cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can we predict postoperative pancreatic leakage after pancreaticoduodenectomy using preoperative fecal elastase-1 level?

Introduction The measurement of fecal elastas-1 in stools is a sensitive and relatively inexpensive noninvasive test. The aim of this study was to study fecal elastase levels in patients who develop pancreatic leakage after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) to determine if fecal elastase level can be used to predict patients at high risk for pancreatic leakage after PD. Methods Pancreatic function was considered normal when fecal elastase-1 concentration exceeded 200 μg/g feces and moderately or severely insufficient when fecal elastas-1 concentration was less than 200 μg/g feces. Results Of 123 patients who underwent PD, 67 (54.5%) showed fecal elastase-1 levels less than 200 μg/g, indicating moderate or severe pancreatic insufficiency. Pancreas texture, pathology origin, and level of γ-glutamyl transferase (r-GT) were significantly correlated with fecal elastas-1 level. On univariate analysis, the incidence of pancreatic leakage was significantly greater in the group with normal fecal elastase-1 level (≥200 μg/g), pathologic origin (bile duct/ampulla/duodenum), and soft pancreas texture. In multivariate analysis, normal fecal elastase-1 level (≥200 μg/g) and soft pancreatic texture were identified as independent factors for pancreatic leakage. Conclusions Fecal elastase-1 is the most simple and objective method for predicting pancreatic leakage after PD.
Friends in High Places

Friends in High Places: the Art of Survival in Modern Day Burma contains any number of unforgettable characters. There are the two wonderful old “aunties,” one of them Anglo–Burman and ready to tra...
Ability of Honeybee, Apis mellifera, to Detect and Discriminate Odors of Varieties of Canola (Brassica rapa and Brassica napus) and Snapdragon Flowers (Antirrhinum majus)

Honeybees (Apis mellifera) use odors to identify and discriminate among flowers during foraging. This series of experiments examined the ability of bees to detect and discriminate among the floral odors of different varieties of two species of canola (Brassica rapa and Brassica napus) and also among three varieties of snapdragons (Antirhinnum majus). Individual worker honeybees were trained using a proboscis extension assay. The ability of bees to distinguish a floral odor from an air stimulus during training increased as the number of flowers used during training increased. Bees conditioned to the odor of one variety of flower were asked to discriminate it from the odors of other flowers in two different training assays. Bees were unable to discriminate among flowers at the level of variety in a randomized presentation of a reinforced floral odor and an unreinforced floral odor. In the second type of assay, bees were trained with one floral variety for 40 trials without reinforcement and then tested with the same variety or with other varieties and species. If a bee had been trained with a variety of canola, it was unable to differentiate the odor of one canola flower from the odor of other canola flowers, but it could differentiate canola from the odor of a snapdragon flower. Bees trained with the odor of snapdragon flowers readily differentiated the odor of one variety of a snapdragon from the odor of other varieties of snapdragons and also canola flowers. Our study suggests that both intensity and odor quality affect the ability of honeybees to differentiate among floral perfumes.
Direct measurement of mixing quality in a pulsatile flow micromixer

Pulsatile action can be used to mix two streams entering a tube from two separate branches of a bifurcation at low Reynolds numbers. The pulsatile action is provided by two pinch valves, which deform flexible tubing immediately upstream of the connection. The pinch valve action is controlled using a master-slave pulse generator setup. The quality of mixing is evaluated directly by measuring the fluorescence that results from the chemical reaction of species transported in the two streams, one containing native biotin and the other, fluorescein biotin bound to streptavidin. The reaction kinetics are accounted for by normalization using fluorescence measurements on well mixed solutions at the same residence time. The results show that the pulsatile micromixer provides almost complete mixing. Furthermore, the present measurements match results obtained in a previous experiment where flow visualization and image analysis were used to measure mixing quality in a scaled-up model.
OP15.05: Spontaneous intertwin dividing membranes rupture and membranes detachment in twin–twin transfusion syndrome

Results: 438 consecutive FFTS cases were treated at 15 to 26 weeks. PABS developed in eight cases (1.8%). The affected twin was always the former recipient. The diagnosis was made prenatally in two of eight cases (25%). All cases survived the perinatal period. PABS affected fetal leg, arm or foot. In five (62.5%) and seven (87.5%) cases, PABS occurred following premature rupture of membranes and intrauterine demise of the donor, respectively. No maternal, fetal or peri-operative risk factor could be identified. Conclusions: This complication is related to invasive procedure and is probably different in the physiopathology from the intrinsic malformative theory, suggesting that the anomalies and the fibrous bands have a common origin, caused by an anomaly of the developing germinal disc of the early embryo. The sequence of events in our series involved rupture of the amnion (5/8), fetal demise of the donor after laser fetoscopy (7/8) and prematurity (7/8). The latter is consistent with a particular role of membranes in this condition. Awareness and targeted serial ultrasound evaluation in this high-risk group may improve prenatal diagnosis, counseling and management of PABS following FLS.
CONTROL-ORIENTED HIGH-FREQUENCY TURBOMACHINERY MODELING:SINGLE-STAGE COMPRESSION SYSTEM 1D MODEL*

