cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cartilage-hair hypoplasia, defective T-cell function, and Diamond-Blackfan anemia in an Amish child.

An Amish boy with cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH) and cell-mediated immunodeficiency developed “congenital” hypoplastic anemia (CHA) of the Diamond-Blackfan type by two months. Alterations of T cell function have been described separately in CHH and CHA, but this is the first known report linking the two conditions. The patient has two relatives with CHH, one with associated leukemia and one with Hodgkin disease.
Identifying the Service Potential of an Employee Through the Use of the Self-Monitoring Scale

Service has become a competitive advantage in the hospitality industry. The following paper identifies the theoretical characteristics required of employees to be successful in the service encounter. The necessary characteristics that an em ployee requires to be successful closely parallel Snyder's (1974) concept of self- monitoring. A person's self-monitoring tendency is related to the theoretical aspects of consumers' determinants of quality service. The self-monitoring scale has been used in both experimental and applied situations. The validity and the reliability of the scale has been extensively studied and verified. The self-monitoring scale is discussed as a method to identify the employee's service potential. Finally, three additional implications of using the self-monitoring scale are discussed in regards to the hospitality industry. Key Words: Selection, self-monitoring, service, job tenure, suggestive selling, employees.
Dual Roles of the Care Provider at the End of Life: An Autoethnography

In early 2006, my father called saying that my 96-year-old Aunt Rose had a stroke. This event placed me in the dual role of being both an ethics consultant and a family member of someone who had be...
Acoustic-Emission Wave Response to a Dislocation Source in Layered Media

This paper presents synthesis of acoustic-emission (AE) wave propagation in multi-layer materials and simulation of AE wave responses at free surface. In particular, the AE source is modelled as an arbitrary-orientation dislocation over an inclined-to-surface fault within one layer or at the layer-to-layer interface, while the materials are assumed as multi-layer media, each of which is homogeneous, isotropic and linearly elastic. With the use of the integral transformation approach, the three-dimensional wave propagation in the materials is solved in transformed or frequency-wavenumber domain. Subsequently, a closed-form solution for wave responses at free surface is found, which can then be converted in time-space domain. Numerical examples are finally provided for illustration.
A Quantitative Model for Evaluating Advancement Effectiveness

The measurement of the quality of educational programs continues to be a controversial subject, but one of great interest to trustees, grant makers, and the general public. The field of educational advancement has long had easily measured results related to fund raising, but has not commonly been able to quantify the nature of the overall relationship between an institution and its alumni. The importance of measuring the overall relationship with alumni and the effectiveness of the entire advancement efforts of a school, whether or not administered from a central office of advancement, has led to the creation of the alumni indices. This case study presents a model of synthesizing a range of data drawn from alumni surveys to create five indices representing the major elements of the overall relationship: the Student Experience Index, the Reputational Index, the Connectivity Index, the Participation Index, and the Donor Index. These indices are used to reflect the nature of the relationship with the overall population as well as any segments, and provide the metrics for a significant portion of the overall advancement goals. The indices provide an integrated quantified model for understanding how well the mission of an advancement operation is being fulfilled.
Col11a2 Deletion Reveals the Molecular Basis for Tectorial Membrane Mechanical Anisotropy

The tectorial membrane (TM) has a significantly larger stiffness in the radial direction than other directions, a prominent mechanical anisotropy that is believed to be critical for the proper functioning of the cochlea. To determine the molecular basis of this anisotropy, we measured material properties of TMs from mice with a targeted deletion of Col11a2, which encodes for collagen XI. In light micrographs, the density of TM radial collagen fibers was lower in Col11a2 –/– mice than wild-types. Tone-evoked distortion product otoacoustic emission and auditory brainstem response measurements in Col11a2 –/– mice were reduced by 30–50 dB independent of frequency as compared with wild-types, showing that the sensitivity loss is cochlear in origin. Stress-strain measurements made using osmotic pressure revealed no significant dependence of TM bulk compressibility on the presence of collagen XI. Charge measurements made by placing the TM as an electrical conduit between two baths revealed no change in the density of charge affixed to the TM matrix in Col11a2 –/– mice. Measurements of mechanical shear impedance revealed a 5.5 ± 0.8 dB decrease in radial shear impedance and a 3.3 ± 0.3 dB decrease in longitudinal shear impedance resulting from the Col11a2 deletion. The ratio of radial to longitudinal shear impedance fell from 1.8 ± 0.7 for TMs from wild-type mice to 1.0 ± 0.1 for those from Col11a2 –/– mice. These results show that the organization of collagen into radial fibrils is responsible for the mechanical anisotropy of the TM. This anisotropy can be attributed to increased mechanical coupling provided by the collagen fibrils. Mechanisms by which changes in TM material properties may contribute to the threshold elevation in Col11a2 –/– mice are discussed.
Using Scenario Planning to Evaluate the Impacts of Climate Change on Wildlife Populations and Communities in the Florida Everglades

