained. Differences in intervals were calculated: QRS (RV) QRS (IVS) and QRS (RV) QRS (LV). Time interval from onset of QRS to peak strain rate early diastolic wave (SRe) was obtained for the 6 segment model sRV. Standard deviation of the 6 SRe time intervals was calculated. Correlation of VEDP with timing intervals was analyzed. Results: Forty sRV patients were evaluated. Age was 2.8 3.5 years. Catheterization VEDP of the sRV was 9.3 3.9 mmHg (median 8 mmHg range 4–24 mmHg). QRS (RV) QRS (IVS) was 22.3 18.1 msec and QRS (RV) QRS (LV) was 23.7 19.0 msec. SRe standard deviation of the sRV was 61.6 23.9 msec. There was no significant correlation with VEDP and QRS (RV) QRS (IVS) (r = 0.1, P = NS) or with QRS (RV) QRS (LV) (r = 0.2, P = NS). There was a significant correlation of VEDP with the SRe standard deviation value (r = 0.4, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Diastolic dyssynchrony correlated with VEDP in patients with sRV physiology. Future studies are needed to determine the significance of these findings.(Echocardiography 2013;00:1–5)
Taking “computer literacy” literally

Computer literacy implies an analogy between computer-related skills and linguistic literacy that has not been seriously explored. Recent studies of linguistic literacy can illuminate the definition of computer literacy and can suggest new ways of teaching it.
The stability of dissolved inorganic species of iodine in seawater

Abstract An oxidation state diagram was used to study the relative stability of inorganic iodine species in an aqueous system. It is shown that although iodate is the most stable form, iodide may exist as a metastable form in a basic solution. Molecular iodine may undergo disproportionation to form iodide and iodate. Results from laboratory studies suggest that molecular iodine is rapidly taken up by seawater, and hypoiodite is probably formed. Hypoiodite is also unstable in seawater, and may react with organic matter or undergo autodecomposition. Direct reactions between molecular iodine and organic matter were not observed.
Lunar gravity: A mass point model

A point-mass representation of a quasi-global lunar gravity field is developed by processing Apollo 15 and 16 subsatellite and Lunar Orbiter 5 Doppler tracking data. The model is generated by reducing the long-period variations in the mean orbital elements. The model consists of 117 point masses distributed over the region of + or - 30 deg in latitude about the lunar equator and resolves all the previously known 'mascons' on the near side as broad positive-gravity regions. The near-side acceleration map evaluated at 100 km above the lunar surface shows good agreement with line-of-sight acceleration results. The lunar far-side gravity map shows strong broad positive-gravity regions for the highland areas. However, all the major ringed basins are resolved as localized negative anomalies in contrast with the near-side basins. This model does not indicate any evidence for the existence of any mascon-type feature on the lunar far-side.
A comparison of benthic infaunal abundance on two abyssal plains in the northeast Pacific Ocean

Abstract Benthic macro-infauna were sampled in the northeast Pacific Ocean at 12 stations on an east-west transect across Cascadia and Eastern Tufts abyssal plains to determine ecological effects of continental influences and depth on those communities. The two plains, separated by the East Pacific Rise, differ in depth and distance from the continental margin. Tufts Plain lies to the west; primary production in the overlying water and the amount of organic carbon in the surface sediments are lower than for the Cascadia Plain region. Five benthic ecological zones were distinguished: (1) Cascadia Plain Slope-Base; (2) Eastern Cascadia Plain; (3) Cascadia Deep-Sea Channel; (4) Western Cascadia Plain; and (5) Eastern Tufts Plain. These differ in faunal biomass, numerical density, gross composition of the fauna by phyla, and composition of sediment. Comparatively, the slope-base environment supports the most abundant fauna. The numerical density of infauna on Eastern Tufts Plain is similar to that on Eastern and Western Cascadia Plain; however, the biomass tends to be lower in the deeper, more distant environment. It is concluded that these differences in the benthic fauna are probably caused by varying levels of input from primary production in overlying waters and differences in the transport of organic-rich particles off the continental shelf. Distance-related environmental characteristics are shown to be critical in the deep sea for controlling benthic community structure. On Cascadia Abyssal Plain, a plateau-like feature, the gross structure of communities changes with increasing distance from the continent but at constant depth. Faunal densities, biomass, and composition by phyla lie within the range of values normally associated with upper abyssal environments.
Comparing mechanical fetal response during descent, crowning, and restitution among deliveries with and without shoulder dystocia

