cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effort and demand logic in medical decision making

Medical decisions, including diagnosis, prognosis, and disease classification, must often be made on the basis of incomplete or unsatisfactory information. Data which are essential to the care of one patient may be unobtainable for technical or ethical reasons in another patient. For this reason the principles of controlled experimentation may be impossible to satisfy in human studies. In this paper, some formal aspects of medical decision making are discussed. Special operators for the intuitive concepts of ‘certainty’, ‘demand’, and ‘effort’, akin to the operators of modal logic, are used to accommodate the technical and ethical limitations on human studies. Theorems are stated and proved which show how this system handles incomplete information. The embryogenesis of the human heart is presented as a sample problem in classification.
Development of a novel endosomolytic diblock copolymer for siRNA delivery

The gene knockdown activity of small interfering RNA (siRNA) has led to their use as target validation tools and as potential therapeutics for a variety of diseases. The delivery of these double-stranded RNA macromolecules has proven to be challenging, however, and in many cases, is a barrier to their deployment. Here we report the development of a new diblock copolymer family that was designed to enhance the systemic and intracellular delivery of siRNA. These diblock copolymers were synthesized using the controlled reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) method and are composed of a positively-charged block of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) to mediate siRNA condensation, and a second endosomal-releasing block composed of DMAEMA and propylacrylic acid (PAA) in roughly equimolar ratios, together with butyl methacylate (BMA). A related series of diblock compositions were characterized, with the cationic block kept constant, and with the ratio of DMAEMA and PAA to BMA varied. These carriers became sharply hemolytic at endosomal pH regimes, with increasing hemolytic activity seen as the percentage of BMA in the second block was systematically increased. The diblock copolymers condensed siRNA into 80-250 nm particles with slightly positive Zeta potentials. SiRNA-mediated knockdown of a model protein, namely glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), in HeLa cells generally followed the hemolytic activity trends, with the most hydrophobic second block (highest BMA content) exhibiting the best knockdown. This pH-responsive carrier designed to mediate endosomal release shows significant promise for the intracellular delivery of siRNA.
Correlations between global features of terrestrial fields

Studies of correlation coefficients between different sets of global geophysical data may lead to useful inferences concerning their relationship or independence. If one data set is allowed to rotate with respect to another, the statistical theory is complicated and extra care is required before one can conclude that there is any statistical significance to a maximized correlation coefficient. If, for some relative rotation, two spherical harmonic fields are significantly correlated, then their individual degree component harmonics of dominant power must also be significantly correlated. Rotations can be found that result in high correlations between the dominant low-degree spherical harmonics of the geomagnetic and tertestrial gravity field potentials, but rotations can also be found that result in equally high, yet meaningless, correlations if the lunar gravity field is substituted for the geomagnetic field. To explain such high correlations, the theoretical correlation distribution function between normally distributed component harmonics is derived and then verified for lowdegree harmonics by using a Monte Carlo technique which takes into account the three-dimensional rotation group. Some curious properties surface: (1)the correlation distribution function for all possible relative orientations is almost the same between identical and uncorrelated fields; and (2)a system for determining the correlation distribution function from randomly selected fields or from randomly rotated fields is almost ergodic.
Physico-chemical properties of mixed molybdenum and cerium oxides supported on silica-alumina and their use as catalysts in the thermal-catalytic cracking (TCC) of n-hexane

Abstract Mixed oxides, MoO3–CeO2, were being used as catalysts for the cracking (TCC) of liquid hydrocarbon feedstocks. The dispersion and interactions of MoO3, CeO2 and mixtures thereof impregnated into the silica–alumina surface were investigated using several techniques, which included X-ray diffraction (XRD) and laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS). The loadings and the chemical states of metal oxides incorporated separately had significant effects on the catalytic activities of the resulting monocomponent catalysts. Addition of cerium to molybdenum had a favorable effect on the production of light olefins in the TCC of n-hexane up to a certain level of cerium loading. In fact, high loadings of molybdenum and/or cerium favored the formation of aromatics, instead. The catalytic performance of the bicomponent catalysts also depended significantly on the incorporation methods. It was found that the co-impregnation of MoO3 and CeO2, which led to the highest production of light olefins, corresponded to the formation of (surface) cerium molybdate to the highest extent. On the other hand, the catalysts prepared by the two-step impregnation methods (sequential and reverse sequential impregnation) showed much lower catalytic performance due to low Mo–Ce interactions as suggested by an important segregation of the active phases, mostly MoO3. The sequence of catalytic performance (to the desired products, i.e. light olefins) fully coincided with that of the dispersion of molybdate species on the support surface.
Nursing Facility Admission Agreements: An Analysis of Selected Content:

