cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cost-effectiveness of prospective and continuous parenteral antibiotic control: Experience at the Palo Alto Veterans affairs medical center from 1987 to 1989

Abstract purpose: Controlling inappropriate antibiotic usage is a major focus for hospital quality assurance and cost-containment programs. We assessed the impact of strengthening a parenteral antibiotic control policy and instituting continuous infectious disease service (IDS) reviews of the appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy on cost and patient outcomes. patients and methods: All patients receiving intravenous antibiotics during a 3.5-year period from 1986 to 1989 were included in either the pre- or post-policy study group. Antibiotic costs 16 months before were compared with antibiotic costs 26 months after implementation of a new policy to restrict inappropriate usage of (1) broad-spectrum antibiotics when not necessary, (2) expensive agents when a less costly agent could be used, and (3) an excessive dosage or interval. Patient subgroups treated 4 months before and 4 months after policy implementation were compared further within diagnosis-related group (DRG) assignments using patient demographic, cost, and outcome measures. results: The average monthly antibiotic costs during the 26-month post-policy period were $7,600 less than during the 16-month pre-policy period (p conclusion: Antibiotic control policies can be developed to ensure quality care and can be designed to select for cost-effective agents. Prospective and continuous monitoring of antibiotic usage by the IDS resulted in a significant and sustained reduction in antibiotic costs without detrimental effect on the length of therapy or deaths.
Design of a versatile pressure control system for gas targets in ion-atom collision studies

Abstract In this work, a unique gas target pressure control system is described which has been developed to measure state selective absolute EUV cross sections subsequent to electron and ion impact on gaseous targets. This system can be used in any type of gas phase experiment using positively or negatively charged and neutral particle beams interacting with atomic and molecular targets.
Introduction to Advances in Stroke 2009

This year, we are delighted to provide the readership of Stroke Advances from 8 of our sections by 1 or both Section Editors. These overviews …
Topoisomerase I is preferentially associated with normal SV40 replicative intermediates, but is associated with both replicating and nonreplicating SV40 DNAs which are deficient in histones

Based on the use of equilibrium centrifugation in CsCl to separate covalent complexes between topoisomerase I and DNA from protein-free DNA, it was concluded previously that the topoisomerase is preferentially associated with replicating SV40 DNA (Champoux, J. J. 1988. J. Virol. 62:3675-3683). One explanation for the failure to find the enzyme associated with nonreplicating viral DNA is that most of the completed DNA is rapidly sequestered for encapsidation and inaccessible to topoisomerase I. This explanation has been ruled out in the present work by the finding that topoisomerase I in COS-1 cells is also preferentially associated with the replicative form of an SV40 origin-containing plasmid that lacks the genes coding for the virion structural proteins and therefore cannot be encapsidated. Thus it appears that some structural feature of the replicating DNA or the replication complex specifically recruits the topoisomerase to the DNA. SV40 DNA which is produced in the presence of the protein synthesis inhibitor, puromycin, is deficient in histones and as a result lacks normal chromatin structure. Topoisomerase I was found to be associated with SV40 DNA under these conditions whether or not it was replicating. This observation is interpreted as an indication that under normal conditions, chromatin structure limits access of topoisomerase I to the nonreplicating viral DNA.
Using transcripts in analyses: Directions and opportunities

This chapter offers practical lessons about the research methodology of transcript analysis and details the benefits and usefulness of tracking student progress through transcript data.
Inelastic and Elastic Electron Scattering in Argon

The energy distribution and the angular distribution of electrons scattered by argon atoms were investigated both for elastically and inelastically scattered electrons. Elastic scattering was investigated over the angular range between 10\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 170\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, and for the energy range between 50 and 550 volts. The scattering curves fell off steeply with increasing angle. In the case of the 50 and 100 volt electrons, however, maxima were found at 100\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} respectively. The 400 and 550 volt curves when plotted as a function of $\frac{sin(\frac{\ensuremath{\theta}}{2})}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}$ (where $\ensuremath{\theta}$ is the angle and $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ the de Broglie wavelength) were superposable, in agreement with Mott's theory. The number of elastically scattered electrons, integrated over all angles, depends on the colliding energy in much the same way as does the difference between the total electron absorption coefficient and the ionization efficiency. The energy distributions of electrons scattered inelastically in argon at 10\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} were measured for 50, 100, and 200 volt electrons. It was found that as the energy of the colliding electrons increased the probability of the larger energy losses became relatively greater than the probability of the smaller energy losses. Angular distribution curves (5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 35\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}) for such losses (11.6 to 34.0 volts) were steeper the smaller the magnitude of the loss. For any one loss, the steepness increased with the speed of the colliding electron. Electrons which have lost more than half the energy left over after ionization are called ejected electrons. To each ejected electron there corresponds a colliding electron, and the sum of their energies amounts to the original energy before collision less the energy of ionization. The angular distributions of slow ejected electrons having various amounts of energy (1 to 8 volts) were studied for different collision energies (50 to 200 volts). Such distribution curves showed a general distribution of electrons over all angles with, in many cases, strong maxima at large angles (90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 160\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}). The positions of the maxima depended in a definite way upon the energy of collision and the energy of the ejected electron.
Organizational Configurations of American Child Maltreatment Reporting Systems

