cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Supersite Approach to Adsorption on Heterogeneous Surfaces

The physical adsorption of a simple gas on a heterogeneous surface is reformulated in terms of a description ofthe adsorbent surface as a collection of supersites of finite sizes. Formal expressions for the thermodynamic properties of an adsorbate on such a surface are given. Computer simulations of the isotherms and local densities of xenon adsorbed on stepped surfaces with several step separations are presented and analyzed in terms of the supersite formulation. It is argued that these surfaces can be divided into two types of supersites: the terraces and the narrow regions of strong adsorption at the bottom of the steps. Local isotherms are evaluated for adsorption on both types of supersites, and the changes in the isotherms with changes in the surface dimensions are discussed. Finally, the intersite interaction between atoms on the terrace and the step supersite is approximately calculated, and the effect of this interaction on the local isotherms is presented. Future prospects for this novel approach to adsorption on a heterogeneous surface are briefly discussed.
Preferred drug lists and Medicaid prescriptions.

Background: When Medicaid preferred drug lists (PDLs) are implemented, they may impose indirect costs on prescribing physicians and Medicaid patients, leading to an unintended reduction in the number of Medicaid prescriptions filled. Objective: To test retrospectively the proposition that PDLs adversely affect the number of Medicaid prescriptions filled. Data and methods: We compared three ‘test’ states (Alabama, Texas, and Virginia) that implemented PDLs with restrictions on the prescription of statins with three ‘control’ states (New Jersey, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania) that did not implement drug access restrictions. We conducted the analysis at the county level and used a differences-in-differences approach that allows for county and time-period fixed effects. Results: We found that PDLs adversely impacted several measures of filled Medicaid prescriptions in the ‘test’ states relative to the ‘control’ states. Conclusion: There are unintended but potentially harmful consequences to cost-focused health policy interventions.
Unequal Error Protection for H.264 Video Using RCPC Codes and Hierarchical QAM

Compressed video data is very sensitive to channel-induced errors and network losses. Most conventional unequal error protection techniques involve forward error correction codes of different rates or asymmetric signal constellations for data of different priorities. It is yet unknown if combining the above two techniques can further improve performance. In this paper, we investigate rate-compatible punctured convolutional (RCPC) codes concatenated with hierarchical QAM for H.264 encoded video sequences. We investigate system constraints and propose an optimization formulation to compute the optimal parameters of the proposed system under the given source significance information. An upper bound to the bit error rate of the proposed system is derived as a function of system parameters, including the code rate and geometry of the constellation. The example shown demonstrates system design for H.264 video, where PSNR improvement is observed.
Integrating market, technology, and policy opportunities in e-business strategy

Abstract This article is a call to arms for electronic business managers and researchers to increase their attention to the emerging “policy” frontiers and employ theories and methods integrating policy with market and technology issues. The e-business environment is growing more complex—not just economically, but socially, politically, and legally—and firms must manage this complexity with strategies that match the amount and variety of complexity in their environment. In many e-business firms, there is a notable disdain toward emerging policy developments or even a mind set that e-business is beyond emerging social conventions, politics and the law (or at least beyond the reach of regulators). In the emerging global policy landscape, few firms can afford this hands-off attitude toward policy and maintain their chance of survival. E-business firms must integrate their policy strategies with their technology and market strategies. We outline five broad questions for researchers to help e-business firms address the interdependent challenges of market, technology and policy environments.
Snapback by Hot Filament

A simulation procedure using the conventional thermal-electric finite element method for the phase change memory has been developed. By introducing a defect on the amorphous chalcogenide of a reset phase change memory, the snapback by hot filament due to thermal runaway has been investigated by the numerical simulations with three-dimensional model.
The Art of Staffing in Labor and Delivery: A Tool to Quantify Staffing Demands

Professional Issues Poster Presentation Purpose for the Program In large and small labor and delivery (L&D) units nationwide staffing for patient needs can be overwhelming. Though those on the units know they are busy, there has been very little proof to relay to administration and leadership peers just how busy the unit can become or how quickly patient acuity fluctuates with little predictability. The WIDOC tool was developed as an L&D acuity tracking tool that quantifies the staffing pressure felt in all L&D units. Through use of this tool to track acuity (patient flow and adequacy of staffing) a platform is created for developing a common ground in communicating the needs of the unit to administration. Proposed Change Each L&D unit strives to not only provide safe and quality care to our patient population, but also provide exceptional delivery experiences for our growing families. We are challenged with finding ways to adequately staff for these events without having patients feel like nursing staff did not have adequate time to provide the needed care and desired experiences. The implementation of use of the WIDOC tool allows the L&D units to track patient acuity, patient flow, and adequacy of staffing. In addition, staff, fellow leaders and administration need to receive education to understand the tool, what it measures, and what they can do to provide support to the L&D unit in times of need. Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation The WIDOC tool was originally developed to simply track acuity on a busy L&D unit. After data collection using the first version and input from staff using the tool, it was expanded to include the element of patient flow to more accurately capture the true state of the unit. We are currently in the process of validating the tool and collecting data following the WIDOC tool revision. In early 2013, we will evaluate if all information needed to safely staff the unit is included in the WIDOC tool. Implications for Nursing Practice The WIDOC tool gives charge nurses a communication tool to help those outside of L&D understand the current state of the unit and helps leaders and administrators understand measures they can take to assist in turbulent environments. In addition, it gives the charge nurse a toll that can be used to predict what the unit acuity will look like at a specified time to be proactive in summoning help as needed. It also has proven useful in management of productivity.
Unified Theory of Ion-Impact and Shake-Off Contributions to Multiple Vacancy Production

