cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A structured approach to the use of physician extenders in well-child evaluations*

Systems analysis techniques were used to develop a new method for data acquisition in well-child evaluations. This method, a departure from tradition, was designed to increase physician efficiency, yet maintain an acceptable patient-physician relationship in providing high-quality care. Results of well-child examinations on 104 children using the new method were compared with those obtained by physicians examining children in the traditional manner. More information was obtained by the new method, with significant reduction in time expenditure by the physician. High acceptance with a frequent preference for the new method was expressed by parents and clinic staff.
Apoptosis - Sculpture of a fly's head

Hox proteins are needed during development to produce body segments with different shapes and functions. In fruitflies, one Hox protein sculpts certain segments of the head by activating a cell-death-inducing gene.
Internal Friction of Amorphous and Nanocrystalline Silicon at Low Temperatures

Abstract We measured the low temperature internal friction of a variety of hydrogenated amorphous, nanocrystalline, polycrystalline, and epitaxial silicon thin films. Most of the films studied are prepared either by hot-wire chemical-vapor deposition (HWCVD) or by plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposition (PECVD). We show that structural changes with varying modes of deposition can be monitored by the internal friction measurements, which are a sensitive probe to structural disorder resulted from atomic tunneling states below 10 K. For hydrogenated amorphous silicon films, the measurements are also sensitive to the content of atomic hydrogen and bulk molecular hydrogen trapped in the films. With H2 dilution of the silane during deposition, a transition from amorphous to nanocrystalline phase takes place as H2 dilution increases. We show that with increasing volume of nanocrystallinity, the internal friction increases in contrast to our common expectation. The results suggest a large structural disorder in the nanocrystalline phase that is at least comparable to that of amorphous phase exists. The observation of internal friction peaks in amorphous HWCVD films and in nanocrystalline PECVD films indicates that the microstructures of the HWCVD and PECVD films are different.
A Micromechanics Study of Lamellar TiAl

Microdeformation patterns of lamellar TiAl specimens with various grain sizes under uniaxial tension are mapped using the micro/nano experimental mechanics technique called SIEM (Speckle Interferometry w ith Electron Microscopy). The stress–strain relationships were obtained from deformations within decreasing areas ranging from mm2 to μm2. We found that the stress–strain relationship of the material depends on the size of strain measuring area in relation to the grain size. The stiffness at a grain boundary can be as large as 7–10 times more than that of the grain itself. From the data obtained so far, it seems that the traditional way of using PST (polysynthetically twinned) single crystal to predict polycrystalline behavior may not be appropriate.
Mineralogy of interplanetary dust particles from the “olivine” infrared class

Analytical electron microscopy observations establish that olivine is abundant and the predominant silicate phase in three interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) from the 'olivine' infrared spectra category. Two of the particles have microstructures resembling those of most nonhydrous chondritic IDPs, consisting of micron to submicron grains together with a matrix composed of amorphous carbonaceous material and sub-500 A grains. In addition to olivine these particles respectively contain enstatite and magnetite, and pentlandite plus Ca-rich clinopyroxene. The third IDP consists mostly of olivine and pyrrhotite with little or no matrix material. Olivine grains in this particle contain prominent solar-flare ion tracks with densities corresponding to a space-exposure age between 1000 to 100,000 years. Although the three particles have olivine-rich mineralogies in common, other aspects of their mineralogies and microstructures suggest that they experienced different formation histories. The differences between the particles indicate that the olivine infrared spectral category is a diverse collection of IDPs that probably incorporates several genetic groups.
The effects of extensions on brand name dilution and enhancement

In this article, the authors examine new product extension strategies that are likely to be effective in building brand equity. The framework accounts for mixed findings in brand equity literature ...
Development of simplified finite element models for straight thin-walled tubes with octagonal cross section

Abstract In this paper, simplified finite element models for straight thin-walled tubes with octagonal cross sections are created and validated through crashworthiness analyses. To create the simplified models, the collapse characteristics of thin-walled octagonal tubes under axial compression are derived and their axial crushing resistance is derived applying global energy equilibrium theory. The derived axial resistance is then applied for creating nonlinear spring elements that can properly predict the buckling behavior of the thin-walled octagonal tube model. Simplified thin-walled octagonal tube models are developed by using the beam element and the new nonlinear spring element and following certain modeling methods. Both detailed and simplified models are used for crashworthiness analyses and the results are recorded and compared. Relatively good agreement is achieved between these analyses, while both computing time and modeling time are significantly reduced for the presented simplified models.
Wake Instabilities Behind Discrete Roughness Elements in High Speed Boundary Layers

