cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adnexal Torsion Predictive Tool Maintains Applicability in a Heterogeneous Pediatric Population

ABSTRACT Study Objective A previously published scoring system showed promise in identifying adnexal torsion in adolescents. However, published patients were homogeneously Caucasian/White. We sought to assess whether this scoring system was generalizable to a more diverse population that is predominantly African American and overweight. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Tertiary academic hospital. Participants Female patients 0-21 years of age undergoing surgery for suspected ovarian torsion from 2010 to 2019. Interventions Records were reviewed for patients, including laboratory studies, imaging, surgery, and pathology. Significance was determined for clinical and imaging findings, and retrospective composite scores were calculated for each participant as suggested by the scoring system. Main Outcome Measures Determination of whether the previously published composite score was predictive of pediatric adnexal torsion in our population. Results A total of 57 cases of suspected torsion were included. Approximately 60% of patients were African American, 10% Hispanic, and 30% Caucasian/White. The average body mass index (BMI) across ethnicities was 29. Our findings significantly correlated with previously published predictors for all components. The presence of nausea/vomiting, leukocytosis, ovarian volume and ratio were found to be significant. The post hoc calculated composite score was applied to our cohort, and more than 90% of confirmed torsion would have been identified. Conclusion Our study suggests that a previously published composite score assessing torsion can successfully be used to predict torsion in a more diverse setting than the original study population, potentially accelerating surgical management of patients with the condition.
Electromagnetic wave propagation in general Kasner-like metrics.

The curved spacetime Maxwell equations are applied to the anisotropically expanding Kasner metrics. Using the application of vector identities we derive 2$^\textrm{nd}$-order differential wave equations for the electromagnetic field components; through this explicit derivation, we find that the 2$^\textrm{nd}$-order wave equations are not uncoupled for the various components (as previously assumed), but that gravitationally-induced coupling between the electric and magnetic field components is generated directly by the anisotropy of the expansion. The lack of such coupling terms in the wave equations from several prior studies may indicate a generally incomplete understanding of the evolution of electromagnetic energy in anisotropic cosmologies. Uncoupling the field components requires the derivation of a 4$^\textrm{th}$-order wave equation, which we obtain for Kasner-like metrics with generalized expansion/contraction rate indices. For the axisymmetric Kasner case, $(p_{1}, p_{2}, p_{3}) = (1,0,0)$, we obtain exact field solutions (for general propagation wavevectors), half of which appear not to have been found before in previous studies. For the other axisymmetric Kasner case, $\{p_{1}, p_{2}, p_{3}\} = \{(-1/3),(2/3),(2/3)\}$, we use numerical methods to demonstrate the explicit violation of the geometric optics approximation at early times, showing the physical phase velocity of the wave to be inhibited towards the initial singularity, with $v \rightarrow 0$ as $t \rightarrow 0$.
Self-Confidence and Baseball Performance: A Causal Examination of Self-Efficacy Theory

Using path analytic techniques, the causal relationships in Bandura's model of self-efficacy were examined in a field setting. Male intercollegiate and interscholastic baseball players (N = 53) completed self-report measures over a nine-game period during the baseball season. Perceptions of self-efficacy, competitive state anxiety, effort expenditure, and objective hitting performance were measured. Moderate support for Bandura's model was found in that higher performances predicted stronger percepts of efficacy in six games, and lower levels of somatic and cognitive anxiety were associated with stronger self-efficacy beliefs in seven games. In turn, stronger self-efficacy predicted greater effort in six games and higher hitting performance in five games. Results are discussed in relation to the ecological validity of previous causal examinations of self-efficacy theory, as well as the utility of self-efficacy theory as a framework for investigating the self-confidence-performance relationship.
A Review of Age Markers in the Human Skeleton

When I first saw this book, I wondered just how much it would add to the body of knowledge on age determination from human remains. Were the claims of the editor—that the book is a comprehensive presentation and evaluation of the state of the art in this speciality—well founded?
Oxygen consumption and ammonia accumulation in the hypolimnion of Walker Lake, Nevada

