cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Pharmacist-Led Patient Education in an Ambulatory Cancer Center: A Pilot Quality Improvement Project.

Introduction:Although pharmacist-driven patient education has been shown to increase adherence, reduce medication errors, and lower 30-day readmission rates, the data in the ambulatory oncology set...
A Systems Change Framework for Evaluating Academic Equity and Inclusion in an Ecology & Evolution Graduate Program

While academia is moving forward in terms of diversifying recruitment of undergraduate and graduate students, diverse representation is still not found across the academic hierarchy. At the graduate level, new discussions are emerging around efforts to improve the experiences of women and underrepresented minorities through inclusive graduate programming. Inclusive graduate programs are that which actively center and prioritize support for diverse experiences, identities, career goals, and perspectives, from recruitment through graduation. Establishing regular and rigorous evaluation of equity and inclusion efforts and needs is a critical component of this work. This is recognized by funding agencies that increasingly require reporting on inclusion efforts; here we suggest use of a systems change framework for these evaluations. A systems change approach emphasizes three levels: explicit change (e.g. policies), semi-explicit change (e.g. power dynamics), and implicit change (e.g. biases). We use the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior (EEB) PhD Program at the University of Texas at Austin in an exercise to (1) identify areas of concern regarding inclusive programming voiced by graduate students, (2) categorize efforts to address these concerns, and (3) integrating and evaluating which areas of the systems change framework show the greatest progress or potential for progress. We argue this framework is particularly useful for academic systems as they are complex, composed of variable individuals, and must address diverse stakeholder needs.
Entrepreneurship and Family Owned Enterprises Model for Long-Term Growth and Success: The Case of Sinokrot

This article explores the startup, growth, and success factors of Sinokrot Global Group. Sinokrot, a family-owned enterprise located in the Palestinian West Bank. Sinokrot began as a local confection in the West Bank, focusing on Agro-Industries and Agriculture, which has expanded into the global market. The firm employs permanent and seasonal workers from surrounding fifty villages and cities. It accounts for three thousand five hundred workers in Palestine society and ships to over twenty countries worldwide. Despite political and economic challenges in Palestine and the Middle East, Sinokrot has set modern successful business ventures in the Palestinian and other emerging markets. This case study on Sinokrot, now termed Sinokrot Holdings, examines factors that contributed to the success and survival of Sinokrot. A structured interview method is used to elicit relevant information from top management of Sinokrot on its sustainable growth and entry into global markets. We will discuss implications for entrepreneurs in less developed nations. An entrepreneurship success model for family-owned businesses is proposed.
Charge doping effects on magnetic properties of single-crystal La 1 − x Sr x ( Cr 0.2 Mn 0.2 Fe 0.2 Co 0.2 Ni 0.2 ) O 3 ( 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5 ) high-entropy perovskite oxides

The influence of hole doping on magnetic properties is mapped for the compositionally complex high-entropy oxide ${AB\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ perovskite ${\mathrm{La}}_{1\text{\ensuremath{-}}x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}({\mathrm{Cr}}_{0.2}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{0.2}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{0.2}{\mathrm{Co}}_{0.2}{\mathrm{Ni}}_{0.2}){\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ $(0\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.5)$. It is found that aliovalent A-site substitution is a viable means to manipulate the magnetically active B-site sublattice. A series of single-crystal films are synthesized and show a general trend toward stronger ferromagnetic response and a shift in magnetic anisotropy as the Sr concentration increases. Magnetometry demonstrates complex and nonuniform responses similar to rigid and uncoupled composites at intermediate dopings. This behavior points to the presence of locally inhomogeneous magnetic phase competition, where ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic magnetic contributions create a frustrated matrix containing uncompensated spins at the boundaries between these regions. The observations are discussed in the context of known responses to hole doping in the less complex ternary $\mathrm{La}{T}_{M}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ $({T}_{M}=\mathrm{Cr},\mathrm{Mn},\mathrm{Fe},\mathrm{Co},\mathrm{Ni})$ oxides, and they are found to be different from a simple sum of the doped parents. The results are summarized in a preliminary magnetic phase diagram.
Spectral $$\varvec{\zeta }$$ ζ -functions and $$\varvec{\zeta }$$ ζ -regularized functional determinants for regular Sturm–Liouville operators

The principal aim in this paper is to employ a recently developed unified approach to the computation of traces of resolvents and $$\zeta $$ -functions to efficiently compute values of spectral $$\zeta $$ -functions at positive integers associated with regular (three-coefficient) self-adjoint Sturm–Liouville differential expressions $$\tau $$ . Depending on the underlying boundary conditions, we express the $$\zeta $$ -function values in terms of a fundamental system of solutions of $$\tau y = z y$$ and their expansions about the spectral point $$z=0$$ . Furthermore, we give the full analytic continuation of the $$\zeta $$ -function through a Liouville transformation and provide an explicit expression for the $$\zeta $$ -regularized functional determinant in terms of a particular set of this fundamental system of solutions. An array of examples illustrating the applicability of these methods is provided, including regular Schrodinger operators with zero, piecewise constant, and a linear potential on a compact interval.
Golgi membrane protein Erd1 Is essential for recycling a subset of Golgi glycosyltransferases