Computations are performed to study the flow past an isolated, spanwise symmetric roughness element in zero pressure gradient boundary layers at Mach 3.5 and 5.9, with an emphasis on roughness heights of less than 55 percent of the local boundary layer thickness. The Mach 5.9 cases include flow conditions that are relevant to both ground facility experiments and high altitude flight ("cold wall" case). Regardless of the Mach number, the mean flow distortion due to the roughness element is characterized by long-lived streamwise streaks in the roughness wake, which can support instability modes that did not exist in the absence of the roughness element. The higher Mach number cases reveal a variety of instability mode shapes with velocity fluctuations concentrated in different localized regions of high base flow shear. The high shear regions vary from the top of a mushroom shaped structure characterizing the centerline streak to regions that are concentrated on the sides of the mushroom. Unlike the Mach 3.5 case with nearly same values of scaled roughness height k/delta and roughness height Reynolds number Re(sub kk), the odd wake modes in both Mach 5.9 cases are significantly more unstable than the even modes of instability. Additional computations for a Mach 3.5 boundary layer indicate that the presence of a roughness element can also enhance the amplification of first mode instabilities incident from upstream. Interactions between multiple roughness elements aligned along the flow direction are also explored.
Building Literacy Skills Across the Curriculum: Forging Connections With the Past Through Artifacts

A historical artifact has stories to tell. Using artifacts, from primary documents to objects that can be held in the hand, is a motivational strategy that brings a period of history to life. Motivated learners think critically, write, collaborate, develop research skills, and deepen knowledge about another time and place. In addition, they apply cognitive skills in using content area texts more effectively and efficiently. Supported by a strong theory base, this approach of using artifacts makes wise use of classroom time. Both students and teachers will find that artifacts contribute to integrating and learning across the curriculum. Fiction and nonfiction titles along with relevant websites are tied to several accessible historical artifacts to model options for using this motivational approach in the classroom.
Abnormalities of cholesterol metabolism in hypothyroidism and the effects of treatment with thyroid hormones and thyroxin analogues.

Abstract Knowledge of the metabolism of cholesterol in conditions of deranged function of the thyroid gland has been reviewed, and clinical correlations between serum lipids, basal metabolic rate, and thyroid status surveyed. The effects of the thyroid hormones, L-thyroxin and 3,5,3′-triiodo-L-thyronine (L-T3) on circulating lipids, particularly in hypothyroidism, were summarized. They were compared with the following thyroxin analogues: D-thyroxin and 3,5,3′-triiodo-D-thyronine (D-T3); 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine (L-T2) and D-T2; 3,5,3′,5′-tetraiodothyroformic acid (Tetraform) and 3,5,3′-triiodothyroformic acid (Triform); 3,5,3′-triiodothyroacetic acid (Triac) and 3,5,3′,5′-tetraiodothyroacetic acid (Tetrac) ; 3,5,3′-triiodothyropropionic acid (Triprop) and 3,5,3′,5′-tetraiodothyropropionic acid (Tetraprop); 3,5-diiodothyroacetic acid (Diac); and 3,3′,5′-triiodo-DL-thyronine (3,3′,5′-T3). Except for 3,3′,5′-T3, which appears to antagonize some thyroid hormone effects peripherally, these analogues are thyroactive to greater or lesser degrees. Their cholesterol-lowering potency has been compared with other actions, and the significance of apparent dissociation of cholesterol-lowering and calorigenic effects has been assessed. Therapeutic implications have been briefly explored.
A mathematical analysis of tension shocks in long belt conveyors

Abstract This paper presents a mathematical study of the development and propagation of tension shock waves in the topside of long belt conveyor systems. Employing conservation laws for mass and momentum we construct a system of nonlinear hyperbolic equations governing the behavior of tension and momentum per unit length. An important feature of this construction is the nonlinear relationship between tension and overdensity due to the geometric sag of the belt between the idlers. Numerical profiles of the tension are computed using the moving finite element method which is especially suited for the numerical study of shocks. With our model we believe we have identified two of the sources of the large-scale tension shocks which sometimes severely damage such long belt conveyor systems.
Calcium binding proteins distinguish large and small cells of the ventral posterior and lateral geniculate nuclei of the prosimian galago and the tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri)

Abstract Two different cell types were identified in the thalamus of galago and Tupaia by using antibodies to two calcium binding proteins, calbindin and parvalbumin. In each species studied, the lateral geniculate nucleus consists of six layers, two of which have smaller relay cells. Previous studies have shown that the small cell layers receive fibers from the superior colliculus and project to the superficial layers of the striate cortex. These are the only geniculate layers that react to a calbindin antibody but not parvalbumin. The ventral posterior nucleus was included in the study and the results for both nuclei show that calbindin is a marker for thalamic cells that receive small fibers and project to superficial layers of koniocortex.
Vibrational spectroscopy of gaseous 1-methylcyclopentadiene and 2-methylcyclopentadiene

Abstract The infrared and fifth vibrational overtone (6vCH) spectra of gaseous 1-methylcyclopentadiene and 2-methylcyclopentadiene are reported.
Use of Monitoring Extreme Data for the Performance Prediction of Structures: General Approach

Engineering structures are subjected to time-dependent loading and strength degradation processes. The main purpose of both designer and owner is to keep these processes under control. Several numerical approaches based on mechanical, physical, chemical or combined models have been recently proposed to describe time-dependent processes of engineering structures. Most of them require considerations of both aleatory and epistemic uncertainties. The inclusion of such uncertainties demands intensive studies in space and time of engineering structures under environmental and mechanical stressors. Existing mechanical models for structural performance assessment can be validated by using structural health monitoring. The use of monitored extreme data allows (a) the reduction of uncertainties associated with numerical models, and (b) the validation and updating of existing prediction models and, sometimes, the creation of novel models. This paper presents a general approach for the development of performance functions based on monitored extreme data and the estimation of possible monitoring interruption periods. An existing bridge in Wisconsin is used as an example for the application of the proposed approach.
Exploring the formation of multiple layer hydrates for a complex pharmaceutical compound.

