cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Barriers to physician-nurse collegiality: An anthropological perspective

Abstract This paper discusses social and cultural factors that impede collegial interaction of physicians and nurses. While physicians encourage a form of ‘team work’ in which nurses are subordinate, nurses seek mutual collegiality with physicians. This phenomenon is apparent in various degrees between all educational categories of nurses and physicians. We suggest that nurse expectations of status enhancement through increased knowledge and skill—the nurse practitioner model—fail to consider the deeply rooted structures of hierarchy, in particular gender hierarchy, that pervades medical care. Physician-nurse collegiality does offer benefits to patients; to achieve it nurses must devise methods to alter these structural barriers.
Assessing the quality of colorectal cancer care: do we have appropriate quality measures? (A systematic review of literature)

Rationale, aims and objectives The burden of illness from colorectal cancer (CRC) can be reduced by improving the quality of care. Identifying appropriate quality measures is the first step in this direction. We identified process measures currently available to assess the quality of diagnosis and management of CRC. We also evaluated the extent to which these measures are ready to be implemented in clinical practice, and identified areas for future research. Methods We searched MEDLINE®, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and relevant grey literature. We identified 3771 abstracts and reviewed 74 articles that included quality measures for diagnosis or management of CRC. Measures from traditional quality improvement literature, and from epidemiological and other studies that included quality measures as part of their research agenda, were considered. In addition, we devised a summary rating scale (IST) to appraise the extent of a measure’s importance and usability, scientific acceptability and extent of testing. Results The coverage of general process measures in CRC is extensive. Most measures are important, but need to be developed and field-tested. The best available measures relate to pathology and chemotherapy. No measures are available for assessing quality of management of stage IV rectal cancer and hepatic metastasis; chemotherapy for stage II colon cancer; and procedure notes. Conclusions There is an urgent need to refine existing measures and to develop scientifically accurate quality measures for a comprehensive assessment of the quality of CRC care. The role of the federal government and professional societies is critical in pursuing this goal.
Approximating the Level Probabilities for a Unimodal Ordering

Bartholomew's and tests are used for testing the homogeneity of normal means with the alternative restricted by a partial ordering on the means. The null distributions of these test statistics are mixtures of chi-square and beta distributions and depend on the partial order only through the mixing coefficients, which are called level probabilities. We study the level probabilities corresponding to the unimodal orderings, μ l ≤ ··· ≤ μ h ≥ μ h+1 ≥ ··· ≥ μ k with 1 < h < k. Employing techniques similar to those used for simple orders and simple tree orderings, we develop approximations to the level probabilities for a unimodai ordering. This approximation is found to be adequate for most practical purposes.
Verapamil-sensitive sodium uptake in the adult rat heart

Abstract Cellular Na in the isolated beating rat heart was measured by a method used previously to measure exchangeable cellular Ca [8]. Rat hearts were labeled by perfusion at 37°C with medium containing 22Na. They were cooled, and extracellular 22Na was removed by perfusion at 4°C. Cellular 22Na that had been trapped in the heart by cooling was then released by reperfusion at 37°C. The cellular origin of this 22Na was confirmed by using 3H-sucrose: When hearts were also labeled with 3H-sucrose, very little 3H-sucrose was released with the 22Na peak. The amount of cellular Na in hearts labeled for 3 min was 8.0 μmol/g wet wt of heart. The half-time for its release was 32 s. Studies on the initial rate of Na uptake revealed that it was insensitive to the Ca channel blocker, verapamil, under normal conditions. However, if Ca and Mg were absent from the perfusate then a 223% stimulation of Na uptake occurred, all of which was verapamil-sensitive. Isoproterenol stimulated Na uptake marginally (37%), but when Ca was removed from the perfusate, isoproterenol stimulated the uptake of Na by 173%. The stimulation of Na uptake by isoproterenol in the absence of Ca was also verapamil-sensitive.
The ethnographic context of illness among single-women-headed households in rural Peru.

Peru is undergoing many deleterious economic and social changes, and the health consequences for families headed by single women is of special concern. However, not all single mothers' families may be at similar risk of morbidity. My purpose in the present study was to determine whether variation in illness prevalence was associated with ostensibly small differences in socioeconomic resources and physical living conditions in areas like Peru. I used both qualitative and quantitative methods in this study. The sample included single-women-headed households from the rural Nunoa District, located in the southern Peruvian Andes (N = 22 families with 90 individuals). Quantitative cross-sectional survey results suggested that the mother's formal education, the availability of a latrine, drinking water contamination, the gender ratio of the household, and the quality of the social support network were key risk factors. They statistically predicted 35-91% of the morbidity variance between families (p < or = .03-.0001). I illustrate these findings in three ethnographic case studies. The case studies show how the degree of illness among single-women-headed families was affected by small differences in their social and physical living conditions.
Notes: Procedure for Rapid Processing of Large Otoliths

