cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Rural Obstetric Workforce in US Hospitals: Challenges and Opportunities.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the types and combinations of clinicians who are delivering babies in rural hospitals, their employment status, the relationship between hospital birth volume and staffing models, and the staffing challenges faced by rural hospitals. Methods We conducted a telephone survey of 306 rural hospitals in 9 states: Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin, from November 2013 to March 2014 to assess their obstetric workforce. Bivariate associations between hospitals’ annual birth volume and obstetric workforce characteristics were examined, as well as qualitative analysis of workforce changes and staffing challenges. Findings Hospitals with lower birth volume (<240 births per year) are more likely to have family physicians and general surgeons attending deliveries, while those with a higher birth volume more frequently have obstetricians and midwives attending deliveries. Reported staffing challenges include scheduling, training, census fluctuation, recruitment and retention, and intrahospital relationships. Conclusions Individual hospitals working in isolation may struggle to address staffing challenges. Federal and state policy makers, regional collaboratives, and health care delivery systems can facilitate solutions through programs such as telehealth, simulation training, and interprofessional education.
The Modern Utility of Quasi in Rem Jurisdiction

Professor Carrington examines the proposed amendment to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure that would confer quasi in rem jurisdiction on the federal courts and concludes that it should be rejected. Arguing that the expansion of the concept of personal jurisdiction has removed most of what justification there once was for quasi in rem jurisdiction, the author maintains that the latter jurisdiction often provides only limited and uncertain judgments for local plaintiffs while compelling nonresident defendants to litigate in an inconvenient forum, and therefore should not be made available in the federal courts merely to bring their practice into conformity zwith that of the courts of the states.
An Analytical Solution of the Fokker-Planck Equation in the Phase-Locked Loop Transient Analysis

The transient behavior analysis of the phase-locked loop phase error process has resulted in a Fokker-Planck equation for which various numerical techniques have been proposed by many authors. In this paper, an analytical solution of the Fokker-Planck equation is obtained based upon the Girsanov transformation.
Toward a unified theory of managing large networks

The growing web of computer networks has triggered a search for an organizing principle to monitor and control operations. The various system management functions are identified, and the development of network management standards is discussed. Particular attention is given to the Basic Reference Model for Open Systems Interconnection (OSI), developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). >
Hazardous to your health: kinetic foundations of risk stratification and therapeutic triage.

Abstract Background Risk stratification is widely used in the prognostic assessment of patients with a variety of clinical disorders on the unquestioned assumption that the intensity of treatment should be proportionate to the threat of an adverse event over some finite period of time (risk). However, just as the physical trajectory of an object depends on its current magnitude of displacement (velocity) and the concurrent rate of change of that displacement (acceleration), the prognostic trajectory of a patient depends on the current magnitude of risk and the concurrent rate of change of that risk (hazard). Clinical risk stratification nevertheless relies only on the former. Methods We therefore integrated the quantitative assessment of risk and hazard by way of a kinetic model that characterizes the development of an adverse event as a series of exponential state-to-state transitions—from stable to unstable to event. This model serves to shift the clinical emphasis from prognosis (the assessment of risk) to treatment (the improvement in outcome). In this context, treatment is well advised (even in low-risk individuals) when the hazard is large (risk is rising), and is less well advised (even in high-risk individuals) when the hazard is small (risk is stable). Results The kinetic model outlined here thereby promises to supersede the superficial practice of risk stratification with a more sophisticated strategy of therapeutic triage that allows one to predict the incremental clinical benefit of alternative treatment strategies.
Selective nonoperative management of blunt abdominal trauma

The management of patients with blunt abdominal trauma has evolved over the past two decades with increasing reliance on a non-operative approach. An in-depth understanding of the clinical and radiographic parameters used to determine those who may be eligible for this form of treatment is an essential component of modern trauma care. This case-based review highlights critical aspects of non-operative management and provides a framework for the role of the emergency medicine provider.
Lopinavir/Ritonavir Impairs Physical Strength in Association with Reduced Igf1 Expression in Skeletal Muscle of Older Mice.

Background: Late-middle age HIV patients are prone to fatigue despite effective viral control by antiretroviral therapies. Rodent models to recapitulate this phenotype are still not available. Hypothesis: Drug treatment may compromise muscle strength and physical performance more in older individuals with pre-existing metabolic disorders than normal young ones. Methods: Kaletra was given to overweight male mice at late-middle age and normal young adults; both on a rodent diet containing 30% fat calorie. Body composition and grip strength were measured at baseline and after drug treatment. Rota-rod running, insulin and glucose tolerance were measured at the end of the experiment. Drug effect on metabolic activity and spontaneous movements were assessed using the metabolic cage system. Representative muscle and fat tissue were analyzed for protein and mRNA expression. Selected findings were tested using murine C2C12 myotubes. Results: Kaletra reduced grip strength in both young and older mice but impaired rotarod performance only in the old. Spontaneous movements were also reduced in Kaletra-treated old mice. Kaletra reduced IGF-1 expression in all muscle groups tested for the old and in cultured myotubes but to a less extent in the muscle of young animals. Reduced IGF-1 expression correlated with increased expression of muscle-specific atrogene MAFbx and MuRF1. Kaletra also increased abdominal fat mass markedly in the old animals and to a less extend in the young. Conclusion: Long-term Kaletra intake aggravated abdominal obesity and impaired muscle strength. This effect was worse in older animals than in normal young adults.
Fractionation of solar energetic particles and solar wind according to first ionization potential

