cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The medical sociology of evidence: a review of Evidence-Based Healthcare in Context: Critical Social Science Perspectives

Alex Broom and Jon Adams have edited a volume entitled Evidence-Based Healthcare in Context: Critical Social Science Perspectives . Broom is a professor of sociology and Adams a professor of public health and both have an abiding interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), which figures prominently in the book. The volume comprises ten chapters, including opening and closing chapters and eight reports of original research. Six of these relate the findings of qualitative studies of healthcare practitioners in specific contexts. Two analyze evidence-based medicine (EBM) at the societal level. Although the contributions are not all of the same high quality, the volume does offer some very interesting papers illustrating the book’s primary point: that the standardization implied by EBM has not and indeed cannot, be achieved because practitioners (and patients) interpret evidence in myriad meaning-shaping contexts.
Control versus compute power within a LEDR-style self-timed multiplier with bypass path

The design of a self-timed multiplier using Level-Encoded Dual Rail IO is presented. A concern with LEDR compute blocks is the ratio of the power consumed by the control logic used for dual rail IO signal decoding/encoding and arrival detection versus the power needed for the actual computation. Boolean multipliers using a CSA architecture of sizes 8/spl times/8=16 and 16/spl times/16=32 are implemented via a 0.5u standard cell library. Post-layout transistor level simulations indicate a compute to control ratio of 1.2 for the 8/spl times/8 multiplier, and 2.5 for the 16/spl times/16 multiplier. These ratios are improved to 3.4 and 8.3 respectively via alternate versions of the multipliers that use bundled data signaling to reduce control power. The multiplier design includes a bypass path that allows the combinational delay of the multiplier to be skipped if the multiplier result is not required.
Study of the 5-oxoprolinase reaction by 13C NMR.

Abstract 5-Oxoprolinase catalyzes the ATP-dependent decyclization of 5-oxo-L-proline to L-glutamate. Previous studies provided evidence for the intermediate formation of a phosphorylated form of 5-oxoproline (Seddon, A. P., and Meister, A. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 11538-11541) and of a tetrahedral intermediate (Li, L., Seddon, A. P., and Meister, A. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 11020-11025). A new approach to the study of the reaction mechanism using the 18O isotope effect on the 13C NMR signals for 5-oxoproline and glutamate is reported here. The 13C chemical shifts induced by 18O substitution for the carbonyl group of 5-oxoproline and the gamma-carboxyl group of glutamate are about 0.03 ppm with respect to the corresponding 16O-compounds. Using 5-[18O]oxo[5-13C]proline (97 and 79.5 atom % excess, 13C and 18O, respectively), the disappearance of the 18O-labeled and unlabeled 5-oxoproline and formation of the corresponding glutamate species were followed in the reactions catalyzed by purified preparations of 5-oxoprolinase isolated from Pseudomonas putida and from rat kidney. This procedure permits simultaneous determinations of the rates of 18O exchange and of the overall decyclization reaction. The ratios of 18O exchange rates to the overall reaction rates for the bacterial and kidney enzyme catalyzed-reactions were 0.28 and 0.14, respectively. The findings support the view that the coupling of ATP hydrolysis to 5-oxoproline decyclization involves formation of a phosphorylated tetrahedal intermediate. Although the exchange phenomena are consistent with the mechanistic interpretations, they seem not to be required for catalysis.
Treatment of aggression in patients with bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is generally viewed as a disturbance of mood. However, prominent aspects of behavior that occur during depressive and manic states of bipolar disorder, including psychosis, aggression, and anxiety, are not specific to mood syndromes and occur across many psychiatric states. Severe hyperarousal-beyond that usually associated with classic manic or depressive episodes-could result in a variety of behavioral or symptomatic disturbances including aggression, impulsivity, and anxiety. Since aggression is a well-recognized aspect of mood syndromes, the management of aggression is likely to be an important component of managing bipolar disorder.
Hepatocellular carcinoma screening practices and impact on survival among hepatitis B-infected Asian Americans.

Asians Americans have a high burden of hepatitis B (HBV) associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC screening practices in this population are unknown. We aimed to investigate predictors and patterns of HCC screening and its impact on survival in HBV-infected Asian Americans. Clinical data were obtained from a retrospective cohort of 1870 HBsAg-positive Asians in San Francisco’s safety net clinics. In 824 patients at-risk for HCC, screening (≥1 imaging and/or AFP per year) decreased from 67% to 47% to 24% from the first to second to tenth year after HBV diagnosis, respectively. AFP, imaging, and imaging plus AFP were used in 37%, 14%, and 49% during the first year after diagnosis, and imaging plus AFP increased to 64% by the tenth year. Among 1431 patients followed in 2007, age 40-64 years, female gender, cirrhosis, hepatologist evaluation, HBV diagnosis after 2003, and testing for HBeAg were associated with HCC screening. Of the 51 patients with HCC, more cirrhotics received screening and were diagnosed with early stage disease. Median survival following HCC diagnosis was higher in screened patients (1624 vs.111 days, p=0.02). MELD score at HCC diagnosis (HR 1.2, 95%CI: 1.1-1.3) and receipt of curative therapy (HR 0.3, 95%CI: 0.08-0.94) were associated with survival. Screening rates in at-risk Asian Americans, particularly among non-cirrhotics, were suboptimal and decreased over time. Among patients with HCC, receipt of prior screening improved survival, and this survival benefit was related to better liver function at HCC diagnosis and receipt of curative therapy.
Using Student-Centric Technology for Educational Change