In collisions of atoms with a photon, electron, or proton the projectile usually makes at most a single hole; additional vacancies may be weakly produced by "shake-off" resulting from a sudden change in the Hartree-Fock potential. With projectiles of nuclear charge greater than one the probability for impact ionization of both K shell electrons is increased. For K? hypersatellites (K2Lv) the change in the potential is much greater than for the satellites (KLv), and L-shell shake-off may be expected to be appreciable in light atoms. We have extended our independent-Fermi-particle treatment of ion-impact multiple vacancy production to include shake-off. Calculations for He and C ions on neon exhibit large shake-off contributions for K2LV and non-negligible ones for KLv.
An example of a non-zero Lie coalgebra M for which Loc(M)=0

Abstract Let K be a field of characteristic 0, let W1=DerK(K[x]), and let M=(W1)∘=the dual Lie coalgebra of W1. By definition (W1)∘ is the largest subspace of (W1)∗ carrying a Lie coalgebra structure induced by the restriction to (W1)∘ of ϕ∗ where ϕ=[,]: W1⊗W1→W1 is the Lie bracket of W1. Then M is an example of a non-zero Lie coalgebra in which no element of M other than 0 lies in a finite-dimensional sub Lie coalgebra. Thus Loc(M)=0 where Loc(M) denotes the sum of all of the finite-dimensional sub Lie coalgebras of M.
Effect of pressure-controlled intermittent coronary sinus occlusion on pacing-induced myocardial ischemia in domestic swine.

This study tested the hypothesis that pressure-controlled intermittent coronary sinus occlusion (PICSO) would be useful in ameliorating myocardial ischemia under conditions characterized by preserved, but reduced (relative to demand), myocardial blood flow. Studies were conducted in closed-chest, sedated domestic swine prepared with an artificial stenosis that reduced luminal diameter of the animal's left anterior descending coronary artery by 80%. Measurements of hemodynamics, regional myocardial blood flow, and oxygen, lactate, and nucleoside metabolism were obtained in 10 animals (1) before placement of stenosis, (2) 30 min after insertion of stenosis, (3) after 30 and 60 min of PICSO, and (4) 30 min after discontinuation of PICSO. Two groups of control animals were studied to observe the natural history of metabolic markers of ischemia. Control group I consisted of four animals studied concurrently and subjected to the same protocol except for the fact that PICSO was not applied. Control group II consisted of eight additional animals studied as a group. A specially designed balloon-tipped catheter positioned in the proximal portion of the animal's great cardiac vein was used to provide PICSO. Heart rate was controlled by atrial pacing (rate, 145 beats/min) through the study. After placement of the stenosis, flow in endocardial and transmural layers distal to the stenosis declined significantly (p less than .01) vs control. Application of PICSO failed to increase arterial inflow distal to the stenosis in any myocardial layer. Myocardial aerobic metabolism was adversely affected by stenosis and changed from consumption of lactate, inosine, and hypoxanthine before stenosis to production at 30 min after stenosis. Although PICSO was associated with reduced production and a return toward consumption of lactate, inosine, and hypoxanthine, a similar pattern of changes in lactate, inosine, and hypoxanthine metabolism was observed in control animals over a comparable period of time. In addition, regional myocardial oxygen extraction and consumption were not changed vs poststenosis levels by PICSO. However, in comparison with controls, PICSO did accelerate the rate of resolution of myocardial ischemia as assessed by lactate metabolism. At 30 min of PICSO (or sham) the change vs poststenosis was +33.6 +/- 25.0 mumol/min/100 g in the PICSO but only +6.7 +/- 29.7 in the control group (p = .05). We conclude, therefore, that even though PICSO did not alter the final level of myocardial ischemia under conditions modeled in this study it did accelerate its rate of resolution, an effect that may be beneficial clinically.
The effects of environmental variability and spatial sampling on the three-dimensional inversion problem.

