cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microporous aluminum oxide films at electrodes part II. studies of electron transport in the Al2O3 matrix derivatized by adsorption of poly(4-vinylpyridine)

Abstract Porous aluminum oxide films are used as matrices for immobilization of electroactive reagents at electrodes. Aluminum oxide of highly regular porosity is produced by electrooxidation of aluminum substrates in polyprotic acid electrolytes. Its porosity consists of densely packed cylindrical pores perpendicular to the oxide film and penetrating its entire thickness. Depending on the applied voltage of the preparatory electrolysis, the average pore diameter of the oxide film can be varied in the range of ca. 10 nm to 200 nm. After separation of the Al 2 O 3 film from the aluminum substrate and the appropriate chemical tratment, the oxide films are overcoated with gold in vacuum in order to prepare porous aluminum oxide coated gold electrodes. The porosity of the Al 2 O 3 films ranges from 38% to 55% as assessed by rotating disk voltametry and transmission electron microscopy. Adsorption fo poly(4-vinylpyridine) along the pores of the oxide film results in binding of iron hexacyanide ions from acid media. The rate of electron transport along the pores of the oxide film was studied by a transient method, chronocoulometry and by a steady state technique, rotating disk voltammetry. Due to the heterogeneous nature of the electrode films in which electroactive ions are simultaneously present in the polymer phase and the aqueous phase of the oxide pores, the electron transport involves charge diffusion in both phases coupled by rapid electron and mass exchange equilibria. A new and generally applicable method of chronocoulometric data analysis was developed which allowed calculation of the diffusion coefficient of electron transport in the polymer phase, D p . This data analysis method parallels that developed by Anson et al. for steady-state conditions (J. Phys. Chem., 87 (1983) 214). Both techniques gave a D p value of ca. 1.0 × 10 −8 cm 2 /s.
The Biological Revolution and Its Cultural Context

In a recent article in Commentary , American medical sociologist Florence Ruderman observes that the evolution of medical practice and medical attitudes in the United States has been guided largely by the autonomous development of biomedical science and technology. “Science”, she asserts: … is a profoundly unsettling force … it causes endless dislocations and conflicts. Most basically, science is a source of independent values, motives, norms of conduct, and criteria of judgment. It sets its own course, defines its own goals. As for technology, its impact on medicine is even more obvious and direct; again, not just in producing tools or power but in transmitting values and in shaping the field from within. One need only think of the artificial-heart cases now in the news to realize that the physicians involved … are impelled by a technological drive that has its own logic and values, its own momentum—and its own dangers (24,45).
The Essential Function of Protein-disulfide Isomerase Is to Unscramble Non-native Disulfide Bonds

Protein-disulfide isomerase (PDI) is an abundant protein of the endoplasmic reticulum that catalyzes dithiol oxidation and disulfide bond reduction and isomerization using the active site CGHC. Haploid pdi1Δ Saccharomyces cerevisiae are inviable, but can be complemented with either a wild-type rat PDI gene or a mutant gene coding for CGHS PDI (shufflease). In contrast, pdi1Δ yeast cannot be complemented with a gene coding for SGHC PDI. In vitro, shufflease is an efficient catalyst for the isomerization of existing disulfide bonds but not for dithiol oxidation or disulfide bond reduction. SGHC PDI catalyzes none of these processes. These results indicate that in vivo protein folding pathways contain intermediates with non-native disulfide bonds, and that the essential role of PDI is to unscramble these intermediates.
CORRELATIONS BETWEEN FAMILY ENVIRONMENT AND RELATIONSHIPS OF YOUNG ADULT SIBLINGS

Factors which influence the nature of relationships among young adult siblings were examined. 107 undergraduate students completed a questionnaire about their current relationships with siblings and the Family Environment Scale. Variables which affected these relationships included sex of the respondent, the sex of each of the siblings in the family and whether the family was intact or blended. The Family Environment Scale subscales of Cohesion, Expressiveness, Intellectual-Cultural Orientation and Active-Recreational Orientation were correlated with the relationships of adult siblings. Differences were noted in how these variables affected the relationship with the closest/only sibling versus all the siblings in the family.
Molecular Genetic Analyses of Plant Polyamines

Polyamines are small, positively charged aliphatic amines that play a variety of roles in plant physiology. Putrescine, spermidine, and spermine are usually what are collectively meant by the term ...
Predicting Kyphosis Correction During Posterior-Only Vertebral Column Resection by the Amount of Spinal Column Shortening.

