cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maternal intrusiveness, maternal warmth, and mother-toddler relationship outcomes: Variations across low-income ethnic and acculturation groups.

The present study investigated the extent to which maternal intrusiveness and warmth during play, observed in 579 European American, 412 African American, and 110 more and 131 less acculturated Mexican American low-income families when children were approximately 15 months old, predicted 3 dimensions of the mother-toddler relationship 10 months later. Intrusiveness predicted increases in later child negativity in all 4 groups. Among African Americans only, this association was moderated by maternal warmth. Intrusiveness predicted negative change in child engagement with mothers only in European American families. Finally, near-significant trends suggested that intrusiveness predicted later decreased dyadic mutuality in European American and more acculturated Mexican American families, but not in African American or less acculturated Mexican American families.
Remote thermal injury increases LPS-induced intestinal IL-6 production.

Background Patients suffering from burn injury are at high risk for subsequent infection. Thermal injury followed by endotoxemia may result in a “second hit,” causing an exaggerated inflammatory response with increased morbidity and mortality. The role of the intestine in this “second hit” response is unknown. We hypothesized that remote thermal injury increases the inflammatory response of intestinal mucosa to subsequent treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods Mice underwent sham or scald injury. Seven days after injury, mice were treated with LPS. Blood and bowel specimens were obtained. Serum and intestinal inflammatory cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in TLR-4 pathway components in intestine were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Intestinal leukocyte infiltration was analyzed by myeloperoxidase assay. Results A “second hit” of injected LPS resulted in increased IL-6 in intestine of burned mice compared with sham. Similarly, jejunal IL-6 mRNA levels increased in mice with prior thermal injury, suggesting a transcriptional mechanism. Of transcription factors known to drive IL-6 expression, only AP-1 activation was significantly elevated by a “second hit” of LPS. Conclusion Prior thermal injury potentiates LPS-induced IL-6 cytokine production in intestine. These results indicate a heightened inflammatory response to a second hit by intestine after burn injury.
HIDDEN PLACES AND CREOLE FORMS: NAMING THE BARBUDAN LANDSCAPE*

The decline of fieldwork in human geography in the United States is reflected in place name studies of the last 30 years, which have been founded on maps alone. Research in Barbuda, Lesser Antilles, demonstrates the importance of human informants and observations in the field for gathering toponymic information, and shows the axiom that place names alone are evidence of past landscapes and land uses to be unreliable. The study tests some accepted principles of naming against field observations and proposes the significance of creole language and diglossia in the place names of creole speech communities.
ASIC1a channels are activated by endogenous protons during ischemia and contribute to synergistic potentiation of intracellular Ca2+ overload during ischemia and acidosis

Abstract Acidosis accompanying cerebral ischemia activates acid-sensing ion channels (ASIC) causing increases in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and enhanced neuronal death. Experiments were undertaken in rat cortical neurons to explore the effects of ASIC1a activation on ischemia-induced [Ca2+]i elevations and whole-cell currents. There was a significant contribution of ASIC1a channels to ischemia-evoked [Ca2+]i increases at pH 7.4, suggesting that ASIC1a channels are activated by endogenous protons during ischemia. The combination of ischemia and acidosis resulted in synergistic increases in [Ca2+]i and plasma membrane currents relative to acidosis or ischemia alone. ASIC1a inhibitors significantly blunted [Ca2+]i increases and a transient current activated by ischemia + acidosis, demonstrating that homomeric ASIC1a channels are involved. However, ASIC1a inhibitors failed to diminish a sustained current activated in response to combined ischemia and acidosis, indicating that acidosis can potentiate ischemia effects through mechanisms other than ASIC1a. The [Ca2+]i overload produced by acidosis and ischemia was not blocked by tetrodotoxin, 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid or nifedipine. Thus, acidosis and activation of ASIC1a channels during ischemia can promote [Ca2+]i overload in the absence of neurotransmission, independent of NMDA receptor or L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel activation. Postsynaptic ASIC1a channels play a critical role in ischemia-induced [Ca2+]i dysregulation and membrane dysfunction.
Using the Internet and Email for Health Purposes: The Impact of Health Status*

Objective. Increasingly, people use the Internet and email for health purposes; however, we know little about whether this varies by health status. This study examines whether sick or healthy people are more likely to access the Internet, conduct online health searches, and exchange emails regarding health issues. Methods. We conduct multivariate analysis on a random sample of 2,038 adults. Results. Despite greater Internet access, respondents in excellent/good health are less likely to say they conduct online health searches because they have no health concerns or are satisfied with other health sources. In contrast, sick and disabled respondents are more likely to seek medical information online, and do so more frequently. They are also more likely to exchange health emails with friends and physicians. Conclusions. Practitioners especially need to educate their sicker patients about the uneven quality of online health information since they are more likely than healthier patients to conduct online health searches.
A simulation-based approach for estimating premining water quality: Red Mountain Creek, Colorado

