cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treating clients and families together in an Alzheimer day care center

Functional skills training techniques and effective communication strategies previously found to improve function and decrease behavioral problems in cognitively impaired nursing home residents were taught to family members in tandem with their introduction to an Alzheimer day care center. Compared to non-treatment control clients at the center; treated Alzheimer patients were found to have significantly improved ability to communicate and to exhibit less disoriented, withdrawn, depressed or anxious behaviors. Treated patients did not, however; improve significantly over controls in their ability to perform the basic activities of daily living, and their families did not perceive their care giving burden to have been significantly reduced. Results are interpreted as cautiously supportive of efforts to develop therapeutically-oriented programming in day care and supportive of patient management as a joint responsibility of professionals and family caregivers.
Distribution of numbers of mutant bacteria in replicate cultures.

SINCE the publication by Lea and Coulson1 of the expected distributions of numbers of bacterial mutants in replicate cultures, there has been only one limited attempt to compare this theory with experimental observations. Armitage2 has shown that Lea and Coulson's unmodified theory will not allow a description of the pattern of mutants in Escherichia coli resistant3,4 to phage T1. In the literature a number of other examples are available for comparison. Experiments on mutation to resistance to ultra-violet radiation5 and to histidine independence6 in E. coli can be shown to give distributions of mutants which, like those to phage resistance, do not agree with the distributions predicted by Lea and Coulson. On the other hand, mutations to penicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus7, to tryptophane independence in Eberthella typhosa8, and to streptomycin resistance in E. coli9, give distributions fitting the theoretical one.
Aluminum oxide coating on nickel substrate by metal organic chemical vapor deposition

Aluminum oxide thin films were coated onto nickel substrates via chemical vapor deposition. The aluminum oxide was produced by pyrolysis of a metal acetylacetonate precursor. This reaction was done at relatively low temperatures, from 435 to 550 °C to deposit a thin film of aluminum oxide. The coating provided protection against isothermal oxidation at elevated temperatures. Resistance to oxidation was obtained for all of the coated substrates. Surface morphology, however, changed when heated for prolonged time. Samples coated at 500 and 550 °C are effective up to 900 °C whereas samples coated at 435 °C were good up to 800 °C. The metal oxide compositions and phases were studied by X-ray diffraction and EDAX. The surface properties of the deposited thin films were investigated with scanning electron microscopy.
Pharmacists And Technicians Can Enhance Patient Care Even More Once National Policies, Practices, And Priorities Are Aligned

In the past thirty to forty years, new clinically oriented roles have emerged for pharmacists, commensurate with their training and consistent with national goals to improve the safety of, access to, and cost of health care. Pharmacists in all settings spend an increasing portion of their time filling these roles, as evidenced more recently in the community pharmacy sector by the success of pharmacy-based immunization programs and such new venues as retail pharmacy clinics. Pharmacy technicians are also assuming new roles and responsibilities, providing services previously delivered only by pharmacists. However, both trends are hindered by current policy. Of particular concern are inconsistent state-level scope-of-practice laws, the lack of mechanisms to reimburse pharmacists for services provided, the need to recognize pharmacists as health care providers, and the need to establish national standards for the preparation of pharmacy technicians. The optimal deployment of the pharmacy workforce will requir...
Adventures in Antarctic Computing, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Neutrino

IceCube--a neutrino telescope that encompasses a cubic kilometer of Antarctic ice at the South Pole, collecting and processing data from 5,160 optical sensors buried a mile deep in the icecap--presents considerable challenges, from overcoming power and bandwidth limitations to simulating the complexities of Antarctic ice, which continue to stretch computing technology. The Web extra at http://youtu.be/ht0e6m6lpz0 is a video simulation of a visualization of the highest energy neutrino ever detected. The 2-PeV neutrino event was detected on Tuesday, 4 December 2012, by the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, a particle-detector telescope buried 1,500 meters deep in the ice at the South Pole. The neutrino was dubbed "Big Bird."
Adsorption of oxygen on W(100): Adsorption kinetics and electron stimulated desorption