Abstract Study Design Retrospective. Objective To investigate the relationship between the amount of correction achieved (K°) and extent of vertebral column shortening (mm) with posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR). Summary of background data There is no scientific reference to the correlation between K° and column shortening (mm) with PVCR. Methods Based on simple geometry, we tested the hypothesis that we could predict the amount of actual kyphosis correction (K°) by calculation on 26 kyphotic PVCR patients. Using multiple linear measurements (mm), two angular approximations (°) were calculated: the geometric approximation (G°) using the geometric calculation (G-cal), and the rough approximation (R°) by more simplistic calculation (R-cal). Both G° and R° were compared against K° as measured on the pre- and postoperative radiographs. If calculated G° and R° is close to measured K°, we can use the calculations (G-cal and R-cal) in the clinical situation. Results The mean correction of K° was 38°. K°−G° and K°−R° were not significantly greater than 3° and 6°, respectively. As K° was very close to G° and R°, K° can replace G° and R°. Therefore, we can use G-cal and R-cal in the clinical setting and we can determine how much posterior shortening and what cage size is required to obtain a certain amount of K°. Conclusions With two calculations (G-cal & R-cal), we can determine how much vertebral column shortening (mm) we need during PVCR to obtain the amount of kyphosis correction desired (K°). In order to obtain K°, using the formula deduced from G-cal and R-cal, we can determine the shortening between the upper and lower pedicle screws and cage size.
Managed Care: The Human Factor in Mergers and Acquisitions: A Personal Story

Introduction by the column editor: The last managed care column, in the October issue, began by noting that "behavioral health programs are changing at a dizzying pace" and then discussed mergers and acquisitions at the level of the organization. In this column, Dr. Lazarus tells about his own experience with the turbulent U.S. health care system. As clinicians we know the importance of continuity of care. Paradoxically, the current system creates discontinuities for ourselves and our patients. It is a serious problem.
Construction of an Escherichia coli K-12 strain deleted for manganese and iron superoxide dismutase genes and its use in cloning the iron superoxide dismutase gene of Legionella pneumophila

An Escherichia coli K-12 strain deleted for sodA and sodB (manganese and iron superoxide dismutases) was constructed and characterized by Southern blotting, enzyme assays, and physiological analyses. The sod deletion strain was used to clone the iron superoxide dismutase gene of Legionella pneumophila by complementation to paraquat resistance.
Commentary on "a roadmap for the prevention of dementia: the inaugural Leon Thal Symposium".

Although therapies for clinically manifest Alzheimer’s disease (AD) that slow the underlying pathologic process and rate of progression are not yet available, the work of Leon Thal and others has led to an increasing number of such potential disease-modifying investigational agents that are now in or nearing the middle and later stages of clinical testing. Although there is great optimism that one or more of these investigational agents might prove effective and safe for treating patients with mild to moderate AD, it is also clear that such disease-modifying treatments might have their greatest potential when used early, preferably even before onset of the pathologic process. It seems intuitively obvious to us that treatments that actually prevent ADrelated neurodegeneration are more likely to be effective AD “therapies” than those that simply slow its progression or stop it altogether. In considering the challenges of discovering and developing drug therapies to prevent dementia, we would like to extend discussion of the “roadmap” Leon Thal Symposium Report on several fundamental questions. First and foremost, what exactly are we trying to prevent? Second, what and when to treat? We will also address several critical logistical challenges to developing drugs that effectively treat and prevent dementia, ie, from the perspective of current pharmaceutical research and development.
Blockade of beta-adrenoceptors enhances cAMP signal transduction in vivo

The aim of this study was to determine whether the blockade of beta-adrenoceptors would enhance cAMP-mediated signal transduction processes in vivo. The administration of the membrane permeable cAMP analogue, 8-(4-chlorophenylthiol)-cAMP (8-CPT-cAMP, 10 micromol/kg, i.v.) produced an increase in heart rate (+27 +/- 2%, P < 0.05), a fall in mean arterial blood pressure (-21 +/- 3%, P < 0.05) and falls in hindquarter (-12 +/- 3%, P < 0.05) and mesenteric (-32 +/- 3%, P < 0.05) vascular resistances in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats. The beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, propranolol (1 mg/kg, i.v.) lowered heart rate (-12 +/- 3%, P < 0.05) but did not affect mean arterial blood pressure or vascular resistances. The tachycardia, hypotension and vasodilation produced by 8-CPT-cAMP were exaggerated after administration of propranolol (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). The nitric oxide-donor, sodium nitroprusside (2 microg/kg, i.v.), produced falls in mean arterial blood pressure and vascular resistances of similar magnitude to those produced by 8-CPT-cAMP. These sodium nitroprusside-induced responses were unaffected by propranolol (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). Sodium nitroprusside also produced a minor increase in heart rate (+5 +/- 1%, P < 0.05) which was abolished by propranolol. These findings suggest that 8-CPT-cAMP directly increases heart rate and that blockade of beta-adrenoceptors enhances the potency of cAMP within the heart and vasculature.
The Properties of Mfmos and MFOS Capacitors with High K Gate Oxides for one Transistor Memory Applications

MFMOS and MFOS (M: Metal, F: Ferroelectrics, O: Oxide, S: Silicon) capacitors with high k gate oxides, such as ZrO2, HfO2 thin films, have been fabricated for one transistor memory applications. Experimental results showed that ZrO2 and HfO2 have no serious reaction or diffusion into silicon substrate. Due to their high dielectric constant, the operation voltages of MFMOS capacitors are reduced. The MFMOS capacitor exhibits 2V memory window. For lead germanium oxide (PGO) on ZrO2 and PGO on HfO2 MFOS memory cells the memory windows are 1.8 V and 1.6 V, respectively, which are large enough for one-transistor memory applications. The basic mechanism for one-transistor memory applications was also discussed.
An evaluation of self-management behaviors and medication adherence in patients with epilepsy.