This study was conducted to identify the organizational characteristics of American child maltreatment reporting systems. Specifically, the investigation focused on the mission, public/private status, and centralization/decentralization of the organizations that compose American child maltreatment reporting systems. Data from each state were gathered through online document review and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results indicated both similarities and differences across states. All states used a public social service-oriented system to field child maltreatment reports. However, states varied in the degree of centralization of reporting systems. While centralized statewide child maltreatment reporting systems were utilized in 21 states, 19 states used decentralized systems that relied on local organizations to receive reports. In the remaining states, a hybrid system was in place, with reports being received at both the state and local levels.
Factors contributing to one-electron metalloradical activation of ethene and carbon monoxide illustrated by reactions of Co(II), Rh(II), and Ir(II) porphyrins

Abstract Metallo-porphyrin complexes of Co(II), Rh(II), and Ir(II) are used as prototype metal-centered radicals in examining the factors that contribute to obtaining one-electron activated ethene and CO substrate adducts [M(CH2CH2)] and [M(CO)] that subsequently react on to produce complexes with reduced substrate units including M–CH2CH2–M, M–(CH2)4–M, M–C(O)–M, M–C(O)–C(O)–M, and M–C(O)H. Cobalt(II) and rhodium(II) complexes of the form [(por)M(CH2CH2)] and [(por)M(CO)] occur as primarily metal-centered radicals and the iridium analogs are porphyrin anion radical complexes ((por) −IrIII(CH2CH2), (por) −IrIII(CO)). Relatively small (por)Co–C bond dissociation enthalpies preclude forming any reduced substrate species. Rhodium porphyrins produce a complete set of reduced and coupled ethene and CO complexes, but iridium porphyrins only give ethene reduction and coupling products (por)Ir–CH2CH2–Ir(por) and (por)Ir–(CH2)4–Ir(por). Thermodynamic criteria and analysis of substrate reactions are used to guide interpretations of the observed reactivity.
8-hydroxyquinoline inhibition of DNA synthesis and intragenic recombination during yeast meiosis.

Complete inhibition of sporulation was observed in two strains of Saccharomyces cerevesiae to which 8-hydroxyquinoline was added at a final concentration of 5μg/ml during the initial 4 to 6 h of sporulation. The cells were most sensitive to the inhibitor during a 4 to 6 h interval beginning at approximately 2 h (T2). Its addition during that interval resulted in 70 to 80% lethality in strain 4579 and about 40% in API at T24. When present from T0 onward, 5μg/ml of 8-hydroxyquinoline severely inhibited premeiotic DNA replication and reduced the frequency of intragenic recombination at the ade 2 and leu 2 loci by 70 and 100%, respectively, relative to control cultures which did not have the inhibitor present. During the period when the cells were most sensitive, the incorporation of 14C-leucine into protein and 14C-adenine into RNA was not inhibited nor was the polysome content affected. At 150μg/ml of inhibitor, incorporation of labeled precursors into RNA and protein were inhibited and the percentage of active ribosomes was reduced by 35% within 45 min, but neither transcription or translation appeared to be completely inhibited at this concentration of the inhibitor.
The RNA-Induced Silencing Complex Is a Mg2+-Dependent Endonuclease

Abstract In the Drosophila and mammalian RNA interference (RNAi) pathways, target RNA destruction is catalyzed by the siRNA-guided, RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). RISC has been proposed to be an siRNA-directed endonuclease, catalyzing cleavage of a single phosphodiester bond on the RNA target. Although 5′ cleavage products are readily detected for RNAi in vitro, only 3′ cleavage products have been observed in vivo. Proof that RISC acts as an endonuclease requires detection of both 5′ and 3′ cleavage products in a single experimental system. Here, we show that siRNA-programmed RISC generates both 5′ and 3′ cleavage products in vitro; cleavage requires Mg 2+ , but not Ca 2+ , and the cleavage product termini suggest a role for Mg 2+ in catalysis. Moreover, a single phosphorothioate in place of the scissile phosphate blocks cleavage; the phosphorothioate effect can be rescued by the thiophilic cation Mn 2+ , but not by Ca 2+ or Mg 2+ . We propose that during catalysis, a Mg 2+ ion is bound to the RNA substrate through a nonbridging oxygen of the scissile phosphate. The mechanism of endonucleolytic cleavage is not consistent with the mechanisms of the previously identified RISC nuclease, Tudor-SN. Thus, the RISC-component that mediates endonucleolytic cleavage of the target RNA remains to be identified.
Effects of acute and chronic exposure to secobarbital on the activity of hepatic synthesized clotting factors

