cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Micro-Channel Haemo Dialyser

The hollow fiber based haemo dialyzer made and extremely important impact in haemo dialysis practice in the last three decades. Many people with renal diseases were able to improve their life expectancy and maintain a somewhat improved health-lifestyle. With the prospect of doubling the number of renal patients in Europe and North America by 2020, and expected improvement of health care in developing nations current dialysis treatment models and practices need new approaches and above all new technical solutions. It appears that the hollow fiber technology has met technical limitations in further development of dialysis practices. The most obvious limitations are: i) high flow rate of dialysate with respect to blood flow rate and associated cost of dialysate, ii) inability to scale down the size of the hollow fiber dialyzer for pediatric use, or everyday nocturnal dialysis in adults without dramatic reduction of dialyzer efficiency, and iii) inability to increase the overall mass transfer rate and thus reduce the cost of both dialyzer and dialysate used. Microchannel haemo dialyzers with flat membranes, developed at Oregon State University, holds many promises that are pertinent to the needs of renal patients and healthcare providers.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Supervisory support, social exchange relationships, and sexual harassment consequences: a test of competing models

Abstract This article examines the role that the immediate supervisor has in mitigating the negative consequences of sexual harassment experiences when he or she is not the perpetrator of the harassment. We examined a competing mediating/moderating effects model of perceived supervisory support and social exchange relationships on the consequences of perceived sexual harassment experiences. Using survey data gathered from military personnel, we found support for direct effects of both perceived sexual harassment and leadership on individual outcomes but failed to confirm our initial hypothesis of perceived leadership as a moderator. However, we found significant support for a moderating effect when the sample was subgrouped by gender of the leader. We also found partial support for leadership as a mediator of the relationships between sexual harassment and individual outcomes.
Angiosarcoma: a tissue microarray study with diagnostic implications.

Background:Angiosarcoma (AS) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma showing endothelial differentiation as indicated by morphology and expression of CD31 (blood), D2-40 (lymphatic), factor VIII, and CD34 (both). We sought to examine the pattern of immunohistochemical markers of differentiation in AS and corr
Meeting the Demand for Leadership Development

Due to its unique, flexible structure and low cost, virtually any student can participate in the Applied Tailored Leadership Adventure for Success (ATLAS) Leadership Certificate Program at the Univ...
Observation of Alpha Particle Effects in the Charge-Coupled Image Sensor

Alpha particle effects in the charge-coupled (CCD) image sensor were evaluated by using Am-241, Th, and Po-210 radiation sources. Soft error rate due to alpha particle hit was dependent upon alpha energy spectrum and on integration time and photogate bias of the device. The device was operated at frequencies between 200 kHz and 1 MHz during the irradiation and was found to have no effect on the soft error rate. A charge collection efficiency of 64% was observed as the device was exposed to a 4.2-MeV alpha. Material-asssociated characteristics such as diffusion length and lifetime of the minority carrier were calculated from the outcome of the charge collection efficiency. More than two orders of magnitude in increase of dark signal and charge transfer loss were observed as the device was subjected to a total radiation exposure of 105 rads (Si). The device degradation is due mainly to the threshold voltage shift and lattice defects.
Government Policy, Saving and Investment

The author examines the role of government in its influence upon saving and investment and disputes the argument that past government policy with respect to income redistribution, high marginal tax rates, and social security have depressed national saving. With respect to investment he argues that government policy over the past thirty years has encouraged private investment and that currently more attention should be given to public investment in research, roads, health, and all forms of human capital, including job training and education generally. Although many of the arguments in the article are subtle, reference to a prior specific econometric prediction of the effects of tax cuts upon investment permits the author to say “I told you so.”
Robot mapping in large-scale mixed indoor and outdoor environments

Tactical situational awareness in unstructured and mixed indoor / outdoor scenarios is needed for urban combat as well as rescue operations. Two of the key functionalities needed by robot systems to function in an unknown environment are the ability to build a map of the environment and to determine its position within that map. In this paper, we present a strategy to build dense maps and to automatically close loops from 3D point clouds; this has been integrated into a mapping system dubbed OmniMapper. We will present both the underlying system, and experimental results from a variety of environments such as office buildings, at military training facilities and in large scale mixed indoor and outdoor environments.
Cigarette smoking, major depression, and other psychiatric disorders among adolescents