Book review of ΓC£Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World LearnsΓC¥ by Clayton M. Christensen, Curtis W. Johnson, and Michael B. Horn
Measurements of acceleration-induced phase noise in surface acoustic wave devices

Measurements of the acceleration sensitivities of a group of surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators developed for a low-noise radar application are presented. The SAW resonator designs were systematically varied in order to obtain the best possible phase noise in a quiescent environment. A block diagram of the test system used is shown. Sample data obtained using the measurement system are shown. The maximum and minimum values obtained at each acceleration frequency tested are shown as a function of the test frequency. The relationships between the design changes and the vibration induced phase noise are discussed. It is suggested that careful control of transducer and busbar metallization may be used to optimize for acceleration induced phase noise without seriously compromising quiescent phase noise. >
Malaria rapid diagnostic tests in elimination settings—can they find the last parasite?

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria have improved the availability of parasite-based diagnosis throughout the malaria-endemic world. Accurate malaria diagnosis is essential for malaria case management, surveillance, and elimination. RDTs are inexpensive, simple to perform, and provide results in 15–20 min. Despite high sensitivity and specificity for Plasmodium falciparum infections, RDTs have several limitations that may reduce their utility in low-transmission settings: they do not reliably detect low-density parasitaemia (£200 parasites/lL), many are less sensitive for Plasmodium vivax infections, and their ability to detect Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae is unknown. Therefore, in elimination settings, alternative tools with higher sensitivity for low-density infections (e.g. nucleic acid-based tests) are required to complement field diagnostics, and new highly sensitive and specific field-appropriate tests must be developed to ensure accurate diagnosis of symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers. As malaria transmission declines, the proportion of low-density infections among symptomatic and asymptomatic persons is likely to increase, which may limit the utility of RDTs. Monitoring malaria in elimination settings will probably depend on the use of more than one diagnostic tool in clinical-care and surveillance activities, and the combination of tools utilized will need to be informed by regular monitoring of test performance through effective quality assurance.
Motion perception during variable-radius swing motion in darkness.

Using a variable-radius roll swing motion paradigm, we examined the influence of interaural (y-axis) and dorsoventral (z-axis) force modulation on perceived tilt and translation by measuring percep...
Securely computing an approximate median in wireless sensor networks

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have proven to be useful in many applications, such as military surveillance and environment monitoring. To meet the severe energy constraints in WSNs, some researchers have proposed to use the in-network data aggregation technique (i.e., combining partial results at intermediate nodes during message routing), which significantly reduces the communication overhead. Given the lack of hardware support for tamper resistance and the unattended nature of sensor nodes, sensor network protocols need to be designed with security in mind. Recently, researchers proposed algorithms for securely computing a few aggregates, such as Sum (the sum of the sensed values), Count (number of nodes) and Average. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no prior work which securely computes the Median, although the Median is considered to be an important aggregate. The contribution of this paper is twofold. We first propose a protocol to compute an approximate Median and verify if it has been falsified by an adversary. Then, we design an attack-resilient algorithm to compute the Median even in the presence of a few compromised nodes. We evaluate the performance and cost of our approach via both analysis and simulation. Our results show that our approach is scalable and efficient.
Effect of gossypol on liver metabolic enzymes in male rats

Abstract The effects of gossypol on liver metabolism were examined in male rats. Gossypol acetic acid was administered to Sprague-Dawley rats intraperitoneally (i.p.) at 5 mg/kg daily, 5 days/week for 2 weeks. The rats were killed 24 h after the last injection. The liver/body weight ratio (−42%), concentration of liver glutathione (−34%), activities of liver α-naphthtylacetate esterase (−30%) and DNase (−39%) were significantly decreased when compared to controls. Hepatic β-glucuronidase (+37%), RNase (+35%) and serum alkaline RNase (+23%) activities were significantly increased. No changes were found in serum transaminases (SGPT, SCOT) or in hepatic RNA and DNA concentration. Elevation of liver and serum RNase activities suggest that gossypol treatment produces some catabolic effects. The depletion of hepatic glutathione and the elevation of β-glucuronidase activity indicate that gossypol is hepatotoxic when given at this dose for 2 weeks.
In-Vitro Model of the Microscale Alveolar Environment