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with either a single subcutaneous dose of 75 mg of secobarbital, or once daily injections of 20 mg of secobarbital for 7 days. Plasma was collected prior to treatment and 18 hours later (75 mg) or 8 and 15 days later (20 mg). Plasma was analyzed for the platelet count (PLT), prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen (FIB), and coagulation factor activities for factors II, V, VII, IX, and X. Treatment with a single subcutaneous injection of 75 mg of secobarbital caused statistically significant alterations in every clotting activity measured whereas 7 days of treatment with 20 mg once daily resulted in only 2 clotting factors being abnormal. These two factors returned to pretreatment levels following 7 days of withdrawal of secobarbital. The data indicates that a single larger dose of secobarbital is more influential on hepatic synthesized clotting factor activity than is longer treatment with a lesser dose.
Barriers to non-HDL cholesterol goal attainment by providers

Abstract Purpose Despite improvements in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) goal attainment remains poor. This study assessed providers' knowledge of, attitude toward, and practice regarding non-HDL-C. Methods Based on a conceptual model, we designed a questionnaire that was administered to internal medicine, family practice, cardiology, and endocrinology providers attending continuous medical education conferences. Responses were compared with those of providers attending a clinical lipidology conference. Results The response rate was 33.3% (354/1063). Among providers attending nonlipidology conferences, only 26% knew that non-HDL-C was a secondary treatment target, 34% knew non-HDL-C treatment goals, 56% could calculate non-HDL-C levels, and 66% knew that non-HDL-C levels could be calculated from a standard lipid panel. Compared with providers attending the lipidology conference, the other providers were less likely ( P ≤.01) to have read the Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines (46% vs 98%) or to use non-HDL-C (36% vs 91%). No differences were found between primary care and specialty providers. Lack of familiarity with Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines (34%) and of knowledge regarding non-HDL-C importance (21%) and calculation (22.7%) were the most common barriers identified. Conclusions Major gaps remain in providers' awareness regarding non-HDL-C definition, calculation, and goals. System-level interventions are needed across specialties to address these gaps.
Stress states and nonlinear mechanical behavior associated with nanoindentation testing of polymers

Interest in determining material properties on the nanoscale has promoted use of nanoindentation testing as a measurement technique. Classical elasticity solution of indentation geometry has provided values of the mechanical properties for linear elastic materials. Recent attempts to apply this test technique to polymers have given indications of time dependent response in the early relaxation period. There is corresponding interest in the possibility of obtaining their nonlinear viscoelastic behavior. As a preliminary to analytical study providing a basis for such testing, the first part of this paper examines the initial stress and strain condition in the vicinity of the indenter. Data from recent tests on poly(vinyl acetate) material at load levels typical of current testing indicate that stress magnitudes in the nonlinear and possibly plastic-like range are present near the specimen surface. The second part of this study pursues the examination of how the heavily nonlinear region may be characterized for polymers in analogy with the treatment utilized for metals and other elastic-plastic materials. As an example, analysis of data on PVAc indicates that its behavior in nanoindentation should in several respects correspond to materials exhibiting a relatively low value of the ratio of elastic modulus to yield stress.
Reproducibility over time and effect of low-dose aspirin on soluble P-selectin and soluble CD40 ligand

Platelet markers [soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and soluble p selectin (sPselectin)] are associated with platelet activation and cardiovascular events. We sought to investigate the reproducibility of these markers over time and the effect of low-dose aspirin on sCD40L and sPselectin in plasma and serum. Following an overnight fast, 40 healthy volunteers had weekly phlebotomy and were administered aspirin 81 mg/day between weeks 3 and 4. Reproducibility over time was assessed by coefficient of variation (CV) and inter-class correlation coefficient. Correlation between markers was assessed using Pearson r statistic. Difference between levels pre- and post-aspirin was measured with Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Data are presented as median (interquartile range). sCD40L and sPselectin measurements were reproducible over time in plasma and serum (CV < 10 %). Measurement of sCD40L and sPselectin in plasma correlated with levels in serum before aspirin and after aspirin. There was no significant correlation between sCD40L and sPselectin. After 1-week of aspirin 81 mg/day, there was a reduction in sCD40L and sPselectin in serum and plasma, respectively. Soluble CD40L and sPselectin are independent markers that are reproducible over time in both plasma and sera and are reduced by 1-week of low-dose aspirin.
Matric Priming Increases Germination Rate of Great Basin Native Perennial Grasses

