cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dialogic Moments: From Soul Talks to Talk Radio in Israeli Culture

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Tamar Katriel Year: 2004 Pages: 392 Publisher: Wayne State University Press ISBN: 0814327753 Prices: $49.95 US(hard cover).
Requirements analysis: A practical object oriented approach

Most software projects fail due to incomplete, ambiguous and inconsistent requirements. The aim of the paper is to develop a practical approach for performing object oriented requirements analysis. The specific goal is to increase the accuracy, consistency, and completeness of software requirements by using a methodical step-by-step process that has a definite end point. Our proposed approach is followed by a case study to prove the applicability and the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
On the creative process in science and engineering

A formal heuristic investigation was performed to address the question: What is the experience of making a mathematical model of a natural phenomenon? The data analysis has been represented via a structural flow diagram in prior publications, which emphasized both the cognitive and emotional features of the scientifically creative process. In the present work, the author compares and contrasts his model with other models, focusing on parameters such as intrinsic motivation and affect tolerance. Implications and applications emerged in the areas of creativity, validation, education, and motivation. It is concluded that far too little emphasis has been placed on the affective components (feelings, emotions) of the creative process, and it is suggested that it is important to understand, teach, recognize, and tolerate emotions in order to learn to trust natural abilities and intuition. >
Call to Action: “If Not Now, When? If Not You, Who?”

Few imperatives for health care practitioners—physicians, nurses, dentists, physician assistants, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and a myriad of others—have the urgency and gravitas of the charge to relieve pain and ameliorate or end the suffering of our patients. Yet fully 150 years after the first large-scale use of morphine for the treatment of pain in the Crimean War (1853–6) and the American Civil War (1861–5), there has been little progress in the management of pain. While the prevention, mitigation, and management of trauma, epidemic diseases, cardiovascular and renal diseases, malignancies, injuries and diseases associated with childbirth, endocrine disorders, rheumatologic diseases, and other major public health threats have dramatically advanced through a variety of technological breakthroughs and evidence-based approaches, the management of pain has not. The treatment of pain, especially chronic pain management, continues to rely heavily on variations of a century and a half of pharmacological approaches. Never before have the cumulative costs of these seemingly miraculous yet outmoded approaches been more apparent than today. The past decade has seen a sobering rise in complications associated with the use of prescription opioids, alone or in combinations with alcohol and psychotropic drugs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have tracked an alarming increase in hospitalizations, and even deaths, associated with these prescription drugs over the past decade. Deaths from prescription opioids now outnumber deaths from motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) in 29 U.S. states and the District of Columbia [1]. So widespread and costly is this problem that use of these prescription agents, for legitimate reasons or for diversion, now appears to be a gateway practice for people who subsequently turn to illegal opioids such as heroin [2]. As if this vortex of opioid-related problems were not enough, our problems with traditional approaches to pain management do not end with these …
Comparison of Flow Characteristics of Novel Three-Dimensional Printed Ureteral Stents Versus Standard Ureteral Stents in a Porcine Model

Abstract Purpose: We compared the flow characteristics of novel three-dimensional (3D) printed ureteral stents with four conventional double-pigtail stents in an ex vivo porcine model. Materials and Methods: In six ex vivo porcine urinary systems with kidneys and ureters intact, we deployed a 5F occlusion catheter in an interpolar calix. We tested each system with antegrade irrigation with a 0.9% saline bag placed 35 cm above the renal pelvis. We evaluated four standard stents (6F Universa® Soft, 7F Percuflex,™ 7/10F Applied Endopyelotomy, 8.5F Filiform Double Pigtail) and compared them with a 9F 3D printed prototype stent. For each stent, we measured the total, extraluminal, and intraluminal flow rates. Results: The mean total flow rates for 3D printed stents were significantly higher than the 6F, 7F, and 7/10F stents (P<0.05). No significant difference was seen in the total flow rate for the 3D printed stent and the 8.5F stent. The mean extraluminal flow rates for the 3D stents were similar to those of ...
Maternal Age-adjusted Race-specific Prevalence of Tracheo-esophageal Fistula(TEF) and Rectal Atresia in the U.S. Birth Cohort of 1990 1341

Maternal Age-adjusted Race-specific Prevalence of Tracheo-esophageal Fistula(TEF) and Rectal Atresia in the U.S. Birth Cohort of 1990 1341
Forkhead box transcription factor O1 inhibits cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase in human hepatocytes and in high fat diet-fed mice