The present work describes the development of a novel micro-nanoscale system that more closely resembles the alveolar-capillary barrier in the lung by recapitulating different parameters of the cellular microenvironment, including fibrous geometry, fiber stiffness, chemistry, and cell-cell interactions. The system consists of a three-dimensional multilayered structure. Two microchannel chambers that resemble alveolar/airway space and the capillary lumen, interfaced with a porous mesh of polymeric nanofibers that act as the basal substrate for seeding lung epithelial and endothelial cell. The top and bottom chambers of the device were fabricated using soft lithography techniques, while the nanofiber mesh was obtained via electrospinning. Human alveolar epithelial cells (A549) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were successfully co-cultured using this system. Various cellular and molecular biology techniques are being employed to investigate injury patterns and overall cell responses under different circumstances which mimic various lung disorders such acute lung injury, pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Plasma surface engineering in the automotive industry—trends and future prospectives

Abstract Business success of an automobile manufacturer depends strongly on satisfaction of customers’ expectations. Correct material selection and surface treatment contribute with upward tendency to fulfil customers’ needs. Plasma based surface techniques are already part of this contribution. Further expectations of PSE-applications in automobile industry depend on elimination of different obstacles that actually prevent the wide use.
Aortic valve replacement in geriatric patients: determinants of in-hospital mortality

Abstract Background . Aortic valve replacement is a common procedure in elderly patients. There has been a great deal of controversy about the risks associated with early mortality. Uncertainty of the risk associated with a small valve continues to remain controversial. This study was designed to identify the risk factors influencing early mortality and establish an accurate model for the prediction of in-hospital mortality. Methods . One hundred eighty septuagenarians and octogenarians (58% women; mean age, 76 ± 4.7 years) underwent primary isolated aortic valve replacement between 1986 and 1997. There was an overall mortality of 16.7% (n = 180). Patients with a body surface area less than 1.8 m 2 had an in-hospital mortality of 23.2% (n = 95) compared with 8.1% (n = 74; p = 0.009) for patients with a body surface area of 1.8 m 2 or more. Patients with a cardiopulmonary bypass time of less than 100 minutes experienced an early mortality of 8.9% (n = 56) compared with a 10.2% (n = 59) early mortality for patients on bypass time between 100 and 124 minutes and a 29.6% (n = 64) early mortality in patients with a pump time longer than 124 minutes ( p = 0.040). Results . Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified small body surface area and long cardiopulmonary bypass time as independent risk factors. A higher mortality was seen in female patients and patients receiving smaller valves. However, there was a strong correlation between small body surface area, small valve size, and female gender. Conclusions . Small body surface area and long cardiopulmonary bypass time are two independent risk factors in early mortality for elderly patients undergoing primary isolated aortic valve replacement. The use of small valves does not influence early mortality.
The vocal tract model of placement: II. Acoustic aspects

The technique of "placing" the voice in the throat, head, or elsewhere is used in training singers of operatic quality and in vocal rehabilitation. A vocal tract model of placement has been shown to have perceptual validity (Nichols and Shellenberger, 1985). This study tested its acoustic validity. Line spectra of vowels at different vocal placements were analyzed. We found that Formant 2 reflected changes in vocal placement for both male and female speakers.
Nuclear data sheets for A = 78

Abstract The 1966 version of Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 78 has been revised on the basis of all experimental data received before September 1, 1974. Experimental data, detailed level schemes, and arguments for Jπ-assignments are presented. Two new isotopes, 78Ga and 78Rb, are now known to exist and a third, 78Sr, has been tentatively identified. A significant amount of new information is given for the 78Se, 78Br, and 78Kr level schemes, while very little new information is available for the level schemes of 78Ge and 78As.
Some phenomenological consequences of the Doi‐Edwards theory of viscoelasticity

Doi and Edwards have recently proposed a molecular theory for the dynamics of entangled polymer liquids based on a tube model to represent the mutual constraints on configurational rearrangement of the chains. Expressions for diffusion coefficient, plateau modulus, zero-shear viscosity, steady-state recoverable compliance, and terminal relaxation time can be devloped, and relations among these properties that depend only upon observable quantities can be obtained. Several such relations are derived and are compared with experimental observations.
CHANGING THE DEFINITION OF MATERNAL MORTALITY: A NEW LOOK AT THE POSTPARTUM INTERVAL

In this letter to the editor it is argued that the WHOs definition of maternal mortality which encompasses only the first 42 days postpartum is insufficient. Data on 159233 live births to Georgia women and 3190 deaths of Georgia women in 1975-1976 were studied and indicate that in the 43-90 days postpartum period 44% of deaths were from maternal causes and comprise 17% of deaths from maternal causes within 90 days postpartum. It is recommended that 90 days after delivery be considered the interval for investigation of maternal mortality.
Dexamethasone-Mediated Induction of MMTV-myf5 in DD3 Myoblasts Increases Endogenous myogenin Expression but Does Not Transactivate myf5