Cheatgrass (L.) is an undesirable nonnative annual that germinates at relatively low temperatures in the spring and fall and can establish a root system more quickly than Great Basin native perennial grasses. The purpose of this study was to determine whether seed priming could be used to enhance low-temperature germination rate of native perennial grasses so that they can better compete with cheatgrass. A matric-priming technique was used to increase low-temperature germination rate of seven native perennial grasses: blue-bunch wheatgrass [ (Pursh) Love], thickspike wheatgrass [ (Scribn. & J.G. Smith) Gould; syn. (Hook.) Scribn.], basin wildrye [ (Scribn. and Merr.) A. Love], sheep fescue (L.), canby bluegrass (Scribn.), sandberg bluegrass (Vasey), and bottlebrush squirreltail [ (Nutt.) J.G. Smith]. Seeds primed at both 10 and 25°C were evaluated for germination response at both 10 and 25°C. Days to 50% germination () was ≈ 4 d for cheatgrass germinated at 10°C. Native grass seeds in control treatments germinated between about 4 and 11 d later than cheatgrass at 10°C. Priming reduced by between 4 and 8 d for all native species when germinated at 10°C. Germination rate at 10°C was generally higher when the seeds were primed at 25°C, except for basin wildrye. Priming increased cold temperature germination rate of bluebunch wheatgrass, thickspike wheatgrass, and sheep fescue to a level comparable to cheatgrass.
Gimbal mechanism for cryogenic alignment of 1-meter diameter optics

A two axis optical gimbal mechanism for aligning 1 meter diameter telescope primaries and test flat mirrors at temperatures from 300 to 4.2 K was constructed for use in the SIRTF Telescope Test Facility (STTF). This mechanism consists of an aluminum frame, pivoting on a monoball bearing, and driven in tip and tilt by tungsten di-sulfide lubricated lead screws with external drive motors. Flexures decouple the optical support frame from stresses generated by differential rates of cooling. A second set of flexures decouples the mirror mechanically and thermally from distortion in the gimbal mechanism. The mechanism provides sub arc-second resolution in either axis, while limiting the heat leak to less than 100 mW at 4.2 K. Linear variable differential tranformers are used at temperatures from 300 to 4.2 K to measure a home position. The STTF and gimbal are presently operational, and have been used in two separate interferometric measurements of a 0.5 meter, f 4.0 beryllium spherical mirror at 6 K. The gimbal will be used in the interferometric testing of a beryllium telescope primary mirror from the Infrared Technology Testbed, for the Space Infrared Telescope Facility at JPL.
Construction of orthonormal local orbitals and application to zinc-blende semiconductors

A $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{k}}$-space procedure for constructing orthonormal local orbitals (OLO's) has been examined in detail, and numerical applications to zinc-blende semiconductors have been carried out. The OLO's constructed from the minimum Gaussian basis are found to be localized, with amplitudes appreciable only within a radius of $2.5a$, where $a$ is the lattice constant. A Hamiltonian that retains only the term values and the first-neighbor interactions in the OLO basis yields a convergence of 0.1 eV for the bond energies but very poor results for the band structures. To achieve a 0.2-eV convergence for the valence bands and the first two conduction bands for all six III-V compounds studied, the interactions up to the fifteenth-neighbor shell have to be included. Comparison of matrix elements for different systems suggests that the Hamiltonian in OLO's for the zinc-blende compounds can be decomposed into a local part which characterizes the bonding of each individual system, and a common long-range part which scales as $\frac{1}{{a}^{2}}$. Application of this model and extension of the present work are also discussed.
Lysosomal enzymes in the rat harderian gland are altered by either bromocriptine treatment or hypophysectomy and hormone replacement therapy.

AbstractFour groups of adult male hypophysectomized rats were injected subcutaneously twice daily between 0800–0900 hr and 1600–1700 hr with either saline diluent, 150 μg sheep prolactin and/or growth hormone (GH); intact rats received either saline or 150 μg bromocriptine twice daily. After 4 days of treatment, lysosomal enzyme assays revealed significant elevations in both acid phosphatase and α-mannosidase enzyme activities in the Harderian glands of saline-injected hypophysectomized rats compared to those in intact controls. β-Glucuronidase levels were depressed and hexosaminidase activity unaffected by hypophysectomy treatment alone compared to intact controls. Lysosomal enzyme activities in hypophysectomized animals treated with prolactin were not different from the hypophysectomized control animals. However, treatment with GH alone or in combination with prolactin had a significant inhibitory effect on β-glucuronidase, hexosaminidase, and α-mannosidase enzyme activities in the Harderian gland of hy...
Expression of a chimeric proteinase inhibitor II-GUS gene in transgenic Solanum brevidens plants

Summary A wild nontuberizing potato species Solanum brevidens Phil, was transformed with Agrobacterium tume-faciens strain GV2260 containing chimeric neomycin phosphotransferase and potato proteinase inhibitor II ( Pis 4) promoter-GUS ( uid A) genes on the disarmed plasmid pRT210. Several independent transgenic plantlets were regenerated on kanamycin-containing medium. Analysis of polymerase-chain-reaction products followed by Southern blot hybridization confirmed the presence of uid A genes in three of the transformants. Transgenic plants were tested for methyl jasmonate, sucrose, and wound induction of the pinII-GUS genes at the RNA and protein levels using leaf-petiole cuttings and whole plants. Northern blot analysis showed that the Pis4-uidA transgene can be induced by methyl jasmonate and sucrose. Methyl jasmonate-induced GUS activity in transgenic plants was up to fifteen times higher than basal levels after 12-h incubation and up to twenty-three times higher than basal levels after 24 h. Wounding of transgenic S. brevidens leaves on whole plants resulted in a substantial induction of GUS activity both locally and systemically.
Temperature dependence of the conductivity of a silicon inversion layer at low temperatures