Abstract We describe a rapid method for preparing and reading thin sections of large (>3 mm in diameter) otoliths through the use of a thin-sectioning machine that is equipped with both a cut-off saw and a calibrated precision grinder, both of which have aluminum guide arms for feeding otoliths mounted to petrographic glass slides. The procedure, which greatly reduces the time required for sectioning otoliths and polishing them for reading annuli, allows an experienced technician to quickly prepare and read otoliths without sacrificing quality and precision.
Numerical, asymptotic and hybrid methods for large array analysis

A relatively fast and efficient preconditioned iterative method of moments solution is developed for solving an integral equation governing the array element currents on large, planar, periodic arrays of printed elements/slots in a grounded multilayered medium. This solution is highly suitable for calculations on a personal computer (PC). The large finite arrays are assumed to be embedded in a grounded multilayered medium of infinite extent. Hence, a Green's function for the latter geometry is utilized as the kernel of the governing array integral equation to restrict the number of unknowns to be solved to only the element currents; this Green's function is evaluated asymptotically in closed form for source and observation points which are separated laterally over a distance of one free space wavelength or larger. The latter provides an additional, significant speed up of this solution. Also, a ray method is developed to rapidly evaluate the fields radiated/scattered by the array currents found via the above numerical method of moments solution of the corresponding array radiation/transmitting or scattering/receiving problem. These ray fields describe the collective radiation / scattering from the whole array at once, and provide a physical picture for the array radiation /scattering. Next, a hybrid combination of ray and method of moments is developed to drastically reduce the number of unknowns to be solved as compared to the conventional method of moments. The moment method matrix equation can be treated by a direct solver in this hybrid approach because of the presence of the relatively very few unknowns (of the order of hundred) irrespective of the array size. This is in contrast to the iterative solver for the array currents based on the preconditioned moment method approach mentioned in the beginning, which solves for the conventional number of unknowns (that are greater than or equal to the number of array elements; e.g. the number of unknowns in the iterative approach is of the order of hundreds of thousands for an array of tens of thousands of elements, as compared to only in the hundreds for the hybrid direct solver approach). Finally, the ideas which are developed and utilized in the hybrid ray-numerical approach for large planar arrays are significantly modified and extended to potentially treat realistic doubly curved large finite conformal arrays of complex elements embedded in multilayered media, including a radome that is flush with the skin line of an even larger metallic platform (such as an aircraft) in which the array is placed. Numerical results will be presented to illustrate the accuracy of all the above approaches.
Short-term training effects on diastolic function in obese persons with the metabolic syndrome.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a short-term high-intensity exercise program on diastolic function and glucose tolerance in obese individuals with and without metabolic syndrome (MetSyn). Obese men and women (BMI > 30 kg/m2; 39–60 years) with and without the MetSyn (MetSyn 13; non-MetSyn 18) underwent exercise training consisting of 10 consecutive days of treadmill walking for 1 h/day at 70–75% of peak aerobic capacity. Subjects performed pre- and post-training testing for aerobic capacity, glucose tolerance (2-h meal test), and standard echocardiography. Aerobic capacity improved for both groups (non-MetSyn 24.0 ± 1.6 ml/kg/min vs. 25.1 ± 1.5 ml/kg/min; MetSyn 25.2 ± 1.8 ml/kg/min vs. 26.2 ± 1.7 ml/kg/min, P < 0.05). Glucose area under the curve (AUC) improved in the MetSyn group (1,017 ± 58 pmol/l/min vs. 883 ± 75 pmol/l/min, P < 0.05) with no change for the non-MetSyn group (685 ± 54 pmol/l/min vs. 695 ± 70 pmol/l/min). Isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) improved in the MetSyn group (97 ± 6 ms vs. 80 ± 5 ms, P < 0.05), and remained normal in the non-MetSyn group (82 ± 6 ms vs. 86 ± 5 ms). No changes in other diastolic parameters were observed. The overall reduction in IVRT was correlated with a decrease in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r = 0.45, P < 0.05), but not with changes in glucose tolerance. Body weight did not change with training in either group. A 10-day high-intensity exercise program improved diastolic function and glucose tolerance in the group with MetSyn. The reduction in IVRT in MetSyn was associated with a fall in blood pressure. These data suggest that it may be possible to reverse early parameters of diastolic dysfunction in MetSyn with a high-intensity exercise program.
Dyadic green’s functions for layered anisotropic medium

The dyadic Green's functions (DGF) for unbounded and layered anisotropic media have been obtained. The anisotropic medium is assumed to be tilted uniaxial. With the availability of the DGF's, many problems involving radiation and scattering of electromagnetic waves can readily be solved.
Synthesis and reactivity of highly versatile VDMO-VBC copolymers

The synthesis of a copolymer containing two reactive functional groups is described. The reactive monomers are 2-vinyl-4,4-dimethyl-5-oxazolone (VDMO), I and vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC), III The resulting polymer is then reactive in two different ways and can produce many different kinds of polymers with specific properties.
Work in progress: First-year engineering students development of test cases for model development

When developing mathematical models for authentic problems that draw on basic descriptive statistics, many first-year engineering students do not address data distribution when it is appropriate to do so. An assignment was created in association with such a problem that asks students to develop their own test cases as a means of getting students to think more deeply about the data provided and the models they are developing. In this work in progress, these test cases are analyzed. The means and standard deviations of the test cases are quite different than those provided with the problem. However, there is evidence that students may not be attending to the original problem context. Next steps are briefly indicated.
Overexpression of the Rho-guanine nucleotide exchange factor ECT2 inhibits nuclear translocation of nuclear receptor CAR in the mouse liver.