Abstract The conversion of cholesterol to bile acids is the major pathway for cholesterol catabolism. Bile acids are metabolic regulators of triglycerides and glucose metabolism in the liver. This study investigated the roles of FoxO1 in the regulation of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase ( CYP7A1 ) gene expression in primary human hepatocytes. Adenovirus-mediated expression of a phosphorylation defective and constitutively active form of FoxO1 (FoxO1-ADA) inhibited CYP7A1 mRNA expression and bile acid synthesis, while siRNA knockdown of FoxO1 resulted in a ∼ 6-fold induction of CYP7A1 mRNA in human hepatocytes. Insulin caused rapid exclusion of FoxO1 from the nucleus and resulted in the induction of CYP7A1 mRNA expression, which was blocked by FoxO1-ADA. In high fat diet-fed mice, CYP7A1 mRNA expression was repressed and inversely correlated to increase hepatic FoxO1 mRNA expression and FoxO1 nuclear retention. In conclusion, our current study provides direct evidence that FoxO1 is a strong repressor of CYP7A1 gene expression and bile acid synthesis. Impaired regulation of FoxO1 may cause down-regulation of CYP7A1 gene expression and contribute to dyslipidemia in insulin resistance.
Spectrophotometric studies of complexation of C60 with aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract The equilibrium constants for complexation of C 60 with naphthalene, phenanthrene and pyrene in toluene have been determined by UV/visible spectroscopy. The magnitude of the equilibrium constants was found to increase with decreasing ionization potential of the donor. Values for complexation enthalpy have been determined for the first time for C 60 /aromatic hydrocarbons. Well-defined charge transfer (C-T) bands have been observed for complexes of C 60 with a variety of aromatic hydrocarbons, with C-T band maxima moving to higher frequency with increasing donor ionization potential.
Sex differences in the use of demand and withdraw behavior in marriage: Examining the social structure hypothesis.

Studies consistently show sex differences in married couples’ use of demand and withdraw behavior. The social structure hypothesis proposes that these differences are the result of power differentials between spouses. This study examined the link between 3 aspects of marital power and demanding and withdrawal behavior. Contrary to social structure predictions, results showed that wives did not possess less decision-making ability or access to resources and appeared to exhibit greater situational power (i.e., domineering and dominant behaviors) than did their husbands during problem-solving discussions. Furthermore, the spouse who exhibited the most demands also exhibited the most domineering and dominant behaviors, whereas the spouse who exhibited the most withdrawal exhibited the least domineering and dominant behaviors during problem-solving discussions.
Yersinia enterocolitica: A REVIEW OF THE PSYCHROTROPHIC WATER AND FOODBORNE PATHOGEN

Infection in humans may be caused by Yersinia enterocolitica. Several foodborne outbreaks implicating this microorganism have been documented. Y. enterocolitica was shown to be the causitive agent of a foodborne disease outbreak in school children in upstate New York. Gastroenteritis and pseudoappendicitis were the predominant symptoms in this outbreak. It is hypothesized that the organism may be transmitted directly or indirectly to foods and water through fecal contamination or by the urine of a carrier animal. Swine have been shown to be the species most consistently harboring serotypes of Y. enterocolitica implicated in enteritis. The etiology of Y. enterocolitica diseases and infection and the most current isolation methodology is also reviewed. The distinguishing characteristics of this microorganism are its psychrotrophic growth capabilities, motility at 25°C, nonmotility at 37°C negative phenylalanine deaminase, and positive urease activity. Controversy exists regarding classification of‘the species: whether the species belongs within the genus Yersinia and if the species should be further subdivided according to invasiveness and other biochemical distinctions are considered in this review.
Prebiotic Phosphorylation of Thymidine at 65° C in Simulated Desert Conditions

The phosphorylation of thymidine is described for a variety of conditions at 65 C to demonstrate that the reaction could readily take place in deserts at the present time. This might be used as an indication that urea-phosphate mixtures could have been important as phosphorylating agents on the primitive earth. Reaction products were identified by comparing their chromatographic and electrophoretic mobilities with those of authentic materials and by enzymatic degradation. The results show that good yields of nucleotides are obtained when nucleosides are heated with urea-phospate mixtures at 65 C. Reactions proceed more rapidly at moderate humidities than in a stream of dry nitrogen. Occasional wetting results in even faster and more extensive reactions. There was no reaction for a mixture of urea and trimetaphosphate.
Effects of Positive-Pressure Pulsation on Several Characteristics of Milk Production

Abstract A premilking phase of positive-pressure pulsation was evaluated by comparing milk production, persistence, peak milk flow, average milk flow, and several indicators of udder health of two groups of high-producing Holstein cows. Forty-four cows, 21 controls and 23 test animals, completed at least 250 days of lactation. After a premilking wash-up regimen of 25 to 30s, test cows were given an additional 45s of positive-pressure pulsation. The group with positive-pressure pulsation maintained significantly more persistence during the last two-thirds of lactation, and this resulted in an 8% relative increase of milk production over controls. There were no differences of udder health between the two groups as measured by number of cases of clinical mastitis or California mastitis test.
MutS homologs in mammalian cells

Alterations of the human mismatch repair genes have been linked to hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) as well as to sporadic cancers that exhibit microsatellite instability. The human mismatch repair genes are highly conserved homologs of the Escherichia coli MutHLS system. Six MutS homologs have been identified in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and four MutS homologs have been identified in human cells. At least three of these eukaryotic MutS homologs are involved in the recognition/binding of mispaired nucleotides and nucleotide lesions. MSH2 plays a fundamental role in mispair recognition whereas MSH3 and MSH6 appear to modify the specificity of this recognition. The redundant functions of MSH3 and MSH6 explain the greater prevalence of hmsh2 mutations in HNPCC families.
Kidney disease after heart and lung transplantation