Abstract The temperature dependence of the conductivity of a high-mobility silicon MOSFET is reported for temperatures from 0.2 to 23 K and electron densities from 1 to 20 × 1011cm−2. The results show a strong increase in conductivity with decreasing temperature. However, this rate of increase was observed to rapidly diminish outside of a restricted range of temperature for a given density. The decreasing temperature dependence at the lower temperatures is attributed to the saturation of screening as the effects of broadening become comparable to thermal effects. The diminishing temperature dependence at the higher temperatures puts limits on the applicability of recent calculations for the conductivity.
Optically pumped electron spin polarized targets for use in the production of polarized ion beams

Abstract The production of relatively dense electron spin polarized alkali metal vapor targets by optical pumping with intense cw dye lasers is discussed. The target density and electron spin polarization depend on the dye laser intensity and bandwidth, the magnetic field at the target, and the electron spin depolarization time. The example in a magnetic field of 1.5 × 103 G, and using 1 W dye laser with a bandwidth of 1010 Hz one can construct an electron spin polarized Na vapor target with a target thickness of 1.6 × 1013 atoms/cm2 and an average electron spin polarization of about 90% even though the Na atoms are completely depolarized at every wall collision. Possible uses of the electron spin polarized targets for the production of intense beams of polarized H− or 3He− ions are discussed.
Cooperative spectrum sensing for primary user detection in cognitive radio

In order to utilize the available spectrum more efficiently, cognitive radio systems have been proposed. Spectrum sharing in cognitive radios allows unlicensed users to access the licensed spectrum with primary licensed users. For achieving best spectral efficiency and non-interference with primary users, it is important to accurately detect the presence/absence of primary users. For this purpose, the solutions learned within the framework of decentralized detection in sensor networks have been considered. In this paper, we survey various approaches and results obtained for primary user detection in cognitive radio networks.
Chronic Obstructive Pneumonia Caused by a Vertebral Body Osteophyte

Osteophytes associated with spondylosis have been implicated as a cause of multiple extraspinal manifestations. Symptoms are more likely to occur with the large osteophytes associated with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. In the thoracic region, osteophytes have been reported infrequently as a cause of extraspinal complications. We report a case in which an anterior thoracic vertebral osteophyte was responsible for chronic obstructive pneumonia due to obstruction of the right main stem bronchus. The patient's condition improved considerably after surgical resection of the compressing thoracic osteophyte.
WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN? NUTRIENT ADDITION AND PREDATION PRESSURE ON OAK HERBIVORES

Current research suggests that the strength of top-down forces in communities increases with resource availability to primary producers. We examined the relative impacts of top-down and bottom-up forces on oak–herbivore communities by factorial manipulation of predation pressure and plant growth and quality. Plant growth and quality (phenolics, nitrogen) and avian predation intensity were altered through the addition of fertilizer to and the exclusion of birds from Quercus prinus and Q. rubra saplings. We censused the densities of insect herbivore guilds and predaceous arthropods on experimental and control trees in the summers of 1996 and 1997. We assessed changes in oak foliage quality using chemical assays for nitrogen, gallotannins, proanthocyanidins, and foliar astringency (protein-binding capacity). In general, leaf chewers, phloem feeders, and leaf miners were more frequent on fertilized than on unfertilized trees. Predaceous arthropods were also more frequent on fertilized trees and were positivel...
Granule cell apoptosis and protein expression in hippocampal dentate gyrus after forebrain ischemia in the rat

We investigated the relationship between apoptosis and selective protein expression in brain from rats subjected to 8 (n=10) or 12 min (n=10) of forebrain ischemia and 48 h of reperfusion, and control sham operated (n=2) and normal (n=2). Coronal sections were processed for double staining with DNA fragmentation detection and immunohistochemical staining. In five of ten 8-min ischemic and three of ten 12-min ischemic animals, nearly all dead granule cells within the dentate gyrus exhibited apoptotic morphology. In the remaining animals, no granule cell death was evident. In the pyramidal regions (CA1/2), nearly all dead cells were necrotic with only scattered apoptotic cells present. The immunoreactive expression of wt-p53, p53-response proteins (WAF1, Bax and Gadd45), and a cell cycle protein (cyclin D) were detected and preferentially localized to nuclei of apoptotic granule cells, and were weakly expressed in nuclei of necrotic pyramidal CA1/2 cells. Thus, 48 h after 8 or 12 min of forebrain ischemia in the rat, most pyramidal cells and dentate granule cells undergo distinct cell death pathways of necrosis or apoptosis, respectively. In addition, the selective expression of proteins associated with DNA damage and cell cycle in apoptotic dentate granule cells suggests a role for these proteins in the induction of apoptosis.
Scanning force microscopy of gelatin films in the dry, swollen and redried states