Objective Previous computer simulations of shoulder dystocia (SD) explored the effect of SD itself on the mechanical response of the fetus. Our objective was to perform a mechanical simulation study to explore the variations in fetal response during routine, unilateral SD (USD), and bilateral SD (BSD) deliveries. Study Design Using a biofidelic birthing simulator, we performed 30 experiments mimicking passage of the fetus through the pelvis. For routine deliveries, we engaged the fetal head and allowed it to progress through cardinal movements using typical uterine contraction forces. Deliveries stopped when the head restituted externally to left occiput anterior (LOA) position. The identical procedure was repeated for USD deliveries, except we obstructed the anterior shoulder on the symphysis pubis; for BSD, the posterior shoulder was also impacted on the sacral promontory. For each delivery we continuously measured head rotation, brachial plexus (BP) stretch and neck extension, selecting peak values for analysis. Maximum rotation, BP stretch, and extension were compared among groups using analysis of variance, with P Results Among routine, USD, and BSD deliveries, mean peak BP stretch varied between 10% and 21%, rotation varied between 70° and 77°, and extension varied between 6% and 18%. Greatest stretch occurred in the posterior BP during descent in non-SD deliveries, whereas anterior BP stretch, rotation, and extension were similar among the 3 types of deliveries. Conclusion Quantifiable mechanical response occurs in routine and SD deliveries. Posterior BP stretch is significantly longer for routine deliveries than either USD or BSD deliveries. By itself, shoulder dystocia does not pose additional risk of brachial plexus stretch over routine deliveries.
Fluorescence-enhanced optical tomography using phase information

Fluorescence-enhanced optical imaging/tomography (FEOI/FEOT) could play an important role in drug discovery and clinical diagnostics. In recent years, improvement in spatial resolution and quantitative biological information has been increasingly promised. Time- and frequency-resolved FEOT has great potential to obtain improved reconstruction information compared with continuous wave (CW) mode due to the acquisition of more measurement information. In this paper, a phase-only FEOT(PO-FEOT) is proposed and evaluated. In PO-FEOT, a finite element-based linear relationship between the unknown fluorophore variables and phase information obtained from time- and frequency-domain boundary measurements is used in FEOT reconstruction. Synthetic data shows that, compared to the amplitude and phase-based reconstruction, the reconstruction time cost is remarkably reduced when phase is used alone. The reconstructed results show that PO-FEOT with high frequency information can acquire preferable reconstruction quality.
ALTERNATIVE USES OF DEXTRANOMER/HYALURONIC ACID COPOLYMER: THE EFFICACY OF BLADDER NECK INJECTION FOR URINARY INCONTINENCE

ABSTRACT Purpose: Urinary continence in children with neuropathic bladder and other urological disorders depends on a bladder with adequate low pressure storage capacity and a competent outlet. Various procedures are performed with the goal of achieving continence in these patients. Recently, dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Dx/H) has been introduced for the correction of vesicoureteral reflux. We evaluated the efficacy of submucosal bladder neck (BN) injection of Dx/H for urethral incontinence in children. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed continence status after Dx/H injection into the BN for incontinence. Parameters examined include gender, underlying disease, prior BN surgery and means of emptying the bladder. Continence was described by the patients and/or their parents as unchanged (no change in requirements for diapers or pads), improved (longer dry intervals or requiring fewer pads/diapers) or dry (requiring no pads and dry in underwear). Results: A total of 6 males and 10 females underwent injections for treatment of incontinence. Mean followup was 9.5 months (range 3 to 24). Volumes injected ranged from 0.8 to 4.4 ml (mean 1.88). Of the patients 3 achieved dryness after injection, all of whom had catheterizable urinary stomas and two-thirds had undergone bladder augmentations. All 5 patients who improved had undergone augmentation and had catheterizable channels. No improvement was seen in 8 patients. Conclusions: Injection at the BN is well tolerated and relatively easy to perform. Success rates may be better in females and in patients with neuropathic incontinence. Despite limited success it remains an option for all patients who are poor surgical candidates and those who want to avoid extensive BN reconstruction.
Fracture geometry and vertical migration in multilayered formations from inclined wells

Knowledge of the near-well fracture geometry and the connection with the ultimate fracture propagation are of great importance to hydraulic fracture design. This is particularly true in high-permeability reservoirs where the connectivity between the well and the fracture has been viewed as a critical element to the success of the well stimulation. In addition to the fracture geometry difficulties, fracture height migration, that is the vertical fracture growth outside of the target interval is, invariably, an undesirable occurrence (unless the fracture is designed to penetrate a multi-layered formation.) When the fracture propagates through adjoining-to-the-target layers, there arises an impending danger of proppana screen-out leading to excessive pressurization and subsequent te mination of the process. Therefore, it is essential to control and contain a hydraulic fracture within its target layer and to minimize geometry complexities in the near-well zone. Because inclined wells are drilled frequently in the petroleum industry, this work aims at developing a model for predicting fracture migration heights and the crack paths in multi-layered formations penetrated by such wells. The dependence of fracture initiation conditions on well inclination and mechanical properties are used to predict the migration of fracture height into adjacent layers using fracture mechanics models. The model predictions can be used beneficially in planning hydraulic fractures and in anticipating fracture geometry, thus, providing drilling trajectory guidelines. By controlling the fracturing fluid pressure gradient it is possible to affect the fracture geometry. A multi-layer approximation approach is presented to provide a formulation of the inclined well problem. The effects of well inclination and stress contrast on fracture height migration are studied and guidelines are offered on the desired well trajectories in view of property contrasts among layers for acceptable fracture geometries.
Penny-shaped interface crack between an elastic layer and a half space☆