Abstract Comprehensive treatment of epilepsy involves many facets including self-management behaviors. The primary purpose of this study was to characterize the self-management behaviors of our patients. Additionally, we wanted to assess if the behaviors differed depending on the level of seizure control. Adult patients with epilepsy were recruited for this cross-sectional study. We used two previously validated scales to assess various self-management behaviors and collected clinical data. Our sample consisted of 50 patients (23 women). The mean overall Epilepsy Self-Management Scale (ESMS) question score was 3.72 ± 0.41. The mean question scores on the ESMS subscales Medication Management, Information Management, Safety Management, Seizure Management, and Lifestyle Management were 4.4, 2.7, 3.9, 4.0, and 2.6, respectively. Information Management and Safety Management subscale scores were higher in the patients continuing to have seizures. Based on the Morisky scale, patients fell into either the low (n = 2), medium (n = 27), or high (n = 21) medication-taking behavior category. Self-management skills, beyond medication-taking behaviors, should be emphasized during patient interactions.
Raman spectroscopic study of polycrystalline mono- and polyunsaturated 1-eicosanoyl-d39-2-eicosenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholines: Bilayer lipid clustering and acyl chain order and disorder characteristics

Polycrystalline lipid samples of a series of mono- and polyunsaturated, double bond positional isomers of 1-eicosanoyl-d39-2-eicosenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholines [C(20-d39):C(20:1 Δj)PC, with j = 5, 8, 11, or 13; C(20-d39):C(20:2 Δ11,14)PC; and C(20-d39):C(20:3 Δ11,14,17)PC] were investigated using vibrational Raman spectroscopy to assess the acyl chain packing order–disorder characteristics and putative bilayer cluster formation of the isotopically differentiated acyl chains. Perdeuteration of specifically the saturated sn-1 acyl chains for these bilayer systems enables each chain's intra- and intermolecular conformational and organizational properties to be evaluated separately. Various saturated chain methylene CD2 and carbon–carbon (CC) stretching mode peak height intensity ratios and line width parameters for the polycrystalline samples demonstrate a high degree of sn-1 chain order that is unaffected by either the double bond placement or number of unsaturated bonds within the sn-2 chain. In contrast, the unsaturated sn-2 chain spectral signatures reflect increasing acyl chain conformational disorder as either the cis double bond is generally repositioned toward the chain terminus or the number of double bonds increases from one to three. The lipid bilayer chain packing differences observed between the sn-1 and sn-2 chains of this series of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated 20 carbon chain lipids suggest the existence of laterally distributed microdomains predicated on the formation of highly ordered, saturated sn-1 chain clusters. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy) 57: 2–10, 2000
Dynamic Assessment and Remediation Approach: Using the DARA Approach to Assist Struggling Readers

There is currently a disparity between the way reading instruction is conducted in many of today's schools and the method by which students' reading is assessed. Additionally, traditional assessments often ignore learner differences in culture, ability, learning style, and background, while focusing on static results that involve little to no interaction between the assessor and the student. Recently, innovative reading assessments, such as Dynamic Assessment, have been introduced into the field. The authors of this article propose a program, Dynamic Assessment and Remediation Approach (DARA), that is a social-constructivist model of assessment and remediation. The use of scaffolding through dialogue allows for on-going assessment of students' reading in order to gain insight into the manner in which students process textual information. This model of assessment measures progress over time and provides remedial plans based on assessment results. DARA better suits the needs of students who are functioning ...
Pasture Preconditioning Calves at a Higher Rate of Gain Improves Feedlot Health but Not Postweaning Profit

Over 2 yr, 132 calves (218 ± 12 kg initial BW) were used to compare a low- and high-input pasture preconditioning method to evaluate performance and profit during the preconditioning (weaning to 49 to 53 d) and finishing (end of preconditioning to slaughter) phases. At weaning (d 0), steers were randomly assigned to low-input or high-input treatments during preconditioning. Steers were fenceline-weaned for 7 d beginning on d 0 and were then transported to their respective pastures (d 7). The high-input steers had ad libitum access to a self-fed corn- and wheat middlings-based pellet, and low-input steers were supplemented with a 32% CP range cube delivered 3 times/wk to average 0.57 kg/d. At the end of preconditioning, high-input steers were 19 kg heavier (P < 0.01) and had a $20/steer greater final value (P < 0.01), but feed and total costs were $42/steer higher (P < 0.01). During preconditioning, low-input steers had a net income advantage of $20.54/steer (P < 0.01). After preconditioning, steers were finished at a commercial feedlot. During finishing, there were no differences in ADG, final BW, or carcass characteristics (P ≥ 0.28). Morbidity during finishing was 16.7 percentage units higher (P = 0.01) for low-input steers and resulted in a $6.63/steer greater (P = 0.05) medicine cost than for high-input steers. There was no impact (P = 0.49) on finishing net income or on profit from weaning to slaughter (P = 0.90). In conclusion, pasture preconditioning steers at a higher rate of BW gain can improve finishing health but may not increase postweaning profitability.
[(18)F]Fluoropyruvate: radiosynthesis and initial biological evaluation.