ABSTRACT Objective To examine cross-sectionally and prospectively relationships of cigarette smoking with major depressive disorder (MDD), controlling for comorbidity in a community sample of adolescents. Method A representative sample of 1,709 adolescents (aged 14 through 18 years) was assessed by using semistructured diagnostic interviews on two occasions, approximately 1 year apart. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine cross-sectionally and prospectively the relationships between smoking and each psychiatric disorder, while statistically controlling for the other disorders. Results Cross-sectional analyses revealed significant relationships of drug abuse/dependence and disruptive behavior disorders with adolescent smoking, even after the co-occurrence of all other disorders was controlled. Prospectively, smoking was found to increase the risk of developing an episode of MDD and drug abuse/dependence, after adjusting for other disorders. Finally, only lifetime prevalence of MDD remained a significant predictor of smoking onset, after controlling for other disorders. Gender did not moderate any of the relationships between psychopathology and smoking. Conclusions The results suggest important relationships between cigarette smoking and psychiatric disorders among adolescents, particularly with regard to MDD, drug abuse/dependence, and disruptive behavior disorders. These findings have important clinical implications, both for psychiatric care and for smoking prevention and cessation efforts with adolescents.
Polar Residues of the Second Transmembrane Domain Influence Cation Permeability of the ATP-gated P2X2 Receptor *

P2X receptors are simple polypeptide channels that mediate fast purinergic depolarizations in both nerve and muscle. Although the depolarization results mainly from the influx of Na+, these channels also conduct a significant Ca2+ current that is large enough to evoke transmitter release from presynaptic neurons. We sought to determine the molecular basis of this Ca2+ conductance by a mutational analysis of recombinant P2X2 receptors. Wild type and 31 mutant P2X2 receptors were expressed in HEK-293 cells and studied under voltage-clamp. We found that the relative Ca2+permeability measured from the reversal potentials of ATP-gated currents was unaffected by neutralizing fixed charge (Asp315, Asp349) near the mouths of the channel pore. By contrast, mutations that changed the character or side chain volume of three polar residues (Thr336, Thr339, Ser340) within the pore led to significant changes in PCa/PCs. The largest changes occurred when Thr339 and Ser340 were replaced with tyrosine; these mutations almost completely abolished Ca2+permeability, reduced PLi/PCs by about one-half, and shifted the relative permeability sequence of Cs+, Rb+, K+, and Na+to their relative mobility in water. Our results suggest that the permeability sequence of the P2X2 receptor arises in part from interactions of permeating cations with the polar side chains of three amino acids located in a short stretch of the second transmembrane domain.
Immunomorphological changes in the rhesus monkey endometrium and decidua during the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy

Problem Throughout the reproductive cycle and into early pregnancy, the normal endometrium undergoes changes in a range of leukocytes, epithelia, stromal fibroblasts, and vascular structures caused by intersecting effects of hormone balance and embryo implantation. The direct investigation in humans of reproductive tract responses during normal and physiologically altered cycles is not practical or feasible. Method and Study The aim of this study was to define immunological and morphological changes through immunohistological and morphometric evaluation of the endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle and the decidua during early gestation in the rhesus monkey, a tractable experimental animal model. Results A zone-dependent method for the immunohistological description of the rhesus uterine mucosa was established and showed that leukocyte infiltration, stromal cell decidualization, glandular and vascular responses were zone- and cell type-dependent, and changed throughout the cycle and early pregnancy. Morphological heterogeneity of uterine natural killer cells in the cycling endometrium and gestational decidua were consistent with the recent characterization of phenotypic subsets. Conclusions These data establish a morphological platform upon which to further study the regulation of endometrial responses to the hormonal mileau of pregnancy, the control of local leukocyte populations, and the responses to threatened pregnancy, infection, and inflammation.
Estimates of the atmospheric deposition of sulfur and nitrogen species: Clean Air Status and Trends Network 1990-2000.

The Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNet) was established by the U.S. EPA in response to the requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. To satisfy these requirements CASTNet was designed to assess and report on geographic patterns and long-term, temporal trends in ambient air pollution and acid deposition in order to gauge the effectiveness of current and future mandated emission reductions. This paper presents an analysis of the spatial patterns of deposition of sulfur and nitrogen pollutants for the period 1990−2000. Estimates of deposition are provided for two 4-yr periods: 1990−1993 and 1997−2000. These two periods were selected to contrast deposition before and after the large decrease in SO2 emissions that occurred in 1995. Estimates of dry deposition were obtained from measurements at CASTNet sites combined with deposition velocities that were modeled using the multilayer model, a 20-layer model that simulates the various atmospheric processes that contribute to dry deposition. Est...
Software for quantitative immunogold and in situ hybridization.