The pharmaceutical compound A, 3-{2-oxo-3-[3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro[1,8]naphthyridin-2-yl)propyl]imidazolidin-1-yl}-3(S)-(6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)propionic acid, is known to exist in five different crys...
First Report of Sclerotinia Stem Rot of Canola Caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Texas.

During the past several years, canola (Brassica napus L.) has been grown experimentally in different areas of Texas to evaluate its potential as a crop, particularly for use as a biofuel source. In early April 2007, symptoms typical of Sclerotinia stem rot were observed in a canola variety trial that was flowering in Wharton County, Texas. Stems had white mycelia growing on the outside, or a bleached appearance, near the soil surface and plants were lodging. Inside bleached stems, there were spherical to cylindrical, black sclerotia that were 3 to 10 mm. Isolations from surface-disinfested stems onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) consistently yielded white, fluffy colonies with sclerotia typical of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary (1). Sequence analyses were conducted on two replicates of mycelium by extracting fungal DNA with the Qiagen DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Valencia, CA). PCR amplification was performed using two primer sequences (92-4 AF377919: TCGCCTCAGAAGAATGTGC/AGCGGGTTACAAGGAGATGG; and 119-4 A...
Real Space Structure and Scattering Patterns of Model Polymer Nanocomposites

Microscopic polymer liquid state theory is employed to study the real space pair correlation functions and collective scattering structure factors of melt polymer nanocomposites composed of hard spheres and adsorbing homopolymers over length scales ranging from monomeric to macroscopic. Increasing filler volume fraction has a profound effect on the polymer matrix, inducing oscillatory reorganization on a length scale commensurate with the nanoparticle diameter. The near contact interfacial monomer−filler pair correlations are suppressed by nanoparticle addition, but on larger scales power law correlations emerge with filler imprinted oscillatory features. Increased nanoparticle volume fraction also substantially changes interfiller packing, inducing a transition from a highly bridged or sterically stabilized type of organization in the infinite dilution limit to more diffuse liquidlike packing characterized by many-particle clustering. Distinctive modifications of the collective polymer structure factor i...
Finding all equilibria in games of strategic complements

I present a simple and fast algorithm that finds all the pure-strategy Nash equilibria in games with strategic complementarities. This is the first non-trivial algorithm for finding all pure-strategy Nash equilibria.
Rare Earth Doped Planar Waveguides in Zirconia

Zirconia (ZrO2) thin dielectric optical films demonstrate excellent transmission characteristics in the infrared for wavelengths [1] in the 1-5µm range important for optical communications.
Citrus Bioflavonoids in Broiler Diets

Abstract CITRUS bioflavonoids are naturally occurring plant pigments characterized by two aromatic rings linked together by a three carbon aliphatic chain (Horowitz, 1957). The various flavonoids may be sugar free aglycones or glycosides characterized by a substituent group of either a mono or disaccharide made up of rhamnose or glucose or both. The classification of these compounds are further governed by the oxidized or reduced state of the third carbon in the aliphatic chain. A number of bioflavonoid materials have been evaluated for their effect on capillary fragility. Warter et al. (1948) reported that the administration of hesperidin (a bioflavonoid) and ascorbic acid was effective in reducing capillary fragility in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Capillary fragility could be expected to lead to an increase in bruising. Ringrose (1953) and Kaiser and Smith (1958) reported that bruising is one of the major causes of downgrading of broilers. In view of the condemnations …
DNA methylation markers in the postnatal developing rat brain

In spite of intense interest in how altered epigenetic processes including DNA methylation may contribute to psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, there is a limited understanding of how methylation processes change during early postnatal brain development. The present study used in situ hybridization to assess mRNA expression for the three major DNA methyltranserases (DNMTs) – DNMT1, DNMT3a and DNMT3b – in the developing rat brain at seven developmental timepoints: postnatal days (P) 1, 4, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 75. We also assessed 5-methylcytosine levels (an indicator of global DNA methylation) in selected brain regions during the first three postnatal weeks. DNMT1, DNMT3a and DNMT3b mRNAs are widely expressed throughout the adult and postnatal developing rat brain. Overall, DNMT mRNA levels reached their highest point in the first week of life and gradually decreased over the first three postnatal weeks within the hippocampus, amygdala, striatum, cingulate and lateral septum. Global DNA methylation levels did not follow this developmental pattern; methylation levels gradually increased over the first three postnatal weeks in the hippocampus, and remained stable in the developing amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Our results contribute to a growing understanding of how DNA methylation markers unfold in the developing brain, and highlight how these developmental processes may differ within distinct brain regions.
`Untangling Sickle-cell Anemia and the Teaching of Heterozygote Protection'