Abstract The interaction of O 2 with a single crystal W(100) surface at ~ 300K has been examined using a combination of techniques. A precision gas dosing system was used to deposit O 2 onto the crystal; the absolute accuracy in the average flux F (molecules cm −2 s −1 ) is ± 6 %. The initial sticking probability for O 2 on W(100) is effectively unity; ℘ = 0.98 ± 0.03 . The accuracy of this measurement arises from the fact that a known large fraction of the O 2 molecules entering the experimental chamber strike the crystal before reaching the mass spectrometer detector. The Electron Stimulated Desorption (ESD) measurements of absolute O + ion yields and energy distributions as a function of oxygen exposure were made during bombardment by 100 eV electrons. A measurable ion yield is detectable at the earliest stages of adsorption; a slight maximum in the ion yield of ∼ 5 × 10 −9 ions electron occurs at about one half monolayer coverage. Evidence of reconstruction of the substrate at this coverage follows from this and other work. At oxygen coverages ≳ 4 × 10 14 molecules cm −2 , a high-ion yield ESD state appears ( ∼ 10 −6 O + ions electron ). An estimate of the angular distribution of ESD-liberated O + ions was made using a primitive two-segment collector. The ion angular distribution is strongly peaked in the direction normal to the surface. The functional form of this distribution is not known, but if the distribution were of the form cos n θ, the results are consistent with n ≳ 14. Implications of this observation for the possible identification of chemisorption sites are discussed. Work function changes and elastic electron reflection characteristics have been measured for the oxygen-covered and clean W(100) surface.
The dimensional stability of the standards used in the disconfirmation paradigm

Abstract Disconfirmation judgments are defined as the difference between a consumer's consumption experiences and the comparison standards brought to mind at the time of judgment. Although disconfirmations are one of the most strongly related antecedents of customer satisfaction (CS), little is known about the dimensional stability of the standards used in the disconfirmation paradigm. The most commonly used standards in the measurement of disconfirmations, and the focal constructs in this research, are goals, expectations, and norms. Using three datasets in retail service settings, the authors investigated whether these standards are changed in the process of measuring disconfirmation judgments. The results of the structural equation models indicate that while consumers can generate comparison standards that are distinct, consumers appear to assimilate disconfirmation judgments into a single construct. One implication for retailers is that when using direct measures of disconfirmations in surveys, there appears to be little difference in the ability of these standards to predict customer satisfaction.
Nonverbal cognition in deaf children following cochlear implantation: motor sequencing disturbances mediate language delays.

We assessed profoundly deaf children with cochlear implants (CIs) (N = 24) and age-matched normal-hearing children (N = 31) on several nonverbal cognition measures: motor sequencing, tactile discrimination, response inhibition, visual-motor integration, and visual-spatial processing. The results revealed that the children with CIs showed disturbances solely on motor sequencing and that performance on this task was significantly correlated with scores on the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals, 4th Edition (CELF–4). These findings suggest that a period of auditory deprivation before cochlear implantation affects motor sequencing skills, which in turn may mediate the language delays displayed by some deaf children with CIs.
Intersubband quantum cascade electroluminescent device with self-organized In/sub 0.4/Ga/sub 0.6/As/GaAs quantum dot active region

Self-organized quantum dots have been used with great success in quantum dot infrared photodetectors (QDIPs), wherein intersubband transitions between confined electron states are utilized. From femtosecond differential transmission spectroscopy, it has been established that at higher temperatures, excess electrons preferentially occupy the excited dot states and wetting layer states. The discrete energy levels in quantum dots lead to reduced phonon coupling and promise high-temperature operation of intersubband devices. Additionally, quantum dots promise normal incidence operation and surface emission, large tunability of emission (or absorption) wavelength and polarization-selective operation. These attributes make self-organized quantum dots very attractive for the realization of intersubband surface-emitting infra-red light sources for the 3-24 /spl mu/m wavelength range. Intersubband luminescence from quantum dots has previously been demonstrated from single dot layer devices. We report here the design and properties of surface-emitting InGaAs/GaAs quantum dot infrared electroluminescent device in a quantum cascade design. Novel use of a dilute nitride GaAsN/GaAs chirped superlattice in the cascade design has allowed us to demonstrate the longest wavelength (/spl sim/20 /spl mu/m) unipolar quantum dot electroluminescence to date and the first viable solution to strain build-up in quantum dot cascade lasers.
Critical heat flux on a horizontal cylinder in an upward subcooled and low-quality two-phase crossflow

On obtient des donnees experimentales, pour le fluide R-113, sur un domaine de vitesses d'ecoulement jusqu'a 0,3 m/S, de sous-refroidissement de 0 a 14 K, et de qualites de 0<x<+30%. Revue des donnees de la litterature
Unenhanced helical CT in the evaluation of the urinary tract in children and young adults following urinary tract reconstruction: comparison with sonography.