The radiosynthesis of [18F]fluoropyruvate was investigated using numerous precursors were synthesized from ethyl 2,2-diethoxy-3-hydroxypropanoate (5) containing different leaving groups: mesylate, tosylate, triflate, and nonaflate. These precursors were evaluated for [18F]fluoride incorporation with triflate being superior. The subsequent hydrolysis step was investigated, and an acidic hydrolysis was optimized. After establishing suitable purification and formulation methods, the [18F]fluoropyruvate could be isolated in ca. 50% d.c. yield. The [18F]fluoropyruvate was evaluated in vitro for its uptake into tumor cells using adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549) and unfortunately showed an uptake of approximately 0.1% of the applied dose per 100,000 cells after 30 min. Initial pharmacokinetic properties were assessed in vivo using nude mice showed a high degree of bone uptake from defluorination, which will limit its potential as an imaging agent for metabolic processes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Half-duplex gaussian interference channel with transmitter and receiver cooperation

We propose an achievable region and capacity outer bound for half-duplex Gaussian interference channel with both transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) cooperation. We show the significant improvement in achievable region compared to either TX or RX cooperation alone. Further, we quantify the sum rate increase with respect to the cooperation channel gain.
TWO MEN AND A PLANK

Can two individuals, each of whom needs a certain resource for his survival, have equal and conflicting rights to that resource? If so, is each entitled to try to exclude the other from its use? An old chestnut of moral and legal philosophy raises the problem. Following a shipwreck, two men converge simultaneously on a plank floating in the sea. There is no other plank available and no immediate hope of rescue. Unfortunately the plank can support only one; it sinks if two try to cling to it. Is it permissible for each to attempt to secure his own survival by pushing the other off the plank?
Development and Use of Pediatric Frozen Red Cell Packs

Repeated transfusion of small increments of blood are frequently required for the sick and premature newborn infant to correct endogenous hypovolemia and/or to replace blood obtained for laboratory monitoring purposes. Previously fresh group and type specific whole blood was used. To eliminate waste of fresh whole blood, maintain fresh red blood cell properties, eliminate the hazards of transfusing plasma and to provide a more efficient system, a pediatric frozen red cell pack (PFRCP) has been developed. Units of group O rr red blood cells are glycerolized using a high glycerol method. The glycerolized red blood cells are separated into three equal aliquots and frozen. When needed, the PFRCP are deglycerolized by a modified procedure using the IBM Cell Processor. During a six month period, 71 infants were given 153 separate transfusions of deglycerolized red blood cells using 102 PFRCP prepared from 34 units of red blood cells. Red blood cell recovery, hematocrit, white blood cell removal, residual glycerol, total protein, and supernatant hemoglobin levels were measured. Clinical response was followed and found to be excellent.
Experiments on nonlinear optical correlation

The authors present experiments on nonlinear joint transform optical correlation. This processor is joint power spectrum based and does not use any filters. In this technique both the input signal and the processing function are displayed side by side at the input plane of the processor. The Fourier transform interference intensity is thresholded to provide higher correlation peak intensity and better-defined correlation spot. Various types of correlation signals can be produced simply by varying the severity of the nonlinearity and without the need to synthesize the specific matched filter. Nonlinear correlation experimental results using both optically addressed SLM (spatial light modulator) and electrically addressed SLM are provided. >
METFORMIN: ACTIONS AND INDICATIONS FOR USE IN NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS

Metformin (N,N-dimethylbiguanide) is about to be introduced into the United States. The drug, a potent blood glucose-lowering agent, is rapidly absorbed through the small intestine, has a circulating t 1/2 in plasma of 1.7 to 2.5 hours, and is 90% cleared through the kidneys in 12 hours. The drug does not cause hypoglycemia in nondiabetic patients and is effective in both obese and nonobese patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). The drug does not act through stimulation of endogenous insulin secretion. It seems to act at multiple sites, with a small effect on the inhibition of intestinal glucose transport, a moderate effect on inhibition of hepatic glucose output, and a major effect on enhancement of peripheral glucose uptake by muscle and adipose tissues. In addition to its glucose-lowering potency, metformin causes weight loss in obese patients with NIDDM and lowers total cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total triglycerides, and very-low-density lipoprotein triglyceride levels as well as causing an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. The drug is ideally suited for obese patients with NIDDM who are unresponsive to diet alone, and it is effective in combination with sulfonylureas. The major risk associated with use of metformin is the development of lactic acidosis. Patients predisposed toward the development of lactic acidosis are those with hepatic or renal disease or with tissue ischemia, in whom the drug should not be prescribed.
Soil Pressure Measured at Various Fill Heights Above Deeply Buried Thermoplastic Pipe

