cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exoskeletal chitin scales isometrically with body size in terrestrial insects

The skeletal system of animals provides the support for a variety of activities and functions. For animals such as mammals, which have endoskeletons, research has shown that skeletal investment (mass) scales with body mass to the 1.1 power. In this study, we ask how exoskeletal investment in insects scales with body mass. We measured the body mass and mass of exoskeletal chitin of 551 adult terrestrial insects of 245 species, with dry masses ranging from 0.0001 to 2.41 g (0.0002-6.13 g wet mass) to assess the allometry of exo- skeletal investment. Our results showed that exoskeletal chitin mass scales isometrically with dry body mass across the Insecta as Mchitin 5 aM b , where b 5 1.03 6 0.04, indicating that both large and small terrestrial insects allocate a similar fraction of their body mass to chitin. This isometric chitin-scaling relationship was also evident at the taxonomic level of order, for all insect orders except Coleoptera. We additionally found that the relative exoskeletal chitin investment, indexed by the coefficient, a, varies with insect life history and phylog- eny. Exoskeletal chitin mass tends to be proportionally less and to increase at a lower rate with mass in flying than in nonflying insects (Mflying insect chitin 52 0.56 3 M 0:97 dry ;M nonflying insect chitin 52 0.55 3 M
Outcomes of tracheobronchial stents in patients with malignant airway disease.

Background Malignant central airway obstruction is difficult to manage and is associated with poor outcome. We sought to identify the short ( 30 days) benefits and risks of tracheobronchial stents in patients with malignant airway disease. Methods Two hundred and twenty-five tracheobronchial stents were placed in 172 patients for benign (n = 32) and malignant (n = 140) disease from January 1, 1997, to May 31, 2003. The records of the patients with malignant disease were retrospectively analyzed to determine complication rate, reintervention rate, and survival. The malignant diagnoses included nonsmall cell cancer, small cell cancer, esophageal cancer, and metastatic disease. Results There were 172 stents placed in 140 patients with malignant disease, with no intraoperative mortality. The mean follow-up period was 142 ± 12 days. There were 23 complications, including tumor ingrowth (n = 9), excessive granulation tissue (n = 7), stent migration (n = 5), and restenosis (n = 2). Five of the complications occurred during the short-term period ( Conclusions Tracheobronchial stents offer minimally invasive palliative therapy for patients with unresectable malignant central airway obstruction. The benefit of airway stents is particularly seen in the short-term period where they provide symptomatic improvement and have low complication risk. The major impediment is excessive granulation tissue and tumor ingrowth, which occur primarily after 30 days.
Effect of nozzle geometry on the resistojet exhaust plume

Five nozzle configurations were used to study the effect of geometry on the plume structure of a resistojet exhausting into a vacuum. Mass flux data in the forward and back flux regions were obtained with a cryogenically cooled quartz crystal microbalance. The propellant used was CO2 at 300 K and a mass flow rate of 0.2 g/s. The data reveal that the percent of mass flow contained within half angles of 10, 30, and 40 deg varied by less than 12 percent from a standard 20 deg half-angle cone nozzle.
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF TRANSVERSE FLOW THROUGH ALIGNED CYLINDERS

Abstract In this paper, flow of viscous fluids across an array of solid and porous circular cylinders, which represents a porous media, is explored experimentally. The idealized array or bed of cylinders, which models tows and fibers in a fiber preform used in composites processing, was unidirectional consisting of either solid circular rods or porous circular bundles. By measuring the flow rate and pressure drop across this bed of cylinders, we characterized the transverse permeability of the model porous media. In beds with porous bundles, the volume fraction inside the bundles ranged from 60 to 75% by packing 50–60 nylon fibers into 6.35 mm diameter holes. Both Newtonian and shear thinning fluids were used. These fluids were pumped through the medium such that the flow was perpendicular to the fiber axes. Once the fiber bed was fully saturated, the permeability was determined with the aid of Darcy's law. For the solid rods, the experimental results compare well with the asymptotic model recently developed by Bruschke & Advani for generalized Newtonian fluids. In addition, a heterogeneous fiber bed was constructed, consisting of fiber bundles in a regular array. During the filling stage, the progress of the flow front through the heterogeneous fiber beds was observed and the flow-induced void formation inside the fiber bundles was monitored. None of the existing permeability models could predict the permeability of the heterogeneous porous media. A series expansion was suggested to estimate permeabilities of such heterogeneous media.
Cell growth simulations predicting polyclonal origins for 'monoclonal' tumors.

