cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electronic health information exchange in underserved settings: examining initiatives in small physician practices & community health centers

Health information exchange (HIE) is an important tool for improving efficiency and quality and is required for providers to meet Meaningful Use certification from the United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. However widespread adoption and use of HIE has been difficult to achieve, especially in settings such as smaller-sized physician practices and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). We assess electronic data exchange activities and identify barriers and benefits to HIE participation in two underserved settings. We conducted key-informant interviews with stakeholders at physician practices and health centers. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then coded in two waves: first using an open-coding approach and second using selective coding to identify themes that emerged across interviews, including barriers and facilitators to HIE adoption and use. We interviewed 24 providers, administrators and office staff from 16 locations in two states. They identified barriers to HIE use at three levels—regional (e.g., lack of area-level exchanges; partner organizations), inter-organizational (e.g., strong relationships with exchange partners; achieving a critical mass of users), and intra-organizational (e.g., type of electronic medical record used; integration into organization’s workflow). A major perceived benefit of HIE use was the improved care-coordination clinicians could provide to patients as a direct result of the HIE information. Utilization and perceived benefit of the exchange systems differed based on several practice- and clinic-level factors. The adoption and use of HIE in underserved settings appears to be impeded by regional, inter-organizational, and intra-organizational factors and facilitated by perceived benefits largely at the intra-organizational level. Stakeholders should consider factors both internal and external to their organization, focusing efforts in changing modifiable factors and tailoring HIE efforts based on all three categories of factors. Collective action between organizations may be needed to address inter-organizational and regional barriers. In the interest of facilitating HIE adoption and use, the impact of interventions at various levels on improving the use of electronic health data exchange should be tested.
Treatment of stripping perforations

Strippings are problems that are frequent on thin and concave roots. Treatment and prognosis differ from that of a lateral root perforation because of the size, oval shape, and thin edges of the stripping. We propose a two-step technique: an endodontic phase in which the root canal system is sealed with gutta-percha overflowing through the stripping perforation and a surgical second step that will allow elimination of this excess.
Application of dual-band infrared focal plane arrays to tactical and strategic military problems

We report on the development and application of dual-band infrared focal plane array (FPA) technology to problems of interest to the U. S. military. For tactical applications, we show the application of dual-band MWIR/LWIR FPAs to reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. We show field test results of dual-band imaging of military targets over a diurnal cycle. We describe the development of a new dual-band LWIR/LWIR FPA for detection of the disturbed soil features associated with buried land mines. Finally, we will describe the application of dual-band FPAs in the strategic defense arena. We present dual-band MWIR/LWIR imagery of commercial launch vehicles that shows the utility of such an FPA for a sensor in a boost-phase interceptor.
Influence of Patient Preference and Primary Care Clinician Proclivity for Watchful Waiting on Receipt of Depression Treatment

Abstract Objective We examined whether patients' preference for watchful waiting and their primary care clinician's proclivity for watchful waiting were associated with decreased likelihood of receiving depression treatment. Methods In a quality improvement intervention for depression in primary care, patients with depressive symptoms were identified through screening in 46 clinics from June 1996 to March 1997. We analyzed baseline survey data completed by clinicians and patients using logistic regression models. Results Of 1140 patients, 179 (16%) preferred watchful waiting over active treatment. After controlling for covariates, patients with depressive disorders who preferred watchful waiting were less likely to report use of antidepressants (OR=0.86, 95% CI=0.77–0.95). Among patients with depressive symptoms only, those who preferred watchful waiting were less likely to report antidepressant use (OR=0.84, 95% CI=0.76–0.93) or counseling (OR=0.84, 95% CI=0.77–0.95). Patients with less knowledge about depression were less likely to receive depression treatment. Clinician proclivity for watchful waiting was not associated with the likelihood that patients received depression treatment. Conclusions Patient preference for watchful waiting is associated with lower rates of some depression treatments, especially among patients with subsyndromal depression. Addressing patient preference for watchful waiting in primary care may include active symptom monitoring and patient education.
Particle image velocimetry in a variable density flow: application to a dynamically evolving microburst

A fondamental difficulty in the experimental study of gravity-driven flows using particle image velocimetry (PIV) and other optical diagnostic techniques is the problem associated with variations in the refractive index within the fluid. This paper discusses a method by which the refractive indices of two fluids are matched while maintaining density differences of up to 4%. Aqueous solutions of glycerol and potassium phosphate are used to achieve precise index matching in the presence of mixed and unmixed constituents. The effectiveness of the method is verified in a PIV study of a laboratory-scale model of an atmospheric microburst where planes of two-dimensional velocity vectors are obtained in the evolving flow field.
Borrelia burgdorferi expression of the bba64, bba65, bba66, and bba73 genes in tissues during persistent infection in mice

