cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Successful Game Development Partnerships between Academics and Physicians: Two Case Studies

This paper discusses the creation of two serious games developed by the Engender Games Group with the intention of meeting specific outcomes in the healthcare field. The processes and pitfalls of developing games of this kind are outlined with the intention of demonstrating how game developers and health care professionals can collaborate to produce compelling, fun games that meet specific goals. The Atendiendo el Parto en Casa Home Birth, game is a collaboration with Drs. Dilys Walker and Carrie Rouse at the University of Washington Medical School to educate traditional midwives working in rural Mexico. The Flu Busters! game is a collaboration with a group of pediatric specialists at Winthrop-University Hospital on Long Island led by Dr. Leonard Krilov which explains how the flu vaccine works and encourages children to get vaccinated.
Group premarital counseling using a premarital assessment questionnaire: Evaluation from group leaders

No research to date addresses premarital assessment questionnaire (PAQ) use within group settings. The current study evaluated the benefits and drawbacks of group use of one PAQ (the RELATE Inventory). Results were obtained via semi-structured interviews of group leaders and indicate overall leader agreement on the perceived desirability, benefits, and drawbacks of using PAQs in group premarital efforts. Recommended principles/guidelines for effective group PAQ use are organized into four categories: PAQ Considerations, Group Leader Considerations, Couple Considerations, and Group Content/Process Considerations.
Coupled ER to Golgi transport reconstituted with purified cytosolic proteins.

A cell-free vesicle fusion assay that reproduces a subreaction in transport of pro-α-factor from the ER to the Golgi complex has been used to fractionate yeast cytosol. Purified Sec18p, Uso1p, and LMA1 in the presence of ATP and GTP satisfies the requirement for cytosol in fusion of ER-derived vesicles with Golgi membranes. Although these purified factors are sufficient for vesicle docking and fusion, overall ER to Golgi transport in yeast semi-intact cells depends on COPII proteins (components of a membrane coat that drive vesicle budding from the ER). Thus, membrane fusion is coupled to vesicle formation in ER to Golgi transport even in the presence of saturating levels of purified fusion factors. Manipulation of the semi-intact cell assay is used to distinguish freely diffusible ER- derived vesicles containing pro-α-factor from docked vesicles and from fused vesicles. Uso1p mediates vesicle docking and produces a dilution resistant intermediate. Sec18p and LMA1 are not required for the docking phase, but are required for efficient fusion of ER- derived vesicles with the Golgi complex. Surprisingly, elevated levels of Sec23p complex (a subunit of the COPII coat) prevent vesicle fusion in a reversible manner, but do not interfere with vesicle docking. Ordering experiments using the dilution resistant intermediate and reversible Sec23p complex inhibition indicate Sec18p action is required before LMA1 function.
Improvement in renal function and rejection control in pediatric liver transplant recipients with the introduction of sirolimus

Calcineurin inhibitors have dramatically improved the outcomes of pediatric liver transplantation. However, calcineurin inhibitor use is associated with a 50% reduction in glomerular filtration rate in the first year post-transplant. Nephrotoxicity can be difficult to manage, especially in the pediatric population. We hypothesized that the addition of an mTOR inhibitor with decreased calcineurin inhibitor levels might improve or prevent renal insufficiency and improve control of rejection. A retrospective chart review was performed on the patients treated with sirolimus who had undergone an orthotopic liver transplant between January 2000 and February 2003. Thirty-eight patients were identified. Mean age was 8.6 yr. Fourteen patients were male and 24 were female. Mean weight was 30.3 kg. The most common indications for starting sirolimus were rejection (42%) and renal impairment (29%). Seventy-three percent of patients begun on sirolimus remain on the medication. Those with renal impairment (11 patients) showed improvement in their creatinine levels from a mean baseline of 1.3 to 0.8 mg/dL. Their calculated creatinine clearance (Schwartz formula) improved from 63.7 to 84.8 mL/min (p = 0.03). Patients started on sirolimus for rejection showed significant improvement in hepatocellular enzymes despite a reduction in the tacrolimus level from 12.2 to 7.5 ng/mL. The mean alanine aminotransferase level improved from 221 to 100 units/L (p = 0.02), and the mean aspartate aminotransferase improved from 121 to 99 units/L (p = 0.59). Addition of sirolimus to a tacrolimus-based regimen with lower target tacrolimus levels improved liver function in patients with rejection. Addition of sirolimus significantly improved renal function as shown by creatinine level and calculated creatinine clearance in those children with renal impairment. The effect of combined immunosuppressant treatment with tacrolimus and sirolimus on long-term renal function needs to be evaluated.
Ocular torsion: rotations around the “WHY” axis