Introductory biology textbooks often use the example of sickle-cell anemia to illustrate the concept of heterozygote protection. Ordinarily scientists expect the frequency of a gene associated with a debilitating illness would be low owing to its continual elimination by natural selection. The gene that causes sickle-cell anemia, however, has a relatively high frequency in many parts of the world. Historically, scientists proposed and defended several alternative theories to account for this anomaly, though it is now widely recognized among the scientific community that high frequencies of the gene reflect its benefit to heterozygotes against malaria. Textbooks normally develop this concept with reference to the often-used maps of Africa showing how in areas where the frequency of the sickle-cell gene is high, there is also higher exposure to the disease malaria. While sickle-cell anemia is often the example of choice for explaining and illustrating the concept of heterozygote protection, the present paper argues that exploring the history of scientific research behind our contemporary understanding has advantages for helping students understand multiple factors related to population genetics (e.g. mutation, gene flow, drift) in addition to heterozygote protection. In so doing, this approach invites students to evaluate the legitimacy of their own alternative conceptions about introductory population genetics or about the genetics of the disease sickle-cell anemia. The various historical theories scientists proposed and defended often resemble those of students who first learn about the disease. As such, a discussion of how scientists reached consensus about the role of heterozygote protection may help students understand and appreciate what are now recognized to be limitations in the views they bring to their classrooms. The paper concludes by discussing the ramifications of this approach in potentially helping students to examine certain aspects of the nature of science.
Can an APL workspace be used as a data base

Experience from applications that use APL workspaces as data storage is reported. Different design decisions are discussed with illustrations of how APL is exploited. The final design, which achieves an utter simplicity of data representation, is described, with examples of usage. This simplicity allows a developer to concentrate on data manipulation, where the power of APL is at its best, rather than on storage techniques.
Influence of Engineered Peptides Cadmium Sulfide Nanocrystals

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanocrystals continue to generate scientific and technological interest, owing to their valuable optical, electronic, and chemical properties. Aqueous nanocrystal syntheses rely on functional capping agents to control nanocrystal form and function. We present a series of linear and dendritic engineered peptides, rich in cysteines and aspartic acids, as CdS capping agents. The chemical composition and peptide geometry were found to significantly influence CdS nanocrystal size, optical properties, and aggregation behavior.
On graves and graven images: A terror management analysis of the psychological functions of art

We present an existential account of the psychological function of artistic activity derived from terror management theory. From this perspective, artistic creation and response alleviate concerns with mortality by affording opportunities to bolster cultural belief systems that provide death-transcending meaning and significance. We review research showing that reminders of mortality exaggerate people's responses (positive and negative) to artworks that bear on their conceptions of death, cultural ideologies and symbols, and bases of meaning. We also review research on the interplay between the motives for terror management and creative self-expression. We compare a TMT analysis to alternative accounts of art's function derived from uncertainty management theory (e.g., van den Bos, 2009) and the meaning maintenance model (Heine, Proulx, & Vohs, 2006). We conclude by recommending that future research examine whether immersive aesthetic engagement is psychologically beneficial because it provides temporary ...
High Field 33S Solid State NMR and First-Principles Calculations in Potassium Sulfates

A set of potassium sulfates presenting a variety of sulfur environments (K2SO4, KHSO4, K2S2O7, and K2S2O8) has been studied by 33S solid state NMR at 21 T. Low natural abundance (0.75%) and small gyromagnetic ratio of 33S presented a serious challenge even at such a high magnetic field. Nevertheless, using the QCPMG technique we were able to obtain good signals from the sites with CQ values approaching 16 MHz. Assignment of the sites and the relative orientations of the EFG tensors were assisted by quantum mechanical calculations using the Gaussian 98 and CASTEP packages. The Gaussian 98 calculations were performed using the density functional method and gauge independent atomic orbitals on molecular clusters of about 100−120 atoms. The CASTEP calculations utilized periodic boundary conditions and a gauge-including projector augmented-wave pseudopotential approach. Although only semiquantitative agreement is observed between the experimental and calculated parameters, the calculations are a very useful ai...
Calculation of the Generalized Watson Sums with an Application to the Generalized Heisenberg Ferromagnet. II. Callen Decoupling

A new method of calculating the generalized Watson sums is applied to calculate the magnetization of an anisotropic ferromagnet for various Callen-type decouplin schemes. It is shown that although the calculations are somewhat more difficult than for the random-phase approximation, an analytical solution is again obtained.
Are the structures of SarA and SarR similar

Abstract In Staphylococcus aureus , the production of virulence determinants including hemolysin is controlled by global regulators such as SarA. Recently the crystal structures of SarA and SarR, a SarA homolog and a member of the SarA family of proteins, were solved. A motif found in SarR is similar to that found in the winged-helix protein family, and it is possible that the SarA family of proteins uses DNA bending to regulate gene transcription.
Near infrared fourier transform Raman spectroscopy of human artery