A well-deserved criticism of stereology is that it is often too difficult to understand and use. Nevertheless, it is rapidly becoming one of the most effective ways of collecting and interpreting structural data in experimental biology. Recent breakthroughs in theory have produced a remarkable set of tools that can be used to engineer new methods. The dilemma remains, however, in that some of these new methods continue to be too difficult to understand and use. One solution to this growing problem of technology transfer might be to simplify the methods with computer software. To test this idea, programs were written for quantitative immunogold and in situ hybridization. Simulators were used to develop and test new experimental designs, which, in turn, were translated into step-by-step laboratory toolkits. This paper shows how these toolkits can turn two-dimensional section data into estimates for the number of labeled molecules in three-dimensional organelles, cells, tissues, and organs. The results indicate that software can identify the key data of an experiment and reduce the computational requirements of a new stereological method to entering constants and variables into data entry forms. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of diet experience on the ability of different larval chemosensory organs to mediate food discrimination by the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

Abstract The effects of different diets on the role of each of five chemosensory organs in food discrimination was examined by measuring food preferences of larvae of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, which have different chemosensory organs remaining after microsurgery. Food preferences of fifth-instar larvae, reared on Lycopersicon esculentum or Vigna sinensis, were determined in two-choice tests using discs of V. sinensis and wetted filter paper discs (control). Larvae reared on L. esculentum are deterred from eating V. sinensis when either the epipharyngeal sensilla or the medial or the lateral maxillary sensilla styloconica are remaining. Only the latter organs confer the normal level of rejection of this plant. In contrast, the maxillary palps provide input which results in a preference for this plant and the antennae do not mediate any detectable discrimination. Thus, responses to V. sinensis vary depending on the chemosensory organ used. Larvae reared on V. sinensis prefer this plant over control. The individual chemosensory organs of these larvae mediate food discrimination which are similar to those of larvae reared on L. esculentum, except for the antennae. Larvae with antennae remaining prefer V. sinensis over control to the same degree as normal larvae do. Thus, rearing larvae on V. sinensis instead of L. esculentum enhances the acceptability of this plant which may involve a change in the weighting factor of antennal input.
International Immersion in Belize: Fostering Counseling Students' Cultural Self-Awareness.

International cultural immersion provides an in vivo, authentic, cross-cultural experience that can enhance multicultural awareness, knowledge and skills. This article examines the impact of an international immersion on graduate counseling students’ cultural self-awareness using a qualitative approach. Five graduate counseling students participated in a 3-week study abroad in Belize where they interacted with persons from diverse cultural backgrounds and settings. Four major cultural self-awareness themes emerged from the analysis of participants’ journals, (a) discrimination and prejudice, (b) cultural pride and appreciation, (c) cultural sensitivity, and (d) self-awareness. The findings are presented along with implications for future research and the use of international immersion as a viable experiential teaching strategy to enhance counseling students’ cultural self-awareness.
Designing a Safety Program for a College Health Service

Although accidents are the leading cause of death among college students, literature about developing student health safety programs is limited. In this article, we present preliminary recommendations based on literature review, epidemiologic data, and Nominal Group Process (NGP) activities, for developing university student safety programs. Our recommendations include appointing a coordinator to oversee all on-campus safety activities, providing for university-wide education programs dealing with alcohol and drug use, promoting personal safety efforts in areas such as family violence and rape prevention, and encouraging students to use safe transportation alternatives.
Renal risks of cardiac catheterization in the elderly

Age-related changes in renal structure and function and an increased prevalence of comorbid illnesses predispose the elderly patient to increase risk of contrast-induced nephropathy following cardiac catheterization and other procedures. This article briefly reviews the effects of aging on the kidney, then summarizes current literature on the risks of nephrotoxicity following cardiac catheterization in elderly patients. Finally, a series of therapeutic guidelines are proposed which should serve to minimize the risk of contrast nephropathy in elderly patients requiring cardiac catheterization. Based on available evidence, it is concluded that the risk of serious deterioration in renal function following contrast exposure is acceptably low and should not be considered a strong contraindication to performing cardiac catheterization in appropriately selected elderly patients.
Reduction of diffraction of use of a Lyot stop

The efficiency of a Lyot stop in reducing the effects of diffraction is analyzed for a Fourier optical system. The problem reduces to the evaluation of an integral whose integrand is the product of two Bessel functions of different order and argument. An analytic series solution is found for the reduction of diffracted light reaching the focal plane.
The risk of coronary artery surgery in women: A matched comparison using preoperative severity of illness scoring