Regulatory agencies are often charged with the task of setting site-specific numeric water quality standards for impaired streams. This task is particularly difficult for streams draining highly mineralized watersheds with past mining activity. Baseline water quality data obtained prior to mining are often non-existent and application of generic water quality standards developed for unmineralized watersheds is suspect given the geology of most watersheds affected by mining. Various approaches have been used to estimate premining conditions, but none of the existing approaches rigorously consider the physical and geochemical processes that ultimately determine instream water quality. An approach based on simulation modeling is therefore proposed herein. The approach utilizes synoptic data that provide spatially-detailed profiles of concentration, streamflow, and constituent load along the study reach. This field data set is used to calibrate a reactive stream transport model that considers the suite of physical and geochemical processes that affect constituent concentrations during instream transport. A key input to the model is the quality and quantity of waters entering the study reach. This input is based on chemical analyses available from synoptic sampling and observed increases in streamflow along the study reach. Given the calibrated model, additional simulations are conducted to estimate premining conditions. In these simulations, the chemistry of mining-affected sources is replaced with the chemistry of waters that are thought to be unaffected by mining (proximal, premining analogues). The resultant simulations provide estimates of premining water quality that reflect both the reduced loads that were present prior to mining and the processes that affect these loads as they are transported downstream. This simulation-based approach is demonstrated using data from Red Mountain Creek, Colorado, a small stream draining a heavily-mined watershed. Model application to the premining problem for Red Mountain Creek is based on limited field reconnaissance and chemical analyses; additional field work and analyses may be needed to develop definitive, quantitative estimates of premining water quality.
Hardware-Assisted Cooperative Integration of Wear-Leveling and Salvaging for Phase Change Memory

Phase Change Memory (PCM) has recently emerged as a promising memory technology. However, PCM’s limited write endurance restricts its immediate use as a replacement for DRAM. To extend the lifetime of PCM chips, wear-leveling and salvaging techniques have been proposed. Wear-leveling balances write operations across different PCM regions while salvaging extends the duty cycle and provides graceful degradation for a nonnegligible number of failures.Current wear-leveling and salvaging schemes have not been designed and integrated to work cooperatively to achieve the best PCM device lifetime. In particular, a noncontiguous PCM space generated from salvaging complicates wear-leveling and incurs large overhead. In this article, we propose LLS, a Line-Level mapping and Salvaging design. By allocating a dynamic portion of total space in a PCM device as backup space, and mapping failed lines to backup PCM, LLS constructs a contiguous PCM space and masks lower-level failures from the OS and applications. LLS integrates wear-leveling and salvaging and copes well with modern OSes. Our experimental results show that LLS achieves 31p longer lifetime than the state-of-the-art. It has negligible hardware cost and performance overhead.
THIN FILM THICKNESS DETERMINATION BY ALPHA PARTICLE BACKSCATTERING.

Abstract A method of determining the thickness of thin films deposited on thick, high mass backing materials by measuring the energy loss of alpha particles backscattered from the backing is described. Film thicknesses from 20 to 500 μg/cm2 can quickly and easily be determined to an accuracy of 8 percent.
Investigating enterprise systems adoption: uncertainty avoidance, intrinsic motivation, and the technology acceptance model

Enterprise systems are gaining interest from both practitioners and researchers because of their potential linkages to organizational and individual user's productivity. Information systems (IS) researchers have been investigating the implementation and adoption issues of enterprise systems based on the organizational IS management perspectives. However, there are few papers that investigate enterprise systems management and implementation issues based on the informal control mechanisms, although the enterprise systems are control tools in the organization. Specifically, this paper applies Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) adoption and implementation to the informal controls, such as cultural control and self-control, which can be viewed as a tacit perspective in knowledge management. Uncertainty avoidance and perceived enjoyment are used as informal controls in the ERP implementation in this paper, and are linked to the technology acceptance variables to investigate the relationships among them. Sociotechnical design, organizational control mechanism, knowledge management, and individual motivation are reviewed to support this potential linkage in the model. Field data via the online survey of ERP systems user group (n= 101) are analyzed with partial least squares and supported our hypotheses. Uncertainty avoidance cultural control and intrinsic motivation as self-control are the important antecedents of ERP systems adoption. Furthermore, the result helps the systems manager understand that informal controls should be applied to the ERP systems implementation to enhance tacit and social aspects of IS management.
Preclinical acute toxicity studies and dosimetry estimates of the novel sigma-1 receptor radiotracer, [18F]SFE.