Abstract We report the first near IR FT-Raman spectroscopy of normal diseased human artery. In normal human aorta, two bands at 1669 cm −1 and 1452 cm −1 dominate the spectrum and can be assigned to protein amide I and C-H in-plane bending vibrations, respectively. Weaker bands are also observed between 1250 and 1350 cm −1 . Non-calcified atherosclerotic lesions with a large amount of necrotic debris below the tissue surface show a relative increase in the intensity of the 1452 cm −1 band. In atherosclerotic aortas which contain calcified deposits several hundred microns below the tissue surface, a strong 961 cm −1 band is observed due to the symmetric stretch of phosphate groups in the calcified salts. The results show that this method provides the capability to probe biological substituents several hundred microns below the tissue surface.
The containment model for composite positional tolerance evaluation

Abstract The composite positional tolerance evaluation problem for planar point features and circular tolerance zones is defined and characterized under necessary and sufficient conditions. This model is then generalized to the circular feature case, and the solution to the circular feature–circular tolerance zone problem is characterized analogous to the point feature model. The circular feature–circular tolerance zone problem is formulated as a containment model and solved as a constrained nonlinear program. The three-dimensional spherical containment model is also formulated and numerical examples are used to illustrate the methodology in the two- and three-dimensional cases.
Exploring Connections Between the Construct of Teacher Efficacy and Family Involvement Practices: Implications for Urban Teacher Preparation

The current study explores the relationship between perceived teacher efficacy and specific practices of family involvement exhibited by 110 elementary schoolteachers from a large urban school dist...
The dynamic neptunian ring arcs: evidence for a gradual disappearance of Liberté and resonant jump of courage

Abstract We present Adaptive Optics observations of Neptune's ring system at 1.6 and 2.2 μm, taken with the 10-m W.M. Keck II telescope in July 2002 and October 2003. We recovered the full Adams and Le Verrier rings for the first time since the Voyager era (1989), and show that the overall appearance of these rings did not change much, except for the ring arcs. Both the location and intensity of all arcs changed drastically relative to trailing arc Fraternite, which has a mean orbital motion of 820.1118 ± 0.0001 deg/day, equal to that of Nicholson et al.'s (1995, Icarus 113, 295–330) solution 2. Our data suggest that all arcs may have decayed over the last decade, while Liberte, in 2003, may be on the verge of disappearing completely. The observed changes in the relative intensities and locations of all arcs further indicate that material is migrating between resonance sites; leading arc Courage, for example, has jumped ∼8°, or, when adopting Namouni and Porco's (2002, Nature 417, 45–47) CER (corotation eccentricity resonance) theory, it advanced by one full corotation potential maximum. Overall, our observations reveal a system that is surprisingly dynamic, and no comprehensive theory exists as of yet that can explain all the observed intricacies.
Formation of shock discontinuities for a class of nonlinear transmission lines

Abstract We consider the problem of nonexistence of smooth globally defined solutions to a quasilinear hyperbolic system of equations; these equations are shown to model the behavior of a distributed parameter nonlinear transmission line, with voltage dependent capacitance and nonzero resistance and leakage conductance. Specific conditions are exhibited under which shocks form if the gradients of the initial data are, pointwise, sufficiently large. The analysis is based upon a study of the behavior of appropriate set of Riemann Invariants along their respective characteristic curves.
The consequences of a major bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Bile duct injury is perhaps the most feared complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The focus of this study was on the immediate and short-term outcome of patients who have undergone repair of major bile duct injuries with respect to hospital stay, perioperative interventions, and reoperations. The records of patients who underwent surgery at three academic hospitals in Philadelphia (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and Graduate Hospital) from 1990 to 1995 for repair of a major biliary injury following laparoscopic cholecystectomy were reviewed. A major biliary injury was defined as any disruption (including ligation, avulsion, or resection) of the extrahepatic biliary system. Small biliary leaks not requiring surgery were excluded. Thirty-two patients sustained major bile duct injuries. The injury was recognized immediately in 10 patients. The remaining 22 patients had pain (59%), jaundice (50%), and/or fever (32%) as the symptom heralding the injury. Bismuth classification was as follows: 13% of patients were class I, 63% were class II, 7% were class III, 7% were class IV, and 10% were class V. Biliary reconstruction included a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in 30 patients and two were primary repairs. There was one postoperative death from multiorgan system failure. The mean length of hospital stay after repair was 17 +/- 8 days. Over a mean follow-up period of 11.5 +/- 10.5 months, 11 patients (38%) required 19 emergency readmissions, most commonly for cholangitis. Five patients (17%) required postoperative balloon dilatation for biliary stricture. At follow-up 18 patients (62.0%) remain asymptomatic with normal liver function, eight (28%) are experiencing episodic cholangitis, and three (10%) are asymptomatic with persistently elevated liver function values. The consequences of a major biliary tract injury following laparoscopic cholecystectomy include a complex operative repair resulting in a lengthy postoperative stay with an increased risk of death, an excessive number of perioperative diagnostic and therapeutic studies, frequent readmissions (often as emergencies), and a lifelong risk of restricture. The "cost" to these patients remains enormous.
Integrating over time with dendritic wave-fronts.

