cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact on revenue of increasing patient volume at surgical suites with relatively high operating room utilization.

UNLABELLED We previously studied hospitals in the United States of America that are losing money despite limiting the hours that operating room (OR) staff are available to care for patients undergoing elective surgery. These hospitals routinely keep utilization relatively high to maximize revenue. We tested, using discrete-event computer simulation, whether increasing patient volume while being reimbursed less for each additional patient can reliably achieve an increase in revenue when initial adjusted OR utilization is 90%. We found that increasing the volume of referred patients by the amount expected to fill the surgical suite (100%/90%) would increase utilization by <1% for a hospital surgical suite (with longer duration cases) and 4% for an ambulatory surgery suite (with short cases). The increase in patient volume would result in longer patient waiting times for surgery and more patients leaving the surgical queue. With a 15% reduction in payment for the new patients, the increase in volume may not increase revenue and can even decrease the contribution margin for the hospital surgical suite. The implication is that for hospitals with a relatively high OR utilization, signing discounted contracts to increase patient volume by the amount expected to "fill" the OR can have the net effect of decreasing the contribution margin (i.e., profitability). IMPLICATIONS Hospitals may try to attract new surgical volume by offering discounted rates. For hospitals with a relatively high operating room utilization (e.g., 90%), computer simulations predict that increasing patient volume by the amount expected to "fill" the operating room can have the net effect of decreasing contribution margin (i.e., profitability).
Coronary Circulatory Dysfunction in Insulin Resistance, Impaired Glucose Tolerance, and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background— Abnormal coronary endothelial reactivity has been demonstrated in diabetes and is associated with an increased rate of cardiovascular events. Our objectives were to investigate the presence of functional coronary circulatory abnormalities over the full spectrum of insulin resistance and to determine whether these would differ in severity with more advanced states of insulin resistance. Methods and Results— Myocardial blood flow (MBF) was measured with positron emission tomography and 13N-ammonia to characterize coronary circulatory function in states of insulin resistance without carbohydrate intolerance (IR), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and normotensive and hypertensive type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) compared with insulin-sensitive (IS) individuals. Indices of coronary function were total vasodilator capacity (mostly vascular smooth muscle–mediated) during pharmacological vasodilation and the nitric oxide–mediated, endothelium-dependent vasomotion in response to cold pressor testing. Tot...
A spiral-resonator beam phase detector

Abstract A spiral loaded resonator is used to detect the phase of bunched beams from a tandem Van de Graaff accelerator. The resonator and the associated phase stabilization electronics are described. The performance of the system for bunched beams of 2 H, 6 Li, 12 , and 28 Si is discussed.
A method for using neutron elastic scatter to create a variable energy neutron beam from a nearly monoenergetic neutron source

Abstract This work describes preliminary investigation into the design of a compact, portable, variable energy neutron source. The proposed method uses elastic neutron scatter at specific angles to reduce the energy of deuterium–deuterium or deuterium–tritium (D–T) neutrons. The research focuses on D–T Monte Carlo simulations, both in idealized and more realistic scenarios. Systematic uncertainty of the method is also analyzed. The research showed promise, but highlighted the need for discrimination of multiply-scattered neutrons, either through a pulsed generator or associated particle imaging.
Allometry and growth of planted versus coppice stands of four fast-growing tropical tree species

Abstract Coppice stands of fast-growing tropical trees may differ in productivity and biomass allocation compared with original planted stands, due to changes in stand dynamics and competition. To assess if coppice shoots differed from original planted stems in allometry, growth rate, or mean biomass increment, we harvested planted stands of Acacia auriculiformis, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Gliricidia sepium, and Leucaena diversifolia at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of age. Regrowth following harvest of the planted stands provided the coppice treatment, harvested at 6, 12, and 18 months. Allometry of woody biomass and leaf are did not differ between planted and coppice treatments in any of the four species. Coppice stands had a higher population density than original planted stands, due to production of multiple stems per stump following cutting. Competition began sooner in coppice stands, resulting in smaller shoots than in planted stands of the same age. Mean monthly increment peaked earlier in coppice than in planted stands, but maximum mean monthly increment and leaf area index at culmination were not consistently higher in either treatment. Management of coppice stands for maximum biomass production would require earlier harvesting of smaller stems, thereby having a greater proportion of leaf biomass. If larger stems or lower leaf biomass ratios are preferred, coppice stands should be thinned to the same population densities as planted stands.
Isolation of viable Neospora caninum from brains of wild gray wolves (Canis lupus)

Neospora caninum is a common cause of abortion in cattle worldwide. Canids, including the dog and the dingo (Canis familiaris), the coyote (Canis latrans), and the gray wolf (Canis lupus) are its definitive hosts that can excrete environmentally resistant oocysts in the environment, but also can act as intermediate hosts, harboring tissue stages of the parasite. In an attempt to isolate viable N. caninum from tissues of naturally infected wolves, brain and heart tissue from 109 wolves from Minnesota were bioassayed in mice. Viable N. caninum (NcWolfMn1, NcWolfMn2) was isolated from the brains of two wolves by bioassays in interferon gamma gene knockout mice. DNA obtained from culture-derived N. caninum tachyzoites of the two isolates were analyzed by N. caninum-specific Nc5 polymerase chain reaction and confirmed diagnosis. This is the first report of isolation of N. caninum from tissues of any wild canid host.
Stress relaxation studies of a model for unfilled, anionically stabilized, curable silicone latexes

