cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Motives for and Consequences of Viewing Television Medical Dramas

Although television medical dramas have been popular for a long time and have delivered health- and medical-related information to audiences, few studies have focused on audience's view. This study explores motives for and consequences of viewing medical dramas from the uses and gratifications (U&G) perspective. A survey identified college students' motives toward medical drama viewing and the relationship of the motives with individuals' health information orientation, audience activity (selectivity, attention, involvement), and their use of health information learned from the dramas. Although viewers' primary motive for viewing medical drama was not to gather health information, only health information motive, among all motives, directly predicted use of health information from medical dramas. Viewers' entertainment-related motives toward medical drama viewing indirectly and positively predicted use of information in the dramas via involvement with those dramas, and indirectly and negatively via attention to the story in those dramas. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Sex education in the public schools: A discriminant analysis of characteristics of pro and anti individuals

Abstract A modified probability sample of adults in the United States in 1977 was used to examine factors related to attitude toward sex education in the public schools. On the basis of previous research and statements of prominent anti‐sex‐education advocates, it was predicted that pro‐ and anti‐sex‐education individuals would differ in political orientation, religious orientation, attitude toward the traditional family, premarital sexual values, attitudes toward women's roles, age, social class, gender, and attitudes toward education in general. The ability of these variables to distinguish between pro‐ and anti‐sex‐education subsamples was examined through discriminant analysis. The results suggest that political liberalism‐conservatism, a right‐wing political view, religious liberalism‐conservatism, and age are not important discriminating characteristics. Rather, pro‐ and anti‐sex‐education subsamples were most clearly distinguished on the factors of having a traditional orientation toward the family...
Channel Constrained Metallization of Aluminum Nitride for the Fabrication of Electronic Packages with Efficient Thermal Management

The densification of electronic packages has demanded better solutions to the thermal management problem created by these advancements. The use of substrate materials with high thermal conductivity is a cost-effective approach to increased heat dissipation. In this paper, a method is described for the fabrication of interconnect structures on aluminum nitride using a fully additive channel-constrained electroless metallization process. Chemical functionalization of the AlN substrates, optimization of the photolithographic technique, and the selective metallization of interconnects are issues addressed. AlN surface functionality was found to be critical in controlling the binding efficiency of the Pd(II) plating catalyst and contact with the aqueous plating solutions. Rapid hydrolysis of the AIN surface was used to facilitate functionalization with N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and provide a modified surface for subsequent selective catalysis and metallization and followed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Lithographic processes were optimized and found to require exposure dosage 30% lower than on substrates of alumina. Interconnect structures composed of nickel and copper (100 nm-2 μm thick, 10-100 μm in diameter) with good adhesion to the AlN (1 mm thickness) have been shown with the use of thermal measurements to outperform similar circuit patterns fabricated on chemical vapor deposited diamond 300 μm thick.
Drug policies: A study of the opinions of local law enforcement patrol officers about various policy alternatives

The article briefly reviews some literature describing the scope and seriousness of psychoactive substance misuse in the United States and then examines some chronic problems in the nature of public policy analysis. A methodology. Conceptual Review, is briefly discussed as a plausible alternative to contemporary approaches. Data from n=100 patrol officers who completed the Drug Policy Questionnaire (DPQ) are presented. Patrol officers were highly supportive of conventional policies, e.g., prevention, education, and treatment, but also recommended more punitive approaches, e.g., imprisonment for both dealers and users. Legalization was rejected as a viable policy alternative. Implications for policy and future research are also discussed.
The Ancure endografting system: An update

The Ancure endografting system (Guidant Cardiac and Vascular Division, Menlo Park, Calif) features a unibody, nonsupported woven polyester graft designed to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms. It is constructed in tube, bifurcated, and aortoiliac configurations. The attachment system consists of a frame with four independent V-shaped double hooks that penetrate the arterial wall for fixation. There are separate attachment systems at the proximal and distal ends of the endoprosthesis. In September 1999, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the tube and bifurcated devices for general use. The aortoiliac device is under present consideration of the FDA. Phase II and III clinical trials of the system enrolled over 870 patients from the end of 1995 to the summer of 1999. The device was deployed successfully in 90% to 96% of cases, depending on the configuration and the phase of the trial. Mortality rates were similar to those of concurrent open surgical control rates, but serious morbidity was reduced. Long-term follow-up of the bifurcated group from phase II showed only one migration and no ruptures. Aneurysm size reduction in this group was noted in 51.3% of patients at 1 year and 68.5% at 2 years. In the same subset, type I endoleaks were noted in 2.7% at 1 year and 1.3% at 2 years. All postoperative imaging studies were reviewed by a core laboratory facility. The advantages of the ancure system include solid fixation, flexibility in accommodating morphologic changes, and excellent long-term clinical performance. The disadvantages include a large introducer system and the potential for limb obstruction by compression or angulation. However, limb compromise responds well to intraluminal stenting. The expected FDA approval of the aortoiliac device and a larger variety of graft sizes should expand the number of patients who can be treated with this system.
Sonic boom waveforms and amplitudes in a real atmosphere