Although it is well known that solar energetic particles are depleted in elements with first ionization potential (FIP) greater than ∼10 eV, it is less well known that the degree of FIP fractionation varies from event to event. Similar fractionation patterns and variations are observed in the solar wind, suggesting that these variations may have a common origin. We review evidence for the FIP-related fractionation of SEPs and compare it with FIP fractionation effects in the solar wind at 1 AU. On the basis of several significant differences between the solar wind and SEP compositions, we suggest that most solar energetic particles are not simply an accelerated sample of the average solar wind as observed at 1 AU; rather, solar particles and fast and slow solar wind appear to be distinct samples of coronal material with distinctly different FIP-fractionation patterns.
The water-soluble fraction of carbon, sulfur, and crustal elements in Asian aerosols and Asian soils

Abstract We quantified the water-soluble species in 24 h average TSP (Dunhuang and Gosan) and PM1.0 (Gosan only) samples associated with the Spring 2001 Asian Dust season. Samples were analyzed for water-soluble organic carbon, water-soluble sulfur, and water-soluble crustal elements, as well as their bulk chemical composition. Water-soluble organic carbon in Gosan accounted for 28–83% (average=63%) of the particle-phase TSP total organic carbon, and 1–69% (average=23%) of the particle-phase PM1.0 organic carbon. Water-soluble sulfur, primarily in the form of sulfate, accounted for 2–22% of the TSP mass in Gosan, and 0.9–11% of the TSP mass in Dunhuang. The absolute concentrations and the soluble fraction of crustal elements in TSP samples collected at Gosan were found to correlate with the air mass source region as determined by back-trajectory analysis. For example, elevated levels of water-soluble sodium, potassium, and calcium were observed during dust events. These observations are likely the result of differences in anthropogenic sources, mineralogical composition of resuspended crustal materials, and atmospheric processing of the aerosols. Experiments were conducted using Asian soil samples to study the impact of acidification by nitric acid vapor on the solubility of crustal elements present in Asian desert and non-desert dusts. These experiments demonstrated that gaseous nitric acid attack leads to significant increases (>100% increase) in water-soluble calcium, magnesium, aluminum, manganese, and iron, while little or no increases in water-soluble sodium and potassium were observed in the soils.
Septo-hippocampal GABAergic signaling across multiple modalities in awake mice

Hippocampal interneurons receive GABAergic input from the medial septum. Using two-photon Ca(2+) imaging of axonal boutons in hippocampal CA1 of behaving mice, we found that populations of septo-hippocampal GABAergic boutons were activated during locomotion and salient sensory events; sensory responses scaled with stimulus intensity and were abolished by anesthesia. We found similar activity patterns among boutons with common putative postsynaptic targets, with low-dimensional bouton population dynamics being driven primarily by presynaptic spiking.
Drug Resistant Infections with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, Clostridium Difficile, and Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus Are Associated with a Higher Prevalence of Penicillin Allergy

M O N D A Y 602 Profiling Gene Expression Changes in Cytokines and MicroRNAs As a Novel Assay in the Diagnosis of Drug Hypersensitivity Neeti Bhardwaj, MD, MS, Heather Rouse, Pharm D., Faoud T. Ishmael, MD, PhD; Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA. RATIONALE: There are few diagnostic tests to characterize T-cellmediated drug reactions. The aim of this study was to investigate T-cell cytokine and microRNA (miRNA) gene expression changes as markers of type IV hypersensitivity to drugs. METHODS: Peripheral bloodmononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a patient with reported delayed reactions with peripheral eosinophilia to cefepime and vancomycin, and a nonatopic control were incubated overnight with cefepime, vancomycin, cefdinir, cephalexin, or ampicillin. Gene expression changes in an array of T cell-induced cytokines and miRNA were measured using quantitative real time PCR. RESULTS: Increase in expression of GM-CSF, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-2 was observed in patient PBMCs stimulated with cefepime (mean increase, 34.5618.7) and vancomyin (13.966.3) compared to the control (cefepime: 1.3560.8, vancomycin: 0.760.2). To determine if there was crossreactivity with other b-lactams, IL-5 gene expression changes were measured after incubating patient PBMCs with cefdinir, cephalexin, or ampicillin. There was a 29.4-fold increase in IL-5 in the cefdinir-treated sample, compared to a 0.4-fold change in the cephalexin-treated sample and 1.4-fold change in the ampicillin-treated cells. As cefdinir and cefepime contain similar R2 side chains, this may be an important epitope in the drug reaction. MiRNA-1248 expression was found to be increased in both the patient and control for all drugs tested (mean, 13.364.8). Expression of miR-21, -133a, and let7a were decreased in drug-stimulated PBMCs in the patient relative to control. CONCLUSIONS: Gene expression changes in cytokines and miRNAs from drug-challenged PBMCs may be a useful assay to predict delayed T cell-mediated adverse drug reactions.
Kinesin-II, coming and going.