The overall goal of this work is to quantify the effects of environmental variability and spatial sampling on the accuracy and uncertainty of estimates of the three-dimensional ocean sound-speed field. In this work, ocean sound speed estimates are obtained with acoustic data measured by a sparse autonomous observing system using a perturbative inversion scheme [Rajan, Lynch, and Frisk, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 82, 998–1017 (1987)]. The vertical and horizontal resolution of the solution depends on the bandwidth of acoustic data and on the quantity of sources and receivers, respectively. Thus, for a simple, range-independent ocean sound speed profile, a single source–receiver pair is sufficient to estimate the water-column sound-speed field. On the other hand, an environment with significant variability may not be fully characterized by a large number of sources and receivers, resulting in uncertainty in the solution. This work explores the interrelated effects of environmental variability and spatial sampling on the accuracy and uncertainty of the inversion solution though a set of case studies. Synthetic data representative of the ocean variability on the New Jersey shelf are used.
Evidence for simvastatin anti-inflammatory actions based on quantitative analyses of NETosis and other inflammation/oxidation markers.

Abstract Simvastatin (SMV) has been shown to exhibit promising anti-inflammatory properties alongside its classic cholesterol lowering action. We tested these emerging effects in a major thermal injury mouse model (3rd degree scald, ~20% TBSA) with previously documented, inflammation-mediated intestinal defects. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) inflammation measurement methods were used alongside classic gut mucosa inflammation and leakiness measurements with exogenous melatonin treatment as a positive control. Our hypothesis is that simvastatin has protective therapeutic effects against early postburn gut mucosa inflammation and leakiness. To test this hypothesis, we compared untreated thermal injury (TI) adult male mice with TI littermates treated with simvastatin (0.2 mg/kg i.p., TI+SMV) immediately following burn injury and two hours before being sacrificed the day after; melatonin-treated (Mel) (1.86 mg/kg i.p., TI+Mel) mice were compared as a positive control. Mice were assessed for the following: (1) tissue oxidation and neutrophil infiltration in terminal ileum mucosa using classic carbonyl, Gr-1, and myeloperoxidase immunohistochemical or biochemical assays, (2) NETosis in terminal ileum and colon mucosa homogenates and peritoneal and fluid blood samples utilizing flow cytometric analyses of the surrogate NETosis biomarkers, picogreen and Gr-1, and (3) transepithelial gut leakiness as measured in terminal ileum and colon with FITC-dextran and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Our results reveal that simvastatin and melatonin exhibit consistently comparable therapeutic protective effects against the following: (1) gut mucosa oxidative stress as revealed in the terminal ileum by markers of protein carbonylation as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Gr-1 infiltration, (2) NETosis as revealed in the gut milieu, peritoneal lavage and plasma utilizing picogreen and Gr-1 flow cytometry and microscopy, and (3) transepithelial gut leakiness as assessed in the ileum and colon by FITC-dextran leakiness and TEER. Thus, simvastatin exhibits strong acute anti-inflammatory actions associated with marked decreases in gut tissue and systemic NETosis and decreased gut mucosa leakiness.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence: Relationships between Mass Spectra and Pharmacological Activity of Drugs

The possibility that the mass spectrum and pharmacological activity of a compound may be directly related has been explored with the help of various computer-based pattern-recognition techniques. The relationship appears to hold at least for tranquilizers and sedatives, and compounds with one or the other of these two pharmacological activities can thus be classified from their mass spectra with a high degree of accuracy.
Actualizing Personalized Healthcare for Women through Connected Data Systems: Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis.

Background: Healthcare organizations have invested in electronic patient data systems, yet use of health data to optimize personalized care has been limited. Primary Study Objective: To develop and pilot an integrated source of health system data related to breast healthcare. Methods/Design: This study is a quality improvement project. Patient-level data from multiple internal sources were identified, mapped to a common data model, linked, and validated to create a breast healthcare-specific data mart. Linkages were based on matching algorithms using patient identifiers to group data from the same patient. Data definitions, a data dictionary, and indicators for quality and benchmarking aligned with standardized measures. Clinical pathways were developed to outline the patient populations, data elements, decision points, and outcomes for specific conditions. Setting: Electronic data sources in a community-based health system in the United States. Participants: Women receiving breast cancer screening, preve...
2D heteronuclear NMR measurements of spin-lattice relaxation times in the rotating frame of X nuclei in heteronuclear HX spin systems

Theoretical and experimental aspects of T,, are discussed for a heteronuclear HX twospin system (T$) where only the X nucleus is spin-locked. An expression for TE in terms of spectral density functions and the effective magnetic field parameters is developed. It shows that T:, offers potentially dierent information about the spectral densities than either r:, TF, or the steady-state NOEX. We present a 2D heteronuclear NMR pulse sequence for measuring site-specific T$‘s in biomolecules. The sequence is based on a double-INEPT transfer and applies a spin lock to the heteronuclei for variable delays. If a weak on-resonance spin lock is used, and if the spectral density functions are assumed to be Lorentzians, then rc is theoretically indistinguishable from r:. We conclude with an application of the pulse sequence to the uniformly ‘5N-enriched protein eglin c. The rc, data reflect the differential mobility in the molecule. o 199 t Academic PESS, h.
Substrate Specificity for the Epoxidation of Terpenoids and Active Site Topology of House Fly Cytochrome P450 6A1