Abstract Stress relaxation behavior of a model for an unfilled, anionically stabilized silicone latex has been used to examine the chemistry of the cured silicone network. It has been shown that the cure catalyst produces siloxane bond interchange reactions which cause chemical stress relaxation. The relaxation rate is accelerated in the presence of water due to a second interchange reaction presumably involving silanols. The measurement of the rate of stress relaxation at various temperatures gave an apparent activation energy of 7·6 kcal/mol for the relaxation process in the presence of water.
Importance of continued activation of thrombin reflected by fibrinopeptide A to the efficacy of thrombolysis.

Factors responsible for initial success or failure of coronary thrombolysis and persistent recanalization or early reocclusion have not been thoroughly elucidated. Both adequate initial clot lysis and preclusion of rethrombosis are required. Failure may reflect clot lysis followed immediately or somewhat later by rethrombosis. To determine whether differences in the intensity and persistence of the activation of thrombin are determinants of success or failure of recanalization, plasma fibrinopeptide A, a fibrinogen product liberated by thrombin, was serially assayed in 19 patients treated with intravenous streptokinase. In patients exhibiting recanalization (n = 9), plasma fibrinopeptide A decreased after administration of streptokinase but before administration of heparin. In patients without initially apparent recanalization, fibrinopeptide A increased, suggesting ongoing thrombosis, and subsequently decreased promptly after heparin. In patients with initial recanalization followed by overt reocclusion the pattern was different. Despite recanalization, fibrinopeptide A continued to rise markedly. Elevations persisted despite administration of heparin. Thus, inhibition of activation of thrombin is associated with successful recanalization. Conversely, persistent activation of thrombin may be a predisposing factor to both apparent initial failure of recanalization and nvprt early reocclusion.
Grain boundary sliding in nickel wires having a bamboo structure

Abstract A technique for determining grain boundary sliding (GBS) rates by torsional deformation of wires with a bamboo structure is described and discussed. At low stresses, where strain rates within the grains are negligible, the average GBS viscosity of many grain boundaries can be determined from a single test. Results for two grades of nickel at 898 K indicate a low stress region in which sliding rates are approximately linear in the stress, suggesting diffusional accommodated sliding. At higher stresses, sliding rates are enhanced and depend more strongly on the stress, In this regime, sliding occurs faster in the purer of the two grades of nickel, presumably because the lower creep strength of the purer material results in an enhancement of deformation processes close to the boundaries.
Hand and wrist injuries in the athlete

Injuries to the hand and wrist are probably among the most common injuries incurred by the athlete. Neglect of such injuries may result in irreparable damage to the hand or wrist. This summary of the more common injuries to these areas seen in the athlete, with a description of the recognition and treat ment, gives the reader insight into the multiple considerations the athlete and coach must have. Even seemingly minor injuries must be carefully evaluated and treated by a physician. Early diagnosis, accurate precise treatment, and proper rehabilitation are extremely important to regain optimal function after these injuries. They may have a significant impact not only in athletic competition but also in the athlete's selection of an occupation. It is psychologically important also that the participant be returned to his particular sport as soon as possible. Most of the injuries can be controlled by conservative means. However, when surgical repair is indicated, it is important for the surgeon to be trained...
Multivariate behavioral genetic analysis of correlations vs. phenotypically standardized covariances.

Factor analysis is frequently employed in multivariate behavioral genetic analyses to explore the underlying structures of genetic and environmental influences. Different but related questions are addressed when genetic and environmental correlations versus phenotypically standardized genetic and environmental covariances are factor analyzed. The resulting factor loadings are related in that phenotypically standardized covariance factor loadings are the loadings obtained from the correlation matrix weighted by the square roots of the corresponding heritabilities or environmentalities. This relationship can aid in understanding the differences in factor structures obtained from genetic and environmental correlation matrices and from the corresponding phenotypically standardized genetic and environmental covariance matrices.
Bariatric surgery in adolescents: what's the rationale? What's rational?

