cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of penetrating pancreatic trauma: an 11-year experience of a level-1 trauma center.

Introduction: We present our experience in the management of penetrating pancreatic injuries, focusing on factors related to complications and death. Methods: Retrospective trauma registry-based analysis of 62 consecutive patients with penetrating pancreatic injuries during an 11-year period. Overall injury severity was assessed by the injury severity score (ISS) and the penetrating abdominal trauma index (PATI). Pancreatic injuries were graded according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) Organ Injury Scaling (OIS). Complications were characterised using standardised definitions. Mortality was recorded as early (within 48 h after admission) and late (after 48 h). Results: Thirty patients suffered gunshot wounds and 24 had grade I pancreatic injuries. Shotgun and gunshot wounds were more destructive than stab wounds (higher PATI, number of intraabdominal injuries and mortality). Seventeen patients died. Most deaths occurred within 1 h after admission due to massive bleeding and severe associated injuries. Only one death was potentially related to the pancreatic injury. Mortality rate also correlated with pancreatic injury grading. Sixty-one patients had associated intraabdominal injuries. Combined pancreaticoduodenal injuries were present in 13 patients, and five died. Simple drainage was the most common procedure performed. Pancreas-related complications were found in 12 out of 47 patients who survived more than 48 h; intraabdominal abscess (n=7) that was associated with colon injuries, and pancreatic fistula (n=5). Conclusion: An approach based on injury grade and location is advised. Routine drainage is recommended; distal resection is indicated in the presence of main duct injury, and the management of severe injuries will be tailored according to the overall physiologic status, presence of associated injuries, and duodenal viability. Morbidity and mortality is mainly due to associated injuries.
Characterization of an ‘orthogonal’ suppressor tRNA derived from E. coli tRNA2Gln

Abstract Background: In an effort to expand further our ability to manipulate protein structure, we have completed the first step towards a general method that allows the site-specific incorporation of unnatural amino acids into proteins in vivo . Our approach involves the construction of an ‘orthogonal' suppressor tRNA that is uniquely acylated in vivo , by an engineered aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, with the desired unnatural amino acid. The Escherichia coli tRNA 2 Gln -glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase (GlnRS) pair provides a biochemically and structurally well-characterized starting point for developing this methodology. To generate the orthogonal tRNA, mutations were introduced into the acceptor stem, D-loop/stem, and anticodon loop of tRNA 2 Gln . We report here the characterization of the properties of the resulting tRNAs and their suitability to serve as an orthogonal suppressor. Our efforts to generate an engineered synthetase are described elsewhere. Results: Mutant tRNAs were generated by runoff transcription and assayed for their ability to be aminoacylated by purified E. coli GInRS and to suppress an amber codon in an in vitro transcription/translation reaction. One tRNA bearing eight mutations satisfies the minimal requirements for the delivery of an unnatural amino acid: it is not acylated by any endogenous E. coli aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, including GInRS, yet functions efficiently during protein translation. Mutations in the acceptor stem and D-loop/stem, when introduced in combination, had very different effects on the properties of the resulting tRNAs compared with the effects of the individual mutations. Conclusions: Mutations at sites within tRNA 2 Gln separated by 23–31 A interact strongly with each other, often in a nonadditive fashion, to modulate both aminoacylation activities and translational efficiencies. The observed correlation between the effects of mutations at very distinct regions of the GlnRS-tRNA and possibly the ribosomal/tRNA complexes may contribute in part to the fidelity of protein biosynthesis.
The Ecology of Stent Thrombosis: A View from a Sociobiological Perspective

The introduction of drug-eluting stents (DES) into clinical practice in 2003 ushered in a new era for the mechanical treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). Along with advancements in antiplatelet therapy and the more widespread use of cholesterol and inflammation lowering statin drugs, the need for repeat percutaneous coronary interventions after an index procedure has been dramatically reduced at the expense of the relatively small but potentially deadly risk of stent thrombosis (ST). Risk factors for this highly morbid complication of DES implantation include technical procedural issues, certain comorbidites such as diabetes mellitus and renal failure, incomplete endothelialization, acquired incomplete apposition, lesion characteristics, and premature discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy.1–3 The latter risk factor represents a common cause of late ST in a majority of patients, a factor that is likely influenced by medical and social parameters such that the evaluation of the effect of sociodemographic characteristics on what is thought of as a classic biological event merits closer examination. Article see p 1085 In this issue of Circulation , Collins and colleagues report that black race independently predicted DES thrombosis despite similar compliance with clopidogrel therapy between black and nonblack patients, while accounting for socioeconomic status (SES) in their analyses.4 In their article, “Does Black Ethnicity Influence the Development of Stent Thrombosis in the Drug-Eluting Stent Era?,” the authors examined the determinants of stent thrombosis among patients undergoing DES implantation at a large volume single center. The study included 1594 black patients and 5642 nonblack patients. During a follow-up period of up to 3 years, 108 patients were identified with ST utilizing the Academic Research Consortium criteria. Multivariable analyses revealed that among patients who underwent percutaneous coronary interventions and DES implantation, early ST occurred at a rate of 0.83%, while late and very late ST were associated …
Protection by Cyclosporine A against Normothermic Liver Ischemia-Reperfusion in Pigs