[18F]1-(2-Fluoroethyl)-4-[(4-cyanophenoxy)methyl]piperidine ([18F]SFE) is a novel, selective, high-affinity sigma-1 receptor radioligand that has been preclinically well characterized in rodents. To support an investigational new drug (IND) application for the first evaluation of [18F]SFE in humans, single-organ and whole-body radiation adsorbed doses associated with [18F]SFE injection were estimated from rat distribution data. In addition, single- and multiple-dose toxicity studies were conducted in rabbits and in dogs. Multiple-dose toxicity studies in rabbits and single-dose toxicity studies in beagles suggest at least a 100-fold safety margin for humans studies at a mass dose limit of 4.0 μg per intravenous injection, based on the combined no observable adverse effect levels (NOAEL, mg/m2) measured in these species. Radiation dosimetry estimates obtained from rat biodistribution analyses of [18F]SFE suggest that most tissues would receive about 0.010–0.020 mGy/MBq, while the adrenal glands, brain, bone, liver, lungs, and spleen would receive slightly higher doses (0.024–0.044 mGy/MBq). The adrenal glands were identified as the critical organ, because they received the highest adsorbed radiation dose. The total exposure resulting from a 5 mCi administration of [18F]SFE is well below the FDA-defined limits for yearly cumulative and per-study exposures to research participants. These combined results support the expectation that [18F]SFE will be safe for use in human positron emission tomography (PET) imaging studies with the administration of 5 mCi and a mass dose equal to or less than 4.0 μg SFE per injection.
Systems approach to nuclear waste glass development

Abstract Development of a host solid for the immobilization of nuclear waste has focused on various vitreous waste form including borosilicate, high silica and phosphate glasses. Consideration of all parts of the waste disposal system ensures that the final product will safeguard the public, and that the production process used will be safe to operate. The systems approach requires that parameters affecting product performance and processing considerations be considered simultaneously. Parameters affecting product performance, such as chemical durability, waste form solubility, thermal stability and mechanical stability must be optimized, relative to processing considerations such as melt temperature, waste solubility, melt corrosivity and volatility of hazardous species. Application of the systems approach indicates that borosilicate glasses are, overall, the most suitable glasses for the immobilization of nuclear waste. Phosphate glasses are highly durable, but the glass melts are highly corrosive and the glasses have poor thermal stability and low solubility for many waste components. High silica glasses have high chemical durability, thermal stability and mechanical stability but the associated high melting temperatures increase volatilization of hazardous species in the waste. Borosilicate glass is chemically durable while being both thermally and mechanically stable. The borosilicate melts are generally less corrosive than commercial glasses and the melt temperature minimizes excessive volatility of hazardous species. Optimization of borosilicate waste glass formulations have led to their acceptance as the reference nuclear waste form in US, United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, France, Sweden, Switzerland and Japan.
Multicultural schooling: Developing a curriculum for the real world

Future educators may well look back on our current efforts to make school curricula more accurately reflect our cultural diversity and term this period "The Great Multicultural Curriculum Wars." Different experts and advocates for multicultural curricula define the term in various ways. At the same time, publishers, school boards, administrators, and teachers in school districts across America also see themselves engaged in the process of making their school programs more multicultural without making significant changes in present forms of schooling. Are advocates of totally restructuring the schools and those engaged in making current forms of schooling more efficient talking about the same "multiculturalism"?
Developmental decrease in neurite extension in cultured chick embryo retina and spinal cord neurons

Abstract Retina and spinal cord neurons from chick embryos attach to culture substrates and extend neurites. There is a statistically significant age-related decrease in the percentage and average length of neurites formed in 24-hr cultures of chick retina and spinal cord neurons between 6 and 16 days of embryonic age. The developmental decrease of neurite extension may be important for synaptogenesis in the developing nervous system.
The preparation and characterization of tetraneopentyl tetraaluminum(4)

Abstract The synthesis of bis(neopentyl)aluminum chloride and subsequent reduction with potassium affords tetraneopentyl tetraaluminum(4). Analytical characterization of the latter is described and spectroscopic results are discussed. Reaction mechanisms are suggested for the reduction of bis(isobutyl) and bis(neopentyl)aluminum chloride as well as possible subsequent decomposition pathways.
High-field electrical transport and breakdown in bundles of single-wall carbon nanotubes

We investigate high-field transport in bundles of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with multiple contacts. The bundles carry currents in excess of $250\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{A}$ (a current density of ${10}^{9}\mathrm{A}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{2})$ before saturation and electrical breakdown, indicating that conduction is predominantly by nanotubes on the surface of the bundle which are directly contacted by electrodes. Using a four-probe configuration, we measure the contact resistance and show that it is nearly constant as the bias voltage varies. This strongly supports the notion that electron-phonon scattering, and not a contact effect, causes current saturation at high-field. Electrical breakdown proceeds by sequential destruction of individual metallic nanotubes on the bundle surface, with steplike current drops of about $12\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{A}.$ At very high bias, the current-carrying capacity of the bundle increases due to field-enhanced coupling between nanotubes in the bundle.
Chemical imaging of iron oxides and oxyhydroxides using near infrared Raman imaging microscopy