Objective: To evaluate the effect of gender on outcomes of coronary artery bypass surgery using a weighted preoperative severity of illness scoring system. Design: Retrospective database review. Setting: Tertiary care teaching hospital. Participants: The patient population consisted of 2,800 consecutive coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients (658 women, 2,142 men), with or without concurrent procedures, operated on between January 1, 1993 and March 31, 1994. Measurements and Main Results: Patients were stratified for severity of illness using a 13-element scoring system. The distribution of severity of illness scores and severity of illness-stratified morbidity, hospital mortality, and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay were compared by chi-square and Fischer's exact test where appropriate. Median duration of intubation and median duration of ICU length of stay were examined by the median test. Female versus male unadjusted mortality (4.9% v 3.0%), total morbidity (15.0% v 9.2%), and average initial ICU length of stay (92.62% v 60.56 hours) were statistically different. Female patients also had significantly more of the following postoperative morbidities: central nervous system complications (focal neurologic deficits, patients ≥65 years 3.20% v 1.54%; global neurologic deficits, patients ≥65 years 2.75% v 1.25%), duration of perioperative ventilation that includes the intubation time in the operating room until extubation in the ICU (average = 77.36 hours v 49.20 hours; median = 21.87 v 20.26 hours), and average initial ICU length of stay (average = 92.62 hours v 60.56 hours; median = 42.33 hours v 27.91 hours). However, distribution of severity scores was also different. Women had significantly more preoperative risk factors ( p v 36.6%), age ≥75 years (21.3% v 11.9%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (10.8% v 6.4%), hematocrit less than 34% (21.9% v 5.5%), diabetes (34.8% v 21.8%), weight less than 65 kg (37.4% v 6.2%), and operative mitral valve insufficiency (9.6% v 6.0%). Stratified by severity, no statistically significant gender differences were found for mortality, morbidity, or ICU length of stay. Conclusions: Gender does not appear to be an independent risk factor for perioperative morbidity, mortality, or excessive ICU length of stay when patients are stratified by preoperative risk in this severity of illness scoring system.
Finite‐difference time‐domain simulation of resonant modes of rectangular dielectric resonators

In this paper we employ finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations to study the resonant modes in rectangular dielectric resonators (DRs). Three-dimensional field patterns for these modes are derived, and the modes are represented by combinations of equivalent electric and magnetic dipoles. The possibility of exciting TM-type modes in rectangular DRs is demonstrated. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 36: 160–164, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10708
Distribution and sampling of southwestern corn borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in preharvest corn.

Southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella Dyar, was sampled from six corn, Zea mays (L.), fields in the Texas High Plains during 1985, 1986, and 1987. Density estimates were made for eggs, small, medium, and large-sized larvae and pupae during both corn borer generations. Taylor’s power function provided significant regressions for all size categories. The distribution of southwestern corn borer eggs and small larvae was aggregated, and older stages were progressively less clumped. Binomial and sequential sampling plans for eggs and small larvae were developed using Taylor’s coefficients.
Interpenetrating polymer networks from polyurethanes and methacrylate polymers. II: Interpenetrating polymer networks with opposite charge groups

Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) with opposite charge groups (tertiary amine and carboxyl groups) made from polyurethanes and methacrylate polymers have been synthesized and their properties and morphology, studied. With increasing carboxyl group concentration the mechanical properties and compatibility between the component networks were significantly improved, possibly because of the negative (or zero) free energy produced by the interaction contribution between the tertiary amine groups in the polyurethanes and the carboxyl groups in the methacrylate polymers determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The improved molecular mixing in these IPNs was thought to be due to the influence of the opposite charge groups in these systems.
Ultra-wideband on-site coding receiver (OSCR) for digital beamforming applications

We present a novel low-cost reduced-hardware power efficient digital beamforming architecture suitable for wideband and large arrays. Particular to this realization is the introduction of an on-site code division multiplexing (CDM) technique at the analog front-end to significantly reduce the number of analog-to-digital converters (ADC). Concurrently, the number of parallel input/output (I/O) channels at the digital back-end are substantially reduced as well. This implies a corresponding reduction in the number of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for baseband processing as compared to conventional beamforming techniques. The impact of on-site coding on the overall signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was evaluated and demonstrated that noise due to inter-channel interference (ICI) can be suppressed using brick-wall filters, high resolution ADC and orthogonal codes.
Prolonged, unsignaled, inescapable shocks increase persistence in subsequent appetitive instrumental learning

In the first experiment, a prolonged period of intermittent, unsignaled shocks preceded appetitive runway acquisition, under either continuous (CRF) or partial reinforcement (PRF) and extinction. In the second experiment, the shock treatment came between CRF or PRF acquisition and extinction; and in the third experiment, the shocks intervened between appetitive CRF acquisition and shock-punishment extinction. The main finding was that compared with an unshocked control, shock facilitated acquisition in Experiment 1, and led to increased resistance to extinction and/or punishment in all experiments. In Experiment 1, the shock effect in appetitive extinction was seen mainly in the CRF group; in Experiment 2, the effect was to increase persistence in both the CRF and PRF groups; and in Experiment 3, shock treatment produced stronger resistance to punished extinction. The discussion is in terms of habituation and a general theory of persistence, and the concept of helplessness.
Role of primary prophylaxis for pneumocystis pneumonia in patients treated with systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive agents for immune-mediated dermatologic conditions