Sonic boom wave shapes and amplitudes determination in still stratified atmosphere, comparing U.S. standard atmosphere results to various atmospheric models
Epidermal browning of saguaro cacti (Carnegiea gigantea): physiological effects, rates of browning and relation to sun/shade conditions

Abstract There has been increased morbidity of saguaro cacti (Carnegiea gigantea) in some portions of the Sonoran Desert. Injury to individual cacti is characterized by accumulations of epicuticular waxes that obstruct stomata and lead to eventual browning of surfaces. The purpose of this research was to determine physiological effects of obstructed stomata, rates of epidermal browning, and the relationship between epidermal browning and sun/shade conditions of stem surfaces. Nocturnal acid accumulation was positively correlated with visible stomatal density and negatively correlated with characteristics of epidermal browning. Numbers of chloroplasts per cell were higher for green cacti compared with yellow or browning stems. Over a two-year period, thickness of the green chlorenchyma decreased 1.8 mm while the thickness of internal discoloration increased 2.7 mm. Rib crest scaling and barking increased markedly along with a deterioration of spines and areoles over the period. Cacti with sun-exposed south-facing surfaces had 19% greater internal discoloration than cacti at least partially shaded by vegetation. On average, sun-exposed cacti had 20% more surface injuries on crests and trought on south-facing surfaces compared with similar surfaces of shaded saguaros. Results reported herein support the hypothesis that morbidity of some saguaros is occurring at a measurable rate and is related to sun exposure.
Hybrid Incompatibility “Snowballs” Between Solanum Species

Among the reproductive barriers that can isolate species, hybrid sterility is frequently due to dysfunctional interactions between loci that accumulate between differentiating lineages. Theory describing the evolution of these incompatibilities has generated the prediction, still empirically untested, that loci underlying hybrid incompatibility should accumulate faster than linearly with time—the “snowball effect.” We evaluated the accumulation of quantitative trait loci (QTL) between species in the plant group Solanum and found evidence for a faster-than-linear accumulation of hybrid seed sterility QTL, thus empirically evaluating and confirming this theoretical prediction. In comparison, loci underlying traits unrelated to hybrid sterility show no evidence for an accelerating rate of accumulation between species.
Diagnostic Accuracy in Pediatric Appendicitis

To the Editor .— Smink et al1 analyzed the Kids’ Inpatient Database and found that pediatric appendicitis misdiagnosis rates were lower in hospitals with higher annual appendectomy volumes. They suggested that successful practices from highest-volume hospitals could be disseminated to “improve the diagnosis of appendicitis throughout the pediatric population.” An accompanying editorial concluded that “experienced clinicians and institutions produce optimal patient outcomes.”2 These conclusions rest heavily on the assumption …
Integrated band intensities of gaseous N/2/O/5/

Values for mid-IR integrated band intensities of gaseous N2O5 were determined at room temperature. The absorptions studied were at 1720, 1246, 743, and 557/cm. The integrated intensities were 2204, 581, 685, and 699/atm cm, respectively. Implications of these results for the stratospheric detection of N(2)O(5) are discussed.
Hemicellulosic Polymers of Cell Walls of Zea Coleoptiles

Hemicellulosic polymers comprised about 43% of the primary walls of Zea mays L. cv WF9 x Bear 38 coleoptiles; these polymers were separated by an alkali-gradient into three major fractions. Fraction 1 (GAX I) was solubilized from walls with 0.01 to 0.045 n KOH and consisted of novel glucuronoarabino(galacto)xylans. Nearly six of every seven residues of these xylans were substituted predominantly with single arabinosyl sidegroups. Fraction 2 (GAX II), material released by 0.45 to 0.8 n KOH, was also enriched with glucuronoarabinoxylan, but only two of every three xylose residues was substituted. This xylan was similar to those found in Zea and other Graminaceous species. Both of these xylan fractions contained uronic acid, terminal- and 4-linked galactosyl, and small amounts of 2-, 3-, 5-, and 3,5-linked arabinosyl units. Fraction 3 (MG-GAX) was released by 2.0 to 3.0 n KOH and consisted of about 60% mixed-linked glucan and about 40% glucuronoarabinoxylan. This fraction represented about half of the total hemicellulosic material of the primary walls of these coleoptiles.The molecular weight of the highly substituted GAX I was approximately 21 kilodaltons as determined by the ratio of reducing sugar to total sugar, but ultracentrifugation studies and gel chromatography on Sepharose 4B-200 indicated that GAX I formed larger aggregates of primarily 50 to 90 kilodaltons, whereas most of the GAX II and virtually all of the MG-GAX materials were excluded by Sepharose 4B; exclusion from the Sepharose was correlated with the presence of mixed-linked glucan. Only GAX II and MG-GAX material demonstrated any appreciable binding to cellulose in vitro.
A cross-cultural analysis of similarities and differences among math Olympiads in China, Taiwan, and the United States