When a flexible pipe is installed in a dense soil fill, stress redistribution takes place around the pipe because of pipe-soil interaction. The degree of this interaction is considered to be influenced by the stiffness ratio between the pipe and its surrounding soil. Classical theory based on elastic solutions shows that in an ideal installation condition, the zone of the pipe-soil interaction may be confined to one to two pipe diameters from the pipe. In 1999 a research team from the Ohio Research Institute for Transportation and Environment installed a total of 18 instrumented thermoplastic pipes at the deep pipe burial project site in Albany, Ohio. These pipes were placed under either a 6.1-m or 12.2-m (20-ft or 40-ft) embankment fill. During the pipe backfilling and subsequent embankment fill placement, soil pressure cells were placed at different fill heights above selected test pipes to measure the vertical extent of the pipe-soil interaction zone. The field-measured vertical soil pressure compared well with the predictions made by the elastic solutions. Summarized here are the information and data related to the vertical soil pressure measurements made in the Ohio University field study.
Dynamical systems theory in physiology.

Readers of the current issue will find something unfamiliar, perhaps tantalizing, perhaps unsettling. I am referring to the articles by Cha et al. (see [“Ionic mechanisms and Ca2+ dynamics…”][1] and [“Time-dependent changes in membrane excitability…”][2]). The first of these articles is
Analysis of protein isoforms: Can we do it better?

Protein isoforms/splice variants can play important roles in various biological processes and can potentially be used as biomarkers or therapeutic targets/mediators. Thus, there is a need for efficient and, importantly, accurate methods to distinguish and quantify specific protein isoforms. Since protein isoforms can share a high percentage of amino acid sequence homology and dramatically differ in their cellular concentration, the task for accuracy and efficiency in methodology and instrumentation is challenging. The analysis of intact proteins has been perceived to provide a more accurate and complete result for isoform identification/quantification in comparison to analysis of the corresponding peptides that arise from protein enzymatic digestion. Recently, novel approaches have been explored and developed that can possess the accuracy and reliability important for protein isoform differentiation and isoform-specific peptide targeting. In this review, we discuss the recent development in methodology and instrumentation for enhanced detection of protein isoforms as well as the examples of their biological importance.
Emerging Spine Surgery Technologies: Evidence and Framework for Evaluating New Technology

Terry P. Corbin, Patrick J. Connolly, Hansen A. Yuan, Qi-Bin Bao, and Scott D. Boden, editors. St. Louis: Quality Medical Publishing; 2006. 611 pages. $275.00. The aim of this textbook is to provide a comprehensive, single source of information pertaining to new and emerging techniques and technologies in spine surgery. In total, ninety-three authors from nine countries and five continents, many of whom are leading authorities on spine surgery worldwide, contributed to this work. Overall, I found the book compelling, easy to read, and superbly illustrated. A total of forty-one chapters have been thoughtfully organized into four parts: Part I, Basic Considerations; Part II, Biologic and Tissue Engineering; Part III, Surgical Navigation; and Part IV, Surgical Techniques. One of the more fascinating features of Part I is the insight that it provides into the complicated process of developing a new product, obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals, and justifying reimbursement from third-party payers. This type of information is provided in a unique and effective format, making use of the market introduction of INFUSE (Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Memphis, Tennessee), a recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 product, as a model. By extending the discussion beyond regulatory approval and including how important it has become to use evidence-based medicine to …
Join the Hive: The Need for More “Hybrid” Educators

AbstractChallenging the dichotomy between theory and practice in education, the author advocates a middle ground that could motivate more practicing teachers to pursue the studies necessary to become “hybrid” educators. These teacher educators would be masters of both research and practice, bringing both into teacher preparation programs in a practical, useful way.
Boundary Solutions to Two Problems in Porous Media

The boundary integral equation method (BIEM) is used to solve free surface ground-water problems. The formulation includes those problems in which the domain of the solution is infinite. Two methods are presented which treat infinite domains efficiently using the BIEM. These methods are illustrated by a two-dimensional recharge problem and by the flow through a dike on a pervious foundation. The BIEM solutions are compared to experimental data. Excellent agreement is observed.
Osteosarcoma of the jaw/craniofacial bones: Outcomes following multimodality treatment

10511 Purpose: To evaluate outcomes for patients with osteosarcoma of the jaw/craniofacial bones treated with surgery or combined modality therapy (CMT) consisting of surgery and radiation therapy (RT). Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on data for 119 patients with osteosarcoma of jaw/craniofacial bones who underwent definitive resection with or without RT between 1960 and 2007. Median age was 33 years (range, 7–77 years). Ninety-two (77%) underwent surgery alone while 27 (23%) were treated with CMT. Median RT dose was 60 Gy (range, 50–66 Gy). Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the actuarial curves for survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), local recurrence (LR), distant metastatic relapse (DM), and complication rates; and the log-rank statistic was used to test for significance of differences between curves. Results: Median follow-up was 5.8 years (range, 0.25 to 44.5 years). The OS rates at 5 and 10 years were 63% and 55%, respectively. Corresponding DSS rates were 67% and 6...
Fetal heart rate monitoring in premature infants weighing 1,500 grams or less