Abstract Studies showing the clonal identity of various tumors have led to the belief that most tumors originate from a single cell. It is shown by Monte Carlo computer simulations that monoclonality can evolve from minor differences either in cell cycle time or in the probability of cell death in a polyclonal ‘founder’ population. If cells divide continuously without cell death (exponential clonal growth), a triclonal population with three starting cells (cell cycle times 0.9 days, 1 day and 1.1 days) converges to near-monoclonality in 100 generations. For cell cycle times of 0.9 days, 1.1 days and 1.1 days, and cell death probabilities of 0.45 and 0.46, populations tend toward monoclonality while the tumor is still small ( 3 ).
Wear resistance of materials used for slurry transport

Abstract More and more slurry transport systems are used in mining operations to efficiently and cost-effectively transport ores and tailings. The materials used for slurry transport are often subjected to severe wear attack. In this study, the wear modes and wear resistance of materials commonly used for slurry transport are discussed. Slurry jet erosion, Coriolis slurry scouring erosion and slurry sliding abrasion tests are used to simulate these wear modes and to characterize the wear resistance of the materials. The wear resistance of selected materials from each material category commonly used for slurry transport, including steels, high chromium white cast irons, chrome carbide-based and tungsten carbide-based overlays, elastomers, plastics, ceramics and cermets, are reported. The relationships of the wear resistance of these materials with their mechanical properties are also briefly discussed.
Microstructure-dependent fatigue damage process zone and notch sensitivity index

The development of simulation methods for calculating notch root parameters for purposes of estimating the fatigue life of notched components is a critical aspect of designing against fatigue failures. At present, however, treatment of the notch root stress and plastic strain field gradients, coupled with intrinsic length scales of grains or other material attributes, has yet to be developed. Ultimately, this approach will be necessary to form a predictive basis for notch size effects in forming and propagating microstructurally small cracks in real structural materials and components. In this study, computational micromechanics is used to clarify and distinguish process zone for crack formation and microstructurally small crack growth, relative to scale of notch root radius and spatial extent of stress concentration at the notch. A new nonlocal criterion for the fatigue damage process zone based on the distribution of a shear-based fatigue indicator parameter is proposed and used along with a statistical method to obtain a new microstructure-sensitive fatigue notch factor and associated notch sensitivity index, thereby extending notch sensitivity to explicitly incorporate microstructure sensitivity and attendant size effects via probabilistic arguments. The notch sensitivity values obtained for a range of notch root radii using the new statistical approach presented in this study predict the general trends obtained from experimental results available in literature.
Linking Professional Development to Teacher Learning and Practice: A Multi-Case Study Analysis of Urban Teachers:

This study describes and analyzes the pedagogical activities of two professional development models aimed at helping teachers effectively integrate technology in their classrooms. Most importantly, it investigates the impact of those activities on teacher learning and practice. Results of the study provide empirical evidence that links key components of professional development to changes in teacher knowledge, practices, and beliefs. Specifically, findings of the study indicate that both professional development models enabled participating teachers to: a) improve their technology proficiency, b) understand how to use technology as an instructional tool, c) incorporate technology into their professional and instructional practices, and d) reinforce and reconsider their beliefs toward teaching with technology. The study also offers much needed insights into the process by which teacher learning and change occur. The results of this study have significant implications for the design of in-service programs o...
Inalienable possession as grammatical category and discourse pattern

This essay analyzes the grammatical category of inalienable possession by examining the interaction of morphosyntatic forms, semantic features, pragmatic functions, and discourse frequencies. Using data from Q’eqchi’-Maya, it is argued that inalienable possession may be motivated relative to two dimensions: (1) whatever any person is strongly presumed to possess (identifiability); (2) whatever such personal possessions are referred to frequently (relevance). In regards to frequency, inalienable possessions are compared with possessed NPs, and possessed NPs are compared with all NPs, in regards to grammatical relation, information status, animacy rank, and semantic role. In regards to identifiability, it is argued that inalienable possessions are like deictics and prepositions in that they guide the addressee’s identification of a referent by encoding that referent’s relation to a ground; and inalienable possessions are different from deictics and prepositions in that the ground is a person and the referents are its parts or relations.
Use of prehospital-induced hypothermia after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a survey of the National Association of Emergency Medical Services Physicians.

Objective. Postresuscitation care of comatose survivors of cardiac arrest using induced hypothermia (IH) is recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) andthe International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) to improve neurological outcomes but has been performed primarily later in the course of care. Recently, it was shown that prehospital cooling is feasible, safe, andeffective in lowering patient temperature. We sought to determine the prevalence of EMS agencies that use prehospital IH. We also sought to determine what perceived barriers to initiating IH might exist andthe understanding EMS physicians have of guidelines for IH. Methods. We collected a convenience sample of completed questionnaires from physician members of the National Association of EMS Physicians at the national conference on 3 days from January 11 to 13, 2007. Results. One hundred forty-five (59%) physician members who had attended the conference completed the survey, representing 109 EMS Medical Directors and36 non-...
Female Education in Saudi Arabia and the Reproduction of Gender Division