AbstractA new method of identifying and mapping the distribution of both iron oxides and oxyhydroxides using near infrared Raman imaging microscopy NIRIM is reported. This technique offers an important alternative to conventional spectroscopic techniques that provide spatially averaged data. The NIRIM instrument used for these studies combines fibre bundle image compression hardware and multivariate signal processing software to identify and map different iron minerals and corrosion products. The NIRIM images clearly distinguish hematite, magnetite, wustite, goethite, and lepidocrocite microstructures. The first chemical maps of naturally occurring iron minerals and corroded steel surfaces obtained using NIRIM spectral images, classified with the aid of a library of pure compound spectra, are presented.
Ovarian and uterine characteristics and onset of puberty in adolescent offspring: effects of maternal diet and selenium supplementation in sheep.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of maternal diet with adequate (A) or high (H) selenium (Se) supplementation on ovarian and uterine characteristics, and onset of puberty in adolescent offspring. Sheep were fed a maintenance (M) diet with ASe or HSe levels from breeding to parturition. From Day 50 to parturition, a portion of the ewes from ASe and HSe groups was fed restricted (R, 60% of M) or excess (E, 140% of M) diet. Immediately after birth, lambs were separated from their dams and given artificial colostrum for 20 hours, followed by milk replacer. From Day 57.3 ± 0.6, ewe lambs were fed a pelleted grower diet until Day 116.3 ± 0.6 when they were transitioned to a finisher diet. From Day 99 to 180, serum samples were collected weekly from jugular vein for progesterone analysis to determine onset of puberty. Reproductive tissues were collected on Day 180.1 ± 0.4 of age. Maternal diet or Se supplementation did not affect uterine or ovarian weight and onset of puberty. However, area under the curve for progesterone was greater (P = 0.05) in ASe compared with HSe groups, and was greater in ASeM than HSeM group. In CLs, labeling index (LI; a proportion of proliferating cells) was less (P < 0.04) in HSeM than ASeM group, and in stroma was less (P < 0.05) in R and E groups than M group. Maternal diet did not affect the LI of any follicle types. For all groups combined, LI was the greatest (P < 0.001) in antral, less in early antral and secondary, and the least in atretic follicles. Our results demonstrate that maternal diet influenced ovarian but not uterine characteristics or onset of puberty. These results indicate that maternal plane of nutrition and/or Se supplementation may have specific effects on reproductive function in offspring.
Wegener's granulomatosis presenting as pyoderma gangrenosum

We report three cases of Wegener's granulomatosis presenting with cutaneous ulceration resembling pyoderma gangrenosum. Wegener's granulomatosis classically affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts and the kidneys. Skin involvement occurs in up to 50% of patients. Increased awareness that cutaneous involvement can take the form of pyoderma gangrenosum and that it can be a presenting sign may lead to more rapid diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis.
Influence of random measurement error on estimated rates of headache chronification and remission.

Objective To examine the potential influence of random measurement error on estimated rates of chronification and remission. Background Studies of headache chronification and remission examine the proportion of headache sufferers that move across a boundary of 15 headache days per month between 2 points in time. At least part of that apparent movement may represent measurement error or random variation in headache activity over time. Methods A mathematical simulation was conducted to examine the influence of varying degrees of measurement error on rates of chronic migraine onset and remission. Using data from the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention Study, we estimated a starting distribution of headache days from 0 to 30 in the migraine population. Assuming various levels of measurement error, we then simulated 2 sets of data for Time 1 and Time 2. The “individuals” in this study were assumed to have no real change in headache frequency from Time 1 to Time 2. The observed variations in headache frequency were those influenced by imputed random variance to resemble typical measurement error or natural variability. Using this simulation approach, we estimated the amount of chronification and remission rates that might be attributed simply to statistical artifacts such as unreliability or regression to the mean. Results As the degree of measurement error increased, the amounts of illusory chronification and remission increased substantially. For example, if the headache frequency of sufferers randomly varies by only 2 headache days each month due to chance alone, a substantial degree of illusory chronification (0.6% to 1.3%) and illusory remission (10.3% to 23.5%) rates are expected simply due to random variation. Conclusions Random variation, without real change, has the potential to influence estimated rates of progression and remission in longitudinal migraine studies. The magnitude of random variation needed to fully reproduce observed rates of progression and remission are implausibly large. Recommendations are offered to improve estimation of rates of progression and remission, reducing the influence of random variation.
Giant-cell temporal arteritis in a 17-year-old male