Walker Lake (area = 140 km2, Zmean = 19.3 m) is a large, terminal lake in western Nevada. As a result of anthropogenic desiccation, the lake has decreased in volume by 75% since the 1880s. The hypolimnion of the lake, now too small to meet the oxygen demand exerted by decaying matter, rapidly goes anoxic after thermal stratification. Field and laboratory studies were conducted to examine the feasibility of using oxygenation to avoid hypolimnetic anoxia and subsequent accumulation of ammonia in the hypolimnion, and to estimate the required DO capacity of an oxygenation system for the lake. The accumulation of inorganic nitrogen in water overlaying sediment was measured in laboratory chambers under various DO levels. Rates of ammonia accumulation ranged from 16.8 to 23.5 mg-N m−2 d−1 in chambers with 0, 2.5 and 4.8 mg L−1 DO, and ammonia release was not significantly different between treatments. Beggiatoa sp. on the sediment surface of the moderately aerated chambers (2.5 and 4.8 mg L−1 DO) indicated that oxygen penetration into sediment was minimal. In contrast, ammonia accumulation was reversed in chambers with 10 mg L−1 DO, where oxygen penetration into sediment stimulated nitrification and denitrification. Ammonia accumulation in anoxic chambers (18.1 and 20.6 mg-N m−2 d−1) was similar to ammonia accumulation in the hypolimnion from July through September of 1998 (16.5 mg-N m−2 d−1). Areal hypolimnetic oxygen demand averaged 1.2 g O2 m−2 d−1 for 1994–1996 and 1998. Sediment oxygen demand (SOD) determined in experimental chambers averaged approximately 0.14 g O2 m−2 d−1. Continuous water currents at the sediment-water interface of 5–6 cm s−1 resulted in a substantial increase in SOD (0.38 g O2 m−2 d−1). The recommended oxygen delivery capacity of an oxygenation system, taking into account increased SOD due to mixing in the hypolimnion after system start-up, is 215 Mg d−1. Experimental results suggest that the system should maintain high levels of DO at the sediment-water interface (∼10 mg L−1) to insure adequate oxygen penetration into the sediments, and a subsequent inhibition of ammonia accumulation in the hypolimnion of the lake.
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and progression of scleroderma interstitial lung disease.

Introduction: So far no clinical or experimental evidences clearly explain how and which systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients will experience a functional and radiological progression of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate whether any bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) characteristic, compared with clinical, functional and radiological parameters, is associated with the risk of progression of ILD and worse survival in SSc patients. Methods: Lung involvement was evaluated in 110 consecutively examined SSc patients with pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT); 73 patients with evidence of ILD on HRCT underwent BAL. The progression of ILD was evaluated with PFTs and HRCT after 1-year follow-up. A 36-month survival analysis was assessed. Results: ILD patients with alveolitis had a higher risk to have restrictive lung disease and honeycombing, to experience a worsening in honeycombing score or to develop honeycombing. ILD progression was associated with the evidence of honeycombing on HRCT, with the presence of eosinophils, with an inverted CD4/CD8 ratio and with a higher CD19 percentage count in the BALF or with a positive BALF microbiological culture. The patients with ILD had a worse overall survival. The diffuse disease was the only independent risk factor of overall mortality, and the extent of honeycombing on HRCT was the only independent risk factor of lung disease-related mortality. Conclusion: Our study suggests the importance of evaluating ILD with HRCT and BAL in order to characterize the risk factors of SSc lung involvement progression. Please cite this paper as: De Santis M, Bosello SL, Peluso G, Pinnelli M, Alivernini S, Zizzo G, Bocci M, Capacci A, La Torre G, Mannocci A, Pagliari G, Varone F, Pistelli R, Danza FM and Ferraccioli G. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and progression of scleroderma interstitial lung disease. Clin Respir J 2012; 6; 9–17.
RNA‐binding Proteins: Regulation of mRNA Splicing, Export and Decay

Mammalian messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)-binding proteins regulate gene expression at several steps including pre-mRNA processing, nucleocytoplasmic export and degradation. Keywords: pre-mRNA processing; mRNA transport; mRNA stability; RNA splicing; RNA-binding proteins; nonsense-mediated mRNA decay; exon-junction complex
Role of vasopressin and its antagonism in stroke related edema

Although many approaches have been tried in the attempt to reduce the devastating impact of stroke, tissue plasminogen activator for thromboembolic stroke is the only proved, effective acute stroke treatment to date. Vasopressin, an acute-phase reactant, is released after brain injury and is partially responsible for the subsequent inflammatory response via activation of divergent pathways. Recently there has been increasing interest in vasopressin because it is implicated in inflammation, cerebral edema, increased intracerebral pressure, and cerebral ion and neurotransmitter dysfunctions after cerebral ischemia. Additionally, copeptin, a byproduct of vasopressin production, may serve as a promising independent marker of tissue damage and prognosis after stroke, thereby corroborating the role of vasopressin in acute brain injury. Thus, vasopressin antagonists have a potential role in early stroke intervention, an effect thought to be mediated via interactions with aquaporin receptors, specifically aquaporin-4. Despite some ambiguity, vasopressin V1a receptor antagonism has been consistently associated with attenuated secondary brain injury and edema in experimental stroke models. The role of the vasopressin V2 receptor remains unclear, but perhaps it is involved in a positive feedback loop for vasopressin expression. Despite the encouraging initial findings we report here, future research is required to characterize further the utility of vasopressin antagonists in treatment of stroke.
A Closer Look at Settlement Week