Background.Cyclosporine A (CYA) is primarily utilized as an immunosuppressant, but its mechanisms of action (including decreased neutrophilic free radical production and stabilization of mitochondrial and lysosomal membranes) may have beneficial effects in ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury. This study was undertaken to examine the effect of CYA pretreatment on porcine liver histopathologic changes and enzymatic release caused by ischemia and reperfusion. Materials and methods.CYA was administered orally for 4 days prior to surgery in two doses (10 or 20 mg/kg) while controls received only the control vehicle. Pigs were then exposed to 4 h of hepatic ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Results.Significant decreases in AST levels compared to controls were seen in high dose CYA pigs at the end of ischemia and at 30-min intervals during the reperfusion period. Controls exhibited necrotic hepatocytes and severe inflammatory cell infiltration, while high dose CYA animals demonstrated mild inflammatory cell infiltrates. Controls had decreased survival—20% did not survive reperfusion. Conclusions.This study indicates that CYA may be useful in decreasing initial damage resulting from warm hepatic IR injury.
Effects of air bottle design on postural control of firefighters

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of firefighter's self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) air bottle design and vision on postural control of firefighters. Twenty-four firefighters were tested using four 30-minute SCBA bottle designs that varied by mass and size. Postural sway measures were collected using a forceplate under two visual conditions (eyes open and closed) and two stance conditions (quiet and perturbed stances). For perturbed stance, a mild backward impulsive pull at the waist was applied. In addition to examining center of pressure postural sway measures for both stance conditions, a robustness measure was assessed for the perturbation condition. The results suggest that wearing heavy bottles significantly increased excursion and randomness of postural sway only in medial-lateral direction but not in anterior-posterior direction. This result may be due to stiffening of plantar-flexor muscles. A significant interaction was obtained between SCBA bottle design and vision in anterior-posterior postural sway, suggesting that wearing heavy and large SCBA air bottles can significantly threaten postural stability in AP direction in the absence of vision. SCBA bottle should be redesigned with reduced weight, smaller height, and COM closer to the body of the firefighters. Firefighters should also widen their stance width when wearing heavy PPE with SCBA.
Analysis of critical node attacks in mobile ad hoc networks

Understanding network behavior under challenges is essential to constructing a resilient and survivable network. Due to the mobility and wireless channel properties, it is more difficult to model and analyze MANETs (mobile ad hoc networks) under various challenges. Previously, we have modeled network attacks based on a priori complete knowledge of network structure and mobility. In this paper, we present the analysis of MANET behavior under random node failures and centrality-based attacks based on real-time topological information, and provide a comparison of network performance under complete information and real-time attacks. In addition, we adapt betweenness and closeness centrality to measure node significance in asymmetric source/sink network scenarios. The ns-3 simulator is used to examine network throughput under various intelligent attacks. By analyzing network topological properties, we provide a theoretical verification of the simulation results.
Hip-Hop & the Global Imprint of a Black Cultural Form

Hip-hop, created by black and Latino youth in the mid-1970s on the East Coast of the United States, is now represented throughout the world. The form's core elements – rapping, deejaying, breaking (dance), and graffiti art – now join an ever-growing and diversifying range of artistic, cultural, intellectual, political, and social practices, products, and performances. The artistic achievements of hip-hop represent a remarkable contribution to world culture; however, the “hip-hop nation” has created not just art and entertainment, but art with the vision and message of changing the world – locally, nationally, and globally. International representations of hip-hop capture and reinterpret hip-hop's history by incorporating local as well as African American aesthetic, cultural, social, and political models. This essay examines the global movement of the hip-hop nation and its artistic incorporation into global youth culture. It considers how that movement is both a social and political process that integrate...
Putting the heat on ALS.