Background The incidence of pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), an opportunistic infection caused by Pneumocystis jiroveci , in patients taking immunosuppressive medications for dermatologic indications is unknown. Objective We sought to define the incidence of PCP in patients with dermatologic conditions, to characterize risk factors for PCP development in these patients, to examine PCP prophylaxis practices among dermatologists, and to document adverse effects of PCP prophylaxis medications. Methods We reviewed the medical records of patients taking immunosuppressive medications for longer than 1 month who were treated for dermatologic conditions between 1998 and 2007 at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Results Of 198 patients meeting inclusion criteria (150 [75.8%] of whom received no PCP prophylaxis), one patient (0.5% and 0.7%, respectively) had PCP that developed during the follow-up period. In this patient, a 94-year-old woman with bullous pemphigoid, severe interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, aortic stenosis, and hypoalbuminemia, PCP developed within 7 months of diagnosis and was treated with methotrexate and prednisone. She had not received PCP prophylaxis. Only 6 patients (3%) with dermatology as their primary service received PCP prophylaxis. Overall, rates of adverse effects with PCP prophylaxis were low. Limitations The study design was retrospective. Low rates of PCP precluded our development of concrete PCP prophylaxis guidelines. Conclusions Results did not support routine administration of PCP prophylaxis in all patients taking immunosuppressive medications. When prescribing immunosuppressive medications for dermatologic indications, physicians should consider PCP prophylaxis on a case-by-case basis.
The Constitution of the Atmospheres of the Giant Planets

An analysis is made of the absorption spectra of the major planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. Approximately forty of the rotation-vibration bands are identified as due to absorption by the methane molecule, and are correlated in terms of the fundamental frequencies of vibration. It appears that methane is the major constituent of the atmospheres of these distant bodies, the quantity in the absorbing strata increasing markedly from Saturn to Neptune. The absence of any appreciable amount of other hydrocarbon material is demonstrated.
Transcription factor IIIA (TFIIIA): an update.

Xenopus transcription factor, termed TFIIIA, is the first eukaryotic transcription factor purified to homogeneity and one of the most extensively characterized polymerase III gene factors at the levels both of the protein and its gene. It is an abundant protein in oocytes and is specifically required for the 5S RNA gene transcription. It promotes the formation of a stable transcription complex by first binding to the internal control region of the 5S RNA gene through its zinc finger motifs. It contains two structural domains and associates with 5S RNA to form 7S ribonucleoprotein particles in oocytes. Its expression is developmentally controlled at the level of transcription and translation. It participates in the assembly of active chromatin templates and, at least in part, is responsible for the differential expression of two kinds of RS RNA genes inXenopus.
A framework for integrated flight simulation and design

In this paper we present a framework for rapid prototyping of airplane designs as an example of the benefits of integrating simulation, gaming, and design interfaces into a cohesive package, which we have labeled the Integrated Flight Simulation and Design framework. We discuss the design of this framework and detail the progress of a simple prototype implementation. We discuss the advantages close integration of the simulation and design components of aerospace vehicle design has for required time and cost of the prototyping process.
Aptamer imaging with Cu-64 labeled AS1411: Preliminary assessment in lung cancer

Abstract Introduction AS1411 is a 26-base guanine-rich oligonucleotide aptamer shown binding to surface nucleolin, a protein over-expressed in multiple cancer cells, thus AS1411 labeled with a PET isotope can be explored as a potential diagnostic imaging agent. Our objective was to perform preliminary biological characterization of 64 Cu-labeled AS1411 in vitro and in vivo . Methods Four chelators (DOTA, CB-TE2A, DOTA-Bn and NOTA-Bn) were selected to label AS1411 with Cu-64. 185kBq (5μCi) of each tracer was incubated in each well with H460 cells at 37°C for 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48h, respectively (n=4). For microPET/CT imaging, 7.4MBq (200μCi) of AS1411 labeled with either 64 Cu-DOTA or 64 Cu-CB-TE2A was I.V. injected and multiple scans were obtained at 1, 3, 6 and 24h post injection. Afterward in vivo biodistribution studies were performed. Results Percent uptake of 64 Cu-DOTA-AS1411 and 64 Cu-CB-TE2A-AS1411 was significantly higher than that of 64 Cu-DOTA-Bn-AS1411 and 64 Cu-NOTA-Bn-AS1411. About 90% of uptake for 64 Cu-DOTA-AS1411 and 64 Cu-CB-TE2A-AS1411 was internalized into cells within 3h and the internalization process was completed before 24h. Both tracers demonstrated reasonable in vivo stability and high binding affinity to the cells. MicroPET imaging with 64 Cu-CB-TE2A-AS1411 showed clear tumor uptake at both legs from 1 to 24h post injection, whereas both tumors were undetectable for up to 24h with 64 Cu-DOTA-AS1411. In addition, 64 Cu-CB-TE2A-AS1411 had faster in vivo pharmacokinetics than 64 Cu-DOTA-AS1411 with lower liver uptake and higher tumor to background contrast. Conclusion CB-TE2A is a preferred chelator with higher tumor-to-background ratio, lower liver uptake and faster clearance than DOTA. Aptamer imaging with 64 Cu-CB-TE2A-AS1411 may be feasible for detecting lung cancer, if an appropriate chelator can be identified and further validation can be performed with a known control oligonucleotide. It may also be used as a companion diagnostic imaging agent for AS1411 in the treatment of cancer.
Application of a novel transdisciplinary communication technique to develop an Internet-based psychoeducational program: CaringGuidance™ After Breast Cancer Diagnosis.