Protein glycosylation in the Golgi is a sequential process that requires proper distribution of transmembrane glycosyltransferase enzymes in the appropriate Golgi compartments. Some of the cytosolic machinery required for the steady-state localization of some Golgi enzymes are known but existing models do not explain how many of these enzymes are localized. Here, we uncover the role of an integral membrane protein in yeast, Erd1, as a key facilitator of Golgi glycosyltransferase recycling by directly interacting with both the Golgi enzymes and the cytosolic receptor, Vps74. Loss of Erd1 function results in mislocalization of Golgi enzymes to the vacuole/lysosome. We present evidence that Erd1 forms an integral part of the recycling machinery and ensures productive recycling of several early Golgi enzymes. Our work provides new insights on how the localization of Golgi glycosyltransferases is spatially and temporally regulated, and is finely tuned to the cues of Golgi maturation.
Sustaining Abundance: Environmental Performance in Industrial Democracies

1. Introduction 2. Measuring national environmental performance 3. Economic development, geographic advantage, and environmental performance 4. Public opinion, environmental mobilization, and environmental performance 5. Pluralism, corporatism, and environmental performance 6. Political institutions 7. Checking the robustness of the results 8. Conclusion.
Improving Language-Universal Feature Extraction with Deep Maxout and Convolutional Neural Networks

When deployed in automated speech recognition (ASR), deep neural networks (DNNs) can be treated as a complex feature extractor plus a simple linear classifier. Previous work has investigated the utility of multilingual DNNs acting as language-universal feature extractors (LUFEs). In this paper, we explore different strategies to further improve LUFEs. First, we replace the standard sigmoid nonlinearity with the recently proposed maxout units. The resulting maxout LUFEs have the nice property of generating sparse feature representations. Second, the convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture is applied to obtain more invariant feature space. We evaluate the performance of LUFEs on a cross-language ASR task. Each of the proposed techniques results in word error rate reduction compared with the existing DNN-based LUFEs. Combining the two methods together brings additional improvement on the target language.
Consumer Adoption & Satisfaction Towards ATM Service: A Comparative Study of UdaipurCity

21st century is enhancing the complexities of life so customers are demanding more convenience from service industry & banking sector is also not exception to it. In this regard ATM is one of the best services offered by banks which offers a convenient way to customers to avoid frustrating queues in banks. Due to increasing competition it is essential for banks to know about the customer adoption of ATM service & their satisfaction level for the same. The paper is based on descriptive research design & questionnaire is used to collect the primary data from banking customers. This paper highlights the ATM services most preferred by customers as well as the awareness level & satisfaction of customers regarding ATM services Banks. Conclusions of paper reveal the impact of customers’ demographic on the awareness level about ATM Services.
Novel murine model of hepatocyte-specific human platelet-derived growth factor alpha expression (649.9)

Hepatic fibrosis is a common outcome of chronic liver disease from many etiologies and represents a potentially reversible stage of disease progression. Hepatocytes play an important role in this p...
Kant's Neoplatonism: Kant and Plato on Mathematical and Philosophical Method

Both Plato and Kant devote much attention and care to deliberating about their method of philosophizing. And, interestingly, both seek to expand and explain their view of philosophical method by one selfsame strategy: explaining the contrast between rational procedure in mathematics and in philosophy. Plato and Kant agree on a fundamental point of philosophical method that is at odds with the mathematico-demonstrative methodology of philosophy found in Spinoza and present in Christian Wolff. Both reject the axiomatic approach with its insistence on fundamental truths postulated from the outset. Both alike insist that philosophizing—unlike mathematics—is an exercise in theorizing where the questions of basicness and foundations come into view only after the inquiry has gone on for a long, long time—and certainly not at its start.
Progress in photoemission sampling

The basic principles, fundamental limits, and recent results of the novel photoemission probing method are reviewed. The possible range of applications as a contactless diagnostic method for integrated circuits in the real-time and sampling modes of photoemission probing is discussed on the basis of theoretical and experimental studies. In photoemission sampling, electron emission is induced in a sample by an incident light beam (in most cases a laser beam), and the photoemitted electrons are then accelerated towards a reference or retarding field electrode. If the reference electrode is at the same potential as the point of electron emission on the VLSI circuit, all photoemitted electrons can pass the reference electrode and are guided towards an electron detector. >
Using technology to promote integration of care