Abstract Background Traditional teaching holds that there is a partial compensatory countertorsion after head tilt because the intorters in the eye on the side of the head tilt and the extorters in the contralateral eye are stimulated. This teaching is inconsistent with a number of clinical observations. Methods Review of existing literature, reanalysis of data from the investigator's previous experiments, and inductive and deductive reasoning were used to reconcile inconsistencies and present a theory on why torsional movements occur. Results The inconsistencies can be reconciled if one considers that during the dynamic phase of head tilt, there is an alternating series of intorsional and extorsional movements of both eyes. Each eye has slow dynamic compensatory counterrolling phases that serve as torsional “doll's-head” movements to stabilize the image during head tilt. This counterrolling is partially eliminated by a series of anticompensatory torsional saccades in the direction of head tilt, which is in contrast to traditional teaching. Conclusion Dynamic compensatory counterrolling occurs during head tilt. It is largely eliminated by anticompensatory torsional saccades in the opposite direction so that by the end of head tilt only minimal static countertorsion remains. The dynamic compensatory counterrolling motion is necessary to minimize peripheral visual movement during head tilt. The elimination of most of the counterrolling by the end of head tilt is necessary to preserve convergence and stereopsis.
Social Science Needs in Agriculture and Natural Resources Curricula—The CEANAR Report

M 4[Y task here, in the brief time allotted, is to summarize the recomIVI mendations and the rationale underlying the CEANAR Committee's Report on the Social Science Education Needs for Undergraduates in Agriculture and Natural Resources Curricula. The Committee's specific charge was to recommend desirable education in the social sciences for undergraduates in agriculture and natural resources to fulfill: (1) the liberal education dimension of their undergraduate education; (2) supporting the professional education needs of undergraduates in non-social science majors, e.g., Agronomy, Animal Science, Food Science, Forestry; and (3) supporting the professional education needs of undergraduates in the social science-oriented curriculum, e.g., Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Business Administration, Rural Sociology, Rural Community Planning and Development, Recreational Planning, and International Economic Development. First, permit me to capsule for you the nature and magnitude of the social, economic, and political environment and issues that seemingly call for a greater understanding by faculty and students of the need for an increased role for the social sciences in today's modem university professional education. American communities today are faced with massive social problems. The annual level of investment in the development of technology has reached the 23 billion dollar level in the United States. Seven billion of
Pseudo-almost periodic solutions for some classes of nonautonomous partial evolution equations

In this paper upon making some suitable assumptions such as the Acquistapace–Terreni conditions and exponential dichotomy we obtain the existence of pseudo-almost periodic solutions to some classes of nonautonomous evolution equations of Sobolev-type. An example is given at the end of the paper to illustrate our abstract result.
Synthesis of epoxy-terminated dialkyl disulfides for polymerizable self-assembled monolayers

Abstract The synthesis of epoxy-terminated dialkyl disulfides for incorporation into polymerizable self-assembled monolayers is reported. The epoxide is installed by an indirect method in which the disulfide linkage is used as a built-in protecting group.
Política nos Estados Unidos: tendências nas últimas quatro décadas

Neste artigo e discutido o desenvolvimento da politica americana tendo em vista as transformacoes ocorridas ao longo das ultimas decadas. Procurara contrastar amplamente a politica americana como se apresentava em 1953 com a dos dias atuais. As transformacoes a serem abordadas referem-se as que afetam a composicao, participacao e alinhamento do grande publico em uma sociedade de massa; as que tratam da natureza das instituicoes politicas e governamentais americanas e as elites; as que influenciam a natureza dos problemas enfrentados pelo governo americano e a perspectiva de trata-los com eficiencia.
Induction of Apoptosis and Necrosis in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells by Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters

Background: Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE), nonoxidative products of ethanol metabolism, are formed by the esterification of fatty acids and ethanol. Alcoholic subjects have high levels of FAEE in the circulation as well as in organs and tissues, especially those most often damaged by ethanol abuse. Our previous studies showed a significant synthesis of FAEE by human mononuclear cells within seconds of exposure to physiologic doses of ethanol. In addition, FAEE inhibited phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated interleukin-2 production and calcium (Ca2+) influx into human mononuclear cells. FAEE also caused a rapid increase in the intracellular cAMP. The mechanism by which alcohol suppresses the immune system remains undetermined. Objectives: To evaluate the morphological and physiological effects of FAEE on human mononuclear cells and to study the impact of FAEE on cell viability. Methods: Mononuclear cell fractions of human white blood cells (WBC) were incubated with physiological doses (25 and 50 μM) of ethyl oleate, a representative FAEE, for 15, 30, 60, 120 or 180 minutes. Morphological changes were evaluated by light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was measured as a physiological indicator of necrosis. Physiological changes were also evaluated by western blots performed on whole-cell lysates of treated and untreated cells and by DNA electrophoresis. Results: Significant morphological changes were detected in cells exposed to FAEE by both light and TEM. Concentration and time-dependent increases in the rates of apoptosis and necrosis were found by light microscopy and by LDH release, respectively, following 60 minutes exposure to 25 or 50 μM FAEE. One-hour 50 μM FAEE exposure caused activation of the caspase cascade, as demonstrated by Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase (PARP) cleavage, and significant DNA damage as a result of necrosis in human mononuclear cells. Conclusions: These studies provide evidence to support the toxic effects of FAEE on intact human mononuclear cells. The results from our studies also show that both apoptosis and necrosis are modes of cell death in FAEE-treated human mononuclear cells. This may be an important mechanism in alcohol-induced immunosuppression.
Value of climate forecasts for adjusting farming strategies in sub-Saharan Africa