This study employs the method of content analysis to consider the prevalence of required nursing facility admission agreement content. The goal was to assess facilities' compliance with applicable regulations that pertain to nursing home residents' rights to full and accurate information upon admission. Without appropriate information, potential consumers are unaware of the scope of their rights as nursing home residents The study departs from previous research in that it considers the context of recent nursing home reform legislation (OBRA '87) and the degree to which admission agreements reflect important changes in residents' rights requirements. The findings confirm the prevalence of problems and deficiencies in admission agreement language addressed in previous studies and demonstrate the need for improvement in both clarity and accuracy of admission agreement content.
Réflexions sur l’histoire de l’AILA

Albert Valdman traces the history of AILA through his memories of its origins in the early 1960s in France to its place today as the umbrella organization of over 30 national associations from all over the world. He begins with a discussion of AILA’s early days — centered in Western Europe and focused on language learning — and follows its expansion in North America and the rest of the world and to other domains of applied linguistics. Along the way, he cites significant meetings, resulting publications, research groups, the question of language use within the organization and many linguists who have contributed to the evolution of AILA.
Form of mercury in stream fish exposed to high concentrations of dissolved inorganic mercury.

The form of mercury predominating in mercury-contaminated fish from both pristine and industrialized waters in North America and Europe has almost universally been methylmercury. Sunfish (Lepomis auritus) living in a stream contaminated with 0.5–1 μg/L dissolved inorganic mercury accumulated greater concentrations of total mercury at headwater sites, where the dissolved mercury concentrations were greatest, than they did at downstream sites. However, despite evidence from laboratory studies that dissolved inorganic mercury is rapidly accumulated by fish without transformation to methylmercury, methylmercury constituted 85% or more of the total mercury concentration in fish at all sites.
Promotora diabetes intervention for Mexican Americans.

PURPOSE The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to determine the effectiveness of an intervention led by promotoras (community lay workers) on the glycemic control, diabetes knowledge, and diabetes health beliefs of Mexican Americans with type 2 diabetes living in a major city on the Texas-Mexico border. METHODS One hundred fifty Mexican American participants were recruited at a Catholic faith-based clinic and randomized into 2 groups. Personal characteristics, acculturation, baseline A1C level, diabetes knowledge, and diabetes health beliefs were measured. The intervention was culturally specific and consisted of participative group education, telephone contact, and follow-up using inspirational faith-based health behavior change postcards. The A1C levels, diabetes knowledge, and diabetes health beliefs were measured 3 and 6 months postbaseline, and the mean change between the groups was analyzed. RESULTS The 80% female sample, with a mean age of 58 years, demonstrated low acculturation, income, education, health insurance coverage, and strong Catholicism. No significant changes were noted at the 3-month assessment, but the mean change of the A1C levels, F(1, 148) = 10.28, P < .001, and the diabetes knowledge scores, F(1, 148) = 9.0, P < .002, of the intervention group improved significantly at 6 months, adjusting for health insurance coverage. The health belief scores decreased in both groups. CONCLUSIONS The intervention resulted in decreased A1C levels and increased diabetes knowledge, suggesting that using promotoras as part of an interdisciplinary team can result in positive outcomes for Mexican Americans who have type 2 diabetes. Clinical implications and recommendations for future research are suggested.
3D measurements of ignition processes at 20 kHz in a supersonic combustor

The ignition dynamics in a Mach 2 combustor were investigated using a three-dimensional (3D) diagnostic with 20 kHz temporal resolution. The diagnostic was based on a combination of tomographic chemiluminescence and fiber-based endoscopes (FBEs). Customized FBEs were employed to capture line-of-sight integrated chemiluminescence images (termed projections) of the combustor from eight different orientations simultaneously at 20 kHz. The measured projections were then used in a tomographic algorithm to obtain 3D reconstruction of the sparks, ignition kernel, and stable flame. Processing the reconstructions frame by frame resulted in 4D measurements. Key properties were then extracted to quantify the ignition processes, including 3D volume, surface area, sphericity, and velocity of the ignition kernel. The data collected in this work revealed detailed spatiotemporal dynamics of the ignition kernel, which are not obtainable with planar diagnostics, such as its growth, movement, and development into “stable” combustion. This work also illustrates the potential for obtaining quantitative 3D measurements using tomographic techniques and the practical utility of FBEs.
Concealing Difference: Derrida and Heidegger's Thinking of Becoming

Soulevant la question d'une lecture de Heidegger apres Derrida, dans le sens de ce qui excede la solicitation de la difference ontologique, l'A. etablit une analogie entre Heidegger et le Nietzsche de la «Grammatologie», reperant dans le texte heideggerien l'intensification de la problematique de la difference. Subsumant l'oeuvre de Derrida a la force de la differance conformement a la strategie deconstructive, l'A. presente une lecture de «Identite et difference» qui developpe une interpretation de Heidegger comme penseur du mouvement et du devenir
Streak camera performance with large-format CCD readout