Temporal arteritis, particularly in its classic form, is exceedingly rare in individuals <50 years old. We report the youngest case of biopsy-proven giant cell temporal arteritis. A 17-year-old male presented with a progressively expanding and pulsatile but otherwise asymptomatic mass in his forehead. The patient's medical history was significant for uveitis since the age of 3, and severe allergic rhinitis, mild asthma, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis as a young adolescent. Admission laboratory values included a mildly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein level. A computed tomography evaluation demonstrated aneurysmal degeneration of the frontal branch of the right superficial temporal artery and confirmed no other cerebrovascular changes. Histologically, the aneurysmal arterial segment demonstrated subacute temporal arteritis. The arterial wall had a primarily lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate with rare giant cells and focally marked medial destruction. Additionally, severely obstructive intimal hyperplasia with chronic adventitial and periadvential dense fibrosis was noted. The diagnosis of classic giant cell temporal arteritis was established from the biopsy result. Postoperatively, the patient was treated with prednisone for 3 months. Three years after surgery, the patient remains well and reports no recurrence of temporal artery disease.
Gas-phase rovibrational analysis of v1 HCN---H35Cl

Abstract A continuously tunable single-frequency color-center laser spectrometer has been used to rovibrationally analyze the static gas-phase spectrum of the v 1 (C-H stretching) vibration in HCN---H 35 Cl providing molecular parameters: v 1 = 3309.0286(3) cm −1 , B 1 = 2007.37(36) MHz and D j 1 = 3.51(13) × 10 −3 MHz and a lower limit of 1 × 10 −9 s to the v 1 3 excited state lifetimes. Possible assignments for the hot band progressions and are also discussed.
Adolescent and Elderly White Male Suicide Trends: Evidence of Changing Well-being?

This study investigated the relationship proposed by Preston (1984) between suicide trends and the changing status of America's dependent populations. Since World War II, as adolescent suicide rates have risen and elderly suicide rates declined, the rates have generally converged. In particular, adolescent and elderly suicide rates among White males reveal some of the most dramatic shifts relative to other age-race-sex-specific groups. This social-demographic study examined indicators of well-being as proposed by Preston (1984) to determine whether these structural factors can account for White male adolescent and elderly suicide trends. Using annual U.S. suicide rates for the White male populations aged 15 to 24 and 65 and over, I examined the hypotheses that (a) the rising suicide trend among the adolescent population is associated with a deteriorating state of well-being for adolescents, and (b) the generally declining suicide trend among the elderly population is associated with an improving state of well-being for elderly persons. A post-World War II annual time series analysis was used in this research for the period 1946 to 1986. The findings suggest that family dissolution and White children living in poverty are associated with White male adolescent suicide trends and that societal affluence is associated with White male elderly suicide trends. The implications of these findings for future adolescent and elderly suicide trends are also addressed. Language: en
Isolation, identification, and synthesis of 4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-3-quinolinol, the major metabolite of amiquinsin hydrochloride in rats and humans

The metabolism of amiquinsin hydrochloride (4-amino-6,7-dimethoxyquinoline hydrochloride monohydrate, I) was studied in rats and humans. The major metabolite isolated from human urine was identified through synthesis as 4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-3-quinolinol hydrochloride hydrate (II). Acid hydrolysis of the major metabolite from rat urine also gave II. The structure of the rat metabolite subsequently was tentatively identified as the potassium salt of the 3-O-sulfate of II. The pharmacological and toxicological properties of I and II are discussed.
The role of carbohydrates in the biology of cestodes VII. Interactions between individual tapeworms of the same and different species

Abstract 1. 1. Hymenolepis citelli and H. diminuta differ in size when maintained in hamsters on a high carbohydrate diet. When carbohydrate intake of the host is limited, H. citelli is affected proportionally more than H. diminuta . 2. 2. When single H. citelli and H. diminuta are maintained together in the hamster, individuals of both species are reduced in size, H. citelli being most affected. Under carbohydrate deprivation, size of H. citelli is not affected by the presence of H. diminuta , whereas H. diminuta is further reduced in size under these conditions. 3. 3. When rats are infected with varying numbers of H. diminuta , the mean size of the individuals decreases with increasing numbers in the infection. A similar crowding effect was observed in animals receiving diets containing suboptimal quantity (starch) or quality (sucrose) of carbohydrate.
The case of the stolen mouse trap [Patents]

As the old adage goes: Build a better mouse trap and the world will beat a path to your door. This is literally what happened to Agrizap, Inc., a small company in the rodent control business. As is also well known, protecting your turf once you have built the better mouse trap is no easy task. The recent case of Agrizap v. Woodstream from the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) shows just how tough it can be.
The stability and behavior of a frictional system with a two state variable constitutive law

The nature of sliding on natural faults and laboratory rock friction samples depends on the interaction between the material along the slip surface and the elastically distorted material that loads the surface. Similar systems involving a single friction block and a spring show stable or unstable sliding for a given spring stiffness, depending on the details of the friction constitutive law. State variable constitutive laws describing laboratory rock friction have been used previously byGu et al. (1984) in an analysis of the behavior and stability of spring and block models, with an emphasis on constitutive laws having only one state variable.
Extraction of the Telectronics Accufix 330-801 atrial lead: The Mayo Clinic experience