Sustaining and increasing crop production and productivity has to be a major policy thrust for developing countries. Using a simulation approach different production strategies were evaluated conditioned on climate information to derive optimal strategies to help farmers reduce risk and increase productivity. By examining the existence of options in this case planting dates the study provides an analyses of the expected value and risks associated with changing decisions based on the availability of climate forecasts. The 15-March planting date produced the highest mean yield for the two cultivars examined although 1-April, 15-April and 1-May plantings had one to zero probability of crop failures compared to 15-March with crop failures in 4 out of 20 years. Results indicate losses of between 25 and 35 kg/day due to delays in planting from 15-March planting to 1-June planting for the 120- and 150-day cultivar. El nino years were associated with positive yield deviations for both cultivars and most planting dates. Farmers are known to make tactical adjustments to their management in light of information perceived relevant to the prospects of forthcoming crop. Although in its present form most current forecast products do not provide information on onset of the rainfall, however the information they do provide could play a crucial role in helping farmers reduce the risks posed by climatic variability.
Effect of repeated doses of external and internal irradiation on structure of the spleen.

Summary and Conclusions1. Minimal doses of internal irradiation (0.01 to 0.05 mc of colloidal radiogold) induced in C3H mice within 5 or 6 days a very marked congestive swelling of the spleen which lasted for about 14 days. No significant effect on size of the spleen could be obtained within a wide range (50 to 200 r) of small doses of external irradiation. 2. Large doses of radiogold (2 mc) as well as of external irradiation (1200 r) caused shrinkage and partial atrophy of the spleen within 3 days, the effect of the former being more severe. 3. Large dose of colloidal radiogold (2 mc) injected 5 or 6 days after pretreatment with a minimal dose (0.01 mc) of the same radioisotope induced within 3 days more marked shrinkage and more complete atrophy of the spleen than the same dose of radiogold without pretreatment. Substitution of radiogold(either of a preparative dose or of a large dose) by analogous doses of external irradiation did not reproduce the same drastic changes of the spleen. 4. These findings ...
Giant papillary conjunctivitis after keratoplasty

Giant papillae of the upper tarsal conjunctiva have been found in vernal conjunctivitis and, more recently, in giant papillary conjunctivitis in patients with contact lenses. A similar syndrome occurred in 11 patients who had undergone penetrating keratoplasty with interrupted nylon sutures. Minimal itching, mild mucous discharge, mild blepharoptosis, and giant papillae of the upper tarsal conjunctiva were associated with exposed suture ends. Removal of exposed sutures led to resolution of the condition. Conjunctival scrapings from three of five patients demonstrated eosinophils. Although the syndrome may have an immunologic basis, the findings are also consistent with a mechanical origin related to exposed nylon sutures.
The Future of Personal Responsibility.

The problem of this paper is one of the most subtle and difficult in the whole of social dynamics. It may very well be insoluble with the present techniques of social science. The principal purpose of this paper, therefore, is to make clear the nature of the problem and the sort of things we might have to know if we were to solve it.
Synthesis and Characterization of 9-Phenylcarbazole Monodendrons: An Exploration of Peripheral Groups To Facilitate Purification

9-Phenylcarbazole ethynylene monodendrons with 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl and 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-(2-methoxyethoxy)phenylene groups were synthesized. Both peripheral groups increased the solubility of the monodendrons. Only three generations of monodendrons with 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl peripheral groups were realized due to difficulties in the purification of monodendron 31-mer. A peripheral monomer with two 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-(2-methoxyethoxy)phenylene groups at the 3- and 6-positions of carbazole increases the solubility as well as the polarity of the monodendrons so as to facilitate the separation by adsorption chromatography, thereby enabling monodendrons up to generation four (MW = 16.6 kDa) to be realized. A monomer bearing a 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-1-ynyl group at its focal point as a masking group for terminal acetylene functionality was used to facilitate the removal of diacetylene byproducts.
Effects of Electric Treatments and Wing Restraints on the Rate of Post-Mortem Biochemical Changes and Objective Texture of Broiler Pectoralis Major Muscles Deboned After Chilling