Abstract DD3 cells are a myoblast line generated by stable transfection of C3H10T1/2 fibroblasts with the bovine myf5 cDNA (bmyf) fused to the dexamethasone-inducible MMTV promoter. After treating proliferating cells with dexamethasone, bmyf transcripts were induced approximately fivefold within 1.5-2.5 h. Induction of bmyf was followed 4 h later by a similar increase in myogenin transcripts which was dependent on protein synthesis. The elevated level of myogenin transcripts in dividing cells was comparable to that observed in DD3 myoblasts after differentiation. The 4-h lag before the myogenin response suggested involvement of an intermediate factor. However, one possible factor, myocyte-specific enhancer binding factor (MEF-2) (a known enhancer of myogenin promoter activity) was neither detectable nor inducible by dexamethasone in proliferating cells. myoD transcripts were barely detectable and uninducible in proliferating cells but strongly upregulated during differentiation. There was also a transient twofold increase in mrf4 transcripts by dexamethasone treatment in dividing cells, while no changes were detected in the levels of Id , E12, or TnC messages. The mouse myf5 gene was silent and uninducible in DD3 cells under proliferating and differentiating conditions. We conclude that ectopic expression of MMTV-bmyf led to activation of three of the endogenous myogenic factor genes of which only myogenin showed a rapid and sustained response to dexamethasone-mediated induction of bmyf in dividing cells.
Shell structures solved numerically by using a network of partial panels.

An effective means of analyzing panel structures is by use of the elemental approach, provided the element meets the requisite condition of plates and shells. The analytical development of such an element is presented here. The element is formulated by using crossed beams but departs greatly from beam theory in order to meet the necessary requirements. Correlations with classical solutions for stress and vibration indicate a sufficient degree of accuracy. The element is three-dimensional, considering curvature in two directions. Generality of the method allows for variations in geometry and material properties. The Poisson ratio effect is included without restriction, permitting any numerical value and eliminating the need of preconditions such as plane strain. Meaningful stresses are a direct result of the solution as well as the deflections and internal loads. Body and surface forces are considered in a distributed sense.
The effects of population growth and advancements in technology on global mineral supply

Abstract Over the decades concerns have been raised about the future availability of certain essential minerals due to increased rates of population growth and advancements in technology. This paper seeks to assess the current state of global mineral supply, focusing mainly on the food and energy technology industries. Through analysis of global mineral production and consumption over a 40-year period we are able to ascertain that, for the industries in question, the increasing global demand is being met by constantly growing mineral reserves.
The group 2 metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist LY379268 rescues neuronal, neurochemical and motor abnormalities in R6/2 Huntington's disease mice.

Abstract Excitotoxic injury to striatum by dysfunctional cortical input or aberrant glutamate uptake may contribute to Huntington's disease (HD) pathogenesis. Since corticostriatal terminals possess mGluR2/3 autoreceptors, whose activation dampens glutamate release, we tested the ability of the mGluR2/3 agonist LY379268 to improve the phenotype in R6/2 HD mice with 120–125 CAG repeats. Daily subcutaneous injection of a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of LY379268 (20 mg/kg) had no evident adverse effects in WT mice, and diverse benefits in R6/2 mice, both in a cohort of mice tested behaviorally until the end of R6/2 lifespan and in a cohort sacrificed at 10 weeks of age for blinded histological analysis. MTD LY379268 yielded a significant 11% increase in R6/2 survival, an improvement on rotarod, normalization and/or improvement in locomotor parameters measured in open field (activity, speed, acceleration, endurance, and gait), a rescue of a 15–20% cortical and striatal neuron loss, normalization of SP striatal neuron neurochemistry, and to a lesser extent enkephalinergic striatal neuron neurochemistry. Deficits were greater in male than female R6/2 mice, and drug benefit tended to be greater in males. The improvements in SP striatal neurons, which facilitate movement, are consistent with the improved movement in LY379268-treated R6/2 mice. Our data indicate that mGluR2/3 agonists may be particularly useful for ameliorating the morphological, neurochemical and motor defects observed in HD.
Surgery Versus Alcohol Septal Ablation for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: The Controversy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a common genetic illness affecting approximately one in 500 of the general population. The disease may occur spontaneously or be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.1 Initially, it was felt that most patients with this illness had severe symptoms of heart failure, angina and syncope and were at high risk for sudden death. However, population studies have revealed that many patients are asymptomatic and do not have the high risk of sudden death originally found in symptomatic patients referred to tertiary medical centers. Roughly one-third of those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have obstructed left ventricular outflow, and the severity of the obstruction is measured by the left ventricular outflow tract gradient. Therapies that reduce the pressure gradient have been shown to improve symptoms and outcomes of patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM).2 Many live with minimal symptoms while taking drugs such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers. Dual-chamber cardiac pacemakers, while originally thought to effectively reduce the left ventricular outflow tract gradient, have in reality had very limited applicability in treating HOCM.1 For severely symptomatic patients, cardiac surgery has been a long-standing therapy. Recently, however, alcohol septa! ablation (ASA) has emerged as an alternative to surgery.3
Strategies Used by Parents of Twins to Obtain Sleep