In this paper, a 1D unsteady compressible viscous flow model of a generic compression system previously developed by the authors is applied to a multi-stage axial compressor experimental rig configured for single–stage operation. The required model parameters and maps are identified from experimental data. The resulting model is an explicit system of 9 first order ODE’s. The model inputs are compressor speed, nozzle area, compressor discharge bleed area, plenum bleed area, inlet total pressure and entropy, and nozzle and bleed exit static pressures. The model and experimental data are compared with respect to both open–loop uncontrolled and closed–loop controlled behaviors. These comparisons focus on i) forced transients and ii) global nonlinear dynamics and bifurcations. In all cases the comparison between the model and experimental data is excellent. Of particular interest is the ability of the model, which does not include any hysteretic maps, to predict experimentally observed hysteresis with respect to the onset and cessation of surge. This predictive capability of the model manifests itself as the coexistence of a stable equilibrium (rotating stall) and a stable periodic solution (surge) in the model at a single fixed set of system input values. Also of interest is the fact that the controllers used for closed–loop comparisons were designed directly from the model with no a posteriori tuning of controller parameters. Thus, the excellent closed–loop comparisons between the model and experimental data provide strong evidence in support of the validity of the model for use in direct model based controller design. The excellent agreement between the model and experimental data summarized above is attributed in large part to the use of effective lengths within the model, as functions of axial Mach number and nondimensional compressor rotational speed, as prescribed by the modeling technique. The use of these effective lengths proved to be far superior to the use of physical lengths. The use of these effective lengths also provided substantial improvement over the use of physical lengths coupled with fixed first order empirical lags, as proposed by other authors for the modeling of observed compressor dynamic lag. The overall success of this model is believed to represent a positive first step toward a complete experimental validation of the approach to control–oriented high–frequency turbomachinery modeling being developed by the authors.Copyright © 1993 by ASME
Passive range estimation of an underwater maneuvering target

This paper examines the problem of adaptively tracking, in the horizontal ocean plane, an underwater maneuvering target using passive, time delay measurements. The target is free to make large scale random changes in velocity and bearing at times that are unknown to the observer. Tracking is accomplished by utilizing the basic linearized polar or "spherical" model of target and observer motion previously developed for radar tracking of airborne maneuvering vehicles[1]. The addition of a nonlinear system block to the tracking system leads to a partial decoupling of both bearing and polar range estimators which not only reduces computational burden, but also significantly reduces any tendency toward tracking divergence. A modified method to obtain closed-form expressions for the measurement error statistics is presented which replaces conventional extensive off-line simulation procedures. Finally, test results are shown which validate the elimination of all extended Kalman filters in the measurement processing. This makes the passive tracking system very "robust" with respect to convergence characteristics in the presence of adverse target maneuvers.
Leveraging open source principles for flexible concept inventory development

Concept Inventory (CI) assessments, which target high-level learning goals, have proven highly valuable for higher education research. These assessments have helped to evaluate pedagogical practices among individual instructors, both within and across institutions, and have hence elevated the level of discourse on education within the community. The success of CIs in physics has inspired similar developments in computer science, with a few CIs now developed for computer science courses. However, the development of a CI typically follows a burdensome process, requiring a significant investment to produce a single CI that may be difficult to deploy due to institutional curricular differences. Furthermore, as our field continues to be shaped by technological advances, a path to faster, more modular CI development is critical.This paper proposes an alternative CI development model and continues the discussion within the community about the need for, and path to, concept inventories throughout the computer science curriculum. Specifically, we explore the implications of an open collaboration system for CI development that would mimic the principles common to open source software communities, which have regularly demonstrated their ability to produce high-quality results.
Application of phase diagrams in the curing of unsaturated polyester resins with low-profile additives

Abstract A cloud point curve (CPC) type phase diagram had been established for the system of styrene-unsaturated polyester resin with or without low profile additive (LPA) before curing. The final morphology of the cured system was correlated to the CPC phase diagram. Changing the molecular characteristics or molecular weight distribution of the unsaturated polyester (UP) prepolymer and/or LPA might greatly influence the prepolymer's miscibility with styrene and the ternary phase diagram of styrene-UP prepolymer-LPA systems, and finally change the curing morphology. Adding the LPA in a styrene-UP prepolymer mixture might cause phase separation accompanied by a fractionation effect which excludes high molecular weight polymer from the styrene and LPA-rich phase. The fractionated phase separation phenomenon was observed by light scattering and microscopic measurements. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements showed that the formation of phase separation seemed to be parallel to the curing conversion and microvoids were found around and after the point of the maximum reaction rate. Transmission electron micrographs clearly showed that the microvoids compensating the resin shrinkage were formed in the low-profile phase. The solvent extract analysis showed that the soluble phase of the cured resin included residual styrene, LPA, uncrosslinked polystyrene and some saturated polyester molecules. A novel low profile mechanism is proposed based on the concepts of phase diagrams and fractionated phase separation.
Correspondence between the buffer systems suitable for electrophoretic resolution of bivalve and gastropod isozymes