Abstract The study was conducted to determine the effects of electric current and wing restraints on the rate of post-mortem biochemical changes and objective texture of broiler Pectoralis major muscles deboned after chilling. Electric treatments of stun, stun and stimulate, and electrocution were administered to a total of 12 birds in each of six replications of the study. In each replication, wing restraints were applied to two of the four birds subjected to each electric treatment. Birds were subjected to the stunning and electrocution treatments prior to bleeding for 90 s. For the stun and stimulation treatment, the birds were bled during and after the pulsed stimulation. Carcasses were subjected to the wing restraints after feather removal, then eviscerated, prechilled, and chilled. The Pectoralis major muscles were removed 75 min post-mortem and evaluated for pH, R value (ratio of adenine to inosine nucleotides), and sarcomere length. Muscles were held at 2 C for 24 h prior to cooking and objective texture evaluation. Stunning and stimulating treatments resulted in significantly higher R values and lower pH values compared with the electrocution treatment. The application of wing restraints significantly increased sarcomere lengths in raw deboned muscle. Stunning followed by pulsed stimulation in conjunction with wing restraints resulted in the lowest shear values (5.95 kg) for cooked meat of muscles deboned 75 min post-mortem.
EQ: Checking the implementation of equality in Java

Objects in Object-Oriented languages such as Java are required to implement an equality predicate using the equals(Object) method in order to be compared with each other. This is particularly important when these objects interact with lists, sets, and maps from the Java Collection Framework. There are several considerations that must be taken in the implementation of this method, which, if ignored, will lead to subtle bugs. We present a tool called EQ that analyzes the source code to find such bugs.
Phosphorus-31 NMR relaxation studies of diethyl P-methoxyphenyl phosphate bound to phosphotriesterase

Abstract The effect of Mn 2+ Mn 2+ , Mn 2+ Zn 2+ and Mn 2+ Cd 2+ reconstituted phosphotriesterase on the 31P spin lattice ( 1 T 1 ) relaxation rate of diethyl p-methoxyphenyl phosphate has been investigated. In the presence of Mn 2+ Mn 2+ phosphotriesterase, the spin lattice relaxation rate of the phosphorus atom is enhanced giving an upper limit for the phosphorus-metal root mean-sixth average distance of 4.2 A. These results demonstrate for the first time that substrates for phosphotriesterase bind in close proximity to the binuclear metal center.
A mixed-integer programming approach to the clustering problem

A mixed-integer programing formulation for clustering is proposed, one that encompasses a wider range of objectives--and side conditions--than standard clustering approaches. The flexibility of the formulation is demonstrated in diagrams of sample problems and solutions. Preliminary computational tests in a practical setting confirm the usefulness of the formulation.
Ephrins keep dendritic spines in shape

The EphB ephrin receptors are involved in synapse formation. New work now implicates the EphA family, as glial ephrin3A activates the EphA4 receptor on dendritic spines to stabilize spine shape.
Optical field concentration in low-index waveguides

We present a highly efficient optical field concentrator that is capable of confining optical field in nanometer-thin low-index media with very high optical confinement factor. The structure is made of multiple-layered low-index nanolayers embedded in high-index silicon waveguides. By creating multiple high-index-contrast interfaces, the normal field in the low-index nanolayer regions is significantly enhanced. It subsequently results in a very high optical confinement and power density in these regions. With the help of numerical simulation tools, the guiding and propagating characteristics of the new structure are studied and presented. The optimal structures have demonstrated confinement factors and normalized power densities in the range of 30%-60% and 20-160 mum-2 for the 5-20-nm thin low-index multiple nanolayers
Learning from sociological practice: The case of applied constructionism

Drawing upon field research in two distinct settings, the authors reflect upon the uses of and problems associated with social constructionism in academic and applied contexts. Miller’s research on brief therapists and Fox’s on an AIDS prevention program, both of which utilize the principles of social constructionism, bring into relief various issues within social constructionism. The authors suggest that academic contructionists’ consideration of applied uses might bear insight into the relationship between theory and sociological practice. As practitioners of everyday life who are responsible to practical concerns, social constructionists' knowledge claims are socially contingent. The mutable claims to expertise and authority in applied settings highlight these contingencies. Moreover, within applied constructionist settings, decisions to priviledge some knowledge forms over others reflect the ontological gerry-mandering problem in academic versions of constructionism.
The reaction of glutaraldehyde with dilute solutions of an acid-precursor gelatin

Abstract The reaction of glutaraldehyde with acid-precursor gelatin has been studied at 40°C under dilute solution conditions (≦ 1.0% by weight gelatin) which yield watersoluble reaction products. An iodometric technique established that in 0.05 M acetate buffer, 0.90 ± 0.05 mmoles glutaraldehyde were consumed per gram gelatin over a pH range of 3.7–6.5. The initial reaction was rapid, but equilibrium glutaraldehyde uptake required several days. Glutaraldehyde consumption was reduced to 0.58–0.82 mmoles/gm gelatin by 0.05 M phthlate buffer and neutral salt ions. Several physical characteristics of glutaraldehyde-gelatin reaction products were examined in order to characterize them more fully. Spectra of such products may have absorption maxima at 264, 436, and 526 mμ, but which of these three maxima are observed in a given case varied with pH and neutral salt ion concentration. Specific optical rotations of the reaction products were consistently only slightly less levorotatory (by +4 to +9°) than the original gelatin sample. Reduced viscosity of a glutaraldehyde-gelatin reaction mixture (40°C, pH 4.5) decreased initially. This decrease paralleled glutaraldehyde consumption determined directly and indicated a lack of intermolecular crosslinking. The constant viscosity observed after the decrease implies that the reaction product is resistant to hydrolytic degradation under the specified test conditions. Preliminary ultracentrifugation data indicate that reaction products formed at 40°C in phthalate buffer chemically crosslink when stored at 24°C in the presence of excess glutaraldehyde. This is not observed for reaction products formed in acetate buffer.
The urban dilemma and research gaps: Explorations into scholarship and identity

This essay addresses the difficulty communication scholars have in addressing public policy regarding urban life which results, in large part, from the discipline's fractionalized, turf‐bound nature. Recommendations for future directions in research and academic responsibility will be offered and linked to concurrent developments in the technology of mediation.
The effects of stage divergence on survival after radical cystectomy for urothelial cancer.

