cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Revamping the Korean Intelligence Services: A Viewpoint of the Agency for National Security Planning

Korean intelligence services under the new civilian government continue to be deeply involved in the nation's domestic politics, to operate frequently outside the law, and to abuse peoples' rights in the conduct of investigations. The Korean people and members of the ruling class are demanding a revamping of Korean intelligence services. Reform of the intelligence services is long over due. The expenditures incurred for intelligence organizations should be reduced. The intelligence organizations' primary functions should be readjusted because military threats have diminished. The purpose of this article is to investigate particular problems associated with the Agency for National Security Planning (NSP). The paper describes the Korean intelligence community and discusses the origins, functions, and characteristics of the central Korean intelligence organization. The causes of the NSP's problems are addressed. Finally, suggestions are offered on the basis of the specific problems discussed to reform the Ko...
SPND Operating Experience at Oconee Nuclear Station

This paper presents a comparative performance summary of the incore self-powered neutron detectors (SPND's) used at Oconee through September, 1978. Data reported includes SPND replacement costs, detector failure records, background signal variations, and detector insulation current leakage resistances. The effects of SPND performance upon core power distribution measurements with the plant computer are discussed. Problems associated with concurrent use of SPND's of different designs and irradiation times are addressed. The information presented should be useful to designers and users for selection and deployment of SPND's.
Aging and the Genome

Cynthia Kenyon (E. Pennisi, News of the Week, 30 Oct. p. [856][1]) is quoted as saying that “it's inescapable that aging is regulated deliberately by genes [and because] it happens in both worms and fruit flies, you have to be crazy to think that it won't happen in vertebrates.” There is no convincing evidence that age changes, as distinguished from longevity determination, are governed even indirectly by the genome. In the report to which Kenyon refers (Y.-J. Lin et al. , 30 Oct. p. 943), the mutant drosophila gene reveals increased longevity and a reduced mortality rate when compared with the parental strain (figure 1); however, the rate of aging is unchanged. What has been shown in these experiments is that because the slopes of both sets of curves are identical, longevity determination changed, but the rate of aging remained unaffected. Two alternative conclusions, of several that could be given, are that either the control population is expressing a gene that negatively affects longevity and this has been overcome by gone selection in the experimental population, or the selected population has reverted to the status of feral drosophila, whose longevity may be greater than the controls used. Longevity is determined indirectly by the genome. Age changes (the increasing disorder in formerly orderly molecules) are stochastically determined and occur as the forces of natural selection diminish after reproductive success. There is a useful analogy with inanimate objects. The longevity of an automobile, like that of an animal, is determined by elements ot design (genes) and manufacture (development). What occurs after the car leaves the show room floor and after the animal attains reproductive success is aging—the increase in molecular disorder that eventually exceeds the capacity of repair processes and increases vulnerability to the ultimate causes of failure or death. The determination of longevity in both cars and animals is manipulable, but the role of the genome in directly modifying increasing molecular disorder has yet to be demonstrated. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.282.5390.856a
Shh and Gli3 are dispensable for limb skeleton formation but regulate digit number and identity

Most current models propose Sonic hedgehog (Shh) as the primary determinant of anteroposterior development of amniote limbs1. Shh protein is said to be required to direct the formation of skeletal elements and to specify digit identity through dose-dependent activation of target gene expression. However, the identity of genes targeted by Shh, and the regulatory mechanisms controlling their expression, remain poorly understood. Gli3 (the gene implicated in human Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome) is proposed to negatively regulate Shh by restricting its expression and influence to the posterior mesoderm2,3,4. Here we report genetic analyses in mice showing that Shh and Gli3 are dispensable for formation of limb skeletal elements: Shh-/- Gli3-/- limbs are distally complete and polydactylous, but completely lack wild-type digit identities. We show that the effects of Shh signalling on skeletal patterning and ridge maintenance are necessarily mediated through Gli3. We propose that the function of Shh and Gli3 in limb skeletal patterning is limited to refining autopodial morphology, imposing pentadactyl constraint on the limb's polydactyl potential, and organizing digit identity specification, by regulating the relative balance of Gli3 transcriptional activator and repressor activities.
I just clicked to say I love you: rich evaluations of minimal communication

Virtual Intimate Objects are low bandwidth devices for communicating intimacy for couples in long-distance relationships. VIOs were designed to express intimacy in a rich manner over a low bandwidth connection. VIOs were evaluated using a logbook which included open-ended questions designed to understand the context within which the VIO was used. Users constructed a complex, dynamically-changing understanding of the meaning of each interaction, based on an understanding of their and their partner's context of use. The results show that users had rich and complex interpretations of this seemingly simple communication, which suggests the necessity of exploring context of use to understand the situated nature of the interactions as an intrinsic part of an evaluation process for such technologies.
Assessing suitability for conservation action: Prioritizing interpond linkages for the California tiger salamander