Purpose. To compare the accuracy of unenhanced, helical CT with sonography for the detection of complications of urinary tract reconstruction. Materials and methods. Forty-six kidneys in 24 patients were examined with CT and sonography. All scans were assessed for ease of renal visualization, presence of renal, ureteral, and bladder calculi, renal scars, hydronephrosis, and abdominal wall hernia. The results of both imaging modalities were independently reported. Results. CT provided excellent visualization of all 46 kidneys, while sonography provided poor visualization of 8 kidneys (17 %) (P < 0.001). CT detected calculi in 10 kidneys, 1 ureter, and 7 bladders. Sonography detected calculi in only 2 kidneys, and 2 bladders. Overall, CT detected significantly more calculi than US (18 vs 4, P = 0.01). CT detected scarring in 15 kidneys, while sonography detected scarring in 10. Hydronephrosis was detected in 6 kidneys by CT and in 8 kidneys by sonography. Three abdominal wall hernias were seen at CT that were not seen at sonography. Conclusion. CT is superior to sonography for the detection of urinary tract calculi and renal scarring. CT will demonstrate abdominal wall hernias that are unsuspected.
Cation-dependent substance P activation of the enzyme guanylate cyclase

Abstract Substance P enhanced guanylate cyclase (E.C.4.6.1.2) two - to - fourfold in pancreas, small intestine, cerebellum, liver, kidney, and lung. Dose response relationship revealed that substance P caused a maximal augmentation of guanylate cyclase activity at concentration of 1 micromolar. Increasing substance P's concentration to the millimolar range caused no further increase in activity. There was an absolute cation requirement for substance P's enhancement of guanylate cyclase activity. Substance P could increase guanylate cyclase activity with either calcium or manganese in the incubation medium but more augmentation was observed with manganese. The data in this investigation suggest that guanylate cyclase may play a role in the mechanism of action of substance P.
The impact of fiscal decentralization on economics performance in high-income OECD nations: an institutional approach

This paper examines the impact of public sector decentralization on per capita income. Controlling for differences in institutional arrangements among countries, panel data regressions on a sample of observations from 20 high-income OECD nations spanning the years 1972 to 2005 indicate that decentralization is positively related to income. The empirical analysis shows that institutions consistent with economic freedom enhance the positive income effects of decentralization. Thus, the impact of public sector decentralization is dependent upon a nation’s institutional environment.
Watery diarrhea syndrome in an adult with ganglioneuroma‐pheochromocytoma. Identification of vasoactive intestinal peptide, calcitonin, and catecholamines and assessment of their biologic activity

A case of adult ganglioneuroma-pheochromocytoma with an associated watery diarrhea syndrome is reported. High levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were found in preoperative serum and in tumor tissue. The serum VIP levels fell to normal, and the watery diarrhae syndrome completely ceased following removal of the tumor. In addition to containing VIP, the tumor was rich in catecholamines, and calcitonin. Peptide hormone-containing extracts and catecholamine extracts from the tumor both activated the adenyl cyclase system and increased lipolytic activity in a preparation of isolated rat fat cells. The findings in this patient further link VIP with neural crest tissues, and suggest the importance of determining catecholamine levels in patients with the watery diarrhea syndrome.
Precise computer control of the MBE process - application to graded InGaAlAs/InP alloys

Abstract We report MBE growth techniques for the precise control of composition in both graded and uniform composition InGaAlAs alloys. Flux modulation through precise control of the effusion cell setpoint temperatures, including corrections for thermal transient effects, is used to achieve graded alloy compositions as well as to maintain a uniform composition in the presence of disturbances such as shutter operations.
A brave new world revisited: alphas, betas, and treatment outcome.