Abstract Borrelia burgdorferi , the etiological agent of Lyme disease in humans, is vectored between mammalian hosts in nature by Ixodes ticks. The organism adapts to diverse environments encountered throughout the enzootic cycle by differentially expressing essential gene products to survive the specialized conditions, whether in ticks or warm-blooded hosts. However, little is known regarding the identity and/or function of B. burgdorferi genes expressed during colonization of tissues during mammalian infection. Experimental evidence has shown that a group of genes (formerly classified as paralogous gene family 54) contiguously localized on the 54-kilobase linear plasmid of B. burgdorferi , are among the most highly regulated by in vitro conditions resembling mammalian infection. In this study, we employed quantitative reverse transcription-PCR to measure temporal gene expression of a subset of this B. burgdorferi gene family ( bba64 , bba65 , bba66 , and bba73 ) in tissues during chronic murine infection. The goal was to gain insight into the role of these genes in infectivity and pathogenesis by identifying when the genes are induced and whether they are expressed in specific target tissues. B. burgdorferi bba64 , bba65 , bba66 , and bba73 expression was measured from infected mouse tissues relative to expression in in vitro culture conditions at specific times post-infection. bba64 expression was highly upregulated in bladder, heart, and spleen tissues throughout the infection period, contrasting with the sharp downregulation previously observed in ear tissues. bba65 , bba66 , and bba73 demonstrated upregulated differential expression in various tissues over 1 year post-infection. These results suggest an essential role for these genes in borrelial survival, persistence, and/or pathogenesis.
Credibility, disinflation and gradualism

Abstract The following conundrum is examined: Success or failure of a disinflation policy depends largely on expectations of maintained lower money growth. This suggests two equilibria: (a) A policy is expected to be maintained and succeeds; Policy makers are re-elected, maintaining the policy and validating initial expectations. (b) A policy is not expected to be maintained and fails; Policy makers are not re-elected. The policy is not maintained, validating initial expectations.
Diels-alder cycloadditions of cyclopentadienes to DMAD tetramer

Abstract Thermal reactions of 5-(trimethylsilyl)cyclopentadiene and of cyclopentadiene with DMAD tetramer (1) each result in Diels-Alder cycloaddition folowed by intramolecular hetero Diels-Alder reaction in which a “1-oxabutadien” moiety cycloadds to the endo face of the norbornene CC double bond, thereby affording 3 and 4, respectively. Selective hydrolysis of the ketene acetal and/or ketal functionalities in 3 and 4 has been performed. The structures of 3 and of two hydrolysis products, 5 and 6, have been established via X-ray crystallographic methods.
Modulated Surface-Plasmon Resonance for In Situ Metal-Film Surface Studies

A new experimental technique, angle-of-incidence modulated surface plasmon resonance, is used for in situ studies on noble-metal films. The method is used to record the real and imaginary parts of the surface-plasmon wave vector and the strength of the surface roughness scattering during room-temperature ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ exposure. The atomic susceptibility of oxygen on Cu at 632.8 nm is found to be ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{a}=(1.2+1.6i)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}24}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$. Roughly 0.2% of a monolayer can be detected.
Ab initio models for Be81 and Be87 metal clusters

Ab initio self-consistent field calculations are reported for electronic states of beryllium clusters comprised of 81 and 87 atoms. The clusters correspond to the tenth and eleventh coordination shells of a central Be with internuclear separations derived from the lattice constants of the bulk metal. Ab initio effective core potentials have been employed to replace the 1s electrons, therey reducing the complexity of the calculations. In addition, the use of the full D3h point group symmetry of the clusters results in a substantial reduction of the number of two-electron integrals that must be computed and processed. Binding energies, orbital energies, electric field gradient, nuclear-electrostatic potential, diamagnetic shielding constant, second moments, and Mulliken populations are calculated for selected electronic states. Systematic trends toward bulk behavior with increasing cluster size, as found in earlier cluster studies, continue to appear for the electric field gradient and quadrupole moment of Be81. Anomalous behavior, however, is observed in Be87. This is attributed to distortional effects due to the addition of atoms in planes above and below the Be81 cluster along the principal axis of symmetry.
Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog.

Context: Pulsatile GH secretion is considered important for many of the hormone’s physiological effects. Short-term GHRH infusions enhance GH pulsatility and increase IGF-I, but the short GHRH half-life limits its therapeutic use. A synthetic GHRH analog (CJC-1295) that binds permanently to endogenous albumin after injection (half-life = 8 d) stimulates GH and IGF-I secretion in several animal species and in normal human subjects and enhances growth in rats. Objective: Our objective was to assess GH pulsatility after a single injection of CJC-1295 and determine which GH secretion parameters correlated to the increase in IGF-I production. Methods: GH pulsatility was assessed by 20-min blood sampling during an overnight 12-h period in healthy 20- to 40-yr-old men before and 1 wk after injection of either 60 or 90 μg/kg CJC-1295. Results: GH secretion was increased after CJC-1295 administration with preserved pulsatility. The frequency and magnitude of GH secretory pulses were unaltered. However, basal (trou...
Nitrogen uptake by four tree species of the Catskill Mountains, New York: Implications for forest N dynamics