This work focuses on the role that technology can play in integrating addiction, mental health, and medical care services. Behavioral health is being integrated into primary care, spurred by the promise of improved patient outcomes and cost savings. Integration enables providers to care for the whole patient—who often has co-occurring behavioral and physical illnesses. Integration requires change of both organizations and individuals, and technology can play a key role in facilitating both. Technology makes more data available to clinicians and provides tools (such as prediction models, decision-support protocols, and dashboards) to understand clinical data. Among individuals, technology can help patients, family members, and clinicians stay informed and engaged in treatment. Technology can: 1) help identify optimal combinations of interventions for different combinations of conditions; 2) include a greater number of conditions in screening; 3) send reminders and alerts based on data from sensors; and 4) make chronic disease self-management more effective. This study presents a systematic review of the literature on the use of mobile health technology for the treatment of alcoholism; the relationship between utilization of mobile health technology and in-person care; early findings from a project aimed at implementing mobile health technology for addiction; and the role of telemedicine in aiding access to medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence.
The Genus Veillonella IV. Serological Groupings, and Genus and Species Emendations

Rogosa, M. (National Institute of Dental Research, Bethesda, Md.). The genus Veillonella. IV. Serological groupings, and genus and species emendations. J. Bacteriol. 90:704-709. 1965.-Seven serological groups of Veillonella were found. The generic and species descriptions are enlarged and corrected. The type species is Veillonella parvula (Veillon and Zuber) Prevot, 1933. The proposed species, subspecies (infraspecific serogroups), and American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) type strains are: Veillonella parvula subsp. parvula subsp. nov. (antigenic group VI), ATCC 10790; Veillonella parvula subsp. rodentium subsp. nov. (antigenic group II), ATCC 17743; Veillonella parvula subsp. atypica subsp. nov. (antigenic group V), ATCC 17744; Veillonella alcalescens subsp. alcalescens subsp. nov. (antigenic group IV), ATCC 17745; Veillonella alcalescens subsp. ratti subsp. nov. (antigenic group III), ATCC 17746; Veillonella alcalescens subsp. criceti subsp. nov. (antigenic group I), ATCC 17747; and Veillonella alcalescens subsp. dispar subsp. nov. (antigenic group VII), ATCC 17748. The following species listed in Bergey's Manual (7th ed.) are rejected as members of the genus: V. discoides, V. reniformis, V. orbiculus, and V. vulvovaginitidis.
Interactive effects of approach motivational intensity and alcohol cues on the scope of perceptual attention.

Aims: Many theoretical perspectives suggest that alcohol-related stimuli bear on attentional processes. Building upon these ideas and recent advances regarding the attention-constricting impact of approach motivational states, we predicted that mere exposure to alcohol-related images would suffice to reduce the breadth of attention among individuals who possessed a strong motivation to consume alcohol. Design: Two studies exposed participants to alcohol and neutral cues prior to assessing attention structure. In both studies, measures of alcohol use, negative alcohol expectancies, trait approach motivation, and alcohol-related approach motivation were assessed. Setting and Participants: Study 1 comprised of 102 undergraduates and Study 2 comprised of 162 undergraduates. Studies were conducted at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. Measurements: In both studies, participants were briefly exposed to pictures of various stimuli (alcohol vs. neutral pictures). After each picture was displayed, participants completed a trial assessing attentional focus. Findings: After controlling for relevant covariates, both studies demonstrated that exposure to alcohol-related pictures led to a narrowing of attentional focus among individuals who possessed a strong motivation to use alcohol. Exposure to neutral pictures, however, did not interact with alcohol-related motivation to influence attentional focus. Conclusions: Alcohol cues narrow attentional breadth for individuals who are motivated to consume alcohol, suggesting a non-pharmacological means in which alcohol produces a narrow mindset. Alcohol cues may contribute to cognitive and behavioral deficits, as well as drinking behaviors, in part, because they lead to the inability to process a broad range of information in the environment. Language: en
Oxygen-18 exchange reactions in steroidal ketones. Determination of relative rates of incorporation by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Abstract Relative rates of O 18 incorporation have been measured for the acid catalyzed exchange reaction between H 2 O 18 and steroidal ketones. Microgram samples from a reaction mixture of steroids and H 2 O 18 are injected directly into a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. O 18 -content of each steroid is calculated from the second isotope peak of the molecular ion. Relative rates of incorporation, obtained from pseudofirst-order kinetic plots, varied widely depending on the electronic and steric environment of the carbonyl function. Increasing depolarization of the carbonyl group in Δ 4 - and Δ 1,4 -3-ones resulted in exchange rates more than 10 2 and 10 4 times slower than the saturated 3-one, while the 16-one group exchanged 8 times more rapidly than the more hindered 17-one. The technique offers a novel means of characterizing steroidal ketones, and represents an example of the considerable utility of mass spectrometry in obtaining kinetic data.
A new methodology for the computer-aided construction of fault trees