ABSTRACT This paper explains the reproduction of gender divisions and power relations through education in a traditional Islamic country, Saudi Arabia. That country has drawn both upon Islam and its oil wealth to expand female education vastly within traditional boundaries. Its model of female education is unique among all Islamic countries, in its structure and strategies for the reproduction of gender divisions through (1) a dual system of male and female education; (2) a gender‐specific educational policy that emphasizes women's domestic function; (3) gender‐segregated schools and colleges; and (4) curriculum differentiation at the various educational levels. The author maintains that Saudi education, a microcosm of Saudi Arabian society, has intentionally instituted these mechanisms and structures as a means of cultural conservation and social control. The Saudi experience proves previous research findings that female educational expansion does indeed increase women's social and occupational options, ...
India's International Reserves: How Large and How Diversified?

Asymmetric foreign exchange intervention by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has resulted in a sustained accretion of India’s foreign exchange reserves. The reserve buildup in India has certainly be...
Advancing learning goals: an undergraduate systems engineering design project for using constructive and virtual simulation for an armed UAV design

This paper presents a design project for undergraduate systems engineering students in which Armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (AUAV's) are designed, using the systems engineering design process taught at the United States Military Academy, and tested using constructive and virtual simulation. These results are compared to theoretical results obtained through applying Lanchester analysis. Students first analyze the stakeholders' needs and develop alternatives. The students research commercial off the shelf (COTS) UAV airframes, sensors and weapon systems that meet the stakeholders' needs. Using design of experiments and response surface optimization, laboratory experimentation is conducted using Janus simulation and Janus Evaluator Tool Set (JETS) software to test the feasible alternatives under varying weather conditions and altitudes to examine performance against a predetermined threat. The students evaluate the alternatives using multi-attribute utility theory and encompassing all the objectives defined in the stakeholder analysis. Sensitivity analysis is applied and a recommendation is made to the decision maker.
Analysis of generation means and components of variance for parthenocarpy in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Parthenocarpy (seedless fruit) has potential for increasing yield in cucumber (Cucumis sativus var. sativus L.). To determine the inheritance of parthenocarpy in gynoecious cucumber, P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1P1, and BC1P2 generations derived from crossing two non-parthenocarpic gynoecious inbred lines [Gy8 (P2; processing type) and ‘Marketmore 80’ (P2; MM, fresh market type)] with a highly parthenocarpic inbred line [2A (P1; processing type)] were evaluated for fruit number in a greenhouse at Arlington, Wisc. in 1999 (designated 2A × Gy8 1999) and in the open-field at Hancock, Wisc. in 2000 (designated 2A × Gy8 2000 and 2A × MM 2000). There were significant location and location × generation interaction effects, and therefore generation means analyses were conducted separately for each location. The minimum numbers of effective factors controlling parthenocarpy were estimated to be at least one (2A × Gy8 1999), two (2A × Gy8 2000) and four (2A × MM 2000). Results suggest that selection for parthenocarpy for multiple hand harvest operations will likely be more effective than that for once-over machine harvest operations. However, the selection efficiency will likely vary across different populations and environments.
Management of post bariatric surgery anastomotic strictures

Gastric bypass remains the leading bariatric procedure performed in the United States, and the number of surgeries performed is increasing dramatically in the face of an intractable obesity epidemic. Although highly effective in the treatment of obesity, the procedure is associated with several significant complications. Anastomotic stricture formation is one of the major postoperative complications encountered by gastroenterologists. Strictures are common, occurring in a significant minority of patients. They generally present with intolerance to oral intake within the first 6 months of surgery. The etiology of stricture formation is not fully know but may be partially related to surgical technique in creating the anastomosis. Endoscopy is an excellent diagnostic test and allows for immediate therapeutic intervention. The strictures are very responsive to endoscopic dilation with either through-the-scope balloons or Savary-Gilliard bougies. Effective dilation is feasible with a low rate of serious complications. Overdilation may negatively impact postoperative weight loss, but in general dilation to less than 15 mm appears to be safe and does not affect postoperative weight loss.
Household work: When gender ideologies and practices interact

Abstract Women have moved into the traditionally‐male domain of paid work at a faster rate than men have moved into the traditionally‐female domain of household work. Today, two‐parent families are faced with the dilemma of how to accomplish the work required to meet their family's need for both economic support and physical and psychological nurturance of their children. Drawing from literature on household work and data from a qualitative research study, this article examines how families divide the work required to sustain themselves. Ten families with preschool‐aged children participated in this study that used participant observation and intensive interviews in combination with a questionnaire designed to determine how household work was completed within each family. This article demonstrates how the parents’ gender ideologies interacted to create their specific gender (practices) strategies and struggles. Parents’ beliefs and values about who should do what and their rationales for how they divided ...
Preferential accessibility of the yeast his3 promoter is determined by a general property of the DNA sequence, not by specific elements.