The axially symmetric elastostatic problem for a layer bonded to a half space with different material properties is considered. It is assumed that the bi-material interface contains a penny-shaped crack the surfaces of which are subjected to known tractions. The solution of the problem is reduced to that of a system of singular integral equations of the second kind. A numerical example for an aluminum-epoxy material combination is given. The stress intensity factors and the strain energy release rate are calculated and are given as functions of layer thickness-to-crack radius ratio.
Generation mechanism of tsunamis from the 1883 Krakatau Eruption

The 1883 eruption of Krakatau generated a destructive tsunami which claimed about 34,000 lives. We compute the generation and propagation of tsunamis from three models previously proposed. They are 1) large-scale caldera collapse of the northern part of Krakatau Island; 2) emplacement of pyroclastic flow deposits; 3) submarine explosion. We numerically solve the non-linear shallow water equations on actual bathymetry. All three models displace the same volume (11.5 km 3) of water in different ways. We compare the results of our computation with the observed tsunami waveforms at Batavia and tsunami wave heights along the coasts of Java and Sumatra. The comparison shows that the submarine explosion model of 1 to 5 min duration best explains the generation of the largest tsunami.
The use, benefits, and costs of cholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer's dementia in long-term care: are the data relevant and available?

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive dementia that affects memory and other cognitive domains, and that is often associated with behavioral and functional problems. The most common dementing disorder, AD affects an estimated 4 million people in the United States. Approximately 6% to 8% of all persons older than 65 years have AD, and the prevalence of the disease nearly doubles every 5 years after the age of 60 such that over 40% of all persons older than 85 years could have AD. As the population ages, epidemiologists predict there will be 14 million persons with AD by the year 2040. The economic costs associated with AD are high, and nursing home expenses account for a significant portion of AD costs. Estimates of the cost to society of AD indicate that annual direct and indirect costs could be as high as $100 billion, making AD third after cancer and coronary heart disease in terms of total costs to society. Dementia is one of the most common diagnoses in nursing homes because it could occur in over 50% of these patients. Institutionalized patients with AD tend to have more comorbidities, more functional deficits, and more behavioral problems than community-dwelling patients with AD. In the first part of this article, we provide an overview of the evidence for the clinical benefits of cholinesterase inhibitor therapy in the general population of patients with AD across cognitive, behavioral, and functional domains. In the second part, we provide an overview of economic studies, with an emphasis on the relevance and applicability to longterm care. We examine the efficacy of the three main currently used cholinesterase inhibitors: donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine.
Modeling Alkaline Silicate Solutions at 25 °C

A thermodynamic model is developed to describe silicate behavior in solutions containing high concentrations of both NaOH and NaNO3. Experimental solubility data in such solutions are also presented. The model itself applies Pitzer's ion-interaction approach and involves several aqueous polymeric species. Model predictions compare well with a variety of experimental datasolubilities, NMR results, and pH measurements.
Changes in morphology and transport characteristics of polysulfone membranes prepared by different demixing conditions

Abstract A polymer solution film, which is cast from a homogeneous polysulfone (PS) solution (15 wt%) in dimethylformamide (DMF), demixes by liquid-liquid phase separation due to nucleation of polymer-poor phase with sorption of water vapor from atmosphere. The separated two liquid phases continue to grow until the polymer-rich phase solidifies. However, the polymer-rich phase in the liquid-liquid phase-separated solution can demix again before precipitation of the phase. The demixing of the polymer-rich phase on the top layer of the film is induced by kinetically fast demixing conditions, such as rapid mass transfer between nonsolvent (water) and solvent (DMF) in a nonsolvent bath. Morphology of solidified membranes shows that when a membrane structure is established by water vapor sorption alone, the liquid-liquid phase separated solution film forms closed cell-like structures in a whole cross section including surface region and has round pores on the top surface. Even though pore sizes on the surface of the membrane are more than 1 μm, those pores do not work as active pores for membrane performance. A skin structure of a membrane precipitated by fast or instantaneous demixing in a water bath includes nodules or polymer aggregates which can be distinguished from the cell-like structures formed by the liquid-liquid phase separation due to nucleation of the polymer-poor phase. The membrane including nodules in the skin region has higher surface area and broader pore size distribution than the membrane which consists of the cell-like structures. The crack-like pores on the surface of the former contribute to the permeation characteristics of the membrane.
Identifying and Assessing Community-based Social Behavior of Adolescents and Young Adults with EBD:

Adolescents and young adults (ages 15 to 25) with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) experience difficulties living in society in large part because of social skill deficits in interacting with peers and adults. Our research first identified and described community-based social behaviors for persons with EBD by following the behavioral analytic model, then used this information to develop measures of these behaviors. Three measures were developed: male and female forms of the Test of Community-based Social Skill Knowledge (TCSK), the Scale of Community-based Social Skill Performance (CBSP), and Behaviors That Are Undesirable for Living and Leisure in Society (BULLIS). In the TCSK, the young person is presented with a number of social interactions between peers or adults and four alternative responses of varying effectiveness to each interaction. The young person then states which alternative is most like what he or she would do if involved in such a situation. The CBSP is a behavior-rating scale com...
Power SiC DMOSFET Model Accounting for Nonuniform Current Distribution in JFET Region

The main goal of this paper is development of a new circuit-based silicon carbide (SiC) DMOSFET model which physically represents the mechanism of current saturation in power SiC DMOSFET. Finite-element simulations show that current saturation for a typical device geometry is due to 2-D carrier distribution effects in the JFET region caused by current spreading from the channel to the JFET region. For high drain-source voltages, most of the voltage drop occurs in the current spreading region located in the JFET region close to the channel. A new model is proposed that represents the nonuniform current distribution in the JFET region using a nonlinear voltage source and a resistance network. Advantages of the proposed model are that a single set of equations describes operation in both the linear and saturation regions, and that it provides a more physical description of MOSFET operation.
T-cell priming by dendritic cells in lymph nodes occurs in three distinct phases

Primary T-cell responses in lymph nodes (LNs) require contact-dependent information exchange between T cells and dendritic cells (DCs). Because lymphocytes continually enter and leave normal LNs, the resident lymphocyte pool is composed of non-synchronized cells with different dwell times that display heterogeneous behaviour in mouse LNs in vitro. Here we employ two-photon microscopy in vivo to study antigen-presenting DCs and naive T cells whose dwell time in LNs was synchronized. During the first 8 h after entering from the blood, T cells underwent multiple short encounters with DCs, progressively decreased their motility, and upregulated activation markers. During the subsequent 12 h T cells formed long-lasting stable conjugates with DCs and began to secrete interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma. On the second day, coinciding with the onset of proliferation, T cells resumed their rapid migration and short DC contacts. Thus, T-cell priming by DCs occurs in three successive stages: transient serial encounters during the first activation phase are followed by a second phase of stable contacts culminating in cytokine production, which makes a transition into a third phase of high motility and rapid proliferation.
Hormones in seminal plasma.

Testosterone and prolactin play an important but unclear role in the process of spermatogenesis. Peripheral levels of these hormones are usually normal in infertile patients even when the characteristics of the sperm are subnormal. This study was conducted to evaluate the possible relationship between sperm quality and seminal content of testosterone and prolactin in 70 men. Men with normal semen analysis had venous blood levels of testosterone and prolactin that were not different from those seen in men with abnormal semen analysis while seminal concentration of testosterone was higher in the latter group of men. Testosterone concentration in semen from the 70 men investigated was 69 ± 4 ng/100 ml, and in venous blood 487 ± 20 ng/100 ml. However, in blood, one-third of this steroid was bound to testosterone binding globulin (TeBG), while no TeBG bound fraction of testosterone was found in seminal fluid. There was a direct correlation between the venous and seminal levels of these two hormones.
The bacterial protein SipA polymerizes G-actin and mimics muscle nebulin

SipA is a Salmonella protein delivered into host cells to promote efficient bacterial entry, which is essential for pathogenicity. SipA exerts its function by binding F-actin, resulting in the stabilization of F-actin and the stimulation of the bundling activity of fimbrin. Here we show that under low salt conditions where spontaneous nucleation and polymerization of actin do not occur, SipA induces extensive polymerization. We have used electron microscopy and a method for helical image analysis to visualize the complex of actin with the actin-binding fragment of SipA. The SipA fragment binds to actin as a tubular molecule extending ∼95 A. The main sites of SipA binding on actin involve sequence insertions that are not present in the bacterial homolog of actin, MreB, suggesting a mechanism for preventing SipA from interacting with bacterial MreB filaments. Remarkably, the pattern of SipA binding, which connects subunits on opposite actin strands and explains the stabilization of F-actin, is similar to that shown for a fragment of the giant muscle protein nebulin. We suggest that SipA is a bacterial structural mimic of muscle nebulin and nebulin-like proteins in non-muscle cells that are involved in the regulation of the actin-based cytoskeleton.
The Effect of Different Feed Restriction Programs on Reproductive Performance, Efficiency, Frame Size, and Uniformity in Broiler Breeder Hens