Temporal integration, in which transient inputs shift neurons between stable firing rates, is thought to require neural networks. A new modeling study now proposes that single neurons could perform this calculation via intracellular calcium release dynamics.
Study of bunch instabilities by the nonlinear Vlasov Fokker Planck equation

Instabilities of the bunch form in storage rings may be induced through the wake field arising from corrugations in the vacuum chamber, or from the wake and precursor fields due to coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR). For over forty years the linearized Vlasov equation has been applied to calculate the threshold in current for an instability, and the initial growth rate. Increasing interest in nonlinear aspects of the motion has led to numerical solutions of the nonlinear Vlasov equation, augmented with Fokker-Planck terms to describe incoherent synchrotron radiation in the case of electron storage rings. This opens the door to much deeper studies of coherent instabilities, revealing a rich variety of nonlinear phenomena. Recent work on this topic by the author and collaborators is reviewed.
THE BENEFITS OF SEARCHING EMBASE VERSUS MEDLINE FOR PHARMACEUTICAL INFORMATION

Searchers often avoid EMBASE due to its high cost compared to MEDLINE. However, this paper demonstrates that when searching for a variety of pharmaceutical information, retrieval from EMBASE is superior to that from MEDLINE. Duplicates were detected, but more unique citations were found in EMBASE than in MEDLINE. An EMBASE searcher has the powerful ability to use specific drug identifiers as well as brand and manufacturer names. The EMBASE record contains additional information about the drug in question that may be utilised for further searching in EMBASE. Although EMBASE's display costs are high when compared to MEDLINE, title displays are free and searching alone is not expensive. Use of DIALOG Web was found to keep the overall costs to a minimum. Employment of these cost savings measures will help the searcher to decide whether the additional drug information gained from the EMBASE record outweighs the elevated cost of its display.
Preparation and spectral studies of dimethylchlorotin carboxylates

Abstract Dimethylchlorotin carboxylates, (CH3)2ClSnO OCR (RCH3, CF3, C2F5, C3F7, CF2Cl, CH2Cl, CHCl2, CCl3, CH2Br, CH2I) are prepared by heating trimethyltin chloride with an excess of the appropriate acid at 100°. These compounds have been studied by 1H and 19F NMR, infrared, and Mossbauer spectroscopy. Based on this spectral data, in the solid state or in methylene chloride or chloroform, penta-coordinate tin is present. The solids are polymeric with bridging carboxylate units. In solution, the nonfluorinated carboxylate-containing compounds are very likely chelate monomers, while the remaining compounds retain polymeric character.
Isolation of hydrocarbon residues from sediment by steam distillation.

A method is described for the extraction and cleanup of wet sediment polluted with oil. Sandy-type sediments from a western Pennsylvania stream were spiked at levels of 0.04 and 4.0 ppm with each of 14 aliphatic and 9 aromatic petroleum hydrocarbons known to accumulate in animal tissues. Samples were analyzed by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. Recoveries of the reference hydrocarbons ranged from 33% to 100% when spiked at 0.04 ppm and from 72% to 93% at a concentration of 4.0 ppm. Separate procedural studies showed that most of the losses were co-distillation losses occurring during the final concentration step. Losses were most severe for the more volatile compounds. (JMT)
Targeting the tumor vasculature with combretastatin A-4 disodium phosphate: effects on radiation therapy

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of combretastatin A-4 disodium phosphate (combretastatin prodrug) in the rodent KHT sarcoma model either alone or in combination with radiation therapy. Methods: KHT tumors were grown in C3H/HeJ mice. Combretastatin A-4 prodrug was injected intraperitoneally at doses ranging from 10 to 100 mg/kg. Tumors were irradiated in unanesthetized mice using a 137 Cs source. Tumor response to combretastatin A-4 prodrug was assessed by histological evaluations as well as an in vivo to in vitro cell survival assay. Results: Histological evaluation showed morphological damage of tumor cells within a few hours after drug treatment, followed by extensive central necrosis. Administering increasing doses of combretastatin A-4 prodrug to tumor-bearing mice resulted in a dose-dependent increase in cell killing irrespective of whether the tumors were irradiated or not. When combined with radiation, a 100 mg/kg dose of combretastatin A-4 prodrug reduced tumor cell survival 10–500-fold lower than that seen with radiation alone. Further, the shape of the cell survival curve observed following the combination therapy suggested that including combretastatin in the treatment had a major effect on the radiation-resistant hypoxic cell subpopulation associated with this tumor. Conclusion: The present results demonstrated that in the KHT sarcoma, combretastatin A-4 prodrug caused rapid vascular shutdown, a concentration-dependent direct cell killing, and effective enhancement of the antitumor effects of radiation therapy.
Impaired acid catalysis by mutation of a protein loop hinge residue in a YopH mutant revealed by crystal structures.