: Conservation organizations and public agencies are interested in identifying and prioritizing areas for conservation action, often acquisition or easements. Typically, this requires the use of uncertain data and vaguely defined decision criteria. I developed a decision support system to address these uncertainty issues and assist in evaluating conservation opportunities for the endangered California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) in Santa Barbara, California. Functionally defined planning units were used to aggregate data on land suitability, land cover change, salamander presence, and movement risk along potential linkages between breeding ponds. I used a fuzzy-logic-based inference engine to evaluate the planning units and rank the relative suitability of interpond linkages for conservation action. The sensitivity of the rankings was considered with respect to uncertainty in salamander occurrence data and the relationship between land-cover-change threats and site suitability. All linkages were substantially degraded, but five areas were consistently identified with high relative suitability for conservation action despite differences in assumptions and uncertainty in biological data. The combination of functionally defined planning units and a fuzzy-logic-based decision support system provides a general framework for considering the suitability of sites for conservation action. Resumen: Las organizaciones de conservacion y las agencias publicas estan interesadas en identificar y priorizar areas para acciones de conservacion, a menudo adquisiciones o convenios. Tipicamente, esto requiere el uso de datos inciertos y criterios de decision vagamente definidos. Desarrolle un sistema de apoyo de decisiones para abordar estos temas inciertos y ayudar en la evaluacion de oportunidades de conservacion de la salamandra Ambystoma californiense en Santa Barbara, California. Se utilizaron unidades de planificacion definidas funcionalmente para agregar datos sobre la aptitud del suelo, cambios en la cobertura de suelo, presencia de salamandras y riesgo de movimiento a lo largo de potenciales conexiones entre las charcas de reproduccion. Utilice un procesador de inferencia basado en logica difusa para evaluar las unidades de planificacion y clasificar la aptitud relativa de las conexiones intercharca para acciones de conservacion. La sensibilidad de la clasificacion fue considerada respecto a la incertidumbre en los datos de ocurrencia de salamandras y la relacion entre cambio en la cobertura de suelo y aptitud del sitio. Todas las conexiones estaban sustancialmente degradadas, pero cinco areas fueron consistentemente identificadas con alta aptitud relativa para acciones de conservacion, no obstante diferencias en suposiciones e incertidumbre en los datos biologicos. La combinacion de unidades de planificacion definidas funcionalmente y un sistema de apoyo de decisiones basado en logica difusa proporciona un marco general para considerar la aptitud de sitios para acciones de conservacion.
Clinical and Radiographic Manifestations of Uncommon Pulmonary Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Disease in AIDS Patients

Study objective To determine the clinical and radiographic findings of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) other than Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and Mycobacterium kansasii in AIDS compared with non-AIDS patients. Design A retrospective chart review of all patients in whom NTM other than MAC complex and M kansasii were isolated between April 1, 1989, and October 31, 1995. Setting University-affiliated hospital. Patients Fifty-four patients met the criteria for uncommon pulmonary NTM disease: (1) repeated isolation of atypical mycobacterium in colony counts of ≥3 from two or more sputum specimens; or isolation of the organism from transbronchial or open lung biopsy specimen with histologic changes suggestive of mycobacterial disease in the absence of other pathogens; and (2) either an abnormal chest radiograph, the cause of which had not been attributed to an active infection other than atypical mycobacterial disease; or the presence of one or more symptoms indicative of pulmonary disease coupled with exclusion of other illnesses with similar symptoms and signs. Results Thirty-five patients were HIV positive. Fever was the only clinical symptom more commonly seen in HIV-infected patients with NTM than non-HIV-infected patients. Sixty-six percent of all patients with AIDS were infected by Mycobacterium xenopi . Chest radiographs of AIDS patients showed a tendency for predominance of interstitial infiltrate and rarity of fibronodular disease. No specific radiographic pattern was observed for any particular organism. Adenopathy was not a feature of uncommon pulmonary NTM in AIDS, and it should suggest an alternate diagnosis. In two patients, NTM isolation from respiratory specimens preceded dissemination. Six of 8 AIDS patients treated for pulmonary NTM remained alive at the end of the study compared with only 4 of 15 patients who were not treated for pulmonary NTM (p Conclusions Uncommon NTM isolated from respiratory specimens ought to be considered as serious pathogens in the presence of clinical and radiographic manifestations unexplained by other pathologic processes. Colonization with NTM could precede dissemination. Treatment of uncommon pulmonary NTM disease could possibly confer a survival benefit in AIDS patients.
The (Continuing) Information Problems in Structured Finance

The key problem facing markets today is information. Structured finance products are inherently complex and difficult to value. Hence, the marketplace is inherently opaque. Without adequate information, investors will not invest in either primary or secondary markets. In primary markets, such reluctance results in decreased lending. In secondary markets, such reluctance results in a steep lemons discount, arising because investors do not know the value of assets but are otherwise able to transact (which is not the same as a liquidity crunch, where investors know the value of investments but are nonetheless unable to transact). Regulators have done little to address the fundamental information problems that perpetuate the current crisis. The veracity of bond ratings has been called into question. The major Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (NRSROs) have allowed their ratings to reflect different economic magnitudes of risk for different financial products. At the heart of these difficulties (particularly with respect to wide differences in the degree of economic risk attached to various ratings) are the conflicts of interest inherent in an issuer-pays ratings industry whose products are protected as opinions under the First Amendment.
Therapeutic hypothermia for brain injury from near hanging: review of the literature.