An enhancer of the heat shock response alleviates symptoms of neurodegeneration and prolongs lifespan in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis—even when administered after onset ( pages 402–405 ).
Acetylcholine and central respiratory control: perturbations of acetylcholine synthesis in the isolated brainstem of the neonatal rat

The brainstem neurochemical processes which support spontaneous ventilation are not known. Cholinergic transmission may play an important role. If this is true, perturbations in acetylcholine (ACh) turnover should alter ventilatory output in a predictable manner. Using the isolated superfused brainstem-spinal axis from the neonatal rat, the effects of modifiers of ACh synthesis on spontaneous C-4 (phrenic) output were determined. 3-Bromopyruvate and hydroxycitrate, inhibitors of acetyl-CoA (substrate for ACh synthesis) formation, caused depression of the C-4 output in a dose-dependent manner when added to the superfusate. Triethylcholine, a false-transmitter generating choline analog, caused a similar depression. Citrate, a cytosolic precursor to acetyl-CoA formation, caused stimulation of C-4 (phrenic) output. The stimulatory effects of citrate were blocked by the muscarinic cholinergic blocker, atropine. These findings are consistent with the view that the ACh synthetic pathway provides a continuous and important input to the normal brainstem elements that support ventilation.
Unusual creep behavior in a commercial nickel-chromium alloy

Chromium--molybdenum steel was welded to form ERNi-Cr-3 using an automatic gas tungsten-arc process. Unusual creep behavior was observed at 727/sup 0/, 783/sup 0/ and 839/sup 0/K. This behavior is described as instantaneous elongation, strain burst or spontaneous deformation. (FS)
High temperature polymer nanofoams based on amorphous, high Tg polyimides

Abstract A means of generating high temperature polymer foams which leads to pore sizes in the nanometre regime has been developed. Foams were prepared by casting block copolymers comprising a thermally stable block and a thermally labile material, such that the morphology consists of a matrix of the thermally stable material with the thermally labile material as the dispersed phase. Upon thermal treatment, the thermally unstable block undergoes thermolysis leaving pores of which the size and shape are dictated by the initial copolymer morphology. Triblock and graft copolymers comprising high glass transition temperature amorphous polyimide matrices with poly(propylene oxide), as the thermally decomposable coblock, were prepared. The copolymer synthesis was carried out through either the poly(amic alkyl ester) or poly(amic acid) precursor and subsequent cyclodehydration to the polyimide by either thermal or chemical means, respectively. Microphase-separated morphologies were observed for all copolymers, irrespective of the block lengths surveyed, by dynamic mechanical analysis. Upon decomposition of the thermally labile coblock, a 5–15% reduction in density was observed, consistent with the generation of a foam.
The evolution of altruism by kin selection: New phenomena with strong selection

Abstract The development of a theory of kin selection has proceeded along two lines. Inclusive- fitness models have implicitly assumed that selection is weak, whereas exact-population genetic models place no constraints on the strength of selection. Several examples are presented showing that qualitatively new behavior has emerged from the exact models. However, for many problems, the exact-population and inclusive-fitness models often yield identical results. Unfortunately, it is not possible to identify a priori those problems that can be handled sufficiently by the simpler inclusive-fitness models. The initial increase of cooperative behavior in a population of egoists involves difficulties similar to the initial increase of altruism. Clustering of cooperatives produces dynamics for the increase of cooperation that are formally similar to population models of inbreeding. Here, an increase in the tendency to cluster is equivalent to increasing the “relationship” among cooperatives, and therefore augments the chance for cooperation to increase.
Energy efficient design of portable wireless systems

Portable wireless systems require long battery lifetime while still delivering high performance. The major contribution of this work is combining new it power management(PM) and it power control (PC) algorithms to trade off performance for power consumption at the system level in portable devices. First we present the formulation for the solution of the PM policy optimization based on renewaltheory. Next we present the formulation for power control (PC) of the wireless link that enables us to obtain further energy savings when thesystem is active. Finally, we discuss the measurements obtained for a set of PM and PC algorithms implemented for the WLAN card on a laptop. The PM policy we developed based on our renewal model consumes three times less power as compared to the default PM policy for the WLAN card with still high performance. Power control saves additional 53% in energy at same bit error rate. With both power control and power management algorithms in place, we observe on average a factor of six in power savings.
Modeling Charge Transfer in Oxidized Bacterial Antenna Complexes

Bacterial light harvesting complexes type 1, LH1, probably contain a circular array of about 32 bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) pigments at a center-to-center distance of about 1 nm. Upon treatment with potassium ferricyanide, some of the BChls are reversibly oxidized, thus forming holes. The measured electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of oxidized, detergent-isolated LH1 complexes from Rhodobacter sphaeroides and membrane-bound LH1 complexes from Blastochloris (formerly Rhodoseudomonas) viridis at 300 K have the width of 0.45 and 0.35 mT, respectively. This line width is independent of the fraction of the pigments oxidized, at least in the range of 3−30%. The EPR spectra of LH1 are 3−4 times as narrow as those of the monomer BChl cation, which is the evidence for the spin diffusion. The diffusion of holes in LH1 is simulated including electron transfer, mutual spin−spin repulsion, and spin exchange. A method for calculating the EPR spectrum from the simulated trajectories is described providing an o...
Re-examination of the phenolic hydroxyl contents of coals