Yeast promoter regions are often more accessible to nuclear proteins than are nonpromoter regions. As assayed by HinfI endonuclease cleavage in living yeast cells, HinfI sites located in the promoters of all seven genes tested were 5- to 20-fold more accessible than sites in adjacent nonpromoter regions. HinfI hypersensitivity within the his3 promoter region is locally determined, since it was observed when this region was translocated to the middle of the ade2 structural gene. Detailed analysis of the his3 promoter indicated that preferential accessibility is not determined by specific elements such as the Gcn4 binding site, poly(dA-dT) sequences, TATA elements, or initiator elements or by transcriptional activity. However, progressive deletion of the promoter region in either direction resulted in a progressive loss of HinfI accessibility. Preferential accessibility is independent of the Swi-Snf chromatin remodeling complex, Gcn5 histone acetylase complexes Ada and SAGA, and Rad6, which ubiquitinates histone H2B. These results suggest that preferential accessibility of the his3 (and presumably other) promoter regions is determined by a general property of the DNA sequence (e.g., base composition or a related feature) rather than by defined sequence elements. The organization of the compact yeast genome into inherently distinct promoter and nonpromoter regions may ensure that transcription factors bind preferentially to appropriate sites in promoters rather than to the excess of irrelevant but equally high-affinity sites in nonpromoter regions.
God-Bearers on Pilgrimage to Tepeyac: A Scholar of Religion Encounters the Material Dimension of Marian Devotion in Mexico

‭Contemporary ritual practice at the Virgin of Guadalupe’s shrine at Tepeyac emphasizes the material dimension of the sacred in Mexico: every day, ritual actions at the shrine confer power, prestige, and potency to images, effigies, and other replicas of the Virgin. One particularly pronounced devotional practice involves the carrying of replicas of the Virgin as sacred burdens: pilgrims carry these sometimes quite cumbersome objects tied to their backs as they make their way to Tepeyac hill. Drawing on the photographic series The Road to Tepeyac (2010) by Mexican-British photographer Alinka Echeverria, among other sources, this article explores the ritual processes by which material is infused with spirit and the body of the devotee becomes fused with the body of the Virgin. The analysis is contextualized within the history of devotional practice in Mexico.‬
Ideas, Networks, and Policy Streams: Privatization in Britain and Germany

This article utilizes insights from work on policy networks and John Kingdon's multiple streams approach to examine the evolution of privatization ideas in Great Britain and Germany. It is argued that differently structured networks affect policy innovation. This study elaborates the different types of networks and their impact on ideas, shows how previously adopted solutions channel subsequent debates by privileging some solutions over others, and suggests that policy ideas are associated with particular political coalitions.
Supply of and demand for organic matter by sediment communities on two central North Pacific seamounts

Concurrent measurements of sediment community oxygen consumption (SCOC) and particulate organic carbon flux (POCF) were made over two central North Pacific seamounts to test two hypotheses: (1) the benthic boundary layer community metabolism represented by SCOC (carbon demand) is inversely related to water depth; (2) the flux of particulate organic carbon entering the benthic boundary layer (carbon supply) is inversely related to water depth. To test these hypotheses, we chose two heavily sedimented (depositional) seamounts at different depths under surface waters with productivity of similar magnitude: Horizon Guyot (ca 1490 m depth at summit cap) and Magellan Rise (ca 3130 m depth at summit cap). A “control” station was established near each seamount. SCOC was measured with a free vehicle grab respirometer and Alvin-placed grab respirometers; POCF was measured with sediment traps moored at 100 m above the seamount summit cap and at a comparable depth from the surface at the control station. Significantly higher rates of SCOC (P < 0.01) were measured on the Horizon Guyot summit cap than on the Magellan Rise summit cap during the same month (March 1987). This evidence supports our first hypothesis of a depth-mediated gradient in SCOC. In contrast, POCF at Horizon Guyot was only half that measured at Magellan Rise in the same time period. This evidence does not support our second hypothesis. POCF over the seamounts was less than concurrently measured fluxes at the sane depth over the “control stations”. We attribute this difference to higher current speeds over the seamounts resulting in a lower trapping efficiency of sediment traps. The ratios of POCF: SCOC, which range from 0.12 to 0.71 over the seamounts, suggest indirect pelagic/benthic coupling, possibly through suspended POC and dissolved organic carbon.
Increased expression of insulin-like growth factor in intestinal lengthening by mechanical force in rats