Hanging, strangulation, and suffocation constitute the second most common cause of death by suicide in the United States after firearms. Near hanging is defined as an unsuccessful attempt at hangin...
THE DECONVULATION OF ABSORPTION SPECTRA OF GREEN PLANT MATERIALS—IMPROVED CORRECTIONS FOR THE SIEVE EFFECT

— The extinction (absorbance, optical density) of a suspension of algal cells or chloroplasts, etc. can be an a linear function of the absorption coefficient of the cell contents, even when the effects of scattering are negligible. The deviation from linearity is Duysens' sieve effect. The heights of absorption maxima of suspensions are depressed as compared with those of the “particle” contents. Duysens proposed an expression for correcting for this distortion; that expression proves to be a special approximate case of a more general one. This paper proposes an improved method of correction which utilizes this general expression, conventional expressions for particle absorption based on the Lorentz-Mie and Aden and Kerker equations for scattering and absorbing, and iterative methods for numerically deducing particle absorption coefficients from suspension parameters. The procedure is illustrated by applying it to previous experimental spectra of Chlorellu cells and spinach chloroplasts.
Tail growth tracks the ontogeny of prehensile tail use in capuchin monkeys (Cebus albifrons and C. apella)

Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Rootstown, OH 44272KEY WORDS tails; growth; bending strengthABSTRACT Physical anthropologists have devotedconsiderable attention to the structure and function ofthe primate prehensile tail. Nevertheless, previous mor-phological studies have concentrated solely on adults, de-spite behavioral evidence that among many primatetaxa, including capuchin monkeys, infants and juvenilesuse their prehensile tails during a greater number andgreater variety of positional behaviors than do adults. Inthis study, we track caudal vertebral growth in a mixedlongitudinal sample of white-fronted and brown capu-chin monkeys (Cebus albifrons and Cebus apella). Wehypothesized that young capuchins would have relativelyrobust caudal vertebrae, affording them greater tailstrength for more frequent tail-suspension behaviors.Our results supported this hypothesis. Caudal vertebralbending strength (measured as polar section modulus atmidshaft) scaled to body mass with negative allometry,while craniocaudal length scaled to body mass with posi-tive allometry, indicating that infant and juvenile capu-chin monkeys are characterized by particularly strongcaudal vertebrae for their body size. These ﬁndings com-plement previous results showing that long bonestrength similarly scales with negative ontogenetic al-lometry in capuchin monkeys and add to a growing bodyof literature documenting the synergy between postcra-nial growth and the changing locomotor demands ofmaturing animals. Although expanded morphometricdata on tail growth and behavioral data on locomotordevelopment are required, the results of this study sug-gest that the adult capuchin prehensile-tail phenotypemay be attributable, at least in part, to selection onjuvenile performance, a possibility that deserves furtherattention. Am J Phys Anthropol 146:465–473, 2011.
Design of Composite Columns: The American Approach

The use of composite steel–concrete construction in horizontal structural systems is well established in American practice; about 95% of floor systems in low-rise metal construction are of this type. The use of composite action in vertical elements and lateral resisting systems is less common but has found niche applications in tall buildings and unusual structures. The American Institute of Steel Construction pioneered the development of specifications for steel–concrete composite members in the 1960s and continues to update and improve its design provisions with respect to these members. This paper traces a series of developments, beginning with the AISC 1999 Specification, that have led to more complete treatment of the design of composite columns, extension of provisions to the design of joints, and use of composite construction in seismic design. The use of the new provisions for the design of an encased mega-column is illustrated with a detailed design example.
Lipid-Lowering Agents That Cause Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity

The effort to reduce cardiovascular risk factors, including hyperlipidemia, has led to the increased use of lipid-lowering agents. Hyperlipidemic patients often have underlying fatty liver disease, however, and thus may have elevated and fluctuating liver biochemistries. Therefore, caution should be applied before attributing elevated liver tests to lipid-lowering agents. Data indicate that patients who have chronic liver disease and compensated cirrhosis should not be precluded from receiving statins to treat hyperlipidemia. Several recent studies and expert opinion currently fully endorse statin use in patients who have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and other chronic liver disease if clinically indicated.
Parameters for Predicting Giant Foxtail Cohort Effect on Soybean Yield Loss