Eukaryotic cells are constantly challenged with a variety of transport problems. These are encountered during membrane trafficking, distribution of mitochondria and other membrane-bounded organelles, mRNA localization, and during special events such as mitosis and meiosis. Much of this transport is
Real-time determination of glucose consumption by live cells using a lab-on-valve system with an integrated microbioreactor.

This paper describes a microquantitative method for glucose determination in situ of living cells in real-time. In this novel technique adherent cells are cultured onto microcarrier beads and packed into a renewable microcolumn within a microsequential injection lab-on-valve system (μSI-LOV). Glucose sensing is performed through the use of a two-step, NAD-linked enzymatic process. The course of the assay is monitored in real-time, by absorbance of NADH at 340 nm. The microsequential assay based on plug/nozzle design has a linear dynamic range for glucose of 0.1 to 5.6 mM. The design of the (μSI-LOV) system allows the assay to be carried out using only 40 μL of the enzyme reagent and 3 μL of sample. The technique was tested on a murine hepatocyte cell line (TABX2S) adhered to Cytopore beads. Rapid cellular glucose consumption, in this technique, is facilitated by a high cell density, which allows a large number of cells (104–105) to be retained in a very small volume (3 μL). In turn, this cell density results in the rapid depletion of glucose from the cell medium over short time periods (<2 min). In conjunction with the assay development, the plug/nozzle design and its ramifications on mixing in general are presented and discussed.
Sensor fusion for ISR assets

Multiple sensors with multiple modalities are being routinely deployed in forward areas to gain the situational awareness. Some of the sensors are activity detection sensors such as acoustic, seismic, passive infrared (PIR), and magnetic sensors which normally consume low power. These sensors often cue or wake up more power hungry sensors such as imaging sensors, namely visible camera and infrared camera, and radar to either capture a picture or to track a target of interest. Several airborne sensors routinely gather information on an area of interest using radar, imaging sensors for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) purposes. Recently, Empire Challenge has brought a new concept: that is, harvesting the ISR data from the remotely distributed unattended ground sensors. Here aerial vehicle flies by the area occasionally and queries if the sensors have any data to be harvested. Harvesting large amounts of data is unnecessary and impractical - so some amount of fusion of the sensor data is essential.
High-temperature creep of polycrystalline chromium

The creep properties of high-purity, polycrystalline chromium were determined over the temperature range 0.51 to 0.78 T sub m, where T sub m is the melting temperature. Creep rates determined from step-load creep tests can be represented by the general creep equation; epsilon/D = k((sigma/E) to the nth power) where epsilon is the minimum creep rate, D is the diffusivity, k is the creep rate constant, sigma is the applied stress, E is the modulus, and n is the stress exponent, equal to 4.3 for chromium. This correlation and metallographic observations suggest a dislocation climb mechanism is operative in the creep of chromium over the temperature range investigated.
Multifunctional Polysaccharide Hydrogels Capable of Mineralization, Vascularization, and Anti-bacterial Efficacy

The use of hydrogels in bone regeneration research has shown to provide a variety of benefits. Hydrogels can be modified to optimize their rheological and mechanical properties for improved bone formation and vascularization at defect sites. Hydrogels are a type of hydrated polymeric materials with properties similar to those of natural tissue as a result of their ample water constituents. The hydrogels used in this study were modified derivatives of methylcellulose, agarose, and chitosan blends capable of rapid transition from sols to gels [Zuidema 2011]. A natural chemical compound, genipin, was added to induce cross-linking in the chitosan component of the hydrogels. The added control of cross-linking enabled the increased manipulation of hydrogel stiffness without alterations in polysaccharide constituents. The ability to create multiple hydrogels with varying stiffness allowed for the determination of an optimal hydrogel stiffness for the support of mineralization and vascularization in bone defects. Hydrogel stiffness is an essential factor in cell adhesion and function, with low-stiffness gels favoring vascularization and high-stiffness gels favoring mineralization. This study aimed to determine an optimal gel stiffness that could promote both mineralization and vascularization to encourage the formation of healthy mineralized bone in defect sites. In addition, the inherent anti-bacterial efficacy of the hydrogels was evaluated as it pertained to the issue of sterilization in bone defects. In this study, we designed multifunctional hydrogels with varied stiffness and assessed their anti-bacterial efficacy and ability to promote mineralization and vascularization for eventual use in bone defect healing.
Investigation of in Situ Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy for Environmental Monitoring in and around Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents

We have developed a fiber optic Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) sensor capable of continuous in situ and real-time monitoring of physical or chemical properties in and around deep-sea hydrothermal vents. The spectroscopic sensor system was deployed on three Alvin cruises to hydrothermal fields in the eastern Pacific: cruise AT11-20 to the East Pacific Rise (EPR) and cruises AT11-31 and AT15-09 to the Juan de Fuca Ridge. The SPR-based sensor was integrated with a thermocouple employed to measure the densities of hydrothermal vent fluid and seawater surrounding the vent. The system was battery powered and placed in a pressure vessel capable of operating six kilometers below the ocean surface in and around hydrothermal vents. Results show the potential of in situ SPR analysis for monitoring in and around hydrothermal vents, including the ability to characterize spatial gradients of the dissolved hydrocarbons and mixing of vent fluid.
Ideal, Simplified and Inverted Decoupling of Fractional Order TITO Processes

Abstract In recent years, more and more research work has demonstrated the advantages of using fractional order modeling and control techniques. However, many of these research focus on the single-input-single-output systems. In this paper, fractional order two-input-two-output processes are studied in terms of decoupling control. Three types of classic decoupling techniques for integer order processes are re-visited and are generalized to fractional order cases, which has not been addressed in the literature. This effort involves new problems other than those for integer order processes, such as the the properness, interaction analysis, and the frequency dependent relative gain array, etc. Simulation examples are given to illustrate these generalized decoupling methodologies and some notes on practical implementation are provided.
POMC-related products in the intermediate pituitary of the amphibian, Bufo marinus: differential subcellular processing in the Golgi and secretory granules.

Abstract In the intermediate pituitary of the anuran amphibian, Bufo marinus , the N -acetylation of ACTH(1–13)-NH 2 to yield α-MSH occurss as a cosecretory processing event, whereas the N -acetylation of β-endorphin occurs as a posttranslational processing event. To understand how these two N -acetylation reactions are segregated, B. marinus intermediate pituitary cells were analyzed by immunogold labeling electron microscopy, and by using an ultracentrifugation procedure. The immunogold labeling studies indicated that ACTH(1–13)-NH 2 -related immunoreactivity was colocalized with N -acetylated β-endorphin-related immunoreactivity in secretory granules. Furthermore, ACTH(1–13)-NH 2 -related immunoreactivity was not detected in either the ER or the Golgi. N -Acetylated β-endorphin-related immunoreactivity, however, was detected in the Golgi. Ultracentrifugation analysis revealed that in an ER/microsomal fraction, β-LPH-sized and nonacetylated β-endorphin-sized immunoreactive material were present in a molar ratio of 1:2. No N -acetylated forms of β-endorphin were detected in the ER/microsomal fraction. In a Golgi/secretory granule fraction, the molar ratio of β-LPH to β-endorphin was 1:9 with 58% of the β-endorphin being N -acetylated. Collectively, these data support the following hypotheses. The proteolytic cleavage of ACTH(1–39) to yield ACTH(1–13)-NH 2 is a late processing event occurring in secretory granules. The cleavage of β-LPH to yield nonacetylated β-endorphin is an early processing event that may occur in the ER or the Golgi. Because N -acetylated β-endorphin and nonacetylated ACTH(1–13)-NH 2 are colocalized in secretory granules, it appears, therefore, that the N -acetylation of β-endorphin is completed prior to loading into secretory granules. Thus, there is a spatial and temporal separation of the posttranslational processing events associated with the β-LPH portion and ACTH portion of the POMC biosynthetic pathway in amphibian intermediate pituitary cells.
Circulating, interferon-producing plasmacytoid dendritic cells decline during human ageing.

Increased frequency and severity of infections in the elderly have been taken as indicative of declining immune function. Dendritic cells (DCs), the most important antigen-presenting cells, play a central role in initiating and modulating immune responses. One type, DC2, arises from precursor plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), a rare population of circulating blood cells, whose hallmark function is rapid and copious production of interferon-α (IFN-α) upon microbial challenge. We found significant decreases of the circulating pDCs during ageing in healthy adult humans, as defined both by flow cytometry and IFN-α generation. Mean pDC/mm3 in peripheral blood declined from 7.8 for the youngest age group (18–39 years) to 4.2 for the oldest (60–91 years; P = 0.017). IFN-α generation declined similarly, from 3537 to 1201 IU/ml, respectively (P = 0.006). There was also a slight decline over the age range in the amount of IFN generated per pDC (slope = −0.0087; P = 0.046). CD4+ T cells decreased by approximately 20% over the same age range (P = 0.001), while there was no change in the total lymphocyte or monocyte counts.
Temporary Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation for Treatment of Thoracolumbar Injuries in Young Adults