Abstract A methodology for systematically constructing fault trees for general complex systems is developed. A means of modeling component behavior via decision tables is presented, and a procedure for constructing and editing fault trees, either manually or by computer, is developed. The techniques employed result in a complete fault tree in standard form. In order to demonstrate the methodology, the computer program CAT was developed and is used to construct trees for a nuclear system. By analyzing and comparing these fault trees, several conclusions are reached. First, such an approach can be used to produce fault trees that accurately describe system behavior. Second, multiple trees can be rapidly produced by defining various TOP events, including system success. Finally, the accuracy and utility of such trees is shown to depend upon the careful development of the decision table models by the analyst, and of the overall system definition itself. Thus the method is seen to be a tool for assisting in the work of fault tree construction rather than a replacement for the careful work of the fault tree analyst.
Improvement of cardiac function persists long term with medical therapy for left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

In certain patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, improvements in cardiac function are seen after initiation of medical therapy; however, the long-term stability of ventricular f...
Metabolic Alterations and Shifts in Energy Allocations Are Corequisites for the Expression of Extended Longevity Genes in Drosophila

: Evolutionary theories suggest that the expression of extended longevity depends on the organism's ability to shift energy from reproduction to somatic maintenance. New data led us to reexamine our older data and integrate the two into a larger picture of the genetic and metabolic alterations required if the animal is to live long. Our Ra normal-lived control strain can express any one of three different extended longevity phenotypes, only one of which involves significant and proportional increases in both mean and maximum longevity and thus a delayed onset of senescence. This phenotype is dependent on the up-regulation of the antioxidant defense system (ADS) genes and enzymes. Animals that express this phenotype typically have a pattern of altered specific activities in metabolically important enzymes, suggesting they are necessary to support the NAD+/NADP+ reducing system required for the continued high ADS enzyme activities. Fecundity data suggests that the energy required for this higher level of somatic maintenance initially came from a reduced egg production. This was only transient, however, for the females significantly increased their fecundity in later generations while still maintaining their longevity. The energy required for this enhanced fecundity was probably obtained from an increased metabolic efficiency, for the mitochondria of the La long-lived strain are metabolically more efficient and have a lower leakage of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to the cytosol. Selection pressures that do not lead to these shifts in energy allocations result in extended longevity phenotypes characterized by increased early survival or increased late survival but not by a delayed onset of senescence.
Music and the special challenges of aging: A new frontier

The special challenges which aging people face, both the well-elderly and those manifesting dementia, are discussed. Data-based literature demonstrating ways in which music or music activities can uniquely address these challenges is outlined and discussed. Protocols which can help build a stronger body of information are reviewed.
Challenges in commercializing MEMS

Several microelectromechanical systems have achieved commercial success. The barriers can still be formidable, though, and the path to success is often much different for MEMS than it was for mainstream semiconductors. Maturing software for comprehensive modeling and design will help in the future. The entire field of MEMS has been enabled by the batch fabrication methods established in the semiconductor industry. We cannot predict the market success of MEMS based products, however, by blindly applying the economy of scale and other economic models governing semiconductor markets. Although the parallels are both undeniable and enabling, the successful MEMS venture today is likely to be one that focuses on differences from, rather than parallels with, mainstream semiconductor markets. It is essential to recognize that the main challenges in commercializing MEMS-on both the business and technical levels-are different from the classic semiconductor problems.
Contaminants in foods of aquatic birds at Kesterson Reservoir, California, 1985

Plants, aquatic insects, and mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) were collected from Kesterson Reservoir, Merced County, California, and a nearby reference site (Volta Wildlife Area) to compare concentrations of three contaminants found in 1985 with those reported in 1983 and 1984. Mean selenium concentrations in food-chain organisms from sites at Kesterson in 1985 ranged from 26.0 μg/g (dry wt) in water boatman (Corixidae) to 119 μg/g in mosquitofish. All mean selenium concentrations at Kesterson were significantly higher than those from Volta and were sufficient to have caused the impaired avian reproduction observed at Kesterson. Boron concentrations were also significantly higher at Kesterson, and, at one pond, the mean concentration in widgeongrass (Ruppia mari-tima) (1,630 μg/g) was high enough to impair avian reproduction. There were no differences in arsenic concentrations between locations, and concentrations in all food-chain organisms (<1.9 μg/g) were lower than those reported to cause adverse effects in wildlife. Within-location differences were observed for all three contaminants at Kesterson and for selenium at Volta, but there was no consistent pattern to these differences. Between-year comparisons showed that selenium concentrations in mosquitofish generally decreased at Kesterson, but remained about the same at Volta over the 3 years. Selenium concentrations in insects from 1985 were lower at Kesterson than 1983, but were similar to 1984. Concentrations in plants were generally higher in 1983 and lower in 1984 compared with 1985. Boron concentrations in plants were generally higher in 1985, but in mosquitofish and insects, boron concentrations remained about the same all 3 years. Most arsenic concentrations did not change significantly between years.
Human delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase: chromosomal localization to 9q34 by in situ hybridization.