Quantifying the effect of cohort emergence time on weed-crop interference is critical for development of accurate crop yield loss models. Therefore, research was conducted to assess late-season weed shoot biomass, weed density and cohort emergence time, weed relative leaf area, and weed relative volume as predictors of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield loss. Field experiments were conducted in 1999 and 2000 at the University of Wisconsin Arlington Agricultural Research Station near Arlington, WI. The main-plot effect was giant foxtail (Setaria spp.) cohort emergence time at VE, VC, V1, and V3 soybean. The subplot effect was giant foxtail density at 0, 4, 16, 36, and 64 plants m -2 . Linear and nonlinear regression equations were used to describe soybean yield loss based on measurements of giant foxtail shoot biomass, volume, leaf area, and density and cohort emergence time. Based on weed density and cohort emergence time, coefficient estimates used to describe soybean yield loss were similar between years. Based on weed relative leaf area, coefficient estimates for the giant foxtail damage coefficient (q L ) and maximum soybean yield loss (m L ) differed between years. Based on weed relative volume, coefficient estimates for the giant foxtail damage coefficient (q v ) and maximum soybean yield loss (m v ) were similar between years. Soybean yield loss increased linearly as giant foxtail shoot biomass increased. The stability of the density and cohort emergence time coefficients and the weed relative volume coefficients indicated these parameters may prove more useful that weed relative leaf area for predicting soybean yield loss.
Recurrent thyroglossal duct cyst presenting as upper airway obstruction: A case presentation and review of the literature

Summary Thyroglossal duct cysts are the most common congenital midline cervical masses in the pediatric population. Accurate preoperative diagnosis and subsequent adequate surgical excision are essential to prevent recurrence. The Sistrunk procedure is the surgical approach most often advocated. Although rare, treatment failure is most commonly attributed to the failure to perform adequate hyoid bone excision and dissection of the tract to the base of tongue. We report a case of a 7-year-old female who presented with airway obstruction 5 years after having had a Sistrunk procedure and excision of a lateral neck mass. Emergent tracheotomy and marsupialization of the base of tongue cyst were performed. After the diagnosis of recurrent thyroglossal duct cyst was established, core excision of the foramen cecum was performed transcervically when the cyst recurred a third time. The literature on recurrent thyroglossal duct cysts is reviewed and a discussion of its embryology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, presentation, treatment and prognosis is presented in an effort to increase awareness of this situation.
Multiple Squamous Cell Carcinomas Arising from Multiple Cutaneous Follicular Cysts in a Dog.

Resume— Des epitheliomas spinocellulaires se sont developpes a partir de kystes folliculaires multiples chez un chien croise berger Catalan de 6 ans. Le chien est mort apres un suivi de 29 mois. Des metastases ont ete trouvees dans les poumons et au niveau des metacarpiens 1 et 2 de la patte anterieure gauche. [Multiple squamous cell carcinomas arising from multiple cutaneous follicular cysts in a dog (Epitheliomas spinocel-lalaires multiples se developpant a partir de kystes folliculaires multiples chez un chien). Resumen— Un perro Pastor Catalan desarrollo carcinomas de celulas planas a partir de multiples quistes foliculares. El perro murio a los 29 meses del seguimiento. Se detectaron carcinomas de celulas escamosas metastaticos en los pulmones y en los metacarpos I y II de la extremidad izquierda. [Multiple squamous cell carcinomas arising from multiple cutaneous follicular cysts in a dog. (Multiples carcinomas de celulas planas surgidos a partir de multiples quised foliculares cutaneo en un perro). Abstract— Squamous cell carcinomas developed in multiple follicular cysts in a 6-year-old Catalan shepherd cross dog. The dog died after a 29-month follow-up period. Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma was detected in the lungs and metacarpal bones 1 and 2 of the left front paw.
Tert‐Butyl Tert‐Butyldimethylsilylglyoxylate: A Useful Conjunctive Reagent

Sodium azide N-Acetylsulfanilyl choride 4-Acetamidobenzenesulfonyl azide Tert-Butyl acetoacetate Tetrabutylammonium bromide Tert-Butyl diazoacetate N,N-Diisopropylethylamine Oxone ® monopersulfate Keywords: silylglyoxylates; conjunctive reagent; ozonolysis; oxo transfer; condensation; waste disposal
A brief mindfulness and yoga intervention with an entire NCAA Division I athletic team: An initial investigation.

Whereas traditional sports psychology interventions emphasize controlling or reducing distress, mindfulness-based interventions teach tolerance and acceptance of negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions. In the present pilot study, an entire men’s Division I athletic team (n 13) provided voluntary consent and participated in a brief mindfulness-based intervention. Over 5 weeks, the team attended eight 90-min group intervention sessions immediately followed by 1-hr Hatha yoga sessions. Completer analyses showed that following the intervention, participants reported greater mindfulness, greater goal-directed energy, and less perceived stress than before the intervention. Compared with a nonrandomized control group (student athletes from various club sports; n 13), intervention participants reported greater goal-directed energy and mindfulness. We also explored written feedback from players to identify ways to improve the intervention. Implications for practitioners for improving mindfulnessbased interventions are discussed.
Overhead optimization in a MIMO-OFDM testbed based on MMSE MIMO decoding