Abstract We employ scanning force microscopy (SFM) to investigate films of the complex biopolymer gelatin. We distinguish different phases of gelatin via frictional force signatures. A low-friction minority phase is substantially present in thin dry films prepared from low-concentration aqueous solutions. Frictional force is measured as a function of tip speed comparatively on the different phases and related to the degree of “crystallinity” (triple-helical content) in the different film regions. The mechanical properties and surface forces are characterized in force vs. distance measurements on thick, water-swollen gelatin films prepared with and without covalent crosslinking agents. SFM imaging of redried thick films reveal “craters”, which were absent in the original film. These craters are increasingly prevalent as a function of increased drying rate; an anisotropic distribution results from extremely fast directional drying. In some cases craters are observed only along boundaries between dissimilar friction domains, suggesting that interfacial stresses between domains may yield the formation of crater defects. Topographic SFM images display substantial reticulation in redried films containing a peptide coupler crosslinking agent.
The Action of Mucin in Promoting Infections: The Effect of a Previous Injection of Mucin and of α-Tocopherol in Peanut Oil

Elberg and Gale (1949) reported that intraperitoneal injection of a-tocopherol dissolved in peanut oil or of hog gastric mucin protected animals from a subsequent infection with Salmonella typhi in hog gastric mucin. The time interval between the two injections was 48 hours. These and later observations (Gale and Elberg, 1952) were put forward as support for a theory on the mechanism by which hog gastric mucin promotes infections. This theory was based on changes in capillary permeability thought to be induced by a-tocopherol and by mucin. While it is possible that changes in capillary permeability may affect the course of an infection promoted by mucin, examination of the figures given in table 1 (Elberg and Gale, 1949) suggested that a nonspecific immunity might be an adequate explanation of the results using a-tocopherol in peanut oil. It was therefore decided to repeat the experiments with both a-tocopherol in peanut oil and with hog gastric mucin, using large batches of mice. This paper describes the results of the investigation. In addition, the repercussion is stressed of recent chemical work identi-
An Empirical Investigation on Customer’s Privacy Perceptions, Trust and Security Awareness in E-commerce Environment

AbstractPrivacy concerns of the users have been listed as one of the hindrances in the growth of e-commerce. Understanding the consequences of privacy and its relationship with risk perceptions may help in finding solutions to this problem. Internet users may use different strategies to protect their privacy so that they can become confident in taking part in e-commerce. In this study, we investigate how users can lower their risk perceptions in the context of e-commerce. The relationships among privacy, risk, trust and internet security measures are empirically investigated to predict the behavioral intention to take part in e-commerce. Theoretical contributions and implications are discussed.
Thermal characteristics of single and multi-layer high performance PQFP packages

Using experimental and computational techniques, it is shown that significant reduction in the package thermal resistance can be achieved by using a multilayer lead frame structure for medium and high lead count plastic quad flat pack (PQFP) packages. The thermal resistance of the 132 lead PQFP is reduced by 38% and 43% with copper and alloy 42 lead frames, respectively, under natural convection. A three-dimensional finite-element thermal model is constructed and correlated with the experimental data. Using this model, it is demonstrated that the contribution of the low thermal conductivity insulating adhesive tape to the overall thermal resistance is about 1 ( degrees C/W). In addition, increasing the power and ground plane thicknesses from 6 to 10 mils results in only about 1.5 ( degrees C/W) improvement in the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance. The thermal model is used to compare the thermal characteristics of the single-layer and multilayer PQFPs with copper and alloy 42 lead frames in the multicomponent board environment. The comparison indicates that the thermal resistance of the multilayer/alloy 42 lead frame PQFPs approach the thermal resistance of the multilayer/copper lead frame packages as the board temperature rises above the ambient temperature as a result of board heating. These packages will have similar thermal performance if the board temperature rises about 70 ( degrees C) above the ambient. >
Quantitative characterization of the x-ray imaging capability of rotating modulation collimators with laser light

We developed a method for making quantitative characterizations of bi-grid rotating modulation collimators (RMC ’s) that are used in a Fourier transform x-ray imager. With appropriate choices of the collimator spacings, this technique can be implemented with a beam-expanded He -Ne laser to simulate the plane wave produced by a point source at infinity even though the RMC ’s are diffraction limited at the He -Ne wavelength of 632.8 nm. The expanded beam passes through the grid pairs at a small angle with respect to their axis of rotation, and the modulated transmission through the grids as the RMC ’s rotate is detected with a photomultiplier tube. In addition to providing a quantitative characterization of the RMC ’s, the method also produces a measured point response function and provides an end-to-end check of the imaging system. We applied our method to the RMC ’s on the high-energy imaging device (HEIDI) balloon payload in its preflight configuration. We computed the harmonic ratios of the modulation time profile from the laser measurements and compared them with theoretical calculations, including the diffraction effects on irregular grids. Our results indicate the 25-in. (64-cm) x-ray imaging optics on HEIDI are capable of achieving images near the theoretical limit and are not seriously compromised by imperfections in the grids.
Meeting the Needs of our Readers