This article reports findings from an empirical study of Settlement Week mediation in four general civil trial courts. Nearly all parties and lawyers had favorable assessments of the mediation process, the mediator and, in cases that settled, the agreement. The only mediator qualification that increased the likelihood of settlement was the mediators' level of mediation experience. The mediators' hours of training, years in law practice, and expertise in the subject matter of the case were not related to settlement. Although the mediators' recommending a particular resolution increased the likelihood of settlement, it did so at the expense of parties' perceptions of fairness. Findings regarding the effect of other mediator qualifications and actions on settlement and on participants' assessments are also discussed.
Redrawing the Map of the World? Reflections on the World Development Report 2009

abstractThe World Development Report 2009 focuses on the role of markets for land, labor, and tradable goods in reshaping economic geography, but it pays little or no attention to financial markets. While analytically convenient, this abstraction from financial markets is deeply problematic. Especially since the late 1970s, the dynamics of finance capital have played a major role in redrawing the economic map of the world and will continue to do so. In addition, this review underscores the limits of the unilinear model of rural-urban transition that underpins the report.
Hemizygosity of δ-Catenin (CTNND2) Is Associated with Severe Mental Retardation in Cri-du-Chat Syndrome

δ-catenin is an adherens junction protein involved in cell motility and expressed early in neuronal development. It was discovered as an interactor with presenilin-1. The genomic structure of the human δ-catenin gene (Human Gene Nomenclature Committee-approved symbol CTNND2) was determined and mapped to 5p15.2. A deletion of this chromosomal region has been associated with the cri-du-chat syndrome (CDCS), a segmental aneusomy syndrome of 5p that is associated with an unusual high-pitched cry at birth, facial dysmorphology, poor growth, and severe mental retardation. δ-catenin maps to a specific region in 5p15.2 that has been implicated in the mental retardation phenotype. The breakpoints in patients with 5p terminal deletions were characterized with respect to the severity of mental retardation and the physical location of the δ-catenin gene. A strong correlation was found between the hemizygous loss of δ-catenin and severe mental retardation. These findings and the properties of δ-catenin as a neuronal-specific protein, expressed early in development and involved in cell motility, support its role in the mental retardation of CDCS when present in only one copy.
The Mosaic and Principal Function of a Subnormal Operator

In this paper, we use the mosaic of a subnormal operator given by Daoxing Xia to give an alternate definition of the Pincus principal function for pure subnormal operators. This allows us to provide much simplified proofs of some of the basic properties of the principal function and of the Carey-Helton-Howe-Pincus Theorem in the subnormal case.
Finding Partners for PI3Kγ: When 84 Is Better Than 101

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) enzymes phosphorylate phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P(2), also known as PIP(2)], a minor but critically important phospholipid of the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. The resulting PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) (PIP(3)) acts as a membrane-bound attractant that recruits and activates a set of proteins to execute specific downstream signaling events to achieve the desired biological outcomes. Several genes that encode different PI3Ks exist in mammalian cells, and in the case of each PI3K, a partner protein that is tightly associated with the kinase ensures that the enzyme is localized to and activated at the correct membrane compartment. Excess PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) is a major contributor to many forms of cancer, and dysregulation of PI3Ks leads to severe immunological and metabolic abnormalities. Given the multitude of proteins that are regulated by PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3), it is puzzling that not all of these targets are activated as soon as the lipid is produced in the plasma membrane. Reports have begun to shed light on the mechanism by which cells can discriminate between PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) depending on the distinct PI3K protein that produced it. A study shows that PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) regulates the degranulation of mast cells, but only if it is made by a PI3K that is associated with a specific adaptor protein. This remarkable specificity challenges our views of how phosphoinositides regulate their downstream effectors.
Naltrexone-sensitizing effects of centrally administered morphine and opioid peptides.

Abstract Rats were trained to lever-press on a multiple-trial, fixed-interval, 3-min schedule of food-reinforcement; each trial consisted of a 10-min time-out and a 9.5-min response period. Naltrexone, injected s.c. prior to each trial, reduced response rates in a dose-related fashion, with an ED 50 of 21 mg/kg. Four-hour pretreatment with i.c.v. morphine (3.0–30 μg) produced leftward shifts of the naltrexone dose-effect curve of up to 3 orders of magnitude. The selective μ agonist, [D-Ala 2 ,NMePhe 4 ,Gly-ol 5 ]enkephalin (DAGO; 0.1–0.3 μg i.c.v.), sensitized animals to the rate-decreasing effects of naltrexone by more than 2 orders of magnitude. Pretreatment with the selective κ agonist, dynorphin A-(1–17) (30 μg i.c.v.) or the selective δ agonist, [D-Pen 2 , D-Pen 5 ]enkephalin (DPDPE; 30–100 μg i.c.m.) induced moderate sensitization with leftward shifts of 1.0–1.5 log units. Thus, the naltrexone-sensitizing effect of acute opioid pretreatment is centrally mediated, consistent with the hypothesis that the phenomenon is related to the initiation of opioid physical dependence. Further, the effect appears to be mediated predominately by μ-opioid receptors, because μ agonists consistently produced the largest sensitization to naltrexone.
Effectiveness of Developmental Screening in an Urban Setting

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of developmental screening on the identification of developmental delays, early intervention (EI) referrals, and EI eligibility. METHODS: This randomized controlled, parallel-group trial was conducted from December 2008 to June 2010 in 4 urban pediatric practices. Children were eligible if they were RESULTS: A total of 2103 children were enrolled. Most were African-American with family incomes less than $30 000. Children in either screening arm were more likely to be identified with delays (23.0% and 26.8% vs 13.0%; P P P CONCLUSIONS: Children who participated in a developmental screening program were more likely to be identified with developmental delays, referred to EI, and eligible for EI services in a timelier fashion than children who received surveillance alone. These results support policies endorsing developmental screening.
The U.S.-China Exchange Rate Debate: Using Currency Offer Curves