In this paper, the results of overhead optimization in a MIMO-OFDM testbed based on MMSE MIMO decoding are presented. The testbed used for the wireless field measurements is a configurable, non-realtime, 2/spl times/2 multi-antenna testbed operating at 5.25 GHz with a bandwidth of 25 MHz. Modulation and demodulation are performed offline. An adaptive, RLS based MMSE solution is used for MIMO decoding. Continuous pilots are used for carrier frequency offset tracking. The performance of the system for different numbers of training symbols and continuous pilots are analyzed for SISO and MIMO 2/spl times/2 configurations in the presence of all analog impairments. The results are first presented in CDFs of slicer SNR and then further analyzed for achievable capacity and throughput. The training and pilot overhead optimization analysis have shown an optimum of 10 training symbols and 5 continuous pilots for this RLS based MIMO 2/spl times/2 communication system.
Review: Chemical and structural modifications of pulmonary collectins and their functional consequences:

The lung is continuously exposed to inhaled pathogens (toxic pollutants, micro-organisms, environmental antigens, allergens) from the external environment. In the broncho-alveolar space, the critical balance between a measured protective response against harmful pathogens and an inappropriate inflammatory response to harmless particles is discerned by the innate pulmonary immune system. Among its many components, the surfactant proteins and specifically the pulmonary collectins (surfactant proteins A [SP-A] and D [SP-D]) appear to provide important contributions to the modulation of host defense and inflammation in the lung. Many studies have shown that multimerization of SP-A and SP-D are important for efficient local host defense including neutralization and opsonization of influenza A virus, binding Pneumocystis murina and inhibition of LPS-induced inflammatory cell responses. These observations strongly imply that oligomerization of collectins is a critical feature of its function. However, during the inflammatory state, despite normal pool sizes, chemical modification of collectins can result in alteration of their structure and function. Both pulmonary collectins can be altered through proteolytic inactivation, nitration, S-nitrosylation, oxidation and/or crosslinking as a consequence of the inflammatory milieu facilitated by cytokines, nitric oxide, proteases, and other chemical mediators released by inflammatory cells. Thus, this review will summarize recent developments in our understanding of the relationship between post-translational assembly of collectins and their modification by inflammation as an important molecular switch for the regulation of local innate host defense.
The family window: the design and evaluation of a domestic media space

Families have a strong need to connect with their loved ones over distance. However, most technologies do not provide the same feelings of connectedness that one feels from seeing remote family members. Hence our goal was to understand if a video connection, in the form of a media space, could help families feel more connected and what design factors would be critical for its success. To answer this, we designed a video media space called the Family Window and deployed it within the homes of two families for eight months and four families for five weeks. Our results show that always-on video can lead to an increase in feelings of connectedness by providing availability awareness and opportunities for sharing everyday life. However usage and value of such media spaces hinges on close-knit relationships and control over one's autonomy.
The Hinge-Helix 1 Region of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ1 (PPARγ1) Mediates Interaction with Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 5 and PPARγ1 Transcriptional Activation: Involvement in Flow-Induced PPARγ Activation in Endothelial Cells

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) are ligand-activated transcription factors that form a subfamily of the nuclear receptor gene family. Since both flow and PPARγ have atheroprotective effects and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) kinase activity is significantly increased by flow, we investigated whether ERK5 kinase regulates PPARγ activity. We found that activation of ERK5 induced PPARγ1 activation in endothelial cells (ECs). However, we could not detect PPARγ phosphorylation by incubation with activated ERK5 in vitro, in contrast to ERK1/2 and JNK, suggesting a role for ERK5 as a scaffold. Endogenous PPARγ1 was coimmunoprecipitated with endogenous ERK5 in ECs. By mammalian two-hybrid analysis, we found that PPARγ1 associated with ERK5a at the hinge-helix 1 region of PPARγ1. Expressing a hinge-helix 1 region PPARγ1 fragment disrupted the ERK5a-PPARγ1 interaction, suggesting a critical role for hinge-helix 1 region of PPARγ in the ERK5-PPARγ interaction. Flow increased ERK5 and PPARγ1 activation, and the hinge-helix 1 region of the PPARγ1 fragment and dominant negative MEK5β significantly reduced flow-induced PPARγ activation. The dominant negative MEK5β also prevented flow-mediated inhibition of tumor necrosis factor alpha-mediated NF-κB activation and adhesion molecule expression, including vascular cellular adhesion molecule 1 and E-selectin, indicating a physiological role for ERK5 and PPARγ activation in flow-mediated antiinflammatory effects. We also found that ERK5 kinase activation was required, likely by inducing a conformational change in the NH2-terminal region of ERK5 that prevented association of ERK5 and PPARγ1. Furthermore, association of ERK5a and PPARγ1 disrupted the interaction of SMRT and PPARγ1, thereby inducing PPARγ activation. These data suggest that ERK5 mediates flow- and ligand-induced PPARγ activation via the interaction of ERK5 with the hinge-helix 1 region of PPARγ.
Postmortem and ex vivo carbon monoxide ventilation reduces injury in rat lungs transplanted from non-heart-beating donors.