Continuous monitoring tracings of fetal heart rate in 61 infants with birth weights of 1,500 grams or less were analyzed and related to newborn outcome. Reassuring heart rate patterns or good baseline variability correlated well with a normal unbilical artery pH. Fetal heart rate patterns and baseline variability were not related in a predictive way to central nervous system hemorrhage, respiratory distress syndrome, or neonatal death. Early intervention and operative delivery in cases demonstrating abnormal fetal heart rate patterns may have influenced the outcome in these infants. Fetal heart rate patterns can play an important role in the intrapartum assessment of the condition of the very-low-birth-weight infant and may be used to select those infants requiring prompt operative intervention and vigorous neonatal resuscitation.
Electronic medical record system avoidance in a turbulent environment

We study the antecedents of physicians' avoidance of electronic medical record (EMR) systems.Our study is set in the context of the United States military's combat operations.We test our model with 30,677 data points collected from an EMR system.Avoidance is lower when the potential for information reusability is strong.Avoidance is higher in urgent care situations. We attempt to understand why and when physicians avoid electronic medical record (EMR) systems in a turbulent environment. Set in the context of the United States military's combat operations, we develop a research model based on theories of ambivalence in organizations and our particular context. We test our model with 30,677 data points collected from an EMR system. Our results show that avoidance is lower when the potential for information reusability is strong, yet avoidance is higher in urgent care situations. Our study has implications for research, practice, and policy in the area of turbulent health-care environments.
Estimating the Effects of the EEC Common Grain Policy

The EEC common grain policy is expected to alter world production and trade. In an investigation of the forthcoming changes, linear programming models were used to estimate production, trade, and resource use in 1970 for the major feed grain and wheat producing and trading nations of the world. Comparison of the estimates with the 1959–60 to 1961–62 base period indicates that EEC feed grain import requirements will increase substantially. Under the assumed conditions of the analysis, the United States will be the major beneficiary of the increased demand for feed grain. The prospects for wheat trade with the EEC, however, are less favorable. Except for quality hard wheat and durum wheat, United States and Canadian wheat exports to the EEC will be virtually eliminated by 1970. Nevertheless, the results indicate that gross revenue from United States wheat and feed grain exports to the EEC will be substantially greater in 1970 than during the base period. These results are considerably more optimistic than those reached by other researchers. Recent trends in production and trade tend to support the major findings of this sudy.
Changes in the Biology of Culex tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae) Associated with Colonization Under Contrasting Regimes

A 2-yr study evaluated changes in life-history parameters, electrophoretic characteristics, reproductive behavior, and mating competitiveness that occurred when Culex tarsalis was colonized in constant or variable rearing environments. The ability to reproduce and to demonstrate mating competitiveness under laboratory conditions developed more rapidly in colonies held under constant conditions than in those held under variable conditions. Genetically, colonies reared under variable conditions remained more like the parental strain than those reared under constant conditions. Assortative mating occurred regardless of colonization regime.
Elastomers in the Human Body

Abstract Several problems arise when polymeric materials are placed in the body: (1) damage to the body such as blood coagulation, hemolysis, and protein denaturation, and (2) degradation of the polymers caused by exposure to the body's enzyme system. Several methods are presented in this paper to produce elastomeric materials that do not cause clotting of blood. This is accomplished by chemically binding a mucopolysaccharide (heparin) to their surfaces. The materials that have been treated in the work are silicone rubber, polyester polyurethan rubber, natural rubber, and butadiene pyridine rubber.
A Characterization of 0-Sequences

(1972). A Characterization of 0-Sequences. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 45, No. 4, pp. 209-213.
‘High-Risk’ Bundle Branch Block

Even trifascicular block is often asymptomatic or presents with symptoms actually due to other causes. Recent studies into the natural history of chronic branch block have yielded information that ...
Algorithms of Two-Dimensional X-Ray Diffraction

X-ray diffraction pattern collected with two-dimensional detector contains the scattering intensity distribution as a function of two orthogonal angles. One is the Bragg angle 2θ and the other is the azimuthal angle about the incident x-ray beam, denoted by γ. A 2D diffraction pattern can be integrated to a conventional diffraction pattern and evaluated by most exiting software and algorithms for conventional applications, such as, phase identification, structure refinement and 2θ-profile analysis. However, the materials structure information associated to the intensity distribution along γ direction is lost through the integration. The diffraction vector approach has been approved to be the genuine theory in 2D data analysis. The unit diffraction vector used for 2D analysis is a function of both 2θ and γ. The unit diffraction vector for all the pixels in the 2D pattern can be expressed either in the laboratory coordinates or in the sample coordinates. The vector components can then be used to derive fundamental equations for many applications, including stress, texture, crystal orientation and crystal size evaluation.
Teaching the Creative Process Through Choreographic Research

ABSTRACTTeaching the creative process through analysis and understanding of one's choreographic research inspires and motivates students to create their own meaningful movement.
A mid-Cretaceous angiosperm-dominated macroflora from the Cedar Mountain Formation of Utah, USA