AbstractRates of obesity in adolescents continue to rise, and available lifestyle and pharmacological interventions have had limited success in reducing excess weight and risk for comorbid health issues. However, ongoing health risks, psychosocial issues, and increased risk of mortality place these adolescents in jeopardy and warrant ongoing investigation for available treatments. Bariatric surgery for adults has had positive medical and psychological outcomes. However, bariatric surgery is a relatively new option for adolescents. Initial findings suggest positive results for excess weight loss and psychosocial improvements, but not without possible risks. Selection of appropriate candidates is essential in the process, specifically considering developmental maturity, family support, and resultant disease burden without surgery. Surgery is not a panacea for the obesity epidemic. Outcome studies are limited and long-term results are unknown, but for extremely obese adolescents, bariatric surgery is promisi...
Atmospheric nuclei in the Pacific midtroposphere: Their nature, concentration, and evolution

An extensive flight series was carried out during May-June 1990 in the remote North and South Pacific free tropospheric aboard the NASA DC-8. Condensation nuclei counters and optical particle counters provided information on aerosol particles with diameters between 0.003 and 7.0 micrometers. Vertical profiles revealed aerosol layers to be a common feature of the free troposphere. Regions with highest aerosol mass tended to have the highest concentrations of surface-derived nuclei but the lowest concentrations of total nuclei. Regions with lowest aerosol mass tended to have the highest concentrations of the smaller 'ultrafine' condensation nuclei with diameters below 0.02 mircometers. Horizontal transects totaling over 35,000 km at about 9 to 10-km altitude exhibited variability of approximately 3 orders of magnitude in both aerosol mass and number concentrations over spatial scales ranging from 1 to 1000 km. At these altitudes an approximate inverse relationship between ultrafine concentrations and the surface area of the larger aerosol was evident. Regions having lowest aerosol mass were characterized by aerosol thermal volatility, indicative of a predominately sulfuric acid composition, and by very high concentrations of ultrafine nuclei, indicative of recent homogeneous nucleation. These conditions were frequently observed but were conspicuously evident above cloud over the intertropical convergence zone. The clean, free troposphere appears to be a significant source region for new tropospheric nuclei. A simplified model of the lifetime, coagulation, and cycling of these nuclei suggests that they constitute a source of cloud condensation nuclei in the lower troposphere.
Key design factors for extra-organizational systems

The computerization of business operations historically started with internal applications and expanded to external applications with strategic significance. As a consequence, extra-organizational systems (EOS) which encompass external entities of a business emerged. These systems can change the way a business operates and may improve its competitive advantages. The key design issue of an EOS is the interface with its clients and suppliers. This interface may be viewed as a composite of human and machine components. The structuring of these components is affected by the organization's environmental requirements. An analysis of the key factors of these requirements is essential for the design of a proper EOS interface. These key factors include the attributes of customers, products/services, and control function required for a business transaction. Various design strategies are available at a given technological level for an EOS. The use of EOS facilitators and intermediaries may also be employed to make an EOS feasible and successful.
Measurements of interdiffusivities in Cu/NiFe ternary alloy thin films

Abstract Interdiffusivities have been measured in Cu/NiFe ternary alloys containing 53at.% Cu, 40 at.% Ni and 7 at.% Fe. Isothermal anneals were performed at temperatures: 320, 345 and 400°C using thin films containing composition modulations (1.6–4.98 nm) produced by the vapor-phase growth technique. Spinodal decomposition in these films was observed in the X-ray diffraction pattern as indicated by the growth of satellite intensities at 320°C. The diffusivities at each temperature were determined from the growth or decay rate of the composition modulation. A plot of the interdiffusion coefficient D B , versus the dispersion relation B 2 demonstrated anomalous behavior at certain wavelengths at which an enhanced elastic modulus effect is observed. The critical spinodal temperature was estimated and first three gradient energy coefficients were calculated using a nonlinear regression fit to the D B vs B 2 curve.
Insulin Regulation of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase Gene Expression Does Not Require Activation of the Ras/Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway

Expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), the rate-limiting step in hepatic gluconeogenesis, is primarily regulated at the level of gene transcription. Insulin and phorbol esters inhibit basal PEPCK transcription and antagonize the induction of PEPCK gene expression by glucocorticoids and glucagon (or its second messenger cAMP). Insulin activates a signaling cascade involving Ras --> Raf --> p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase (MEK) --> p42/p44 MAP kinase (ERK 1 and 2). Recent reports suggest that activation of this Ras/MAP kinase pathway is critical for the effects of insulin on mitogenesis and c-fos transcription but is not required for insulin action on metabolic processes such as glycogen synthesis, lipogenesis, and Glut-4-mediated glucose transport. We have used three distinct approaches to examine the role of the Ras/MAP kinase pathway in the regulation of PEPCK transcription by insulin in H4IIE-derived liver cells: (i) chemical inhibition of Ras farnesylation, (ii) infection of cells with an adenovirus vector encoding a dominant-negative mutant of Ras, and (iii) use of a chemical inhibitor of MEK. Although each of these methods blocks insulin activation of MAP kinase, none alters insulin antagonism of cAMP- and glucocorticoid-stimulated PEPCK transcription. Although phorbol esters activate MAP kinase and mimic the effects of insulin on PEPCK gene transcription, inhibition of MEK has no effect on phorbol ester inhibition of PEPCK gene transcription. Using the structurally and mechanistically distinct phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) inhibitors, wortmannin and LY 294002, we provide further evidence supporting a role for PI 3-kinase activation in the regulation of PEPCK gene transcription by insulin. We conclude that neither insulin nor phorbol ester regulation of PEPCK gene transcription requires activation of the Ras/MAP kinase pathway and that insulin signaling to the PEPCK promoter is dependent on PI 3-kinase activation.
Effect of uniaxial tensile strain on electrical performance of amorphous IGZO TFTs and circuits on flexible Metal foils