In my last editor’s page, I discussed how the Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography (JASE) has a number of responsibilities to our readers, and why they are so important. In the event that my comments might have been misconstrued to imply that JASE is responsible only to our readers, let me set the record straight. There is no question that our responsibility to our authors is of equal importance.
A controller-based design-for-testability technique for controller-data path circuits

This paper investigates the effect of the controller on the testability of sequential circuits composed of controllers and data paths. It is shown that even when both the controller and the data path parts are individually 100\% testable, the composite circuit may not be easily testable by gate-level sequential ATPG. Analysis shows that a primary problem in test pattern generation of combined controller-data path circuits is the correlation of control signals due to implications imposed by the controller specification. A design-for-testability technique is developed to re-design the controller such that the implications which may produce conflicts during test pattern generation are eliminated. The DFT technique involves adding extra control vectors to the controller. Experimental results show the ability of the controller DFT technique to produce highly testable controller-data path circuits, with nominal hardware overhead.
Urinary-Based Ovulation and Pregnancy: Point-of-Care Testing

OBJECTIVETo review the literature concerning ovulation prediction devices and pregnancy detection tests for home use.DATA SOURCESArticles were identified through searches of the MEDLINE (1966–May 2003), EMBASE (1980–May 2003), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–May 2003) databases using the key words ovulation, ovulation detection, pregnancy test, diagnostic reagent kit, and diagnostic test. Additional references were located through review of the bibliographies of the articles found in the literature search. Searches were not limited by time restriction, language, or use of human or animal subjects.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTIONReview articles, textbook chapters, and experimental and observational studies on home use ovulation and pregnancy tests were selected.DATA SYNTHESISLuteinizing hormone (LH)-based ovulation tests have demonstrated accurate and superior ovulation detection when compared to basal body temperature charting, calendar calculation, salivary ferning, or observation of ...
A graphical algorithm for fast computation of identity coefficients and generalized kinship coefficients

Summary: Computing the probability of identity by descent sharing among n genes given only the pedigree of those genes is a computationally challenging problem, if n or the pedigree size is large. Here, I present a novel graphical algorithm for efficiently computing all generalized kinship coefficients for n genes. The graphical description transforms the problem from doing many recursion on the pedigree to doing a single traversal of a structure referred to as the kinship graph. Availability: The algorithm is implemented for n = 4 in the software package IdCoefs at http://home.uchicago.edu/abney/Software.html. Contact: abney@bsd.uchicago.edu Supplementary Information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Do subsidization and monitoring enhance adherence to prescribed exercise

Abstract Purpose. We studied whether partial versus full subsidization and self versus other monitoring promote adherence to physician-prescribed exercise. Method. We randomly assigned 132 participants to experimental conditions defined by two levels of subsidization and two types of monitoring. Physicians wrote prescriptions as referrals to an exercise facility. A computer recorded participants' exercise for 12 weeks. A sponsoring medical organization paid half or all of the facility's fees. Half of the participants kept records of workouts, and half reported workouts to researchers who telephoned them. Results. Fully subsidized patients averaged 21.41 workouts versus 16.67 workouts by partially subsidized patients (p < .05). Researcher-monitored participants averaged 22.14 workouts versus 15.96 workouts by self-monitored participants (p < .01). Conclusions. Full subsidization and third-party monitoring increased exercise rates. These findings encourage use of both to enhance prescribed exercise rates an...
Interpolating distributed approximating functionals

In this paper, we present a class of distributed approximating functionals ~DAF’s ! for solving various problems in the sciences and engineering. Previous DAF’s were specifically constructed to avoid interpolation in order to achieve the ‘‘well-tempered’’ limit, in which the same order error is made both on and off the grid points. These DAF’s are constructed by combining the DAF concept with various interpolation schemes. The approach then becomes the same as the ‘‘moving least squares’’ method, but the specific ‘‘interpolating DAF’s’’ obtained are new, to our knowledge. These interpolating DAF’s are illustrated using Lagrange interpolation ~the ‘‘LDAF’’ ! and a Gaussian weight function. Four numerical tests are used to illustrate the LDAF’s: differentiation on and off a grid, fitting a function off a grid, time-dependent quantum dynamical evolution, and solving nonlinear Burgers’ equation. @S1063-651X~98!10204-0#
Warning: Google Can Be Hazardous to Your Health: Fertility Preservation Is an Important Part of Cancer Care

As a resident, I had the opportunity to take care of a young woman with an ovarian germ cell tumor. She initially presented to an outside facility with an ovarian cyst believed to be benign. Following a cystectomy at this facility where the frozen pathologic specimen was determined benign, the final pathology unexpectedly returned as malignant. She then presented to the University of Chicago oncology service for a second opinion. She underwent conservative surgery with unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and lymph node sampling, and the contralateral ovary and uterus were grossly normal and preserved. This fertility-preserving surgery is standard of care for women with germ cell tumors confined to one ovary that have not completed childbearing. She was to return to the inpatient chemotherapy service for her BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin) regimen following recovery from the surgery.
Implementation of a knowledge-based programming environment