Abstract Introduction A segment of the jejunum could double its length by the application of an axial mechanical force. We hypothesize that this growth is correlated with an increased expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) in the jejunum. Methods Adult Sprague-Dawley rats underwent the isolation of a 1.5-cm segment of the jejunum. The isolated jejunal segment was either lengthened using mechanical force or left alone for 3 weeks. The jejunal segments were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence for the expression of IGF-I. Results Whereas jejunal segments that underwent isolation alone did not change their length, isolated jejunal segments that were stretched by applying a gradual mechanical force doubled their initial length. Both groups increased their muscular thickness 5 folds as compared to the normal jejunum. The mRNA level of IGF-I in the lengthened jejunum was 6 folds higher than that in the normal jejunum, but the IGF-I mRNA level in the isolated jejunum without mechanical lengthening was unchanged. By immunofluorescence, the increased IGF-I expression in the lengthened jejunum was localized to the intestinal smooth muscle cells. Conclusions Insulin-like growth factor I may be an important signal induced by the applied axial force that mediates longitudinal intestinal growth.
Between Frutigerization and tradition: diversity, standardization, and readability in contemporary typographic landscapes

This visual essay considers the rise of corporate-driven standardization of typefaces on public signage, predominantly in parts of Western Europe. While readability is cited as the main reason for the homogenization of typography, examples of earlier typefaces demonstrate not only the adequacy and perfect legibility of most of them, but also their link with different regions' heritage and identity. Recent developments in the digital media and young designers' creative approaches give some hope for the preservation of the older forms and emergence of more varied and imaginative typefaces.
The Great Adrian Paul Brokaw

Paul is a legendary person. I first heard about the legend who created many innovative circuits, then met the creative Paul with a passion for circuits as if they had their own life story to tell which he wanted to discover and herald. An IEEE Fellow, a prolific inventor with over one hundred patents and billions of dollars in cumulative sales of products he designed, co-designed, and contributed to with his patents or mentorship, Paul has made a tremendous impact to companies that he served as well as the industry itself as his circuit ideas have spilled into the minds of designers all over the world, most notably the Brokaw Bandgap voltage reference cell.
The reductive acetylation of quercetin

Abstract The reductive acetylation of quercetin with zinc dust in acetic anhydride has been shown to give a mixture of acetylated products, only two of which give cyanidin chloride on hydrolysis with ethanolic hydrochloric acid. These cyanidin precursors have been isolated and identified as 3,3′,4′,5,7-pentaacetoxyflav-3-ene and 3,3′,4,4′,5,7-hexaacetoxyflav-2-ene. On acid hydrolysis, the flav-3-ene undergoes disproportionation to yield cyanidin and catechin.
Characterization of platinum electrodes in H2-saturated sulphuric acid solution under steady-state potentiostatic conditions

Abstract The character of platinum-bead and -(111) electrodes at anodic steady-state potentials was determined by analysing with cathodic galvanostatic pulses for reducible, Pt-associated species. There was a considerable amount of potential overlap in the reduction of adsorbed and dermasorbed O. The θ so 2− 4 - dependence on potential and the effects of adsorbed SO 2− 4 on H and O sorption were shown. SO − 4 adsorption passivated the surface for H 2 oxidation below 1·0 V and stabilized the associated oxygen species at higher potentials. Pre-saturation of Pt with dermasorbed oxygen caused a hysteresis effect requiring potentiostating at or below 0·85 V for its removal. H 2 has a strong effect on the steady-state character below 1·0 V, but has essentially no effect for the transient formation of Pt—O, Pt-bead and -(111) electrodes showed important differences.
The FORTRAN Language

The FORTRAN language was intended to be a vehicle for expressing scientific and mathematical computation, while allowing efficient object code to be produced. Since there was an emphasis on scientific computation in FORTRAN and FORTRAN II, little provision was made for heterogeneous data structures. Only arrays of up to three dimensions were possible, and they had to be declared explicitly:DIMENSION ALPHA (10,15), BETA (12)Input and output statements allowed a little more flexibility, in that provision was made for controlling the format of information read from or written to the outside world (as opposed to reading or writing binary information on disk or tape):WRITE (5,200) MTH, BETA, Y200FORMAT (6H MONTH, 13, 8H; QUOTAS, 12F4.0, 10H; FORECAST, F 6.2 )
Stochastic probability modeling to predict the environmental stability of nanoparticles in aqueous suspension

Abstract The term “nanomaterial” describes a preparation in which the particle size is on the order of 10 to 100 nm in diameter. Such particles have the ability to form suspensions in fluid media such as air and water that can dramatically increase the environmental transport potential in comparision with like materials of larger particle sizes. Quantifying such transport requires an ability to predict the stability of such suspensions as to their tendency to aggregate or interact with other environmental constituents. In this paper, we present a method for predicting the magnitude and uncertainty associated with nanoparticle suspension stability. The critical buoyancy properties are predicted using the Boltzmann equation. The rates of aggregation are then predicted on the basis of molecular collision and adhesion coefficients. The progress of particle growth is simulated across all potential pathways probabalistically using the Gillespie model to characterize the uncertainty. Discussion is provided regar...
Computerized tomography with ultrasound