Inexpensive and light-weight flexible displays and sensor electronics would be more rugged and portable than the more conventional rigid substrate-based electronics. Till date, large area flexible systems are enabled by a-Si:H or organics which suffer from low mobilities that limit their use in driver electronics that require higher current drive. This is where oxide-semiconductor (amorphous Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide, IGZO in particular) based thin-film transistors (TFTs) provide an attractive alternative to silicon-based TFTs. Therefore, one needs to study the interdependence of mechanical flexing and electrical performance of these devices as they find applications in flexible large area based electronics. This study systematically investigates the influence of tensile strain on IGZO TFTs and ring oscillators fabricated on flexible stainless steel substrates.
Picosecond kinetics of excited state decay processes in internally hydrogen-bonded polymer photostabilizers

A construction of economically practical solar energy conversion devices could be based on the employment of inexpensive, visible-radiation transparent, durable, light-fast materials. Difficulties arise in connection with the availability of such materials. Plastics which are not particularly susceptible to solar ultraviolet degradation are, in general, expensive, while less expensive optically transparent films are susceptible to deterioration when exposed to solar radiation. However, techniques are known for protecting polymers from photochemical degradation. According to these techniques, the composition or structure of polymeric material is modified by incorporation of photostabilizers. Two classes of ultraviolet absorbers are used as commercial photostabilizers. These classes include 2-hydroxybenzophenone (HB) and 2-(2-prime -hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole (HPB). The present investigation is concerned with the results of spectroscopic and kinetics measurements related to the study of the mechanism of excited-state relaxation of polymer photostabilizers in the class HB and HPB.
Comparison of the cecal microbiota of domestic and wild turkeys.

The extent to which production methods alter intestinal microbial communities of livestock is currently unknown. As the intestinal microbiota may affect animal health, nutrition, and food safety, a baseline comparison of the cecal communities of domestic and wild turkeys was performed. Oligonucleotide fingerprinting of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes (OFRG) of 2,990 16S rRNA clones and dot blot quantification of dominant populations were used to identify the dominant bacterial taxa. Seventy-three percent of all the clones belonged to as yet uncultured genera. However, at a higher phylogenetic level, the OFRG library was composed of 54% Bacteroidetes clones (52% of the domestic library clones, 56% of the wild library clones), 30% Firmicutes clones (33% of the domestic library clones, 32% of the wild library clones), 3% Proteobacteria clones (5% domestic, 2% wild), and 3% Deferribacteres clones (4% domestic, 1% wild). Seven percent of the clones were unidentifiable (6% domestic, 9% wild). Bacteroidetes clones included the genera Alistipes, Prevotella, Megamonas, and Bacteroides. Of the Clostridiales clones, groups IV, IX, and XIV including genera Faecalibacterium, Megasphaera, Phascolarctobacterium, and Papillibacter were predominant. Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Streptococcus bacilli were also identified. β- δ- and γ-proteobacterial genera included Acinetobacter, Sutterella, and Escherichia. Deferribacteres clones showed high similarity to Mucispirillum schaedleri. Statistical comparison of the domestic and wild turkey clone libraries indicated similar levels of community richness and evenness despite the fact that the two libraries shared only 30% of the total clone operational taxonomic units. Together these results indicate that although high level taxonomic community structure is similar, high-density turkey production causes considerable divergence of the genera found in the ceca of commercial birds from those of their wild counterparts.
An unidentified lipid prevalent in tumors

An unidentified lipid was found in five different tumor sources. It was not found in liver, bone marrow or plasma from tumor-bearing animals, nor in the extracellular fluid supporting growth of Ehrlich ascites cells. The polarity of the unidentified component was similar to that of a glyceryl ether diester, and it was isolated in milligram amounts by preparative thinlayer chromatography. Neither methyl esters of fatty acids, vinyl ether diesters nor quinones were found in the structural makeup of this lipid. Thin-layer chromatography of the purified unidentified tumor lipid on Ag-impregnated silica layers revealed two main components of intermediary unsaturation. Saponification of the unidentified tumor lipid, when water washing was omitted, yielded two components that migrated at Rf's identical to those of free fatty acids and dihydroxy glyceryl monoethers. Neither acetate-1-14C nor palmitic-1-14C acid (single injections) was found to be incorporated into the unidentified lipid of a mature rat tumor.
Substrate-induced magnetism in epitaxial graphene buffer layers.