Empirical evidence on how parents of twins manage their need for sleep is nonexistent. Lay publications provide advice for parents of multiples, yet their recommendations have been neither studied for their frequency of use nor tested for their effectiveness. Parents of twins were interviewed by telephone regarding strategies they used to obtain sleep during the first 6 months postbirth. Reported strategies were grouped into a priori categories suggested by the literature. Findings indicated that parents attempted various strategies to increase their sleep but disagreed on their effectiveness. Development and testing of a repertoire of effective strategies tailored for parents of twins are needed.
Atomic processes in vacancy island motion on Ag(111)

We present results of molecular dynamics simulations of the motion of monatomic-deep vacancy islands on Ag(111), using interaction potentials from the embedded atom method. The individual processes appearing in a large set of runs, at three different temperatures, are identified. From the statistics thus collected, we find that the predominant mechanism underlying the diffusion of vacancy islands on Ag(111) is the diffusion of atoms along the periphery of the vacancy islands.
A rapid bedside test for B‐type natriuretic peptide predicts treatment outcomes in patients admitted with decompensated heart failure

readmission). Results: Of the 72 patients admitted with decompensated CHF, 22 endpoints occurred (death n = 12, readmission: n = 10). In patients without end-points, BNP decreased during treatment ((-)448 pg/ml). In patients who died or were later readmitted, BNP levels increased during hospitalization ((+)590 pg/ml, P < 0.001). despite improvement in NYHA classification. Multivariate analysis revealed discharge BNP to be highly predictive of endpoints. ROC analysis revealed 2 cut-points, a discharge BNP of 21220 pg/ml which had an odds-ratio 25.1 for endpoints and a positive predictive value of 75%, and discharge BNP level 5 430 pg/ml which had a negative predictive value of 96 percent for endpoints. Conclusions: In patients admitted with decompensated CHF, changes in BNP levels during treatment are strong predictors for mortality and early readmission. The results of this study further suggest that therapy for decompensated heart failure should be tailored to decreasing the BNP level during hospitalization.
Investigation of the mechanisms of Type-II hot corrosion of superalloy CMSX-4

Abstract A microstructural investigation of Type-II hot corrosion was carried out on a single crystal Ni-based superalloy (CMSX-4) pre-coated with Na2SO4 at 700 °C in a flowing O2–SO2–SO3 atmosphere. Corrosion occurred by rapid dissolution of the alloy by molten sulfate eutectics, forming an outer layer rich in Co and Ni and an inner layer rich in Cr and Al. The outer layer transformed into mixed oxides of Co and Ni, with concurrent evolution of the continuous S-rich inner layer. A multicomponent analysis provides insight into diffusional interactions among Co, Ni, and S. Crystal orientation and microstructure effects were also studied.
Length of positive surgical margin after radical prostatectomy as a predictor of biochemical recurrence.

Purpose: Length and location of positive surgical margins are independent predictors of biochemical recurrence after open radical prostatectomy. We assessed their impact on biochemical recurrence in a large robotic prostatectomy series.Materials and Methods: Data were collected prospectively from 1,398 men undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer from 2003 to 2008 at a single institution. The associations of preoperative prostate specific antigen, pathological Gleason score, pathological stage and positive surgical margin parameters (location, length and focality) with biochemical recurrence rate were evaluated. Margin status and length were measured by a single uropathologist. Biochemical recurrence was defined as serum prostate specific antigen greater than 0.1 ng/ml on 2 consecutive tests. Cox regression models were constructed to evaluate predictors of biochemical recurrence.Results: Of 1,398 consecutive patients who underwent robotic prostatectomy positive mar...
In vitro interaction of tubulin with the photoreceptor cGMP phosphodiesterase γ-subunit

The α and β tubulins compose the microtubule cytoskeleton which is involved in many cellular processes such as vesicular transport. The photoreceptor cells in the retina are neurons specialized for phototransduction. Here we report a novel interaction between tubulin and the photoreceptor cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE6) gamma subunit (PDEγ). The specificity and molecular details of the PDEγ:tubulin interaction were analyzed through the experiments of pull down, microtubule co-sedimentation, and NMR spectroscopy. The tubulin-interacting site was identified to be in the PDEγ C-terminal I67-G85 region, and the interaction interface appeared to be distinct from those with the other PDEγ targets in phototransduction. We also observed that PDEγ interacted with tubulin in a GTP-dependent manner. Our findings offer implications for non-phototransduction role(s) of PDEγ in the photoreceptor neurons.
Rugged landscapes and timescale distributions in complex systems