Abstract This article reviews the clinical research studies that form the basis for the joint hypothesis that certain therapists (A's) obtain better results in schizophrenia while others (B's) do better with neurosis. A number of methodological problems are discussed, with particular reference to the A-B scales themselves, methods of analysis and validation, and other factors that need to be taken into consideration in the interpretation of results. It is concluded that the hypothesis has not been sustained by subsequent work. Possible explanations for the original findings include methodological artifact, therapist and patient sample differences in sex and socioeconomic class, and the effect of the expectations of the therapists' supervisors.
Seed reserve-protein glycosylation in an in vitro preparation from developing cotyledons of Phaseolus vulgaris

A particulate preparation from developing cotyledons of Phaseolus vulgaris L. was incubated with uridine-5′-diphospho-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc; [6-3H]glucosamine), and by polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis it was shown that the labeled (N-acetyl)glucosamine (GlcNAc) was incorporated into the principal reserve protein of the cotyledons, vicilin, and also into phytohemagglutinin. Some of the labeled product also reacted with antiserum to vicilin from mature seeds. In contrast it was not possible to detect the incorporation of labeled mannose from guanosine-5′-diphospho-D-mannose (GDP-mannose; [U-14C]mannose) into either of these proteins by gel-electrophoretic analysis of the mannose-labeled products, but we did observe a low incorporation of mannose into material which reacted with antiserum to vicillin. The predominant glycosylation reaction in vitro was therefore probably a transfer of GlcNAc alone, rather than in combination with mannose as preformed oligosaccharide.
A simple and high yield purification of Crotalus adamanteus phospholipases A2.

Abstract A new, high yield, procedure for the purification of the phospholipases A2 of Crotalus adamanteus venom is described. The procedure involves precipitation of the bulk of venom proteins with 50% isopropanol, precipitation of the enzymes from the isopropanol soluble material with neodynium chloride, and final purification on DEAE cellulose. An overall yield of approximately 80% is achieved.
End of an Era? Affirmative Action and Reaction in the 1990s

This article looks at the political dynamics of affirmative action policy since its inception m the 1960s We suggest that while key variables created a relatively favorable climate for affirmative action m the first two decades or so of its existence, recent developments suggest that race-conscious programs will be substantially limited in the future, although not eliminated m their entirety. We contend that a changing judiciary, Republican control of Congress, and shifts m public opinion, as manifested in Proposition 209 m California, interact in ways that will make many compensatory programs difficult to maintain.
Bcl-2 Proteins EGL-1 and CED-9 Do Not Regulate Mitochondrial Fission or Fusion in Caenorhabditis elegans

The Bcl-2 family proteins are critical apoptosis regulators that associate with mitochondria and control the activation of caspases. Recently, both mammalian and C. elegans Bcl-2 proteins have been implicated in controlling mitochondrial fusion and fission processes in both living and apoptotic cells. To better understand the potential roles of Bcl-2 family proteins in regulating mitochondrial dynamics, we carried out a detailed analysis of mitochondria in animals that either lose or have increased activity of egl-1 and ced-9, two Bcl-2 family genes that induce and inhibit apoptosis in C. elegans, respectively. Unexpectedly, we found that loss of egl-1 or ced-9, or overexpression of their gene products, had no apparent effect on mitochondrial connectivity or mitochondrial size. Moreover, loss of ced-9 did not affect the mitochondrial morphology observed in a drp-1 mutant, in which mitochondrial fusion occurs but mitochondrial fission is defective, or in a fzo-1 mutant, in which mitochondrial fission occurs but mitochondrial fusion is restricted, suggesting that ced-9 is not required for either the mitochondrial fission or fusion process in C. elegans. Taken together, our results argue against an evolutionarily conserved role for Bcl-2 proteins in regulating mitochondrial fission and fusion.
REPRESSIVE SILENCES AND SHADOWS OF 1984: ERASURES, OMISSIONS AND NARRATIVE CRISIS

The seemingly reformist ideology of forgetting the anti-Sikh violence of 1984 and moving on remains unconvincing to some especially when social justice remains unavailable. While the acknowledgement of heinous violence reminds us of the dark history, it is also at times replete with erasures, omissions and strategic avoidance or manipulations of the represented violence and hidden ideologies. This article address and articulate such concerns and theoretical arguments regarding deliberate, nuanced perceptions of violent history especially in fictional and creative representations. Subsequently offering a Foucauldian analysis of Shonali Bose's film Amu (2007), I propose that the film's critical lens parallels the complexities and dilemmas in discursive formation of a passive subjectivity (be it of the victim or survivor of 1984 violence) that is unable to acquire viable agency after all.
Solution mapping of T cell receptor docking footprints on peptide-MHC