Magnetism in graphene is of fundamental as well as technological interest, with potential applications in molecular magnets and spintronic devices. While defects and/or adsorbates in freestanding graphene nanoribbons and graphene sheets have been shown to cause itinerant magnetism, controlling the density and distribution of defects and adsorbates is in general difficult. We show from first principles calculations that graphene buffer layers on SiC(0001) can also show intrinsic magnetism. The formation of graphene–substrate chemical bonds disrupts the graphene π-bonds and causes localization of graphene states near the Fermi level. Exchange interactions between these states lead to itinerant magnetism in the graphene buffer layer. We demonstrate the occurrence of magnetism in graphene buffer layers on both bulk-terminated as well as more realistic adatom-terminated SiC(0001) surfaces. Our calculations show that adatom density has a profound effect on the spin distribution in the graphene buffer layer, thereby providing a means of engineering magnetism in epitaxial graphene.
Different time courses of learning-related activity in the prefrontal cortex and striatum

The ability to follow arbitrary associations, such as “stop at red”, is integral to everyday behaviour and the primate brain is quick to learn them. Both the prefrontal complex and the striatum have been implicated in this process, but their respective roles are largely unknown. An experiment in which brain activity in these two areas was recorded while monkeys learned new associations shows that the learning-related changes occur much more quickly in the striatum, but that changes in the prefrontal cortex were more closely related to improved performance of the new task. It is possible that the striatum learns first, then ‘trains’ the prefrontal cortex. To navigate our complex world, our brains have evolved a sophisticated ability to quickly learn arbitrary rules such as ‘stop at red’. Studies in monkeys using a laboratory test of this capacity—conditional association learning—have revealed that frontal lobe structures (including the prefrontal cortex) as well as subcortical nuclei of the basal ganglia are involved in such learning1,2,3,4,5. Neural correlates of associative learning have been observed in both brain regions6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14, but whether or not these regions have unique functions is unclear, as they have typically been studied separately using different tasks. Here we show that during associative learning in monkeys, neural activity in these areas changes at different rates: the striatum (an input structure of the basal ganglia) showed rapid, almost bistable, changes compared with a slower trend in the prefrontal cortex that was more in accordance with slow improvements in behavioural performance. Also, pre-saccadic activity began progressively earlier in the striatum but not in the prefrontal cortex as learning took place. These results support the hypothesis that rewarded associations are first identified by the basal ganglia, the output of which ‘trains’ slower learning mechanisms in the frontal cortex15.
The dynamics of cGMP metabolism in neuroblastoma N1E-115 cells determined by18O labeling of guanine nucleotide α-phosphoryls

The rates of phosphodiesterase-promoted hydrolysis of cGMP and cAMP have been measuted in intact neuroblastoma N1E-115 cells by determining rates of18O incorporation from18O-water into the α-phosphoryls of guanine and adenine nucleotides. The basal rate of guanine nucleotide α-phosphoryl labeling ranged from 180 to 244 pmol·mg protein−1·min−1. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) caused a sustained 3,4-fold increase in this18O-labeling rate in conjunction with 28- and 50-fold increases in cellular cGMP concentration at 3 and 6 min, respectively. This18O-labeling rate (795 pmol·mg protein−1·min−1) corresponded with the sum of the low (1.7 μM) and high (34 μM) Km phosphodiesterase activities assayable in cell lysates which exhibited a combined maximum velocity of 808 pmol·mg protein−1·min−1 to which the highKm species contributed 84%. This information and the characteristics of the profile of18O-labeled molecular species indicate that cGMP metabolism was restricted to a very discrete cellular compartment(s) of approximately 12% of the cell volume. Carbachol (1 mM) produced a transient increase (6-fold) in cellular cGMP concentration and a transient increase (90%) in the rate of18O labeling of α-GTP during the first minute of treatment which translates into 30 additional cellular pools of cGMP hydrolyzed in this period. IBMX (1 mM) produced a relatively rapid increase in cellular cGMP (3- to 5-fold) and cAMP (2-fold) concentrations and a delayed inhibition of18O labeling of guanine and adenine nucleotide α-phosphoryls without further elevation of cyclic nucleotide levels. These results indicate that besides inhibiting cyclic nucleotide hydrolysis, IBMX also imparts a time-dependent inhibitory influence on the generation of cyclic nucleotides. The data obtained show that measurement of18O labeling of guanine and adenine nucleotide α-phosphoryls combined with measurements of cyclic nucleotide steady state levels provides a means to assess the rates of cyclic nucleotide synthesis and hydrolysis within intact cells and to identify the site(s) of action of agents that alter cellular cyclic nucleotide metabolism.
Isolated sub-harmonic resonance branch in the frequency response of an oscillator with slight asymmetry in the clearance

A family of isolated sub-harmonic branches in nonlinear frequency response of piecewise linear system is examined in this paper. Given their peculiarity, they could be easily overlooked in frequency response studies in numerical integration or laboratory experiments when the quasi-static frequency sweeping technique is employed. An increase in the viscous damping ratio could shrink the isolated branches and ultimately the sub-harmonic resonance may vanish. Asymmetry does not appear to be the key factor that generates the isolated branches. Rather, the relationship between the linear mean operating and transition point seems to dictate their occurrence.
Structural insight into OprD substrate specificity