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of feed restriction programs on breeder reproductive performance. In experiment 1, every day (ED), skip-a-day (SK), 4-3, and 5-2 programs were compared. Diets did not differ, and feed intake was identical in all groups. Four hundred twenty pullets were reared on each program. At 21 wk, 80 breeders from each program were individually housed to record performance parameters. Body weight and frame size were larger in ED pullets than SK, 4-3, or 5-2 despite equal intakes. Hens fed ED reached sexual maturity at a younger age than other groups. Hens fed ED also produced more total and settable eggs than SK hens. Egg weight was heavier in 5-2 hens than in ED with 4-3 and SK intermediate. Efficiency of feed utilization was best in ED hens. In experiment 2 the same programs were tested, but pullets were reared to reach equal BW. One hundred seventy-five pullets were reared on each program, of which 60 were housed. Feed intake was greater for SK, 4-3, and 5-2 than ED pullets to reach the same BW. Frame size did not differ, indicating that BW was the cause of differences in experiment 1. In experiment 2, differences in performance were attenuated but not eliminated by feeding to reach equal BW, suggesting that metabolic factors aside from BW are altered by feeding programs. The 5-2 produced larger eggs than ED with the trend among programs being identical to that in experiment 1. These results suggest that metabolic changes such as increased lipogenesis or alterations in body composition may result in larger eggs in feeding programs that include off-feed days. Mortality, fertility, and hatchability were not affected by feeding programs in either experiment. Body composition analysis indicated the importance of total lean protein mass as a threshold for the onset of sexual maturity. Programs like SK are less efficient than ED and may result in reduced performance.
Evaluation of the prostate peripheral zone/capsule in patients undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy: Defining risk with prostate capsule sparing cystectomy

Objectives: Prostate capsule sparing cystectomy has been performed in conjunction with orthotopic diversion to preserve sexual function and improve urinary control. Because concerns remain regarding incomplete surgical resection, we evaluated the risk of urothelial and prostate cancer in a series of patients undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy. Methods: A total of 35 men undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy (August 2003‐August 2005) had separate submission of the prostate peripheral zone/capsule from the prostate adenoma and bladder after surgery. These specimens were evaluated for bladder and prostate cancer grade, stage, and largest diameter of prostate cancer. Patient records were reviewed for demographic and medical information. Clinical variables were compared between patients with and without carcinoma involving the prostate using standard statistical software. Results: Of patients, 57% had cancer involving the prostate at radical cystoprostatectomy. There were 9 patients (26%) who had urothelial carcinoma involving the prostate; only prostatic urethral biopsy identified these patients before radical cystoprostatectomy. Prostate adenocarcinoma was evident in 16 of 35 (47%) patients, with a majority involving the prostate peripheral zone/capsule (43%). There were 4 patients (11%) who had clinically significant prostate cancer (Gleason sum 6 or tumor volume 0.5 cm 3 ). Patients with prostate cancer were significantly older than patients without prostate cancer (P 0.01). Conclusions: No clinical variable can confidently predict patients with prostate cancer involving the prostate. Because a majority of patients undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy have cancer involving their prostate, preoperative evaluation with prostatic urethral and prostate biopsy may be useful to guide patient selection for prostate capsule sparing cystectomy. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Anosmia and nasal sinus disease

Smell loss associated with nasal sinus disease can be a frustrating condition for patients and their physicians. A better understanding of the causes and pathophysiology of olfactory dysfunction can provide a framework from which the physician can plan appropriate treatment and counsel patients as to probable outcomes. This article reviews the pathophysiology of smell loss and the diagnostic paradigms and treatment approaches for the more common causes of anosmia.
Core-shell CdSe/ZnS Quantum dots as a dual mode spatiotemporal microscopy probe for understanding cellular responses

Probing the spatiotemporal response of individual intracellular proteins and multi-peptide complexes is essential in understanding the integrated response of cells. Although dynamic information can be captured using optical microscopy, most conventional spatial resolutions are limited to around 200 nm, which is significantly greater than the size of molecules. One mode of microscopy that overcomes this resolution limitation is the electron microscope, which enables in situ protein labeling and allows for single or sub-nanometer resolution to be obtained. Transmission electron microscopy though is limited by the inability to capture dynamic molecular responses. Here, we have demonstrated the ability to use quantum dots for both modes of microscopy through a single labeling technology, which allows both dynamic and high resolution visualization with optical and electron microscopy. We visualized core-shell CdSe/ZnS quantum dots within Dictyostelium discoideum using both microscopy modes through a bacterial nutrient protocol, which enables the quantum dots to enter living cells without the need of an artificial transporter system for assisted internalization. Optical imaging was first used to visualize the spatiotemporal behavior of actin filaments using phalloidin conjugated quantum dots. The same cells were then imaged using a transmission electron microscope to examine the detailed intracellular distribution down to a single nanometer size scale. These results have potential applications in a variety of areas including biophysics, cell motility, cancer metastasis, and cell structure.
Anticoagulant Therapy for Central Nervous System Venous Sinus Thrombosis - A Retrospective Study

Anticoagulant Therapy for Central Nervous System Venous Sinus Thrombosis - A Retrospective Study
High-pressure crystal chemistry of phenakite (Be2SiO4) and bertrandite (Be4Si2O7(OH)2)