Watersheds of the Catskill Mountains, New York have marked differences in nitrogen (N) dynamics among dominant tree species stands. Our objectives were to study how tree species vary in N uptake to better understand the basis for the observed variation in these forested watersheds. We conducted a 15N tracer greenhouse study to determine NH4 + and NO3 − uptake of American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.), eastern hemlock (Tsuga Canadensis L.), red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) seedlings. Seedlings and their native soil were collected in November 1997, over-wintered and allowed to break dormancy in spring 1998. Half of the seedlings of each tree species received 15NH4-NO3 to examine NH4 + uptake and the other half received NH4-15NO3 to examine NO3 − uptake. Plants were harvested 4 days following 15N addition. Tree species varied in their preference for NH4 + and NO3 −. Sugar maple and eastern hemlock seedlings took up more NH4 + than NO3 − per unit plant biomass, while beech was the only species to take up more NO3 − than NH4 +. Red oak took up more NH4 + than NO3 − into roots, stems and leaves, but the difference between the two forms of N was not statistically significant. These results demonstrate that tree species of the Catskill Mountains vary in their capacity to take up NH4 + and NO3 −. Coupled with stand-level studies of N dynamics, this variation can help explain some of the patterns of forested watershed N retention and loss in the Catskill Mountains shown in our field investigations (Templer, 2001; Templer et al., in press Ecosystems).
A comparison of family functioning in gay/lesbian, heterosexual and special needs adoptions

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify possible contributing factors to family functioning in three types of adoptive families: those headed by gays/lesbians, those headed by heterosexuals, and those involving the adoption of children with special needs. These three adoptive family types were examined concurrently so that commonalities and differences could be identified and considered for use in adoption practice. A multiple regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the dependent variable (standardized family functioning score) and independent variables (child behavior scores, special needs adoption, gay/lesbian headed families, age at adoption and at interview, diagnoses of disabilities, total social support score, number of previous placements, previous abuse and co-sibling adoption). Results indicated no negative effects for the parenting of adopted children by gay/lesbian headed families. Higher levels of family functioning were found to be associated with special needs, younger, and non-disabled child adoptions. Gay/lesbian headed family adoptions of older children, non-sibling group adoptions, and children with more foster placements also experienced higher levels of family functioning. Implications include the need to (1) place a child in an adoptive family as early as possible, (2) ensure strong support networks for adoptive families of children with disabilities and with those who adopt sibling groups, and (3) encourage the practice of adoption by gay/lesbian headed families, especially for older children.
Lithium effects on high-affinity tryptophan uptake: evidence against a stabilization mechanism.

Abstract Acute effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and chlorimipramine on tryptophan uptake into rat brain synaptosomes were studied in rats treated chronically with dietary lithium and in control rats. The acute drug treatments did not change V max or K m for trytophan uptake in control rats. In lithium-treated rats, chlorimipramine increased and LSD decreased V max . These results indicate that, rather than stabilizing serotonin production through tryptophan uptake changes, chronic lithium treatment may increase the responsiveness of tryptophan uptake to changes in serotonin utilization.
Separation of multiple dihydrotestosterone receptors in rat ventral prostate by a novel micromethod of electro-focusing Blocking action of cyproterone acetate and uptake by nuclear chromatin

Abstract Six dihydrotestosterone-binding proteins in rat ventral prostate nuclei and cytosol have been separated and identified by a microelectrofocusing procedure based on their isoelectric points: pI 3.7, α; 4.6, β; 5.6, γ; 6.7, δ; 7.8, e and 8.5, ζ. Further resolution of these peaks accomplished by expansion of the pI range of electrofocusing separates one or more labelled proteins from these peaks: pI 3.6, α 1 ; 4.1, α 2 ; 4.7, β 1 ; 5.1, β 2 ; 5.4, γ 1 ; 5.8, γ 2 ; 6.2, δ 1 ; 6.5, δ 2 ; 6.8, δ 3 ; 7.1, e 1 ; 7.4, e 2 ; 7.8, e 3 ; 8.3, ζ 1 and 8.7, ζ 2 . Components at pI 3.6, α 1 ; 4.1, α 2 and 5.8, γ 2 are specifically bound by dihydrotestosterone but of these only γ 2 is taken up by nuclear chromatin and the binding of dihydrotestosterone to γ 2 is blocked by cyproterone acetate. Three other components, pI 6.8, δ 3 ; 7.8, e 3 ; and 8.3, ζ are also taken up by chromatin and blocked by the anti-androgen but also bind testosterone or progesterone ( δ 3 , e 3 and ζ 1 ) or estradiol-17β ( δ 3 ). These four components can be extracted from the nuclei ( δ 3 , e 3 and ζ 1 by 0.5 M KCL and γ 2 by 1 M KCL) and all these nuclear extracts except ζ 1 retain their capacity for absorption as dihydrotestosterone complexes by nuclear chromatin. Thus, there are four dihydrotestosterone-binding proteins in rat prostate cytosol which fulfill the criteria for receptor proteins, 5.8, γ 2 ; 6.8, δ 3 ; 7.8, e 3 and 8.3, ζ 1 , and it is possible that androgen action may have to be explained by multiple receptor proteins.
Evaluation of champs, a physical activity promotion program for older adults