Abstract Introduction Discrepancies between clinical and pathologic staging, herein referred to as stage divergence, are common after radical cystectomy. The implications of stage divergence on survival are ill defined in the context of those treated by surgery alone and would facilitate patient counseling and enhance prognostication. Methods There were 78 consecutive radical cystectomy patients with clinical stage T2 or less urothelial carcinoma who comprised our study population. Kaplan-Meier plots were constructed to determine the effects of stage divergence on survival and the log-rank test employed to assess the significance. Regression models were developed to determine predictors of overall and cancer-specific survival. Results Stage divergence was common after radical cystectomy with downstaging and upstaging occurring in 27% and 49% of patients, respectively. Downstaged patients had better overall (P = 0.003) and bladder cancer-specific (P = 0.0004) survivals. None of the downstaged patient died from bladder cancer (median follow-up 35.9 months). Upstaged patients were five times as likely to succumb from bladder cancer or other illness compared to downstaged patients. This effect was not isolated to patients with lower clinical stages but also demonstrated in patients with clinical stage T2 bladder cancer. Conclusions Stage divergence is common after radical cystectomy occurring in 76% of patients in this study. The implications of stage divergence are equally relevant for those who are upstaged or downstaged in terms of survival, and such data is useful when counseling patients postoperatively. Downstaging at the time of radical cystectomy is associated with better overall and cancer-specific survival.
Peroxisomal participation in psychosine-mediated toxicity : Implications for krabbe's disease

Psychosine (galactosylsphingosine) accumulation in globoid cell leukodystrophy (Krabbe's disease) results in the loss of myelin and oligodendrocytes. To understand the role of psychosine toxicity in Krabbe's disease, we examined the effects of psychosine on peroxisomal functions and their relationship with reactive oxygen species. Rat C(6) glial cells were treated with psychosine with and without cytokines. Peroxisomal beta-oxidation was significantly inhibited and very long chain fatty acid levels and free radicals were increased in treated cells. Furthermore, psychosine treatment decreased glutathione and ATP levels, plasmalogen content, and expression of alkyl-DHAP synthase. Brain tissue of twitcher mice (animal model of Krabbe's) had decreased beta-oxidation activity, low glutathione, and reduced plasmalogens. Psychosine treatment of rat primary oligodendrocytes inhibited peroxisomal activities. Psychosine-mediated loss of peroxisomal function and free radical production was inhibited with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine in glial cells. Our results suggest that inhibition of peroxisomal functions and increased free radical production by psychosine may be partly responsible for oligodendrocyte and myelin loss observed in the Krabbe's brain, and that antioxidant therapy may be useful in the treatment of Krabbe's disease.
Unperturbed Dimensions and Local Stiffness of Poly(vinyl chloride) with Stereochemical Sequences Composed of Repeating Units

The unperturbed dimensions, preferred local conformations, and conformational entropies have been examined in rotational isomeric state models of poly(vinyl chloride) with stereochemical sequences defined by 46 repeating patterns. All possible repeats of 1−7 diads were considered, as well as selected repeats of 8−11 diads. Most of these chains have unperturbed dimensions close to the averages in a typical atactic poly(vinyl chloride). One exception is the chain with the repeating stereochemical sequence mmr, where m and r denote meso and racemo diads, respectively. This repeating stereochemical sequence yields the smallest unperturbed dimensions obtainable with poly(vinyl chloride), due to three competing preferred conformations within the mm unit and the inability of this short unit to complete a single turn of the 31 helix typical of an isotactic vinyl polymer. The series mrx, x = 1, 2, ..., exhibits unperturbed dimensions with a strong odd−even effect superimposed on a general tendency for an increase ...
Multifunctional Surface Modification of Gold-stabilized Nanoparticles by Bioorthogonal Reactions

Nanocarriers that combine multiple properties in an all-in-one system hold great promise for drug delivery. The absence of technology to assemble highly functionalized devices has, however, hindered progress in nanomedicine. To address this deficiency, we have chemically synthesized poly(ethylene oxide)-β-poly(e-caprolactone) (PEO-b-PCL) block polymers modified at the apolar PCL terminus with thioctic acid and at the polar PEO terminus with an acylhydrazide, amine, or azide moiety. The resulting block polymers were employed to prepare nanoparticles that have a gold core, an apolar polyester layer for drug loading, a polar PEO corona to provide biocompatibility, and three different types of surface reactive groups for surface functionalization. The acylhydrazide, amine, or azide moieties of the resulting nanoparticles could be reacted with high efficiencies with modules having a ketone, isocyanate, or active ester and alkyne function, respectively. To demonstrate proof of principle of the potential of mult...
Splenic preservation in children.