The structural gene for human δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D) has been localized to chromosomal region 9q34 by in situ hybridization using a [125I]-labeled human δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase cDNA. Of the 150 silver grains analyzed, 25% were localized to chromosome 9q, while 12% and 8% were on chromosomes 1p and 13q, respectively. The single chromosomal region q34 had over 90% of the total grains observed on chromosome 9. In contrast, the grains on chromosomes 1p and 13q were dispersed, consistent with the absence of any human ALD-D pseudogenes. Southern blot analysis of somatic cell hybrids informative for ALA-D (Wang et al. 1985) also was consistent and supported the finding of only one locus for this heme biosynthetic enzyme.
A stable electric field integral equation approach for analyzing scattering from nonplanar wire meshes with arbitrarily small cell sizes

A simple and effective approach is presented for analyzing the plane-wave scattering from nonplanar wire meshes. In contrast to both traditional integral equation solutions and homogenization techniques, which have a limited range of application in terms of the size of the unit cell, the present technique is applicable to structures with periodicities varying from a small fraction of the wavelength (e.g., 10−10λ0) up to several wavelengths. The technique is applied to the analysis of meshes consisting of straight wires as well as wire meshes containing helical elements.
Identification of the Ankyrin-binding Domain of the Mouse T-lymphoma Cell Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate (IP3) Receptor and Its Role in the Regulation of IP3-mediated Internal Ca2+ Release

In this study we have used several complementary techniques to explore the interaction between the membrane linker molecule, ankyrin, and the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor in mouse T-lymphoma cells. Using double immunolabeling and laser confocal microscopy, we have found that both cytoplasmic IP3 receptor and ankyrin are preferentially accumulated within ligand-induced lymphocyte receptor-capped structures. The binding between ankyrin and IP3 receptor appears to be very specific. Further analyses indicate that the amino acid sequence GGVGDVLRKPS in the IP3 receptor shares a great deal of structural homology with the ankyrin-binding domain located in certain well characterized ankyrin-binding proteins such as the cell adhesion molecule, CD44. Biochemical studies using competition binding assays and a synthetic peptide identical to GGVGDVLRKPS (a sequence detected in rat brain IP3 receptor (amino acids 2548-2558) and mouse brain IP3 receptor (amino acids 2546-2556)) indicate that this 11-amino acid peptide binds specifically to ankyrin (but not fodrin or spectrin). Furthermore, this peptide competes effectively for ankyrin binding to IP3 receptor-containing vesicles and/or purified IP3 receptor, and it blocks ankyrin-induced inhibitory effects on IP3 binding and IP3-mediated internal Ca2+ release in mouse T-lymphoma cells. These findings suggest that this amino acid sequence, GGVGDVLRKPS, which is located close to the C terminus of the IP3 receptor, resides on the cytoplasmic side (not the luminal side) of IP3 receptor-containing vesicles. This unique region appears to be an important part of the IP3 receptor ankyrin-binding domain and may play an important role in the regulation of IP3 receptor-mediated internal Ca2+ release during lymphocyte activation.
Prospects for exotic beam facilities in North America

There are several nuclear physics laboratories in North America that have on-going research using energetic and stopped radioactive beams. These include the large ISOL-type programs ISAC at TRIUMF and HRIBF at Oak Ridge and the in-flight fragmentation program at the NSCL of Michigan State University. There are also smaller, more specialized, programs using a variety of techniques at the 88-inch cyclotron of Berkeley, ATLAS at Argonne, the Cyclotron Institute of Texas A&M University, the Nuclear Structure Laboratory at Notre Dame University, and the Nuclear Structure Laboratory at SUNY/Stony Brook. There are also three projects on the horizon in North America for new capabilities in both the near term and more distant future. The intensities of the in-flight fragment beams at the NSCL will be increased dramatically very soon as the Coupled Cyclotron Project will be completed and commissioned for research by mid-2001. A new project, ISAC-II, has been approved in Canada. For the longer term, the United States is considering construction of a major new facility, the Rare Isotope Accelerator (RIA), which would have a very high-intensity heavy-ion driver linac. The RIA facility is proposed to utilize both ISOL and in-flight production mechanisms.
Phase-shifting effects of a serotonin agonist in tau mutant hamsters

Previous studies indicate that the advance region of the tau mutant hamster's phase-response curve (PRC) to non-photic stimuli, such as NPY and wheel pulses, is characterized by earlier timing and increased amplitude in comparison with that of wild-type animals. Since, recent evidence suggests that serotonergic pathways may play an important role for the non-photic phase resetting of the rodent circadian pacemaker, PRCs to the serotonin (5-HT) agonist, 8-OH-DPAT (5 mg/kg i.p.), were generated in both wild-type and tau mutant hamsters kept in constant darkness. The results indicate that the tau mutation is associated with changes in the timing, but not the amplitude of the advance region of the PRC to 8-OH-DPAT and suggest that serotonergic agents and other non-photic or activity-inducing stimuli may share some common mechanisms for resetting the phase of the rodent circadian pacemaker.
High discordance of chest x-ray and computed tomography for detection of pulmonary opacities in ED patients: implications for diagnosing pneumonia ☆