Objective To document a cumulative experience with removal of the Telectronics 330–801 Accufix atrial lead after it was withdrawn from the market. Design We reviewed our results with 96 at tempted lead extraction procedures through Dec. 1, 1995. Material and Methods All patients underwent preoperative assessment, including fluoroscopic screening of the lead. Patients had blood typing and screening done before the extraction procedure, and extractions were performed with cardiac surgical intervention available. Pacing dependence was assessed to determine the need for temporary pacing. Results The mean patient age was 65.7 ± 1.6 years, and the mean duration of lead implantation was 31.0 ± 1.4 months. Of the 96 lead extractions attempted, 94 were successful. Of the 96 cases, the retention wires were normal in 29, fractured without protrusion in 34, and fractured with protrusion in 33. Fifty-three leads were removed with use of simple traction only, and seven leads were removed by using a locking stylet and telescoping sheaths. The Cook workstation was used in the removal of 32 leads through the femoral vein; in 1 of these 32 patients, the retention wire was removed before lead extraction. The retention wire was removed but the lead was left intact in one patient. One lead was removed during an operative maze procedure. Associated complications were minimal. Conclusion Although lead extraction is a poten­tially fatal procedure, the Telectronics 330–801 Accu­fix atrial lead can be extracted safely with minimal morbidity when performed by experienced personnel.
PEM Fuel Cell Models Validation and Accuracy Analysis

A multi-resolution method is developed for the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell simulation. A full 3D modeling is employed for membrane and diffusion layer, 1D+2D model is applied to the catalyst layer, that is, at each location of the fuel cell plate, the governing equations are integrated only in the direction perpendicular to the fuel cell plate; and a quasi-1D method with high numerical efficiency and reasonable accuracy is employed for the flow channels. The simulation accuracy was assessed in terms of fuel cell polarization curves and membrane ohmic overpotential. Overall, the agreements between simulated results and experimental data are good. However, at large current densities, when high relative humidity reactant inputs are employed, the simulation under predicts the fuel cell performance due to a single-phase assumption. The method slightly over predicts the fuel cell performance for a dry cathode input, possibly due to the nonlinearity of the membrane properties in dehydration case. Further, a parameter study was performed for a fully humidified cell and a relative dry cell. These parameters include porosity and permeability of gas diffusion layer; porosity, effective oxygen permeability, ratio of thickness of surrounding Nafion layer to exposed agglomerate area density and cathodic transfer coefficient of catalyst layer. Some insight can be obtained by examining their effects on the cell performances in order to further improve the model accuracy.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Gas management and multiphase flow in direct alcohol fuel cells

Abstract Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells (DAFCs) have the potential to compete with current battery technology due to the high energy density of the alcohol fuels. A major limitation to these fuel systems is “blinding” where CO2 gas pushes through the porous gas diffusion layer (GDL) forming bubbles in the flow channels inhibiting fuel delivery to the catalyst layer. We report here measurements of material wettability, advancing and receding contact angles, and gas bubble formation to describe multiphase transport processes relevant to DAFCs. Carbon paper and carbon cloth have large differences in the receding contact angles (θR,paper = 85°, θR,cloth = 120°), which result in differences in bubble growth and detachment from the GDL surface. Bubbles on carbon paper were ∼40–50% smaller than on carbon cloth. The gas pressure to push gas through the GDL was 50–80% greater for carbon paper. The geometry of the flow channel also played a major role in confining bubble growth. The permeable nature of the GDL resulted in lateral transport of gas to existing bubbles. This fundamental understanding of transport processes suggested an electrode design with dedicated gas removal channels that could enable a DAFC to operate without bubble formation.
Vectran High-performance Fibre

Vectran fibre is a high-performance fibre produced from Hoechst Celanese Vectra polymer. The Vectra family of liquid-crystal engineering resins was commercialized in 1985 after more than fifteen years of research and development on naphthalene-based thermotropic copolyesters. Since 1986, Hoechst Celanese and the Kuraray Company Ltd of Japan have jointly evaluated these materials in fibre applications. The attributes of the Vectra liquid-crystal polymer, such as excellent mechanical properties, property retention over a wide range of temperatures, excellent chemical resistance, and low moisture absorption, are carried over into the Vectran fibre. In addition, single-threadline evaluation confirmed by end-product testing showed that Vectran had no measurable creep when loaded up to 50% of the breaking load and excellent abrasion-resistance with an appropriate finish. Primary applications for the fibre include ropes and cables, printed circuit boards, and thermoplastic composites. Since most of the last-ment...
A selective defect in tissue factor mRNA expression in monocytes from AIDS patients.