Abstract This chapter explores the cross-cultural similarities and differences of Math Olympians and their families from China, Taiwan, and the United States. Multiple theoretical perspectives are used with these comparisons. The results of these analyses suggest that there are more areas of difference than similarity among these Math Olympians. These differences are largely due to cultural factors emanating from philosophical beliefs and evolving political factors revolving around two major concepts: individualism versus group collectivism and intrinsic versus extrinsic factors.
Pharmacodynamic Model of Parathyroid Hormone Modulation by a Negative Allosteric Modulator of the Calcium-Sensing Receptor

In this study, a pharmacodynamic model is developed, based on calcium–parathyroid hormone (PTH) homeostasis, which describes the concentration–effect relationship of a negative allosteric modulator of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) in rats. Plasma concentrations of drug and PTH were determined from plasma samples obtained via serial jugular vein sampling following single subcutaneous doses of 1, 5, 45, and 150 mg/kg to male Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 5/dose). Drug pharmacokinetics was described by a one-compartment model with first-order absorption and linear elimination. Concentration-time profiles of PTH were characterized using a model in which the compound allosterically modulates Ca+2 binding to the CaR that, in turn, modulates PTH through a precursor-pool indirect response model. Additionally, negative feedback was incorporated to account for tolerance observed at higher dose levels. Model fitting and parameter estimation were conducted using the maximum likelihood algorithm. The proposed model well characterized the data and provided compound specific estimates of the Ki and cooperativity constant (α) of 1.47 ng/mL and 0.406, respectively. In addition, the estimated model parameters for PTH turnover were comparable to that previously reported. The final generalized model is capable of characterizing both PTH–Ca+2 homeostasis and the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics associated with the negative allosteric CaR modulator. As such, the model provides a simple platform for analysis of drugs targeting the PTH–Ca+2 system.
Myocardial levels of calcium, glycogen and triglycerides in ethanol-fed turkey poults treated with allopurinol

Effect of allopurinol treatment on myocardial levels of calcium, glycogen and triglyceride and on plasma levels of triglyceride was evaluated in turkey poults during a period of chronic ethanol consumption and following a period of ethanol abstinence. Allopurinol treatment had no significant effect on myocardial levels of calcium. Allopurinol treatment plus abstinence was slightly more effective than abstinence alone in restoring myocardial levels of glycogen and triglyceride and plasma levels of triglyceride in ethanol-fed poults to that seen in control poults.
Embryonic Stem Cells and iPS Cells: Sources and Characteristics

The field of regenerative medicine research is rapidly expanding for both human and animal model organisms. One area of particular interest to many equine researchers is the possibility of isolating or generating cells that are pluripotent, therefore capable of producing differentiated cell types derived from all three primary germ layers. Currently, several reports of equine embryonic stem-like (ES) cell isolation can be found in the literature. Meanwhile, other groups are working to produce equine induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The focus of this chapter is to provide a background summary of the essential features needed to characterize a cell type as pluripotent in any species, specific challenges in using the horse as a model organism for pluripotent cell generation, and a brief introduction of current and upcoming clinical trials using ES/iPS cells.
Cardiogenic shock: Current understandings and future research directions

C ardiogenic shock complicates acute myocardial infarction in about 7.5% of cases1 and is the most common cause of in-hospital mortality after myocardial infarction. Whereas placement of the intraaortic balloon pump can provide temporary hemodynamic stability,* in the absence of definitive therapy of the infarct vessel, mortality has been reported to exceed 80%.3-‘5 Data from the Worcester Heart Attack Study suggest that neither the incidence nor the prognosis of cardiogenic shock has changed since 1975’ despite improvements in the treatment of myocardial infarction including the widespread use of thrombolytic drugs and the development of coronary angioplasty. The poor outcome with medical therapy and an appreciation of the central role of infarct vessel occlusion in the etiology and outcome of myocardial infarction has led to aggressive strategies to reestablish infarct vessel patency. A number of studies of coronary bypass surgery and coronary angioplasty have reported very encouraging results. However, rigorous, comparative evaluation of the therapies that are available today, including intravenous thrombolysis, coronary intervention, cardiopulmonary bypass, the hemopump, left ventricular assist devices, and emergency transplantation, has not been undertaken. This discussion focuses on the current understanding of cardiogenic shock treatment and the research needed to provide an optimal therapy paradigm. Early studies of coronary bypass for the treatment of cardiogenic shock reported survival rates of 35% to 59%.*“-12~16J7 Phillips et al’s reported 36 patients in cardiogenic shock treated with emergency coronary reperfusion (coronary bypass, 26; streptokinase, 4; angioplasty and streptokinase, 4). Of these patients, 24 (67%) survived to hospital discharge, far more than expected using conservative therapy alone. Berg and colleaguesi reported hospital survival in 18 of 19 cardiogenic shock patients treated with emergency coronary bypass surgery. These studies have all of the limitations of nonrandomized, uncontrolled studies. As a result, the findings must be interpreted with caution; nonetheless, such studies suggest that early operation may improve mortality in these patients, and support the view that, initially, the syndrome of cardiogenic shock may be reversible. Emergency coronary bypass is logistically cumbersome and there is a delay inherent in making a surgical suite ready and moving the patient from the cardiac
Diffusion studies in the β (B 2 ), β′ (bcc), and γ (fcc) Fe-Ni-Al alloys at 1000 °C