The ICF program at Livermore has a large inventory of optical streak cameras that were built in the 1970s and 1980s. The cameras include microchannel plate image-intensifier tubes (IIT) that provide signal amplification and early lenscoupled CCD readouts. Today, these cameras are still very functional, but some replacement parts such as the original streak tube, CCD, and IIT are scarce and obsolete. This article describes recent efforts to improve the performance of these cameras using today’s advanced CCD readout technologies. Very sensitive, large-format CCD arrays with efficient fiber-optic input faceplates are now available for direct coupling with the streak tube. Measurements of camera performance characteristics including linearity, spatial and temporal resolution, line-spread function, contrast transfer ratio (CTR), and dynamic range have been made for several different camera configurations: CCD coupled directly to the streak tube, CCD directly coupled to the IIT, and the original configuration with a smaller CCD lens coupled to the IIT output. Spatial resolution (limiting visual) with and without the IIT is 8 and 20 lp/mm, respectively, for photocathode current density up to 25% of the Child-Langmuir (C-L) space-charge limit. Temporal resolution (fwhm) deteriorates by about 20% when the cathode current density reaches 10% of the C-L space charge limit. Streak tube operation with large average tube current was observed by lluminating the entire slit region through a Ronchi ruling and measuring the CTR. Sensitivity (CCD electrons per streak tube photoelectron) for the various configurations ranged from 7.5 to 2,700 with read noise of 7.5 to 10.5 electrons. Optimum spatial resolution is achieved when the IIT is removed. Maximum dynamic range requires a configuration where a single photoelectron from the photocathode produces a signal that is 3 to 5 times the read noise.
Generation of Oxamic Acid Libraries: Antimalarials and Inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum Lactate Dehydrogenase

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a key enzyme in the glycolytic pathway of Plasmodium falciparum (pf) and has several unique amino acids, related to other LDHs, at the active site, making it an attractive target for antimalarial agents. Oxamate, a competitive inhibitor, shows high substrate affinity for pfLDH. This class of compounds has been viewed as potential antimalarial agents. Thus, we have developed an effective automated synthetic strategy for the rapid synthesis of oxamic acid and ester libraries to screen for potential lead inhibitors. One hundred sixty-seven oxamic acids were synthesized using a “catch and release” method with overall yields of 20−70%. Most of the compounds synthesized had some inhibitory effects, but compounds 5 and 6 were the most active against both chloroquine- and mefloquine-resistant strains with IC50 values of 15.4 and 9.41 μM and 20.4 and 8.40 μM, respectively. Some oxamic acids showed activities against pfLDH and mammalian LDH (mLDH) at the micromolar range. These oxamic...
Chagas disease: a proposal for testing policy for solid-organ transplant in the United States.

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The disease is difficult to detect because of the asymptomatic pathogenesis after infection. Chagas disease is endemic throughout much of Mexico, Central America, and South America, but human migration patterns are bringing the pathogen to the United States. The disease currently affects 16 to 18 million people with approximately 50 000 deaths annually in these countries. In the United States, national screening of the blood supply was instituted in early 2007, and more than 1000 donors with T cruzi infection have been identified within the past 3 years of testing. It was observed that out of the 58 organ procurement organizations in the United States, only 4 required mandatory testing of every donor for Chagas disease. It was estimated that as of 2009, approximately 409 000 residents are living with Chagas disease, and in a 22-year span, approximately 300 patients may have contracted Chagas disease through transplant. Proposed solutions to the c...
Analysis of ginkgolides and bilobalide in food products using LC–APCI–MS

Abstract A method was developed for the extraction and quantification of five marker compounds characteristic of Ginkgo biloba. Five ginkgo terpene trilactones: bilobalide and ginkgolides A, B, C, and J, were selected as marker compounds for this study. Initial studies produced a simple methanol extraction method for determination of gingko markers in solid dietary supplements. Five dietary supplements were analyzed and the results were later compared to the concentrations detected in the analysis of beverages. Beverage samples were prepared by extracting the ginkgo terpene trilactones using an optimized solid phase extraction (SPE) method. The extracts were analyzed using LC–atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)–MS in the negative ionization mode. The limits of detection of the extraction method ranged from 6.8 to 3.2 ng mL−1. Using the optimized method, 14 drinks and 3 tea products were analyzed. Concentrations of total marker compounds in drinks ranged between 1685 and 21.4 ng mL−1 with individual ginkgo terpene trilactones being detected at ppb concentrations. Analysis of brewed tea products presented much higher total marker compound concentrations ranging from 8.12 and 16.6 μg mL−1. Analytical results reproducibility data, and recovery of the SPE method are presented.
Intensity discrilnination: Performance in three paradigms