Abstract In connection with studies of the dependence of liquefaction behaviour on coal characteristics, parameters were needed that might effectively characterize the organic chemical structures. Accordingly, the phenolic hydroxyl contents of 37 coals from three geological provinces of the USA have been determined, by acetylation with 14 C-labelled acetic anhydride. The results, when expressed as fractions of the total organic matter in the coals, showed a good inverse correlation with the carbon contents (dmmf). However, application of a stepwise multiple regression analysis to the data developed a linear equation relating hydroxyl content to the vitrinite reflectance, calorific value and vitrinite content, the fraction of variance explained being 92%. When the hydroxyl contents were expressed in the alternative manner, as fractions of the total oxygen content, no correlation could be seen with carbon content. However, in the wide scatter of points on the graph, the data are seen to fall into three reasonably distinct populations such that at the same level of rank, hydroxyl contents typically decrease for coals from the three provinces in the order Interior > Eastern > Rocky Mountain, implying that coals from these areas differ in structure as a result of differing antecedents. Statistical analyses showed that OH O has some significance in determining liquefaction behaviour, but it is not among the coal properties found most significant.
Recovery of noise-induced changes in the dark cells of the quail tegmentum vasculosum

Abstract Morphologic changes in the tegmentum vasculosum (TV) of adult quail after high intensity sound exposure were studied. Quail were continuously exposed to 115 dB SPL, 1500 Hz pure tone in a sound field for 12 h and either sacrificed immediately (0 day), 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 10 days later. Serial sections through the basilar papilla at 100μm intervals from base to apex were obtained for study with light microscopy and TEM. Significant morphologic changes were found within the TV of quail sacrificed on days 0–4. On a quantitative scale, the majority of recovery occurred within the first 24 h. After four days survival the tegmentum appeared nearly normal. This recovery correlates well with the temporal pattern of threshold shift recovery. These results demonstrate a temporal correlation between ultrastructural changes in the TV and functional recovery of hearing after intense sound exposure. A potential etiologic role of the TV in avian temporary threshold shift is suggested.
Molecular dynamics study of the stress–strain behavior of carbon-nanotube reinforced Epon 862 composites

Abstract Single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are used to reinforce epoxy Epon 862 matrix. Three periodic systems – a long CNT-reinforced Epon 862 composite, a short CNT-reinforced Epon 862 composite, and the Epon 862 matrix itself – are studied using the molecular dynamics. The stress–strain relations and the elastic Young's moduli along the longitudinal direction (parallel to CNT) are simulated with the results being also compared to those from the rule - of - mixture . Our results show that, with increasing strain in the longitudinal direction, the Young's modulus of CNT increases whilst that of the Epon 862 composite or matrix decreases. Furthermore, a long CNT can greatly improve the Young's modulus of the Epon 862 composite (about 10 times stiffer), which is also consistent with the prediction based on the rule - of - mixture at low strain level. Even a short CNT can also enhance the Young's modulus of the Epon 862 composite, with an increment of 20% being observed as compared to that of the Epon 862 matrix.
Facilitated recall following REM and NREM naps.

A novel procedure was used to assess (a) the differential effects of REM and SWS on retention and (b) whether these sleep stages enhanced recall for different types of information. In a 2 × 2 factorial design, subjects were given non-meaningful and meaningful verbal learning tasks. Learning took place either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Following learning subjects either slept or remained awake for a 2-hr retention interval, after which recall was assessed. Sleep for morning subjects was composed of stages 1, 2 and rapid eye movement sleep while sleep for afternoon subjects was composed of stages 1, 2 and slow wave sleep. Retention for both tasks was better following periods of sleep than following periods of wakefulness but no differences in recall were observed after REM vs. NREM naps.
Integrating the Accountant and the Information Systems Development Process

To possess traditional accounting knowledge is a necessary but no longer sufficient condition for an accounting information professional. One must also understand information systems design, development, and applications and be able to integrate these two bodies of knowledge within complex organization settings. The following discussion provides a brief review of structuration theory. Next, the application of structuration theory to aid in understanding organization context is illustrated using a specific information system design situation as well as a global strategic systems environment. The analysis leads to the conclusion that the accounting information expert is required to integrate accounting knowledge with a strategic perspective in order to facilitate the specification of information systems requirements. Working as a member of the design, development, and implementation group as well as a primary user of its product, it is crucial to understand information systems development tools. If the accounting information expert does not appreciate the technological possibilities and constraints, the necessary assistance cannot be provided to management as they strive to respond to a dynamic market environment. A discussion of possible future research areas concludes the presentation.
Challenges of Puerto Rican Islander Students in the US