Diffusion studies were carried out in the Fe-Ni-Al system at 1000 °C with solid-solid diffusion couples assembled with β (B2), β′ (bcc), and γ (fcc) single-phase alloys for the development of diffusion structures, diffusion paths, and for the determination of interdiffusion and intrinsic diffusion coefficients. The diffusion structures were examined by optical and scanning electron microscopy, and the concentration profiles were determined by electron microprobe analysis. Diffusion couples included several series of β vs γ and β′ vs γ diffusion couples characterized by a common terminal alloy bonded to several terminal alloys with varying compositions. The development of planar and nonplanar interfaces, as well as two-phase layers, as observed in various couples, were related to the diffusion paths. The interdiffusion fluxes of individual components were calculated directly from the experimental concentration profiles, and the diffusional interactions among components were examined in the light of zero-flux planes (ZFPs) and flux reversals, which were identified in several couples. Ternary interdiffusion coefficients ( $$\tilde D_{i,j}^{Fe} $$ (i, j = Al, Ni)), with Fe considered as the dependent concentration variable, were evaluated at composition points of the intersection of diffusion paths of single-phase couples and of multiphase couples that developed planar interfaces. The interdiffusion coefficients were the largest in magnitude for the β′ alloys, especially near the β/β′ miscibility gap, and decreased for the β and γ alloys. In the β and γ phases, the main interdiffusion coefficient for Al was larger than those for Ni and Fe. Also, Fe interdiffused faster than Ni in the Fe-rich β and β′ phases. The cross-interdiffusion coefficients ( $$\tilde D_{AlNi}^{Fe} $$ and $$\tilde D_{NiAl}^{Fe} $$ ) were negative in all three phases. In general, the $$\tilde D_{AlNi}^{Fe} $$ coefficients were larger in magnitude than the $$\tilde D_{NiAl}^{Fe} $$ coefficients; however, the magnitude of $$\tilde D_{NiAl}^{Fe} $$ was greater than that of $$\tilde D_{AlNi}^{Fe} $$ near the β/(β + γ) phase boundary on the ternary isotherm. In the β phase, the magnitude of $$\tilde D_{i,j}^{Fe} $$ (i, j=Al, Ni) coefficients increased over 1 to 2 orders of magnitude with a decrease in the Al concentration and increase in the Fe/Ni concentration ratio. Interdiffusion coefficients, extrapolated from the ternary coefficients for binary alloys, were consistent with those in literature. Intrinsic diffusion coefficients were also determined at selected compositions. In addition, tracer diffusion coefficients were estimated for the binary Fe-Al and Ni-Al alloys at selected compositions, from an extrapolation of ternary interdiffusion coefficients.
The effect of testosterone on mood and well-being in men with erectile dysfunction in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

The relationship between testosterone, well-being and mood is poorly understood. We investigated the effect of testosterone supplementation on mood, well-being, and self-reported health in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and low serum testosterone levels. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT00512707","term_id":"NCT00512707"}}NCT00512707) in which 140 men, 40 to 70-years, with ED and low serum testosterone levels were first optimized on sildenafil alone for 3 to 7-weeks and then randomized to receive either sildenafil plus testosterone gel (n = 70) or sildenafil plus placebo (n = 70) gel for 14-weeks. Using multiple imputations and generalized linear regression, we compared psychological changes in well-being, evaluated by the Psychological General Well-Being Index, and mood, evaluated by Derogatis Affects Balance Scale. Mood and well-being scores were similar between the two groups at baseline and did not substantially change during the administration of sildenafil or after randomization to testosterone. Our findings show that the addition of testosterone to sildenafil in men with ED and low serum testosterone levels was not associated with improvement in either well-being or mood.
Embedded DRAM in 45-nm Technology and Beyond

As power and density requirements for embedded memories grow, products ranging from mobile applications to high-performance microprocessors are increasingly looking toward eDRAM as an alternative to SRAM. This article describes the state of the art in eDRAM architecture and design with a particular focus on test challenges and solutions.
Fire Protection with Bromoalkene/Nitrogen Gaseous Mixtures

The fire suppression efficiencies of 1-bromo-1-propene/nitrogen and 2-bromo-3,3,3 trifluoro-1-propene/nitrogen gas mixtures were studied by a cup burner method. It was shown that addition of 1-bromo-1-propene and 2-bromo-3,3,3 trifluoro-1-propene to nitrogen can improve the suppression effectiveness of the inert gas by 34.5 and 64.3%, respectively. An arrangement for mixing organic compounds with inert gases before application to fire was proposed, and it was shown that droplets of bromoalkenes with diameters as large as 100 μm can be vaporized in less than 1 s.
Diacylglycerol acyltransferases from Vernonia and Stokesia prefer substrates with vernolic acid.