It is uncertain how climate change will impact hydrologic drivers of wildlife population dynamics in freshwater wetlands of the Florida Everglades, or how to accommodate this uncertainty in restoration decisions. Using projections of climate scenarios for the year 2060, we evaluated how several possible futures could affect wildlife populations (wading birds, fish, alligators, native apple snails, amphibians, threatened and invasive species) across the Everglades landscape and inform planning already underway. We used data collected from prior research and monitoring to parameterize our wildlife population models. Hydrologic data were simulated using a spatially explicit, regional-scale model. Our scenario evaluations show that expected changes in temperature, precipitation, and sea level could significantly alter important ecological functions. All of our wildlife indicators were negatively affected by scenarios with less rainfall and more evapotranspiration. Under such scenarios, habitat suitability was substantially reduced for iconic animals such as wading birds and alligators. Conversely, the increased rainfall scenario benefited aquatic prey productivity and apex predators. Cascading impacts on non-native species is speculative, but increasing temperatures could increase the time between cold events that currently limit expansion and abundance of non-native fishes, amphibians, and reptiles with natural ranges in the tropics. This scenario planning framework underscored the benefits of proceeding with Everglades restoration plans that capture and clean more freshwater with the potential to mitigate rainfall loss and postpone impacts of sea level rise.
Newborn screening for hepatorenal tyrosinemia-I by tandem mass spectrometry using pooled samples: a four-year summary by the New England newborn screening program

Abstract Objective The objective of this study is to develop an isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assay to screen for hepatorenal tyrosinemia (HT) from newborn filter paper samples using pooled extracts to increase high throughput screening. Design and methods Succinylacetone (SUAC), the marker for HT, was extracted from dried blood spots with the formation of the hydrazone derivative of SUAC; up to eight sample extracts were pooled and the SUAC-derivative was analyzed by mass spectrometry methods with an injection-to-injection time of one minute. If any pooled sample extract screened positive, then the samples comprising the pooled sample were assayed individually. Results Two newborn infants were identified with high levels of SUAC (7 & 23 μM) and later confirmed to have HT. Three older children whose initial filter paper samples were taken at 195 days to 614 days of age with elevated SUAC (range 4.9–5 μM) were identified; one of the three had clinical signs of HT and was placed on treatment (diagnosis of the other two are unavailable). Conclusion MS/MS analysis of pooled dried blood sample extracts permits sensitive, reduced instrumental analytical time and increase high throughput screening for HT.
Early development of systems analysis in natural resources management from man and nature to the miami conservancy district.

Contemporary approaches to natural resources and environmental decision-making typically draw on a "systems" perspective to assess and improve management strategies. This paper describes the early genesis of the systems analysis approach. It concentrates on a period between the mid-19th to early 20th centuries. During the early part of this period, George Marsh's Man and Nature and related works laid out an approach to problem-solving that recognized the relationship among physically disperse elements in the environment, the need to balance benefits against costs, the potential for using quantitative modeling to understand management options, and the importance of integrating human and natural components into solutions. In the early 20th century, the Miami Conservancy District project brought this approach to fruition with its use of complex simulation and optimization modeling, detailed cost-benefit analysis, and its linking of economics, engineering, science, and law into a far-reaching solution to a complex water resources problem. The objective of this paper is to describe the early development and application of this conceptual approach to problem-solving. An examination of the origins of natural resources systems analysis can broaden one's perspective of the contemporary field to understand its roots as a philosophy for environmental problem-solving.
Traversing Difficult Esophageal Strictures from the Oral Approach

Most benign esophageal strictures are treated by endoscopic dilation while malignant strictures are frequently treated by placement of an expandable stent. In both situations the ability to traverse these strictures is necessary. Complex strictures are more difficult to negotiate with conventional endoscopes and may require fluoroscopic guidance and specialized endoscopic techniques to traverse. Fortunately, a number of endoscopic techniques are available to successfully traverse these complete stenoses and allow the reestablishment of luminal continuity for subsequent standard dilation. In this article the tools and methods that are used to endoscopically traverse and treat esophageal strictures is presented and an algorithmic approach to managing strictures based on structural complexity is also proposed.
Antiluteinizing Hormone: Chronic Influence on Steroid and Gonadotropin Levels and Superovulation in the Pregnant Hamster*