Abstract 1. 1. A marine bivalve (Mercenaria mercenaria) and a freshwater gastropod (Goniobasis proxima) were compared by examining the suitability of five buffer systems for electrophoretic resolution of 28 enzymes. Results were scored as ‘good’, ‘poor’, or ‘no activity’. 2. 2. Bivalve and gastropod results corresponded in 65.9% of the cases, not a strikingly strong relationship but significantly greater than random expectation.
Thoughts About Medication Adherence in Fellows’ Clinics

Low rates of adherence to medication and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors limit the efficacy of primary and secondary prevention for cardiovascular disease. Like many trainees, cardiology fellows in our program predominantly see low-income patients. However, when patients do not take their medications
STUDY OF ACUTE TYPE A AORTIC DISSECTION PATIENTS WITH UNDILATED AORTAS

Methods: The average diameter of the healthy ascending thoracic aorta is 3.41 cm and 3.19 cm for men and women, respectively. This study investigated TAAAD patients enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection with undilated aortas (diameter <4.0 cm) compared to those with dilated aortas (4.0 cm or larger). Patients with a prior history of aneurysm and/or dissection surgery were excluded.
Measurements of gas-particle flows and elutriation of an 18 inch i.d. cold vortexing fluidized-bed combustion model

Abstract A novel vortexing fluidized-bed combustion (VFBC) technique was recently developed for commercial space/water heating applications. The advantages of VFBC firing solid fuels include large combustion intensity and efficiency, wide turndown and fuel flexibility, and low pollutant emissions. An 18 inch i.d. cold VFBC test model was designed, built, and systematically tested. Measurements of gas flow field, and particle mass fluxes and elutriation under different swirl numbers and secondary air fractions were conducted with mixed-size glass beads. The gas flow field in the VFBC model is characterized by a swirling, developing and recirculating flow. The particle flow field is characterized by alternate layers of dense and dilute circulating suspensions. The VFBC process can substantially reduce the elutriation of particles which was measured to be 3 to 5 orders of magnitude lower than the conventional bubbling FBC operation.
Religious differentials in the sexual and reproductive behaviors of young women in the United States.

Abstract Purpose To examine whether religious involvement and affiliation during early adolescence is associated with reduced levels of sexual risk. Methods We used nationally representative data from the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) to examine the relationship between religious affiliation and frequency of attendance at religious services at age 14 years and a range of sexual behaviors among women aged 15–24 years, including age of first intercourse, contraceptive use, timing of first family planning visit, timing of birth, and number of sexual partners. The majority of young women had mothers with at least a high school education (79%) and had been living with both parents at age 14 (57%). Two-thirds of the sample was white, 12% Hispanic, and 15% black, and a substantial minority is poor (18%) or low-income (24%). We used bivariate analysis to describe variation in behavior according to religious affiliation and frequency of attendance. We used multivariate techniques to assess the role of religion once other factors are taken into account. Results Bivariate relationships suggest that both affiliation and attendance are associated with age of first sex, contraceptive use at first sex, teen births, and number of sexual partners. However, most of these associations disappear once we control for young women's demographic characteristics. Multivariate analyses show that religious affiliation shares few associations with sexual behaviors, though frequent attendance at religious services at age 14 years continues to have a strong delaying effect on the timing of first intercourse. Conclusion Frequency of attendance and religious affiliation have little impact on sexual behaviors once intercourse occurs.
Hepatotoxicity fears contribute to underutilization of statin medications by primary care physicians.

Introduction: The safety and efficacy of hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) have been extensively demonstrated, but in clinical practice, there remains significant underutilization of these medications. The authors hypothesized that this underutilization could stem in part from fear of liver damage caused by statins. The purpose was to determine whether concern about hepatotoxicity acts as a barrier among primary care physicians to prescribing statins for patients with elevated liver transaminase values and/or underlying liver disease. Method: The survey included 937 primary care physicians from 138 academic centers in the United States, and the following were measured: (1) comparison of statin prescribing for patients with clinical indications and (a) no mention of liver transaminase values, (b) elevated liver transaminase values and (c) underlying liver disease; (2) correlation between perception of statin hepatotoxicity and statin prescribing. Results: Seventy-one percent of respondents would prescribe statins in scenario 1, (45-year-old woman with low-density lipoprotein 240 mg/dL), whereas only 50% would prescribe statins if the baseline liver transaminase values were elevated to 1.5 times upper limit of normal (P < 0.001). This prescribing rate dropped even further to 40% in scenario 3 (55-year-old man with known coronary disease, low-density lipoprotein 250 mg/dL and hepatitis C). Thirty-seven percent of respondents had falsely elevated perceptions of statin hepatotoxicity risk, and these perceptions correlated inversely with statin prescribing. The method of survey administration prevented calculation of response rate, possibility of response bias exists. Conclusion: Despite extensive data documenting safety of statins, primary care physicians harbor significant hepatotoxicity concerns, and these concerns act as a barrier to statin utilization.
The Impact of Middle School Principals on Adoption of Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Programs in their School’s Curriculum