Abstract Aim The aim of this work was is to create CaringGuidance™ After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, an Internet-based, self-guided psychoeducational program to facilitate adjustment among women in the first months after breast cancer diagnosis. Background Use of Internet technology addresses a gap in the delivery of psychoeducational clinical interventions immediately after breast cancer diagnosis; providing rapid access to information and guidance during a highly distressing and vital period of adjustment. Methods A multi-step transdisciplinary communication process of Personae Creation, Layered Project Mapping©, and Rapid Iterative Prototyping (RIP) was applied to facilitate communication between researcher, technology team and content reviewers during clinical program development. Results Through three rounds of content review and two focus groups guided by this process, the reviewers, researcher and technology team communicated effectively; completing the project on-time and within budget. Conclusions Application of a multi-step transdisciplinary communication process is feasible and essential to development of an Internet-based psychoeducational program.
MO‐EE‐A1‐04: A Generalized Dose‐Rate Constant Formalism for Brachytherapy Sources Emitting Anisotropic Photon Energy Spectrum

Purpose: The aim of this work was to develop a generalized formalism for calculating the dose‐rate constant, A, of radioactive sources emitting anisotropicphoton energy spectra.Method and Materials: Although the Λ is defined on the transverse bisector of a brachytherapy source, its magnitude depends on both the primary photons emitted along the transverse bisector and the scatteredphotons arising from those primary photons emitted in other directions. For sources emitting nearly isotropic energy spectrum, the contribution of scatteredphotons can be taken into account easily by using Berger's energy‐buildup factor. For sources with anisotropicphoton emissions, a new dose‐rate deposition kernel for unidirectional photon sources of unit intensity and energy E was introduced. The dose‐rate produced by such a source at any location, r→, in water can then be determined by superposition of the angular photon energy spectrum with the dose‐deposition kernel. Results: A generalized formalism for Λ was obtained: Λ ≡ Ḋ(r→ 0 ) S k = ∑ i n(E i ;θ 0 ,φ 0 ) · E i · (μ en (E i )/ρ) air · Λ(E i ) ∑ i n(E i ;θ 0 ,φ 0 ) · E i · (μ en (E i )/ρ) air with Λ(E) = ∫ Ω n(E;θ s ,φ s ) n(E;θ 0 ,φ 0 ) k(r→ 0 ;E,θ s φ s ) E · (μ en (E)/ ρ) air dΩ s where k(r→; E, θ s , φ s ) is the dose‐rate‐deposition kernel with r→ denoting the dose‐rate deposition site and (θs, φs) the orientation of an unidirectional source, n(E; θ s , φ s ) is the number of photons emitted in the (θs, φs) direction, and μ en (E)/ ρ) air is the mass energy absorption coefficient of air. The subscript 0 denotes the reference point of Λ. This formalism exhibits two unique features essential for accurate Λ calculation: 1) it only requires relative photon energy spectra and 2) it does not depend on the methodology used in the determination of dose‐deposition kernels or angular energy spectra.Conclusion: A generalized formalism, based on the dose deposition kernels of mono‐energetic unidirectional photon sources, has been developed for calculating the Λ of low‐energy brachytherapy sources. In addition, this formalism can also be used in the calculation of other dosimetry parameters for interstitial brachytherapy sources. Numerical testing of this formalism for some 125I, 103Pd, and 131Cs sources will be presented.
Phenological responses of juvenile pecan and white oak on an upland site

Pecan (Carya illinoiensis) and white oak (Quercus alba) produce multiple products and wildlife values, but their phenological responses to N fertilization have not been well characterized. We compared tree growth at planting and for six consecutive growing seasons during establishment (2003–2008, Test 1), and determined if phenology of budburst, leaf area index (LAI), quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), radial growth, and total chlorophyll concentration (a, b) responded to poultry litter fertilization supplying 0, 50, and 100 kg ha−1 N (2010–2012, Test 2) in a mixed-species orchard on an upland site near Booneville, Arkansas. Species did not differ significantly in height in Test 1. Budburst was 9 days earlier for white oak than pecan in 2010. Budburst for both species could be predicted by accumulating chilling and forcing units throughout the dormant season. Maximum predicted radial growth was comparable for pecan (2.19 mm) and white oak (2.26 mm), and peaked 28 days earlier for white oak (3 June) than pecan (1 July). White oak LAI generally exceeded that of pecan during the growing season. Senescence began about 27 October regardless of species, and was better characterized by decreasing Fv/Fm or total chlorophyll concentration than LAI. Phenology was generally not responsive to N fertilization, perhaps because of adequate soil and foliar N. The study provides additional information on growth responses of these high-valued species to supplemental fertilization on an upland site.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) stimulates VLDL assembly through activation of cell death-inducing DFFA-like Effector B (CideB).