Pregnant hamsters were injected with either normal horse serum (NHS) or equine antibovine LH (ALH) and autopsied 4 days later (day 1 of pregnancy = sperm positive). Pregnancy was interrupted by a single sc injection of 0.1 ml ALH on days 4, 8, or 10. On days 6 and 12, 0.2 ml ALH was needed to interrupt pregnancy; however, ALH was only partially effective on day 12. After ALH on days 4 or 8 of pregnancy, corpora lutea on days 8 and 12 had regressed and serum progesterone (P) levels were less than 2 ng/ml. However, serum estradiol levels and the number of antral follicles (AF) were not different from NHS controls. There were approximately 11 AF/ovary and 17 AF/ovary in the days 4 and 8 groups, respectively; 4–9 days after ALH, spontaneous superovulation of 23 ± 3 (day 4 group) and 29 ± 4 (day 8 group) ova was observed. In contrast, the rat ovulates only 12.5 ± 0.3 (n = 11) ova after injection of the same ALH (0.2 or 0.5 ml) on day 8 of pregnancy. Serum levels of FSHlike material in ALH-treated hamsters were...
Lesser Cornstalk Borer Damage to Peanut Plants

After artificial infestation of field-grown plants of the peanut, Arachis hypogaea L., with eggs of the lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller), the larvae damaged pods, pegs, and plant leaves at ground level. The level of damage was associated with the level of infestation. Some distinctive types of damage may be used to evaluate plant lines having varietal resistance to the borer. The location of damage should be considered in chemical control investigations.
Salmon Spawning Habitat Rehabilitation on the Merced River, California: An Evaluation of Project Planning and Performance

Abstract From 1986 to 1995, over US$2.5 million has been spent or allocated for projects to modify channel conditions to improve spawning habitat for Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in the Merced, Tuolumne, and Stanislaus rivers, tributaries to the San Joaquin River, California. We evaluated the planning, design and performance of the Riffle 1 B reconstruction on the Merced River. This is typical of the nine individual riffle reconstructions completed to date, involving excavation of the existing channel bed (here, to 0.6 m) and back-filling with smaller gravels believed to be more suitable for salmon spawning. We reviewed project documents, interviewed agency staff, and conducted field surveys to document channel conditions in 1994 for comparison with the project as constructed in 1990. The project planning and design did not consider the site's geomorphic context nor processes of erosion and sediment transport under the current flow regime. As a consequence, spawning-sized gravel placed in the c...
Radiant Transfer Through a Gray Gas Between Concentric Cylinders Using Monte Carlo

Monte carlo method of finding the radiative heat transfer and emissive power distribution between concentric cylinders enclosing a nonisothermal gas with a uniformly distributed heat source
Elevated c-myc expression in progeria fibroblasts.

Summary Protooncogene expression was determined in cultured human fibroblasts derived from donors diagnosed with Hutchinson-Gilford Syndrome (Progeria). An increased level of c-myc expression was noted in progeria cells compared to normal parental controls and unrelated, unaffected, age-matched controls. In two progeria cultures a 150% increase in c-myc expression was observed, while a third progeria culture, subsequently identified as a non-classic progeria showed a 45% increase in c-myc expression. Southern blot analysis did not indicate an amplification or translocation of the c-myc gene. No significant differences were found in the expression of the c-erbB or c-src protooncogenes.
Cardiovascular Disease in Diabetes

Perspectives on the News commentaries are part of a free monthly CME activity. The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, designates this activity for 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits. If you wish to participate, review this article and visit www.diabetes.procampus.net to complete a posttest and receive a certificate. The Mount Sinai School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians . This article is based on presentations addressing aspects of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients at the American Diabetes Association's 67th Scientific Sessions, 22–26 June 2007, in Chicago, Illinois; at the 55th Annual Advanced Postgraduate Course, 1–3 February 2008, in San Francisco, California (the course is available online at http://professional.diabetes.org); and at the Mount Sinai Medical Center Diabetes Grand Rounds, 14 February 2008, in New York, New York. At a symposium on the evaluation of cardiac ischemia and macrovascular disease in patients with diabetes held at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) meeting, Theodore Mazzone (Chicago, IL) discussed approaches to subclinical ischemia in diabetes. There is a well-established relationship between diabetes and adverse outcome, as first demonstrated in the East-West Study of a Northern European population with a 3.5% 7-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality rate among nondiabetic individuals without a history of myocardial infarction. Subjects with a history of myocardial infarction had an 18.8% risk, while those without a history of myocardial infarction but with a history of diabetes had a 20.2% 7-year risk (1), forming the basis of the argument that type 2 diabetes is a coronary artery disease (CAD) equivalent. Subsequent trials comparing diabetic patients without known CVD to nondiabetic patients with CVD, Mazzone stated, have confirmed that “the risk is pretty close in most populations.” Schramm et al. (abstract 692) presented an …
Electromechanical response of sliding charge-density-waves: Voltage-induced torsional strain in tantalum trisulfide