Kidney disease is a commonly recognized complication of heart and lung transplantation and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. While the spectrum of kidney disease in this population is wide-ranging, studies indicate that between 3% and 10% of these patients will ultimately develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This review examines the risk factors for both acute and chronic kidney injury, with a particular emphasis on the role of calcineurin inhibitor-mediated nephrotoxicity in both these settings. Against the background of current National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines, we have further considered and recommended appropriate strategies for long-term management of kidney disease-related manifestations in heart and lung transplant recipients. Specific aspects addressed include retarding progressive renal injury and minimizing nephrotoxicity, as well as treatment of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and anemia. Finally, for patients in this population with advanced kidney disease, renal replacement therapy options are discussed. Based on the impact of chronic kidney disease on outcomes in both heart and lung recipients, we advocate early referral to a nephrologist for patients displaying evidence of significant renal dysfunction.
Proton-Coupled Sucrose Transport in Plasmalemma Vesicles Isolated from Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L. cv Great Western) Leaves

Sucrose is the predominant form of photosynthetically reduced carbon transported in most plant species. In the experiments reported here, an active, proton-coupled sucrose transport system has been identified and partially characterized in plasmalemma vesicles isolated from mature sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. cv Great Western) leaves. The isolated vesicles concentrated sucrose fivefold in the presence of an imposed pH gradient (basic interior). The presence of carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, a protonophore, prevented sucrose accumulation within the vesicles. ΔpH-dependent sucrose transport exhibited saturation kinetics with an apparent Km of 1.20 ± 0.40 millimolar, suggesting translocation was carrier-mediated. In support of that conclusion, two protein modifiers, diethyl pyrocarbonate and p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonic acid, were found to be potent inhibitors with 50% inactivation achieved at 750 and 30 micromolar, respectively. ΔpH-Dependent sucrose transport was not inhibited by glucose, fructose, raffinose, or maltose suggesting the transport system was specific for sucrose. Transport activity was associated with the plasmalemma because ΔpH-dependent sucrose transport equilibrated on a linear sucrose gradient at 1.17 grams per cubic centimeter and comigrated with a plasmalemma enzyme marker, vanadate-sensitive K+, Mg2+-ATPase. Taken together, these results provide the first In vitro evidence in support of a sucrose-proton symport in the plasmalemma of mature leaf tissue.
Radiation-induced amorphization in complex silicates

Abstract The macroscopic swelling from alpha-decay events in Pu-doped ZrSiO4, natural ZrSiO4 minerals, and Cm-doped Ca2Nd8(SiO4)6O2 is interpreted in terms of both unit-cell expansion from defect accumulation and the volume change that occurs as the local crystal structure and long-range order collapse during amorphization. The derived amorphous fraction in ZrSiO4 as a function of cumulative alpha-decay events is consistent with models based on the multiple overlap of displacement cascades, suggesting that amorphization in ZrSiO4 occurs as a result of the local accumulation of high-defect concentrations. In Ca2Nd8(SiO4)6O2, on the other hand, the rate of amorphization is higher and the derived amorphous fraction as a function of cumulative alpha-decay events is consistent with amorphization occurring directly within the displacement cascade.
Further studies of density-dependent interactions for the excitation of collective states

Abstract The density-dependent DDM3Y effective nucleon-nucleon interaction was used in a double-folding model with macroscopic transition densities to explore further density-dependent effects on the inelastic scattering of α-particles and protons. In particular, we investigate whether transition densities with a node near the nuclear surface, such as occurs for the giant monopole (breathing mode) resonance, are particularly sensitive to density dependence in the interaction. We also study the imposition of a consistency condition on the use of density dependence for inelastic scattering. In both situations, the effects are small (≲20%) for α-particles but large for protons. The consistency condition is discussed further in an appendix.
Identification of phytanoyl‐CoA ligase as a distinct acyl‐CoA ligase in peroxisomes from cultured human skin fibroblasts

Abstract Phytanic acid accumulates in excessive amounts in Refsum disease, a rare neurological disorder, due to a defect in its α-oxidation enzyme system in peroxisomes. The activation of phytanic acid to phytanoyl-CoA by phytanoyl-CoA ligase is a prerequisite for its α-oxidation. The studies described in this manuscript report that phytanoyl-CoA ligase in peroxisomes is an enzyme distinct from the previously reported acyl-CoA ligases.
Adequacy or deprivation of dietary selenium in healthy men: Clinical and psychological findings

Thirty healthy young men were fed diets that provided either 32.6 or 226.5 μg of selenium (Se)/d for 105 d. The high Se diet significantly elevated plasma Se and platelet glutathione peroxidase activity. Selenium balance of subjects consuming the high Se diet was >100 μg/d, whereas subjects on the low Se diet were in approximately zero balance. High dietary Se significantly improved mood; specifically, subjects on the high Se diet improved in the clearheaded/confused, elated/depressed, composed/anxious, and confident/unsure subscores, and total mood disturbance was less in men consuming the high Se diet. These data show that North American men are able to stay in zero Se balance on as little as 24 μg/d. Additionally, they show that psychological function, specifically mood, can be influenced by increasing or decreasing the amount of Se in the diet. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 11:11–27, 1998. Published 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.1
Heart Failure Beliefs and Self-Care Adherence While Being Treated in an Emergency Department