Various drugs such as phenobarbital (PB) trigger translocation of constitutive active/adrostane receptor (CAR) from the cytoplasm into the nucleus of mouse liver cells without directly binding to the receptor. We have now characterized the guanine nucleotide exchange factor epithelial cell-transforming gene 2 (ECT2) as a PB-inducible factor as well as a cellular signal that represses PB-triggered nuclear translocation of CAR. When CFP-tagged ECT2 was co-expressed with YFP-tagged CAR in the liver of Car −/− mice, ECT2 repressed CAR nuclear translocation. Coexpression of various deletion mutants delineated this repressive activity to the tandem Dbl homology/pleckstrin homology domains of ECT2 and to their cytosolic expression. CAR directly bound to the PH domain. Thus, ECT2 may comprise a part of the PB response signal regulating the intracellular trafficking of CAR.
Platinum-Coated Palladium Nanotubes as Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalysts

Platinum (Pt) coated palladium (Pd) nanotubes (Pt/PdNTs) with a wall thickness of 6 nm, outer diameter of 60 nm, and length of 5–20 μm are synthesized via the partial galvanic displacement of Pd nanotubes. Pt coatings are controlled to a loading of 9 (PtPd 9), 14 (PtPd 14), and 18 (PtPd 18) wt % and estimated to have a thickness of 1.1, 1.7, and 2.2 Pt atoms, respectively, if a uniform and continuous coating is assumed. Oxygen reduction experiments have been used to evaluate Pt/PdNTs, Pt nanotubes, Pd nanotubes, and supported Pt nanoparticle activity for proton exchange membrane fuel cell cathodes. The dollar and area (specific surface area) normalized ORR activities of Pt/PdNTs exceed the United States Department of Energy (DOE) targets. PtPd 9, PtPd 14, and PtPd 18 produce dollar activities of 10.4, 9.4, and 8.7 A$–1, respectively; PtPd 9 exceeds the DOE dollar activity target (9.7 A$–1) by 7%. Pt/PdNTs further exceed the DOE area activity target by 40–43%.
Carbon nanotube and carbon nanorod-filled polyacrylonitrile electrospun stationary phase for ultrathin layer chromatography.

Abstract The application of carbon nanotube or nanorod/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) composite electrospun nanofibrous stationary phase for ultrathin layer chromatography (UTLC) is described herein. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and edge-plane carbon (EPC) nanorods were prepared and electrospun with the PAN polymer solution to form composite nanofibers for use as a UTLC stationary phase. The analysis of laser dyes demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing carbon nanoparticle-filled electrospun nanofibers as a UTLC stationary phase. The contribution of MWCNT or EPC in changing selectivity of the stationary phase was studied by comparing the chromatographic behavior among MWCNT–PAN plates, EPC–PAN plates and pure PAN plates. Carbon nanoparticles in the stationary phase were able to establish strong π–π interactions with aromatic analytes. The separation of five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) demonstrated enhanced chromatographic performance of MWCNT-filled stationary phase by displaying substantially improved resolution and separation efficiency. Band broadening of the spots for MWCNT or EPC-filled UTLC stationary phases was also investigated and compared with that for pure PAN stationary phases. A 50% improvement in band dispersion was noted using the MWCNT based composite nanofibrous UTLC plates.
Beyond Politics: Rethinking the Future of Democracy1

The problem of order is central to all societies. Bacon, Hobbes and Smith each proposed to resolve the problem of order by investing moral authority in a “Leviathan” that would guarantee order: science, state and market, respectively. Later scholars adapted their works to other ends. But putting the Leviathans into practice had the unintended effect of relieving individuals of moral responsibility and creating wide-spread disorder. Widespread networks of democracy in all spheres of social life are proposed as an alternative solution to the problem of order, one that encourages the collective discovery of moral values.Such networks put moral responsibility neither on the shoulders of individuals where it becomes crushingly heavy, nor on society where it becomes unbearably light.
Journalist Reliance on Teens and Children

This study considers the ethical implications of quoting children with particular emphasis on privacy and accuracy. A content analysis is used to examine how newspaper reporters quote children and teenagers. The study found that youths most likely are named when they are quoted in the newspaper. Teens who are 17 are the most likely to be quoted. Youths most frequently appear in feature stories, and they most frequently are treated as experts who provide the reporter with factual information. The researcher argues that journalists should consider the vulnerabilities of youths before quoting them.
Alterations in Lipid Metabolism and Cellular Morphology in the Liver of Female Rats Treated With Ethmozine