Genetic engineering of common oil crops for industrially valuable epoxy FA production by expressing epoxygenase genes alone had limited success. Identifying other key genes responsible for the selective incorporation of epoxy FA into seed oil in natural high accumulators appears to be an important next step. We investigated the substrate preferences of acyl CoA: diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT) of two natural high accumulators of vernolic acid, Vernonia galamensis and Stokesia laevis, as compared with a common oilseed crop soybean. Developing seed microsomes were fed with either [14C]oleoyl CoA or [14C]vernoloyl CoA in combinations with no exogenous DAG or with 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol, 1-palmitoyl-2-vernoloyl-sn-glycerol, 1,2-divernoloyl-sn-glycerol, 1,2-dioleoyl-rac-glycerol, or 1,2-divernoloyl-rac-glycerol to determine their relative incorporation into TAG. The results showed that in using sn-1,2-DAG, the highest DGAT activity was from the substrate combination of vernoloyl CoA with 1,2-divernoloyl-sn-glycerol, and the lowest was from vernoloyl CoA or oleoyl CoA with 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol in both V. galamensis and S. laevis. Soybean DGAT was more active with oleoyl CoA than vernoloyl CoA, and more active with 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol when oleoyl CoA was fed. DGAT assays without exogenous DAG, or with exogenous sn-1,2-DAG fed individually or simultaneously showed consistent results. In combinations with either oleoyl CoA or vernoloyl CoA, DGAT had much higher activity with rac-1,2-DAG than with their corresponding sn-1,2-DAG, and the substrate selectivity was diminished when rac-1,2-DAG were used instead of sn-1,2-DAG. These studies suggest that DGAT action might be an important step for selective incorporation of vernolic acid into TAG in V. galamensis and S. laevis.
Gikandi and the Modern Subject

What is the slave’s relationship to the master and what is the master’s to the slave. It is hard to ignore Hegel’s model, bizarre though it is in seeing agency and subjectivity being possible for the slave more than for the master. The master, according to Hegel, depends on the slave’s acknowledgment of the master’s position for the master to recognize himself. The slave does not and is not in need of the recognition of the other since, having resigned himself, herself, to obedience, docility, labor, servitude, there is no point in seeking recognition from the other who sees the slave only as a thing compelled to obey. For Gikandi, this being is chattel, lacking subjectivity. But how does subjectivity come about for master and for slave? If the master depends on the slave, and not other masters, for her subjectivity, then it is framed by a relationship that is marked by all or nothing: the master has all the agency, the slave none due to the obligation to obey the will of the other, the master. But the master as other is not only dependent on his dependencies, his slaves, for labor and recognition; the master, as other, depends on the slave for a relationship in which the master can recognize himself. If the slave refuses, the master becomes decentered. There is a development Hegel envisions whereby the slave moves toward self-recognition by her work in which she sees her labor mixed in with her products, with her sense of herself as a person, an agent, a producer, a maker, thus emerging. The master fails to accomplish this position, having produced nothing with his own labor and seeing the products as having been made by the slave. It isn’t enough to own the slave and the products of his labor for the master since there is no recognition of himself in those products. “Through this rediscovery of himself by himself, the bondsman realizes that it is precisely in his work wherein he seemed to have only an alienated existence that he acquires a mind of his own” (Hegel 118–19; par. 196).1 The lord enjoys the object, but his enjoyment stops short of any recognition of a consciousness involved in the object and the work in creating it. Simultaneously, the slave cannot extend control over the object to the point of establishing total independence of it: “[the bondsman’s] negating of it . . . cannot go to the length of being altogether done with it to the point of annihilation; in other words, he only works on it” (par. 190), in contrast to the lord whose relationship to the object is always mediated. In the work of the slave comes the possibility of self-consciousness; the lord fails to achieve this. “. . . the lord, who has interposed
Mechanisms for the formation of protein-bound homocysteine in human plasma.

Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Greater than 70% of homocysteine in circulation is protein-bound. An in vitro model system using human plasma has been developed to study mechanisms of protein-bound homocysteine formation and establish the equilibrium binding capacities of plasma for homocysteine. Addition of homocysteine to plasma caused an initial rapid displacement of cysteine and a subsequent increase in protein-bound homocysteine. This rapid reaction was followed by a slower oxygen-dependent reaction forming additional protein-bound homocysteine. To determine the equilibrium binding capacity of plasma proteins for homocysteine, plasma was treated with 0.5–10 mM dl-homocysteine for 4 h at 37°C under aerobic conditions. Under these conditions the equilibrium binding capacity was 4.88 ± 0.51 and 4.74 ± 0.68 μmol/g protein for male (n = 10) and female (n = 10) donors, respectively. The mechanism of protein-bound homocysteine formation involves both thiol-disulfide exchange and thiol oxidation reactions. We conclude that plasma proteins have a high capacity for binding homocysteine in vitro.
A generalized boundary integral equation for isotropic heat conduction with spatially varying thermal conductivity