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) emergency department (ED) visits are commonly due to HF self-care nonadherence. Objective Our objective was to assess the accuracy of HF beliefs and adherence to self care in patients using an ED for acute HF. Methods A cross-sectional, correlational study using validated surveys of HF beliefs and self-care adherence was conducted. A multivariable regression model was used to control for significant baseline factors. Results In 195 adults, mean HF beliefs score was 2.8 ± 0.3, significantly below the accurate cutoff score of 3.0 ( p p = 0.01), younger age ( p p = 0.04), but not with adherence to other self-care behaviors. Self-care adherence was associated with the belief that the HF care plan must be followed forever ( p = 0.04), but not with other HF beliefs; and there was a trend toward lower HF self-care adherence when HF belief scores were more accurate. After controlling for significant baseline factors, HF beliefs were not associated with self-care adherence ( p = 0.15). Conclusions Patients seeking ED care for decompensated HF had inaccurate HF beliefs and poor self-care adherence. Lack of association between HF beliefs and self care (and trend of an inverse relationship) reflects a need for predischarge HF education, including an explanation of what HF means and how it can be better controlled through self-care behaviors.
Differential regulation of two period genes in the Xenopus eye.

Abstract The recent identification and analysis of mammalian homologues of the well characterized Drosophila circadian clock gene, Period ( Per ), has led to the idea that key features of vertebrate circadian rhythmicity are conserved at the molecular level. The Xenopus laevis retina contains a circadian clock mechanism that can be studied in vitro. To study the rhythmic expression of Per in the Xenopus retina, we used a degenerate RT–PCR strategy to obtain cDNA clones covering the entire 1427 amino acid coding region of a Xenopus homologue of Per2 and a partial cDNA sequence for a Xenopus homologue of Per1 . Northern blot analysis shows that xPer1 and xPer2 transcripts are expressed most abundantly in the eye and the brain. However, rhythmic expression of xPer2 transcripts in the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is light dependent and occurs only under 12 h light/12 h dark (LD) conditions, not in constant dark (DD). In contrast, xPer1 mRNA accumulation is rhythmic under both LD and DD conditions. Light dependent regulation of xPer2 mRNA and circadian regulation of xPer1 mRNA in the Xenopus retina differs from that in Drosophila and mammals. Light dependence of xPer2 mRNA levels and the offset phase relationship of the xPer2 rhythm to that for xPer1 suggests a role for xPer2 in circadian entrainment.
Association of Hemoglobin A1c Level With the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

Coronary angiography was performed in 152 men and 163 women with diabetes mellitus (mean age 55 ± 8 years) because of chest pain. The mean hemoglobin A 1c level was 6.66 ± 0.58% in 132 patients with 0-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD), 8.00 ± 0.84% in 40 patients with 1-vessel CAD, 8.83 ± 1.45% in 76 patients with 2-vessel CAD, and 10.40 ± 2.28% in 67 patients with 3- or 4-vessel CAD. There was a significant increasing trend of hemoglobin A 1c levels over the increasing number of vessels with CAD (p
Short-term regulation of insulin-mediated glucose utilization in four-day fasted human volunteers: role of amino acid availability.

Glucose homeostasis in men fasted for 84 h was assessed using isotopes, indirect calorimetry and forearm balance techniques during a basal period and three sequential hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamps each lasting for 150 min. Two protocols (n=12 in each) were used: subjects were either allowed to develop hypoaminoacidaemia or received a commercial solution of L-amino acids while maintaining near-basal plasma leucine levels. Insulin infusions resulted in 3-, 35- and 650-fold increases in plasma insulin levels in both protocols. The infusion of amino acids produced a rightward shift in the dose-response curve of insulin's effect on suppressing hepatic glucose production, indicating decreased sensitivity in addition to blunting of the maximal responsiveness. Total body glucose rate of disappearance was progressively increased with escalating insulin doses, but was 22% lower at the intermediate and highest insulin doses in the group that was infused with amino acids (3.44±0.53 vs 4.82±0.71 and 7.72±1.01 vs 10.36±1.08 mg·kg−1·min−1, respectively; p<0.05). Forearm balance data confirmed the isotopic data, since amino acid infusions blunted the insulin-mediated increase in net forearm glucose utilization (by 50–83%). Furthermore, the infusion of amino acids resulted in marked reductions in the rate of carbohydrate oxidation and storage as assessed by indirect calorimetry. The data indicate that the amino acid-mediated suppression of glucose utilization and carbohydrate oxidation is exerted on the responsive component of insulin action.
Digital stabilization in delayed coincidence systems by light pulsing

Abstract A fast (2 nsec) light pulsing system is describe employing the light emission characteristics of silicon pn junctions. Application is described to digital stabilization of fast delayed coincidence systems of the time-amplitude conversion type.
Behavioral Factors and Information Technology Infrastructure Considerations in Strategic Alliance Development