Abstract We have measured the hysteretic voltage-induced torsional strain (VITS) in orthorhombic tantalum trisulfide as functions of voltage, temperature, and torque, which was applied by attaching a small magnetic rod to the center of the sample. We have found that the magnitude, speed, and even direction of the VITS hysteresis loops varied with the applied torque, suggesting that the VITS is a consequence of residual torsional strains in the sample interacting with hysteretic, voltage-induced changes of the charge-density-wave wave vector. The VITS response time is much longer than the time needed for the wave vector to change with response to either applied stress or applied voltage and varies inversely with the CDW current, suggesting that the VITS response requires motion of CDW defects.
Urinary levels of kynurenine and 3-hydroxykynurenine in the rat: Effects of triamterene

Abstract In a 24-hour period after injection of 7.35 millimoles of tryptophan into rats intraperitoneally, 450 μmoles of kynurenine and 210 μmoles of 3-hydroxykynurenine were excreted. This accounts for 6.2% and 2.9% respectively of the injected tryptophan. Triamterene, an analogue of a number of compounds which affect the activity of dihydrofolate reductase, when administered alone or along with tryptophan caused a 2-to-3 fold increase in the excretion of kynurenine and a reduction in the level of 3-hydroxykynurenine. Possible mechanisms of these effects are discussed.
Prospects in straw disintegration for biogas production

The pretreatment methods for enhancing biogas production from oat straw under study include hot maceration, steam explosion, and pressure shockwaves. The micropore area (9, 55, and 64 m2 g-1) inhibitor formations (0, 15, and 0 mL L-1) as well as the overall methane yields (67, 179, and 255 CH4 VS t-1) were robustly analyzed. It was confirmed that the operating conditions of the steam explosion must be precisely tailored to the substrate. Furthermore, it was beneficial to prepend the hot maceration before the steam explosion and the pressure shockwaves. The second alternative may give increased methane yields (246 in comparison to 273 CH4 VS t-1); however, the application of pressure shockwaves still faces limitations for deployment on a commercial scale.
Mothers First, Not Work First Listening to Welfare Clients in Job Training

This article builds on current research on welfare reform examining the perspectives of welfare recipients as they experience the policy enacted at the street level. The study aims to provide more ...
A statistical model of the duration of mental hospitalization: The mixed exponential distribution*

Data describing the Length of Stay in Maryland state mental hospitals of 2311 schizophrenic patients reported originally by Eaton and Whitmore (1977) were reanalyzed. When the mixed exponential distribution was fitted to the data by the method of maximum likelihood for a censored sample, it was found to provide an acceptable fit to the data in contradiction to the reported findings which employed inefficient estimation methods. The conceptual simplicity of the mixed exponential distribution recommends it as a model of mental hospital Length of Stay.
Behavioral Activation and CBT as an Intervention for Coexistent Major Depression and Social Phobia for a Biracial Client With Diabetes

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) frequently co-occur in individuals seeking treatment for either problem individually. Strong empirical support exists for the use of behavioral activation approaches for MDD and for cognitive-behavioral approaches for SAD, but these strategies may also work well when used concurrently to treat comorbid MDD and SAD. This study presents a biracial client seeking treatment for chronic MDD maintained in part by his symptoms associated with SAD, which also impacted service utilization in relation to diabetes. Behavioral activation treatment for depression (BATD) and cognitive-behavioral therapy for SAD were used integratively to simultaneously address MDD and SAD symptoms. Following nine sessions of treatment, the patient experienced dramatic changes in both anxiety and depression symptoms across all measures and successfully sought out and received medical treatment for his health problems. Data from this case study suggest an integrative appro...
Synchrotron x-ray scattering investigations of oxygen-induced nucleation in a Zr-based glass-forming alloy.

The metallic glass-forming alloy VIT-105 (Zr{sub 52.5}Cu{sub 17.9}Ni{sub 14.6}Al{sub 10}Ti{sub 5}) was used to study the effect of oxygen on nucleation. Ex situ synchrotron X-ray scattering experiments performed on as-cast samples showed that oxygen leads to the formation of tetragonal and/or cubic phases, depending on oxygen content. The samples crystallized into either a primitive tetragonal phase or the so-called fcc 'big cube' phase in a glassy matrix. A subsequent discussion on the role of oxygen in heterogeneous nucleation in Zr-based bulk metallic glasses is presented.
Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging: Potential cardiac applications

During the past several years, the production of high resolution images of organs in intact animals and human beings using nuclear magnetic resonance (nmr) has generated much interest and raised the possibility that the technique could be usefully applied to clinical problems. Because the images are derived from biochemical as well as structural information, valuable data relating to the metabolic status of the tissues and organs may be obtained. Furthermore, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging involves no potentially hazardous ionizing radiation. The technology of the technique is complex and much work remains to be done defining the biochemical and physiologic basis of such images, but the potential rewards of defining the metabolic state of organs such as heart and brain in the intact animal and human justify continued research.
Failure mode and effect analysis-based quality assurance for dynamic MLC tracking systems.