Abnormalities in very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) assembly and secretion impact intrahepatic lipid homeostasis, plasma lipoprotein profile, and energy metabolism of distal peripheral tissues. We have evaluated the role of the transcriptional coactivator, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), in VLDL assembly and secretion. PGC-1α overexpression in HepG2 cells led to diminished rates of triglyceride (TG) synthesis but strongly stimulated VLDL-TG secretion, markedly increasing the efficiency of secretion of newly synthesized TG. PGC-1α overexpression increased the rate of secretion of apoB100 and promoted secretion of larger, less dense VLDL particles. PGC-1α overexpression in intact mouse liver also stimulated rates of VLDL TG secretion and attenuated hepatic TG accumulation resulting from high fat diet feeding. To determine the molecular mechanisms mediating the effect of PGC-1α on VLDL assembly, we evaluated the expression of several candidate mediators known to be involved in VLDL assembly or hepatic lipid homeostasis. Cell death-inducing DFFA-like effector B (CideB) expression was greatly induced by PGC-1α, and siRNA against CideB reversed the effects of PGC-1α on the secretion of TG and VLDL-sized particles by HepG2 cells, indicating that CideB is a critical mediator of stimulatory effects of PGC-1α on VLDL secretion. Collectively, these data suggest that PGC-1α plays an important role in partitioning cytoplasmic TG toward the VLDL secretory compartments and promoting VLDL secretion via transcriptional induction of CideB.
Indwelling Ureteral Stents as Definitive Therapy for Distal Ureteral Calculi

ABSTRACTDistal ureteral calculi are a common urological problem often requiring surgical and anesthetic intervention. In a health care system with limited resources this intervention can lead to the expenditure of significant monies. Ureteral stents are often used to stabilize symptomatic patients preoperatively. Since stent placement causes passive ureteral dilation, we hypothesized that temporary placement of a ureteral catheter would facilitate spontaneous calculus passage.We prospectively studied 27 patients who presented with distal ureteral calculi less than 10 mm. large and met criteria established for surgical intervention. Self-retaining Double-J* *Medical Engineering Corp., New York, New York. stents were placed in 10 male and 7 female patients, and left for 2 weeks using only topical anesthesia during the procedures. In the majority of the patients (83%) the calculi passed spontaneously after stent removal, obviating surgical or anesthetic intervention.
Pharmacokinetics of gabapentin in horses.

*Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, IL; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL; Livestock Disease and Diagnostic Center, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY; Department of Large Animal Clinics, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL; 128C Maxwell Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
Clinical Trial Design in Neonatal Pharmacology: Effect of Center Differences, With Lessons From the Pediatric Oncology Cooperative Research Experience

Survival for premature neonates has improved dramatically over the past 20 years; however, there has been minimal improvement in prematurity-associated morbidities. Morbidity rates and assessment of outcomes vary across neonatology intensive care units (NICUs). Here, we address the reasons underlying these differences, note the impact that this center variation has on trial design and interpretation, and highlight the success of the efforts in pediatric oncology to develop standards of care through the conduct of multicenter clinical trials.
The predictive performance of the time-series model and the regression model of the income velocity of money

This paper provides a comparative study of the relative performance of two models of the income velocity of money—a time-series model and a regression model, using quarterly data from five EEC countries. Our empirical results show that the regression model provides more accurate in-sample prediction than the time-series model. Out-of-sample, however, the regression model does not consistently outperform the time-series model. Instead, a linear composite perdiction combining the predictions from the time-series and the regression models appears to perform the best. Two other results of this paper are: (1) The stochastic structure of the income velocity of money can be adequately represented by a random-walk with drift model after seasonality is properly accounted for. (2) The regression model is temporally unstable for four of the five EEC countries.
The employment and income effects of cleaner coal: the case of FutureGen and rural illinois

After a brief discussion of the broad array of issues currently surrounding implementation of lower-carbon power plants utilizing carbon capture and storage, this paper takes an input–output approach to estimating the local economic impacts expected from the FutureGen project. We estimate the economic impacts from the permanent full time jobs created from the operation of the FutureGen project and/or a carbon dioxide (CO2) injection project if it were to be located in Fayette County. Comparing the estimated economic results of local impact to independent secondary data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis showed FutureGen could increase economic activity up to 4 %. This is equivalent to adding a new sector such as mining, construction, or finance and insurance to the rural economy. This type of economic data could help inform communities’ discussions on plans toward cleaner environment and energy.
The chemistry of technetium I, II, III and IV