Since behavioral and cultural factors play a major role in strategic alliances between partners, IT managers must understand the intricacies involved in the development of resultant IT infrastructure in satisfying both business requirements and cultural fit of the aligned partnering units. This paper first highlights the IT-related issues and cultural issues which are important in the process of developing a strategic alliance between partners. Then, a case study involving a major telecommunications organization and several retail electricity organizations is presented to illustrate the IT requirements and human-related considerations. The analysis focuses on the requirements of pre-strategic alliance phase of the negotiation process.
ESCA study of oxidation and hot corrosion of nickel-base superalloys

A study of the high-temperature oxidation and Na2SO4-induced hot corrosion of nickel-base superalloys has been accomplished by using ESCA to determine the surface composition of the oxidized or corroded samples. Oxidation was carried out at 900 or 1000 C in slowly flowing O2 for samples of B-1900, NASA-TRW VIA, 713C, and IN-738. Hot corrosion of B-1900 was induced by applying a coating of Na2SO4 to preoxidized samples, then heating to 900 C in slowly flowing O2. For oxidized samples, the predominant type of scale formed by each superalloy showed a marked surface enrichment of Ti. For corroded samples, the transfer of significant amounts of material from the oxide layer to the surface of the salt layer was observed before the onset of rapidly accelerating weight gain. Marked changes in surface composition coincided with the beginning of accelerating corrosion, the most striking of which were a tenfold decrease in the sulfur to sodium ratio and an increase in the Cr(VI) to Cr(III) ratio.
WOUND COMPLICATIONS AFTER HAND ASSISTED LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY

ABSTRACTPurpose: Hand assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) provides benefits similar to standard laparoscopy but generally requires a larger incision. We assessed the nature of and risk factors for incisional complications after HALS.Materials and Methods: All patients who underwent HALS at our institution from February 1997 through December 2003 were included in a prospective and retrospective review to assess postoperative wound complications. Literature regarding wound complications associated with open surgery and standard laparoscopy was reviewed.Results: A total of 424 consecutive procedures performed on 422 patients were evaluated. Postoperative HALS incision site complications included 29 infections (6.8%), 15 hernias (3.5%) and 2 dehiscences (0.5%). Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that HALS incision site hernias were associated with current or past tobacco smoking (6.0%, p = 0.04), with a trend toward significance for diabetes mellitus (14%, p = 0.07), male gender (5.3%, p = 0.08...
Obliterative vasculopathy in systemic sclerosis: endothelial precursor cells as novel targets for therapy.

Evaluation of: Kuwana M, Kaburaki J, Okazaki Y et al. Increase in circulating endothelial precursors by atorvastatin in patients with systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Rheum. 54(6), 1946–1951 (2006).Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with a progressive obliterative vasculopathy that accounts for serious clinical manifestations of the disease, and has, to date, no effective treatment. Vascular obliteration is accompanied by defective vasculogenesis due to impaired production, mobilization or function of bone marrow-derived vascular precursor cells. Statins enhance vascular precursor cell production in chronic cardiovascular diseases and may also have a therapeutic role in SSc. This paper evaluates the results from a recent open-label clinical trial of atorvastatin that support this notion. Larger controlled trials are now needed to critically evaluate the efficacy of statins for repairing vascular damage, enhancing vasculogenesis, and attenuating the burden of chronic vasculopathy in SSc.
The Role of Transthoracic Echocardiography in the Diagnosis of Infective Endocarditis in Children

Background Infective endocarditis (IE) is frequently suspected but infrequently diagnosed in children. Clinicians often order echocardiograms to "rule out" IE. In an era of cost constraint, clinically efficient strategies must be developed to eliminate unnecessary tests. We hypothesized that transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is only useful in children in whom there is a high clinical suspicion of IE based on history, physical examination, and persistently positive blood cultures. Objective To determine the role of TTE as a screening test for suspected IE in children. Methods Echocardiographic reports and medical records were reviewed retrospectively for 173 consecutive patients who underwent TTE to rule out IE from January 1993 to August 1996. Results Persistent fever was the predominant symptom leading to a suspicion of IE (120 patients [69.4%]). Fifty-seven (32.9%) of the 173 patients had congenital heart disease and 95 patients (54.9%) had indwelling venous catheters. Twenty-six patients (15.0%) were diagnosed and treated for IE. Twelve (46.2%) of these 26 patients had vegetations seen on TTE. The conditions of the remaining 14 patients were diagnosed clinically and these patients had persistently positive blood cultures. By univariate analysis, the risk factors associated with the diagnosis of IE were malaise, congestive heart failure, new or changing heart murmur, leukocytosis, hematuria, and the presence of 2 or more positive blood cultures for the same organism. The risk factors associated with positive TTE were malaise, congestive heart failure, new or changing heart murmur, leukocytosis, hematuria, and 2 or more positive blood cultures. The presence of an indwelling catheter or immunocompromised status were not predictive of vegetation or IE. Conclusions Transthoracic echocardiography has poor sensitivity as a screening test for IE in patients with low clinical probability of the disease. A diagnostic algorithm for IE is suggested based on these data.
Electrochemical reduction of thionyl chloride in LiAlCl4-SOCl2 solutions