Purpose: To develop and implement a failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA)-based commissioning and quality assurance framework for dynamic multileaf collimator (DMLC) tumor tracking systems. Methods: A systematic failure mode and effect analysis was performed for a prototype real-time tumor tracking system that uses implanted electromagnetic transponders for tumor position monitoring and a DMLC for real-time beam adaptation. A detailed process tree of DMLC tracking delivery was created and potential tracking-specific failure modes were identified. For each failure mode, a risk probability number (RPN) was calculated from the product of the probability of occurrence, the severity of effect, and the detectibility of the failure. Based on the insights obtained from the FMEA, commissioning and QA procedures were developed to check (i) the accuracy of coordinate system transformation, (ii) system latency, (iii) spatial and dosimetric delivery accuracy, (iv) delivery efficiency, and (v) accuracy and consistency of system response to error conditions. The frequency of testing for each failure mode was determined from the RPN value. Results: Failures modes with RPN{>=}125 were recommended to be tested monthly. Failure modes with RPN<125 were assigned to be tested during comprehensive evaluations, e.g., during commissioning, annual quality assurance, and after major software/hardware upgrades. System latencymore » was determined to be {approx}193 ms. The system showed consistent and accurate response to erroneous conditions. Tracking accuracy was within 3%-3 mm gamma (100% pass rate) for sinusoidal as well as a wide variety of patient-derived respiratory motions. The total time taken for monthly QA was {approx}35 min, while that taken for comprehensive testing was {approx}3.5 h. Conclusions: FMEA proved to be a powerful and flexible tool to develop and implement a quality management (QM) framework for DMLC tracking. The authors conclude that the use of FMEA-based QM ensures efficient allocation of clinical resources because the most critical failure modes receive the most attention. It is expected that the set of guidelines proposed here will serve as a living document that is updated with the accumulation of progressively more intrainstitutional and interinstitutional experience with DMLC tracking.« less
Measuring peptide translocation into large unilamellar vesicles

There is an active interest in peptides that readily cross cell membranes without the assistance of cell membrane receptors1. Many of these are referred to as cell-penetrating peptides, which are frequently noted for their potential as drug delivery vectors1-3. Moreover, there is increasing interest in antimicrobial peptides that operate via non-membrane lytic mechanisms4,5, particularly those that cross bacterial membranes without causing cell lysis and kill cells by interfering with intracellular processes6,7. In fact, authors have increasingly pointed out the relationship between cell-penetrating and antimicrobial peptides1,8. A firm understanding of the process of membrane translocation and the relationship between peptide structure and its ability to translocate requires effective, reproducible assays for translocation. Several groups have proposed methods to measure translocation into large unilamellar lipid vesicles (LUVs)9-13. LUVs serve as useful models for bacterial and eukaryotic cell membranes and are frequently used in peptide fluorescent studies14,15. Here, we describe our application of the method first developed by Matsuzaki and co-workers to consider antimicrobial peptides, such as magainin and buforin II16,17. In addition to providing our protocol for this method, we also present a straightforward approach to data analysis that quantifies translocation ability using this assay. The advantages of this translocation assay compared to others are that it has the potential to provide information about the rate of membrane translocation and does not require the addition of a fluorescent label, which can alter peptide properties18, to tryptophan-containing peptides. Briefly, translocation ability into lipid vesicles is measured as a function of the Foster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) between native tryptophan residues and dansyl phosphatidylethanolamine when proteins are associated with the external LUV membrane (Figure 1). Cell-penetrating peptides are cleaved as they encounter uninhibited trypsin encapsulated with the LUVs, leading to disassociation from the LUV membrane and a drop in FRET signal. The drop in FRET signal observed for a translocating peptide is significantly greater than that observed for the same peptide when the LUVs contain both trypsin and trypsin inhibitor, or when a peptide that does not spontaneously cross lipid membranes is exposed to trypsin-containing LUVs. This change in fluorescence provides a direct quantification of peptide translocation over time.
The Librarian's Copyright Companion, 2nd Edition, by James S. Heller, Paul Hellyer, & Benjamin J. Keele

If anyone working in a library needs a useful guide on the complex world of U.S. copyright law, this updated edition of The Librarian’s Copyright Companion is an excellent work to have. Describing owners’ rights under copyright and the many exceptions to the rules can sometimes feel meaningless, at best. At worst, it can be overwhelming. These authors do a fine job of contextualizing the many rules and exceptions for library operations. The chapters are comprehensive yet easy to understand and expertly use examples to illustrate complicated concepts. The list of online resources, as well as the appendices, make the book a worthwhile purchase.
Viscous Effects on Performance of Two-Dimensional Supersonic Linear Micronozzles