Abstract Background: Diffusion of Innovations theory has been used to predict rates of adoption for a variety of programs. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess indicators that influence adoption of abstinence-only-until-marriage education as an innovation by middle school principals in Texas (N=433) as well as their likelihood of adopting such programs. Methods: This study utilized a paper survey that was mailed to principals. Results: Findings regarding characteristics of abstinence-only-until-marriage education: relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability are analyzed and discussed. In addition, a series of multiple regression models to predict the likelihood of adoption are presented. Discussion: Findings indicated that middle school principals most willing to adopt abstinence-only-until-marriage education programs strongly believed that abstinence education provided important advantages, and perceived abstinence-only-until-marriage education to be consist...
Numerical solutions for supersonic corner flow

Analytical solutions for inviscid supersonic corner flows are virtually nonexistent due to the complexity of the interference geometry. In view of this, numerical solutions for swept-compressive and swept-expansive corner flows are obtained. The governing equations are written in strong conservation-law form and are solved iteratively in nonorthogonal conical coordinates by use of a second-order, shock-capturing, finite-difference technique. The computed wave structure and surface pressure distributions are compared with high Reynolds number experimental data and show very good agreement. The results clearly show that supersonic corner flow at reasonably high Reynolds numbers including the effect of sweep is dominated by the inviscid field.
Constitutively expressed DHAR and MDHAR influence fruit, but not foliar ascorbate levels in tomato

Vitamin C (L-ascorbate, AsA) is an essential nutrient required in key metabolic functions in humans and must be obtained from the diet, mainly from fruits and vegetables. Given its importance in human health and plant physiology we sought to examine the role of the ascorbate recycling enzymes monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), an economically important fruit crop. Cytosolic-targeted tomato genes Mdhar and Dhar were cloned and over-expressed under a constitutive promoter in tomato var. Micro-Tom. Lines with increased protein levels and enzymatic activity were identified and examined. Mature green and red ripe fruit from DHAR over-expressing lines had a 1.6 fold increase in AsA content in plants grown under relatively low light conditions (150 μmol m(-2) s(-1)). Conversely, MDHAR over-expressers had significantly reduced AsA levels in mature green fruits by 0.7 fold. Neither over-expressing line had altered levels of AsA in foliar tissues. These results underscore a complex regulation of the AsA pool size in tomato.
Preliminary Results from a Prospective Trial of Preoperative Combined BRAF and MEK-Targeted Therapy in Advanced BRAF Mutation-Positive Melanoma

Background We conducted a prospective trial of BRAF and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) targeted therapy in advanced, operable BRAF mutation-positive melanoma to determine feasibility, tumor response rates, and biomarkers of response and resistance. Study Design Thirteen patients with locally or regionally advanced BRAF mutation-positive melanoma received dabrafenib 150 mg po bid for 14 days, followed by dabrafenib plus trametinib 2 mg po daily for 14 days before operation. Biopsies and tumor measurements were obtained at baseline and days 14 and 28. Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded specimens were analyzed with hematoxylin and eosin, Ki-67, cleaved caspase-3, CD8, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and phosphorylated MEK immunostains. Results Therapy was tolerated well, with toxicity ≥ grade 3 in 2 of 13 (15%) patients. All 12 patients receiving >14 days of therapy had substantial reduction in tumor volume (65% at day 14 and 78% at day 28) and underwent resection. After 14 days of dabrafenib therapy, there was a marked reduction in viable melanoma cells and a CD8 T-cell–rich infiltrate. Proliferation of the residual melanoma cells was reduced and apoptosis was increased. The cells continued to express phosphorylated ERK and phosphorylated MEK consistent with incomplete mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway inhibition. Conclusions Preoperative targeted therapy of advanced BRAF-mutant melanoma is feasible, well tolerated, induces brisk tumor responses, and facilitates correlative science. A CD8 T-cell–rich infiltrate indicates a potential immune-mediated mechanism of action. Both proliferation and apoptosis were inhibited, but the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway remained activated, suggesting intrinsic resistance in a subset of tumor cells. Additional investigation of the anti-tumor immune response during targeted therapy and the mechanisms of intrinsic resistance can yield novel therapeutic strategies.
MGNet: a multigrid and domain decomposition network

MGNet provides a mechanism for exchanging information and computer programs related to multigrid and/or domain decomposition methods.
MATERNAL RESPONSES TO THE INFANT'S EMERGING AUTONOMY AS ILLUMINATED BY HOME OBSERVATIONS: A CASE REPORT