Catalysis by the Yersinia protein-tyrosine phosphatase YopH is significantly impaired by the mutation of the conserved Trp354 residue to Phe. Though not a catalytic residue, this Trp is a hinge residue in a conserved flexible loop (the WPD-loop) that must close during catalysis. To learn why this seemingly conservative mutation reduces catalysis by 2 orders of magnitude, we have solved high-resolution crystal structures for the W354F YopH in the absence and in the presence of tungstate and vanadate. Oxyanion binding to the P-loop in W354F is analogous to that observed in the native enzyme. However, the WPD-loop in the presence of oxyanions assumes a half-closed conformation, in contrast to the fully closed state observed in structures of the native enzyme. This observation provides an explanation for the impaired general acid catalysis observed in kinetic experiments with Trp mutants. A 1.4 A structure of the W354F mutant obtained in the presence of vanadate reveals an unusual divanadate species with a cy...
Natural killer cell activity during mouse hepatitis virus infection: Response in the absence of interferon

The ability of the JHM3 strain of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) to induce natural killer (NK) cells was examined. Infection of C57BL/6 (B6) mice with this virus resulted in the augmentation of natural cytotoxicity against YAC-I target cells in the absence of a detectable interferon response. The cells responsible for this increased cytotoxicity were sensitive to complement-mediated lysis with an anti-Q-5 reagent but not with a Thy 1.2 antiserum, indicating that they possess an NK-like surface phenotype. Although variation in the NK response of individual B6 mice following JHM virus infection was found, even the animal with the most responsive NK cell population had no detectable interferon in the spleen. This finding contrasted with observations with an unrelated virus (lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus) and a serologically related strain of MHV. Infection with both of these viruses induced augmented NK cell activity and interferon responses. In addition, we found that neither the ability to mount an augmented NK cell response nor preferential lysis of virus-infected targets correlated with resistance or susceptibility to JHM virus infection.
Prevention and Resiliency: A Cross Cultural View of Farmworkers' and Farmers' Beliefs about Work Safety

Two loci of control scales were adapted to farm safety for farmworkers and farmers in California. Internal and External dimensions and hazard coping strategies were used. Searching for Safety (SS), a behavioral strategy, involves planning for hazardous events. Accepting Danger (AD), a cognitive strategy, accepts uncertainty and the unpredictability of some events. Although workers scored high on Internality, Externality was higher — this suggests that accident control is placed outside of themselves and given over to God, luck, or "bosses." Farmworkers utilized AD and SS with equal success. Farmers scored higher on Internal beliefs, thus emphasizing personal control over safety, yet acknowledging worker responsibility. They placed more faith in their planning efforts (SS) than in the mental mechanism of accepting uncertainty (AD). Factor analyses showed the two scales successfully measured Internality and Externality and two coping strategies. Suggested improvements include standardizing one scale for bot...
Dependence of Amyloid-β Oligomer (AβO) Interaction with Membranes on Preparation Method

AβOs reduce the resistance of lipid membranes to ion transfer in a dose-dependent fashion.1 Combined conductance and structural studies suggest that AβOs at micromolar total peptide concentrations increase the dielectric constant in membrane cores by forming inhomogeneous patches within the membrane,2 but some issues remain unresolved.3 Here we compare the conductance increases induced by AβOs in membranes, both tethered and free-standing, for particles prepared by solubilization in hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) or NaOH. AβO aggregation and time course, and their association with membranes, are also characterized by their conformation-sensitive reaction with antibodies, dynamic light scattering, and neutron reflectometry. 19F-NMR is used to quantify HFIP content in buffer and detect residual HFIP in AβO preparations. While prolonged evaporation from buffer reduced the HFIP concentration below the NMR detection limit we find that similarly treated AβO samples retain HFIP firmly bound to the peptide at a level of ∼ 1HFIP per 5 amyloid peptides. While this amount is probably too low to account for the conductance effects of HFIP-prepared AβOs, we also observe that NaOH-prepared AβOs do indeed induce smaller conductance increases at the same concentrations. This study addresses the differences between HFIP-prepared and NaOH-prepared AβOs and how these may contribute to differences in their conductivity effects on membranes.Supported by the NIH (1P01AG032131), the Hillblom Foundation and the AHAF (A2008-307).1Sokolov, Y., et al. 2006. J. Gen. Physiol. 128:637-647.2Valincius, G., et al. 2008. Biophys. J. 95:4845-4861.3Capone R., et al. 2009. Neurotox. Res. 16:1-13.
An analysis of variations in U.S. fertility and female labor force participation trends.