Abstract In this paper we derive a generalized fundamental solution for the BEM solution of problems of steady state heat conduction with arbitrarily spatially varying thermal conductivity. This is accomplished with the aid of a singular nonsymmetric generalized forcing function, D , with special sampling properties. Generalized fundamental solutions, E , are derived as locally radially symmetric responses to this nonsymmetric singular forcing function, D , at a source point ξ. Both E and D are defined in terms of the thermal conductivity of the medium. Although locally radially symmetric, E varies within the domain as the source point, ξ changes position. A boundary integral equation is formulated. Examples of generalized fundamental solutions are provided for various thermal conductivities along with the corresponding forcing function, D . Here, four numerical examples are provided. Excellent results are obtained with our formulation for variations of thermal conductivity ranging from quadratic and cubic in one dimension to exponential in two dimensions. Problems are solved in regular and irregular regions. Current work is under way investigating extensions of this general approach to further applications where nonhomogeneous property variations are an important consideration.
The structure of a combined medicine and surgery clerkship

The third-year combined medicine and surgery clerkship at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine is a student-centred, multidisciplinary course designed to foster learning skills and emphasize the teaching of principles rather than of isolated facts. The clerkship's curricular and educational objectives are based on a set of clinical subject areas designed to educate a third-year student as a generalist physician. Clerkship activities include clinical duties and four types of integrated activities: small-group problem-based learning sessions, clinical skills workshops, expert resource sessions and integrated reading assignments. Students are evaluated by department-based measures, problem-based learning tutor evaluations, and integrated, monthly quizzes. The clerkship itself is evaluated and monitored regularly by both formal and informal data collection.
Metal levels in southern leopard frogs from the Savannah River Site: Location and body compartment effects

Tadpoles have been proposed as useful bioindicators of environmental contamination; yet, recently it has been shown that metal levels vary in different body compartments of tadpoles. Metals levels are higher in the digestive tract of bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) tadpoles, which is usually not removed during such analysis. In this paper we examine the heavy metal levels in southern leopard frog (R. utricularia) tadpoles from several wetlands at the Savannah River Site and test the null hypotheses that (1) there are no differences in metal levels in different body compartments of the tadpoles, including the digestive tract; (2) there are no differences in heavy metal levels among different wetlands; and (3) there are no differences in the ratio of metals in the tail/body and in the digestive tract/body as a function of metal or developmental stage as indicated by body weight. Variations in heavy metal levels were explained by wetland and body compartment for all metals and by tadpole weight for selenium and manganese. In all cases, levels of metals were higher in the digestive tract than in the body or tail of tadpoles. Metal levels were highest in a wetland that had been remediated and lowest in a wetland that was never a pasture or remediated (i.e., was truly undisturbed). Although tadpoles are sometimes eaten by fish and other aquatic predators, leopard frogs usually avoid laying their eggs in ponds with such predators. However, avian predators will eat them. These data suggest that tadpoles can be used as bioindicators of differences in metal levels among wetlands and as indicators of potential exposure for higher-trophic-level organisms, but that to assess effects on the tadpoles themselves, digestive tracts should be removed before analysis.
The existential dimensions of Frederick Douglass's autobiographical narrative: A Beauvoirian examination

Frederick Douglass’s socio-political narrative is explored through an existential lens, arguing that Douglass is contesting the proposition that essence precedes existence. Douglass, through his fi...
The chemistry of Heliconia imbricata and H. latispatha and the slow growth of a hispine beetle herbivore

Larvae of the beetles of the hispine chrysomelids which are monophagous on Heliconia species grow very slowly. This phenomenon is apparently not related to the nutritional status of the leaves or their content of potentially toxic secondary compounds but to the fact that the beetles only eat immature “rolled” leaves. Thus leaf phenology appears to be the most important factor.
The conformers of 2-bromocyclohexanone

Abstract The infrared and ultraviolet carbonyl absorptions of 2-bromo cyclo hexanone have been examined in a variety of solvents. The data are consistent with an equilibrium axial -2-bromo cyclo hexanone⇄ equatorial -2-bromo cyclo hexanone for which the equilibrium constant varies as a function of solvent over the range 0·3−1·0. The earlier and apparently contradictory data in the literature have been re-examined and are considered to be consistent with this conclusion.
Effect of Adjuvant on Immunogenicity of a Heat-Killed Salmonella Vaccine

Specific-pathogen-free C57B1 mice were vaccinated with one or two doses of 20 [tg of heat-killed Salmonella enteritidis suspended in saline or in Freund's complete adjuvant. The saline-suspended vaccine did not protect against a subsequent oral challenge by a highly virulent strain of S. enteritidis (5694) but did increase resistance to a sublethal challenge with a partially attenuated strain (Se 795). Two doses of 20 tg of dead cells suspended in Freund's complete adjuvant sensitized the host so that an accelerated immune response could be demonstrated in mice infected orally with S. enteritidis 5694. This response was dose dependent. The highest dose of 500 itg of dead cells in adjuvant induced an immune response equivalent to that seen in actively infected mice. The significance of these findings in relation to immunity to typhoid was evaluated.
Communication Accommodation in Instant Messaging An Examination of Temporal Convergence