Angiosperms first appeared in the fossil record as pollen during the Valanginian—Hauterivian; they spread out of the tropics in the Aptian and Albian, and radiated in the Late Cretaceous. Despite these general patterns, details of the taxonomic, geographic, and ecological evolution of Cretaceous angiosperms are relatively poorly known because only a handful of Early and mid-Cretaceous macrofloras have been reported. This is the first detailed report of a fossil leaf flora from the Cedar Mountain Formation from the mid-Cretaceous of the Western Interior. We describe a flora that is overwhelmingly dominated by angiosperms (152 of 153 identified specimens are angiosperms) from the Albian—Cenomanian transition that is preserved in a clay- and carbonate-rich, lacustrine mudstone from the uppermost Cedar Mountain Formation of Emery County, Utah. We recognize 18 leaf morphotypes, all of which are dicotyledonous angiosperms. The majority of the Cedar Mountain morphotypes have taxonomic affinities with forms of similar age described from the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains and other localities from the Western Interior. From this, we infer that a relatively diverse angiosperm flora grew along the margins of a small pond on the coastal plain. Palynological preparations of the fossil matrix were barren; however, previous studies of other facies within the formation showed that both conifers and ferns were important components of the regional vegetation during Cedar Mountain time. The effective absence of conifers and ferns in this macroflora and low leaf mass per area values among the angiosperms measured suggests that even at the Early—Late Cretaceous transition, angiosperms had come to dominate some sites, particularly those that were disturbed or seasonally ephemeral, where fast-growth or seasonal deciduousness would have been favored.
Comuptional reasoning and learning for smart manufacturing under realistic conditions

Smart manufacturing has increasingly become a prominent research topic across the academia and industry during recent years. However, in the real world, most factories' conditions are normally insufficient for implementing full scale smart manufacturing. In order to increase smartness for manufacturing systems under different situations, one may observe that computational reasoning and learning, including latest machine learning methodology and traditional rule based systems, are able to offer potential powerful theoretical foundations as well as technical tools for enabling such smarter systems. Unfortunately, few studies exist to propose a practical yet systematic procedure that implements computational reason and learning to implement smartness for typical manufacturing systems. This paper proposes a general computational reasoning and learning framework to describe the key functions in smart manufacturing under the "three Fs in one" system framework, namely a system of interconnected data, integrated automation, and intelligent information. Among three Fs, the intelligent information plays the most important role in working towards smartness by connecting the other two Fs. Furthermore, to achieve it, a learning enabled comprehensive multi-agent decision model is developed. In particular, we first design a computational learning based architecture for analyzing support information for manufacturing processes. Then we provide an optimization architecture that enables realtime learning for a manufacturing process. At last, we employ a rule based learning system to integrate these two architectures to facilitate self-evolution of the manufacturing system. The advantages of our procedure include adaptive responses to dynamic environment, efficient computations, and abilities to fulfill complex manufacturing processes, which are demonstrated by a specific modeling procedure.
How variable are psychogenic nonepileptic seizures? A retrospective semiological study

Abstract Purpose To classify patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) according to a recently proposed classification system and investigate the variability of PNES semiology. Methods We retrospectively investigated all patients with PNES admitted at the Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center from 2012 through 2016. We classified their seizures after retrospectively reviewing their recorded videos during their video-EEG monitoring admission and investigated the seizure variability. We extracted all the clinical data from their medical records. We also studied factors potentially associated with seizure variability. Results Forty nine patients were studied and 220 seizures were reviewed and classified. Mean number of seizures per patient was 4.5. Twenty seven (55%) patients had subjective seizures, 26 (53%) had generalized motor, 14 (29%) had akinetic and five (10%) had focal motor seizures. Twenty eight (57%) patients had only one seizure class, while 19 (39%) patients had two different seizure classes and two (4%) patients had three seizure classes. Among 28 patients with one seizure class, 14 (50%) patients had variable semiologies from one seizure to the other. Hence, 71.5% of the patients showed either inter- or intra-class variability, whereas seizures were stereotypical in 28.5%. No demographic or clinical factors were significantly associated with variability of PNES semiology. Conclusion Neither the stereotypy nor the variability of PNES can or should be used as a marker of the disease and to differentiate PNES from epilepsy. The variability of the episodes of PNES does not hinder an appropriate classification of these seizures.
Scottish perspective on regulation of cosmetic treatments.

As a doctor working in aesthetic medicine, I read the articles in The BMJ 12 about the lack of legislation with great interest. I also welcome the commonsense recommendations of the report from the Nuffield Council on Bioethics.3 This report recommends that dermal fillers become prescription only. This change in the law …
Quit Outcomes and Program Utilization by Mode of Entry Among Clients Enrolling in a Quitline.