A comprehensive numerical investigation of a steady viscous flow through a two-dimensional supersonic linear micronozzle has been performed. The baseline model for the study is derived from the NASAGoddard Space Flight Center microelectromechanical systems-based hydrogen peroxide prototype microthruster. On the microscale, substantial viscous subsonic layers may form on the nozzle expander walls, which reduce thrust and efficiency. One approach to compensate for the presence of these layers has been to designmicronozzleswith expansion angles larger than traditional macroscale nozzles. Numerical simulations have been conducted for a range of Reynolds numbers (Re 15–800) and for expander half-angles of 10–50 deg. Twodifferentmonopropellant fuels have been considered: decomposed 85% pure hydrogen peroxide and decomposed hydrazine. It is found that an inherent tradeoff exists between the viscous losses and the losses resulting from the nonaxial exit flow at larger expansion angles. Our simulations indicate that themaximumnozzle efficiency occurs for bothmonopropellants at a nozzle expansion halfangle of approximately 30 deg, which is significantly larger than that of traditional conical nozzle designs.
Molecules, magic and forgetful fruit flies: the supernatural science of medical gas research

Medical gas research often involves the study of molecules under extraphysiologic conditions, that is, conditions that do not exist in nature. This "supernatural" nature of medical gas research sometimes produces results that appear to be almost "magic" to those schooled in traditional physiology
Return-to-Work Outcome Rates of African American Versus White Veterans Served by State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies: A Randomized Split-Half Cross-Model Validation Research Design

The purpose of this study was to identify disparities in successful return-to-work outcome rates based on race, gender, and level of educational attainment at closure among veterans with a signed Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). A randomized split-half cross-model validation research design was used to develop and test a series of logistic regression models for goodness of fit across two samples (i.e., screening and calibration) of case records (N = 11,337) obtained from the national Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)-911 database. The final predictive multinomial logistic regression model indicated that (a) the odds of White veterans successfully returning to work were nearly 1½ times the odds of African American veterans returning to work and (b) African American female veterans had the lowest probability for successfully returning to work. Moreover, findings indicated that African American veterans’ successful return-to-work rates in 5 of the 10 RSA regions were...
Interpretation of dynamic frontal analysis data in solid/supercritical fluid adsorption systems. I: theory.

A theory is proposed to relate the elution times of the adsorption front shocks of breakthrough curves recorded during classical dynamic frontal analysis (FA) experiments with selected compounds and their adsorption isotherms in solid/supercritical fluid adsorption systems. The actual density and viscosity of binary mixtures of CO2 and methanol were obtained from the NIST REPPROP software. Diluted solutions of S-naproxen were considered (<2% in mass) but the possible effects of the analyte concentration on the viscosity and the density of the eluent percolating through the column were neglected. This allows the determination of the excess adsorption isotherm (or Gibbs excess isotherm) of the adsorbed analyte in the whole column at constant mass and volumetric flow rate of pure CO2 and of the modifier solution. A local Langmuir adsorption isotherm and a constant saturation capacity were assumed in the calculations. The variation of the adsorption–desorption constant with the eluent density was taken from the experimental variation of the retention factor of S-naproxen on a chiral column packed with Whelk-O1 particles. The results show that the isotherm parameters obtained from the best adjustment of the Langmuir model to the SFC excess adsorption data deviates by less than 7% from the assumed saturation capacity and from the average of the equilibrium constant along the chromatographic column. In practice, this conclusion holds true provided that the precision of the measurement of elution times of front shocks of breakthrough curves is better than 1% and that the maximum surface coverage qexp,max/qS is at least equal to 20%.
Body size as a determinant of small-scale distributions of ants in evergreen woodland southeastern Arizona

Distributions and abundances of ants were determined on the N, E, W and S upper slopes of a conical hill that had a gradient of conditions from moist-cool oakjuniper-pine woodland to warm-dry open shrub woodland. Species distributions varied remarkably with slope, even in terms of subfamilies and unique common species. A formicine was the most abundant species on the north slope. A different species of dolichoderine was most abundant on the other slopes. The assemblages of ant species were much more distinct for these small sites on each slope than are the known groups of species associated with vegetation types on a broad geographical basis. Interpretation of the causes of such specific assemblages awaits detailed information on species ecologies However, there is considerable circumstantial evidence that body size is an important factor. The percentage similarity of body size of pairs of species in the same site was least for common species of the same feeding guild; similarity was greater when one or both members of a pair were uncommon; similarities were highest for species in different guilds. Combinations of species that would have had very high size overlaps did not occur together. Some combinations that occurred were those that had the least overlap possible for the species known to occur on the entire hill.
A Molecular Interpretation of 2D IR Protein Folding Experiments with Markov State Models