Heterologous expression in Escherichia coli, purification, and reconstitution of house fly P450 6A1 and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase were used to study the metabolism of terpenoids. In addition to the epoxidation of cyclodiene insecticides demonstrated previously [Andersen et al. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 2171-2177], this cytochrome P450 was shown to epoxidize a variety of terpenoids such as farnesyl, geranyl, and neryl methyl esters, juvenile hormones I and III, and farnesal but not farnesol or farnesoic acid. P450 6A1 reconstituted with NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase and phosphatidylcholine did not metabolize alpha-pinene, limonene, of the insect growth regulators hydroprene and methoprene. The four geometric isomers of methyl farnesoate were metabolized predominantly to the 10,11-epoxides, but also the 6,7-epoxides and to the diepoxides. The 10,11-epoxide of methyl (2E,6E)-farnesoate was produced in a 3:1 ratio of the (10S) and (10R) enantiomers. Monoepoxides of methyl farnesoate were metabolized efficiently to the diepoxides. Methyl farnesoate epoxidation was strongly inhibited by a bulky substituted imidazole. The active site topology of P450 6A1 was studied by the reaction of the enzyme with phenyldiazene to form a phenyl-iron complex. Ferricyanide-induced in situ migration of the phenyl group showed formation of the N-phenylprotopor-phyrinporphyrin IX adducts in a 17:25:33:24 ratio of the NB:NA:NC:ND isomers. These experiments suggest that metabolism of xenobiotics by this P450, constitutively overexpressed in insecticide-resistant strains of the house fly, is not severely limited by stereochemically constrained access to the active site.
The Sticky Web of Medical Professionalism: Robert Herrick’s The Web of Life and the Political Economy of Health Care at the Turn of the Century

Robert Herrick's novel The Web of Life (1900), a self-proclaimed work of literary realism, opens a critical window onto an urban "web" of intersecting practices, institutions, and professional formations at a moment when key dimensions of the US health-care system as we know it today were first taking shape. At this fluid historical moment, Herrick stages a competition between two contrasting possibilities for what that system would, or should, look like in the new century. One possibility consists of a democratic profusion of health-care providers and options, all of which jostle against one another in a marketplace largely unregulated by any external authority. Herrick implicitly associates this energizing, though unsettling, model of US health care with both the labor movement (the novel is set in the same year as Chicago's Pullman strike) and certain aspects of the New Woman movement. The second possibility the novel showcases, which is closer to the model that would historically prevail, envisions a health-care system that is centralized, rationalized, and directed from the top down by the so-called orthodox profession. Herrick aligns this model with powerful banks, trusts, and corporations. The book presents the competition between these alternative paradigms by following the shifting career choices and internal conflicts of its protagonist, Dr. Howard Sommers, as he strives to satisfy his own vision-at times itself contradictory-of medical professionalism. By the end of the novel, both Sommers and The Web of Life have been forced to acknowledge if not the desirability, then the practical necessity, of the orthodox profession's monopoly on health care. This reluctant endorsement on Herrick's part also offers an important perspective on why large-scale systemic reform in US health care has proven so difficult to achieve in the more than a century that has passed since the novel was written.
Surviving Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer and Living with the Consequences

Abstract Background: This article discusses peripheral neuropathy as a long-term side effect of oxaliplatin based chemotherapy, from a colon cancer survivor's perspective. Peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of chemotherapy that affects quality of life for many cancer survivors. Severe and debilitating neuropathy negatively impacts both physical and emotional well-being. Discussion: A better understanding of what cancer survivors with peripheral neuropathy experience is essential for health care professionals. More emphasis on symptom management and development of evidence based interventions will help improve quality of life for those who are affected by chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy.
A structural basis for allosteric control of DNA recombination by λ integrase

Site-specific DNA recombination is important for basic cellular functions including viral integration, control of gene expression, production of genetic diversity and segregation of newly replicated chromosomes, and is used by bacteriophage λ to integrate or excise its genome into and out of the host chromosome. λ recombination is carried out by the bacteriophage-encoded integrase protein (λ -int) together with accessory DNA sites and associated bending proteins that allow regulation in response to cell physiology. Here we report the crystal structures of λ -int in higher-order complexes with substrates and regulatory DNAs representing different intermediates along the reaction pathway. The structures show how the simultaneous binding of two separate domains of λ -int to DNA facilitates synapsis and can specify the order of DNA strand cleavage and exchange. An intertwined layer of amino-terminal domains bound to accessory (arm) DNAs shapes the recombination complex in a way that suggests how arm binding shifts the reaction equilibrium in favour of recombinant products.
Do pediatric patients with septic shock benefit from steroid therapy? A critical appraisal of "Low-dose hydrocortisone improves shock reversal and reduces cytokine levels in early hyperdynamic septic shock" by Oppert et al. (Crit Care Med 2005; 33:2457-2464).