Abstract The electrochemical reduction of thionyl chloride in 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 M LiAlCl4-SOCl2 solutions was studied at glassy carbon microelectrodes using the technique of cyclic voltammetry. It was shown that the reduction of thionyl chloride in these solutions leads to the deposition of sparingly soluble lithium chloride film on the electrode surface and results in their passivation. The peak heights increased linearly with the square root of voltage scan rate and at a fixed scan rate, the peak heights were found to be independent of electrolyte concentration as well as the speed of rotation of the electrode. It was also shown that both sulfur and sulfur dioxide, which are formed as reduction products of thionyl chloride, do not undergo further reduction in these solutions.
Dynamic Studies Of Truncated Troponin Complex Usin Hdx

Troponin is the primary control protein of the cardiac and skeletal muscle contractile apparatus. Troponin is made up of three subunits (TnT, TnI, TnC) and is located on the thin filament together with tropomyosin. The binding of Ca++ to TnC induces conformational changes in troponin leading to muscle contraction, via a regulatory mechanism that involves tropomyosin. Neither the transmission of the dis-inhibitory Ca++ binding ‘signal’ from TnC to other thin filament proteins, nor the mechanism of troponin's inhibitory action in the absence of Ca++ binding, is well understood. Both NMR and X-ray studies show conformational change in the N-terminal domain of cardiac troponin on binding to Ca++. We have expressed full length TnI, TnC and truncated form of TnT (residues, 183-288) and reconstituted into the troponin core domain complex. To address the question of how the dynamic properties of the apo- (i.e., regulatory site apo) and Ca++-saturated troponin may facilitate the conformational change and function, native state amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange was used. The experiments were carried out by pepsin digest, HPLC coupled to electrospray FT-MS. The TnT-TnI coiled-coil is the most stable portion of the core domain, i.e., the (hydrogen-bonded) amide H groups from this part of troponin are most protected from exchange with solvent D. Furthermore, all peptides derived from this coiled-coil exchange at similar rates, suggesting that local unfolding was small, and exchange rates reflect the (unfavorable, so slow) global unfolding of the entire coiled-coil. The extent of deuterium incorporation in troponin in the presence/absence of Ca++ will be presented, discussed and compared to the crystal structure.
Factors influencing contraceptive choice: study focused on Czech men

Background: The man’s participation in family planning appears as a suitable means for improvement of relationships between couples and their children. Gender sensitive breeding is a good way for supporting responsibility in family planning between man and woman and leads them in equal negotiation in questions of parenting. The purpose of research is to monitor contraception strategies and conditions affecting the timing of parenthood. Methods: Data were collected by interviews with 170 Czech men aged between 25 and 50. Grounded theory approach was used to generate new related theoretical ideas. Results: The present young men leave the decision rather up to women. A number of young men enter a relationship assuming automatically that their partner uses hormonal contraception. Family planning decision-making is influenced by personal values as well as structural factors. Strong social pressure determining the ideal form of material and psycho-social background for offspring confronts current generation with very demanding decision-making on parenthood timing. Conclusions: In men’s opinion, the setting of conditions for the beginning of reproduction should be the result of negotiation within the couple. Although men speak of the need to negotiate, the responsibility and practical decision-making is left up mainly to women.
N-impurity superstring spectra near the pp-wave limit

Abstract The complicated non-linear sigma model that characterizes the first finite-radius curvature correction to the pp-wave limit of IIB superstring theory on AdS 5 × S 5 has been shown to generate energy spectra that perfectly match, to two loops in the modified 't Hooft parameter λ ′ , finite R -charge corrections to anomalous dimension spectra of large- R N = 4 super-Yang–Mills theory in the planar limit. This test of the AdS/CFT correspondence has been carried out for the specific cases of two and three string excitations, which are dual to gauge theory R -charge impurities. We generalize this analysis on the string side by directly computing string energy eigenvalues in certain protected sectors of the theory for an arbitrary number of worldsheet excitations with arbitrary mode-number assignments. While our results match all existing gauge theory predictions to two-loop order in λ ′ , we again observe a mismatch at three loops between string and gauge theory. We find remarkable agreement to all loops in λ ′ , however, with the near pp-wave limit of a recently proposed Bethe ansatz for the quantized string Hamiltonian in the su ( 2 ) sector. Based on earlier two- and three-impurity results, we also infer the full multiplet decomposition of the N -impurity superstring theory with distinct mode excitations to two loops in λ ′ .
Role of soluble guanylate cyclase in the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis in capsaicin-induced muscle hypersensitivity