The paper introduces an innovative graph for presenting bilateral exchange rates. The currency quantities are on the axes and the exchange rate is the ratio between them, i.e., the slope of a ray from the origin. Behavior is captured by currency offer curves. The paper uses the model to address the issues surrounding China’s export-led growth strategy, i.e., its policy of undervaluing the yuan.
Early appearance of type II astrocytes in developing human fetal brain

Abstract To compare rat and human glial development, we examined the cellular composition of human fetal brain in short-term cultures and fresh cell suspensions from fetal ages ranging from 7 to 16 weeks, utilizing the cell type-specific markers which define glial subsets in rats. Here we report that unlike the early rat central nervous system (CNS), 7–10 week human fetal brain contains mostly astrocytes that can be characterized as type II rather than type I. Type I astrocytes become more prevalent in 16-week gestational age human brain. Although cells morphologically and immunocytochemically similar to the rat 02-A cell are found in human fetal brain and spinal cord, these cells were not induced to express galactocerebroside in serum-free media and did not have vimentin-containing intermediate filaments as do rat 02-A cells. These results suggest that functional differences may exist between rat type I and type II astrocytes and phenotypically similar cells found in humans.
The Pan language-based editing system for integrated development

Powerful editing systems for developing complex software documents are difficult to engineer. Besides requiring efficient incremental algorithms and complex data structures, such editors must integrate smoothly with the other tools in the environment, maintain a sharable database of information concerning the documents being edited, accommodate flexible editing styles, provide a consistent, coherent, and empowering user interface, and support individual variations and project-wide configurations. Pan is a language-based editing and browsing system that exhibits these characteristics. This paper surveys the design and engineering of Pan, paying particular attention to a number of issues that pervade the system: incremental checking and analysis, information retention in the presence of change, tolerance for errors and anomalies, and extension facilities.
Synthesis, structure, and physical properties of the new layered ternary chalcogenide NbNiTe5

The new ternary chalcogenide NbNiTe/sub 5/ has been prepared. NbNiTe/sub 5/ crystallizes with four formula units in a cell with dimensions a = 3.656(5), b = 13.075(16), c = 15.111(10) A in the orthorhombic system in space group D/sub 2h//sup 17/-Cmcm. The structure has been refined to a final R index on F/sub o//sup 2/ of 0.037 for 25 variables and 1405 observations. NbNiTe/sub 5/ forms in a new layered structural type. Each layer consists of bicapped trigonal prismatic niobium atoms and octahedral nickel atoms coordinated by tellurium atoms. Electrical conductivity measurements indicate that NbNiTe/sub 5/ is a metal; its conductivity at room temperature is about 1.3 x 10/sup 4/ Omega/sup -1/ cm/sup -1/. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that NbNiTe/sub 5/ is paramagnetic (X/sub rt/ approx. = 1.04 X 10/sup -3/ emu mole/sup -1/).
Three-dimensional intravascular ultrasonography: Reconstruction of endovascular stents in vitro and in vivo

Background: Intravascular ultrasonography displays an artery in loosely related cross-sectional images with limited axial information. However, intravascular ultrasound images are suited to three-dimensional reconstruction. Methods: A comprehensive intravascular ultrasound imaging system was used to reconstruct planar images in three-dimensions. This system consisted of a 25MHz transducer-tipped rigid probe (for in vitro studies) or a 25MHz transducer-tipped catheter within a 3.9F monorail imaging sheath (for in vivo studies), a motorized catheter pullback device that withdraws the transducer at 0.5mm/s, and an image processing computer that stacks 15 cross-sectional images/mm of stent axial length and then performs thresholding-based three-dimensional image rendering. We imaged 10 stents (4 Palmaz–Schatz, 3 Wiktor, 2 Strecker, and 1 Medinvent) in vitro after implantation in freshly harvested saphenous veins and 37 Palmaz-Schatz stents in vivo, 10 in native coronary arteries and 27 in vein grafts, 21 acutely and 18 on follow-up. Results: Three-dimensional reconstruction of images obtained with this system reproduced the geometry of each stent design. In vitro, images of the Palmaz-Schatz stents showed the expanded diamonds, the central articulation, and flaring of both ends of both halves of the stents. Images of the Wiktor stents showed the sinusoidal wave-shaped coils in their helical configuration. Images of the Strecker stents showed the interlocking-loop design with gaps between the terminal loops at either end of the stent. Images of the Medinvent stent reproduced the woven texture formed by braiding the stent wires. Three-dimensional reconstruction of images obtained in vivo also reproduced the spatial geometry of the Palmaz–Schatz stent. However, reconstruction of in vivo images was limited by cardiac-cycle-linked vessel motion and torsion and the presence of echo-dense tissue that could not be separated completely from the stent itself. Conclusions: Properly acquired intravascular ultrasound images can be used to reconstruct the spatial geometry of endovascular stents. Because stent spatial geometry is known and unambiguous, reconstruction of endovascular stents should be one of the tests of imaging systems designed to perform three-dimensional reconstruction of ultrasound images. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Roles of hepatocyte growth factor and transforming growth factor beta1 in production of extracellular matrix by canine vocal fold fibroblasts.