Compressibilities and high-pressure crystal structures have been determined by X-ray methods at several pressures for phenakite and bertrandite. Phenakite (hexagonal, space group R\(\bar 3\)) has nearly isotropic compressibility with β=1.60±0.03×10−4 kbar−1 and β=1.45±0.07×10−4 kbar−1. The bulk modulus and its pressure derivative, based on a second-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state, are 2.01±0.08 Mbar and 2±4, respectively. Bertrandite (orthorhombic, space group Cmc21) has anisotropic compression, with β a =3.61±0.08, β b =5.78±0.13 and β c =3.19±0.01 (all ×10−4 kbar−1). The bulk modulus and its pressure derivative are calculated to be 0.70±0.03 Mbar and 5.3±1.5, respectively.
Coupled molecular rotational diffusion and conformational change

Abstract A formalism for calculating the dipolar correlation function of a system whose internal degrees of freedom are described by rotational isomeric states is presented. The molecule is presumed to occupy sites described by orientations on a lattice which diffuses in space. The method is worked through in detail for a two site case with unequal energies.
A laser flash photolysis study of dibenzocycloheptadienylidene

Abstract Laser flash photolysis of diazodibenzocyclohaptadiene gives the title carbene which is readily observed and which reacts by hydrogen abstraction to give the corresponding radical.
Impermanence and Sense of Coherence: Lessons Learned From the Adaptive Behaviors of Sri Lankan Buddhist Nuns With a Chronic Illness.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of traditional Buddhist spiritual beliefs and practices on coping with chronic illness. Design: The study was a descriptive ethnography. Participant observation and semistructured interviews were used with 45 Sri Lankan Buddhist nuns with a chronic illness and 20 secondary informants. Cultural domains and taxonomies were explored to uncover themes pertaining to traditional Buddhist spirituality and experiences of chronic illness. Findings: A repeating cultural theme, responsibility, was identified. Responsibility took four forms: to the Buddha, to the social circle, to self-liberation through meditation, and to finding security in old age. Nuns shaped spiritual practices (some with folk origins) to fulfill these responsibilities. Coping ranged from health-seeking to resigned acceptance. Conclusions: Responsibilities and coping were situated in a context of Buddhist spiritual beliefs about impermanence. Findings were congruent with Antonovsky’...
A TWO-GENE ABC-TYPE TRANSPORT SYSTEM THAT EXTRUDES NA+ IN BACILLUS SUBTILIS IS INDUCED BY ETHANOL OR PROTONOPHORE

Summary A transposition mutant of Bacillus subtilis (designated JC901) that was isolated on the basis of growth inhibition by Na at elevated pH, was deficient in energy-dependent Na extrusion. The capacity of the mutant JC901 for Na -dependent pH homeostasis was unaffected relative to the wild-type strain, as assessed by regulation of cytoplasmic pH after an alkaline shift. The site of transposition was near the 3 -terminal end of a gene, natB, predicted to encode a membrane protein, NatB. NatB possesses six putative membrane-spanning regions at its C-terminus, and exhibits modest sequence similarity to regions of eukaryotic Na+/H+ exchangers. Sequence and Northern blot analyses suggested that natB forms an operon with an upstream gene, natA. The predicted product of natA is a member of the family of ATP-binding proteins that are components of transport systems of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) or traffic ATPase type. Expression of the lacZ gene that was under control of the promoter for natAB indicated that expression of the operon was induced by ethanol and the protonophore carbonylcyanide p-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), and, more modestly, by Na+, and K+, but not by choline or a high concentration of sucrose. Restoration of the natAB genes, cloned in a recombinant plasmid (pJY1), complemented the Na+-sensitive phe-notype of the mutant JC901 at elevated pH and significantly increased the resistance of the mutant to growth inhibition by ethanol and CCCP at pH 7; ethanol was not excluded, however, from the cells expressing natAB, so ethanol-resistance does not result from NatAB-dependent ethanol efflux. Transformation of the mutant with pJY1 did markedly enhance the capacity for Na+
Efficient plane sweeping in parallel

We present techniques which result in improved parallel algorithms for a number of problems whose efficient sequential algorithms use the plane-sweeping paradigm. The problems for which we give improved algorithms include intersection detection, trapezoidal decomposition, triangulation, and planar point location. Our technique can be used to improve on the previous time bound while keeping the space and processor bounds the same, or improve on the previous space bound while keeping the time and processor bounds the same. We also give efficient parallel algorithms for visibility from a point, 3-dimensional maxima, multiple range-counting, and rectilinear segment intersection counting. We never use the AKS sorting network in any of our algorithms.
Perfect and imperfect nucleosome positioning in yeast.