"The tragedy of motherhood . . . consists in mastering the painful breaking of [the mother-child] unity, the cutting of the psychic umbilical cord that ties the mother to the child. The problem concerns both members of the union, but their aims are opposite: the child strives for the breaking of the tie , the mother for its preservation" (Deutsch, 1945). This is naturally not to suggest that these aims form the exclusive matrix of the mother-child relationship. The separation process itself is marked by the vicissitudes and permutations of both the child's development and the mother's attachment to him. The aims of each may be paralleled by opposing tendencies: the child, with varying intensity, may strive for the preservation of the tie; the mother may also promote its loosening. However, it seems reasonable to say that the task of mutual separation constitutes a nuclear componen t in the relationship. In Greenacre's (1960) words: "During the first two years of life after birth, one of the main tasks of the infant undoubtedly has to do with making a sound separation from the mother and the commencement of an individual exist ence. . . ." The literature is rich in the attention paid to maternal behavior around crucial situations such as weaning and toilet training, with
Interpretation of full-scale strain data from wind pressures on a low-rise structure

Abstract This paper presents a study on the structural performance of a low-rise building under high-wind action, derived from the data analysis of a long-term full-scale monitoring program (1997–2000). Experimentation and full-scale measurements are critical in the study of wind-pressure-induced loading associated with complex phenomena such as three-dimensional flow fields and non-stationary winds. Recorded pressure data and corresponding deformations (strains) on selected portions of the structural frame in the proximity of the pressure transducers are evaluated and compared. The system under investigation is unique since it is located in a complex topography (coastal) environment, for which even the interpretation of basic wind and pressure data becomes challenging. The correspondence of the observed data with the United States wind load specifications (ASCE-7) is investigated both from the perspective of the loads (pressures) and of the deformation response predictions. The structural performance is evaluated through the comparison of the recorded strains with predicted deformations, derived from the application of the corresponding external wind pressure loading to a simplified structural model simulating the behavior of an instrumented region of the building. Results show good agreement between measured pressure coefficients and selected values estimated through the ASCE-7 specifications, especially in areas of positive pressures where the predictions are consistently larger than the recorded data. Reasonable and consistent correspondence was also found from the analysis of the strains in structural members.
Effects of cross-linking and zero-link polymerization on oxygen transport and redox chemistry of bovine hemoglobin.

Abstract Cross-linked hemoglobins (Hbs) were found to have enhanced oxidative reactions which compromise the ability of cell-free Hb to carry oxygen. Zero-link bovine Hb (ZL-HbBv), also known as OxyVita™, a large polymer held together by pseudopeptide bonds on the surface of adjacent tetramers, provides a model in which these reactions can be evaluated. The oxygen affinity of ZL-HbBv was greatly increased, whereas the oxygen binding cooperativity (n50) as well as the regulatory responses to pH and chloride ions was diminished. Rapid mixing kinetic studies revealed faster carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NO) binding to ZL-HbBv, consistent with a more accessible heme pocket conformation. The rate of autoxidation of ferrous ZL-HbBv was 3 folds faster than the unmodified HbBv (control) but only slightly suppressed by the presence of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes. The peroxide (H2O2) reaction rates of ferric ZL-HbBv and its degradation were comparable to that of the control. The rate of heme loss from ZL-HbBv to a mutant apomyoglobin (H64Y/V68F) was also very close to that of the control. Taken together, allosteric and redox reactions of this protein are altered due to heme accessibility to solvent, however, the compact tetramer to tetramer interaction of the ZL-HbBv polymer appears to restrict heme loss even in the presence of excess H2O2.
Calcium/calmodulin inhibition of coupled NaCl transport in membrane vesicles from rabbit ileal brush border

Abstract The role of Ca2+ and calmodulin in regulating coupled NaCl transport has been investigated in membrane vesicles from rabbit ileal brush border. Uptake of 22Na+ and 36Cl- was determined by a rapid filtration technique in vesicles isolated with a sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation method. Ca2+ on the inside of the vesicle inhibited Na+ uptake when Cl- was the anion and Cl- uptake when Na+ was the cation by approximately equal to 30%. Ca2+ on the outside had no effect. When gluconate was the anion or when choline was the cation, Na+ or Cl- uptake was reduced by only 9-12%. A similar inhibition of D-[3H]mannitol uptake (10-17%) suggests this was due to a nonspecific decrease in the membrane permeability. Other cations such as Ba2+ and Mg2+ had no effect, but La3+ inhibited Na+ and Cl- uptake to the same degree as Ca2+. Calmodulin (2 microM) in combination with Ca2+ (1 microM, free concentration) significantly inhibited Na+ uptake when Cl- was the anion by 21-32% and Cl- uptake when Na+ was the cation by 20-27%. This effect was completely reversed by 10 microM trifluoperazine. When gluconate was the anion or when choline was the cation, Na+ or Cl- uptake was unaffected by Ca2+/calmodulin and trifluoperazine. The Ki for Ca2+ inhibition of Cl- -coupled Na+ uptake was reduced from 200 microM to 0.2 microM by incubation with 20 microM calmodulin. The Ki for exogenously added calmodulin studied at 1 microM Ca2+ was 0.2 microM. The Ki for trifluoperazine inhibition of the Ca2+/calmodulin response was 3 microM. These results represent compelling evidence for intracellular Ca2+/calmodulin regulation of coupled NaCl transport across the intestinal microvillus membrane. The exact mechanism of this regulation remains to be delineated.
Synthesis of self-assembled nanoscale structures by focused ion-beam induced deposition