This study is based on time series data from 1947–1977 on fertility and female labor force participation, and examines (a) the effects of male relative income and female earnings on the level and timing of fertility and female labor force participation, and (b) the relative importance of variations in relative income and female wage rates in explaining the fluctuations in both fertility and female labor supply. The results suggest that relative income exerts a significant positive effect on fertility and a negative effect on female work effort. However, female wage rates appear to be the dominant factor in explaining variations in fertility and female labor force participation over the past two decades, with increases in female earnings leading to both depressed fertility and increased labor force participation of women.
Effect of an exogenous succinyl-CoA-generating system on the measurement of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase activity in rat liver tissue by a radiochemical assay

Rat liver tissue was used to examine the effect of an exogenous succinyl-CoA-generating system on the radiochemical assay for delta-aminolevulinic acid synthase (succinyl-CoA:glycine C-succinyltransferase (decarboxylating), EC 2.3.1.37) activity developed by Ebert et al. (Ebert, P.S., Tschudy, D.P., Choudry, J.N. and Chirigos, M.A. (1970) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 208, 236--250). In the absence of exogenous succinate thiokinase, 34--62% (average 55%) of the radioactivity in the final column eluate could be attributed to delta-amino-[4-14C]levulinic acid, as assessed by conversion of delta-aminolevulinic acid in the eluate to a pyrrole. The addition of succinate thiokinase markedly enhanced the formation of the contaminant(s), as succinyl-CoA was metabolized to a compound or compounds that eluted chromatographically with delta-amino-levulinic acid. This effect was abolished by 10 mM EDTA, probably because the generation of succinyl-CoA was suppressed due to the chelation of Mg2+. These observations indicate that this radiochemical assay should be carefully examined for each set of assay conditions employed.
Thrombophilia and Hypercoagulability

The human body normally maintains a careful balance between bleeding and clotting. Blood cells called platelets, proteins in the blood, and the cells lining the blood vessels are closely regulated, so that the body forms blood clots to stop bleeding resulting from injury, but it does not form an unwanted and harmful clot (also called thrombus or thrombosis) in our blood vessels. Thrombosis may cause heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in the legs (called deep vein thrombosis) or in the lungs (called pulmonary embolism). Thrombophilia is an inherited (genetic) or acquired tendency to develop thrombosis (Table 1). Thrombophilias can cause thrombosis by manufacturing too much clotting protein, making abnormal clotting proteins that are resistant to breakdown, producing too little of proteins that prevent thrombosis, or damaging the walls of the blood vessel. Thrombophilias can cause thrombosis in arteries, veins, or both. View this table: Table 1. Major Types of Thrombophilias The most common thrombophilias include inherited abnormalities of clotting such as factor V Leiden and the …
Multiple case studies of team effectiveness in manufacturing organizations

Abstract The use of teams in manufacturing contexts is increasing. Researchers have responded with a great deal of theoretical and empirical work aimed at identifying factors that influence the performance of these teams. Scholars, however, have tended to focus their research on variables human resource managers can readily control (e.g. the composition of teams relative to members’ characteristics, team goals) and little emphasis has been placed on factors inherent to production systems. Identifying factors in the production system that influence team effectiveness is crucial because many of these factors are not changeable in the short term. Accordingly, these production system factors are likely to be a crucial factor when deciding whether or not to organize a production system around teams. In a departure from past research, this article reports a qualitative study aimed at identifying factors in operational systems that influence team effectiveness. Our qualitative results suggest that four characteristics of the operational system influence team effectiveness: work organized around the team’s output, opportunities for informal communication, work that includes novel problems to solve, and management trust in teams.
POSTNATAL DEVELOPMENT OF SYMPATHETIC INNERVATION OF HUMAN MYOCARDIUM

Whereas much information has accumulated on myocardial adrenergic mechanisms in adult man, little is known about these mechanisms in the newborn child. The effects of norepinephrine (NE), isoproterenol (ISO), cocaine (C, 3×10−6M) and propranolol (P, 1×lO−6M) on contractile function were examined in isometrically contracting right atrial strips of 7 children age 5 months to 9 years, as well as in 4 papillary muscles and 3 atrial strips obtained at autopsy from 6 premature (estimated gestational age 18–34 weeks) and 1 full term infant. Dose-response curves to ISO in both groups were linear, parallel, and statistically identical. NE dose-response curves in both groups were also identical and shifted to the right of the ISO curves. P shifted the NE dose-response curve to the right in both groups to the same degree. Whereas C shifted the NE dose-response curve to the left in children, no shift was found in the newborn indicating that sympathetic innervation of the myocardium appears to be incomplete or functionally immature at birth in man. β-adrenergic receptors on the other hand are equally developed in the markedly premature infant and the older child and the myocardium may be expected to respond to catecholamines and β-adrenergic blockade in a similar manner in the two groups.
Observation of quantization of circulation in rotating superfluid He 4

New measurements of the superfluid circulation in rotating liquid $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ by the vibrating-wire method show quantum steps. With the exception of the results for one wire, the observed quantum of circulation equals $\frac{h}{{m}_{4}}$ as expected from theory, where $h$ is Planck's constant and ${m}_{4}$ is the mass of a $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ atom. The wires had diameters from 15 to 35 \ensuremath{\mu}m, the temperatures lay in the interval $0.3lTl0.7$ K, the rotation speeds ranged from 0 to 4 rad/s, and quantum levels of circulation were observed with magnitudes from 1 to 4 times $\frac{h}{{m}_{4}}$.