Performance in the following auditory intensity-discrimination paradigms was compared: (1) 2IFC, (2) single-interval rating with an intensity cue preceding each observation interval, and (3) single-interval rating with no cue. ROCs obtained in the single-interval conditions could be well approximated by assuming that the underlying distributions were both normal and had equal variance. No large difference was observed between performance in the cue and the no-cue conditions. The normalized separation of the means for 2IFC was approximately twice the corresponding estimate for the single-interval conditions. i.e., d2 = 1.91 d1. This is consistent with the hypothesis that the O in intensity-discrimination tasks bases his decisions on the difference between the observed input and that of a noisy stored reference. The familiar result that d2 = (2)1/2 d1 can be predicted for simple detection.
Spectrographic Determination of Traces of Iron in Copper and Silver by Carrier Distillation

A quantitative spectrographic method has been developed for the determination of traces of iron in high-purity copper and silver. The use of copper chloride as a spectrographic carrier improves the sensitivity and enables the method to be used over a very wide range of concentrations. Samples containing from 0.004 to more than 150 μg of iron (0.07–2500 ppm) can be determined by the identical procedure. A series of 15 replicate copper samples containing 6.4 ppm iron yielded a coefficient of variation of 5.2%. The intensity of the iron spectrum is apparently independent of the copper or silver matrix, which greatly simplifies the preparation of calibration curves. Methods for the preparation of iron-free copper chloride and for purifying graphite electrodes are also outlined.
Differential effects of activators of cAMP-dependent protein kinase and protein kinase C on cleavage of one-cell mouse embryos and protein synthesis and phosphorylation in one- and two-cell embryos

Abstract Membrane-permeable cAMP analogs or elevation of intracellular cAMP by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors activates cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Biologically active phorbol esters or diacylglycerol activate the calcium-, phospholipid-dependent protein kinase, protein kinase C (PK-C). We report that membrane-permeable cAMP analogs, PDE inhibitors, biologically active phorbol esters, or a synthetic diacylglycerol inhibited cleavage of 1-cell mouse embryos to the 2-cell stage. The cAMP analogs and PDE inhibitors were effective only when added prior to S of the first cell cycle, whereas PK-C activators inhibited cleavage when added up until late G 2 M . The PDE inhibitor Ro 20 1724/1 inhibited both DNA and protein synthesis in 1-cell embryos, whereas the phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13 acetate, or α-amanitin did not. In addition, 1-cell embryos prevented from cleaving by PDE inhibitors did not show specific changes in the pattern of protein phosphorylation associated with the 2-cell embryo, whereas such changes occurred in 1-cell embryos inhibited from cleaving with PK-C activators. Transcription in the 2-cell embryo results in the synthesis of a specific set of proteins, which is inhibited by α-amanitin. Although treatment of 1-cell embryos with aphidicolin or PK-C activators during G1 did not inhibit the synthesis of these proteins, treatment with cAMP analogs or PDE inhibitors during G1 inhibited the appearance of these proteins. These results are discussed in terms of how the synthesis of transcription-dependent proteins in the 2-cell embryo may be regulated by protein phosphorylation.
Modeling of Wide-Bandgap Power Semiconductor Devices—Part II

Wide bandgap power devices have emerged as an often superior alternative power switch technology for many power electronic applications. These devices theoretically have excellent material properties enabling power device operation at higher switching frequencies and higher temperatures compared with conventional silicon devices. However, material defects can dominate device behavior, particularly over time, and this should be strongly considered when trying to model actual characteristics of currently available devices. Compact models of wide bandgap power devices are necessary to analyze and evaluate their impact on circuit and system performance. Available compact models, i.e., models compatible with circuit-level simulators, are reviewed. In particular, this paper presents a review of compact models for silicon carbide power diodes and MOSFETs.
A trichloroacetic acid-acetone method greatly reduces infrared autofluorescence of protein extracts from plant tissue

Immunoblotting is used to determine many important characteristics of proteins. After electrophoretic separation, proteins are transferred to a membrane and reacted with a specific antibody. The antibody-protein complex is then visualized by radiographic, chromogenic, chemiluminescent, or more recently described fluorescence detection methods. Fluorescence-based detection offers some advantages over other approaches, including increased sensitivity, improved quantifiable range, and the ability to detect multiple antigens on the same blot. However, this technique is unavailable for analysis of green plant tissues by standard extraction methods because of contaminating autofluorescent pigments. We have compared 3 methods for extracting protein from plant tissue for use with infrared fluorescence-based immunoblot analysis. We report a trichloroacetic acid-acetone method that effectively eliminates autofluorescence while retaining the immunogenicity of a target protein.
Thermal Energy Storage and its Potential Applications in Solar Thermal Power Plants and Electricity Storage