Alterations in lipid metabolism and cellular morphology in the liver were examined in female rats treated with 100 mg Ethmozine/kg/day for 7 days. The incorporation of either [3H]acetate with [methyl-14C]choline, or [methyl-14C]methionine was used to monitor the effect of the drug on neutral and phospholipid syntheses. Ethmozine (ETH) reduced the incorporation of choline into phosphatidylcholine (PC) by 50%, but the transmethylation of phosphatidylethanolamine to form PC was unaffected. The formation of lyso-PC was reduced by one-half irrespective of the donor radiolabel. An accumulation of both micro- and macrovesicles (fat) was found in the centri- and midlobular zones of the liver, which is likely the result of increased synthesis and decreased secretion of triacylglycerol (TAG). Incorporation of acetate into TAG was increased fivefold by ETH treatment, and to a lesser degree into cholesterol and cholesterylester/squalene.
A high-order hybrid finite difference–finite volume approach with application to inviscid compressible flow problems: A preliminary study

Abstract A class of hybrid finite difference–finite volume (FD–FV) operators is recently developed as building blocks to solve one dimensional hyperbolic conservation laws when the solutions are smooth. This method differs from conventional finite difference (FD) or finite volume (FV) schemes in that both nodal values and cell-averaged values are considered as dependent variables and they are evolved in time. Under this framework, the 1D FD–FV methods: (1) are numerically conservative for cell averages; (2) have straightforward extension to high-order accuracy; and (3) have superior spatial accuracy property compared to most conventional FD or FV methods. This work extends the FD–FV approach in two aspects. The first extension is a WENO-type stabilization to enhance the nonlinear stability of sample high-order 1D FD–FV operators. In particular, numerical results show that when the solutions are smooth, the optimal order of accuracy (fifth-order) is achieved by the stabilized fourth-order FD–FV method; and it is also capable to handle problems with strongly discontinuous solutions. The second part of the paper extends a second-order FD–FV method to two-dimensional smooth problems. Both Cartesian grids and unstructured (triangular) grids are considered. In multiple dimensions, there are different choices of the collocation points of the nodal values, and they lead to different FD–FV schemes. This work develops a node-centered FD–FV scheme and an edge-centered FD–FV scheme on each type of grids, and their numerical performance are assessed and compared by solving benchmark flow problems with smooth solutions. In particular, the numerical examples confirm that the superior spatial accuracy property of the 1D FD–FV operators carries to two space dimensions on Cartesian grids. The present work focuses on two space dimensions, but the methodology extends naturally to three-dimensional Cartesian grids and tetrahedral grids.
The Effects of spreading Depression on Penicillin-induced Epileptiform activity in Rat Brain1

SUMMARY The interaction between KCl-induced cortical spreading depression and penicillin-induced cortical epileptiform activity was studied in the rat brain. In one experimental procedure, a primary epileptiform focus was initiated with penicillin in one hemisphere, and at various subsequent time intervals KCl was applied and spreading depression produced. In the second procedure, spreading depression was induced in one hemisphere and a seizure focus later established in the other. Electrophysiological correlates of the chemical manipulations were monitored throughout. The effects of spreading depression on the developing and established primary and secondary foci were studied. Results indicated an antagonism between spreading depression and penicillin-induced cortical seizure foci. Possible mechanisms underlying the observed interactions are discussed. RESUME On a etudie sur le cerveau du rat l'interaction de la spreading depression corticale induite par KCl et l'activiteepileptique corticale produite par la penicilline. Dans une premiere serie d'experiences, on a d'abord cree avec la penicilline un foyer epileptiforme primaire sur un hemisphere et successivement a intervalle variable, on applique le KCl et produit la spreading depression. Dans une seconde serie d'experiences, on a induit la spreading depression sur un hemisphere et un foyer epileptique sur l'autre. On a controle tout au long des experiences les variations electrophysiologiques correspondant aux manipulations chimiques. De meme, on a etudie l'effet de la spreading depression sur le developpement et l'etablissement du foyer primaire et du foyer secondaire. Les resultats indiquent qu'il y a un antagonisme entre la spreading depression et les foyers corticaux epileptiques induits par la penicilline. On a discute les mecanismes possibles responsables des interactions observees.
Photochemotherapy of dominant, diffuse, cutaneous mastocytosis.