We review a simple model of random walks on a rugged landscape, representing energy or (negative) fitness, and with many peaks and valleys. This paradigm for trapping on long timescales by metastable states in complex systems may be visualized as a terrain with lakes in the valleys whose water level depends on the observational timescale. The “broken ergodicity” structure in space and time of trapping in the valleys can be analyzed using invasion percolation, picturesquely in terms of “ponds and outlets” as water flows to a distant sea. Two main conclusions concern qualitative dependence on the spatial dimension \(d\) of the system landscape. The first is that the much-used example of a one-dimensional rugged landscape is entirely misleading for any larger \(d\). The second is that once \(d\) is realistically large (above \(6\) seems to suffice), there are many nonmerging paths to the sea; this may be relevant for the issue of contingency vs. convergence in macro-evolution.
Somatic Manifestations in Women With Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Psychophysiological Responses to Psychological Stress

• Generalized anxiety disorder is associated with symptoms that suggest heightened muscular tension and autonomic arousal. Since self-reports of physiological states in patients with anxiety disorder are frequently unreliable, we compared 20 female patients with generalized anxiety disorder with a matched group of nonanxious controls on a battery of psychophysiological assessments (skin conductance, heart interbeat interval, blood pressure, respiration, and forehead and gastrocnemius electromyographic activity). We found that during baseline patients with generalized anxiety disorder differed from controls on electromyographic, but not on autonomic, measures. During psychological stress tasks, patients with generalized anxiety disorder showed a weaker mean skin conductance response with a narrower range in both skin conductance and heart rate than controls. These findings suggest that sympathetic inhibition, rather than enhancement, occurs in patients with generalized anxiety disorder during performance stress.
Assessing the congruence between physician behavior and expert opinion in smoking cessation counseling.

Abstract This study examines the degree of transfer of smoking cessation innovation from research to health care settings by comparing frequency-of-practice ratings by a national sample of family practice physicians (n = 903, response rate = 70%) and importance ratings by smoking cessation and prevention experts (n = 58, response rate = 84%) for 14 counseling techniques. The physician survey elicited a profile that combines traditional and behavioral techniques—discussing smoking with patients, encouraging goal setting, suggesting specific steps for quitting, and presenting pamphlets. They refer to others infrequently and rarely report planning for follow-up about smoking. The experts rated these selected techniques as moderately to highly important. They favored a behavioral approach coupled with active follow-up. The major differences between physician and expert rankings were that the experts placed higher priority on planned follow-up and a lower priority on pamphlets. The uneven quality of counseling reported by physicians suggests that weighting their responses according to expert opinion would provide a more sensitive profile. Scaled weighting produced scores that may help researchers define a composite quality-quantity measure of activity.
Women and smoking: patterns, health effects, and treatments

Tobacco use remains the number one cause of preventable death among women in the United States. Of particular concern to obstetricians and gynecologists is the morbidity caused by tobacco use and by exposure to secondhand smoke among women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and their newborns. Women who smoke have lower fertility rates and are more likely to experience negative side effects from oral contraceptives. Pregnant women who smoke are more likely to suffer miscarriages and to have low birth weight and preterm babies, and infants with sudden infant death syndrome. Over one of every four women aged 18 to 44 smoke in the U.S. Unfortunately, at least 14% of women smoke during pregnancy. The good news is that research shows that tobacco treatment interventions by health care providers can increase the number of patients who successfully quit. The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research developed recommendations and guidelines to assist health care providers to integrate a tobacco treatment intervention into an office setting. It is recommended that every physician 1) ask patients about their tobacco use; 2) advise them to stop using tobacco; 3) assist patients interested in cessation efforts; and 4) arrange appropriate follow-up.
The influence of oral corticosterone replacement on plasma prolactin levels of adrenalectomized female rats

Abstract The administration of 80 μg of corticosterone/ml of drinking solution to adrenalectomized (ADX) rats resulted in a 24 hour serum corticosterone pattern similar to that of intact animals except that the magnitude of the afternoon-nocturnal surge was one third. Basal plasma prolactin levels and the estrogen-induced afternoon prolactin surge were similar for intact and for ADX animals receiving corticosterone in the drinking solution. Adrenalectomized animals receiving 0.9% NaCl to drink, however, had an afternoon prolactin surge that was significantly lower than that of intact animals while basal levels were similar.
Patterns of nutrient flow in the pygmy forest region of northern California

Vegetation of the Mendocino coastal region forms a gradient from coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) stands, through Bishop pine (Pinus muricata), to endemic pygmy conifers (Pinus contorta ssp.bolanderi, Cupresses pygmaca) on terrace flat/podzols. Along this gradient nutrient stocks and net uptake decrease, and strategies for rapid nutrient circulation within the ecosystems are increasingly in evidence. Within the pygmy conifer forest, the dominant plant species exhibit differing characteristics in their pattern of net uptake, partition and turnover or recirculation of each essential element. ‘The pygmy forest nutrient pool has apparently been built up over centuries by soil weathering, N-fixation by lichens, and inputs from precipitation. Such an ecosystem would be likely to show weak’ resilience to a perturbation that removed standing vegetattion or the litter layer. Across a wide range of terrestrial ecosystems, the ratio of plant nutrient stocks to phytomass tends to decrease with increase in phytomass and net primary productivity. This trend is reflected on a smaller scale by the decrease in nutrient phytomass ratio from pygmy forest, through Bishop pine, to redwood stands (0.013, 0.009, 0.006 respectively). Nevertheless, terrestrial communities in the temperate and subtropical regions of moderate rainfall and non-saline soils appear to share a relatively constant nutrient/phytomass concentration (mean ±s.e.=0.101±0.0003; n=9).
Naturalism, evidence and creationism: The case of Phillip Johnson