The mathematical basis for transmission computed tomographic imaging using straight-line reconstruction equations is discussed. Both narrow-band and broad-band solutions are described. The Born and Rytov methods are discussed and the Rytov inversion equation presented with some results. Problems with implementation of the method are mentioned. Backscatter reconstruction methods of seismology are discussed as to their strengths and weaknesses for use in tissue imaging.
Post irradiation effects (PIE) in integrated circuits (CMOS)

The authors review the behavior of MOS devices and circuits in an ionizing radiation environment, with an emphasis on post irradiation effects (PIEs) and dose rate dependence of total dose response. They first recount the development of Total Dose Method 1019, and then suggest modifications and enhancements that allow the maximum utilization of 1019 for the qualification and radiation hardness assurance of parts for use in the low-dose-rate natural space environment. Examples of PIE in MOS integrated circuits show that one cannot neglect these effects, and that one must test for the possibility of post irradiation circuit failure due to rebound when the best dose rate is significantly higher than the space application dose rate. Attention is also focused on the fact that Method 1019 is often too conservative when used as a test method for the effects of trapped oxide charge (TOC) in devices to be used in the space environment. These considerations lead to a focus on two features of Method 1019: PIE testing and allowance for devices that exhibit fast annealing of TOC. The recently approved Method 1019.4 contains the PIE test prescription. >
Identification of patients at high risk for death and cardiac ischemic events after hospital discharge.

Abstract Background Patients with unstable angina (UA) and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) remain at risk for death and cardiac ischemic events after being discharged from the hospital. Methods We examined whether the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score for UA/NSTEMI, ascertained at presentation in patients enrolled in the TIMI 11B and Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Enoxaparin in Unstable Angina and Non-Q-Wave MI (ESSENCE) trials, could be used to identify patients at high risk for major cardiac events after hospital discharge. Results There were a total of 1218 major cardiac events, defined as death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or urgent revascularization, by day 43. Of these events, 336 (28%) occurred in patients after they were discharged from the hospital. Use of the TIMI risk score for UA/NSTEMI revealed a progressive, statistically significant increase in the rate of events after leaving the hospital as the patients' baseline level of risk increased ( P 2 test for trend). For patients with a risk score of 5 to 7, treatment with enoxaparin during the acute phase was associated with an odds ratio of 0.51 (95% CI 0.29-0.91) for the occurrence of death and cardiac ischemic events after hospital discharge. Conclusions More than one fourth of the major cardiac events that will occur in the first 6 weeks occur after discharge from the hospital. Stratification at presentation on the basis of the TIMI risk score for UA/NSTEMI can be used to identify patients at high risk for these events. Among patients at high-risk, acute-phase treatment with enoxaparin significantly reduces the risk of major cardiac events after leaving the hospital. (Am Heart J 2002;143:966-70.)
The addition of hemiarch replacement to aortic root surgery does not affect safety

Abstract Objectives A hemiarch reconstruction, using deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, is the conventional approach for proximal aortic arch reconstruction, but it carries risks of neurologic events and coagulopathy. The addition of a hemiarch reconstruction to an aortic root replacement may prevent future aortic arch pathology. Outcomes of this approach at a tertiary care institution were examined to determine whether the addition of a hemiarch reconstruction to an aortic root replacement conferred any additional risk. Methods A total of 384 patients underwent an aortic root replacement between April 2004 and June 2012. Of them, 177 (46%) had hemiarch replacement. Propensity score matching yielded 133 pairs of patients receiving hemiarch and non-hemiarch. Results Sinus segment diameter was similar between groups; ascending aortic diameter was greater in the hemiarch group (median 50 vs 44 mm; P P P P = .41), stroke (2.3% vs 4.5%; P = .31), reoperation for bleeding (11% vs 10%; P = .84), or overall survival (5-year 88.0% [95% confidence interval, 81.9-94.0] vs 91.4% [95% confidence interval, 85.8-96.9], P = .24). Conclusions In this series, aortic root replacement ± hemiarch reconstruction had low mortality. Addition of hemiarch replacement extended perfusion times but not at the expense of safety. Hemiarch reconstruction should be performed when the aortic root aneurysm extends into the distal ascending aorta.
On the regularity of Markov processes

Abstract : Starting with a continuous parameter Markov process having an arbitrary state space, a related process is defined which possesses certain regularity properties, chief among them being the strong Markov property. The connection of this process with the original process is considered. They are shown to differ with probability zero at each t except for those in a countable set. (Author)
Role of nucleotidyltransferase motifs I, III and IV in the catalysis of phosphodiester bond formation by Chlorella virus DNA ligase