The authors review the issues raised by Puerto Rican Islanders (whom we refer to as Islander Puerto Ricans or isleno/as) when they come to the United States to pursue graduate education. We review the decision to attend graduate school in the US, perceptions of race, ethnicity and identity in the US, language barriers, the impact of weather, the absence of traditional food, music and cultural events, separation from family and friends, and potential political subordination and educational adjustment. We conclude with recommendations for educators.
Collisional interchange instability: 1. Numerical simulations of intermediate-scale irregularities

Numerical simulations of the generalized Rayleigh-Taylor instability are presented. The model and simulations are applicable to bottomside and topside spread F, unstable barium cloud dynamics, and collisional interchange instability in general. The principal result is that the evolution of the instability tends to an anisotropic state consisting of nearly sinusoidal (quasi-periodic) variation along the effective electric field, and shocklike structures propagating perpendicular to E(eff) along the extrema of the quasi-periodic structures. The spectral properties of the nonlinear state are analyzed using one-dimensional power spectra calculated along spatial trajectories for selected angles to E(eff). In this way a direct comparison to in situ probe data can be made. The inherent anisotropy of the nonlinear state is reflected in major qualitative differences between the spectra taken parallel to and perpendicular to E(eff). The fundamental finding of the present work is that anisotropy in interchange dynamics is much greater than had been previously reported. This strong anisotropy can explain much of the spectral and spatial structural characteristics of both bottomside and topside spread F. In a companion paper a comparison of the simulation results to various in situ data sets is given.
Distribution of polycystine radiolaria and their relation to the physical environment during the 1992 El Niño and following cold event

Radiolarian density and composition were determined for two transects from 12°N to 12°S along 140°W to evaluate the relationship between species distribution and physical conditions in the equatorial Pacific. Highest standing stocks were measured during the U.S. JGOFS Equatorial Pacific Survey II cruise (August 1992) at 2°N in association with a convergent, tropical instability wave front. Radiolaria accumulate at the surface of the front and subduct to at least 100 m depth and over 100 km to the north. Standing stocks measured during Survey I (February/March), when El Nino conditions prevailed, were lower and less patchy than during Survey II. Radiolarian compositional data are evaluated using Q-mode factor analysis. The result is a six factor model that explains 82% of the plankton data set. El Nino conditions are dominated by an assemblage of species found in high abundance in the surface sediments of the western Pacific. This assemblage is related to reduced flow in the South Equatorial Current and a concomitant increase in the influence of warm surface waters from the western Pacific. The cold period following the El Nino can be characterized by the interaction of two other assemblages related to subtropical and equatorial water masses, respectively. Both have distributions similar to the patterns of meridional advection and have highest abundances in the convergent front encountered at 2°N. The subtropical assemblage is associated with warm, southward-flowing water to the north, while the equatorial assemblage is associated with cool, northward-flowing water to the south of the front. These results indicate radiolarian distribution in the equatorial Pacific is primarily controlled by ocean circulation with sea-surface temperature of secondary importance.
Body Image, Appearance Self-Schema, and Media Images

This study examines the effects of women's appearance self-schemas and exposure to attractive media images on body image, self-esteem, and mood. Women's response to media images was expected to vary according to an individual difference variable, appearance self-schema, or cognitive representations of organized information about the self in relation to appearance. College women volunteers (N = 168) were divided into two groups (schematic and aschematic) on the basis of appearance self-schema; half of each group was exposed to photos of attractive images, whereas the other half was not exposed to any images before completing measures of body image, self-esteem, and mood. Women who are schematic on appearance exhibited lower body image, lower self-esteem, and more negative mood than did those who are aschematic on appearance. Neither exposure to media images in conjunction with appearance self-schema nor exposure alone affected response on body image, self-esteem, and mood.
Trypanosome Alternative Oxidase Possesses both an N-Terminal and Internal Mitochondrial Targeting Signal

Recognition of mitochondrial targeting signals (MTS) by receptor translocases of outer and inner membranes of mitochondria is one of the prerequisites for import of nucleus-encoded proteins into this organelle. The MTS for a majority of trypanosomatid mitochondrial proteins have not been well defined. Here we analyzed the targeting signal for trypanosome alternative oxidase (TAO), which functions as the sole terminal oxidase in the infective form of Trypanosoma brucei. Deleting the first 10 of 24 amino acids predicted to be the classical N-terminal MTS of TAO did not affect its import into mitochondria in vitro. Furthermore, ectopically expressed TAO was targeted to mitochondria in both forms of the parasite even after deletion of first 40 amino acid residues. However, deletion of more than 20 amino acid residues from the N terminus reduced the efficiency of import. These data suggest that besides an N-terminal MTS, TAO possesses an internal mitochondrial targeting signal. In addition, both the N-terminal MTS and the mature TAO protein were able to target a cytosolic protein, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), to a T. brucei mitochondrion. Further analysis identified a cryptic internal MTS of TAO, located within amino acid residues 115 to 146, which was fully capable of targeting DHFR to mitochondria. The internal signal was more efficient than the N-terminal MTS for import of this heterologous protein. Together, these results show that TAO possesses a cleavable N-terminal MTS as well as an internal MTS and that these signals act together for efficient import of TAO into mitochondria.
Mindfully Increasing Quality of Life: A Promising Curriculum for MSW Students