The diagnosis of splenic injury can be made with almost 100% certainty by physical examination and nuclear imaging or computerized axial tomography, eliminating the need for surgical exploration in children who are stable and have no evidence of an associated intra-abdominal injury. The nonoperative approach of treatment has been successful in over 95% of selected cases. Operative splenic preservation methods, including splenorrhaphy with or without splenic artery ligation, hemisplenectomy, and splenectomy with autotransplantation have been attempted and each has a role in the unstable patient requiring operation. Splenectomy alone carries a 1.5% risk of overwhelming postsplenectomy infection which is only partially prevented by Pneumovax® and antibiotics. The regionalization of trauma care in children ensures proper monitoring of the injured child, and a surgeon knowledgeable about the treatment options has made splenic preservation a reality
Neutron diffraction study of the S2 monolayer phase of ethane physisorbed on graphite

Abstract Motivated by low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) experiments, we have re-examined the structure of the S2 monolayer phase of ethane (C2D6) adsorbed on the graphite (0001) surface. Profile analysis of the neutron diffraction pattern of the S2 phase yields a structural model similar to that inferred by LEED: an incommensurate rectangular unit cell, 7.52 A × 5.24 A , containing two molecules arranged in a herringbone pattern. The orientation of the molecules found experimentally is consistent with potential energy calculations on a monolayer cluster but differs somewhat from results of molecular dynamics simulations.
Cation movements during dehydration and NO2 desorption in a Ba-Y,FAU zeolite: An in situ time-resolved X-ray diffraction study

Synchrotron-based in situ time-resolved X-ray diffraction and Rietveld analysis were used to probe the interactions between BaY, FAU zeolite frameworks and H2O or NO2 molecules. These results provided information about the migration of the Ba2+ cations in the zeolite framework during dehydration and during NO2 adsorption/desorption processes in a water free zeolite. In the hydrated structure water molecules form four double rings of hexagonal ice-like clusters [(H2O)6] in the 12-ring openings of the super-cage. These water rings interacted with the cations and the zeolite framework through four cation/water clusters centered over the four 6-membered rings of the super-cage (site II). Interpenetrating tetrahedral water clusters [(H2O)4] and tetrahedral Ba+2 cation clusters were observed in the sodalite cage. Consistent with the reported FT-IR results, three different ionic NOx species (NO+, NO+-NO2, and NO3-) were observed following NO2 adsorption by the dehydrated Ba-Y,FAU zeolite. The structure of the water and the NOx species were correlated with the interactions between the adsorbates, the cations, and the framework. The population of Ba2+ ions at different cationic positions strongly depended on the amount of bound water or NOx species. Both dehydration and NO2 adsorption/desorption resulted in facile migration of Ba2+ ions among the different cationic positions.more » Data obtained in this work have provided direct evidence for the Ba2+ cation migration to accommodate the binding of gas molecules. This important feature may play a pivotal role in the strong binding of NO2 to Ba-Y,FAU zeolite, a prerequisite for high catalytic activity in lean NOx reduction catalysis.« less
Trends and burden of firearm-related hospitalizations in the United States across 2001- 2011

Abstract Background Firearm-related hospitalizations are a major burden to the current health care infrastructure. We examined the trends in the incidence and case-fatality rates of firearm-related hospitalizations over the past decade. We also hypothesized that major national economic perturbations would be partly responsible and correlate temporally with national firearm-related hospitalization trends. Methods We used the 2001-2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample for analysis. Firearm-related hospitalizations were identified using International Classification of Diseases, 9 th Revision codes. In addition, we examined the relationship between the US stock market performance (Dow Jones Industrial Average) and the annual firearm-related hospitalization incidence rates. Results In the last decade, there has been a modest decline in firearm-related hospitalizations, interrupted by spikes in the annual incidence that closely corresponded to periods of national economic instability. In addition, the overall case-fatality rate following firearm-related hospitalization has been stable at ∼8%; the highest rates being present among those who attempted suicide using firearms. Also, there has been an increase in the prevalence of mental health disorders among individuals admitted with firearm-related injuries. Moreover, there was an increase in the length of stay and the cost/charges associated with hospitalization over the last decade. Conclusion Over 2001-2011, the national incidence of firearm-related hospitalizations has closely tracked the national stock market performance, suggesting that economic perturbations and resultant insecurities might underlie the perpetuation of firearm-related injuries. Although the case-fatality rates have remained stable, the length of stay and hospitalization costs have increased, imposing additional burden on existing health care resources.
Prostaglandins and transplantation

Abstract Prostaglandins are important in the allograft response. Allograft antigenic stimulation causes release of prostaglandins both in vivo and in vitro. Macrophages and monocytes are the cells that produce the prostaglandins from arachidonic acid via the cyclooxygenase pathway. Prostaglandins exert immunosuppressive effects at several steps on both afferent and efferent phases in the cell-mediated immune system: reduction of Ia expression in antigen-presenting cells, inhibition of IL-1 and IL-2 production, and activation of suppressor cells. The immunosuppressive effects of blood transfusions and essential fatty acids appear to be mediated by PGE.
Chromatographic separation and multicollection-ICPMS analysis of iron. Investigating mass-dependent and -independent isotope effects.