ATP-dependent DNA ligases catalyze the sealing of 5'-phosphate and 3'-hydroxyl termini at DNA nicks by means of a series of three nucleotidyl transfer steps. Here we have analyzed by site-directed mutagenesis the roles of conserved amino acids of Chlorella virus DNA ligase during the third step of the ligation pathway, which entails reaction of the 3'-OH of the nick with the DNA-adenylate intermediate to form a phosphodiester and release AMP. We found that Asp65 and Glu67 in nucleotidyltransferase motif III and Glu161 in motif IV enhance the rate of step 3 phosphodiester formation by factors of 20, 1000 and 60, respectively. Asp29 and Arg32 in nucleotidyltransferase motif I enhance the rate of step 3 by 60-fold. Gel shift analysis showed that mutations of Arg32 and Asp65 suppressed ligase binding to a pre-adenylated nick, whereas Asp29, Glu67 and Glu161 mutants bound stably to DNA-adenylate. We infer that Asp29, Glu67 and Glu161 are involved directly in the step 3 reaction. In several cases, the effects of alanine or conservative mutations on step 3 were modest compared to their effects on the composite ligation reaction and individual upstream steps. These results, in concert with available crystallographic data, suggest that the active site of DNA ligase is remodeled during the three steps of the pathway and that some of the catalytic side chains play distinct roles at different stages.
The role of relationships in the professional formation of physicians: Case report and illustration of an elicitation technique

Abstract Objective Studies of physicians’ professional development highlight the important effect that the learning environment has in shaping student attitudes, behaviors, and values. The objective of this study was to better understand the interplay among relationships and experiences in mediating the effects of the learning environment. Methods We randomly recruited 2nd- and 4th-year students from among volunteers at each of five medical schools. One interviewer at each school conducted a face-to-face, open-ended, semi-structured interview with each student. The interviewers used a method called ‘life-circle diagramming’ to direct the student to draw a picture of all of the relationships in his/her life that had an influence on the sort of doctor that each student saw him/herself becoming. Interviews lasted between 60 and 120 min. Using a narrative framework that focuses on elements of students’ stories (e.g., setting, characters, plot), we analyzed transcripts through an iterative process of individual reading and group discussion to derive themes and relationships among themes. Results Twenty students completed interviews. These students are embedded in complex webs of relationships with colleagues, friends, family, role models, patients, and others. Most students entered medical school with formed notions of what they wanted to ‘be like’ as physicians. While students generally gravitated toward relationships with like-minded people, their experiences varied, and some students could sense themselves changing as they moved through school. Such changes were often related to important events or issues. The relationships that students found themselves in during the context of these events had an important effect on students’ beliefs about what kinds of behaviors and attitudes were possible and desirable in their future practice. Conclusions Students proceed through medical school embedded in complex webs of relationships that exert a powerful influence (both positive and negative) on their formation as physicians. Practice Implications Educational interventions that foster adoption of professional values need to acknowledge the influence of relationships, and assist students to harness and shape relational effects on their growth and development. The life-circle diagramming activity holds potential to promote reflection and self-knowledge, and to provide a foundation for professional growth.
Stochastic Cooling: Recent Theoretical Directions

A kinetic equation derivation of the stochastic cooling Fokker-Planck equation is discussed. The notion of correlation is introduced to describe both the Schottky spectrum and signal suppression. Generalizations to nonlinear gain and coupling between degrees of freedom are presented. Analysis of bunch beam cooling is included.
Metagenomic analysis of the turkey gut RNA virus community

Viral enteric disease is an ongoing economic burden to poultry producers worldwide, and despite considerable research, no single virus has emerged as a likely causative agent and target for prevention and control efforts. Historically, electron microscopy has been used to identify suspect viruses, with many small, round viruses eluding classification based solely on morphology. National and regional surveys using molecular diagnostics have revealed that suspect viruses continuously circulate in United States poultry, with many viruses appearing concomitantly and in healthy birds. High-throughput nucleic acid pyrosequencing is a powerful diagnostic technology capable of determining the full genomic repertoire present in a complex environmental sample. We utilized the Roche/454 Life Sciences GS-FLX platform to compile an RNA virus metagenome from turkey flocks experiencing enteric disease. This approach yielded numerous sequences homologous to viruses in the BLAST nr protein database, many of which have not been described in turkeys. Our analysis of this turkey gut RNA metagenome focuses in particular on the turkey-origin members of the Picornavirales, the Caliciviridae, and the turkey Picobirnaviruses.
Disability Portrayal in Film: Reflecting the Past, Directing the Future:

Going to the movies and viewing videos are very popular forms of entertainment. Cinematic stories and characters influence perceptions and opinions of many viewers. Studying film depictions, therefore, provides a unique perspective on society's views of individuals with disabilities. The purpose of this descriptive study was to investigate trends in Academy Award winning films that portray persons with disabilities. Over the decades, there have been an increasing number of awards involving “disability” movies; psychiatric disorders have been most frequently portrayed. Only two of the motion pictures identified presented children or youth with impairments, while none featured learning disabilities. Implications for special education professionals, with particular emphasis on using films for instructional purposes, are discussed.
Effective linewidth due to conductivity losses in barium ferrite at 10 GHz