MSW students may experience considerable stress during graduate school due to multiple life demands and the challenges of social work curricula, which often involves exposure to distressing client situations. Students' quality of life may be negatively impacted without sufficient tools to manage these stressful experiences. This paper presents evaluative findings of a course/module designed to enable MSW students in a university in the Southwestern United States to increase their quality of life and build stress coping abilities by incorporating mindfulness into their daily self care routines. Findings reveal that after completing the course/module, students reported increased quality of life even though perceived stress levels did not improve. Accordingly, mindfulness holds significant promise for bolstering students' ability to cope with the challenges of graduate school and preparing for professional practice.
Macromolecular anchoring layers for polymer grafting : comparative study

Comparative study of efficiency of macromolecular anchoring layers in the grafting of end-functionalized polymers to a surface was conducted. Poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) and epoxydized polybutadienes (EPB) were utilized as the primary anchoring films. Amount of the epoxy moieties introduced to the surface was varied via thickness of the modifying polymer layer or amount of epoxy groups in the polymer backbone. Comparison between the grafting of polystyrene and poly(ethylene glycol) to the various macromolecular anchoring layers indicated that grafting ability of a layer was mostly governed by thickness of the interpenetration zone between the two polymers (anchoring and being grafted). In case of low level of the interpenetration, only functional groups at the periphery of the primary polymer layer were available for the grafting. Then, amount of grafted polymer did not increase with total number of epoxy groups in the anchoring film. However, as the thickness of the interpenetration zone increased, higher amount of the functional groups become available for the grafting.
The relationship between vessel-wall elasticity and Korotkoff-sound frequency.

An experimental investigation of the effect of vessel elasticity on Korotkoff-sound frequency has been conducted. A model was constructed to simulate conditions in the upper arm during blood-pressure determination. The experiment was performed using both cylindrical rubber tubes and fresh canine arteries. The modulus of elasticity of the specimens was measured using an apparatus for determining the pressure-volume relationship of distensible tubes. Sound waves produced by the specimens were recorded with an oscilloscope.
Mnemonics for DSM-IV Substance-Related Disorders

A series of acronyms was developed to assist in recalling the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for substance-related disorders. In order to facilitate recall, most of the mnemonics are related in some way to the disorder itself. In general, each letter of the acronym relates to an element of the diagnostic criteria. These mnemonics are intended to be helpful in a variety of academic and medical settings.
Knockout models resulting in the development of obesity

Our understanding of body weight regulation has been greatly advanced by the characterization of previously existing mutations in mice that cause obesity. Subsequent analysis of a number of mouse knockout models has greatly expanded the number of genes known to influence adiposity by affecting metabolic rate, physical activity, and/or appetite.
Overexpression of bax in human glioma cell lines.

Object. Cells that lose their ability to undergo apoptosis may promote the development of neoplasms and result in resistance to clinical treatment with DNA-damaging modalities such as radio- and chemotherapy. Four established human glioma cell lines that are resistant to apoptosis were transfected with the proapoptotic gene bax and assessed for their sensitivity to a proapoptotic stimulus. Methods. Two cell lines had a wild-type p53 genotype (U87 and D247MG) and two had mutant p53 genotypes (U138 and U373). Constitutive overexpression of murine bax was achieved in U138 and U373 only, which resulted in an increased sensitivity of these lines to the apoptosis-inducing effect of cytosine arabinoside (ara-C). Multiple attempts to produce constitutive overexpression of bax in U87 and D247MG cells resulted in spontaneous, near-complete cell loss. Vector-only control transfections were successful in all four cell lines. Inducible overexpression of bax was achieved in the U87 cells and elevated levels of BAX were...
Gene expression overlap affects karyotype prediction in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Gene expression overlap affects karyotype prediction in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Two Alleles of NF-κB in the Sea Anemone Nematostella vectensis Are Widely Dispersed in Nature and Encode Proteins with Distinct Activities

National Institutes of Health (CA047763); National Science Foundation (FP-91656101-0); Environmental Protection Agency (F5E11155); Conservation International Marine Management Area Science Program; Boston University (SPRInG grant); Postdoctoral Scholar Program at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; The Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries; the J Seward Johnson Fund; Boston University (5 P42 ES07381)
THE MAKING OF ASTRONOMY IN EARLY ISLAM