Numerous studies of nucleosome positioning have shown that nucleosomes almost invariably adopt one of several alternative overlapping positions on a short DNA fragment in vitro. We define such a set of overlapping positions as a "position cluster", and the 5S RNA gene positioning sequence is presented as an example. The notable exception is the synthetic 601-sequence, which can position a nucleosome perfectly in vitro, though not in vivo. Many years ago, we demonstrated that nucleosome position clusters are present on the CUP1 and HIS3 genes in native yeast chromatin. Recently, using genome-wide paired-end sequencing of nucleosomes, we have shown that position clusters are the general rule in yeast chromatin, not the exception. We argue that, within a cell population, one of several alternative nucleosomal arrays is formed on each gene. We show how position clusters and alternative arrays can give rise to typical nucleosome occupancy profiles, and that position clusters are disrupted by transcriptional activation. The centromeric nucleosome is a rare example of perfect positioning in vivo. It is, however, a special case, since it contains the centromeric histone H3 variant instead of normal H3. Perfect positioning might be due to centromeric sequence-specific DNA binding proteins. Finally, we point out that the existence of position clusters implies that the putative nucleosome code is degenerate. We suggest that degeneracy might be a crucial point in the debate concerning the code.
Accuracy in the outcomes and assessment information set (OASIS): Results of a video simulation

There is little information regarding the accuracy of the Outcomes and Assessment Information Set (OASIS), the patient assessment tool mandated for use in Medicare-funded home health care. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of OASIS completion by home health nurses and rehabilitation therapists, to compare responses of nurses and therapists, and to determine whether dispersion of answers would affect the home health resource group (HHRG) to which patients were assigned for Medicare home health care payments to agencies. Using a video simulation of admission and discharge visits, 436 clinicians from 29 Ohio home health care agencies scored selected OASIS items. Although the majority of the items were rated accurately, discrepancies were found between clinician responses and the "correct" answer on several items. Nurses and therapists provided similar ratings on most items studied, but for most cases in which discrepancies were found, nurses were more likely to agree with the "correct" answer. Discrepancies most often led to patients being assigned to lower-payment HHRGs. Continued monitoring of OASIS data collection accuracy is recommended to maximize the value of the OASIS instrument in home health care research, practice, and policy.
The Role of Steps and Defects in Electron Stimulated Desorption: Oxygen on Stepped W (110) Surfaces.

In order to examine the role of atomic steps and defects on electron stimulated desorption (ESD) phenomena, we have studied the adsorption of oxygen on a polyhedral tungsten crystal containing a W(110) flat and 4 flats having orientations 6° and 10° off the (110) plane with rows of steps parallel to the [100] and [110] directions. Upon adsorption at 300 K, there is little or no ESD O+ emission from the oxygen-covered (110) plane. In contrast, the stepped surfaces yield intense O+ emission normal to the terraces and in “downstep” directions, as seen using electron stimulated desorption ion angular distributions (ESDIAD). The presence of atomic steps has a major influence on sticking probability, saturation oxygen coverage and the ESDIAD patterns at all adsorption temperatures in the range 100 K to ⪆1400 K. Adsorption at low coordination sites appears to be a key factor in producing high ESD ion yields.
Recrudescence of the thymus and repopulation of lymphocytes during an artificially induced molt in the domestic chicken: proposed model system.

Abstract Thymic recrudescence accompanied by a lymphocytic repopulation was induced in Single Comb White Leghorn (SCWL) hens by an artificially induced molt. Molting induction involved manipulating the photoperiod combined with periods of food and water deprivation. Thymic recrudescence was evidenced by an increase in size and number of thymic lobes and repopulation of cortical lymphocytes. Lymphocytic repopulation occurred only in molting hens, and upon resumption of reproduction, the thymus again regressed. Artificially induced molting is a model system for studying the immunologic, physiologic, and endocrinologic effects of lymphocytic repopulation in the thymus.
Is strain DS5 hydratase a C-10 positional specific enzyme? Identification of bioconversion products from α- and γ-linolenic acids by Flavobacterium sp. DS5

Previously, we reported the isolation of a new microbial strain,Flavobacterium sp. DS5 (NRRL B-14859) which converted oleic and linoleic acids to their corresponding 10-keto- and 10--ydroxy-fatty acids. The hydration enzyme seemed to be specific to the C-10 position. Now we have identified, by GC/MS, NMR, and FTIR, the bioconversion products from α-linolenic acid as 10-hydroxy-12(Z), 15(Z)-octadecadienoic acid and from γ-linolenic acid as 10-hydroxy-6(Z), 12(Z)-octadecadienoic acid. Products from 9(E)-unsaturated fatty acids were also identified as their corresponding 10-hydroxy or 10-keto fatty acids. From these results, it is concluded that strain DS5 hydratase is indeed a C-10 positional-specific enzyme and prefers an 18-carbon mono-unsaturated fatty acid. Among the C18 unsaturated fatty acids, an additional double bond on either side of the C-9 position lowers the enzyme hydration activity.
A perspective on radiosurgery: creativity, elegance, simplicity, and flexibility to change.