With the rapid growth of renewable power generation, economically storing large quantities of solar- and wind-generated electricity may become as important as renewable power itself. The combination of renewable power generation and energy storage can overcome the variability of renewable power generation alone and create the opportunity for renewable generation to provide base-load electricity. For peak power usage, the integration of renewable power and storage of excess electricity has several significant and positive impacts: expanding the renewable energy portion of total electricity generation, improving the peak-load response, and coordinating the electricity supply and demand over the grid. Several energy storage approaches exist, with mechanical, chemical, and electrical methods either in use now or being developed. Comparing their efficiencies as well as their economic uses for different scales and applications helps determine the right technology for the right purpose. This paper will study the possibility of using thermal energy storage as a means for electricity storage, and compare it to other energy storage methods including batteries, flywheels, compressed air, and pumped hydropower.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Characterizing α-Helical Peptide Aggregation on Supported Lipid Membranes Using Microcantilevers

We report the use of lipid membrane-coated microcantilevers to probe the interactions between phospholipid membranes and membrane-active peptides. This sensing method integrates two well-developed techniques: solid-supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) and microcantilever sensors. SLBs are prepared on the silicon dioxide surface of the microcantilevers using a vesicle fusion method. As molecules adsorb onto the surface of the microcantilever, the microcantilever bends due to the induced compressive or tensile stresses, which result from the surface free energy change. Real-time surface stress changes in the SLB due to interactions with small molecules can be detected by monitoring the deflection of the microcantilever. We investigate the mechanism for the interaction between SLBs and PEP1, a synthetic amphipathic peptide resembling a segment of the nonstructural protein (NS5A) of the hepatitis C virus. Initially, the PEP1 peptides adsorb onto the lipid membranes, and then at a critical concentration, the peptid...
QTL analysis of dietary obesity in C57BL/6byj X 129P3/J F2 mice: diet- and sex-dependent effects.

Obesity is a heritable trait caused by complex interactions between genes and environment, including diet. Gene-by-diet interactions are difficult to study in humans because the human diet is hard to control. Here, we used mice to study dietary obesity genes, by four methods. First, we bred 213 F2 mice from strains that are susceptible [C57BL/6ByJ (B6)] or resistant [129P3/J (129)] to dietary obesity. Percent body fat was assessed after mice ate low-energy diet and again after the same mice ate high-energy diet for 8 weeks. Linkage analyses identified QTLs associated with dietary obesity. Three methods were used to filter candidate genes within the QTL regions: (a) association mapping was conducted using >40 strains; (b) differential gene expression and (c) comparison of genomic DNA sequence, using two strains closely related to the progenitor strains from Experiment 1. The QTL effects depended on whether the mice were male or female or which diet they were recently fed. After feeding a low-energy diet, percent body fat was linked to chr 7 (LOD = 3.42). After feeding a high-energy diet, percent body fat was linked to chr 9 (Obq5; LOD = 3.88), chr 12 (Obq34; LOD = 3.88), and chr 17 (LOD = 4.56). The Chr 7 and 12 QTLs were sex dependent and all QTL were diet-dependent. The combination of filtering methods highlighted seven candidate genes within the QTL locus boundaries: Crx, Dmpk, Ahr, Mrpl28, Glo1, Tubb5, and Mut. However, these filtering methods have limitations so gene identification will require alternative strategies, such as the construction of congenics with very small donor regions.
The structure of aminofunctional silane coupling agents: 1. γ-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane and its analogues

Abstract Gamma-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (γ-APS) and its analogues are studied as aqueous solutions as well as solids by Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy ( FT i.r.) and laser Raman spectroscopy. Emphasis was placed on a determination of the nature of the interaction between the amine groups and the residual silanol groups in partially cured solids. Comparison with γ-aminopropyltrisilanolate and partially cured solids obtained from γ-aminopropylmethyldiethoxysilane and γ-aminopropyldimethylethoxysilane lead us to conclude that the residual silanol groups are strongly hydrogen bonded to the amine groups as SiOH … NH 2 rather than SiO − … + NH 3 . Hydrolysis of γ-APS at concentrations ranging 2–80% by weight showed that the solutions below 40% by weight have a few unhydrolysed alkoxy groups. The amine groups are mutually hydrogen bonded in unhydrolysed silane. However, in an aqueous solution and highly cured solids, the amine groups are either free or are interacting predominantly with water molecules.
Laboratories on the Move: Blood Gas Analysis

We evaluated the performance of a portable instrument for measuring pH, PCO2, and PO2 during land and air transport of critical care patients. We determined accuracy and precision by analyzing control materials with known values and by running duplicate analyses of patient specimens. The control data showed that the instrument performed as well in a moving ambulance and in an airborne jet-powered aircraft as it did while in a stationary position on the ground. Duplicate results of patient specimens showed good correlation. The maximum differences between mean control values were 0.002 for pH, 0.2 mm Hg for PCO2, and 3.9 mm Hg for PO2. For PCO2 and PO2, the precision was slightly lower in the moving vehicles than on the ground, but appeared adequate for medical decisions. Our results indicate that this analyzer produces acceptable blood gas results in moving vehicles.
Clinical electrophysiology of the retinal pigment epithelium