Purpose:To investigate how mode of entry into a quitline influences program utilization and quit outcomes among clients seeking cessation services.Design:This is a retrospective analysis of clients...
Paclobutrazol Optimizes Leaf Size, Vine Length and Plant Grade of Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) on Totems

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine a Bonzi (0.4% paclobutrazol) rate that would optimize leaf size, vine length and plant quality of golden pothos [Epipremnum aureum (Linden & Andre) Bunt.] on totem poles in 20 cm (3.4 liter) pots. In Experiment 1, six rooted pothos cuttings were transplanted around a totem and fertilized with 10 g of 19N–2.6P–10K (0.35 oz 19–6–12) Osmocote. After one week, each pot was treated with a 250 ml (8.5 fl oz) drench of water containing Bonzi at 0, 4, 8, 12, or 16 mg a.i. (paclobutrazol). Four mg of paclobutrazol per pot yielded the most desirable plants, based on average leaf size, vine length and plant grade. Experiment 2 was designed to refine the paclobutrazol application rate. Ten rooted cuttings of pothos were transplanted around a totem and fertilized at 10 g 19N–2.6P–10K (19–6–12) Osmocote. After one week, each pot was treated with a 100 ml drench of water containing paclobutrazol at 0, 1.3, 2.6, 4.0, 5.3, 6.6, or 7.9 mg. Paclobutrazol applied at a rate...
English article acquisition by Chinese learners of English: An analysis of two corpora

Abstract The English article system presents a particular challenge to learners. This paper explores the acquisition of articles by Chinese learners of English in two corpora: one of Asian college EFL students, and one of Chinese professionals living and working in the United States. It seeks to describe patterns of L2 English articles across different proficiency levels. Our results show a surprising level of conformity of accuracy rates across participant proficiency levels. L2 speakers use articles in the most native-like manner in plural contexts. Certain errors are common, such as overusing the zero article in inappropriate contexts. Other errors are nonexistent, such as using more than one determiner in a noun phrase. In the end, we emphasize the importance of educators examining their students’ L2 article use with an eye towards the commonly made errors that we uncover. In addition, we advise that L2 article patterns might appear grammatical, but still represent an oversimplified understanding of the English article system. We also suggest further topics for research in L2 acquisition of the noun phrase.
Identification of the diastereomers of pentobarbital N-glucosides excreted in human urine.

A study was undertaken to determine if humans excreted pentobarbital N-glucosides as urinary metabolites following oral administration of pentobarbital. (l′RS,5RS)-l-β-D-Glucopyranosyl) pentobarbital ((l′RS,5RS)-PTBG) was isolated from the urine of one subject. The two diastereomers, (l′RS,5R)-PTBG and (l′RS,5S)-PTBG were separated and found to be identical to synthetic standards when compared using HPLC retention times coupled with UV (with and without post-column ionization) and mass spectrometry (HPLC/ MS). A HPLC method was developed for detecting and quantifying (l′RS,5R)-PTBG, (l′RS,5S)-PTBG and pentobarbital in urine. Following a single oral dose of sodium pentobarbital to male subjects (n = 6), 1.6–6.2% of the pentobarbital dose was excreted as (l′RS,5S)-PTBG over 60 hours. (l′RS,5R)-PTBG was also detected in one subject and accounted for 0.3% of the pentobarbital dose. Using a modified HPLC system, the four pentobarbital N-glucosides were resolved and analysis of a partially purified pentobarbital N-glucoside extract from one subject indicated that only (l′R,5R)-PTBG and (l′S,5S)-PTBG could be detected as urinary excretion products. These results indicate that the side chain chirality of pentobarbital may influence the observed enantioselectivity for the formation and/or urinary excretion of the pentobarbital N-glucosides.
Multi-modal image registration using dirichlet-encoded prior information

We present a new objective function for the registration of multi-modal medical images. Our novel similarity metric incorporates both knowledge about the current observations and information gained from previous registration results and combines the relative influence of these two types of information in a principled way. We show that in the absence of prior information, the method reduces approximately to the popular entropy minimization approach of registration and we provide a theoretical comparison of incorporating prior information in our and other currently existing methods. We also demonstrate experimental results on real images.
Human diabetic neovascular membranes contain high levels of urokinase and metalloproteinase enzymes.

PURPOSE. Retinal neovascularization is one of the leading causes of blindness. A crucial event in this process is the remodeling and penetration of the capillary basement membrane by migrating endothelial cells. This process requires proteolysis of basement membrane components by a variety of proteinases. The objective of the present study was to determine the expression of proteinases in human retinal tissues showing active neovascularization. METHODS. Epiretinal neovascular membranes surgically removed from patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy were analyzed by zymography, and the types and amounts of proteinases present in the tissues were determined. Retinas from nondiabetic donor eyes served as control specimens. RESULTS. Both the high- (54 kDa) and low- (33 kDa) molecular-weight forms of urokinase were present at significantly higher levels in neovascular membranes than in normal retinas. The pro forms of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly elevated in the neovascular membranes in comparison with levels in normal retinas. In addition, the active forms of these enzymes were present in the membranes, whereas there was no detectable level of the active forms in normal retinas. CONCLUSIONS. Human diabetic neovascular membranes contain high levels of urokinase and MMP. The increased activity of proteinases in the final common pathway of retinal neovascularization indicates that inhibition of these enzymes may be a useful therapeutic target as an alternative approach in the management of proliferative retinopathies.