Objective To review the findings and discuss the implications of studies on the use of low-dose corticosteroids in septic shock. Design A critical appraisal of "Low-dose hydrocortisone improves shock reversal and reduces cytokine levels in early hyperdynamic septic shock" by Oppert et al. (Crit Care Med 2005; 33:2457-2464) with literature review. Findings Previous studies have shown that low-dose corticosteroids shorten duration of shock in adults with sepsis, which is confirmed by the results of Oppert et al. The benefit on mortality is much less clear. Review of the literature casts doubt on whether these data can be extrapolated to children. Conclusions There is some, albeit limited, evidence for the benefit of low-dose steroids in adults with sepsis. No supporting data are available for the pediatric population; therefore, a randomized controlled trial in septic children is needed.
Cell biology: A guardian angel of cell integrity.

The finding that RIPK1, an integral protein in cell-death pathways, also functions to preserve the body's epithelial-cell barriers challenges the idea that cell death and survival are regulated by distinct factors. See Letters p.90 & p.95 Receptor-interacting protein 1 kinase (RIPK1) is involved in the activation of various cell death pathways and in the control of inflammatory signalling. Two separate groups reporting in this issue use contrasting techniques to show that as well as promoting cell death, RIPK1 has a paradoxical function in supporting the survival of mouse epithelial cells that is independent of its kinase function. RIPK1 suppresses epithelial cell apoptosis and necroptosis by preventing FADD/caspase-8-mediated apoptosis and RIPK3-dependent necroptosis. These findings, together with genetic data, suggest that RIPK1 is a master regulator of epithelial cell survival, homeostasis and inflammation in the intestine and the skin.
Somatostatin receptor gene expression in neuroblastoma

Somatostatin receptor expression is a favorable prognostic factor in human neuroblastoma. Somatostatin receptors have been demonstrated in vitro by pharmacologic analysis of tumor tissue and in vivo by diagnostic radioreceptor scintigraphy. However, which receptor subtypes (sst(1), sst(2), sst(3), sst(4), and sst(5)) are expressed in these tumors has not yet been delineated. We used RT-PCR to analyze expression of the five somatostatin receptor genes in 32 neuroblastoma tumor specimens. All 32 tumor specimens expressed mRNA for c-abl and sst(1); sst(2) mRNA was detected in 27/32 samples and somatostatin mRNA was detected in 30/32 tumor specimens. The remaining receptor subtypes, sst(3), sst(4), and sst(5) were variably expressed. Receptor protein for sst(1) and sst(2) was visualized in tumor neuroblasts as well as in endothelial cells of tumor vessels using immunostaining with specific anti-receptor antibodies. The effect of high expression of somatostatin receptors on cell proliferation was examined in SKNSH neuroblastoma cells transfected with sst(1) and sst(2). SS(14) binding to wild-type SKNSH cells was undetectable; but the native peptide bound with high affinity to the SKNSH/sst(1) and SKNSH/sst(2) neuroblastoma cell lines. Pharmacologic analysis of binding with two long-acting analogues, CH275 and octreotide, confirmed selective expression of sst(1) and sst(2) in stably transfected SKNSH cells. Formation of neuroblastoma xenograft tumors in nude mice was significantly delayed for both SKNSH/sst(1) (P<0.001) and SKNSH/sst(2) (P<0.05) cells compared to wild-type SKNSH. We conclude that: (1) Somatostatin receptors, sst(1) and sst(2), are expressed in the majority of neuroblastomas at diagnosis; and (2) upregulation of functional sst(1) or sst(2) in neuroblastoma cell lines suppresses tumorigenicity in a xenograft model. These observations suggest that somatostatin receptors may be a useful therapeutic target in neuroblastoma.
Attitudes to cancer: Psychometric properties of fighting spirit and denial

Higher rates of recurrence-free survival at 5- and 10-year follow-up have been reported for breat cancer patients who initially responded to cancer with attitudes of “fighting spirit” or denial. We report here a factor analytic attempt, utilizing questionnaire data, to objectify these attitudes. A reliable factor structure replicated in breast and mixed cancer samples, yielding three factors: (1) Fighting Spirit or belief in the ability to fight back, conquer, and recover from cancer; (2) Information-Seeking behavior; and (3) Denial. Adequate 1-month test-retest correlations were obtained for Fighting Spirit and Information Seeking factor scores. A pattern of differential correlations with other measures (affect, coping, and optimism) distinguished Fighting Spirit and Information Seeking. The Denial factor appeared to be less stable and did not correlate significantly with other measures.
The devil is in the details: issues of exclusion in an inclusive educational environment

In response to federal legislation and societal views that seek to provide free and appropriate education for each child. Public schools are now opening their doors to a wide variety of learners. General-education teachers are challenged to make their classrooms more inclusive. This year-long-ethnographic study explores the experiences of 20 non-deaf and two deaf fifth-grade students, a general-education and a Resource Room teacher, and support personnel. Results highlight explicit messages of equality and inclusion that belied behaviours which marginalised and excluded the deaf students. Suggestions are made for those committed to providing all students with a fair and equitable educational experience.
Human pancreatic elastolytic enzymes and atherosclerosis and lung emphysema in elderly people