We evaluated physical activity changes resulting from a six-month public health model intervention that encouraged seniors (N = 89) 62-91 years of age (mean = 76) living in two low-income congregate housing facilities to increase their physical activity by participating in existing community-based physical activity classes and programs of their choice. The program was offered to everyone regardless of their health problems. Enrollees were encouraged to adopt activities tailored to their preferences, physical abilities, health status, income, and transportation resources. Using a comparison-group design, the intervention group was more active for all comparison months of the intervention period (p values < .05). The intervention also was associated with improvements in self-esteem (p < .05), though not with an array of other measures of health-related quality-of-life. Those who adopted and maintained a new physical activity over the six-month intervention period experienced improvements in anxiety, depression, and overall psychological well-being relative to those who did not. The intervention was subsequently replicated through a senior center (N = 22). A much larger proportion of the senior center sample adopted and maintained a new activity for six months (68%) compared to the congregate facilities sample (35%), which may have been due to differences in recruitment methods and sample characteristics in the two settings. An intervention promoting increased physical activity through the use of existing community resources may help increase physical activity in older adults.
Maximizing the supercontinuum bandwidth in As 2 S 3 chalcogenide photonic crystal fibers

We simulate supercontinuum generation in an As 2 S 3 chalcogenide photonic crystal fiber with a hexagonal structure, optimizing the fiber pitch and pulse duration with a 2.8 µm laser source in order to maximize the output bandwidth.
Chemical emissions from adhesive-bonded wood products at elevated temperatures

Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) was employed to examine the chemical emissions from the glued wood samples at elevated temperatures (150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, and 500°C). Two wood species, Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and southern pine (Pinus palustris), one structural adhesive, phenol–resorcinol–formaldehyde (PRF), PRF-bonded Douglas-fir, and PRF-bonded southern pine were evaluated. The volatile compounds with a mass range of 35–300 m/z emitted from the pyrolysis samples were separated by gas chromatography (GC) and identified by mass spectrometry (MS). The results indicated that compared to neat wood and resin film samples, several additional pyrolysis products were observed for the PRF-bonded wood samples including (1) acetaldehyde and butanedial for PRF-bonded Douglas-fir and (2) acetaldehyde, furfural, 2-furanmethanol, butanedial, 2,3-butanedione, cyclopropyl carbinol, 1,2-benzenediol, and 1-(acetyloxy)-2-propanone for PRF-bonded southern pine. These additional compounds were possibly associated with the interaction between wood and PRF resin. The results also indicated that bonded wood products would be less thermally stable than those of neat wood and PRF resin samples.
Space-time water-filling for composite MIMO fading channels

We analyze the ergodic capacity and channel outage probability for a composite MIMO channel model, which includes both fast fading and shadowing effects. The ergodic capacity and exact channel outage probability with space-time water-filling can be evaluated through numerical integrations, which can be further simplified by using approximated empirical eigenvalue and maximal eigenvalue distribution of MIMO fading channels. We also compare the performance of space-time water-filling with spatial water-filling. For MIMO channels with small shadowing effects, spatial water-filling performs very close to space-time water-filling in terms of ergodic capacity. For MIMO channels with large shadowing effects, however, space-time water-filling achieves significantly higher capacity per antenna than spatial water-filling at low to moderate SNR regimes, but with a much higher channel outage probability. We show that the analytical capacity and outage probability results agree very well with those obtained from Monte Carlo simulations.
How jurors construe “insanity”

Historically and currently, jurors who have rendered verdicts in insanity cases have themselves been criticized and maligned-accused of being simplistic and biased, of lacking understanding, and of disregarding or nullifying the judge's instructions. Are the critics right? In this study, 263 mock jurors (141 adults and 122 students) were asked to decide four insanity cases without instructions, using their own best judgment, and to identify the determinative facts for them, and the meaning of those facts. Those determinative factors were then categorized, using a seven construct schema for NGRI and guilty verdicts. The results show that jurors do make discriminations among cases in terms of constructs, and that these constructs are relevant, complex, and flexible; furthermore, the jurors' lay constructs of insanity are more complex than the legal constructs of insanity. The “simplism,” it seems, lies not with the jurors but with the insanity tests.
In vivo antitumor effects of the mTOR inhibitor CCI-779 against human multiple myeloma cells in a xenograft model

In vitro studies indicate the therapeutic potential of mTOR inhibitors in treating multiple myeloma. To provide further support for this potential, we used the rapamycin analog CCI-779 in a myeloma xenograft model. CCI-779, given as 10 intraperitoneal injections, induced significant dose-dependent, antitumor responses against subcutaneous growth of 8226, OPM-2, and U266 cell lines. Effective doses of CCI-779 were associated with modest toxicity, inducing only transient thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated the antitumor responses were associated with inhibited proliferation and angiogenesis, induction of apoptosis, and reduction in tumor cell size. Although CCI-779-mediated inhibition of the p70 mTOR substrate was equal in 8226 and OPM-2 tumor nodules, OPM-2 tumor growth was considerably more sensitive to inhibition of proliferation, angiogenesis, and induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, the OPM-2 tumors from treated mice were more likely to show down-regulated expression of cyclin D1 and c-myc and up-regulated p27 expression. Because earlier work suggested heightened AKT activity in OPM-2 tumors might induce hypersensitivity to mTOR inhibition, we directly tested this by stably transfecting a constitutively active AKT allele into U266 cells. The in vivo growth of the latter cells was remarkably more sensitive to CCI-779 than the growth of control U266 cells.
Recent advances in immunosuppressive therapy for prevention of renal allograft rejection