Objective We sought to determine whether ventilation of lungs after death in non–heart-beating donors with carbon monoxide during warm ischemia and ex vivo lung perfusion and after transplant would reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury and improve lung function. Methods One hour after death, Sprague-Dawley rats were ventilated for another hour with 60% oxygen (control group) or 500 ppm carbon monoxide in 60% oxygen (CO-vent group; n=6/group). Then, lungs were flushed with 20 mL cold Perfadex, stored cold for 1 hour, then warmed to 37°C in an ex vivo lung perfusion circuit perfused with Steen solution. At 37°C, lungs were ventilated for 15 minutes with alveolar gas with or without 500 ppm carbon monoxide, then perfusion-cooled to 20°C, flushed with cold Perfadex and stored cold for 2 hours. The left lung was transplanted using a modified cuff technique. Recipients were ventilated with 60% oxygen with or without carbon monoxide. One hour after transplant, we measured blood gases from the left pulmonary vein and aorta, and wet-to-dry ratio of both lungs. The RNA and protein extracted from graft lungs underwent real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, and measurement of cyclic guanosine monophosphate by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Carbon monoxide ventilation begun 1 hour after death reduced wet/dry ratio after ex vivo lung perfusion. After transplantation, the carbon monoxide–ventilation group had better oxygenation; higher levels of tissue cyclic guanosine monophosphate, heme oxidase-1 expression, and p38 phosphorylation; reduced c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation; and reduced expression of interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β messenger RNA. Conclusions Administration of carbon monoxide to the deceased donor and non–heart-beating donor lungs reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat lungs transplanted from non–heart-beating donors. Therapy to the deceased donor via the airway may improve post-transplant lung function.
A Geo-Routing Algorithm in Planar Graph for Ad Hoc Wireless Networks

This paper presented a fully distributed algorithm to compute a planar subgraph for geo-routing in ad hoc wireless networks. We considered the idealized unit disk graph model in which nodes are assumed to be connected if and only if nodes are within their transmission range. The main contribution of this work is a fully distributed algorithm to extract the connected, planar graph for routing in the wireless networks. The communication cost of the proposed algorithm is O(d log d) bits, where d is the degree of a node.
Optical Fiber-Based Sensing of Strain and Temperature at High Temperature

In-line intensity-based and Fabry-Perot silica optical fiber sensors have been developed to measure strain and temperature at temperatures up to 1500°F. The intensity-based sensor is an air gap splice in which the gap spacing changes as the length of the sensor housing changes. Two silica multimode optical fibers are placed in a hollow silica tube so their ends are separated by an initial gap spacing. As the sensor is strained, the gap spacing varies, resulting in a predictable change in output intensity. The Fabry-Perot sensor uses both single-mode and multimode fibers which are axially aligned inside a similar hollow core fiber. The four percent reflections which occur at both the glass-air interface at the end of the input singlemode fiber and at the air-glass interface at the surface of the multimode fiber differ in phase by an amount proportional to the separation between the two fiber ends. As the sensor is strained, the separation distance between these fiber ends changes, and the output signal intensity varies due to the interference between the reflected signals.
Does the fusion pore contribute to synaptic plasticity

How synapses change their strength in response to impinging neural activity is a fundamental issue for understanding how the brain molds its circuitry in response to behavioral experience. Although a growing number of studies reveal the involvement of postsynaptic changes contributing to synaptic plasticity in brain circuits, the involvement of presynaptic factors has been implied by several studies. Most recently, several works point to the mechanism of vesicle fusion as a new possible locus for the modification of presynaptic synaptic strength. However, it is not yet clear to what extent such changes affect the simplest form of information transfer in the brain--the transmission of a single action potential.
Structures of a Magnetorheological Fluid

Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to find the underlying structures of a Magnetorheological (MR) fluid while taking into account dipolar forces, viscous drag, and the Brownian force. Three different structures were found: the bct lattice, chains, and a liquid state. The conditions under which these structures are found is based on two parameters A and B which are the ratios of the dipolar force to the viscous drag force and the Brownian force to the dipolar force respectively.
Availability of and attitudes toward resources on alternative medicine products in the community pharmacy setting.

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the availability of resources on dietary supplements in the community pharmacy setting and to assess the attitudes of community pharmacists toward these resources. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Community pharmacies in New York and New Jersey that serve as experiential sites for senior student pharmacists at the Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Long Island University. Participants Preceptors or full-time pharmacists. Intervention Mailed survey. Main Outcome Measures Frequency of use, availability of, and pharmacists’ satisfaction with resources on alternative medicines, defined in the survey as any product including herbal remedies, vitamins, minerals, and natural products that may be purchased at a health food store, pharmacy, supermarket, alternative medicine store/magazine for the purpose of self-treatment. Results A total of 64 pharmacists characterized their frequency of use of resources on alternative medicines while formulating responses to questions as: never (n = 5; 7.8%), seldom (n = 31; 48.4%), often (n = 24; 37.5%), or always (n = 4; 6.3%). A total of 30 different resources were available to 40 respondents. The most commonly available resources were the PDR for Herbal Medicines (42.5%), The Review of Natural Products (20.0%), and the Web site of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (12.5%). Of 54 respondents, 4 (7.1%) reported being completely dissatisfied with the available resources; 17 (31.5%) were somewhat dissatisfied; 25 (46.3%) were somewhat satisfied; and 8 (14.8%) were completely satisfied with the resources available to them. Topics the pharmacists most commonly wanted to see improved included safety (72.7%), interactions (70.9%), and uses (69.1%). Conclusion Community pharmacists do not use information resources on alternative medicine products frequently, and many are not satisfied with the resources available to them.
Qualitative Data Analysis and Interpretation in Counseling Psychology: Strategies for Best Practices