Abstract Expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), tissue factor (TF), and interleukin 1-β (IL-1β) mRNA was evaluated in monocytes isolated from patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). There was a significant depression (66%) of the induced level of TF mRNA expression in response to lipopolysaccharide. Conversely, the response of TNFα and IL-1β, following LPS induction, was “normal.” TF mRNA reduction was also observed to a lesser degree in AIDS-related complex patients (20%) but not in asymptomatic seropositives. TF is necessary for initiation of the coagulation protease cascade, leading to thrombin production and fibrin deposition, which play a role in inflammatory responses. Its selective reduction may be a factor in the diminished resistance to secondary infections observed in AIDS. Further, since the TF defect increases as patients progress toward AIDS, it may serve as a marker for disease progression.
Distributions of pesticides and organic contaminants between water and suspended sediment, San Francisco Bay, California

Suspended-sediment and water samples were collected from San Francisco Bay in 1991 during low river discharge and after spring rains. All samples were analyzed for organophosphate, carbamate, and organochlorine pesticides; petroleum hydrocarbons; biomarkers; and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. The objectives were to determine the concentrations of these contaminants in water and suspended sediment during two different hydrologic conditions and to determine partition coefficients of the contaminants between water and sediment. Concentrations of hydrophobic contaminants, such as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, varied with location of sample collection, riverine discharge, and tidal cycle. Concentrations of hydrophobic contaminants in suspended sediments were highest during low river discharge but became diluted as agricultural soils entered the bay after spring rains. Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons defined as dissolved in the water column were not detected. The concentrations sorbed on suspended sediments were variable and were dependent on sediment transport patterns in the bay. In contrast, the relatively hydrophilic organophosphate pesticides, such as chlorpyrifos and diazinon, has a more uniform concentration in suspended sediment. These pesticides were detected only after spring rains. Most of the measured diazinon, at least 98% for all samples, was in the dissolved phase. Measured partition coefficients for diazinon generally were uniform, which suggests that suspended-sediment concentrations were close to equilibrium with dissolved concentrations. The concentration of diazinon sorbed to suspended sediments, at any given sampling site, was driven primarily by the more abundant solution concentration. The concentrations of diazinon sorbed to suspended sediments, therefore, were independent of the patterns of sediment movement.
Debating Franklin D. Roosevelt's Foreign Policies, 1933–1945 – By Justus D. Doenecke and Mark A. Stoler

The foreign policy of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, controversial in its own time, remains a subject of lively academic debate. Supporters describe a statesman moving his country skillfully and succes...
Complex evolution of dislocation core structure in a process of motion: Model analysis with ab-initio parameterization

Abstract We extend the Peierls–Nabarro (PN) model to eliminate the “continuum” approximation for the misfit energy, and use it to analyze features of the evolution of the dislocation core structure under various stress conditions (glide and Escaig stress). We show that the core may assume competing multiple structures with their marked dependence on the dislocation axis position. As we demonstrate for ordinary dislocations in fcc Ir and the ordered Ll0 CuAu calculated using ab-initio generalized stacking fault energies, these lattice discreteness effects, missing in the original PN model, significantly affects the evolution of the dislocation under stress. In particular, these effects may result in the ladder-like dependence of the partial separation under Escaig stress conditions, and dramatic changes in the shape and amplitude of the Peierls barrier. Thus, we find that lattice discreteness effects can be significant not only in ordered alloys with a deep Peierls valley but also in fcc metals under stress and futher, these effects result in the evolution of dislocation structure which is more complex than previously thought.
Neue Tricks für alte Indikatoren: ein colorimetrisches Chemosensor-Ensemble für Tartrat/Malat in Getränken

Die Konkurrenz zwischen Tartrat und einem gangigen Indikator (1) um einen synthetischen Wirt (2) wurde genutzt, um Tartrat in Getranken aus Trauben quantitativ zu bestimmen. Der Ansatz demonstriert eine allgemeine Methode zur Entwicklung colorimetrischer Assays fur hochkompetitive Medien.
Cloning of the human homolog of mouse transmembrane tryptase.

Background: Three functionally distinct tryptases have been identified in the mouse, one of which encodes an unusual protease that possesses a membrane–spanning domain located in its C terminus. Methods and Results: Using the deduced nucleotide sequence of this mouse transmembrane tryptase (mTMT) gene in a polymerase chain reaction approach, cDNAs were isolated from a number of tissues which encode its human homolog. The amino acid sequences of hTMT and mTMT are 74% identical, and the human tryptase also has the novel membrane–spanning domain. Conclusion: The discovery that the human genome contains a large number of homologous, but distinct, tryptase genes suggests that the individual members of this family of proteases evolved to carry out discrete functions in mast cell–mediated allergic reactions.
A diffusible molecule may mediate glutamate neurotoxicity

Abstract Purified neuronal cultures from 8-day chick embryo neural retinas were incubated in either serum-free N1 or N1 supplemented with heart extract. The addition of glutamate decreased neuronal survival only in the presence of heart extract; however, if heart extract was dialyzed, neuronal survival remained at control values. This suggests a diffusible molecule may mediate glutamate neurotoxicity. Kainic acid decreased neuronal survival in all conditions tested.
Ordering chaos: the process of remembering mass murder