Purpose of reviewCurrent immunosuppressive therapies are highly successful at regulating acute allograft rejection and inducing long-term transplanted kidney survival; however, currently available medications are associated with generalized immune suppression and drug toxicities, including nephrotox
The Potential and Obstacles for Waste-to-Energy in Island Settings

Rapid economic development and also population growth of urban centers in developing island nations have resulted in the generation of large amounts of MSW that in the past were dumped at uninhabited areas indiscriminately. Also, islands have very limited space for new, sanitary landfills. This study examines islands where WTE has been implemented successfully (Bermuda, Martinique, St. Barth) and several others (Jamaica, Mauritius, Rhodes) where WTE has been considered and is in various stages of implementation. The study showed that the per capita generation of MSW increases as GDP per capita increases. Also, it is usually recommended that the waste management system be improved one step at a time, that is, to go from dumps to sanitary landfills, to waste to energy; it is interesting to note that the three islands examined in this study went directly from dumps to WTE. This phenomenon can be partly attributed to the scarcity of land for new landfills, but may also be due to the desire to develop a local and renewable energy source.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Fever, Weight Loss, and Hilar Adenopathy in a Microbiologist

A 44-year-old veterinary microbiologist was admitted to the hospital for evaluation of a tenday history of mailaise, fever, an 12.5-kg weight loss. He had been well until 12 months previously, when spiking fever, anorexia, and arthralgias developed. A chest roentgenogram at that time was normal. A diagnosis of acute brucellosis was confirmed by the isolation of Brucella abortus from two blood cultures and the demonstration of an elevated agglutination antibody titer to Brucella antigen (1:1280). The organism was susceptible to tetracycline and streptomycin in in vitro tests. Treatment with tetracycline for 32 days and streptomycin for 14 days resulted in resolution of his symptoms and signs of infection. He did well for 12 months until the symptoms just described resulted in admission to the hospital. Physical examination was normal, except for a temperature of 38.3 #{176}C and a radial pulse of 90/ mm. The chest roentgenogram is shown in Figure
An experimental 350-kv 1-picofarad air capacitor

This paper describes the design, features, and performance of a 1-picofarad 350-kv (rms), atmospheric-pressure air capacitor. Built in 1961 in the High Voltage Laboratory of the National Bureau of Standards, it is a part of a continuing program of high-voltage measurements, at power frequency, using capacitance ratio dividers. The immediate need was for its use in an interlaboratory comparison test of a 359-kv voltage ratio transformer, between the National Research Council of Canada and the National Bureau of Standards. The present paper supplements another paper which describes this test. 1 Details of the complete capacitance divider, and of the measuring bridge and its use, are contained in this reference. The capacitor was considered to be an interim item which, besides filling the immediate need, would give experience with the method and test the capacitor design.
Rural/Urban Elderly and Siblings: Their Value Consensus.

Consensus is the level of agreement about life felt among kin and has been identified as a dimension of family solidarity with important implications for the family network. This investigation studied the factors contributing to the consensus between older adults (age sixty-five and older) and the sibling with whom they had the most contact. Respondents (N = 275) lived in a rural/urban area. Seven independent variables were entered into a multiple-regression model to determine their relative importance to consensus of the sibling relationship. Results showed that 7 percent of the variance in consensus could be explained. Filial expectations, educational disparity, and the brother/sister link were the only variables of relative importance to older adult/sibling consensus. There was greater consensus when there were fewer expectations of the sibling, similarity of educational backgrounds, and when the respondent was male and his sibling was female. Brother/sister and brother/brother links, residential proxi...
Putin's Choice

How will history judge Vladimir Putin? He had alternatives, but his decisions, despite their apparent short-term success, are likely to have negative long-term effects on the Russian political system, economy, and geopolitical prospects.
Pneumoperitoneum upregulates preproendothelin-1 messenger RNA.