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) produces its effects by activating soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). In the present study, we investigated the potential role of sGC in the subnucleus caudalis (Vc) in mediating masseter hypersensitivity under acute inflammatory condition in male Sprague–Dawley rats. First, our Western blot analysis revealed that sGC protein is reliably detected in the Vc. Subsequent immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that neuronal cell bodies in the superficial laminae of the Vc positively stained for sGC. Astrocytes in deeper lamina of the Vc also showed sGC immunoreactivity. We then tested whether intrathecal administration of sGC inhibitors, methylene blue (MB), and ODQ, in the Vc, attenuates masseter hypersensitivity induced by intramuscular injection of capsaicin. Intrathecal MB or ODQ significantly blocked the capsaicin-induced reduction of mechanical threshold to noxious stimulation of the masseter. These data indicate that the NO–sGC pathway in the Vc is involved in mediating orofacial muscle hypersensitivity under acute inflammatory conditions.
Fixative tonicity for scannig electron microscopy of delicate chick embryos

Fresh pullet eggs (White Leghorn strain) were incubated from 19-2ldium-gold and observed in a Cambridge S4 scanning electron microscope. Shrunken cells with intracellular yolk granules embossed on the surface are produced by the strongly hypertonic Karnovsky's fixer (Final: 2010 mOsm). Embryos fixed with modified Karnovsky's fixer (Final: 373 mOsm) possess surfaces with irregular microappendages. Swollen cells with few microappendages are observed when embryos are fixed in a hypotonic environment (Final: 250 mOsm or less). Ideal fixatives preserve a relatively flat surface, with cells bordered by smoothsurface microappendages. For adequate SEM fixation, fixative vehicle should be approximately isotonic for tissue, with aldehyde (2% or less) added to vehicle.
Graphical Modeling Environment and Supporting Framework for Function-Based Conceptual Design

As engineering products become more complicated, collaboration among multi-disciplinary design teams that are separated by location, time and across organizations is becoming an increasingly difficult task. To be effective, collaboration requires exchanging, interpreting and integrating knowledge in various locations. According to a recent study, the cost of this breakdown in knowledge in the automotive industry alone is at least $1 billion per year. There has been a significant amount of research in recent years to improve the accessibility of knowledge during design. Very little has, however, been invested in format, flow and relationships of knowledge to support the process of collaborative distributed design. Progress is particularly lagging for early stages of engineering design, conceptual design, when the need for and payoff of knowledge exchange is the greatest. This paper presents the Integrated Design Environment that is being developed at the Systems Modeling And Realization Technologies (SMART) Lab at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This environment facilitates knowledge flow, knowledge capture and reuse with a generalized graphical modeling environment for conceptual modeling and synthesis. The paper first provides a background in conceptual design and knowledge-based engineering followed by an architectural view of the environment and finally an example problem based on the design of a coffee maker to facilitate discussion.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Effect of Processing on Release from an Inert, Heterogeneous Matrix

AbstractMatrixes containing 40% ephedrine hydrochloride and hydrogenated castor oil are prepared by two processes: (a) compression of a physical mixture and (b) compression of a congealed melt. The release from the melt matrix is slower than from the matrix prepared by compression of a physical mixture. applied pressure on the release profile is studied. For matrixes prepared by both processes as the applied pressure is increased, the release rate is slower; however, this effect is more pronounced for the physical mixture matrix. The effect of comminution of the medicinal compound on release profile is considered. mixture the fastest release occurs from the finer particles suggesting a boundary layer diffusion. In matrixes produced by the melt process as the particle size is decreased, the release is slowed presumably because of an increased tortuosity and more intimate contact between the ephedrine hydrochloride and the hydrogenated castor oil, which produces mass transfer by matrix diffusion.
A lattice model of gas-gas equilibria in binary mixtures

Abstract A two-component decorated lattice model is introduced to study critical phenomena and phase equilibrium in binary fluids. For certain ranges of interaction parameters, the model demonstrates gas-gas equilibria of the first and second types. Since no assumption of analyticity is made, the model yields non-classical critical behavior. In particular, at the critical double point (the coalescence of two critical points), the exponent β which, before the coalescence, describes the shape of the isothermal coexistence curves in the pressure-mole fraction plane, is changed to 2β. It is shown that this renormalization of β is in agreement with the phenomenological theory of Griffiths and Wheeler.
Social uncertainty and interdependence: A study of resource allocation decisions in groups

Abstract Social uncertainty about the behavior of others with whom one is interdependent for rewards is hypothesized to encourage self-interested behavior and inhibit behavioral commitment to the group. This paper examines the roles of uncertainty, expectations, and feedback about other group members' contributions to the group in interdependent decision making. In the absence of feedback, resources tend to be divided between individual and group interests. Resource allocations to the group are found to increase significantly if group members receive feedback about other members' allocations, particularly if that feedback is at the individual level, not an aggregated group level. However, the effects of feedback presence and type are eliminated when group members state their expectations about other members' future contributions to the group. Implications for expectancy value theories of motivation and commitment to groups in organizations are discussed.
Making Sense of an Information World: The Everyday-Life Information Behavior of Preteens.