AbstractThe history of public memorials to the collective loss of life related to acts of terrorism is characterised by passionate debate and intense disagreements over what and how to remember. A comparative analysis of the way these memory sites have been created in the United States reveals much about the meaning of the dead and the purpose of remembering. The cases under consideration are the memorials to: the massacres of Native Americans at Wounded Knee, South Dakota on 29 December 1890 and at Sand Creek, Colorado on 29 November 1864, the Oklahoma City Federal Building bombing on 19 April 1995 and the attack on the World Trade Centre on 11 September 2001. Of particular interest is an evolving set of ‘best practices’ – with intended global application – that aim to regularise the way memorials are designed and built so as to diffuse public conflict. The emerging blueprint for managing the contentious quality of memorials attempts to balance individual suffering with redemptive symbolism and an educat...
Anterior Retroperitoneal Lumbosacral Spine Exposure: Operative Technique and Results

We review our two-team operative technique and results of anterior retroperitoneal lumbosacral spine exposure for diskectomy, partial corpectomy, and spinal instrumentation. Seventy-two patients with lumbar spondylosis and associated symptomatic radiculopathy had this exposure between January 1, 2000 and January 1, 2002. A single disc space was isolated in 54 patients. Multilevel exposure was achieved in 18 patients. Main outcome measures included intra- and postoperative complications, blood transfusion requirements, duration of ileus, incidence of erectile/sexual dysfunction, and length of hospital stay. A single small bowel enterotomy and iliac vein laceration, both repaired primarily, were the only intraoperative complications. Perioperative blood transfusions were required in 13 patients (18%). Mean length of postoperative ileus was 3.5 days and average length of hospital stay was 5 days. Postoperative complications occurred in 7 patients (9.7%). These included erectile dysfunction (2), transient unilateral lower extremity paresis (1), acute acalculous cholecystitis (1), femoral vein thrombosis (1), pneumonia (1), and acute myocardial infarction (1). There were no genitourinary or other major vascular injuries. A two-team approach for lumbosacral spine instrumentation via anterior retroperitoneal exposure capitalizes on unique specialty-specific surgical skills. This paradigm facilitates safe lumbosacral spine surgery and major perioperative complications are rare.
150 years of changes in bird life in Cambridge, Massachusetts from 1860 to 2012

Abstract The process of urbanization and its effects on birds has rarely been documented over long time periods. One exception is a bird count started in the 1860s, when the American ornithologist William Brewster first recorded all the bird species on his property in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Since then, invasive species such as the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) have been introduced, and the site transformed from an estate surrounded by farmland on the rural edge of the city to a residential neighborhood in the inner core of the Boston metropolitan area. We are fortunate to have additional bird species accounts from around 1900, 1940, 1950, and 1960. In 2012 we repeated the bird survey, thus expanding the time series to 150 years. The changes in the bird community over time have been profound and the data contain a wealth of “stories” about how different species and species guilds have coped. The transition from an agricultural to an urban but also more forested system is clearly visible in the recor...
Care plans for patients with frequent ED visits for such chief complaints as back pain, migraine, and abdominal pain.

Two emergency nurses, an emergency physician, an information services specialist, and a patient registrar began working on the problem early in 1998. Information Services generated a report of patients with 6 or more ED visits in the previous calendar year, including discharge diagnosis and actual visit dates for each patient. We conducted an extensive chart audit and narrowed the list of potential patients to those with multiple monthly ED visits for the same complaint or those who specifically requested narcotics for pain. As the team leader, I contacted each person’s primary physician to discuss entering the patient into the program. Ironically, many physicians were unaware of how often their patients came to the emergency department for pain medication and had no system to track ED visits. From the beginning, most physicians were very receptive to involvement in the program. Internists and family practice physicians serve as primary providers for most patients in the program, although a physician specializing in pain manages some of the frequently visiting patients. Patients without a
Individual Behavior, Culture, and Social Change

The principle of operant selection is examined as a prototype of cultural selection, and the role of the social environment is suggested as the critical element in the emergence of cultural phenomena. Operant contingencies are compared to cultural selection contingencies, designated as metacontingencies. Both of these types of contingency relations result in evolving lineages of recurrences that can become increasingly complex in the number and organization of their elements. In addition to its role in the recurring interlocking behavioral contingencies that constitute cultural organization, operant behavior plays another role in cultures. Although the operants of individuals are functionally independent of one another, the behavior of each person may contribute to a cumulative effect that is relevant to the well-being of many people. Similarly, the outcomes of metacontingencies may also contribute to a cumulative effect. The relation between independently evolving operant lineages, or between independently evolving cultural lineages, and their cumulative effect is identified as a macrocontingency. Macrocontingencies do not involve cultural-level selection per se. Effective cultural engineering requires identifying the macrocontingencies that produce less than desirable effects and altering the relevant operant contingencies or metacontingencies to produce change in the cumulative effects.