Objective Bone-only injuries of the spine, including Chance fractures, are commonly managed nonoperatively. However, selected patients may benefit from surgical stabilization. In this report, the authors describe a method of temporary internal fixation with percutaneous pedicle screws for patients with intractable pain and thoracolumbar fractures. Methods We reviewed the medical records and imaging studies of three patients 17 to 21 years old with thoracolumbar fractures that were treated with temporary internal fixation. The patients had bone-only injuries without a major deformity. Additionally, they had severe pain that was uncontrolled with parenteral pain medications and prevented mobilization with traditional external bracing. For fixation, pedicle screws were placed percutaneously in the level above and below the fracture. No arthrodesis was performed. After 6 months, fracture healing was evaluated radiographically. Once confirmed, the instrumentation was removed. Outcomes examined include length of stay, pain control, time to ambulation, and fracture healing. Results Three patients were included in the review, ages 17 to 21 (mean 18.7) years. Two patients had classic Chance fractures, and the third had bilateral pars fractures with a compression fracture at the same level. All patients had severe pain despite bracing. Postoperatively, all patients had significant pain reduction that facilitated rapid mobilization. At 6 months after surgery, fracture healing was verified with radiographic imaging and the instrumentation was removed. There were no complications. Conclusions Temporary internal bracing of bone-only thoracolumbar fractures in young adults is a safe and effective treatment strategy in selected patients. This procedure provides rapid pain control and early mobilization without sacrificing any spinal motion segments.
At Raytheon Six Sigma works, too, to improve HR management processes

Raytheon has employed Six Sigma, traditionally used for improving manufacturing processes, as a broad tool for creating customer value and changing culture. The HR function has also successfully applied Six Sigma to make the company's people management processes more efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly, with the added benefit of enhancing HR's role as a full business partner with the line organization. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neurohumoral control of ionic pumping in molluscan muscle: III. Cholinergic control of the response to low potassium levels

Abstract 1. 1. Isolated radular protractor muscles (RPM) of Busycon canaliculatum show a complex response to potassium free solution. 2. 2. While exposed to a bathing solution lacking K + , the RPM begins to respond with a hyperpolarizing phase. Within minutes, this gives way to a depolarizing phase (DP). After readmission of a bathing solution containing K + , there is an extra hyperpolarizing phase. 3. 3. Acetylcholine over a range of concentrations from 10 −8 M to 10 −3 M progressively enhances the DP. 4. 4. The action of acetylcholine is sodium dependent.
‘Clickable’-Photoactive Propofol Analogue for the Identification of Anesthetic Targets

Propofol, a dialkylphenol intravenous anesthetic, has been widely administered for over a quarter century in general anesthesia and for rapid sedation. Regardless, the drug's mechanism of action remains elusive with mounting evidence suggesting contributions from multiple pathways. Most proposed targets, such as ion channels and ligand gated receptors, are low abundance but functionally important proteins. To uncover these significant targets, we synthesized a photoactive- and ‘clickable’- propofol analogue with meta-trifluoromethyldiazirinyl and ortho-(propynyloxy)methyl substitutions in place of the two isopropyl groups. This novel o-alkynyl-m-azipropofol maintains the physiochemical, biochemical and in vivo properties of propofol. It also photoadducts to known propofol binding sites in model proteins. Once adducted, the alkyne click moiety successfully undergoes copper catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions with azide-rodamine and -biotin tags allowing for fluorescent labeling and avidin resin enrichment of photolabeled targets within ex vivo systems. Using fluorescent microscopy or mass spectroscopy, the chemically ‘dual-active’ propofol analogue allows localization and identification of key targets in the biochemical pathways that underlie alkylphenol induced anesthesia.
Identifying shared leadership in Wikipedia

In this paper, we introduce a method to measure shared leadership in Wikipedia as a step in developing a new model of online leadership. We show that editors with varying degrees of engagement and from peripheral as well as central roles all act like leaders, but that core and peripheral editors show different profiles of leadership behavior. Specifically, we developed machine learning models to automatically identify four types of leadership behaviors from 4 million messages sent between Wikipedia editors. We found strong evidence of shared leadership in Wikipedia, with editors in peripheral roles producing a large proportion of leadership behaviors.
Two-cocycle arising from the Chern-Simons three-form

Abstract A closed formula for the two-cocycle arising from the Chern-Simons three-form is derived. When this two cocycle is taken as a Lagrangian for the dynamics of two group elements in one [time] dimension, the Euler-Lagrange equation is identified for a general Lie group and in particular for SU (2).
Substrate-dependent activation of uridine diphosphoglucose dehydrogenase from the dimorphic fungusMucor rouxii

Abstract As part of an investigation on polyuronide synthesis in the dimorphic fungus Mucor rouxii , we have studied the synthesis from UDP-glucose (UDPG) of the activated sugar precursor UDPGlucuronic acid. UDPG dehydrogenases from yeastlike and mycelial forms of M. rouxii were partially purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation and ultrafiltration. The enzyme preparations were largely free of enzymes which could degrade the substrates or products of the reaction. In the assay, enzymes from both sources exhibited slow activation over a period of several minutes. The rate of activation was dependent on both the enzyme concentration and the concentration of UDPG and NAD. The enzyme from the mycelial form had a km for UDPG of 490 μ m , a K m for NAD of 297 μ m , and a molecular weight at pH 7.0 of 440,000 as estimated by gel chromatography. In contrast the enzyme from the yeastlike form had a km for UDPG of 168 μ m , a K m for NAD of 740 μ m , and a molecular weight at pH 7.0 of 330,000. At pH 8.0, both enzymes dissociated to give forms of lower molecular weight. At this pH, UDPG alone could activate the enzyme. This activation was accompanied by the association of the lower-molecular-weight forms to give the higher-molecular-weight forms seen at pH 7.0. Association was prevented by heat treatment. The heat-treated enzymes could not produce UDPGlucuronic acid.
Regional study of cerebral ventricle sensitive sites to angiotensin II