There is no ideal electrophysiological test for retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) function. The light-induced responses (EOG, c-wave, fast oscillation) that require photoreception are not pure RPE signals, and even the widely-used EOG has not been associated with any specific physiological disturbance of the RPE or retina. The discovery of non-photic RPE responses (hyperosmolarity, acetazolamide and bicarbonate) has enhanced the possibility of finding tissue-specific RPE tests, but these responses have yet to be correlated with specific RPE functional activity or pathology. We may face a dilemma in our search for RPE tests, insofar as electrophysiology measures membrane changes, but RPE membrane activity is related only indirectly to many functions of the RPE cell. These concerns notwithstanding, RPE electrophysiology can be a valuable clinical tool if one accounts for the physiological limitations and assets of the procedures.
Getting your name on the right desktops, or how to be found on the Internet

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a government agency within the Department of Commerce. The Standard Reference Data (SRD) Program is part of NIST's Technology Services. This program provides well-documented numeric data to scientists and engineers for their research and development work. The data are species-oriented and tabular in concept, and the tables may be preexisting or generated from equations at run-time. In 1968, a Congressional mandate gave SRD copyright authority and a requirement of cost recovery for delivery of the data. This mandate adds a level of complexity to SRD's provision of data on the Internet. This article addresses initial experiments in delivering information on the Internet. The cost recovery aspects are not addressed at this time.
Chronic carbon monoxide treatment attenuates development of obesity and remodels adipocytes in mice fed a high-fat diet

Induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has been demonstrated to result in chronic weight loss in several rodent models of obesity. However, the specific contribution of the HO metabolite, carbon monoxide (CO) to this response remains unknown. In this study, we determined the effect of chronic low level administration of a specific CO donor on the progression of obesity and its effects on metabolism and adipocyte biology in mice fed a high-fat diet. Experiments were performed on C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet (60%) from 4 weeks until 30 weeks of age. Mice were administered either the CO donor, carbon monoxide releasing molecules (CORM)-A1 (5 mg kg−1, intraperitoneally every other day) or the inactive form of the drug (iCORM-A1). Body weights were measured weekly and fasted blood glucose, insulin as well as body composition were measured every 6 weeks. Food intake, O2 consumption, CO2 production, activity and body heat production were measured at 28 weeks after start of the experimental protocol. Chronic CORM-A1 attenuated the development of high fat induced obesity from 18 weeks until the end of the study. Chronic CORM-A1 treatment in mice fed a high-fat diet resulted in significant decreases in fasted blood glucose, insulin and body fat and increased O2 consumption and heat production as compared with mice treated with iCORM-A1. Chronic CORM-A1 treatment also resulted in a significant decrease in adipocyte size and an increase in adipocyte number and in NRF-1, PGC-1α and UCP1 protein levels in epidydmal fat. Our results demonstrate that chronic CO treatment prevents the development of high-fat diet induced obesity via stimulation of metabolism and remodeling of adipocytes.
Managing In The Project Environment

Project management is a concept for managing complex one-time tasks. It provides a vehicle for centralizing management responsibility and accountability and may be used under a variety of circumstances. This paper looks at the conceptual basis of military project management, examines its appearance and how it operates organizationally, discusses the major relationships involved, and suggests several desirable personal characteristics of a military project manager.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Die Bestimmung der Kristallinität von Schlacken

Fur die Beurteilung der Verwendungsfahigkeit glasig erstarrter Stoffe, wie z. B. Hochofenschlacken, ist die Kenntnis ihrer chemischen Zusammensetzung und der Kristallinitat unerlaslich. Es wird ein lichtoptisches Integrationsverfahren beschrieben, bei dem die Anisotropieeffekte der kristallinen Bestandteile durch eine neuartige Mesanordnung bestimmt werden. The use of glassy materials, for example blast furnace slags, required the knowledge of their chemical constitution and crystallinity. With a light-optical method of integration the anisotropic effects of crystalline components in slags were measured by a new apparatus.
Venus Spherical Harmonic Gravity Model to Degree and Order 60

The Magellan and Pioneer Venus Orbiter radiometric tracking data sets have been combined to produce a 60th degree and order spherical harmonic gravity field. The Magellan data include the high-precision X-band gravity tracking from September 1992 to May 1993 and post-aerobraking data up to January 5, 1994. Gravity models are presented from the application of Kaula's power rule for Venus and an alternative a priori method using surface accelerations. Results are given as vertical gravity acceleration at the reference surface, geoid, vertical Bouguer, and vertical isostatic maps with errors for the vertical gravity and geoid maps included. Correlation of the gravity with topography for the different models is also discussed.
Invertebrate urease: purification and properties of the enzyme from a land snail, Otala lactea