The folding mechanism of the N-terminal domain of ribosomal protein L9 (NTL91–39) is studied using temperature-jump (T-jump) amide I′ two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) spectroscopy in combination with spectral simulations based on a Markov state model (MSM) built from millisecond-long molecular dynamics trajectories. The results provide evidence for a compact well-structured folded state and a heterogeneous fast-exchanging denatured state ensemble exhibiting residual secondary structure. The folding rate of 26.4 μs−1 (at 80°C), extracted from the T-jump response of NTL91–39, compares favorably with the 18 μs−1 obtained from the MSM. Structural decomposition of the MSM and analysis along the folding coordinate indicates that helix-formation nucleates the global folding. Simulated difference spectra, corresponding to the global folding transition of the MSM, are in qualitative agreement with measured T-jump 2D IR spectra. The experiments demonstrate the use of T-jump 2D IR spectroscopy as a valuable tool for studying protein folding, with direct connections to simulations. The results suggest that in addition to predicting the correct native structure and folding time constant, molecular dynamics simulations carried out with modern force fields provide an accurate description of folding mechanisms in small proteins.
Computerized artifact detection for ventilatory inductance plethysmographic apnea monitors

Ventilatory inductive plethysmography allows noninvasive monitoring of patient ventilation. Patient movements unrelated to breathing introduce severe errors in ventilator inductive plethysmographic measurements and restrict its usefulness. The purpose of this research was to develop and test a microprocessor-based real-time digital signal processor that uses an adaptive filter to detect patient movements unrelated to breathing. The adaptive filter processor was tested for retrospective identification of artifacts in 20 male volunteers who performed the following specific movements between epochs of quiet, supine breathing: raising arms and legs (slowly, quickly, once, and several times), sitting up, breathing deeply and rapidly, and rolling from a supine to a lateral decubitis position. Flow was simultaneously measured directly with a pneumotachograph attached to a mouthpiece. A multilinear regression was used to continuously calculate the calibration constants that relate the pneumotachographic and ventilatory inductive plethysmographic signals. Ventilatory inductive plethysmographic data were then processed, and results scored. There were a total of 166 movements. The calibration coefficients changed dramatically in 146 (88%) of the 166 movements. These movements would have significant errors on ventilatory inductive plethysmographic flow calculation. The changes lasted for the duration of the movements and returned to baseline within two to three breaths. The changes in the coefficients were five or more times larger than the variability around baseline during quiet, supine breathing. All of the total body movements and changes in breathing patterns were detected accurately. The filter detected 46 of 53 upper body movements, 34 of 36 lower body movements, 38 of 38 total body movements, and 19 of 19 breathing pattern changes where the calibration changed. The filter was able to detect 94% of the total 146 movements. These results could help improve the effectiveness of ventilatory inductive plethysmography as an apnea monitor for use in patients receiving epidural narcotics. More accurate respiratory assessments could also be made during sleep studies, pulmonary evaluations, or exercise evaluations.
Black-Korean Relations: From Desperation to Dialogue, or from Shouting and Shooting to Sitting and Talking.

Relations between African Americans and Korean Americans have been defined mainly by those interactions between Korean merchants and Black consumers in urban communities. The nature of this conflict has resulted in angry attitudes that have escalated the conflict to boycotts of Korean business interests, beatings due to mistaken identities, deaths on both sides and, as we noted in the recent urban uprisings, looting and burning of targeted-Korean businesses. Although the conflict appears to stem from econmic and cultural differences, it is not possible to undertand its roots without examining and understanding the results of years of Euro-centric white racism and the struggle of the two principals to the conflict as its victimes. This paper suggests using a strategy of dialogue between memebers of the two groups, at all levels, in order to reduce or resolve the conflict even thought the factors which might contribute to the conflict have not been or can not be eliminated.
Ordinary language and ordinary belief

be relevant. It is my understanding that these Oxford "philosophical analysts" (if Mr. Copi will pardon the phrase) do not believe that everything that people say-whether common men or philosophers-is correct. Their position is, according to Mr. Copi, "never explicitly formulated." Not only has it been explicitly formulated in a number of papers, had Mr. Copi taken the trouble to look, but it has been practiced extensively, and I believe that Mr. Copi's airy refutation is rather less convincing than would be a list of reasons why, say, Strawson's "On Referring" is not philosophical analysis, whereas Russell's "On Denoting" is.
Association of Solitary Binge Drinking and Suicidal Behavior Among Emerging Adult College Students

Emerging adult college students who binge drink in solitary contexts (i.e., while alone) experience greater depression and suicidal ideation than do students who only binge drink in social contexts, suggesting that they may be at greater risk for suicidal behavior. This study examined the association of a previous suicide attempt, one of the best predictors of future suicide attempts and suicide, and severity of recent suicidal ideation with drinking in solitary and social contexts. Participants were binge drinking, emerging adult (18- to 25-year-old) college students (N=182) drawn from two studies of college drinkers. A logistic regression analysis revealed that both suicide attempt history and severity of suicidal ideation were significantly associated with a greater likelihood of being a solitary binge drinker as opposed to only a social binge drinker. Students with a previous suicide attempt were nearly four times more likely to be solitary binge drinkers. Multiple regression analyses revealed that suicide attempt history was significantly associated with greater frequency and quantity of drinking in solitary, but not social contexts. Suicidal ideation was significantly associated with drinks per solitary drinking day, but not frequency of solitary drinking once suicide attempt history was accounted for. Given the associations found between solitary binge drinking and a history of suicide attempts, as well as greater severity of recent suicidal ideation, it appears that these students are in need of suicide prevention efforts, including treatment efforts aimed at reducing binge drinking.
Random Surface Roughness Effects in Microasperity Lubrication