: Diffuse, cutaneous mastocytosis is a rare variant of cutaneous mast cell infiltration that can arise in neonates or infants as a generalized bullous eruption. The mode of transmission is suggested as autosomal dominant. We report four infants from two unrelated families with diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis whose cutaneous disease was not controlled by initial therapies. Treatment of the four infants with photochemotherapy dramatically reduced or eliminated symptoms. One course of therapy resulted in improvement, and retreatment has not been required two to six years later.
Infant Myocardial Recovery With Device and Surgical Repair

A 4-month-old female infant (weight, 6.17 kg; height, 65 cm) presenting with tachypnea and tachycardia, and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 10%, deteriorated on increasing inotropic therapy and mechanical ventilation. Implantation of a centrifugal left ventricular assist device and institution of maximal medical heart failure therapy led to reverse remodeling and discontinuation of device support after 9 days. One week later, after failure to wean from the ventilator and persistence of a severely dyskinetic septum, a ventricular septal aneurysmectomy was done. The patient was extubated 5 days later followed by hospital discharge 11 days post-septal aneurysmectomy. The patient has done well since then with the most recent echocardiogram showing a 65% ejection fraction.
A novel, comprehensive numerical simulation for predicting temperatures within boreholes and the adjoining rock bed

Abstract Borehole creation involve complex thermal phenomena such as the injection of a fluid to cool the cutting tool and carry debris to the surface, generation of heat caused by the cutting tool, and the thermal interactions between the flowing fluid and the stationary rock. These phenomena alter the temperature of the rock from its undisturbed state. An accurate characterization of the temperatures within the rock prior to the drilling operation is necessary for resource extraction, geothermal heat conduction calculations, and for paleoclimate studies. Disturbances in the rock temperature can lead to uncertainties in these calculated quantities and in the application of the inverse method. Presently, methods are available which treat the flowing fluid in a simplified manner, often as a stationary medium, and allow estimation of the temperature disturbances in the rock wall. Nevertheless, to the best knowledge of the authors, there are no published studies which fully include the fluid flow in the borehole during the drilling operation and its direct impact on temperatures. Additionally, the impact of the heat generation at the drill head on the temperatures in the fluid and the surrounding rock have not fully been studied. A method is proposed for determining temperatures within boreholes and the surrounding rock both during and after the drilling operation. The method encompasses all the issues listed above. It was discovered that the coolant temperature is dependent upon location within the borehole, and the relaxation time of rock temperatures to their equilibrium values varies with depth in the borehole.
Inventory Policies in a Decentralized Assembly System

We consider a system in which a single finished good is assembled from two components. Demand for the finished product is stochastic and stationary, and procurement and assembly lead times are constant. Unsatisfied demand is backordered. The inventory of each component or assembly is controlled by a separate firm using a base-stock policy. Each firm is charged holding costs on its own inventory, plus a share of the shortage cost due to backorders of the finished product. We investigate the equilibrium base-stock levels that arise in this system under both echelon and local base-stock policies. In both cases, the component firms base-stock levels are economic complements. We then examine the effect on system performance when one firm uses information about other firms pipeline inventory. We find that, under echelon base-stock policies, all firms benefit with the use of pipeline information. In contrast, under local policies, using pipeline information may actually increase costs for some firms (including the firm that makes direct use of the information). Also, we compare the behavior of the decentralized system with that of the assembly system under centralized control. Finally, we describe a payment scheme between the final assembler and the suppliers that allows the decentralized system to achieve the centralized solution.
Escherichia coil growth dynamics: A three‐pool biochemically based description

A three-pool growth model of an individual Escherichia coli cell is described herein. The model is based on a previously developed chemically structured complex single cell growth model. The reduction in model complexity and the identification of the essential modes of motion, over the time scale of growth, is achieved by temporal decomposition and analysis of hierarchy in relaxation times. The three-pool model faithfully simulates the changes in cell size, cell shape, cell macromolecular composition, DNA initiation and termination periods, and the dependence of cell growth under abiotic glucose limitation. The predictions made by the reduced model compare favorably with both the experimental data and those of the full single cell model (SCM) without any parameter adjustments. The three-pool model has very few significant parameters and has the potential to find immediate practical use in bioreactor design and process control strategies. The model development illustrates the use of modal analysis to yield reduced physiologically realistic dynamic model of complex microbial system such as E. coll.
Two conformations of G-actin related to two conformations of F-actin.

A single high-resolution model for the F-actin filament has been generated by refining the structure of a crystallographically determined skeletal muscle G-actin subunit against X-ray fiber diffraction data (Holmes et al. 1990; Lorenz et al. 1993). However, electron microscopic studies have shown at low-resolution that the actin filament can exist in multiple conformations as a function of the bound metal (Orlova and Egelman 1995), the nucleotide (Orlova and Egelman 1993), the isoform of actin involved (Orlova et al. 1997), and the presence of other proteins bound to actin (Owen and DeRosier 1993; McGough et al. 1997). It is thus informative to ask what is known about different structural states of G-actin.
On delay-adaptive routing in wireless networks

We address the routing problem in multi-hop wireless networks and present a multipath delay-adaptive loop-free protocol with low overhead and elegant implementability. In earlier work regarding Wardrop routing, a distributed adaptive scheme using delay feedback was proposed and analyzed. In equilibrium, it results in all utilized paths from source to destination having the same delay, which is less than that over unutilized paths. In this paper, we attempt to reduce loops when Wardrop routing is used. We also present a completely distributed distance-vector like delay measurement scheme for Wardrop routing. The result is a protocol that is completely distributed, delay-adaptive, and guarantees loop-freedom. Simulations indicate that the protocol is able to re-route flows to "avoid" each other, and boosts throughput performance in wireless networks. A working implementation of the protocol on the Linux 2.4.20-6 kernel is undergoing testing.
Reflections on the 25th Anniversary of the American Society for Photobiology (1972–1997)