OprD proteins form a large family of substrate-specific outer-membrane channels in Gram-negative bacteria. We report here the X-ray crystal structure of OprD from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which reveals a monomeric 18-stranded beta-barrel characterized by a very narrow pore constriction, with a positively charged basic ladder on one side and an electronegative pocket on the other side. The location of highly conserved residues in OprD suggests that the structure represents the general architecture of OprD channels.
Ultra-low-noise, high-impedance preamp for cryogenic detectors

A preamplifier design is presented which is based on a common-drain JFET input. The midband noise performance is E_n = 0.42 nV/Hz^½, In = 2.8 fA/Hz^½. The circuit has considerably less input capacitance than comparably noisy common-source amplifiers. It is particularly useful for preamplification of 0.1 to 10 MHz signals from liquid-helium-cooled radiation detectors.
Local Area Materials Processing using a Microstripline-Based Miniature Microwave Discharge

Summary form only given. Miniature discharges and their potential use for local area materials processing are investigated in this study. The objective of this study is to do materials processing steps including etching, surface activation, and plasma-assisted CVD on localized areas by applying a small discharge to only the region being processed. A miniature microwave plasma discharge applicator design based on microstripline technology is applied to create a miniature stream of plasma species. The diameter of the plasma stream considered in this study ranges from 1 millimeter down to 10's microns. The miniature microwave plasma discharge is created using 2.45 GHz microwave energy inside a 1-2 mm tube with an aperture on the end. Through this aperture the plasma stream for materials processing is formed. The microwave plasma source used in this investigation has a microstripline coupling structure with the discharge created inside 1 mm and 2 mm inner diameter quartz tubes. The microwave energy couples to the discharge via the stripline. The stripline has a characteristic impedance of 50 ohms and is connected to a microwave power supply operating at 1 watt to 100 watts. The discharge tube is orientated perpendicular to the stripline conductor. The characteristics of this discharge have been measured with electron densities in the range of 1012 to over 1014 cm-3 depending on the pressure, power and feed gas composition. Two materials processing applications are investigated including etching and plasma-assisted CVD. Specifically, an argon/SF6 feed gas mixture is used to create a plasma stream with radicals for silicon etching. And, an argon/methane feed gas mixture is used to create a plasma stream for amorphous carbon deposition. A CAD-guided automated path generation system is developed to assist manufacturing micro-structures/patterns automatically using the micro plasma applicator. Based on the CAD model of a micro-structure/pattern and the model of the microwave plasma source, a path of the plasma applicator can be automatically generated. It is fed to the control system of an xyz positioning stage to generate relative motion between the substrate and the plasma applicator for either etching or plasma-assisted CVD process
Spectroscopic Investigations of Mono-substituted Acetic Acids

Measurement of a number of characteristic spectroscopic features of a series of mono-substituted acetic acids has been performed. Selected infrared, near infrared, ultraviolet, Raman, and nuclear magnetic resonance data are presented. Attempts have been made to correlate these data with the pKa values and Taft sigma constants. Correlation coefficients have been calculated, and their values are discussed in terms of various specific structural features.
Establishment of Dibrachoides druso on the Egyptian Alfalfa Weevil in Southern California

Dibmchoides druso (Walker) was intensively colonized on populations of the Egyptian alfalfa weevil, Hypera brunneipennis (Boheman), in southern California in 1961-62. Recoveries were made in the San pasqual Vallev. San Diego County, in 1961 and in 1967. A survey conducted in the spring of 1968 showed the parasite to be well established at 3 localities in San Diego County and to have spread at least 20 miles to the west of an original colonization site. Parasitization was low, not exceeding 5.6% in any sample.
Moving visual phantoms: a new contour completion effect

Moving contours surrounding an empty region make phantoms appear to move through the empty region. The phantoms are contours, dimmer than the inducing contours but of the same pattern, color, speed, and direction of movement. The phantoms originate in the brain and may be related to completion effects most often seen with visual pathology.
Fabrication of an implant surgical stent for the edentulous mandible.

Abstract A successful implant restoration is dependent on proper implant position. Correct implant placement is more predictable when a surgical stent is used. This article describes the fabrication of a surgical stent for the edentulous mandibule using a denture with acceptable adaptation and tooth arrangement as a given.
Causal Diagrams and Multivariate Analysis II: Precision Work

In this Investigators' Corner, I continue my discussion of when and why we researchers should include variables in multivariate regression. My examination focuses on studies comparing treatment groups and situations for which we can either exclude variables from multivariate analyses or include them for reasons of precision.
Issues and Problems in the Group Supervision of Beginning Group Problems.