RIASSUNTO Lo studio dell'astronomia in Islam inizio nel tardo ottavo secolo con influenze provenienti dall'Iran e dall'India. Durante il nono secolo si diffusero metodi e testi greci che condussero a un « rinascimento » nell'attivita astronomica. Il centro di questa attivita, che ebbe il sostegno (fra gli altri) del Califfo al-Ma'mūn, fu Bagdad. Nonostante la mancanza di testi sopravvissuti, possiamo ricostruire i risultati ottenuti in questo periodo dalle opere di al-Bīrūnī (morto ca. 1050), e di altri autori successivi. Conviene notare che un numero consistente di parametri basati su nuove osservazioni furono migliorati ma che i modelli sottostanti non furono mai messi in discussione. Il presente articolo propone 1) gli astronomi appartenevano alla classe media colta dei centri urbani della quale condividevano i valori e 2 che un pieno apprezzamento delle imprese di questi scienziati richiede una familiarita con il contesto in cui lavoravano.
Influence of Anxiety on the Social Functioning of Children With and Without ADHD

Objective: This investigation examined the contribution of anxiety to the social functioning of children with and without ADHD. Method: Participants were 62 children with ADHD (ages 6-10 years and 68% boys) and 62 age- and sex-matched comparison children. Children’s social functioning was measured through parent and teacher reports, observations of social behaviors during a lab-based playgroup with previously unacquainted peers, and peer nominations during that lab-based playgroup. Results: Anxiety symptoms incrementally predicted adult-informant reports of poorer social functioning after controlling for demographic covariates, ADHD status, and oppositional-defiant disorder (ODD) status. However, anxiety was not associated with peer nominations received at the playgroup. There were some indications that anxiety may have greater influence on the functioning of comparison children relative to children with ADHD or ODD. Conclusion: Anxiety may contribute to the peer problems of children both with and without...
Materials and Innovations for Large Blade Structures: Research Opportunities in WInd Energy Technology

The significant growth in wind turbine installations in the past few years has fueled new scenarios that envision even larger expansion of U.S. wind electricity generation from the current 1.5% to 20% by 2030. Such goals are achievable and would reduce carbon dioxide emissions and energy dependency on foreign sources. In conjunction with such growth are the enhanced opportunities for manufacturers, developers, and researchers to participate in this renewable energy sector. Ongoing research activities at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories will continue to contribute to these opportunities. This paper focuses on describing the current research efforts at Sandia’s wind energy department, which are primarily aimed at developing large rotors that are lighter, more reliable and produce more energy.
Earth’s Precambrian Era as a Common Evolutionary Theme in Two Art Courses at Winona State University

A multidisciplinary approach to teaching was adopted in two art courses by employing concepts of evolutionary biology with a focus on the Precambrian Era. This knowledge served to help students create original art pieces while learning and applying concepts that are often challenging to non-science majors. This evaluation report shows the efficacy of our teaching methods and will hopefully inspire educators to creatively enhance the teaching of evolution across the curriculum.
Reproductive ecology and life history of the human male.

Until recently, the reproductive ecology of human males has not been extensively investigated, primarily as a result of the need for a theoretical framework based on the reproductive constraints and energetics of mammalian males. More specifically, male reproductive ecology has necessitated an integrative interpretation of clinical and anthropological data based on the premise that the evolution of human male life histories has involved selection for physiological mechanisms aimed at optimizing trade-offs between survivorship and reproductive effort. This paper attempts to address this gap in our understanding by presenting the current state of male reproductive ecology, including physiologic data from clinical and anthropological investigations as well as recent theoretical developments. Recent investigations outlining population variation in reproductive endocrine function are discussed within the context of potential sources of variation, including energetic expediture, caloric intake, and developmental canalization during adolescence. Additional summaries of male senescence and behavior are presented to provide a complete overview of male life history. Implications of recent anthropological data on contemporary health issues such as prostate cancer and the development of a male contraceptive are also discussed. Finally, several theories are presented that may contribute to our understanding of the evolution of male life histories and reproductive ecology, including theoretical suggestions involving the role of competition, mate choosiness, and potential constraints on male insemination ability, as well as a theory suggesting that male reproductive ecology may be best understood by analyzing energetic allocation decisions between differing somatic tissues that may be indicative of the competing needs for optimizing survivorship and reproductive effort. Directions for future research are finally considered.
Balance equations for high field transport in the finite collision duration regime

Abstract Modifications of the balance equations obtained in the displaced Maxwellian approach for treating high electric field transport are developed for the case where the collision duration is non-negligible. The first-order corrections require the collision induced changes to be averaged over an effective collision duration.
Osmotic stress induced by carbohydrates enhances expression of foreign proteins in Escherichia coli.