Summary In previous papers the present author had put forward the hypothesis that elastolytic enzymes play a role in the formation of fibrous plaques (atherosclerotic lesions of grade 2). In order to get more information about the relationship between the concentrations of pancreatic elastoproteinase and elastomucases and the degree of atherosclerosis and senile lung emphysema, more data of necropsied individuals over 50 years of age were collected. The data clearly demonstrate a high correlation between increased levels of elastolytic enzymes in the pancreas and those stages of atherogenesis and lung emphysema in which metabolic changes in the connective tissue components take place. Since the process of elevated enzyme production in the pancreas seems to precede the formation of severe atherosclerotic lesions, no correlation was found between pancreatic enzyme levels and the severity or complications of atherosclerosis. The age relationship of pancreatic enzyme production and the influence of elastolytic enzymes on the occurrence of myocardial infarction, as suggested by some authors, still remains unclear.
Letter by Jennings Regarding Article, “Mechanisms of Bleeding and Approach to Patients With Axial-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices”

I would like to draw your attention to several errors in the publication by Suarez et al1 entitled “Mechanisms of bleeding and approach to patients with axial-flow left ventricular assist devices.”1 In this article, the authors state that, “For instance, to reduce gastrointestinal tract bleeding risk in these patients, the Henry Ford Hospital (Detroit, Mich) has lowered the anticoagulation target to an INR of 1.8–2.2, with no increase in thromboembolic complications.” First, I believe that the authors have the wrong reference cited for this statement. In the article, this statement is supported by reference 18, which is a cohort of patients …
Credit constraints, credit unions, and small-scale producers in Guatemala

Abstract Efficient and equitable development outcomes may depend, in part, on whether formal financial institutions leave low-wealth producers tightly constrained in their access to credit. If so, can cooperative institutions efficiently relax these constraints? These issues are explored using survey data gathered from 950 small-scale producer households in areas of Guatemala with market-oriented credit unions that mobilize savings and make unsubsidized loans. Nonprice rationing by banks is found to be common among lower wealth households, while credit unions relax credit constraints for a significant portion of those rationed by banks, but not the poorest of the study households.
Assessing Means of Transit Information Delivery for Advanced Public Transportation Systems

One of the important functions of advanced public transportation systems (APTS) is to provide timely information to transit users. Information delivery systems thus become an essential part of APTS. Described and categorized are means of information dissemination systems and their roles in advanced traveler information systems. An evaluation framework is developed to assess different media on the basis of seven criteria: accessibility, versatility and interactivity, information carrying capacity, user friendliness, costs to install, costs to use, and ease of implementation. The evaluation shows that the Internet and kiosks have the highest overall ranking. These are capable of delivering a variety of information, can provide interactivity to users, and if designed properly can have a user-friendly interface. Variable message signs and closed-circuit televisions are ranked as good for their modest costs and the variety of information they can deliver. They are appropriate to both wayside and in-terminal in...
Searching for the hereditary causes of renal-cell carcinoma

Families with hereditary predispositions to cancer continue to provide a unique opportunity for the identification and characterization of genes involved in carcinogenesis. A surprising number of genetic syndromes predispose to the development of renal-cell carcinoma, and already genes associated with five of these syndromes have been identified — VHL, MET, FH, BHD and HRPT2. These very different genes and the biochemical pathways in which they participate raise interesting questions about the development of renal cancers and could lead to new therapeutic approaches in the near future. So, what is known about hereditary renal cancer at present?
The relative residual fibre displacement after indentation loading and unloading of fibre-reinforced ceramic composites

The interfacial properties of fibre-reinforced ceramic composites have been evaluated by using the indentation technique. The ratio of the residual fibre displacement after complete unloading to the fibre displacement at peak loading is examined. Assuming a constant interfacial shear stress at an unbonded interface, this ratio is 0.5. However, deviation of this ratio from 0.5 is always obtained from experimental results. Both Poisson's effect and the existence of the residual axial stress have been proposed to explain this deviation. A methodology is presented in this study to classify conditions for which either Poisson's effect or the residual axial stress dominates this deviation. The application of this methodology to Nicalon fibre-reinforced lithium aluminosilicate glass-ceramic is also illustrated.
Prevalence of Voice Disorders in Teachers and the General Population

Over 3 million teachers in the United States use their voice as a primary tool of trade and are thought to be at higher risk for occupation-related voice disorders than the general population. However, estimates regarding the prevalence of voice disorders in teachers and the general population vary considerably. To determine the extent that teachers are at greater risk for voice disorders, 2,531 randomly selected participants from Iowa and Utah (1,243 teachers and 1,288 nonteachers) were interviewed by telephone using a voice disorder questionnaire. Prevalence-the number of cases per population at risk at a specific time-was determined. The prevalence of reporting a current voice problem was significantly greater in teachers compared with nonteachers (11.0% vs. 6.2%), chi(2)(1) = 18.2, p 4 weeks in duration), compared with acute voice disorders (20.9% vs. 13.3%), chi(2)(1) = 8.7, p =.003. To assess the association between past voice disorders and possible risks, adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using multiple logistic regression. The results identified that being a teacher, being a woman, being between 40 and 59 years of age, having 16 or more years of education, and having a family history of voice disorders were each positively associated with having experienced a voice disorder in the past. These results support the notion that teaching is a high-risk occupation for voice disorders. Important information is also provided regarding additional factors that might contribute to the development of voice disorders.
Cognitions Associated With Attempts to Empathize: How Do We Imagine the Perspective of Another?:

Although the theoretical importance of perspective taking has long been recognized, surprisingly little work has documented the cognitions associated with attempts to imagine another’s point of view. To explore this issue and to determine whether perspective taking increases the likelihood of self-related thoughts, two experiments were carried out. In the first, a thought-listing procedure was used to assess observer cognitions; in the second, a less reactive measure was used. Instructions to imagine the self in the target’s position and instructions simply to imagine the target’s perspective produced increased levels of self-related cognition relative to a traditional control condition; the imagine-self condition also produced more self-thoughts and fewer target thoughts than did the imagine-target condition. The control condition produced thoughts suggesting that the observers were distancing themselves from the target. Observers receiving no instructions at all reported cognitions that closely resemble...
SOME FLOW CHARACTERISTICS AT 37°C OF TERNARY WAX MIXTURES THAT MAY HAVE POSSIBLE DENTAL USES

One hundred and eighty-two ternary diagrams of the flow at 37°C of mixtures of commercial waxes indicate some of these mixtures may have dental use.
Diffusion of linear polyisoprene molecules into polyisoprene networks

Diffusion and equilibrium absorption of polyisoprene liquids into crosslinked samples of cis-polyisoprene (natural rubber) have been studied by direct observation of volume swelling. Natural rubber was crosslinked in the form of fine threads, about 40 ± 20 μm in diameter, using a gaseous reaction with SO2 and H2S (the Peachey process). An optical microscope was used to observe the relatively rapid absorption of linear high-molecular-weight polyisoprene liquids by these fine threads. From the kinetics of absorption, values of the self-diffusion coefficient Ds of polyisoprene were estimated. They ranged from 10−16 m2/s to 10−12 m2/s, depending upon molecular weight, and varied with molecular weight approximately as M−2 over the entire range employed, from 1,000 to 60,000 g/mol, i.e., both above and below the entanglement molecular weight. Amounts of polymer absorbed at equilibrium varied widely, depending upon the degree of crosslinking of the host material and the molecular weight of the absorbing liquid. They were in reasonable agreement in all cases with simple swelling theory, with the heat of mixing equated to zero.
A hemispherical fission ion chamber designed for ⪅1 μg samples

Abstract A hemispherical fission ion chamber was designed and built to measure neutron fission cross sections in the RINS spectrometer from 1 eV to 100 keV. The chamber system was tested with 10 μCi of 252Cf and the preamplifier overshoot from the RINS gamma flash recovered within 1 μs to ⪅5% of the voltage corresponding to the mean fragment energy. One μg of 235U was substituded for the 252Cf and the 235U energy-dependent fission cross section was measured and found to be in good agreement with the ENDF/B-IV evaluated cross section.
Pleuropulmonary Complications of Endoscopic Variceal Sclerotherapy

The most common pulmonary complication of EVS is pleural effusion. The most clinically significant pulmonary complication of EVS is delayed perforation with formation of esophagopleural or esophagobronchial fistula. Pneumonia, empyema, pulmonary infarction, and atelectasis can also occur. Endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy probably does not cause ARDS, but that issue remains unsettled. Transient relative pulmonary hypertension during EVS is probably of no clinical significance, but caution is urged when sclerosing varices in a patient with borderline right heart function.
Closed-Form Solutions for the Mode ii Crack tip Plastic Zone Shape

Analytical closed-form solutions for the Mode II crack tip plastic zone shape have been derived for a semi-infinite crack in an isotropic elastic-plastic solid under both plane stress and plane strain conditions. Two yield criteria have been applied: the Von Mises and Tresca yield criteria. The results indicate that the Tresca zone is larger in size than the Von Mises zone. The results also reveal an intricate dependence on Poisson's ratio in plane strain conditions.
Arrested spermatogenesis and evidence for DNA damage in PTIP mutant testes

The differentiation of mature sperm from male germ cells requires both chromatin remodeling and compaction as well as DNA double stranded break repair of sister chromatids. We examined the function of PTIP, a protein implicated in both DNA repair and histone methylation, during spermatogenesis by using a conditional, inducible mutation in adult male mice. Loss of PTIP led to the developmental arrest of spermatocytes, testicular atrophy, and infertility. By immunostaining with specific markers for different stages of spermatogenesis and for proteins involved in DNA damage and repair mechanisms, we conclude that the lack of PTIP results in genomic instability and DNA damage resulting in the cessation of spermatogenesis in meiosis I. These data underscore the importance of PTIP in the DNA repair process associated with the development of mature spermatozoa.
THE MASS TRANSFER OF SINGLE, SOLID URANIUM SPHERES TO FLOWING MOLTEN CADMIUM IN LAMINAR AND TURBULENT FLOW