The effective linewidth technique has been applied at 10 GHz and room temperature to single-crystal barium ferrite with uniaxial anisotropy. Effective linewidths were obtained from measurements of the positive field tails of the FMR (ferromagnetic resonance) absorption and dispersion curves for circular disks of barium ferrite ranging in thickness from 0.33 to 1.75 mm. The effective linewidths ranged from 125 to 2850 Oe, and vary linearly with the square of the disk thickness. This linear relation is consistent with an eddy current loss process. A fit of the data to rudimentary eddy current theory yields a resistivity of 0.8 Omega -cm. This result for the resistivity is consistent with a resistivity of 1-4 Omega -cm determined from 10-GHz dielectric measurements and 20 Omega -cm from DC resistivity measurements. The effective linewidth vs sample thickness extrapolated to zero thickness indicates an intrinsic linewidth of 60+or-45 Oe. The results indicate that, for barium ferrite samples thicker than about 0.3 mm, the effective linewidth losses are dominated by losses due to eddy currents in the material. >
Optimisation of an articulated instrument for enhanced dexterity in minimally invasive therapy

SummaryThe benefits for patients of minimally invasive surgery are reduced trauma, hospitalisation and recovery time. The growth in the number of these procedures is dependent upon the development of articulated tools with enhanced dexterity. In this paper, we examine trends in articulated instrument development and present our own articulated manipulator for minimally invasive surgery (AMMIS). The AMMIS is a single degree-of-freedom compact mechanism, with 180d` bi-directional articulation capability. It can support a surgical tool, exert necessary forces with a moderate driving force and respond quickly. Furthermore, its configuration can be modified and optimised for specific surgical tasks. To this end, we develop criteria for evaluating the optimal performance of articulated tools. These criteria include reachable and dexterous workspaces, force magnification, potential backlash, tip path curvature and maximum articulation angle per link. Using these criteria we outline a procedure for optimisation a...
Blind endovascular catheterization and direct access of an occluded superior ophthalmic vein for treatment of carotid cavernous fistula

We describe a case of an elderly patient who presented with right-sided ophthalmoplegia, proptosis, chemosis, and increased intraocular pressure. An angiogram showed feeding vessels from the bilateral internal and external carotid arteries. Our initial attempt to blindly probe the inferior petrosal sinus was unsuccessful. This was followed by a right anterior orbitotomy exposing the superior ophthalmic vein which was directly cannulated with an 18 gauge angiocatheter. However, a proximal third of the superior ophthalmic vein within the orbit which was thrombosed was probed blindly. The thrombosed vein was cannulated with a microcatheter to obtain coil embolization of the carotid cavernous fistula. The implications of the procedure are discussed, given that, to our knowledge, such an endeavor has never been performed.
Does Childhood Use of Stimulant Medication as a Treatment for ADHD Affect the Likelihood of Future Drug Abuse and Dependence? A Literature Review

This article describes the disparate research findings regarding the effects of stimulant medication in subsequent substance abuse and dependence. A minimum of 4 to 5% of children in the United States will be diagnosed with ADHD; thus it is important for parents to be informed when making decisions about the use of stimulant medication to treat symptoms. Considering the inconsistencies in the literature, it is still difficult to determine the true effects of stimulant medication on drug abuse and dependence in adulthood.
Methylphenidate Treatment of ADHD in Preschoolers

Despite the increased use of methylphenidate in preschoolers with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), few data are available regarding the efficacy and safety of methylphenidate in this population. Methylphenidate has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD in children aged 6 years or older. A recent large-scale, controlled trial of methylphenidate for the treatment of preschoolers with ADHD provides clinically relevant and greatly needed information for clinicians who treat these children.
Shift Happens: The U.S. Supreme Court's Shifting Antidiscrimination Rhetoric

The United States Supreme Court’s discourse on discrimination affects how fundamental civil rights - such as the right to be free from gender and race discrimination - are adjudicated and conceptualized in this country. Shortly after Congress passed Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Court established precedent that assumed discrimination, absent some other compelling explanation for employer conduct. While the Court was more reluctant to presume such discrimination by governmental actors, it was deferent to Congress’s ability to set standards that would presume discrimination. Over time, however, that presumption and the Court’s deference to Congress has dissipated, and today, the Court actually presumes non-discrimination, absent some evidence that shows an employer or governmental actor was intentionally discriminating. This article will describe the shift in the Supreme Court’s rhetoric over time, with an eye toward trying to understand why this shift has occurred and what the implications of this shift are for those who have suffered discrimination and wish to pursue their rights in court. In addition, this article will consider non-legal sources to determine whether such a shift is warranted by a decrease in race and gender discrimination in American society.