It is exciting to realize that the American Society for Photobiology (ASP) is 25 years old. I won’t trouble you with all of the early history, but a few highlights and comments might be of interest. When I began studying the photochemistry of the nucleic acids, I didn’t know much about photobiology and didn’t know many photobiologists. I thought that it would be rewarding to get together with other photobiologists in the San Francisco Bay Area, so in 1962 I started the Northern California Photobiology and Photochemistry Group (1962-1974). Those of us who could get away from work early had dinner at a local restaurant and then moved to a classroom at Stanford for the lecture. I learned two very important lessons during the several years that I ran this group: (1) Don’t expect a lot of help in running a group. (2) If you organize a meeting and send out the announcements, people will come. These two lessons would later give me the courage to start ASP in the face of considerable opposition. The Northeast Photobiology Group was started in 1967, with Farrington Daniels, Jr. as its first President. Failing to find a suitable home, this group only met for 3 years (19671970). John Jagger started the South Central Photobiology Group in 1969. It met for 8 years (1969-1977). In 1969, the Biophysical Society modified its bylaws to permit the formation of specialized subgroups, so I started the Photochemistry and Photobiology Subgroup of the Biophysical Society (1970-1978). We met the day before the regular meeting began. This group was very successful and continued for several years after ASP was started. The only other photobiology group in the U.S. at that time was the Committee on Photobiology of the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences (19521981). This Committee was started in 1952 to serve as the U.S. Section of the International Association for Photobiol-
Somatosensory Evoked Potentials Correlate With Neurological Outcome in Rabbits Undergoing Cerebral Air Embolism

Background and Purpose Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) have been used as an outcome measure in models of cerebral air embolism despite the lack of studies correlating SSEPs with other measures of neurological injury. We examined the relationship between SSEPs and neurological impairment in the setting of cerebral air embolism. Methods Anesthetized New Zealand White rabbits received either 0, 50, 100, or 150 μL/kg of air into the internal carotid artery. SSEPs were recorded at intervals for the subsequent 2 hours. After the final recording the anesthetic was discontinued, and the animals recovered. Animals were neurologically evaluated at 3 and 24 hours after cerebral air embolism on a scale of zero (normal) to 97 (coma) points. Results There was a clear relationship between the dose of air and 2-hour SSEP amplitude ( P =.00003). SSEP amplitudes at 2 hours were inversely correlated with neurological impairment scores at 3 hours (τ=−0.71, P P =.0008). Conclusions These results support SSEPs as an index of neurological impairment in this model of cerebral air embolism.
Serum and Tissue Gastrin Concentrations in Patients with Carcinoma of the Stomach

Fasting serum gastrin concentrations and gastric acid secretory rates were examined in 22 patients with carcinoma of the stomach. The mean fasting serum gastrin concentration for the patients with carcinoma of the stomach (344 ± 52 pg per ml) substantially and significantly exceeded that for a control population of patients without recognized gastrointestinal disease (P
Cloning and analysis of fetal ovary microRNAs in cattle

Ovarian folliculogenesis and early embryogenesis are complex processes, which require tightly regulated expression and interaction of a multitude of genes. Small endogenous RNA molecules, termed microRNAs (miRNAs), are involved in the regulation of gene expression during folliculogenesis and early embryonic development. To identify miRNAs in bovine oocytes/ovaries, a bovine fetal ovary miRNA library was constructed. Sequence analysis of random clones from the library identified 679 miRNA sequences, which represent 58 distinct bovine miRNAs. Of these distinct miRNAs, 42 are known bovine miRNAs present in the miRBase database and the remaining 16 miRNAs include 15 new bovine miRNAs that are homologous to miRNAs identified in other species, and one novel miRNA, which does not match any miRNAs in the database. The precursor sequences for 14 of the new 15 miRNAs as well as the novel miRNA were identified from the bovine genome database and their hairpin structures were predicted. Expression analysis of the 58 miRNAs in fetal ovaries in comparison to somatic tissue pools identified 8 miRNAs predominantly expressed in fetal ovaries. Further analysis of the eight miRNAs in germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes identified two miRNAs (bta-mir424 and bta-mir-10b), that are highly abundant in GV oocytes. Both miRNAs show similar expression patterns during oocyte maturation and preimplantation development of bovine embryos, being abundant in GV and MII stage oocytes, as well as in early stage embryos (until 16-cell stage). The amount of the novel miRNA is relatively small in oocytes and early cleavage embryos but greater in blastocysts, suggesting a role of this miRNA in blastocyst cell differentiation.
Comparative dosimetric study of three-dimensional conformal, dynamic conformal arc, and intensity-modulated radiotherapy for brain tumor treatment using Novalis system