From Summary and Abstract: "In this study, a 1/2-inch diameter uranium sphere was used and molten cadmium was pumped past the test spheres at different flow rates. Mass transfer coefficients were determined from weight losses of the test spheres."
A Data-Integrated Tree-Based Simulation to Predict Financial Market Movement

The Standard and Poorâ€™s 500 Index (S&P500) is one of the commonly used indices on the New York Stock Exchange. The 500 publicly traded companies that make up the index are chosen by a committee to best reflect the overall market of the United States. The broader objective of this research is to estimate the dynamics of the financial market movement in the United States. It is achieved by developing a data-integrated tree-based simulation model to predict S&P500 open and close values for a week. Classification and Regression Trees (CART) - a data mining method - is utilized to extract patterns of the financial market dynamics based on a data set collected from May 1, 2008 to November 30, 2009. The data set included the daily movement of financial markets in seven countries in Asia and Europe in relation to the daily movement of the S&P500. CART also utilized data on the currency exchange rates to capture the financial dynamics between the US and other countries. The simulation model repeatedly samples from four trees developed by CART to know how the opening and closing values of the S&P500 move in tandem with the other markets.
“Dr. Soundbite” The Making of an Expert Source in Science and Medical Stories

Bioethicists have been increasingly used as expert sources in science and medical stories involving ethical issues. This case study examines how and why one bioethicist, Dr. Arthur L. Caplan, has b...
Ni impurity effec̀ts on hydrogen surface chemistry and etching of Si(111)

Abstract The effect of impurity Ni on the etching of Si by hydrogen chemisorption is examined in ultra-high vacuum with Auger electron spectroscopy and temperature-programmed desorption methods. It is found that a small surface concentration of Ni (≤ 5%) inhibits the production of SiH4 from atomic H adsorption on the Si(111)-Ni surface.
Ventilatory responses to exercise in divers and non-divers.

Abstract The initial (neurogenic) and steady-state ventilatory responses to three levels of treadmill exercise (+10% grade; 1.6, 3.2 and 4.8 km/hr) were studied in divers, sedentary non-divers, and non-diving athletes. The steady-state ventilatory responses of divers were lower than the sedentary group, significantly so at 3.2 and 4.8 km/hr where the differences were 20% of the sedentary values. The initial responses of divers were also lower, but with marginal significance. Both initial and steady-state responses of athletes were intermediate between divers and sedentary non-divers. Both divers and athletes tended to have higher pa(q, and lower R values than sedentary non-divers; divers more so than athletes. Divers showed a markedly slower and deeper breathing pattern than the other two groups. We suggest that the unusual ventilatory behavior of divers is not fitness-related, reflects more than reduced chemosensitivity, and may involve a conditioned response phenomenon.
Suppression of a thermosensitive dnaA mutation of Escherichia coli by bacteriophage P1 and P7.

Abstract Like other plasmids, the P1 and P7 prophages suppress E. coli dnaA(Ts) mutations by integrating into the host chromosome. This conclusion is supported by three lines of evidence: (1) Alkaline sucrose gradients reveal the absence of plasmid DNA in suppressed lysogens; (2) the prophage is linked to host chromosomal markers in conjugation; and (3) auxotrophs whose defect is linked to the prophage are found among suppressed colonies. No phage or bacterial mutation is required for suppression. Integrative suppression by P1 and P7, unlike suppression by F, does not require the host recA+ function. Among suppressed P7 lysogens are some that do not produce phage; these contain defective prophages. The genetic extent of the deletions contained by these defective prophages delineates the prophage regions which are not necessary for suppression of dnaA(Ts). The possible mechanisms of integration and deletion formation are discussed.
Runoff Curve Numbers at the Agricultural Field-Scale and Implications for Continuous Simulation Modeling†

This study used monitoring in the waterways of agricultural fields to understand the use of the runoff curve number (CN) in continuous simulation models. The CN has a long history as a design tool for estimating runoff volumes for large, single storms on small watersheds, but its use in continuous simulation models to describe runoff from smaller storms and relatively small areas is more recent and controversial. We examined 788 nonwinter rainfall events on four agricultural fields over five years (2004-2008) during which runoff was generated in 87 events. The largest 20 runoff events on each field generated approximately 90% of the total runoff volume. The runoff event CNs showed an inverse correlation with storm depth that could not consistently be explained by previous precipitation. We review how small areas of higher runoff generation within larger areas will systematically increase the apparent CN of the larger area as the storm size decreases. If this variation is not incorporated into a model explicitly, continuous simulation modelers must understand that when source areas are aggregated or when runoff generation is spatially variable, the overall CN is not unique when smaller storms are included in the calibration set.