adiosurgery is aminimally invasive technique designed by Lars Leksell to deliver a destructive amount of radiation to R intracranial lesions that may be inaccessible or unsuitable for open surgery. Undoubtedly, the experiences of delivering ether anesthesia to neurosurgical patients for Dr. Olivecrona motivated Leksell to develop a techniquewith fewer complications than open surgery. A passage from Leksell’s autobiography proved the idea of a minimally invasive neurosurgical approach as on his mind for some time. At the first Scandinavian neurosurgical meeting held in Oslo, Leksell left the conference room during a less-than-exciting presentation and decided to walk in a garden. While on this walk, Leksell met Sir HughCairns. Leksell confessed to Cairns his doubts concerning the state of neurosurgical techniques available at the time and was convinced that something new had to be developed. He explained his plans to mechanically direct a probe into the brain using perhaps the brain’s own electrical activity and ablate pain pathways. He also mused about the idea of using narrow-beam X-ray or ultrasound as the physical agent and doing away with the probe entirely. His enthusiasm and ideas were given a warm reception by Cairns, and the encouraged young Leksell beganwork that led to the development of an “arc-radius” type stereotactic system. Leksell wrote, “I was born under the sign of the ‘archer’ and looked forward to sharpshoot into the brain” (39).
Under Pressure An Examination of the Predictors of Choking

Choking under pressure refers to situations in which an individual fails to perform at the level that would be expected given their skills. Individuals with higher working memory are more susceptible to choking under pressure than individuals with lower working memory, presumably due to increases in pressure related task-unrelated thoughts (Beilock & Carr, 2005). Increased susceptibility to choking in higher working memory individuals may be due to their use of more resource demanding problem-solving strategies. However, according to the executive attention view of working memory, higher working memory individuals should be less likely to experience task-unrelated thoughts during an effortful task than lower working memory individuals (McVay & Kane, 2009). The current study examined the role of working memory, task-unrelated thoughts, negative evaluative thoughts, state anxiety, and need for cognition on the likelihood to choking under pressure. Sixty undergraduates completed measures of working memory. Participants then completed a novel math task, a pressure manipulation consisting of a possible monetary reward for improved performance, and then a second novel math task. Results suggest higher working memory and higher need for cognition were related to lower likelihood to choke under pressure, while negative task evaluative thoughts and state anxiety were related to higher likelihood to choke.
New concepts for the assessment of concrete slab interfacial effects in pavement design and analysis

For many years, concrete pavement construction, whether new or overlay, has been done with a variety of layer interfaces ranging from strongly cemented having a high degree of shear strength to completely unstabilised having only internal frictional resistance between the individual particles. In this regard, both past and present design methodologies have been limited in their capability to address the bond between the slab and the underlying layers – essentially considering either unbonded or fully bonded conditions for design purposes. However, this limitation ignores a wide range of partially bonded conditions that can exist between these two limits that may consist of a variety of combinations of different levels of friction and adhesion. For most instances of design, unbonded conditions are principally hypothetical where qualification of the amount of adhesive strength and frictional restraint that develops along the interface between the slab and the underlying layer is the key to the characterisat...
A sputter PIG source (SPIGS) for negative ions

Abstract We describe a radial-extraction Sputter PIG Source (SPIGS) which uses cathode sputtering by an argon plus cesium-vapor discharge to produce a wide variety of low-emittance negative-ion beams including metallic ions. With appropriate cathodes we find the following intensities: C − , 3 μA; V − , 0.1 μA; Ni − , 4 μA; Cu − , 8 μA; Nb − , 0.2 μA; and Ta − , 0.2 μA. With the appropriate discharge gas and low-sputtering cathodes SPIGS yields (without Cs addition) the usual negative ions available by dissociative attachment. A comparison between SPIGS and the surface-ionization sputter source UNIS shows SPIGS has better emittance but UNIS has longer operating life and higher beam intensities for light ions.
Circumstantial evidence in support of bivelocity hydrodynamic theory for mixtures

Based upon findings with respect to the viability of the expression j(v)=-rhoD(v)nablav hypothesized to represent the constitutive equation for the diffusive volume flux in ideal binary mixtures (rho=mass density, v=1/rho=specific volume, and D(v)=volume diffusion coefficient), implicit evidence is offered in support of the recently developed theory of bivelocity continuum hydrodynamics for mixtures. Present findings for the case of mixtures add to existing evidence already available for the single-component case, thus supporting the viability of bivelocity hydrodynamic theory in general.
Cortisol suppresses radiation transformation in vitro.

It is reported that 10−7 M cortisol has a significant suppressive effect on radiation-induced transformation in vitro in C3H10T12 cells. Previously reported data showed a significant enhancing effect for similar experiments performed with cortisone. Thus, these two structurally similar glucocorticoid hormones have opposite effects on transformation induced by ionizing radiation.