Research on communication accommodation theory in online communication has documented convergence primarily in terms of lexical variables. This article presents the results of two studies that inve...
Electrically Guided Assembly of Planar Superlattices in Binary Colloidal Suspensions

Binary colloidal suspensions are assembled into planar superlattices using ac electric fields. Either triangular or square-packed arrays form, depending on the frequency and relative particle concentrations. The frequency dependence is striking since superlattices develop at low and high frequencies but not at intermediate frequencies. We explain the low frequency behavior (<3 kHz) in terms of induced-dipole repulsion balanced by attraction resulting from electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow. At high frequencies (20-200 kHz), EHD flow is negligible but aggregation occurs since dipole-dipole interactions become attractive.
Temperature dependence of substrate current and hot carrier-induced degradation at low drain bias

Temperature dependence of substrate current (Isub) and hot carrier lifetime in sub 0.25 /spl mu/m NMOS devices has been evaluated at elevated temperatures. Unlike conventional behaviour, for scaled devices Isub is found to increase with temperature at low drain bias. The transition point to the new behaviour is found to be bias and temperature dependent. The correlation between hot carrier lifetime and Isub has been found to still hold in the new regime. At Vd=1.5 V, this results in 4/spl times/ lower lifetime at 125 C versus 25 C. The lucky electron model is found not to explain the new observations. These findings are consistent with previously reported results on Isub at reduced temperatures and the modeling of statistical distribution of carrier energy at low drain bias.
Screening for Lung Cancer: Challenges for the Thoracic Surgeon

Lung cancer is a global health burden and is among the most common and deadly of all malignancies worldwide. Early detection of resectable and potentially curable disease may reduce the overall death rate from lung cancer. However, at the present time, screening for lung cancer is not recommended by most clinical societies and health care agencies in the United States. This article discusses the history of, and rationale for, lung cancer screening, addresses optimization of screening protocols, and describes our current approach for the evaluation of small pulmonary nodules referred for surgical management.
A Marketing-Decision-Support Model for Evaluating and Selecting Concepts for New Products

For a major manufacturer of heating and cooling systems for large buildings, under increasing pressure to produce new product components, I developed a marketing-decision-support model of its process for selecting and developing new products that was comprehensive, objective, and dynamic. This approach is particularly suited for firms that feel the timing (introduction date) of new products significantly affects their sales potential. The firm has relied on this model and its expansions for over 25 years. Marketing-decision-support systems generally utilize a technical structure for dealing with a complex real-world problem. The technical structure is generally provided by a skilled modeler, the reality by experienced line managers dealing with the problem area. This interaction is a critical element in determining the success of real-world marketing-decision-support projects. The modeler must make sure the line managers feel intellectual ownership of the support system.
Vector-component isolation of an arbitrary modulating electric field in zincblende electro-optic probes

Analysis of the field-induced linear birefringence in zincblende crystals shows that one can obtain complete isolation of a single vector component of an arbitrary modulating electric field. For an optical probe beam path aligned parallel to the [110] direction and an optical probe beam polarization aligned parallel to the [110] direction, the field-induced birefringence occurs only for the component of the modulating electric field aligned parallel to the [110] direction. Measurements using a modulating electric field with known polarization and electro-optic probes machined from (110) gallium arsenide wafers demonstrate an alignment-limited isolation between orthogonal modulating electric field components of 17 dB.
Bacterial Leaf Blight on shrunken-2 Sweet Corn

Severity of bacterial leaf blight (BLB, caused by Acidovorax avenae subsp. avenae) on shrunken-2 (sh2) sweet corn hybrids grown in BLB-conducive environments and sporadic outbreaks of BLB in recent years warranted evaluations of the potential for this disease to cause economic losses. BLB symptoms on 122 sh2 hybrids, 30 sh2 inbred lines, and 29 crosses of the inbreds and the effects of BLB on yield (ear weight and marketable ears) were evaluated in 1994 and 1996. BLB severity ratings for 122 hybrids averaged 3.3 and 3.7 (on a scale of 1 to 9) in 1994 and 1996, respectively. Hybrid means ranged from 1.8 to 5.5 in 1994 and from 1.9 to 5.7 in 1996, with Bayesian LSD values of 1.20 and 1.22, respectively. There were no differences in BLB ratings among hybrids with yellow, white, or bicolored kernels. Severity of symptoms on 30 sh2 inbreds ranged from 1.5 to 5.7, whereas the reactions of 29 crosses of the inbreds ranged from 1.9 to 5. The slope coefficient of the regression of crosses on mid-parent values was not different from 1. Thus, mid-parent values gave a good indication of severity of BLB symptoms on crosses, with the exception of a few crosses that tended to be more severely infected than expected based on mid-parent values. Ear weights and number of marketable ears differed among hybrids in the 1994 trial, but there was no significant effect of BLB treatments on either of these measures of yield. In 1996, ear weights in inoculated plots were 10 and 15% lower than those from noninoculated plots for 2 of 12 hybrids. Despite moderately severe foliar symptoms, BLB did not affect yield substantially in these trials even among hybrids with the most susceptible reactions.
Inoculation procedures and characterization of membrane electrode assemblies for microbial fuel cells