This article explores the process of supervising prospective group counselors in terms of the problems and the issues counseling students present during group practicum. In it, group counselors express concerns about (a) establishing a trust relationship with both their supervisors and their peers, (b) assuming a group leadership position, (c) establishing a satisfactory co-leadership relationship, (d) knowing when and how to disclose information about themselves to their counseling groups, and (e) integrating theory and practice. It is suggested that the process of supervision take into consideration the common set of issues that beginning group counselors face and that supervision be an active rather than a reactive process. The article also presents methods for conceptualizing and conducting the practicum for group counselors.
Tat Functions to Stimulate the Elongation Properties of Transcription Complexes Paused by the Duplicated TAR RNA Element of Human Immunodeficiency Virus 2

Abstract In this study we have defined the in vitro requirements for transcriptional regulation of the HIV-2 LTR in response to the HIV-1 and HIV-2 Tat proteins and addressed potential mechanisms of Tat function. HIV-2 contains a duplicated TAR RNA stem-loop structure in contrast to the single stem-loop structure found in HIV-1 TAR RNA. We demonstrated that the HIV-2 proximal TAR RNA stem-loop structure was more important for in vitro transcriptional activation by the HIV-1 and HIV-2 Tat proteins than the distal TAR RNA stem-loop though this downstream TAR element itself was able to confer Tat-responsiveness. The role of the two HIV-2 TAR RNA stem-loop bulge sequences was less critical than the loop sequences for in vitro transcriptional activation by Tat. In addition, we demonstrated that replacing the HIV-2 TATA element with that of HIV-1 markedly reduced the overall level of Tat activation. The role of the Tat-1 and Tat-2 proteins on the synthesis of HIV-1 and HIV-2 promoter proximal and promoter distal transcripts was then investigated. In contrast to the HIV-1 promoter, the HIV-2 promoter generated abundant levels of short transcripts in in vitro transcription assays likely due to the structure of its duplicated TAR element. Both Tat-1 and Tat-2 increased the level of transcripts extending to the end of the HIV-1 and HIV-2 TAR elements as well as the level of transcripts extending more than 500 nucleotides from the transcription initiation site. However, the synthesis of transcripts within 30 nucleotides of the HIV-2 LTR transcription initiation site was unchanged in either the presence or absence of Tat while the level of transcripts extending increasing distances from the HIV-2 LTR transcription initiation site were progressively stimulated in the presence of Tat. Though the HIV-1 Tat protein was a stronger inducer of HIV-1 LTR transcription than the HIV-2 Tat protein, we did not detect differences in the binding of these proteins to the HIV-1 and HIV-2 TAR RNAs. This suggested that differences in their transactivation properties may be due to alterations in their association with RNA polymerase II or associated elongation factors. These results indicate that the effects of both Tat-1 and Tat-2 on the HIV-2 LTR result in enhanced promoter clearance of RNA polymerase II transcription complexes which are paused by the HIV-2 TAR element and that the TAR element is possibly the site for loading of Tat onto the transcriptional elongation complex.
CD4+ T Cell Migration into the Cornea is Reduced in CXCL9 Deficient but not CXCL10 Deficient Mice following Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection

The role of CXCL9 and CXCL10 in the ocular immune response to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection was investigated using mice deficient in either CXCL9 or CXCL10. CXCL10 but not CXCL9 deficient mice showed an increase in sensitivity to ocular virus infection as measured by an elevation in virus titer recovered in the tear film and corneal tissue. The increase in virus was associated with an increase in the expression of the chemokine CCL2 but no significant change in the infiltration of CD4 + T cells or NK cells into the corneal stroma. In contrast, a significant reduction in CD4 + T cell infiltration into the cornea was found in CXCL9 deficient mice following HSV-1 infection consistent with the absence of CXCL9 expression and reduction in expression of other chemokines including CCL3, CCL5, CXCL1, and CXCL10. Collectively, the results suggest a non-redundant role for CXCL9 and CXCL10 in response to ocular HSV-1 infection in terms of controlling virus replication and recruitment of CD4 + T cells into the cornea.
Therapeutic Hypothermia After Perioperative Cardiac Arrest in Cardiac Surgical Patients

Background. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has been established as an effective treatment for preserving neurological function after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (CA). Use of TH has been limited in cardiac surgery patients in particular because of concern about adverse effects such as hemorrhage and dysrhythmia. Little published data describe efficacy or safety of TH in cardiac surgical patients who suffer unintentional CA. However, the benefits of TH are such as may suggest clinical equipoise, even in this high-risk patient population. Objective. To report a series of 3 patients in our institution’s cardiac surgery ICU who suffered unintentional CA within 48 hours of cardiac surgery and were treated with TH. Methods. After institutional review board approval, study patients were identified by diagnosis of undesired intraoperative CA or arrest on ICU days 1 to 2, as well as having documented TH. The institution’s electronic medical record and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database were retrospectively ...
Gastric Cancer Surgery: An American Perspective on the Current Options and Standards