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic performance of chest x-ray (CXR) compared to computed tomography (CT) for detection of pulmonary opacities in adult emergency department (ED) patients.
Comparative study of genetic and social structure in two forms of the fire ant Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The genetic and social structures of polygyne and monogyne forms of the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, are investigated in a comparative manner using allozyme data from two polymorphic loci. Foundress queens of the monogyne form are signly inseminated and appear to produce all males present in the colony during the major summer mating flights. The average regression coefficient of relatedness (b) among female nestmates of the monogyne form is 0.714 (Fig. 2), statistically indistinguishable from the pedigree coefficient of relatedness (G) of 0.75. We suggest that the evolution of obligate worker sterility in Solenopsis is associated with this high relatedness between workers and the queens they rear. Functional queens in polygyne nests also are singly inseminated and are no more closely related to nestmate queens than to other queens (within-nest b=0). Within-nest relatedness of workers in the polygyne population is similarly low (Fig. 2). Both the monogyne and polygyne populations from northcentral Georgia are in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at both allozyme loci and we found no evidence of significant population subdividion or inbreeding in the polygyne population. These results do not support the view that kin selection has promoted the evolution of polygyny in North American S. invicta. Rather, mutualism appears to be the most likely selective factor mediating queen associations inthis ant.
Preparation of ultra-oriented, high-strength filaments of polyethylene

A strong, transparent high-density polyethylene morphology has been produced in an Instron capillary rheometer by orientation and pressure near the polymer ambient melting point, 130 to 136‡ C. The multiple and interrelated variables for extrusion of this special morphology have been considered and tested. Capillaries of four different dimensions were employed. The formation of the transparent polyethylene was found to be the result of neither molten-state shear nor simple cold-drawing. It is initiated by the transition from molten flow to cold-drawing in which pre-oriented crystals are drawn within the capillary and entrance region under pressure and shear. Long strands of high perfection have been produced. Prior art, however, has not permitted continuous production. Differential Scanning Calorimetry on the transparent strands shows the existence of a higher melting structure in an inner core, and that a higher extrusion pressure and temperature gives a higher melting ultra-oriented polyethylene strand.
Clearance of hepatitis C in chimpanzees is associated with intrahepatic T-cell perforin expression during the late acute phase

Summary. The liver is the primary site of hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. Therefore, we undertook detailed intrahepatic studies of T-cell dynamics, apoptosis, and gene expression during the acute phase of infection using liver biopsies from chimpanzees that developed persistent infection or spontaneously cleared the virus. We examined more than 40 liver biopsies histologically and quantitatively for T-cell infiltration, hepatocyte apoptosis and perforin expression. These data were correlated with outcome and viral kinetics. We observed intrahepatic T-cell infiltration in both groups of animals with CD8+ T cells representing the major population. The appearance of T cells was always associated with apoptosis and mild alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations. Apoptosis (5–20% of hepatocytes) always occurred prior to serum ALT peak. Quantification of intrahepatic ALT mRNA revealed no upregulation of gene expression confirming that serum ALT increases were due to release of this enzyme from cells. During the late acute phase, cleared animals showed an increased frequency of hepatocyte apoptosis relative to persistently infected animals (P < 0.05). This correlated with a higher intrahepatic CD8+ T-cell frequency in the cleared group (P < 0.01) with a greater proportion of lymphocytes expressing perforin compared with the persistent group (P < 0.001). All infected animals mounted intrahepatic immune responses during the acute phase, but these were not maintained in frequency or efficacy in persistent infections. There is a reduction in the numbers of intrahepatic T cells during the late acute phase in infections that become persistent with significantly fewer of these cells functional in clearing the virus by killing infected hepatocytes.
Concerning the elastic free energy of dilute interstitial alloys

Abstract The macroscopic lattice distortion that accompanies the entry of interstitial solute into a host crystal suggests that there is a misfit between the atoms which stores a quantity of energy in an elastic manner. The present analysis formulates the elastic free energy of solution for dilute interstitial alloys by summing the discrete interactions among the atoms in pair-wise fashion. Manipulation of the lattice summations by Fourier methods enables the consideration of arbitrary distributions of solute in crystals of unlimited size. As has been previously demonstrated for substitutional alloys, the discrete analysis reveals, in contrast to the continuum theory, that the elastic free energy associated with a given Fourier component of the solute distribution is dependent upon the wavelength of the modulation as well as its direction. For interstitial alloys, however, there are additional complexities, owing to the greater variety of arrangements available to the solute. A numerical calculation for carbon in iron illustrates the computational procedure. Comparison of results for tetragonal and cubic crystals allows the elastic free energy for sublattice disordering to be appraised. Although one component corresponds closely to the estimate of Zener, the discrete theory yields other terms which depend in detail upon the Fourier make-up of the solute distribution (i.e. upon prior heat treatment) and which constitute large corrections to the accepted value even for a completely random alloy.
The role of glutamate transporters in neurodegenerative diseases and potential opportunities for intervention