Abstract This paper presents the results of recent experiments that lead to the nanofabrication of hollow platinum structures in a focused ion beam microscope. The inclination of the substrate with respect to the ion beam is shown to control the growth direction of Pt on the surface of polysilicon.
Part-whole number knowledge in preschool children

Abstract Ability to reflect on a number as an object of thought, and to isolate its constituent parts, is basic to a deep knowledge of arithmetic, as well as much practical and applied mathematical problem solving. Part-whole reasoning and counting are closely related in children’s numerical development. The mathematical behavior of young children in part-whole problem settings was examined by using a dynamic problem situation, in which a small set of items was partitioned such that one of the subsets remained perceptually inaccessible. Issues addressed include the problem solving strategies successful children used, adaptations children make in response to successive administrations of the task over time, and characterizations of children’s mathematical thinking based on their responses to the task.
Unrecognized traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation

This report describes the case of a 67-year-old male victim of an auto-pedestrian accident who was alert and neurologically intact on initial presentation. The patient denied head or neck pain and was without evidence of craniocervical injury. A lateral c-spine radiograph did not show any abnormal findings. The patient deteriorated during his trauma evaluation and was refractory to resuscitation. At autopsy, he was found to have an atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD). The case is discussed and the anatomic, clinical, and radiographic features of atlanto-occipital dislocation are reviewed.
Crosslinking and modification of Na,K-ATPase by ethyl acetimidate.

Abstract Monofunctional imidoesters such as ethyl acetimidate can induce crosslinking of subunits of the (Na+ + K+) ion-stimulated ATPase. The cross-linked product is shown to be composed of equal parts of two subunits: one phosphorylated by γ-[32P]ATP, the other a glycoprotein. Because crosslinking of proteins by imidoesters normally requires reaction at both ends of a bifunctional reagent, the reaction is unexpected. A model for the reaction is proposed, in which a favorably positioned amino group on one subunit displaces the amidino group on the other, forming a covalent diamidino crosslink between the two subunits. Reaction with imidoesters also partially inhibits the Na,K-ATPase and reduces the sensitivity of the phosphorylated form of the enzyme to potassium ion. This modification resembles the effect of ouabain, a specific inhibitor of Na,K-ATPase, and is independent of crosslinking.
Effects of noncondensable gas and forced flow on laminar film condensation

Abstract An analytical study of the effects ofnoncondensable gas and forced flow on laminar film condensation is presented. Due to the markedly nonsimilar character of the coupled two phase flow problem, the governing conservation equations in the vapor phase were solved numerically by means of a forward marching technique. Interfacial boundary conditions at each step were extracted from a locally valid Nusselt-type analysis of the falling film. Locally variable properties in the liquid were evaluated by means of the reference temperature concept, while those in the vapor were calculated according to kinetic theory. Heat-transfer results, in the form q q Nu vs. x , are reported for six vapors-water, ammonia, Freon-12, ethanol, butanol, and carbon tetrachloride-condensing on a vertical surface at 80°F. Results were obtained for vapor velocities of 1.0 and 10.0 ft/s, saturation temperatures of 90, 100 and 120°F, and mass fraction air of 0.001 and 0.1. Guided by the numerical data, a semi-empirical calculation method is developed which provides a satisfactory basis for engineering calculations.
Monoclonal antibodies recognizing normal and retrovirus-transformed chicken hematopoietic cells.

Abstract The avian hematopoietic system has long been an invaluable model to study the mechanisms of cell growth and differentiation. We have developed six MAbs against either chicken embryonic hematopoietic precursor cells or retrovirus-transformed cells. MAbs Mo1, Mo2, and Mo3 recognized transformation-associated markers expressed in AMV-transformed nonproducer cell line-BM2. Not only were these markers expressed 7 to 10 folds higher on BM2 than on normal monocytic cells, but their expression was drastically reduced when BM2 cells were induced to differentiate into macrophages by PIMA. The control of marker expression is associated with v-myb-transforming cascade, since another monocytic lineage-specific oncogene, v-myc, did not enhance the expression of these markers. MAb Emi detected a marker that is normally present in 20% of the cells from the 30 50% interface of a discontinuous percoll gradient of normal 4-day-embryo yolk sac. Its expression is also found in AEV-transformed cells and MSB1 cells. The epitope for Em1 was exposed after neuraminidase treatment on erythroleukemia cell line 6C2, which suggested that sialylation and/or glycosylation is pivotal in regulating the expression of specific markers in differentiation pathways during embryogenesis and tumorigenesis. MAb Em2 recognized proliferating hematopoietic cells after the fourth day of embryogenesis. MAb Em3, on the other hand, is presumed to be specific for an oncofetal antigen expressed in various transformed cells but only in 10% of the cells from 30/50% interface of a discontinuous percoll gradient of normal 4-day-embryo yolk sac. These MAbs will be useful for dissecting the expression of differentiation markers within normal versus abnormal differentiation pathways in molecular terms.
Atomic Imaging of Oxide-Supported Metallic Nanocrystals