Abstract 1. 1. Urease (EC 3.5.1.5, urea amidohydrolase), purified 160-fold from Otala hepatopancreas tissue aggregates into high molecular weight components in the absence of thiols; in the presence of thiols, one molecular weight species of 262,000 daltons predominates. 2. 2. Direct microprobe analysis of the enzyme separated on polyacrylamide gels revealed the presence of nickel, indicating that it is a nickel metalloprotein. 3. 3. Otala urease stoichiometrically hydrolyzes urea to ammonia and carbon dioxide and hydroxyurea to hydroxylamine, ammonia and carbon dioxide. 4. 4. Otala urease shows a pH optimum between 8.4 and 9.0, depending upon the buffer used, and a high affinity for urea (Km 0.1 mM). 5. 5. The enzyme is reversibly inhibited by acetohydroxamate and α-halogenated acetohydroxamates.
Predictors of postoperative outcomes for patients with diverticular abscess initially treated with percutaneous drainage.

Abstract Background The aim of our study was to evaluate factors associated with percutaneous drainage (PCD) failure, complications, and stoma creation for patients undergoing sigmoidectomy for diverticular abscess. Methods Data for patients with diverticular abscess greater than or equal to 3 cm in diameter treated with initial PCD from 1994 to 2012 were identified. Results One hundred fourteen patients (54% male) with a mean age of 57 years and a mean abscess diameter of 7.1 ± 2.4 cm were identified. American Society of Anesthesiologists 4 was the only independent factor associated with PCD failure ( P n = 42, 37%) included PCD failure ( P = .02) and older age ( P = .04), while risk for stoma creation was associated with PCD failure ( P P = .002), older age ( P P = .03), and increased body mass index ( P = .01). American Society of Anesthesiologists 4 was the only factor associated with permanent stoma ( P = .02). Conclusions In patients with large diverticular abscess, a successful PCD is associated with reduced postoperative morbidity. However, a large proportion of patients require stoma creation. Significant comorbidity is associated with both failure of PCD and permanent stoma risk.
Reinstatement of cocaine self-administration in rats: sex differences

Rationale: Results obtained with both humans and animals suggest that rates of relapse, or levels of reinstatement responding, may differ between males and females. However, the results obtained with humans are equivocal, and few studies have compared male and female animals on reinstatement responding. Objectives: The present experiment was designed to compare male (n=8) and female (n=8) rats on reinstatement of extinguished cocaine-reinforced responding. Methods: Reinstatement of responding was examined using a priming model in which lever pressing for cocaine (0.2 mg/kg) was extinguished by replacing cocaine infusions (2 h) with saline infusions (5 h). After responding extinguished during hour 3, reinstatement of responding was tested by administering one of several priming injections of cocaine (0.32, 1.0 and 3.2 mg/kg) or an equal volume of saline. Results: Although males and females did not differ in the number of saline infusions self-administered after either saline or 0.32 mg/kg cocaine-priming injections, female rats self-administered significantly more saline infusions than males after 1.0 mg/kg and 3.2 mg/kg cocaine-priming injections. Additionally, the effects of 0.32 mg/kg cocaine-priming injections were significantly different from those of saline-priming injections for female, but not male, rats. There was no significant difference between males and females in total cocaine self-administered during hours 1 and 2. Conclusions: These findings indicate that female rats are more sensitive than males during the reinstatement phaseof drug abuse.
Soil microbial feedbacks to atmospheric CO2 enrichment

Increased atmospheric CO2 concentration often stimulates plant photosynthesis, enhances carbon (C) allocation below-ground, increases plant nutrient uptake and improves the efficiency of plant water use. Recent studies suggest that microbial responses to CO2-induced alterations in soil C, water and nutrient availability play an important role in determining ecosystem feedback to CO2 elevation. However, to date, most of the published results have been obtained from short-term experiments or from studies using high-nutrient or disturbed soils. Information on microbial responses to CO2-induced changes in natural and/or mature ecosystems with nutrient limitations is critical to predict changes in terrestrial ecosystem C storage under future CO2 scenarios.
Esterase Changes during the Activation of Pupal Brains of the Saturniid Moth, Hyalophora cecropia

THE traditional method of determining whether an endocrine gland in an insect is active or inactive is to see whether it produces a hormonal effect when it is transplanted into a suitable test insect. An alternative is to inject the insect with some labelled compound in order to detect differences between the metabolism of the active and inactive glands1. The work described in the present communication uses a third method: comparing zymograms of active and inactive endocrine glands. The endocrine organ used was the brain of the cecropia silkworm. Insect brains secrete an agent called “brain hormone” which activates the prothoracic glands and causes the insect to moult. In the cecropia silkworm the brain ceases to secrete this prothoracotrophic hormone immediately after pupation, and the pupa enters diapause. The brain can be re-activated by exposing the pupa to temperatures between 5° C and 10° C for two or more months. Within a few days after they are returned to room temperature the brains of such previously chilled pupae start to secrete brain hormone; the prothoracic glands become activated; and diapause is terminated by the initiation of adult development2. This communication describes esterase differences between the zymograms of inactive and active brains.
Biological activity of L-tryptophan esters.