Abstract Membrane electrode assemblies were prepared following procedures adopted in the fabrication of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel fells and used in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 as a single culture and sodium lactate as the electron donor. Improved inoculation procedures were developed and fuel cell performance with the biofilm density of microbes over the anode is discussed. A novel procedure to condition the membrane is also presented. Polarization measurements were carried out and power density plots were generated. Power density values of 300 mW m −2 are typically obtained while a maximum value of 600 mW m −2 is demonstrated indicating good performance for a single cell culture.
TRPV4 calcium entry and surface expression attenuated by inhibition of myosin light chain kinase in rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells

In previous studies, blockade or gene deletion of either myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) or the mechanogated transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channel attenuated mechanical lung injury. To determine their effects on calcium entry, rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (RPMVEC) were labeled with fluo-4 and calcium entry initiated with the TRPV4 agonist, 4α-phorbol 12, 13-didecanoate (4αPDD). Mean calcium transients peaked at ∼25 sec and persisted ∼500 sec. The 4αPDD response was essentially abolished in calcium-free media, or after pretreatment with the MLCK inhibitor, ML-7. ML-7 also attenuated the 4αPDD-induced inward calcium current measured directly using whole-cell patch clamp. Pretreatment with dynasore, an inhibitor of dynamin produced an initial calcium transient followed by a 4αPDD transient of unchanged peak intensity. Automated averaging of areas under the curve (AUC) of calcium transients in individual cells indicated total calcium activity with a relationship between treatment groups of ML-7 + 4αPDD < 4αPDD only < dynasore + 4αPDD. Measurement of biotinylated surface TRPV4 protein indicated a significant reduction after ML-7 pretreatment, but no significant change with dynasore treatment. RPMVEC monolayer electrical resistances were decreased by only 3% with 10 μmol/L 4αPDD and the response was dose-related. Dynasore alone produced a 29% decrease in resistance, but neither ML-7 nor dynasore affected the subsequent 4αPDD resistance response. These studies suggest that MLCK may inhibit mechanogated calcium responses through reduced surface expression of stretch activated TRPV4 channels in the plasma membrane.
Green fairs as venues for civic engagement

We present the first systematic research on green fairs in the USA. We provide a summary analysis of the frequency, trends, goals, structure, and operations of green fairs being held in the USA. We also present an initial assessment of their potential contributions to civic engagement through a study of the intentions and behaviour of fair organisers and fair goers. This assessment is premised on previous research in civic engagement and similar local events with environmental themes, such as farmers' markets. Green fairs are recent, yet now common, events in the USA. Although brief and informal experiences for attendees, green fairs are rich with opportunities to engage people in their community on sustainability and other environmental issues. They are important venues for civic engagement that are distinct from both farmers' markets and from more formal settings for engagement.
Risk of Renal Scarring in Children With a First Urinary Tract Infection: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND: To our knowledge, the risk of renal scarring in children with a urinary tract infection (UTI) has not been systematically studied. OBJECTIVE: To review the prevalence of acute and chronic renal imaging abnormalities in children after an initial UTI. METHODS: We searched Medline and Embase for English-, French-, and Spanish-language articles using the following terms: “Technetium 99mTc dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA),” “DMSA,” “dimercaptosuccinic,” “scintigra*,” “pyelonephritis,” and “urinary tract infection.” We included articles if they reported data on the prevalence of abnormalities on acute-phase (≤15 days) or follow-up (>5 months) DMSA renal scans in children aged 0 to 18 years after an initial UTI. Two evaluators independently reviewed data from each article. RESULTS: Of 1533 articles found by the search strategy, 325 full-text articles were reviewed; 33 studies met all inclusion criteria. Among children with an initial episode of UTI, 57% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 50–64) had changes consistent with acute pyelonephritis on the acute-phase DMSA renal scan and 15% (95% CI: 11–18) had evidence of renal scarring on the follow-up DMSA scan. Children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) were significantly more likely to develop pyelonephritis (relative risk [RR]: 1.5 [95% CI: 1.1–1.9]) and renal scarring (RR: 2.6 [95% CI: 1.7–3.9]) compared with children with no VUR. Children with VUR grades III or higher were more likely to develop scarring than children with lower grades of VUR (RR: 2.1 [95% CI: 1.4–3.2]). CONCLUSIONS: The pooled prevalence values provided from this study provide a basis for an evidence-based approach to the management of children with this frequently occurring condition.