Purpose: To investigate the dosimetric differences among three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), dynamic conformal arc therapy (DCAT), and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for brain tumor treatment. Methods and Materials: Fifteen patients treated with Novalis were selected. We performed 3D-CRT, DCAT, and IMRT plans for all patients. The margin for the planning target volume (PTV) was 1 mm, and the specific prescription dose was 90% for all plans. The target coverage at the prescription dose, conformity index (CI), and heterogeneity index were analyzed for all plans. Results: For small tumors (PTV ≤2 cm 3 ), the three dosimetric parameters had approximate values for both 3D-CRT and DCAT plans. The CI for the IMRT plans was high. For medium tumors (PTV >2 to ≤100 cm 3 ), the three plans were competitive with each other. The IMRT plans had a greater CI, better target coverage at the prescription dose, and a better heterogeneity index. For large tumors (PTV >100 cm 3 ), the IMRT plan had good target coverage at the prescription dose and heterogeneity index and approximate CI values as those in the 3D-CRT and DCAT plans. Conclusion: The results of our study have shown that DCAT is suitable for most cases in the treatment of brain tumors. For a small target, 3D-CRT is useful, and IMRT is not recommended. For larger tumors, IMRT is superior to 3D-CRT and very competitive in sparing critical structures, especially for big tumors.
Soviet Studies, National Security and the Production of “Useful” Knowledge: A Discussion of Know Your Enemy: The Rise and Fall of America's Soviet Experts

Know Your Enemy: The Rise and Fall of America's Soviet Experts. By David C. Engerman. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009. 480p. $34.95. Know Your Enemy is a sociology of knowledge of the rise of post–World War II Russian and Soviet Studies, written by intellectual historian David C. Engerman. While it is not a work of political science, it offers an important historical analysis of a foundational episode in the history of the political science discipline. It is an account of the evolution of a specific field—Soviet Studies—but it is more than this, because this particular field was at the heart of the development of post–World War II area studies in general, and the intellectual and political engagements linked to the evolution of area studies were crucial to the development of modern political and social science. This symposium thus brings together scholars of Soviet Studies, contemporary post-Soviet Russian politics, comparative politics and international relations more generally, and the history of the discipline, to reflect on this book. While participants were asked to critically evaluate the book's analysis, they were also asked to comment more generally on the rise (and fall?) of area studies, and the history of political science more broadly. The issues raised by the book relate to the history and evolution of the current discipline, but also bear upon its future. For in response to post–Cold War crises (many connected to the discourse of the “war on terror”), there have been new calls for security-related area research made by such institutions as the Department of Defense (the Minerva Program, administered by the National Science Foundation), the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Department of Education (in connection with Title VI funding of area studies). What does the history of Soviet Studies tell us about these recent developments, and about how individual political scientists and indeed the institutions of professional political science should respond to them?—Jeffrey C. Isaac, Editor
The Safety of Metformin in Heart Failure

Objective:To examine the evidence regarding the safety of metformin in heart failure.Data Sources:Searches in MEDLINE and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts were performed (1966–February 2007). Search terms included metformin, heart failure, lactic acidosis, clinical trials, and insulin resistance.Study Selection and Data Extraction:Published studies and case reports that evaluated the causal link between metformin and lactic acidosis in patients with heart failure were selected for review.Data Synthesis:There were no case reports of patients who had metformin-associated lactic acidosis when heart failure was the only contraindication, Two large retrospective studies showed that metformin does not increase the risk of lactic acidosis in patients with heart failure. However, these retrospective analyses did not account for many important confounding variables. A reduction in mortality rates in metformin users with New York Heart Association Class III and IV heart failure was observed in one small (N = ...
L-asparaginase-provoked seizures as singular expression of central nervous toxicity.

Patients treated with L-asparaginase may present with hemorrhagic and thrombotic cerebrovascular events. This syndrome generally occurs after a few weeks of therapy and may occur after L-asparaginase therapy is completed. Compli cations appear to result from depletion of plasma proteins in volved in coagulation and fibrinolysis. Seizures are uncommon symptoms, and are always caused by cerebrovascular events. We report a case of seizure associated with L-asparaginase therapy but no evidence of hemorrhagic or thrombotic cerebro vascular events.
Multiple regulatory mechanisms control B-1 B cell activation

B-1 cells constitute a unique subset of B cells identified in several species including mice and humans. B-1 cells are further subdivided into B-1a and B-1b subsets as the former but not the later express CD5. The B-1a subset contributes to innate type of immune responses while the B-1b B cell subset contributes to adaptive responses. B-1 cell responses to B cell receptor (BCR) as well as Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligation are tightly regulated due to the cross-reactivity of antigen specific receptors on B-1 cells to self-antigens. B-1 cells are elevated in several autoimmune diseases. CD5 plays a major role in down regulation of BCR responses in the B-1a cell subset. Reduced amplification of BCR induced signals via CD19 and autoregulation of BCR and TLR responses by B-1 cell produced IL-10 appear to have a role in regulation of both B-1a and B-1b B cell responses. Siglec G receptors and Lyn kinase also regulate B-1 cell responses but their differential role in the two B-1 cell subsets is unknown.
Correlation of shunt resistance with InGaAs layer photoluminescence intensity for 2200 nm cutoff InGaAs photodiodes