Background/Objectives When the lamina propria of the vocal fold is replaced by fibrosis after wound healing, it is difficult to restore an appropriate viscoelasticity of the vocal fold. To treat fibrotic scarring, material that reduces collagen deposition and increases soft amorphous substances, such as hyaluronic acid, is required. The potential use of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is intriguing. In this study, the authors examined canine vocal fold fibroblasts to determine how HGF contributes to the production of extracellular matrix. More specifically, the authors describe how the productions of hyaluronic acid, collagen type I, and fibronectin are associated with administration of HGF and transforming growth factor β1. Study Design In vitro. Methods Fibroblasts were collected from the lamina propria of the vocal folds of five Beagles and were cultured with and without HGF or transforming growth factor β1. The productions of hyaluronic acid, collagen type I, and fibronectin in supernatants culture were examined using ELISA. Results Hepatocyte growth factor stimulated hyaluronic acid production, reduced collagen type I production, and did not affect fibronectin production, while transforming growth factor β1 stimulated the productions of all components. Conclusions Collagen type I appears to be a major contributor in creation of fibrosis, and excessive fibronectin may stiffen the tissue. Since HGF reduced collagen type I production from fibroblasts and increased hyaluronic acid, HGF is considered to have therapeutic potential in prevention and treatment of the fibrosis of the vocal fold.
Comparison of perfluoropolyethers and n-alkanes under shear via nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulation

The structural, energetic and rheological properties of seven short-chain perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs) under planar Couette flow have been investigated through nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulation. The full parameter set of a revised universal force field (A.K. Rappe et al., UFF, a full periodic table force field for molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics simulations, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 114 (1992), p. 10024) is presented for linear PFPEs, allowing for multiple types of fluorine atoms depending upon their local environment (B. Jiang et al., Comparison of rheological properties of short-chain PFPEs through simulation and experiment. Mol. Simul. 33 (2007), p. 871). The NEMD simulations quantitatively reproduce experimental zero-shear-rate viscosities for five PFPEs with varying molecular architectures. Rheological properties and structural variations of PFPEs are investigated as functions of flow strength, temperature and chain architecture. We find the following general relationships betwee...
Characterization of the Pressure Fluctuations Under a Fully Developed Turbulent Boundary Layer

Accurate measurements of the turbulent wall pressure have been difficult to achieve due to signal contamination at low frequencies by background facility noise and/or attenuation at high frequencies due to sensor averaging effects. The current study utilizes a new noise cancellation scheme based on an optimal filtering technique to capture the noise-canceled time series. Furthermore, to address the high-frequency attenuation problem, a number of pinholes are utilized along with high-sensitivity micropbones to obtain measurements of the wall pressure at a resolution down to d + = du τ /v ≅2. The results show that the maximum allowable nondimensional sensing diameter to avoid spectral attenuation for frequencies up to f + = fv/u τ 2 = 1 is in the range of 12.0 ≤d + < 18.0. Additionally, it is shown that the wall-pressure rms level when scaled on the wall-shear stress seems to increase slowly with increasing Reynolds number, apparently due to the influence of large-scale structures in the outer part of the boundary layer. On the other hand, it is demonstrated that, even though √p '2 /q 0 appears to become invariant with increasing Reynolds number, p' is not generated by structures whose velocity scale is U 0 .
977-70 Spiral Wave of Excitation as a Mechanism of Functional Reentry in the Isolated Atrium. A New Model of Atrial Reentry

Background Functional reentrant excitation in atrial tissue (i.e., reentry with no central anatomical obstacle) was proposed to be caused by the “leading circle” mechanisms (Allessie's model). According to this concept, there is no excitable gap and the central core of functional conduction block (FCB) results from continuous centripetal invasion of wavefronts that prevent the cells in the core to recover. Hypothesis The mechanism of functional reentry in atrial tissue is caused by a spiral wave with an excitable gap and a central core of FCB caused by the steep curvature of the spiral wave tip. Methods Blocks of 3.0 by 4.0 cm of canine left and right atrial tissues (N = 3) were mounted in a tissue bath with endocardial surface up and reentrant activity initiated by premature stimulation and/or by rapid pacing and acetylcholine (10 -6 to 10 -5 M). Isochronal activation maps of the induced reentrant excitation were constructed using 512 bipolar electrodes with 1.6 mm interelectrode distance and were also displayed dynamically on the computer screen to visualize the pattern of activation. Results Ten episodes of both nonsustained and sustained atrial reentry was induced and mapped. The induced reentrant activity was clearly a spiral wave with a rotation period of 184 ± 74 (110 to 350) msec and rotating in a counterclockwise direction in all. The area of FCB in the central core of the spiral wave was caused by the steep curvature of the tip of the spiral wave that was excitable during regular pacing but not excited during the spiral wave activity. Spiral wave activity could be terminated by electrical stimulation indicating the presence of an excitable gap. Conclusion Functional reentry in normal atrial tissue is caused by a spiral wave of excitation with an excitable gap.
A Call for Testing our Assumptions Human Resource Management Today