Angiotensin II injected in small doses into the cerebral ventricles produces an increase in blood pressure and drinking behavior. The site of action for both of these effects was studied in 3 main experiments. (1) The response to several doses of angiotensin delivered to each ventricle was investigated with multiple ventricular cannulation. This revealed that the rostral ventricular system was involved in angiotensin II mediated responses. (2) CSF flow was limited by plugging specific anterior and posterior ventricular regions and then testing for angiotensin II induced drinking and pressor responses. This technique showed that the ventral anterior third ventricle must be reached by the peptide in order to produce either blood pressure or drinking effects. (3) In order to separate pressor components due to vasopressin release and sympathetic activation, hypophysectomized rats were also tested. The experiment showed that the pressor response to intraventricular angiotensin II is due to both sympathetic and pituitary hormonal components and both are dependent on sites sensitive to angiotensin in the anterior third ventricule. The ventral anterior third ventricle or periventricular tissue surrounding it seems to be essential for both blood pressure and drinking responses to intraventricular angiotensin II.
Glial bridges and Schwann cell migration during chronic demyelination in the C.N.S.

The formation of fibrotic bridges from subpial astrocytes into the subarachnoid space of the spinal cord and the migration of Schwann cells to the central nervous system (C.N.S.) is appraised in chronically demyelinated C.N.S. lesions. Spinal cord tissue was studied from inbred, Strain 13 guinea pigs with chronic experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). It has been found that uncommitted Schwann cells are present around remyelinated fibres in nerve root entry zones, between meningeal cells at a distance from the roots and along blood vessels within the spinal cord parenchyma. It is speculated that these cells migrate via the above route to the C.N.S. In the present model, this invasion might be aided by glial fibrosis, a process which leads to surface irregularities in the spinal cord, an extensive extracellular space and possible breaches in the glia limitans through which Schwann cells might penetrate.
Dead-time modified photocount distributions for chaotic radiation with arbitrary coherence times

A computer simulation method is employed to investigate the dead-time modified photocount detection distribution where the ratio of coherence time of the incident radiation to the counting time τc/T ≦ 1. The principal result is to demonstrate that a dead-time correction formula that was derived for τc/T ≫ 1 may be modified to be applicable to arbitrary coherence times. The simulation technique was verified by comparing simulated results with known results for dead-time modified photocount distribution for radiation with τc/T ≫ 1 and for unmodified photocount distribution for radiation with τc/T ≦ 1.
Computerized Biomechanical Models in Manual Work Design

This paper reviews the development and use. of various anthropometric and biomechanical models that have become available as programs operating in different computing environments. Some of the models to be presented are meant to assist in the design of a workstation when visual and physical reach requirements are high (e.g., COMBIMAN, SAMMIE and TEMPUS/BUBBLEPERSON). Other models are meant to analyze and assist in the design of tasks requiring significant physical effort (e.g., UM 2D and 3D Strength Models). Limitations and future needs will be discussed.
Deuterium-Tritium Fuel Self-Sufficiency in Fusion Reactors

Conditions necessary to achieve deuterium-tritium fuel self-sufficiency in fusion reactors are derived through extensive modeling and calculations of the required and achievable tritium breeding ra...
Specification and synthesis of hardware checkpointing and rollback mechanisms

The increasing pressure to make hardware resilient to runtime failures has prompted development of design techniques for specific classes of systems, e.g. processors and routers. However, these techniques come at increased design and verification costs, thus limiting their broader application. In this work we describe a methodology for general RTL designs based on the widely usable checkpointing and rollback resiliency mechanism. We take a modeling and language approach that provides an appropriate set of abstractions for the resiliency logic. This cleanly separates the main design behavior from the resiliency behavior, leading to ease of design. Further, as the language abstractions can be automatically synthesized into resiliency logic, our methodology can merge with existing design flows. The concerns of verifying this additional resiliency logic can be addressed by synthesizing behavioral assertions capturing correct behavior. We demonstrate the use of this methodology on four examples, with synthesis for performance and area to estimate the overhead of the additional synthesis logic.
What Makes a Warning Label Salient