This article presents an empirically‐grounded framework for mediating the everyday‐life information worlds of youth aged 9–13. “Tweens” are a sandwiched population with behaviors, circumstances, and needs distinct from children and young adults. Little research has addressed their information‐seeking, especially regarding nonschool contexts. Thus, empirically‐based conceptual tools are needed to help professionals in mediating the complex information worlds of tweens. Guided by multiple frameworks (Dervin’s sense‐making, Fisher’s information grounds, and Chatman’s normative behavior), data were collected using the “Tween Day” technique, involving scenario‐based focus groups and interviews with thirty‐four youth in three distinct settings. The study aimed at understanding the situations for which tweens seek everyday information; which sources they use, and why; what social settings foster information‐sharing, and how; and what factors (especially affective) promote or hinder information‐seeking. Using the...
Inelastic pion scattering for 1p-shell targets

Inelastic scattering of pions with energy near the (3,3) resonance is calculated with a distorted-wave impulse approximation formulated in momentum space. Results for all $1p$-shell targets are given and compared to existing data. Strong transitions are dominated by quadrupole amplitudes, and enhancement factors consistent with observed $B(E2)$ values are needed to attain agreement with observed cross sections in these cases. The sensitivity of pion scattering to isospin effects is noted. This distorted-wave impulse approximation approach appears to offer a reasonable interpretation of inelastic pion scattering.NUCLEAR REACTIONS, NUCLEAR STRUCTURE ($\ensuremath{\pi},{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$) ${E}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}\ensuremath{\approx}120 \mathrm{to} 220$ MeV; $1p$-shell targets, theoretical $\frac{d\ensuremath{\sigma}}{d\ensuremath{\Omega}}$ based on DWIA in momentum space; effect of nuclear structure and sensitivity to isospin.
Sub-bandgap laser annealing of room temperature deposited polycrystalline CdTe

We investigate how post-deposition laser annealing can be used to improve structural and electronic quality of room-temperature deposited CdTe. We use continuous-wave, 1064 nm laser light to anneal CdTe solar cell stacks prior to back contact deposition. Sub-bandgap optical absorption measurements by photothermal deflection spectroscopy show a reduction of sub-bandgap defects due to the annealing process. Since the 1064 nm light is only partially absorbed, in situ monitoring of the transmitted light during laser annealing gives real-time information about changes in the material. These results reveal an evolution of electronic defect annealing and surface roughness modification with laser exposure time. This hypothesis is supported by electron microscopy. Two distinct annealing regimes emerge: one at low laser power where electronic defect annealing saturates after about one minute exposure and another at high power where structural defects are annealed after several minutes exposure. Temperatures reached during laser annealing are estimated by finite element modeling of the thermal transport due to heat generation from optical absorption.
A rat model for isolated bilateral lung contusion from blunt chest trauma.

Lung contusion affects 17%–25% of adult blunt trauma patients, and is the leading cause of death from blunt thoracic injury. A small animal model for isolated bilateral lung contusion has not been developed. We induced lung contusion in anesthetized rats by dropping a 0.3-kg weight onto a precordial
Critical computed tomographic diagnostic criteria for frontal sinus fractures.

Purpose Diagnosis and treatment of frontal sinus fractures (FSFs) have progressed over the previous 30 years. Despite advances in computed tomography, there is no current diagnostic uniformity with regard to classification and treatment. We developed a statistically valid treatment protocol for FSFs based on injury pattern, nasofrontal outflow tract (NFOT) injury, and complication(s). These data outlined predictable injury patterns based on specific computed tomographic findings critical to the diagnosis and ultimate treatment of this potentially fatal injury. Materials and Methods A retrospective review was conducted on patients with FSF from 1979 to 2005 under institutional review board approval. All computed tomographic scans were reviewed by the authors and fractures categorized by location, displacement, comminution, and degree of NFOT injury. Results One thousand ninety-seven patients with FSF were identified, 87 expired and 153 had inadequate data, leaving a group of 857 patients. Simultaneous displacement of anterior-posterior tables constituted the largest group (38.4%). NFOT injury occurred in most patients (70.7%) and was strongly associated with anterior (92%) and posterior (88%) table involvement (comminuted 98%). Sixty-seven percent of patients with NFOT injury had obstruction. Five hundred four patients (59.6%) had surgery with 10.4% complications and 353 patients were observed with 3.1% complications. All but 1 patient with complications had NFOT injury (98.5%). Conclusions Predictable patterns of injury based on specific computed tomographic data play a pivotal role in classification and surgical management of potentially fatal frontal sinus injuries. Radiologic diagnosis of NFOT injury in FSFs, particularly obstruction, plays a decisive role in surgical planning.
Simulation to Evaluate Autonomous Behaviors for Mobile Planetary Surface Science Missions

The Science Operations On Planetary Surfaces (SOOPS) task was created with the goal of evaluating, developing and validating methods for increasing the productivity of science operations on planetary surfaces. The highly integrated spacecraft-instrument payload systems of planetary surface missions create operational constraints (e.g. power, data volume, number of ground control interactions) that can reduce the effective science capabilities. Technological solutions have been proposed to mitigate the impact of those constraints on science return. For example, enhanced mobility autonomy, robotic arm autonomous deployment, and on-board image analysis have been implemented on the Mars Exploration Rovers. Next generation improvements involve on-board science-driven decision-making and data collection. SOOPS takes a systems level approach to science operations and thus to evaluating and demonstrating the potential benefits of technologies that are already in development at the 'component level.