This essay tests some of the assumptions behind the recent focus by academicians and practitioners regarding the efficacy of strategic human resource (HR) management and our present concern with li...
Eshelby's inclusion problem for polygons and polyhedra

Abstract An algorithmic closed-form solution is derived for Eshelby's problem for polygonal and polyhedral inclusions. Illustrative calculations are presented for two- and three-dimensional problems. Also it is proven that polyhedra with constant Eshelby's tensor do not exist.
Factors affecting the uptake and retention of Vibrio vulnificus in oysters.

Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium ubiquitous in oysters and coastal water, is capable of causing ailments ranging from gastroenteritis to grievous wound infections or septicemia. The uptake of these bacteria into oysters is often examined in vitro by placing oysters in seawater amended with V. vulnificus. Multiple teams have obtained similar results in studies where laboratory-grown bacteria were observed to be rapidly taken up by oysters but quickly eliminated. This technique, along with suggested modifications, is reviewed here. In contrast, the natural microflora within oysters is notoriously difficult to eliminate via depuration. The reason for the transiency of exogenous bacteria is that those bacteria are competitively excluded by the oyster's preexisting microflora. Evidence of this phenomenon is shown using in vitro oyster studies and a multiyear in situ case study. Depuration of the endogenous oyster bacteria occurs naturally and can also be artificially induced, but both of these events require extreme conditions, natural or otherwise, as explained here. Finally, the “viable but nonculturable” (VBNC) state of Vibrio is discussed. This bacterial torpor can easily be confused with a reduction in bacterial abundance, as bacteria in this state fail to grow on culture media. Thus, oysters collected from colder months may appear to be relatively free of Vibrio but in reality harbor VBNC cells that respond to exogenous bacteria and prevent colonization of oyster matrices. Bacterial-uptake experiments combined with studies involving cell-free spent media are detailed that demonstrate this occurrence, which could explain why the microbial community in oysters does not always mirror that of the surrounding water.
A New Variety of Choisya arizonica (Rutaceae) from Arizona, U.S.A.

A new variety of the evergreen shrub Choisya arizonica Standl. (Rutaceae) is described. It differs from the typical form in having longer and broader leaflets and thus larger leaves. The new variety C. arizonica var. amplophylla Toolin occurs in a few localities in southeastern Arizona with igneous rock substrates, rather than on soils derived from limestone substrates normally colonized by the species.
N-alkyl quinuclidinium substance P antagonists

Abstract The synthesis and SAR of bridgehead N-alkylated analogues of the nonpeptide substance P antagonist CP-96,345 are described. The results indicate that the bridgehead nitrogen may provide more of an anchoring function rather than being in intimate contact with the receptor.
α-thrombin induces rapid and sustained Akt phosphorylation by β-arrestin1-dependent and -independent mechanisms, and only the sustained Akt phosphorylation is essential for G1 phase progression

In Chinese hamster embryonic fibroblasts (IIC9 cells) alpha-thrombin activates the MAPK(ERK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-OH-kinase (PI 3-kinase)/Akt pathways, and both are essential for progression through the G(1) phase of the cell cycle. We investigated in IIC9 cells, the role of beta-arrestin1 in alpha-thrombin signaling to these pathways. alpha-Thrombin stimulates rapid and sustained PI 3-kinase and Akt activities. Expression of a dominant negative beta-arrestin1 (beta-arrestin1(V53D)) inhibits rapid but not sustained PI 3-kinase and Akt activities. Surprisingly, expression of beta-arrestin1(V53D) does not block activation of the MAPK(ERK) pathway. PI 3-kinase and Akt activities are also inhibited by expression of a beta-arrestin1 mutant, which impairs binding to c-Src (beta-arrestin1(P91G-P121E)), indicating the involvement of c-Src in the rapid stimulation of the PI 3-kinase/Akt pathway. Consistent with these results, PP1, a selective inhibitor of c-Src family kinases, prevents alpha-thrombin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation. Expression of beta- arrestin1(V53D) does not prevent G(1) progression, as its expression has no effect on [(3)H]thymidine incorporation into DNA. In agreement with the ineffectiveness of beta-arrestin1(V53D) to block G(1) progression, cyclin D1 protein amounts and CDK4-cyclin D1 activity is unaffected by expression of beta-arrestin1(V53D). Thus in IIC9 cells, alpha-thrombin activates rapid beta-arrestin1-dependent and sustained beta-arrestin1-independent Akt activity, suggesting that two mechanisms are involved. Furthermore, although blocking the beta-arrestin1-independent PI 3-kinase/Akt pathway prevents G(1) progression, inhibition of the beta-arrestin1-dependent pathway does not, indicating different roles for the rapid and sustained activities.
The social structure of suicide

A parsimonious structural model of the four forms of suicide — egoism, altruism, anomie, and fatalism — defined in Durkheim'sSuicide is developed. The model explicitly defines the structural position of each form of suicide by focusing on duality of social structure, while retaining an analytic distinction between social integration and normative regulation. A payoff from this approach is that fatalism and anomie are interpreted in the same framework as altruism and egoism. The result is a consistent account of the four forms of suicide that is faithful to Durkheim's intentions to account for the aggregate suicide rate without recourse to the motivations of actors.
Preoperative epoetin alfa vs autologous blood donation in primary total knee arthroplasty.