Existing research indicates warning labels are generally ineffective due to users ignoring them. One goal of the present experiment was to illustrate the importance that warning labels be as salient as possible. Features of salience examined in past research are size of the label, location, bold print, etc. The present study tests the effectiveness of warning label color and shape in terms of subject compliance, retention of label details, and perception of danger level. Results indicated that a written label surrounded by a shape resulted in higher compliance than a label with no surrounding shape. Color had significant effects only when used in conjunction with shape. A red label elicited a higher rating of potential danger, with green next, and black and white the lowest. A red octagon was significantly more effective than other combinations in terms of invoking a greater retention of label detail and also drawing higher ratings of perceived danger. A neutral shape elicited both lower subject complianc...
A Max-Min Allocation Problem: Its Solutions and Applications

This paper describes a max-min allocation problem that has M constraints and N nonnegative integer variables. By exploring the structure of the optimal solution to this max-min allocation problem, we develop a nonsimplex-based algorithm that finds an optimal solution within OMN2 operations. In addition, we show that a space allocation problem for a flexible component insertion machine can be formulated as a special case of this max-min allocation problem with one constraint. Furthermore, we present some manufacturing and production problems that can he formulated as max-min allocation problems, and hence, can be solved efficiently.
New acoustic velocity measurements on CaO‐MgO‐Al2O3‐SiO2 liquids: Reevaluation of the volume and compressibility of CaMgSi2O6‐CaAl2Si2O8 liquids to 25 GPa

[1] Relaxed sound speed measurements on 12 liquids in the CaO-MgO-Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 (CMAS) system have been performed from 1410 to 1620°C at 1 bar with a frequency sweep acoustic interferometer. In all liquids, the sound speeds either decrease or remain constant with increasing temperature. These data are combined with those in the literature to calibrate models for β T and (∂V/∂P) T as a function of composition and temperature for CMAS liquids. CaO is the only oxide component that contributes to the temperature dependence of compressibility. The new compressibility models permit the bulk modulus (K T,0 ) of CaMgSi 2 O 6 (Di), CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8 (An), and the Di 64 -An 36 eutectic liquid to be directly obtained. These results are used to uniquely constrain values for the pressure dependence of the bulk modulus (K 0 '= dK 0 /dP) in a third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state (EOS) for these three liquids from shock wave data in the literature. The revised K 0 'value is 6.8 (versus 6.9) for CaMgSi 2 O 6 liquid, 4.7 (versus 5.3) for CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8 liquid, and 5.6 (versus 4.85) for Di 64 -An 36 liquid. Information on both K T,0 and K 0 ' allows the density and compressibility for each of these three liquids to be calculated as a function of pressure to 25 GPa. Both the molar volume and isothermal compressibility of CaMgSi 2 O 6 -CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8 liquids mix ideally between 0 and 25 GPa. The dominant mechanism of compression at low pressure (0-5 GPa) for all three liquids (CaMgSi 2 O 6 , CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8 , and the Di 64 -An 36 eutectic) is topological, whereas gradual Al/Si coordination change plays an increasingly important role at higher pressure as topological mechanisms of compression are diminished.
Functionally Independent Construction (FIC): Studies of Consistency

Data from three studies are presented which support the relative consistency, over time, of a Personal Construct organization score. Other evidence is cited supporting the hypothesis that effective functioning may be related to greater integration of Personal Constructs.
Nitrogen excretion in the larvae of a land-nesting frog (Leptodactylus bufonius).

Abstract 1. 1. The larvae of the land-nesting frog, Leptodactylus bufonius, were found to produce predominant quantities of urea in the foam of the mud nests, as well as in water. 2. 2. The rate of ammonia excretion remained quite constant throughout development, whereas the rates of urea excretion closely followed the changes in rates of total nitrogen excretion. 3. 3. It is suggested that ureotelism may be widespread in many larval leptodac-tylids as well as other anuran larval forms living under conditions of restricted water.
Altering the Crystal Morphology of Silicalite-1 through Microemulsion-Based Synthesis

The crystal morphology of silicalite-1 was adjusted through a microemulsion-based hydrothermal synthesis. The surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) with cosurfactant butanol was used to form water-in-oil microemulsions containing the silicalite-1 synthesis gel. The crystal morphology of silicalite-1 was adjusted from coffin-shaped to novel rod-shaped and to irregular-shaped nanoparticles by varying the microemulsion composition. Silicalite-1 synthesized in the microemulsion has a smaller size and a more narrow size distribution than that produced by conventional synthesis without the microemulsion. The novel morphology of silicalite-1 may facilitate assembly into films and find applications in separation and catalysis.
Children's Emerging Regulation of Conduct: Restraint, Compliance, and Internalization from Infancy to the Second Year

We examined emergent regulation of conduct from infancy to the second year. Multiple observational measures at home and in the laboratory assessed, at 8-10 months, the child's restraint and attention (N = 112), and at 13-15 months, compliance to mother, internalization of her prohibition, and quality of motivation in the mother-child teaching context (N = 108). We replicated the findings previously reported for older children that supported our view of compliance and noncompliance as heterogeneous: Committed compliance was higher to maternal "don'ts" than "dos," with the reverse true for situational compliance; girls surpassed boys in committed compliance; and committed, but not situational, compliance related positively, and passive noncompliance negatively, to children's internalization of maternal prohibition. We extended previous work into three new directions: children's committed compliance and passive noncompliance in control contexts related predictably to their motivation in mother-child teaching contexts; restraint at 8-10 months predicted higher committed compliance at 13-15 months; and focused attention at 8-10 months was associated with contemporaneous restraint and modestly with committed compliance to maternal "dos" at 13-15 months.
Understanding the chain of communication during a disaster.