A procedure was developed that allows precise determination of Fe isotopic composition. Purification of Fe was achieved by ion chromatography on AG1-X8 strongly basic anion-exchange resin. No isotopic fractionation is associated with column chemistry within 0.02‰/amu at 2σ. The isotopic composition was measured with a Micromass IsoProbe multicollection inductively coupled plasma hexapole mass spectrometer. The Fe isotopic composition of the Orgueil CI1 carbonaceous chondrite, which best approximates the solar composition, is indistinguishible from that of IRMM-014 (−0.005 ± 0.017‰/amu). The IRMM-014 reference material is therefore used for normalization of the isotopic ratios. The protocol for analyzing mass-dependent variations is validated by measuring geostandards (IF-G, DTS-2, BCR-2, AGV-2) and heavily fractionated Fe left after vacuum evaporation of molten wustite (FeO) and solar (MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-CaO-FeO in chondritic proportions) compositions. It is shown that the isotopic composition of Fe during ev...
Class in the United States: Not only alive but reproducing

Abstract Death-of-class advocates assert that the United States is moving toward a classless society or that class is no longer a useful concept in the social sciences; however, this paper argues that class is not only a highly salient factor in stratification and inequality but that it also is a compelling force in the lives of elites as they seek to enforce their privileged positions—at least at the local and regional levels—across generations. The ethnographic study reported here documents how privileged women contribute to the maintenance and social reproduction of the upper class through boundary maintenance practices involving residential selection, children's peer groups and schools, elite by-invitation-only social and volunteer organizations, and rites of passage such as the debutante presentation—all of which serve in the macrolevel process of class-based legitimation and the perpetuation of an opportunity structure that benefits the privileged at the expense of non-elites.
Partial amino acid sequence analysis of human placenta monoamine oxidase A and bovine liver monoamine oxidase B

We have prepared peptide maps from human placenta monoamine oxidase type A (MAO-A) and bovine monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) and determined the amino acid sequences of 21 of these peptides. These sequences have been compared to the cDNA deduced amino acid sequences of human MAO-A and -B. A result of special interest is the identification of two sets of MAO-A peptides which have sequences different from those deduced from cDNA sequences. This observation is consistent with the notion that MAO-A may be composed of at two subunits which are similar but not identical in primary amino acid sequence.
Effectiveness of corticosteroid injection in adhesive capsulitis

Objective: To assess whether intraarticular corticosteroids improve the outcome of a comprehensive home exercise programme in patients with adhesive capsulitis.Setting: The study was undertaken in the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department of a Ministry of Health hospital in Turkey.Subjects: Eighty patients with adhesive capsulitis were enrolled in the study.Interventions: The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 patients were given intraarticular corticosteroid (1 mL, 40 mg methylprednisolone acetate) followed by a 12-week comprehensive home exercise programme. Group 2 patients were given intraarticular serum physiologic (1 mL solution of 0.9% sodium chloride) followed by a 12-week comprehensive home exercise programme.Main measures: The outcome parameters were Shoulder Pain and Disability Index and University of California-Los Angeles end-result scores, night pain and shoulder passive range of motion.Results: Mean actual changes in abduction range of motion, Shoulder Pain and D...
Cancer rehabilitation into the future.

The 5-year survival for many cancer sites exceeds 50%, suggesting that these patients are living longer and may be considered to have a chronic illness. The incidence of cancer increases from 500 in 100,000 to 2000-4000 in 100,000 as women or men age from 50 to 80 years. Our population is aging and the prevalence of cancer is increasing. Treatments for cancer are quite complex, and they are often delivered to elders who have a variety of medical problems and are receiving additional medications that may complicate overall patient management. Hence, these patients may have extremely complex functional problems. Cancer patients need comprehensive care designed to relieve symptoms of pain, fatigue, and weakness. They need education to help support their ability to reach functional independence and maintain quality of life. Rehabilitation professionals are essential for the comprehensive care of cancer patients throughout the phases of their disease: treatment planning, treatment, remission, recurrence, and end of life. The needs of this population can better be served if several processes are put into effect. Rehabilitation professionals must be trained to manage problems associated with cancer and its treatments. Research about what are effective and efficient rehabilitation treatments must be done to determine how best to treat cancer patients throughout the various phases of their illness. Physicians and patients must be alerted to the importance of rehabilitation interventions to the overall function of these patients.
Real-time wavefront correction system using a zonal deformable mirror and a Hartmann sensor