Abstract This prospective randomized trial compared preoperative autologous blood donation (PAD) with epoetin alfa in patients undergoing primary total knee reconstruction. Fifty adult patients with pretreatment hemoglobin level of 100 to 130 g/L were randomized to either epoetin alfa 40000 U at preoperative days 14 and 7 or to a standard PAD protocol. Patient characteristics and operative blood loss were similar between groups. Baseline hematological parameters for epoetin alfa vs PAD were not significantly different; however, by the day of surgery the epoetin alfa group had significantly higher hemoglobin (130 vs 114 g/L; P P 9 cells per liter; P P = .1383). Both treatments were generally well tolerated. Epoetin alfa appears to be a safe alternative to PAD in patients who are at risk for transfusion in the perioperative period following total knee arthroplasty.
A Qualitative Study of Diverse Experts' Views about Barriers and Strategies to Improve the Diets and Health of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Beneficiaries

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the largest federal food assistance program, currently serves 44.7 million Americans with a budget of $75 billion in 2011. This study engaged leading experts for in-depth, semi-structured interviews to explore their opinions concerning the existing challenges and barriers to eating nutritiously in SNAP. Experts also proposed strategies for improving nutritional status among SNAP recipients. Twenty-seven individuals were interviewed from advocacy, government, industry, and research organizations. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed for thematic content. The high cost of nutrient-rich foods, inadequate SNAP benefits, limited access to purchasing healthy foods, and environmental factors associated with poverty were identified as barriers that influence nutrition among low-income households in the United States. Six themes emerged among respondents from diverse sectors about how to address these challenges, including providing SNAP participants with incentives to purchase nutrient-rich food consistent with the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, restricting the purchase of nutrient-poor foods and beverages with program benefits, modifying the frequency of SNAP benefit distribution, enhancing nutrition education, improving the SNAP retailer environment, and increasing state and federal level coordination and consistency of program implementation. Given the recent dramatic increase in SNAP enrollment, policymakers must address existing barriers as well as consider new strategies to improve nutrition policies in SNAP so that the program can continue to address food insecurity needs as well as provide a healthful diet for SNAP beneficiaries.
The Effects of Scoring Formulas on the Discriminant Validity of Tests of Divergent Thinking

Two multitrait-multimethod studies were conducted to investigate the effects of two scoring formulas on the discriminant validity of the dimensions of divergent thinking. In the first study, 39 fifth-grade students were given the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking. In the second study, 60 college students were given Alternate Uses, Plot Titles, and Consequences. Findings indicate that the discriminant validity of subjectively determined originality scores is enhanced when the scores are divided by the total number of responses (yielding a percentage score). However, when the percentage formula was used to derive flexibility scores from the Torrance Tests or an originality score based on statistical rarity from the Alternate Uses test, the coefficient alpha reliabilities dropped to near zero. This finding suggests that the utility of the percentage formula is limited to subjectively determined originality scores.
The Cycle in Japan's Balance of Payments, 1955-58

N TWO OCCASIONS during the decade of the 1950's Japan was faced with a conflict between continuing economic expansion and the maintenance of equilibrium in the balance of payments. The economy has expanded rapidly since 1950. During the period 1950-58, the average annual rate of increase in output was over 8 per cent. However, in 1954 the increase slowed down to less than half that rate, and in 1958 to about one fourth, primarily because of measures taken by the authorities to restrain the tempo of domestic expansion. In both years, these measures were necessitated by serious external payments difficulties. In 1953, Japan had an over-all balance of payments deficitl of $256 million, in contrast to an average annual surplus of about $300 million in 1951 and 1952. A surplus of $207 million in 1955 was more than halved in 1956, and in 1957 there was a deficit of $526 million (Table 1). To cope with the payments difficulties, the Japanese authorities adopted disinflationary financial programs. Helped also by other factors, the payments situation responded with remarkable promptness, both in 1954-55 and in 1958. An analysis of the improvement in Japan's payments position in 1954-55 was presented in Staff Papers, Vol. VI (1957-58), pages 143-69. In the present paper, the experience of subsequent years is reviewed, attention being focused on the mutual interactions between domestic economic fluctuations, budgetary and credit policies, and swings in the balance of payments. Important similarities and differences between the two episodes are indicated. The causes of the payments difficulties in 1957 are studied in Section I. The payments position began to deteriorate in 1956, when the surplus of the previous year was reduced, but it was only in early 1957 that a sharp draft on reserves occurred. In the spring of that year, the authorities took a series of measures to check the domestic economic expansion and to improve the balance of payments. These measures are outlined in Section II; the subsequent adjustments
The health belief model and adherence with a community center-based, supervised coronary heart disease exercise program.