MARVEL is a knowledge-based programming environment that assists its users during the implementation, testing, and maintenance phases of software projects. Solutions to the pragmatic problems of MARVELs implementation are discussed. MARVELs knowledge is supplied as strategies, where each strategy consists of classes that define the structure of objects, relations that define the semantic interconnections among objects, tools that define the processing that can be performed on objects to derive new objects, and rules that control the integration and automation of tools. The primary focus is the strategy language, its translator, and run-time support. An explanation is given of tool envelopes, which provide a mapping from the software objects defined in the current strategies to/from the file system representation expected by existing tools. The interactions between envelopes and the forward and backward chaining among the rules used to achieve controlled automation is described. >
Seismic signal dominance in the multimodal courtship display of the wolf spider Schizocosa stridulans Stratton 1991

Unraveling the function and evolutionary history of multimodal signaling is a difficult, yet common task of much research in animal communication. Here, I investigated multimodal signal function in the visual and seismic courtship display of the wolf spider Schizocosa stridulans and found that only the seismic courtship signal was important for mating success. First, copulation frequency was assessed in the presence/absence of both visual and seismic courtship signals. The seismic signal was sufficient for successful copulation, whereas the visual signal was neither necessary nor sufficient, suggesting that the signals are not redundant and do not function as backups. Next, female receptivity to video courtship sequences with altered male ornamentation was assessed in the presence of a live male's seismic signal. Female receptivity did not depend on male foreleg ornamentation. Instead, females performed receptivity displays equally to all video stimuli, demonstrating that in the presence of seismic signaling, receptivity is independent of visual signaling-indicating seismic signal dominance. Finally, female responses to isolated seismic cues from crickets and courting males suggest that seismic courtship signals carry both location and identification information. Schizocosa stridulans represents one of the few examples in which a single component likely dominates a multimodal signal.
Neurocognitive Performance in Alcoholics: Is Polysubstance Abuse Important?

The neurocognitive effects of alcohol have been frequently examined. Studies reveal a wide array of cognitive deficits. Attempts to develop a parsimonious model for these effects have been difficult because of the intra- and intersubject variability. Complicating the development of a model of cognitive deficits in substance abusers is the common practice of polysubstance abuse. The use of theoretical models that focus on the underlying cognitive processes offers flexibility while maintaining sufficient theoretical precision. This article briefly reviews the literature on neurocognitive changes associated with substance abuse as well as the various theoretical models that have been studied. It also provides an overview of recovery of function. Its primary objective is to evaluate cognitive function among alcoholic subtypes, defined by patterns of other drug use. This analysis suggests there are significant differences in neurocognitive function among these subtypes.
Integrated production overlay field-by-field control for leading edge technology nodes

As photolithography will continue with 193nm immersion multiple patterning technologies for the leading edge HVM process node, the production overlay requirement for critical layers in logic devices has almost reached the scanner hardware performance limit. To meet the extreme overlay requirements in HVM production environment, this study investigates a new integrated overlay control concept for leading edge technology nodes that combines the run-to-run (R2R) linear or high order control loop, the periodic field-by-field or correction per exposure (CPE) wafer process signature control loop, and the scanner baseline control loop into a single integrated overlay control path through the fab host APC system. The goal is to meet the fab requirements for overlay performance, lower the cost of ownership, and provide freedom of control methodology. In this paper, a detailed implementation of this concept will be discussed, along with some preliminary results.
Characteristics and Program Decisions of Master's-Level Professional Athletic Training Students

Context: The number of master's-level professional athletic training programs (MLPATPs) has grown by over 400% in the past 10 years; however, little is known about the characteristics of the studen...
Orientation of Juvenile Wood Frogs, Rana Sylvatica, Leaving Experimental Ponds

Some amphibians are able to orient toward habitat features, but it is not always clear whether (1) these animals can directly detect the habitat toward which they are moving (e.g., scenting water from a wetland); or (2) they are detecting an indirect cue that is consistently correlated with the location of suitable habitat (e.g., the location of sunrise). In 2004, we translocated 400 Rana sylvatica tadpoles from an isolated population on Sears Island in Maine, where emerging metamorphs travel northeast towards a forested wetland. We placed study animals in arrays consisting of a central artificial pool, with a circular drift fence at 0.2 m from the pool's edge to assess orientation of metamorphs at emergence and a similar fence at 5 m to assess orientation postemergence. Arrays were placed at 10 m and 50 m from a forested wetland, with the wetland cue to the southwest (i.e., the opposite direction of the wetland at Sears Island). Rana sylvatica exhibited significant orientation toward the northeast at the 0.2 m fence, indicating that emerging metamorphs retained the same directionality as at the site where they were hatched. A significant result at the 5 m fence indicated that animals continued to head toward the northeast. These results suggest that the population of Rana sylvatica on Sears Island may rely on indirect cues for orientation. Relying on indirect cues offers less adaptability to changes in habitat such as breeding site loss or road construction, and thus could lead frogs into ecological traps.