TOPIC. Every disaster begins on a local level and may, depending on size, evolve to a state of federal disaster response. Understanding California's State Disaster Plan and the importance of the chain of communication is a first step to understanding the Federal Disaster Response system. The chain of command is critical to making sure services and resources are utilized in a timely manner without duplication. PURPOSE. This paper's intent is to define California's present emergency management system (EMS) infrastructure from local to state level and educate healthcare professionals for disaster activation. CONCLUSIONS. It is imperative that all voluntary healthcare professionals learn the chain of command within the disaster response system. Each disaster response begins with the individual's preparedness at the local level and all disaster preparedness must incorporate training of health professionals, citizens, and families in local disaster drills. Language: en
Design of color screen sets for robustness to color plane misregistration

Periodic clustered-dot screens are widely used for electrophotographic printers due to their homogeneous halftone texture and their robustness to dot gain. However, when applied to color printing, there are two important phenomena that limit the quality of printed color halftones generated using a screening technology: (1) moire´ due to the superposition halftone patterns corresponding to different periodicity matrices, and (2) appearance changes due to misregistration between different colorant planes. This paper focuses on analyzing the registration sensitivity of periodic, clustered-dot screens. To quantitatively measure the effect of registration errors, we introduce two new functions: (1) cost, and (2) risk of registration errors. We propose the notion of “visual equivalence”, and derive three propositions under which visual equivalence can be achieved, even when registration errors occur.
The hypotensive action of 3-deaza-adenosine

Abstract The effects of 3-deaza-adenosine on the cardiovascular system was investigated in normotensive (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). This compound (50 mg/kg i.p. 2×) significantly lowers blood pressure in both groups of animals, an effects which lasts for up to 2 h. The hypotensive effect is not affected by ganglion blockade, and appears to be due in part to a direct effect on blood vessels. While the response is similar to that seem with adenosine, it is more long-lasting. The results of this study suggest a potential role for this compound or analogues of it as possible antihypertensive agents.
Nerves in cortical bone

Modified electron-microscopic techniques permit the sectioning of fully mineralized compact bone. Cortical canals in human femur are extensively innervated. Most nerves are unmyelinated and range from 0.5 to 10 micrometers in diameter. I have found a few mixed nerves (myelinated and unmyelinated fibers), one of which was 130 micrometers in diameter.
Clinical features of depressed patients with or without a family history of alcoholism.

Objective: To compare clinical features of depressed subjects without alcoholism but with a family history of alcoholism to a depressed group without alcoholism and without a family history of alcoholism. Method: Clinical and demographic data of 209 depressed subjects without a history of alcoholism in first-degree relatives and 73 depressed individuals with a history of alcoholism in first-degree relatives were compared. Subjects with a personal history of alcoholism were excluded. Results: Depressed subjects with a family history of alcoholism have a significantly higher prevalence of reported childhood physical and sexual abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), make more suicide attempts, and have greater intent to die at the time of their most lethal suicide attempt, compared to depressed subjects without a family history of alcoholism. Conclusion: Depressed patients with a family history of alcoholism are at greater risk for suicidal behavior and PTSD and may require more careful management.
On extinct hominid population densities

The author estimates the population density of early fossil hominids on the basis of their food habits and body size
Everything you always wanted to know about evaluating prediction models (but were too afraid to ask)

Many urology papers describe the development of statistical prediction models, what are often described as “nomograms”. Indeed, a simple search of Medline for urology prediction models retrieves close to 1000 papers. These studies come from investigators across the globe, including those researching both malignant and benign disease in organs from the kidney on down. In short, everyone is doing it. This can make asking questions about prediction modeling a bit embarrassing (if everyone is doing it, shouldn’t I know all about it?). As such, we present a short list of “Everything you always wanted to know about evaluating prediction models (but were too afraid to ask)”. This is a personal take on some well-known statistical principles; we have not added citations to the text, but a list of further reading is given at the end.
Formative assessment systems: evaluating the fit between school districts’ needs and assessment systems’ characteristics

Recent legislative and local school accountability efforts have placed a premium on the collection, analysis, and use of student assessment data for educational improvement. As a result, schools have sought assessments that will provide additional information about student performance. In response, a burgeoning boon industry formed—formative educational assessment systems. In this study we describe how districts search for and acquire formative assessment systems to meet their needs. We focus on three school districts that adopted three different formative assessment systems. Our findings suggest the fit between a system’s characteristics and a school district’s intended use is the most important consideration in instituting a successful formative assessment system that will have a positive impact on teacher education and student learning.