Some investigators have concluded that health beliefs do not influence the maintenance of coronary heart disease (CHD) exercise adherence. However, the beliefs tested have not been specific to CHD nor exercise. In addition, much of the research has been atheoretical. We conducted a retrospective study to explore the possibile utility of the Health Belief Model (HBM) for explaining attendance at a supervised CHD exercise program, based in a community center. Two dimensions of the model, general health motivation and perceived severity of CHD, were associated with attendance in the theoretically predicted direction, while a third dimension, perceived benefits of exercise, was associated in a direction opposite that predicted by the model. The model as a whole accounted for 29% (adjustedR 2) of the variance. This study provides some initial evidence that health beliefs are associated with CHD exercise adherence.
Peripherally inserted central catheter placement @ the speed of sound.

Over the past few years, one of the major advancements in bedside peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement has been the addition of portable ultrasound for vascular access. Traditional bedside PICC insertion success rates varied from 65% to 75% due to the limited visualized area of access available for PICC placement (1.5 inches above to 1.5 inches below the antecubital fossa). With the implementation of ultrasound, success rates have climbed to 91%–94% for bed-side-placed PICC. This article reviews the dynamics of ultrasound, provides practical tips to use image visualization, and illustrates the important key functions of this technology.
A keratan sulfate proteoglycan marks the boundaries in the cortical barrel fields of the adult rat

The present study uses the monoclonal antibody TED 15 to examine the distribution of a keratan sulfate proteoglycan, ABAKAN, in the barrel field of the rat somatosensory cortex. At birth there is very little ABAKAN present in the somatosensory cortex. The levels of this proteoglycan increase during development until the highest levels are reached in the adult rat. Immunohistochemistry reveals that the TED 15 immunoreaction product marks the boundaries between cortical barrels. At postnatal day 7 (P7) the proteoglycan is localized specifically to the boundary regions. As the brain matures, the levels of ABAKAN increase in the barrel hollows and in the surrounding cortex; however the boundary regions maintain a higher level of expression even in the adult animal. The high levels of ABAKAN observed in the adult barrel fields indicate that unlike other boundary molecules this proteoglycan may be involved in maintaining the structure of the adult somatosensory cortex.
Tumor-promoting phorbol esters inhibit binding of epidermal growth factor to cellular receptors

Tumor-promoting phorbol esters and related plant macrocyclic diterpenes inhibit the binding of epidermal growth factor to its receptors on HeLa cells. This effect shows marked structural specificity and correlates with other biological effects of these compounds on mouse skin and in cell culture systems. The active compounds inhibited binding of 125I-labeled epidermal growth factor with a 50 per-cent effective dose in the range of 10(-8) to 10(-9) M. Inhibition appears to be due to a decrease in the number of available epidermal growth factor receptors rather than a change in receptor affinity. These results suggest that certain biologic effects of tumor promoters may result from alterations in the function of cell surface receptors involved in growth regulation.
The α-2a noradrenergic agonist, guanfacine, improves delayed response performance in young adult rhesus monkeys

In aged monkeys with naturally occurring catecholamine depletion, α-2 adrenergic agonists such as guanfacine have repeatedly been shown to improve dorsolateral prefrontal cortical function, as assessed by the spatial delayed response task. Both low (0.0001–0.001 mg/kg) and high (0.5 mg/kg) but not intermediate (0.01–0.05 mg/kg) doses of guanfacine improve spatial working memory performance in aged animals. However, it is not known whether guanfacine would similarly improve performance in young animals. In the present study, the effects of guanfacine on delayed response performance were characterized in seven young adult rhesus monkeys. Low doses of guanfacine (0.0001–0.01 mg/kg) had no effect on task performance, while high doses of guanfacine (0.1–0.7 mg/kg) significantly improved task performance. The highest doses produced mild sedation that was independent of drug effects on delayed response. The most effective dose of guanfacine was challenged with the α-2 antagonist idazoxan (0.1 mg/kg). This dose of idazoxan had no effect on task performance when given alone. Consistent with an α-2 mechanism, idazoxan significantly decreased delayed response performance in guanfacine-treated animals. These results support the hypothesis that delayed response performance in young intact animals can be improved through actions at α-2 adrenergic receptors.
Investigating the switching dynamics and multilevel capability of bipolar metal oxide resistive switching memory

HfOx/AlOx bilayer resistive switching devices were fabricated for the study of the switching dynamics of the metal oxide memory. An exponential voltage-time relationship was experimentally observed as follows: the programming pulse widths need for switching exponentially decreased with the increase in the programming pulse amplitudes. Two following programming schemes were proposed to modulate the high resistance state values: (1) exponentially increase the programming pulse width; (2) linearly increase the programming pulse amplitude. Although both of these schemes were effective to achieve the target resistance, the transient current response measurements suggest the second scheme consumes considerably less energy in the programming. A field-driven oxygen ions migration model was utilized to elucidate the above experimentally observed phenomenon.