Abstract The synthesis, reactivity and molecular structure of technetium in the oxidation states (I), (II), (III) and (IV) are reviewed. The results show that the (III) state has a diverse chemistry and is quite accesible from TcO 4 − in aqueous solution. There is an emerging chemistry of technetium in the (I) state with π-acceptor ligands.
Modified GEE and Goodness of the Marginal Fit (GOMF) Test with Correlated Binary Responses for Contingency Tables

This paper addresses testing the goodness of fit of models for marginal probabilities estimated by generalized estimating equations. We develop a modified version of generalized estimating equation and a goodness-of-fit test based on the fitted marginal means. The test statistic is easy to compute and has a simple reference distribution. Its performance is evaluated asymptotically and in small samples. It is also compared to the deviance and Pearson X2 statistics. Example applications are given. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Information processing in reading-disabled and nondisabled children

Abstract Reading disabled and nondisabled children (13–14 years of age) were presented lists of 10 words each at different rates (one word per 1, 2, and 4 sec), and immediately after the last word of each list they recalled the words in any order. Recall of the first few words presented from each list (the primacy effect) was lower in reading-disabled than nondisabled children, and slower presentation rates increased the primacy effect in both groups. These findings suggest that reading-disabled children are not completely failing to use elaborative encoding but are using less effective elaborative encoding than nondisabled readers. With all presentation rates, recall of the last few words (the recency effect) was comparable in both groups, suggesting that older reading-disabled children encode and recognize the stimuli and that elaborative encoding is deficient in reading-disabled in spite of adequate stimulus encoding and recognition.
Inverse Identification of Micromechanics and Fracture Mechanics-Based Damage Evolution Law of Brittle Composites

This paper demonstrates identification of parameters associated with damage evolution laws defined in a micromechanics and fracture mechanics-based constitutive model for damage-tolerant brittle composites. A recently developed inverse analysis methodology, called Self-Optimizing Inverse Method (Self-OPTIM), has been extended to the identification of the physics-based damage evolution laws, which has not been achievable. The Self-OPTIM can automatically self-correct the Damage Parameter Set (DPS) based on global in-situ measurements. The material response is obtained from force-driven and displacement-driven nonlinear finite element (FE) simulations. The adopted micromechanics and fracture mechanics-based damage constitutive model can reasonably simulate nucleation and subsequent growth of microcracks within brittle composite materials. It has been implemented within the Self-OPTIM software framework. Numerically simulated synthetic data from an impact tension test are utilized to show successful performance of the proposed damage identification method.
Evaluation of cardiac performance of the dog after induction of portal hypertension and gastric ischemia

Objective: To determine changes in hemodynamic and cardiac energetic parameters in dogs after induction of portal hypertension and gastric ischemia. These blood flow alterations are similar to changes seen in splanchnic blood flow in dogs with gastric dilatation volvulus syndrome (GDV). Design: Original experimental study. Setting: Veterinary teaching hospital. Animals: Seven purpose-bred, intact male dogs. Interventions: Standard midline laparotomy and median sternotomy were performed under general anesthesia. Dogs were instrumented to obtain arterial blood pressure, aortic flow, cardiac chamber pressures, central venous pressure, portal flow, and portal pressure. Colored microsphere technology was used for the determination of myocardial blood flow. Measurements and samples were obtained at baseline, following induction of portal hypertension, and after induction of portal hypertension and gastric ischemia. Measurements and main results: Left ventricular myocardial blood flow was increased from 81.8±20.1 mL/100 g/min at baseline to 127.7±57.2 mL/100 g/min (P=0.02) after induction of portal hypertension and gastric ischemia. Myocardial oxygen consumption increased from 142.2±27.4 J/min/100 g at baseline to 219.1±33.4 J/min/100 g (P=0.003) after induction of portal hypertension and gastric ischemia, but cardiac external work remained unchanged (13.67±6.2 to 13.27±9.6 J/min; P=0.78; power=0.79). Cardiac efficiency decreased from 11.6±6.1% at baseline to 7.6±5.1% (P=0.017) after induction of portal hypertension and gastric ischemia. Conclusions: Transfer of energy within the myocardium was less efficient after induction of portal hypertension and ischemia of the stomach wall. On the basis of these results, alterations in cardiac function associated with GDV may result from deterioration of cardiac efficiency.
A Loss of Credibility: Patterns of Wrongdoing Among Nongovernmental Organizations

This paper analyzes, from a cross-national perspective, publicized incidents of wrongdoing by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). A content analysis of media reports of “scandals” over the past four years involving NGOs was conducted to identify issues and trends in governance and management problems. The analysis is confined to NGOs that are involved in the financing and/or delivery of health and human services in order to facilitate comparisons. International and U.S. cases of wrongdoing, covering the gamut of embezzlement to mismanagement, are identified and the common elements and unique features of these cases are examined. The underlying problems that allowed these cases to occur and their implications in regard to NGO credibility and public trust are identified and options for enhancing accountability explored.