ROZENDAAL et al.1 have shown that dry crystalline L-tryptophan, when irradiated with fast electrons at doses up to 109 r., is partially transformed into a complex mixture of compounds from which it is possible to obtain by chromatographic separation a fraction which inhibits the growth of certain bacterial species.
Efficacy beliefs and work stress: An exploratory study

This study investigated the possible role of self-efficacy in the stress process by examining relations between stressors (role ambiguity, situational constraints, and hours), strains (job dissatisfaction, anxiety, frustration, and turnover intent), and efficacy beliefs (both individual and collective). Individual efficacy was related to only two of the four strains and had no mediating or moderating effects. Collective efficacy, however, was strongly related to both stressors and strains. Collective efficacy also moderated the effect of work hours and mediated the relation between situational constraints and two of the strain measures. It was concluded that the theory of individual self-efficacy (Bandura, 1977) may not adequately explain collective efficacy. Future research on the self-efficacy construct as well as its role in the stress process was suggested.
Using cloud-based mobile technology for assessment of competencies among medical students

Valid, direct observation of medical student competency in clinical settings remains challenging and limits the opportunity to promote performance-based student advancement. The rationale for direct observation is to ascertain that students have acquired the core clinical competencies needed to care for patients. Too often student observation results in highly variable evaluations which are skewed by factors other than the student’s actual performance. Among the barriers to effective direct observation and assessment include the lack of effective tools and strategies for assuring that transparent standards are used for judging clinical competency in authentic clinical settings. We developed a web-based content management system under the name, Just in Time Medicine (JIT), to address many of these issues. The goals of JIT were fourfold: First, to create a self-service interface allowing faculty with average computing skills to author customizable content and criterion-based assessment tools displayable on internet enabled devices, including mobile devices; second, to create an assessment and feedback tool capable of capturing learner progress related to hundreds of clinical skills; third, to enable easy access and utilization of these tools by faculty for learner assessment in authentic clinical settings as a means of just in time faculty development; fourth, to create a permanent record of the trainees’ observed skills useful for both learner and program evaluation. From July 2010 through October 2012, we implemented a JIT enabled clinical evaluation exercise (CEX) among 367 third year internal medicine students. Observers (attending physicians and residents) performed CEX assessments using JIT to guide and document their observations, record their time observing and providing feedback to the students, and their overall satisfaction. Inter-rater reliability and validity were assessed with 17 observers who viewed six videotaped student-patient encounters and by measuring the correlation between student CEX scores and their scores on subsequent standardized-patient OSCE exams. A total of 3567 CEXs were completed by 516 observers. The average number of evaluations per student was 9.7 (±1.8 SD) and the average number of CEXs completed per observer was 6.9 (±15.8 SD). Observers spent less than 10 min on 43–50% of the CEXs and 68.6% on feedback sessions. A majority of observers (92%) reported satisfaction with the CEX. Inter-rater reliability was measured at 0.69 among all observers viewing the videotapes and these ratings adequately discriminated competent from non-competent performance. The measured CEX grades correlated with subsequent student performance on an end-of-year OSCE. We conclude that the use of JIT is feasible in capturing discrete clinical performance data with a high degree of user satisfaction. Our embedded checklists had adequate inter-rater reliability and concurrent and predictive validity.
Ovarian torsion: a fifteen-year review.

Abstract Study Objective: Our purpose was to describe the history, physical, and laboratory findings in women with ovarian torsion (OT). Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at 2 urban teaching hospitals. All women admitted from 1984 to 1999 with surgically proven OT were included in the study. Results: The 87 women ranged in age from 14 to 82 years (mean 32 years). Twelve were pregnant, 15 were postmenopausal, and 7 were posthysterectomy. Thirty-five (40%) had prior pelvic surgery; 18 of these (21% of the total) had undergone tubal ligation. Twenty-two (25%) women had a history of an ovarian cyst. Sixty-five (75%) patients were seen in the emergency department. Pain characteristics were variable: the onset was sudden in 51 (59%); "sharp" or stabbing in 61 (70%); and radiated to the flank, back, or groin in 44 (51%) patients. Only 3 had peritoneal signs at presentation. The majority of patients (70%) had nausea or vomiting. Fever was rare (2 patients). OT was considered in the admitting differential diagnosis in 41 (47%) patients. An enlarged ovary (>5 cm) was found in 77 (89%) patients at surgery. Only 26 patients had surgery within 24 hours. In 8 (9%) patients, detorsion was possible; of these, 3 had surgery within 24 hours. Conclusion: The diagnosis of OT is often missed and ovarian salvage is rare. Pain characteristics are variable and objective findings are uncommon in OT. [Houry D, Abbott JT. Ovarian torsion: a fifteen-year review. Ann Emerg Med. August 2001;38:156-159.]