T cell receptor (TCR) recognition of peptide-MHC (pMHC) is central to the cellular immune response. A large database of TCR–pMHC structures is needed to reveal general structural principles, such as whether the repertoire of TCR/MHC docking modes is dictated by a “recognition code” between conserved elements of the TCR and MHC genes. Although ≈17 cocrystal structures of unique TCR–pMHC complexes have been determined, cocrystallization of soluble TCR and pMHC remains a major technical obstacle in the field. Here we demonstrate a strategy, based on NMR chemical shift mapping, that permits rapid and reliable analysis of the solution footprint made by a TCR when binding onto the pMHC surface. We mapped the 2C TCR binding interaction with its allogeneic ligand H–2Ld–QL9 and identified a group of NMR-shifted residues that delineated a clear surface of the MHC that we defined as the TCR footprint. We subsequently found that the docking footprint described by NMR shifts was highly accurate compared with a recently determined high-resolution crystal structure of the same complex. The same NMR footprint analysis was done on a high-affinity mutant of the TCR. The current work serves as a foundation to explore the molecular dynamics of pMHC complexes and to rapidly determine the footprints of many Ld-specific TCRs.
Bilateral lemierre syndrome secondary to periodontitis: a case report and review of the literature.

Background Lemierre syndrome is the typical presentation of human necrobacillosis. It is characterized by an initial infection, progressing to septic thrombophlebitis, septicemia, and multisystem embolic necrotic abscesses. It is usually caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, but its pathophysiology remains obscure. A case of bilateral Lemierre syndrome secondary to periodontitis is reported. Case presentation A previously healthy 24-year-old African American man presented with a 2-week history of fever, chills, dyspnea, abdominal pain and vomiting, nonbloody diarrhea, anorexia, and body aches. He occasionally smoked marijuana but had no pets, and denied sick contact or recent travel. Physical examination was remarkable for tachypnea, tachycardia, pyrexia, icteric sclera, dry oral mucosa, moderate-to-severe gingival inflammation, and dental caries involving the upper and lower molars. The oropharynx was clear. He had tenderness over the sternocleidomastoid muscles bilaterally, and nontender cervical lymphadenopathy. Chest examination revealed reduced breath sounds in both bases with fine crackles at the right base. Examination of the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems was significant for tenderness in the right upper quadrant with no rebound. Laboratory findings were significant for leukocytosis with a left shift, anemia, abnormal liver function tests, elevated creatine phosphokinase, and positive blood culture for F. necrophorum. Chest radiographs and computed tomography scans revealed multilobar cavitary nodular densities with pleural effusions. Duplex sonography of the neck demonstrated thrombosed left internal jugular vein with complete occlusion of the lumen, thrombosed left subclavian, and axillary veins with minimal blood flow. There was also a small thrombus in both the right internal jugular and right subclavian veins with partial occlusion of their lumina. He was prescribed penicillin, metronidazole, and anticoagulation therapy and had complete resolution of the lung lesions and marginal improvement of the bilateral neck thrombophlebitis. He was awaiting dental procedures. Conclusions A case is reported of extensive bilateral septic thrombophlebitis of the deep neck veins secondary to periodontal disease. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first case of bilateral Lemierre syndrome due to periodontal disease reported in the literature. It highlights the typical septic thrombophlebitis of Lemierre syndrome and its protean manifestations, such as hepatitis and rhabdomyolysis. This presentation also underscores the significance of thorough dental examinations in febrile patients. With respect to anticoagulation therapy in Lemierre syndrome, though still not established, there is some evidence of utility with no untoward effects.
Rheological evaluations of interground and blended cement–limestone suspensions

Abstract This paper reports a comparative study of the rheological properties of suspensions composed using ordinary portland cement (OPC), interground with, and blended with limestone. Two different interground portland limestone cements (PLCs) and three blended limestone cements were examined. The blended mixtures were prepared using the same limestone content (by replacement) as the interground mixture, and blended to match the particle size distribution (PSD) of the plain OPC and interground PLCs. This methodology was used to separate the influence of packing and surface area from the influence of the limestone incorporation technique (i.e., intergrinding or blending). The results indicate that the inclusion of limestone decreases the yield stress due to reduced van der Waals forces between limestone-to-OPC particles, as compared to OPC-to-OPC particle interactions. The plastic viscosity is noted to be independent of the limestone replacement level, and dependent solely on the volumetric solid loading and PSD of the solids in the suspension. Intergrinding of limestone is shown to have beneficial effects on the yield stress compared to PSD-matched OPC–limestone blends, due to coarser OPC fraction in the interground PLC as compared to the blended mixture. Finally, via oscillatory shear experiments, the use of a stress plateau identification technique is demonstrated to be an accurate means to identify the yield stress in cementitious suspensions all suspensions.
Levels in 36Ar and 38Ar from alpha capture in 32S and 34S