It is well known that the classical theory of lubrication does not predict the existence of a stable hydrodynamic film between two parallel surfaces. Experimental results have shown that the surface roughness (asperities and cavities) helps the pressure buildup between the two surfaces, thus maintaining the load support that keeps the surfaces from collapsing into each other. The effect of surface roughness on lubrication has gained considerable attention since it is widely recognized that surface roughness can alter the solution for pressure and leakage in hydrodynamic bearings from that given by classical theory. The present work investigates the effect of random (stochastic) surface roughness on the lubrication characteristics of a thrust ring engineered with deterministic surface features.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Theory in, theory out: NCSE and the ESS curriculum

The National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE) has played a prominent role performing empirical research on the environmental studies and sciences (ESS) curriculum over the last 10 years and in significant ways has helped define the “new normal” of the ESS curriculum—for instance, in foregrounding sustainability as its core theme. Greater attention to the conceptual assumptions and implications of this effort—i.e., how theory informs and follows from NCSE’s empirical research—may help us better interrogate this “new normal” as we collectively chart the ESS curriculum of the future. In this paper, I examine one key recent NCSE report, titled “Interdisciplinary Environmental and Sustainability Education on the Nation’s Campuses 2012: Curriculum Design.” Its theoretical dimensions are summarized via three key steps: (a) the ideal ESS curriculum builds on diverse forms of knowledge, (b) this diverse knowledge can be organized into major curricular models, and (c) sustainability integrates these curricular models. The final step, presented without empirical justification, appears to derive both from earlier NCSE-related publications and theoretical assumptions from the first two steps. I conclude by rephrasing these three steps as questions for continued discussion and debate. Ultimately, theory and empirical research both matter in discussions over the ESS curriculum, which would ideally be informed but not constrained by NCSE’s contributions.
Of Big Ears and Bondage: Benjamin, Kafka, and the Static of the Sirens

Walter Benjamin writes about a childhood photograph of Franz Kafka on two occasions: his essay on photography and his commemorative text, “Franz Kafka: Zur zehnten Wiederkehr seines Todestages.” In the latter, Benjamin describes not only the close atmosphere and tight-fitting clothing that he notes in his “Kleine Geschichte der Photographie,” but also the prominent, large ear of the depicted six-year old subject. In posing the question how the acoustics of this still image relate to the stifling scenery and clothing that appear, in Benjamin's account, to envelop the child, this article addresses the gestural dimension of acoustic phenomena in Kafka's œuvre, and above all, its tendency towards prayer—a prayer that, perhaps, resonates less with the attentiveness that, for Malebranche, is the natural prayer of the soul, than the holy prostitution of Baudelaire's Spleen de Paris.
A multi-layer framework for puzzle-based denial-of-service defense

Client puzzles have been advocated as a promising countermeasure to denial-of-service (DoS) attacks in recent years. However, how to operationalize this idea in network protocol stacks still has not been sufficiently studied. In this paper, we describe our research on a multi-layer puzzle-based DoS defense architecture, which embeds puzzle techniques into both end-to-end and IP-layer services. Specifically, our research results in two new puzzle techniques: puzzle auctions for end-to-end protection and congestion puzzles for IP-layer protection. We present the designs of these approaches and evaluations of their efficacy. We demonstrate that our techniques effectively mitigate DoS threats to IP, TCP and application protocols; maintain full interoperability with legacy systems; and support incremental deployment. We also provide a game theoretic analysis that sheds light on the potential to use client puzzles for incentive engineering: the costs of solving puzzles on an attackers’ behalf could motivate computer owners to more aggressively cleanse their computers of malware, in turn hindering the attacker from capturing a large number of computers with which it can launch DoS attacks.
A new synthesis of aniline oligomers with three to eight amine units

A new convenient method has been developed for the synthesis of well-defined aniline oligomers containing 3 to 8 aromatic amine units with amino or aryl end-groups. The method consists of a single-step reaction of the aromatic amines having at least one amino end-group with other aromatic amines in an acidic medium with or without external oxidizing agents. The oxidation state of the oligomers can be changed via simple redox reactions. A possible mechanism for the reaction involves an electrophilic aromatic substitution of nitrenium cation to aromatic amines.