Laparoscopic pneumoperitoneum has been shown to decrease glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urine volume (UV). Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent renal vasoconstrictor, has been implicated. The purpose of this study was to determine renal function, ET-1 gene expression, and peptide localization in kidneys subjected to CO2 pneumoperitoneum. Experiments were performed in three groups of anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats in which GFR and UV were measured before, during, and after insufflation. In the first group (n=8), pneumoperitoneum (10 mmHg) was established for 30 min. The second group (n=4) underwent a sham operation without pneumoperitoneum. In the final group (p=4), kidneys were obtained from normal control animals without any prior surgical instrumentation. PreproET-1 (ppET-1) mRNA levels were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The ET-1 peptide was localized within kidneys by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Pneumoperitoneum caused a significant (p<0.05) 87% decrease in GFR and a 79% decrease in UV from baseline, with a return to baseline values after desufflation. RT-PCR showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in expression of ppET-1 mRNA in the laparoscopic group; it was 3.52±0.33 densitometric units (DU), as compared to 0.35±0.06 DU and 0.57±0.12 DU in the control and sham groups, respectively. IHC showed enhanced expression of the ET-1 peptide in the vascular endothelium and proximal tubular cells of the laparoscopic group compared to the control and sham groups. Pneumoperitoneum induces ET-1 gene and peptide upregulation in the kidney. Expression of ET-1 is increased in the renal vasculature and proximal tubular cells. The elevation of ET-1 and its localization may account for some of the renal dysfunction observed during pneumoperitoneum. This suggests that antagonism of ET-1 may be beneficial in patients with renal impairment undergoing prolonged laparoscopic procedures or in protecting allograft function during and after living donor nephrectomy.
Failed disk recovery in double erasure RAID arrays

Reliability is a major concern in the design of large disk arrays. In this paper, we examine the effect of encountering more failures than that for which the RAID array was initially designed. Erasure codes are incorporated to enable system recovery from a specified number of disk erasures, and strive beyond that threshold to recover the system as frequently, and as thoroughly, as is possible. Erasure codes for tolerating two disk failures are examined. For these double erasure codes, we establish a correspondence between system operation and acyclicity of its graph model. For the most compact double erasure code, the full 2-code, this underlies an efficient algorithm for the computation of system operation probability (all disks operating or recoverable). When the system has failed, some disks are nonetheless recoverable. We extend the graph model to determine the probability that d disks have failed, a of which are recoverable by solving one linear equation, b of which are further recoverable by solving systems of linear equations, and d-a-b of which cannot be recovered. These statistics are efficiently calculated for the full 2-code by developing a three variable ordinary generating function whose coefficients give the specified values. Finally, examples are given to illustrate the probability that an individual disk can be recovered, even when the system is in a failed state.
Identification and Characterization of the CLK1 Gene Product, a Novel CaM Kinase-like Protein Kinase from the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The CLK1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes a 610-residue protein kinase that resembles known type II Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaM kinases), including the CMK1 and CMK2 gene products from the same yeast. The Clk1 kinase domain is preceded by a 162-residue N-terminal extension, followed by a 132-residue C-terminal extension (which contains a basic segment resembling known calmodulin-binding sites) and is as similar to mammalian CaM kinase (38% identity to rat CaM kinase α) as it is to yeast CaM kinase (37% identity to Cmk2). However, Clk1 shares 52% identity with Rck1, another putative protein kinase encoded in the S. cerevisiae genome. Clk1 tagged with a c-myc epitope (expressed in yeast) and a GST-Clk1 fusion (expressed in bacteria) underwent autophosphorylation and phosphorylated an exogenous substrate (yeast protein synthesis elongation factor 2), primarily on Ser. Neither Clk1 activity was stimulated by purified yeast calmodulin (CMD1 gene product), with or without Ca2+; no association of Clk1 with Cmd1 was detectable by other methods. C-terminally truncated Clk1(Δ487-610) was growth-inhibitory when overexpressed, whereas catalytically inactive Clk1(K201R Δ487-610) was not, suggesting that the C terminus is a negative regulatory domain. Using immunofluorescence, Clk1 was localized to the cytosol and excluded from the nucleus. A clk1Δ mutant, a clk1Δ rck1Δ double mutant, a clk1Δ cmk1Δ cmk2Δ triple mutant, and a clk1Δ rck1Δ cmk1Δ cmk2Δ quadruple mutant were all viable and manifested no other overt growth phenotype.
Whose solution is it? development ideology and the work of micro‐entrepreneurs in Caribbean context

An economic leader in the Caribbean, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has incorporated micro‐business development as one of its main strategies to alleviate poverty and unemployment and to spawn economic growth since the late 1980s. Although the discovery of natural gas in the early nineties catapulted Trinidad’s economic growth rate to four per cent per annum, unemployment and poverty continue to affect a large portion of the population. The majority of the population has not benefited from Trinidad’s economic growth. Thus, the government has attempted to create “a nation of entrepreneurs” in order to relieve some of the inequality that defines the society (Ministry of Trade and Industry 1997).
Peritoneal dialysis in the treatment of metabolic crises caused by inherited disorders of organic and amino acid metabolism.