The nucleation of noble metal nanoparticles on oxide surfaces can lead to dramatic enhancements in catalytic activity that are related to the atomic-scale formation of the nanoparticles and interfaces. For the case of submonolayer Pt deposited on the 2×1 SrTiO3(001) surface atomic-force microscopy shows the formation of nanoparticles. We use X-ray standing wave (XSW) atomic imaging to show that these nanoparticles are composed of Pt face-centered-cubic nanocrystals with cube-on-cube epitaxy laterally correlated to the substrate unit cell. The phase sensitivity of the XSW allows for a direct measurement of the interface offset between the two unit cells along the c-axis. Different Pt coverages lead to differences in the observed XSW image of the interfacial structure, which is explained by a proposed model based on the Pt–Pt interaction becoming stronger than the Pt–substrate interaction as the global coverage is increased from 0.2 to 0.6 ML.
Catalytic CO oxidation reaction studies on lithographically fabricated platinum nanowire arrays with different oxide supports

Deep-ultraviolet lithography has been coupled with size-reduction and nanoimprint lithography to create high-density arrays of 20-nm wide platinum nanowires supported on oxide thin films of silica, alumina, zirconia, and ceria. These nanowire arrays have been used as two-dimensional platinum model catalyst systems to study the effects of support on catalytic activity during the catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide. Strong support dependence is seen for both reaction turnover frequency and the measured activation energy. In addition, the stability of the nanowire arrays under reaction conditions shows support dependence.
Secondary electron emission from oxide-coated cathodes.

Abstract The secondary electron emission from alkaline-earth oxide-coated cathodes has been investigated under both continuous and pulsed bombardment. Various factors affecting the yield, such as dependence upon primary voltage, collecting voltage, temperature, time, and angle of incidence, are noted, and the present state of the theory is discussed.Experiments have been performed with three types of apparatus. Yield vs. Energy data reveal values of δ of 4–7 at room temperature, with a more or less flat maximum at approximately 1,000 volts primary energy.The yield increases with temperature in an exponential manner, and plots of log Δδ (i.e. δK° − δ300°K) vs. 1/T give straight lines. Values of Q1 between 0.9 – 1.5 eV. are generally indicated, and from extrapolation of these curves, yields exceeding 100 at 850° C. are deduced. The secondary emission depends upon the degree of activation, and increases with enhancement of the thermionic emission characteristics. Short-time effects such as growth or decay of secondary current after the onset of primary bombardment or persistence after the cessation of bombardment have not been observed, and values of yield obtained by pulsed methods are in accord with those obtained under D.C. conditions. Tail phenomena reported by J. B. Johnson and interpreted as “enhanced thermionic emission” from oxidecoated cathodes become manifest only under experimental conditions characterized by certain space-charge effects, and have been effectively simulated by bombarding a tantalum target adjacent to an electron-emitting tungsten filament. Various measurements of the energy distribution of secondary electrons as a function of primary voltage and temperature have been obtained. It was observed that the average energy of the secondary electrons decreases with temperature at a rate which more than compensates for the increase in the number of secondaries emitted per incident primary. The mechanism of the observed dependence of yield upon temperature is not well understood. Various alternative explanations are discussed and, in the light of the present state of our knowledge, regarded as untenable.
Hydrogen from ethanol solution under UV―visible light. Photocatalysts produced by nitriding titanium nitride and indium oxide intimate mixtures to form Ti―In nitride composites

Abstract Photocatalytic production of hydrogen gas from 20% ethanol–water was accomplished with Ti–In nitride composites. These materials were produced by nitriding a TiO 2 with ammonia at a high temperature, then adding In 2 O 3 and further ammonolysis for different periods of time. The catalysts were very stable and continued to produce H 2 gas at 920 μmol h −1 g −1 for 50 h and accumulated 12.8 mmol H 2 gas. The water splitting photocatalytic reaction can be driven by UV–vis light, maximum producing H 2 gas at 1277 μmol h −1 g −1 . It is critical that we understand how having high, stable activity is possible. We used XPS, X-ray (XRD), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectrometry, and BET surface area and pore size distribution for further characterization.
The Factorial Validity of the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale for Each of Three Samples of Elementary, Junior High, and Senior High School Students in a Large Metropolitan School District:

For each of three samples of 299 elementary school pupils, 302 junior high school pupils, and 300 senior high school students in a large metropolitan school district, factor analyses of the intercorrelations of the responses to 80 items in The Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale yielded three major dimensions that were essentially invariant across the three samples: (a) physical appearance, (b) socially unacceptable (bad) behavior, and (c) academic or school status. Variance within a complex domain of emotionality was differentiated among a number of factors such as anxiety, abasement, self-contentment, and self-dissatisfaction that were not invariant across samples. In both the junior high school and senior high school samples identifiable factors of popularity and perceived psychomotor coordination appeared. Implications for writing of items to represent the constructs associated with self-concept are discussed.
Fuzzy Logic Classification of S-Band Polarimetric Radar Echoes to Identify Three-Body Scattering and Improve Data Quality

AbstractThe three-body scatter signature (TBSS) is a radar artifact that appears downrange from a high-radar-reflectivity core in a thunderstorm as a result of the presence of hailstones. It is useful to identify the TBSS artifact for quality control of radar data used in numerical weather prediction and quantitative precipitation estimation. Therefore, it is advantageous to develop a method to automatically identify TBSS in radar data for the above applications and to help identify hailstones within thunderstorms. In this study, a fuzzy logic classification algorithm for TBSS identification is developed. Polarimetric radar data collected by the experimental S-band Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) in Norman, Oklahoma (KOUN), are used to develop trapezoidal membership functions for the TBSS class of radar echo within a hydrometeor classification algorithm (HCA). Nearly 3000 radar gates are removed from 50 TBSSs to develop the membership functions from the data statistics. Five variables ar...
Responses to the "freestanding stories".

(1999). Responses to the “Freestanding Stories”. Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy: Vol. 9, No. 1-2, pp. 93-96.
Cambodian girls' recommendations for facilitating menstrual hygiene management in school

Inadequate school water and sanitation facilities in many low-income countries, including Cambodia, are problematic for pubescent girls as they reach menarche and must subsequently manage monthly menses while attending school. This comparative case study explored girls9 own suggestions for improving the pubertal guidance they receive in the classroom, and for modifications of existing school water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in order to better meet schoolgirls9 menstrual hygiene management needs. Key findings included girls9 recommendations for teaching methodologies that encourage questions and practical content regarding puberty and menstrual management before the onset of menarche, and WASH-specific recommendations for the increased availability of water and sanitary materials in toilet stalls and greater privacy from boys and other girls. Incorporating girls9 recommendations into WASH, health and education related policy and programming in low-income countries would allow girls to comfortably and confidently manage menses within the school environment.
Emergence and control of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a children's hospital and pediatric long-term care facility.

Background: After a 6-year quiescence, methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus (MRSA) was isolated from 30 patients in a children's hospital and a pediatric long-term care facility from November 1987 through April 1989. After six nosocomial cases had occurred at the children's hospital, increased infection control measures directed at MRSA were initiated in August 1988. Because MRSA had been identified in three patients in the pediatric long-term care facility within 24 hours of their admission to the children's hospital, other patients transferred from the pediatric long-term care facility to the children's hospital were isolated and screened for MRSA. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of these patients and evaluated their response to therapy with rifampin alone or in combination with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Results: In the 8-month period after initiation of infection control measures, MRSA was identified in 10 residents of the pediatric long-term care facility; there was also one nosocomial children's hospital case. Phage typing showed that one MRSA strain predominated in patients at the pediatric long-term care facility but did not implicate this strain as the source for MRSA introduction into the children's hospital. Of 16 patients with MRSA who completed therapy and were available for follow-up, 13 (81%) had elimination of colonization. Conclusion: Prompt institution of MRSA surveillance, barrier isolation, and therapy to eliminate colonization should be considered in hospitals with a new introduction of MRSA.
A Simple Method for Finding Explicit Analytic Transition Densities of Diffusion Processes with General Diploid Selection

The transition density function of the Wright–Fisher diffusion describes the evolution of population-wide allele frequencies over time. This function has important practical applications in population genetics, but finding an explicit formula under a general diploid selection model has remained a difficult open problem. In this article, we develop a new computational method to tackle this classic problem. Specifically, our method explicitly finds the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the diffusion generator associated with the Wright–Fisher diffusion with recurrent mutation and arbitrary diploid selection, thus allowing one to obtain an accurate spectral representation of the transition density function. Simplicity is one of the appealing features of our approach. Although our derivation involves somewhat advanced mathematical concepts, the resulting algorithm is quite simple and efficient, only involving standard linear algebra. Furthermore, unlike previous approaches based on perturbation, which is applicable only when the population-scaled selection coefficient is small, our method is nonperturbative and is valid for a broad range of parameter values. As a by-product of our work, we obtain the rate of convergence to the stationary distribution under mutation–selection balance.