This paper discusses techniques developed for predicting electrical properties of photodiodes fabricated from chloride vapor phase epitaxy-grown 2200 nm cutoff In/sub 0.72/Ga/sub 0.28/As/InAs/sub y/P/sub 1-y/ heterostructures with y compositionally graded from 0.0 - 0.4. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the epitaxial layers in cross-section to determine their thickness uniformity over the wafer. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (XTEM) was used to show that although strain in the structure was well accommodated within the InAs/sub y/P/sub 1-y/ graded layers, the cap, active and buffer layers were not completely lattice-matched to each other. In/sub 0.72/Ga/sub 0.28/As photoluminescence (PL) intensity data showed a strong dependence on the lattice-mismatch between the cap and active layers. Photodiode shunt resistance normalized to the active region area, R/sub 0/A, was found to increase dramatically with increasing PL intensity. We propose that PL intensity from the In/sub 0.72/Ga/sub 0.28/As layer on pre-processed wafers is a faithful measure of ultimate device performance.
The Ulcerative Colitis Lymphocyte: Reaction to E. Coli O 14 and Colon Antigens

Peripheral blood lymphocytes of nine patients with active ulcerative colitis and eight normal individuals were cultured in the presence of E. coli O 14 and in the presence of homogenates of autologous rectal mucosa. After six days of incubation, the degree of blastoid transformation and mitosis was determined by phase contrast microscopy. Lymphocytes from both groups of patients reacted well in the presence of E. coli O 14 but did not react in the presence of rectal mucosa. These data suggest that both UC and normal lymphocytes are sensitized to E. coli O 14 but not to colonic mucosa, despite reported antigenic similarity between extracts of these two substances. The implications of these findings are discussed.
The effect of people on the supply chain world: Some overlooked issues

Some scholars have been so blunt as to claim that information technology is the answer to all the problems facing supply chain managers. We posit that, although information technology integration is necessary for a supply chain to succeed, people are also crucial. We further propose that managers must take into consideration organizational culture and the education and training of employees to facilitate supply chain collaboration and success. We interviewed 51 senior-level supply chain managers across five channel positions. Findings support our position that management of people is crucial to supply chain integration, and that integration is improved through an accommodating organizational culture and training and educational programs. Also from our findings, we supply a prescription for building the supply chain cross-functional manager.
Managerial Strategies for Breaking through a “Glass Ceiling”

Abstract Statistics on the hiring of women and minorities indicate that the hiring numbers are much improved but suggest the problem now may be entrance into management and executive positions. In some offices, the “glass ceiling”—an invisible barrier of subtle prejudices and destructive attitudes—exists and affects promotions and salaries on the basis of gender or ethnic background. This paper presents current statistics on the topic and the views of a mid-level science manager selected recently for the federal Senior Executive Service (SES) Candidate Development Program (CDP). Characteristics common among those executives who have been successful and steps that aspiring managers can take to improve their chances of breaking through a glass ceiling are offered.
Experimental and molecular dynamics modeling studies of interlayer swelling: water incorporation in kanemite and ASR gel

Molecular dynamics (MD) modeling is an effective tool for studying the structure, dynamics and energetics of cement materials at the molecular level, and is especially useful when used in conjunction with experimental data that allows detailed definition of the systems to be modeled. Here we present a combined MD and experimental study of the swelling behavior of kanemites (hydrous alkali layered silicates) and alkali silicate hydrate (A-S-H) gels that leads to testable hypotheses concerning the mechanisms of water incorporation into the gels produced during the alkali silica reaction (ASR) in concrete. The MD computational results show that entry of water into the interlayer spaces of kanemite [Na,K)HSi2O5·nH2O] is structurally and energetically limited and, thus, suggest that expansion of A-S-H gels produced during the alkali silica reaction (ASR) is due principally to incorporation of water molecules between nano-particles, rather than within kanemite-like interlayer galleries. Kanemite-like volumes appear to be a significant component of A-S-H gels with compositions in the range observed for in-service concrete. XRD data suggest that these nano-particles have coherent diffraction lengths of the order of 10 nm perpendicular to the silicate layers. The MD-computed structures of Na- and K-kanemite are in excellent agreement with those determined from X-ray diffraction data. Likewise, the computed energetics of water sorption are in excellent agreement with the observed X-ray diffraction, water sorption, TGA/DTA, and29Si NMR data for kanemites and A-S-H. The water sorption and TGA/DTA behaviors of the kanemites and A-S-H gels show many similarities but also significant differences.