. Four neonates who presented with coma secondary to hyperammonaemia resulting in central respiratory failure were treated with peritoneal dialysis for between 16 and 120 hours. Underlying diseases were maple-syrup-urine disease, propionic acidaemia and citrullinaemia in two patients. Clinical improvement was observed in three patients within 16 to 72 hours after institution of peritoneal dialysis. Biochemical analysis revealed a rapid reduction in plasma concentrations of leucine, isoleucine and valine as well as their alpha-keto-analogues in the infant suffering from maple-syrup-urine disease. Correction of ammonia, glycine, alanine and propionic acid concentrations was observed in the infant with propionic acidaemia 24–72 hours after institution of peritoneal dialysis. Severe hyperammonaemia (1000–2500 μmol/1) in two infants with citrullinaemia before peritoneal dialysis was treated successfully in one infant; whereas the second infant showed no clinical improvement despite amelioration of biochemical parameters. Glucose-absorption from peritoneal dialysis solution was in the range of 216–441 mg/kg/h.
Regional variation and control of cutaneous gas exchange in bullfrogs.

Abstract Previous work has demonstrated regional differences in morphometric diffusing capacity and cutaneous blood flow in anuran amphibians, leading to the prediction of a higher rate of cutaneous gas exchange across the dorsal skin of bullfrogs. Regionally measured cutaneous O2 and CO2 flux rates (ṀO2 and ṀCO2) support this prediction: flux rates across the dorsal skin are 15–32% greater than across the ventral skin in both pulmonary ventilating and apneic (anesthetized) bullfrogs. The rates of cutaneous gas exchange were much greater in anesthetized frogs; however, ṀO2 and ṀCO2 did not increase in parallel, which decreased the cutaneous respiratory exchange ratio from 3.5 to 2.0 in apneic frogs. Regional differentiation in cutaneous gas exchange suggests the possibility of independent regulation; however, cutaneous ṀCO2 varied little in response to changes in O2 content above these regions, neither in the anesthetized nor awake bullfrogs. The bullfrogs are able to increase whole body cutaneous gas flux during prolonged apnea but were not able to respond to changes in local O2 content.
Functional identification of a goldfish odorant receptor.

Abstract The vertebrate olfactory system utilizes odorant receptors to receive and discriminate thousands of different chemical stimuli. An understanding of how these receptors encode information about an odorant's molecular structure requires a characterization of their ligand specificities. We employed an expression cloning strategy to identify a goldfish odorant receptor that is activated by amino acids—potent odorants for fish. Structure–activity analysis indicates that the receptor is preferentially tuned to recognize basic amino acids. The receptor is a member of a multigene family of G protein–coupled receptors, sharing sequence similarities with the calcium sensing, metabotropic glutamate, and V2R class of vomeronasal receptors. The ligand tuning properties of the goldfish amino acid odorant receptor provide information for unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying olfactory coding.
Small cell carcinoma of the bladder and prostate

S mall cell carcinoma (SCC), also referred to in the lungs as oat cell carcinoma or a neuroendocrine tumor, is a distinct histologic and biologic disease entity characterized by an aggressive clinical course and a high disease-related mortality. In 1926, Barnard’ described the first case of SCC, originating in the lungs. This histology now accounts for approximately 90,000 of the 150,000 cases of lung cancer that are diagnosed yearly in the United States.2 Nonpulmonary SCC was first described by Duguid and Kennedy in 1930.3 Since that time, extrapulmonary SCCs have been described in numerous organs including pharynx,4 larynx,5 trachea,(j esophagus7 stomach,8 small intestine,9 colon,1° nasal sinuses,ll salivary glands,12 thymus, l3 skin,14 breast,l* cervix,16 as well as prostate, l7 urinary bladder,18 kidney,19 and ureter.20 These neoplasms appear to have the same aggressive biologic behavior and share similar microscopic, immunohistochemical, and often ultrastructural characteristics as SCC of the lung. SCC originating in the urinary tract is rare; it is most often reported arising in the urinary bladder or prostate. In view of its rarity, there is a relative scarcity of information on the clinicopathologic behavior and optimum treatment strategies for this tumor. In recent years, however, genitourinary SCCs have been diagnosed with increasing frequency This appears to be due to an increased use of immunohistochemical studies in the evaluation of anaplastic tumors. The present review was undertaken to discuss the current concepts of histogenesis and to analyze the existing data on the pathologic characteristics, clinical behavior, and treatment response of SCC of the bladder and prostate.
Seeing through CORNEA

Students of the problem of evil generally agree that God and evil are logically compossible. Nonetheless, when many of us reflect on particularly horrible and ruinous evils, we are tempted to say "It seems there is no outweighing good that requires God to permit them; and it appears no equally bad or worse state of affairs must be permitted were they prevented." Some of us are drawn further and infer that there is no sufficient reason for God to permit these evils and, therefore, that there is no God. When theists of a skeptical bent rightly push us to justify why we are entitled to assert that evils seem to be this way, we may feel bedrock beneath our spade. Perhaps all we can do is repeat ourselves, insisting a little more loudly: "They just seem pointless; can't you see it?! !" And why not? Sometimes that is all that can be said. Justification must end somewhere.
Effects of mitochondrial respiratory stimulation on membrane lipids and proteins: an electron paramagnetic resonance investigation