Phillip Johnson claims that Creationism is a better explanation of the existence and characteristics of biological species than is evolutionary theory. He argues that the only reason biologists do not recognize that Creationist's negative arguments against Darwinism have proven this is that they are wedded to a biased ideological philosophy —Naturalism — which dogmatically denies the possibility of an intervening creative god. However, Johnson fails to distinguish Ontological Naturalism from Methodological Naturalism. Science makes use of the latter and I show how it is not dogmatic but follows from sound requirements for empirical evidential testing. Furthermore, Johnson has no serious alternative type of positive evidence to offer for Creationism, and purely negative argumentation, despite his attempt to legitimate it, will not suffice.
Multiobjective programming with related bargaining games An application to utility coal conversions

Abstract A method is developed using n-person game theory together with multiple objective programming and is applied to aid-regional decisions on utility coal conversions. Converting oil fired electric utilities to coal is seen as being of great strategic importance. There are, however, many impediments to utility coal conversions including costs and environmental restrictions. The method developed is used to find workable solutions to this problem which are evaluated based upon measures of economic efficiency, environmental degradation and distributive equity. Using these methods, policy makers, planners and administrators can determine solutions that will aid in the resolution of regional conflicts.
Ghosts in the Machine: Comment on Sismondo

Sociological interpretations of science, extending from Kuhn's (1962) Structure of Scientific Revolutions to the social constructivists of the 1980s, have enlivened the traditional debate about the foundations of science and the very idea of scientific progress. But there is perhaps no place to see the central flaw of such interpretations better than in academic medicine, for here the importance of reliable reporting of the data from empirical testing reveals clearly the distinction between genuine and sham science. In his paper 'Ghosts in the Machine: Publication Planning in the Medical Sciences', Sergio Sismondo (2009) exposes the larger background of marketing and promotional activities in the vast network of pharmaceu tical industry ghostwriting. By having infiltrated the ranks of marketers he brings a unique perspective to their activities, and his report on this expe rience is valuable. Outside of litigation one seldom sees the inner workings of this process. Sismondo, however, makes the serious mistake of claiming that pharmaceutical industry-sponsored research and ghostwriting produce genuine knowledge and science (albeit commercial science) not different from established medical science. He cites David Bloor, Karin Knorr Cetina, Andrew Pickering, and Harry Collins to support this claim and says that science is 'choice laden', implying in this case that it matters little whether it is produced by academic scientists or spun in marketing strategies of public relations firms. It is widely acknowledged by the leading philosophers of science that sci ence is 'choice laden' in the sense that as authors of scientific theories we cre ate hypotheses by which experience is interpreted; but by subjecting these hypotheses to rigorous tests, we discover which ones are falsified and which ones will serve as our best, tentative solutions to problems (Popper, 1959). It is this crucial role of genuine and rigorous testing that demarcates real sci ence from its impostors. Thus unlike Sismondo, I do not condone the activ ities of commercial science as merely part of a constructivist view of science, one that fails to distinguish between better and worse, genuine and sham.
Structures of 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane platinum(II) alditolate complexes

Abstract Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies have been carried out on three crystalline (dppp)Pt(II)(alditolate) complexes derived from reactions of the sugar alcohols glycerol, erythritol, and galactitol with (dppp)Pt(CO3). The alditols bind to the platinum via adjacent, deprotonated hydroxyl groups to form a 2,5-dioxaplatinacyclopentane ring system having hydroxyalkyl substituent side-chains. The hydroxyl groups in these side-chains all engage in either intra- or intermolecular hydrogen bonds, the former preferentially involving hydrogen bond donation from a hydroxyl group on the β-carbon of the metallacycle dihydroxyethyl or trihydroxypropyl substituent to either the near or far metallacycle oxygen atoms to give a six- or seven-membered hydrogen-bonded ring system, respectively. Five-membered hydrogen-bonded ring systems to the adjacent metallacycle oxygen are observed for hydroxymethyl side-chains. These hydrogen-bonded interactions are believed to play a significant role in the complexation regioselectivity observed in these alditolate complexes. Conformations of the 2,5-dioxaplatinacyclopentane ring and dppp chelate ring are also discussed, as are comparisons with other alditolate and diolate structural determinations.
Coupling of an excited molecule to surface plasmons