This article presents an overview of various strategies and methods of engaging in qualitative data interpretations and analyses in counseling psychology. The authors explore the themes of self, culture, collaboration, circularity, trustworthiness, and evidence deconstruction from multiple qualitative methodologies. Commonalities and differences that span across approaches are explored. Implications for how researchers address qualitative data analysis and interpretation in counseling psychology training and research are discussed.
Re: Stroke and Pregnancy

To the Editor: Jaigobin and Silver1 performed a retrospective analysis of stroke during pregnancy or the puerperium among women who delivered at a single tertiary referral hospital in Canada over a 17-year period. The frequency of all strokes was 26 per 100 000, when corrected to represent the catchment area (ie, by excluding referred patients). This value is similar to that reported in several large studies using administrative data from the United States,2 3 4 as well as other population-based epidemiological studies in which clinical records were reviewed.5 6 7 8 The study by Jaigobin and Silver provides interesting clinical information about such patients, but several issues warrant clarification or elaboration. First, the authors identified potential cases as those with both stroke and pregnancy diagnostic codes, as well as by review of pregnant patients with procedure codes for CT, MRI, or cerebral angiography. The “stroke codes” reportedly used for screening potential cases were 430 to 439, using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical …
How Do We Create (or Preserve) “Great Neighborhoods”? Comment on Talen et al. (2015)

The APA Great Neighborhoods award process is based on a particular view of the work of planners. The discussion raised by Talen et al.—of the relationship between neighborhoods that best embody the...
Rapid High-resolution, Self-registered, Dual Lumen-contrast MRI Method for Vessel-wall Assessment in Peripheral Artery Disease: A Preliminary Investigation

Rationale and Objectives Contrast-enhanced angiographic evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) is the reference standard for assessing peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, because PAD and diabetes often coexist, the prevalence of renal insufficiency is a major challenge to contrast-based angiography. The objective of this work is to describe and demonstrate a new application of three-dimensional double-echo steady-state (3D DESS) as a noncontrast vascular MRI method for evaluating peripheral atherosclerosis at 3 Tesla (3T). Materials and Methods A water-selective 3D DESS pulse sequence was designed to simultaneously collect two steady-state free-precession signals (free induction decay and Echo) yielding “black blood” (BB) and “gray blood” (GB) images. For completeness Bloch equation, simulations were performed to characterize DESS signals of various tissues including blood at different velocities and to assess two healthy subjects for the purpose of pulse sequence optimization. Exploratory studies were performed as an add-on protocol to an existing study involving patients with PAD. To evaluate the method's specificity for detecting calcification, images from select patients were compared against CT angiography. Results Simulations agreed qualitatively with in vivo images supporting DESS' potential for generating distinct lumen contrast (GB vs BB). Lesions representing calcium were easily identifiable on the basis of signal void occurring on both image types and were confirmed by CT angiography. Further, BB allowed visualization of stent restenosis, and data suggest its ability to visualize acute thrombus by virtue of T2 weighting. Conclusion Preliminary investigation and results suggest noncontrast 3D DESS to have the potential to improve diagnosis of PAD patients by providing detailed structural assessment of vessel-wall architecture.
Quantitation of Protein in Samples Prepared for 2-D Electrophoresis

The concentration of protein in a sample prepared for two dimensional (2-D) electrophoretic analysis is usually determined by protein assay. Reasons for this include the following. (1) Protein quantitation ensures that the amount of protein to be separated is appropriate for the gel size and visualization method. (2) Protein quantitation facilitates comparison among similar samples, as image-based analysis is simplified when equivalent quantities of proteins have been loaded on the gels to be compared. (3) Quantitation is necessary in cases where the protein sample is labeled with dye before separation (1,2). The labeling chemistry is affected by the dye to protein ratio so it is essential to know the protein concentration before setting up the labeling reaction.A primary consideration with quantitating protein in samples prepared for 2-D electrophoresis is interference by nonprotein substances that may be present in the sample. These samples generally contain chaotropic solubilizing agents, detergents, reductants, buffers or carrier ampholytes, all of which potentially interfere with protein quantitation. The most commonly used protein assays in proteomics research are colorimetric assays in which the presence of protein causes a color change that can be measured spectrophotometrically (3). All protein assays utilize standards, a dilution series of a known concentration of a known protein, to create a standard curve. Two methods will be considered that circumvent some of the problems associated with interfering substances and are well suited for samples prepared for 2-D electrophoresis. The first method (4.1.1) relies on a color change that occurs upon binding of a dye to protein and the second (4.1.2) relies on binding and reduction of cupric ion (Cu2+) ion to cuprous ion (Cu+) by proteins.
NaSO 4 − ion pairs in aqueous solutions at pressures up to 2000 atm