Abstract Previous studies have implicated mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both the aging process and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease etc. The current study, utilizing electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometry, was designed to determine if mitochondrial respiratory stimulation, under state 4 conditions, caused extensive oxidative modifications to membrane cytoskeletal proteins and lipids in the brain. A mixed population of cortical synaptosomes and mitochondria, prepared by centrifugation techniques using rat brain cortex from adult (4–6 months) female Brown Norway rat brains, were labeled with the lipid-specific spin probe, 5-nitroxyl stearate (5-NS). Stimulation of the mitochondrial electron transport chain was accomplished using 20 mM succinate at 25°C for 3 h. Mitochondrially derived free radicals, when reacted with the paramagnetic center of the spin probe, result in a loss of paramagnetism resulting in loss of intensity. A significant lowering (23%, P
Biodiversity, biological uncertainty, and setting conservation priorities

In a world of massive extinctions where not all taxa can be saved, how ought biologists to decide their preservation priorities? When biologists make recommendations regarding conservation, should their analyses be based on scientific criteria, on public or lay criteria, on economic or some other criteria? As a first step in answering this question, we examine the issue of whether biologists ought to try to save the endangered Florida panther, a well known “glamour” taxon. To evaluate the merits of panther preservation, we examine three important arguments of biologists who are skeptical about the desirability of panther preservation. These arguments are (1) that conservation dollars ought to be spent in more efficient ways than panther preservation; (2) that biologists and conservationists ought to work to preserve species before subspecies; and (3) that biologists and conservationists ought to work to save habitats before species or subspecies. We conclude that, although all three arguments are persuasive, none of them provides convincing grounds for foregoing panther preservation in favor of other, more scientifically significant conservation efforts. Our conclusion is based, in part, on the argument that biologists ought to employ ethical, as well as scientific, rationality in setting conservation priorities and that ethical rationality may provide persuasive grounds for preserving taxa that often are not viewed by biologists as of great importance.
p53 and Bax: Putative death factors in taste cell turnover

The turnover of cells in renewing epithelia presents an opportunity to examine cell death pathways in adult vertebrates. In mouse lingual epithelium a typical taste receptor cell survives for 9 days, until it is killed by an unknown cascade of death factors. Apoptosis was implicated by the presence of fragmented DNA in about 8% of taste receptor cells in the vallate papilla. In using immunocytochemistry to seek putative death factors, we observed that squamous epithelial cells of the tongue were negative for Bax, a death factor in the Bcl-2 family of survival/death factors, and were also negative for p53, a tumor-suppressor protein linked to apoptosis and Bax transcription. In contrast, 8-10% of the taste receptor cells were Bax-positive, and 9-11% were p53 positive. These immunopositive taste receptor cells were more likely to display death-related morphologic defects than other receptor cells, and they frequently coexpressed p53 and Bax. In both neonatal and adult mice, the labeling of dividing cells with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine indicated that all Bax-positive taste cells were at least 5 days old. On postnatal day 7, when few taste cells were old, no more than 1% of taste cells were immunopositive for either p53 or Bax. We inferred that old taste receptor cells employ p53 and Bax as part of their apoptotic death pathway. The routine expression of p53 by postmitotic, aged taste cells broadens the conventional view that p53 is restricted to mitotic cells that have stress-damaged DNA. Furthermore, the scattered distribution of aged receptor cells within the taste bud excludes some explanations for stable taste signals during receptor cell turnover.
The fracture stress of single-crystal zinc

The basal plane fracture stress of 99.999 pct pure single-crystal zinc tensile specimens was determined from 77 to 298 K as a function of strain rate. The fracture stress was found to be dependent on the size of existing flaws associated with surface preparation, when the thermal variation of surface energy was taken into account. The stress at fracture was independent of strain and strain rate and was inversely proportional to the square root of the corrected flaw size, suggesting that a Griffith-type equation was obeyed to high strains. When flaws do not exist or are negligibly small, fracture is believed to be nucleated by the splitting of subboundaries as a result of plastic flow. The strain at fracture for constant fracture stress decreases with an increase in strain rate and a decrease in temperature and depends on the values of the work-hardening coefficient and exponent.
Necessity and purpose in Chinese agriculture: 1949–95

The evolution of institutional arrangements in Chinese agriculture is looked at through the twin concepts of necessity and purpose. Nested agency relations are examined from the state planning appa...
A Comprehensive Model of Cancer-Related Information Seeking Applied to Magazines

This article examines a comprehensive model of information seeking (CMIS) resulting from the synthesis of three theoretical research streams: the health belief model, uses and gratifications research, and a model of media exposure and appraisal. The model postulates that four health-related factors—demographics, direct experience, salience, and beliefs—determine two information carrier factors—perceptions of information carrier characteristics and utility—which, in turn, determine information-seeking actions. A sample of 366 adult women drawn from a medium-size midwestern city was surveyed by telephone on the issue of mammography use and cancer-related information seeking. The model resulted in an excellent fit to the data received. However, the values of the paths associated with the health-related factors were extremely low, suggesting that models of information seeking from mass media, such as magazines, should focus on purely communicative factors. These results are discussed in terms of future research and the pragmatic benefits of this theoretical framework.