The decay of an excited molecule deposited at distances less than its dominant fluorescence wavelength ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{F}$ from a metal surface is calculated including the interaction with surface charge-density oscillations. Both nonresonant and resonant cases, ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}\ensuremath{\ll}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{p}$ and ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}\ensuremath{\sim}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{p}$, are considered for ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}$, the electronic transition frequency in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The plasma frequency ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{p}$ determines the dielectric response of a free-electron-gas metal, $\ensuremath{\epsilon}(\ensuremath{\omega})=1\ensuremath{-}\frac{{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{p}^{2}}{{\ensuremath{\omega}}^{2}}$, in the region $\ensuremath{\omega}l{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{p}$. We find considerable changes from the pure image-theory result given by us earlier, in particular for the molecular transition dipole moment oriented parallel to the metal surface. The coupling to the surface-plasmon excitation spectrum induces a rapidly increasing contribution to the linewidth of the decaying molecule with decreasing distance from the metal surface. As the image result for the case of a molecular transition dipole oriented parallel to the surface tends to zero with decreasing distance, the inclusion of the coupling to surface plasmons drastically affects the lifetime of this configuration. For both cases, i.e., transition dipole parallel and perpendicular to the metal surface, the contribution to the width due to coupling to surface excitations diverges with decreasing distance, leading to dramatic shortening of the lifetime of the decaying molecule due to conversion of the localized electronic energy into surface charge-density oscillations.
Will nuclear power pay for itself

Abstract Will nuclear power ever generate enough revenue to cover its costs? Historical data covering capital, fuel, operations, maintenance, decommissioning, and waste disposal costs, and generation and revenue figures during the period 1953 through 1991 were analyzed and compared. The analysis shows that nuclear power is currently nowhere near meeting its costs. Scenarios projecting future costs and revenues were developed. Analysis of these projections suggests that even under the most optimistic conditions (where costs are cut considerably and revenues climb substantially), the current generation of the nuclear option over its lifetime may be best be economically marginal.
Apparent solubility threshold densities of substituted coumarins

Abstract Apparent threshold densities were determined for a series of coumarin derivatives using a supercritical fluid chromatograph with a flame ionization detector. The extraction cell was an LC stainless steel precolumn. Milligram quantities of the model compounds were extracted. Coumarin functionality and extrac tion temperature affected the measured threshold densities. The addition of two hydroxyl groups onto the coumarin structure caused the compound to be unextractable at 60°C with densities up to 0.90 g/mL. For those compounds that were completely extracted, coumarin, 7-methoxycoumarin, 3-phenylcoumarin, and psoralen, the apparent threshold density increased with increasing melting point.
Pharmacists as Members of the Rapid Response Team.

Purpose:Rapid response teams (RRTs) have been developed to provide early therapy to patients with risk factors for cardiopulmonary arrest. We sought to investigate the role a pharmacist could have as a member of the RRT.Methods:Two pharmacists trained in critical care and emergency medicine proposed a pilot program to determine whether a pharmacist as a member of the RRT could help to optimize pharmacotherapy and facilitate medication administration. During response, 1 pharmacist was at the bedside with the RRT for patient evaluation, consult, chart review, and to facilitate medication administration. The responding RRT pharmacist collected patient demographics, medications administered, pharmacotherapy recommendations, and time commitment.Results:The pharmacists responded to 32 RRT alerts. A majority (65.6%) of patients required at least 1 medication, and a total of 45 medications were administered. The pharmacists performed 49 pharmacotherapy-related interventions in 21 patients. These included medicati...
Carcinoma of the lung in a drywall taping worker report of a case

Abstract Squamous cell carcinoma, together with pulmonary asbestosis is reported in a drywall taping worker. In this trade vigorous sanding of dried taping compounds produces a dust which is known to contain chrysotile asbestos. Fibrils of chrysotile asbestos were seen on transmission electron microscopy of ashed lung tissue. The authors emphasize the need to institute adequate preventive measures in this trade.
Protecting groundwater from viral contamination by soil modification

Abstract During land application of domestic wastewater, pathogenic enteric viruses may gain entrance into groundwater. Soil modification to enhance virus removal as a method of groundwater protection is described. Inorganic substances were added to a column of sandy loam to assess their ability to enhance the removal of coliphage MS‐2 and poliovirus from tapwater and secondarily treated sewage. Aluminum metal, magnesium oxide and magnesium peroxide when added to the soil were found to significantly enhance virus removal above that observed in control columns. Powdered metallic aluminum caused an average decrease of greater than five logs in virus concentration, while control columns containing no aluminum showed only a two log decrease. Significant reduction in the number of viruses continued in test columns during five weeks of intermittent flooding. The efficiency of virus removal due to the soil additive declined toward the end of the flooding period. Aluminum metal did not significantly change the pH...
New equations for enthalpy of vaporization from the triple point to the critical point

Two new equations are proposed for the enthalpy of vaporization from the triple point to the critical point. One of these equations containing four parameters is exceptionally good for fitting the data. The other equation containing three parameters is quite adequate for fitting the data but it is exceptionally suited for interpolation when the data do not cover the entire range. These equations have been tested using the enthalpy of vaporization of water from the triple point to the critical point and are compared with other equations.