Electrical-conductance measurements have been made at 25° C up to concentrations of 0.06M in aqueous solutions of Na2SO4 at atmospheric pressure and as a function of pressure up to 2000 atm. Calculations of the change of the dissociation constant for the NaSO 4 − ion pair with pressure indicate that the difference in partial molal volumes between products and reactants at infinite dilution is $$\Delta \bar V^ \circ \tilde = - 8.25{\text{ }}cm^3 /mole$$ . Using the equation of Davies, Otter, and Prue, we found the average dissociation constants for five concentrations between 0.005 and 0.06 moles/liter to be 0.097, 0.131, and 0.165 at 1, 1000, and 2000 atm, respectively, with a standard deviation of ±0.003. The atmospheric-pressure value is 0.080±0.016 over the entire concentration range from 0.00005 to 0.06 moles/liter, about half that obtained by Jenkins and Monk. This is consistent with a value ofK=0.077±0.006 recalculated from the limited-concentration-conductance work of Jenkins and Monk, with a value ofK=0.073 obtained by Fisher from data of Kurtze and Tamm on ultrasonic absorption in MgSO4−NaCl solutions, and withK=0.067 calculated by Fisher from the potentiometric data of Pytkowicz and Kester at high ionic strength. The relationship of this work to sound absorption and ion pairing in seawater is discussed. The predicted pressure dependence of the NaSO 4 − ion pair in seawater from this work differs substantially from earlier work by Kester and Pytkowicz and by Millero.
Loss of Body Mass Associated with Capture of Sigmodon and Microtus from Northeastern Kansas

During a mark-release study, individual Sigmodon hispidus and Microtus ochrogaster generally lost mass when captured repeatedly within 3-day trapping periods. Losses, expressed as proportion of body mass, varied inversely with size within each species and differed between species. Sigmodon losses varied seasonally more than did those of Microtus . In contrast to Sigmodon , changes in mass of Microtus within a 3-day trapping period were correlated with changes among months and perhaps with survival. Short-term mass-specific losses were similar at comparable stages of maturation of the two species, but greater lipid stores in Sigmodon may provide an energy reserve that buffers the effects of confinement in live traps.
Pyriform Widening with Concurrent Z-Plasty for Nasal Valve Surgery: Revisiting a Time-Tested Technique:

Introduction:Nasal obstruction may originate from the nasal valve. Many surgical techniques to improve the nasal valve are available but may fail to correct obstruction originating from a narrow pyriform aperture. We present a technique to widen the narrow pyriform aperture and review the literature.Materials and Methods:The article highlights a retrospective case series of patients who underwent pyriform widening with concurrent Z-plasty (PWZ) for nasal obstruction. Subjective measures of nasal obstruction were analyzed using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale. The procedure consists of an incision made anterior to the inferior turbinate along the inferior aspect of the lateral bony pyriform. The periosteum is elevated, and a rongeur is used to widen the exposed bone. After oblique incisions are made, soft tissue flaps are elevated and transposed. The literature is reviewed.Results:Six adults underwent PWZ for nasal obstruction from 2011 through 2014. Three patients had prior nasal sur...
Effect of oxygen tension on sodium transport across isolated frog skin.

SummaryOxygen at 8 to 12 atmospheres depresses the transport of sodium ion across the isolated frog skin to 57.4%. Addition of 8 to 10 atmospheres of nitrogen without oxygen deprivation had no such effect.
Length of stay after shoulder arthroplasty—the effect of an orthopedic specialty hospital

Background One potential avenue for the realization of health care savings is reduction in hospital length of stay (LOS). Initiatives to reduce LOS may also reduce infection and improve patient satisfaction. We compare LOS after shoulder arthroplasty at an orthopedic specialty hospital (OSH) and a tertiary referral center (TRC). Methods A single institutional database was used to retrospectively identify all primary shoulder arthroplasties performed between January 1, 2013, and July 1, 2015, at the OSH and TRC. Manually matched cohorts from the OSH and TRC were compared for LOS and readmission rate. Results There were 136 primary shoulder arthroplasties performed at the OSH matched with 136 at the TRC during the same study period. OSH and TRC patients were similar in age ( P = .949), body mass index ( P = .967), Charlson Comorbidity Index ( P = 1.000), gender (both 52.21% male), procedure (69.12% total shoulder arthroplasty, 7.35% hemiarthroplasty, and 23.53% reverse shoulder arthroplasty), insurance status ( P = .714), and discharge destination ( P = .287). Despite equivalent patient characteristics, average LOS at the OSH was 1.31 ± 0.48 days compared with 1.85 ± 0.57 days at the TRC ( t = 8.41, P z = 0.585, P = .559). Conclusion LOS at the OSH was significantly shorter than at the TRC for a strictly matched cohort of patients. This may be a result of fast-track rehabilitation and strict disposition protocols at the OSH. With rising shoulder arthroplasty demand, utilization of an OSH may be a safe avenue to delivery of more efficient and effective orthopedic care.