Extracellular concentrations of the predominant excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate, and related excitatory amino acids are maintained at relatively low levels to ensure an appropriate signal-to-noise ratio and to prevent excessive activation of glutamate receptors that can result in cell death. The latter phenomenon is known as 'excitotoxicity' and has been associated with a wide range of acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders, as well as disorders that result in the loss of non-neural cells such as oligodendroglia in multiple sclerosis. Unfortunately clinical trials with glutamate receptor antagonists that would logically seem to prevent the effects of excessive receptor activation have been associated with untoward side effects or little clinical benefit. In the mammalian CNS, the extracellular concentrations of glutamate are controlled by two types of transporters; these include a family of Na(+)-dependent transporters and a cystine-glutamate exchange process, referred to as system X(c)(-). In this review, we will focus primarily on the Na(+)-dependent transporters. A brief introduction to glutamate as a neurotransmitter will be followed by an overview of the properties of these transporters, including a summary of the presumed physiologic mechanisms that regulate these transporters. Many studies have provided compelling evidence that impairing the function of these transporters can increase the sensitivity of tissue to deleterious effects of aberrant activation of glutamate receptors. Over the last decade, it has become clear that many neurodegenerative disorders are associated with a change in localization and/or expression of some of the subtypes of these transporters. This would suggest that therapies directed toward enhancing transporter expression might be beneficial. However, there is also evidence that glutamate transporters might increase the susceptibility of tissue to the consequences of insults that result in a collapse of the electrochemical gradients required for normal function such as stroke. In spite of the potential adverse effects of upregulation of glutamate transporters, there is recent evidence that upregulation of one of the glutamate transporters, GLT-1 (also called EAAT2), with beta-lactam antibiotics attenuates the damage observed in models of both acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders. While it seems somewhat unlikely that antibiotics specifically target GLT-1 expression, these studies identify a potential strategy to limit excitotoxicity. If successful, this type of approach could have widespread utility given the large number of neurodegenerative diseases associated with decreases in transporter expression and excitotoxicity. However, given the massive effort directed at developing glutamate receptor agents during the 1990s and the relatively modest advances to date, one wonders if we will maintain the patience needed to carefully understand the glutamatergic system so that it will be successfully targeted in the future.
Directly patternable dielectric based on fluorinated polyimide

A photosensitive polyimide system based on amine catalyzed imidization of a precursor poly(amic ester) is described. The material is based on the meta ethyl ester of pyromellitic dianhydride and 2,2’ bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine and acts as a negative tone resist when formulated with a photobase generator. The material exhibits a dielectric constant of 3.0 in the GHz range, a coefficient of thermal expansion of 6±2 ppm/K, and can be patterned to aspect ratios of greater than 2 when formulated with a high efficiency cinnamide type photobase generator.
Appropriate Candidates for Hemiablative Focal Therapy Are Infrequently Encountered Among Men Selected for Radical Prostatectomy in Contemporary Cohort

Objectives To assess the prevalence and pathologic features of men with unilateral prostate cancer at radical prostatectomy (RP), because it has recently been proposed that men with small-volume, well-differentiated, unilateral prostate cancer can be treated with focal therapy. Methods The records of 1467 consecutive men who underwent open RP by a single surgeon from January 2000 to June 2007 were reviewed after institutional review board approval. The RP pathologic reports were analyzed to determine the frequency of unilateral or bilateral disease, surgical margin status, presence of extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, Gleason score, percentage of tumor involvement (PTI), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, and prostate volume. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between these factors and the detection of unilateral disease. Results Unilateral cancer was identified in 313 of 1467 patients (21.3%). Of these patients, 206 had a PTI of ≤5%, 40 had a PTI of 5%-10%, 8 had a PTI of 10%-15%, and 40 had a PTI >15%. The factors significantly associated with unilateral disease on univariate analysis were PTI, PSA level, pathologic Gleason score, seminal vesicle invasion, and extracapsular extension. The PSA level and seminal vesicle invasion remained significant predictors on multivariate analysis. Overall, 163 men (11.1%) had unilateral, low-risk disease (defined as a PSA level Conclusions Although candidates for focal therapy exist among men undergoing RP within a contemporary cohort, they represent a small minority. Before proceeding with focal therapy, the urology community must identify accurate methods of candidate selection.
Ozone uptake by citrus trees exposed to a range of ozone concentrations