Arabinose has been serendipitously observed to enhance the expression of P450s in Escherichia coli. To understand the mechanism of this arabinose-dependent enhancement, the effects of various carbohydrates were investigated. Surprisingly, a series of sugars, including pentoses and hexoses, enhanced the foreign gene expression in a manner similar to arabinose. Furthermore, glycerol, a poor carbon source, also enhanced P450 expression. These results indicate that the enhancement is independent of the specific efficiency of the carbon source and also suggest the involvement of osmotic stress. Therefore, the effect of the sigma(s) (also termed sigma(38)) factor, a sigma subunit of RNA polymerase that plays a central role in regulating the expression of osmotic stress response genes, has been examined. We found that the glycerol-dependent increase in P450 expression was not observed in sigma(s)-deficient E. coli, indicating that carbohydrates enhance the foreign gene expression in E. coli via the induction of the osmotic stress response. The results suggest the important role of the osmotic stress response in posttranscriptional processes required for producing functional proteins.
Developing Peer Led Check-In/Check-Out: A Peer-Mentoring Program for Children in Residential Care

Check-in/check-out (CICO) is a practical, resource-efficient mentoring program for students with behavioral challenges that has been implemented with success in both traditional and Alternative Educational (AE) settings. Traditionally, the CICO program has utilized adults exclusively to direct the mentoring process. This pilot study explored an extension to the CICO program, peer led check-in/check-out (PL-CICO), which allowed peers to facilitate the mentoring process. Results of this pilot utilizing a single-subject reversal design (A-B-A-B) indicate that the PL-CICO program improved mentee behavior. Furthermore, researchers report high rates of fidelity for student mentors’ implementation of the PL-CICO protocol. Additionally, both student and staff participants rated PL-CICO favorably, according to social validity measures.
Protein mass transfer enhancement in the membrane filtration-cum-adsorption process

Abstract The effects of protein adsorption by adsorbents at the membrane permeate side on protein transmission through an ultrafiltration membrane are examined using a pseudo-steady state convection–diffusion model. The permeate side protein concentration gradient formed by the ultrafiltration-cum-adsorption process can enhance the total protein transmission rate considerably at low values of permeate flux. The permeate bulk protein concentration does not affect the enhancement effect much as long as it is relatively lower than the feed bulk concentration; it is most often the case for ultrafiltration-cum-adsorption during the protein loading period in a ultrafiltration-cum-adsorption process. The larger the membrane pore size and the thinner the membrane skin layer, the more significant the enhancement effect due to permeate side protein adsorption in the beads. For binary protein mixtures, the ideal situation will be using an adsorbent which selectively binds only the desired protein and therefore its transmission will be enhanced. In cases where the adsorbent will bind both proteins, transmission of the smaller protein will be enhanced more significantly.
Past, present, and future perspectives of small ruminant dairy research.

The objectives of this paper are to review small ruminant dairy research in relation to the dimensions of the dairy goat and dairy sheep industries in the United States and the world. At least 10 countries depend on goats and sheep for between 30 to 76% of total milk supply. Leading among developed countries is Greece producing 178 kg milk per person per year with 61% from sheep and goats. Most developing countries need research, extension service, and public support to improve apparent productivity of goats and sheep. Domestic supply from all milk sources is 700 kg of milk/goat per year, and some dairy sheep breeds may produce as much as 650 kg/yr. The need for more milk availability appears to be reflected in the dramatic increases of dairy goat populations during the last 20 yr: 52% for the world, 56% for developing, 17% for developed countries, while sheep populations decreased by 3% for the world, by 6% in developed, but increased 14% in developing countries. Research has been sparse on the unique qualities of goat and sheep milk compared with cow milk. Much development work by various agencies has been devoted to reducing mortality and improving feed supplies in harmony with the environment; this work is mostly published in proceedings of scientific meetings, often not in English. Results have shown in many cases that dairy goats and dairy sheep can be very profitable, even in developing countries with difficult climate and topographical conditions.
Transvenous fogarty balloon catheter occlusion of an iatrogenic innominate artery to innominate vein fistula

Transvenous embolization therapy is reported in a patient who developed a fistula from the innominate artery to the innominate vein as a complication of permanent cardiac pacemaker insertion. A transarterial approach at occlusion was unfavorable due to previous difficult catheterizations, and the patient's poor clinical condition precluded alternative operative intervention. The fistula was successfully closed by transvenous placement of a Fogarty nondetachable balloon catheter after coil and detachable balloon placement attempts were unsuccessful.
Sintering densification for powder mixtures of varying distribution widths

Abstract A model for the sintering of bimodal powders is used to evaluate densification results for log-normal particle size distributions involving a constant median size on a weight basis. The model predicts a minimum in densification for distributions of intermediate width when the green density is held constant. This has been observed experimentally for sintered tungsten powders. As a consequence, wide particle size distributions are attractive for high packing and sintering densities, indicating possible new feedstock formulations for shaping technologies such as powder injection molding and slip casting.