Gastric cancer is prevalent globally, particularly in Asian countries such as Japan and Korea. While the prevalence of gastric cancer is not nearly as high in the United States (U.S.) as in Asia, the treatment armamentarium differs widely between regions. The role of surgery for gastric cancer in the U.S. has changed drastically over the last decade. While the natural history of gastric cancer seen in the U.S. markedly differs from that seen in Asia, the U.S. experience with endoscopic and minimally invasive techniques is beginning to parallel those seen in Japan and Korea. Minimally invasive surgery has truly come into the forefront of our surgical armamentarium, and its role, along with robotic and endoscopic approaches, remains to be defined as standard of care. At present, minimally invasive approaches appear to offer oncologically equivalent outcomes compared with standard open gastrectomy when performed by experienced surgeons. Extended lymphadenectomy does not appear to offer benefit with improved survival in our patient population, although sufficient lymph node sampling is imperative for adequate staging. Despite aggressive approaches to surgical resection for cure, the U.S. population tends to present with more advanced disease and have a worse prognosis than our Asian counterparts. Palliation with resection and possibly stent placement should be offered for improved quality of life in late-stage disease.
The First-Time Adult-Onset Offender Findings From a Community Corrections Cohort

Preoccupation of criminologists with juvenile-onset criminal careers overshadows the fact that offenders who begin their criminal careers in adulthood comprise a substantial portion of adult offender populations. Little is known about adult-onset offenders, generally, and even less about first-time adult-onset offenders. Using a large sample of adult felons on probation supervision, this study explores differences between first and repeat offenders. With respect to risk factors at intake, timing of rearrest, and frequency and nature of supervision failures over 3 years, first-time adult-onset participants exhibited statistically significant differences in relation to both repeat adult-onset and juvenile persistent offenders, with largest differences occurring in analyses involving the latter. With respect to risk factors at intake and rearrest, events in adulthood played a more dominant role among first-time adult-onset offenders compared with other groups, where criminal lifestyle factors were in greater evidence. The article concludes with a discussion of community supervision practices to prevent the progression of the first-time adult-onset offender's criminal career, social reforms to assist this group, and avenues for relevant future research.
Perspective Taking as a Continuum

In recent years, behavior analysts have given an increasing amount of attention to the topic of perspective taking. However, the construct of perspective taking refers to a number of behaviors that vary along a continuum of complexity. Moreover, it is possible that verbal behavior plays a special participatory role in perspective taking. The current paper proposes a continuum of perspective taking behavior, ranging from relatively simple to complex types. After describing this continuum, the role of verbal behavior in perspective taking is considered. The implications of our analysis and avenues for further research are provided.
The development of an ant colony's foraging range

Abstract This study examines how an ant colony's foraging range changes as the colony grows older, and whether colonies preserve their foraging ranges from year to year. Foraging ranges were measured in 88 colonies of known age over the course of 5 years. A seed-eating ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus, colony lives for 15–20 years, reaching a stable size of about 12 000 workers when it is about 5 years old. On average, foraging ranges of colonies 2 years and older were similar in size, so a colony with about 2000 workers uses as much area to forage as one with 12 000. A colony's foraging range increased most from ages 1 to 2 years, when the colony is still very small; increase of foraging area appears to be related to colony growth rather than overall colony size. From year to year, colonies did not retain or expand from a core foraging range. Instead, only about half the foraging range a colony used one summer was used by it the previous summer. However, the overlap of foraging ranges from year to year was significantly greater than expected if foraging ranges were distributed each year at random. The extent of year-to-year turnover in foraging range did not depend on colony age. Most colonies in which reproductives were observed were 5 years or older. These results are considered in the light of previous work showing that 3–4-year-old colonies, at about 75% of mature size, are more persistent in conflict with neighbours over foraging space than older, larger colonies. Effects of colony size on the rate of encounter with neighbours, and the costs of reproduction, may determine developmental changes in the territorial behaviour of an ant colony.
An extract of chokeberry attenuates weight gain and modulates insulin, adipogenic and inflammatory signalling pathways in epididymal adipose tissue of rats fed a fructose-rich diet

Chokeberries are a rich source of anthocyanins, which may contribute to the prevention of obesity and the metabolic syndrome. The aim of the present study was to determine if an extract from chokeberries would reduce weight gain in rats fed a fructose-rich diet (FRD) and to explore the potential mechanisms related to insulin signalling, adipogenesis and inflammatory-related pathways. Wistar rats were fed a FRD for 6 weeks to induce insulin resistance, with or without chokeberry extract (CBE) added to the drinking-water (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight, daily: CBE100 and CBE200). Both doses of CBE consumption lowered epididymal fat, blood glucose, TAG, cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. CBE consumption also elevated plasma adiponectin levels and inhibited plasma TNF-α and IL6, compared with the control group. There were increases in the mRNA expression for Irs1, Irs2, Pi3k, Glut1, Glut4 and Gys1, and decreases in mRNA levels of Gsk3β. The protein and gene expression of adiponectin and Pparγ mRNA levels were up-regulated and Fabp4, Fas and Lpl mRNA levels were inhibited. The levels of gene expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as Il1β, Il6 and Tnfα were lowered, and protein and gene expression of ZFP36 (zinc finger protein) were enhanced in the epididymal adipose tissue of the rats that consumed the CBE200 extract. In summary, these results suggest that the CBE decreased risk factors related to insulin resistance by modulating multiple pathways associated with insulin signalling, adipogenesis and inflammation.