Abstract The Citrus genus includes a large number of species and varieties widely cultivated in the Central Valley of California and in many other countries having similar Mediterranean climates. In the summer, orchards in California experience high levels of tropospheric ozone, formed by reactions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) with oxides of nitrogen (NO x ). Citrus trees may improve air quality in the orchard environment by taking up ozone through stomatal and non-stomatal mechanisms, but they may ultimately be detrimental to regional air quality by emitting biogenic VOC (BVOC) that oxidize to form ozone and secondary organic aerosol downwind of the site of emission. BVOC also play a key role in removing ozone through gas-phase chemical reactions in the intercellular spaces of the leaves and in ambient air outside the plants. Ozone is known to oxidize leaf tissues after entering stomata, resulting in decreased carbon assimilation and crop yield. To characterize ozone deposition and BVOC emissions for lemon ( Citrus limon ), mandarin ( Citrus reticulata ), and orange ( Citrus sinensis ), we designed branch enclosures that allowed direct measurement of fluxes under different physiological conditions in a controlled greenhouse environment. Average ozone uptake was up to 11 nmol s −1 m −2 of leaf. At low concentrations of ozone (40 ppb), measured ozone deposition was higher than expected ozone deposition modeled on the basis of stomatal aperture and ozone concentration. Our results were in better agreement with modeled values when we included non-stomatal ozone loss by reaction with gas-phase BVOC emitted from the citrus plants. At high ozone concentrations (160 ppb), the measured ozone deposition was lower than modeled, and we speculate that this indicates ozone accumulation in the leaf mesophyll.
A mouse kidney cell line with a G: C → C:G transversion mutator phenotype

We report the identification of a mouse kidney epithelial cell line (K435) in which G:C → C:G transversion mutations occur at an elevated rate and are the predominant spontaneous events observed at the selectable Aprt locus. Of three genotoxins tested, ultraviolet radiation (UV), ionizing radiation, and hydrogen peroxide, only UV exposure was able to alter the spectrum of small mutational events. To determine if the G:C → C:G mutator phenotype was due to a deficiency in the mismatch repair pathway, the K435 cells were tested for resistance to 6-thioguanine, cisplatin, and MNNG. Although the K435 cells were as resistant to 6-thioguanine and cisplatin as Pms2 and Mlh1 null kidney cells, they were hypersensitive to MNNG. Moreover, the K435 cells do not exhibit microsatellite instability, a hallmark of mismatch repair deficiency. These results suggest that a novel mechanism, which does not include a classical deficiency in mismatch repair, accounts for the G:C → C:G mutator phenotype. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Combustion of Magnesium with Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide at Low Gravity

The burning behavior and  ame structure of magnesium in pure carbon dioxide and pure carbon monoxide atmospheres in low-gravity conditions are investigated. Cylindrical specimens are suspended by a thermocouple wire and are radiatively ignited. Spherical  ames are obtained during steady-state burning of the metal sample with increasing metal-oxide accumulation in an outer shell. Burning times twice as long as in normal gravity are observed, revealing a diffusion-controlled reaction. The burning time is proportional to the square of the metal sample diameter. Combustion of magnesium with carbon monoxide is not possible without constant heating of the sample. A one-dimensional, quasi-steady numerical model of the spherically symmetric diffusion  ame using elementary gas-phase reactions and detailed transport property calculations shows qualitative agreement with the observed structure of the  ames. It predicts a maximumtemperature close to the vaporization–decomposition point of themetal oxide, as well as the coexistence of the gaseous and condensed phases of the oxideproduct. It also predicts a diffusion-controlledreaction formagnesiumburning in oxygen, air, and carbon dioxide and provides an accurate comparison of the burning rates of these systems. The discrepancies between the numerical simulation and the experimental observations may be attributed to the absence of accurate condensation, radiation, and surface-reaction models.
Influence of Drug Particle Size after Intramuscular Dosage of Phenobarbital to Dogs

Phenobarbital suspensions containing drug particles of different size ranges were separately administered, intramuscularly, to beagle dogs. The particle size of the dose affected the blood drug level curves. A comparison of the areas under the curves with the respective particle sizes indicated that particle size influenced the biological availability of phenobarbital. Data obtained suggest that by controlling the drug particle size, one may be able to regulate the duration of action of phenobarbital.
Ordering of CT by Emergency Department Provider Type: Analysis of a Nationally Representative Sample

OBJECTIVE. Given the growing concern about CT overutilization, we provide a descriptive trend analysis of CT studies ordered in U.S. emergency departments by nonphysician health care providers and examine whether there is a significant difference in ordering patterns between nonphysicians and physicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We used a nationally representative data sample for 2001-2008 to describe trends in CT studies ordered in U.S. emergency departments by nonphysician health care providers. We performed a multivariate logistic regression with hospital fixed effects on the most recently available data to determine whether there is a difference in ordering patterns between the two provider groups. RESULTS. From 2001 to 2008, the number of emergency department visits associated with CT studies managed solely by nonphysician health care providers increased from 100,626 to 620,296. Over this same period, the proportion of emergency department visits associated with CT managed solely by nonphysician provid...
Turbulent mixing in nonsteady jets

Etude experimentale des caracteristiques de melange d'un jet turbulent accelere dans une solution aqueuse