We have developed an adaptive optics system that corrects up to five waves of 2nd-order and 3M-order aberrations in a high-power laser beam to less than 1/10th wave RMS. The wavefront sensor is a Hartmann sensor with discrete lenses and position-sensitive photodiodes; the deformable mirror uses piezoelectric actuators with feedback from strain gauges bonded to the stacks. The controller hardware uses a VMIE bus. The system removes thermally induced aberrations generated in the master-oscillator-power-amplifier chains of a dye laser, as well as aberrations generated in beam combiners and vacuum isolation windows for average output powers exceeding 1 kW. The system bandwidth is 1 Hz, but higher bandwidths are easily attainable.
Spouse confidence in self-efficacy for arthritis management predicts improved patient health.

Background In addition to patient self-efficacy, spouse confidence in patient efficacy may also independently predict patient health outcomes. However, the potential influence of spouse confidence has received little research attention.
Addition of trimethylsilylmethylmagnesium chloride to α, β-unsaturated carbonyls

Abstract Reactions of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds with Me 3 SiCH 2 MgCl, prepared from chloromethyltrimethylsilane [1], were examined. Unlike its lithium counterpart (Me 3 SiCH 2 Li), which adds to α,β-unsaturatedketones in the 1,2-sense, the Grignard reagent afforts γ silanes via a 1,4-addition sequence. This tendency is accentuated by the addition of Cu 2 Br 2 . Addition of the Grignard reagent to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes gives the simple 1,2-addition products.
The Cost of Residency Training in Psychiatry

Graduate medical education (GME) in the United States is financed largely by the federal government through the Medicare program. Medicare regulations developed in 1997 resulted in cuts in the direct, indirect, and disproportionate-share components of GME funding. Given this situation, it is increasingly important for programs to understand what the true costs of residency training are and how they are allocated. Using a faculty time survey and the yearly residency budget, the authors report on such an analysis for their own training program (at Michigan State University) for the 1996–97academic year. Overall, the response rate for the faculty time survey was 77% (N = 28). The identified program costs of supporting 20 psychiatry residents, excluding donated time, were calculated at $1,563,193, or $78,159 per resident. Eighty-four percent of costs were for personnel. These costs are consistent with those derived from studies of family practice and internal medicine training programs. Awareness of the costs of training will assist training directors in budget negotiations with their institutions.
A Polar-Low Development over the Bering Sea: Analysis, Numerical Simulation, and Sensitivity Experiments

Abstract A polar low that developed over the western Bering Sea on 7 March 1977 and tracked across St. Paul Island is investigated using observations and the Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model Version 5 (MM5). A series of fine-mesh (20 km) simulations are performed in order to examine the structure of the cyclone and the airflow within it and to determine the physical processes important for its development. Observations show that the low formed near the ice edge in a region of moderate low-level baroclinicity and cold-air advection when an upper-level trough, or lobe of anomalously large potential vorticity (PV), broke off from a migratory, upper-level cold low over Siberia and advanced into the region. A full physics model experiment, initialized 24 h prior to the appearance of the polar low, produced a small, intense cyclone having characteristics similar to the observed low. The simulated low more closely resembled an extratropical cyclone than a typ...
Mental rotation of random two-dimensional shapes

Abstract Two experiments are reported in which Ss were required to determine whether a random, angular form, presented at any of a number of picture-plane orientations, was a “standard” or “reflected” version. Average time required to make this determination increased linearly with the angular departure of the form from a previously learned orientation. The slope and intercept of the reaction-time (RT) function were virtually constant, regardless of the perceptual complexity of the test form and the orientation selected for initial learning. When Ss were informed in advance as to the identity and the orientation of the upcoming test form and, further, were permitted to indicate when they were prepared for its external presentation, RT for determining the version of the form was constant for all test-form orientations. However, the time needed to prepare for the test-form presentation increased linearly with the angular departure of the form from the learned orientation. It is argued that the processes both of preparing for and of responding to a disoriented test form consist of the mental rotation of an image, and that both sorts of mental rotation (pre-stimulus and post-stimulus) are carried out at essentially the same constant rate.
Catalytic function of DNA topoisomerase II.

Although the genetic code is defined by a linear array of nucleotides, it is the three-dimensional structure of the double helix that regulates most of its cellular functions. Over the past two decades, it has become increasingly clear that aspects of this three-dimensionality which reflect topological relationships within the double helix (i.e., superhelical twisting, knotting, or tangling) influence virtually every facet of nucleic acid physiology. In vivo, DNA topology is modulated by ubiquitous enzymes known as topoisomerases. The type II enzyme is essential to the eukaryotic cell and is required for unlinking daughter chromosomes and maintaining chromosome structure. Moreover, topoisomerase II also has been identified as the primary cellular target for several widely used antineoplastic drugs. Before the physiological functions of topoisomerase II can be effectively dissected or its drug interactions fully exploited, it is imperative to understand the mechanism by which this important enzyme carries out its catalytic cycle.