Abstract The 32 , 34 S(α,γ) 36 , 38 Ar reactions have been studied over an energy range E x = 3.2–4.3 MeV. Of the thirteen resonances observed in this energy region, three are attributed to 32 S and ten to 34 S. The excitation energies and resonance strengths are reported. The main decay of all levels is directly to the ground state, permitting definite spin and parity assignments to all resonances from angular distribution data. The resonance strengths support the isobaric spin selection rule for electric dipole transitions in self-conjugate nuclei.
Dehydropeptides from orthogonal ligation of unprotected peptides.

A facile method has been developed to synthesize linear and cyclic dehydropeptides from unprotected peptide precursors. This method exploits an N-terminal Cys for a Cys−thioester ligation to generate an unprotected peptide and as a precursor for conversion to ΔAla by β-elimination under mild conditions.
The perception of motion during colinear eye movements

When the eyes are engaged in pursuit movements, the image of a stationary object shifts on the retina, but such a target is either perceived as stationary or seems to move only little. This is the result of a compensation process called position constancy, which takes the eye movements into account. Becklen, Wallach, and Nitzberg (1984) reported that position constancy does not operate when the target undergoes a motion of its own, in a direction that differs from the direction of the eye movements. Other findings have indicated that position constancy has an effect when the target motion is colinear with the eye movements, but the accuracy with which it then operates has not been known. We measured how correctly motions that were colinear with eye movements were perceived and found that the extents of target motions were accurately perceived when they were in the same direction as the eye movement, but that position constancy showed a small, but distinct, lag when eye-movement and target motions were in opposite directions.
The Roots of Conservatism in Mexico: Catholicism, Society, and Politics in the Mixteca Baja, 1750–1962. By Benjamin T. Smith. (Albuquerque, NM: University of New Mexico Press, 2012. Pp. xi, 432. $34.95.)

This monograph adds a fresh perspective to recent studies of indigenous communities in nineteenth‐century Mexico as it explains why peasants in Oaxaca's Mixteca Baja “repeatedly supported conservat...
Arrhythmogenic mechanisms in ryanodine receptor channelopathies

Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are the calcium release channels of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) that provide the majority of calcium ions (Ca2+) necessary to induce contraction of cardiac and skeletal muscle cells. In their intracellular environment, RyR channels are regulated by a variety of cytosolic and luminal factors so that their output signal (Ca2+) induces finely-graded cell contraction without igniting cellular processes that may lead to aberrant electrical activity (ventricular arrhythmias) or cellular remodeling. The importance of RyR dysfunction has been recently highlighted with the demonstration that point mutations in RYR2 , the gene encoding for the cardiac isoform of the RyR (RyR2), are associated with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), an arrhythmogenic syndrome characterized by the development of adrenergically-mediated ventricular tachycardia in individuals with an apparently normal heart. Here we summarize the state of the field in regards to the main arrhythmogenic mechanisms triggered by RyR2 channels harboring mutations linked to CPVT. Most CPVT mutations characterized to date endow RyR2 channels with a gain of function, resulting in hyperactive channels that release Ca2+ spontaneously, especially during diastole. The spontaneous Ca2+ release is extruded by the electrogenic Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, which depolarizes the external membrane (delayed afterdepolarization or DAD) and may trigger untimely action potentials. However, a rare set of CPVT mutations yield RyR2 channels that are intrinsically hypo-active and hypo-responsive to stimuli, and it is unclear whether these channels release Ca2+ spontaneously during diastole. We discuss novel cellular mechanisms that appear more suitable to explain ventricular arrhythmias due to RyR2 loss-of-function mutations.
A TRANSACTION MODEL FOR PARALLEL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS PART II: MODEL AND EVALUATION

Parallel-rule firing approaches have been proposed to improve the performance of production systems. However, few models have been developed to measure the performance of parallel-rule firing approaches. There are three approaches to evaluating system performance, namely, analytical modeling, simulation, and system prototyping or implementation. Analytical modeling has its advantage in being cost effective and providing a powerful tool for studying various aspects of system performance by varying system parameters. Since analytical modeling has been very successfully used in evaluating database system performance, we develop such a model for parallel production systems, where rule firing is modeled as a transaction. Both resource contention and data contention are modeled in detail and the performance of locking, timestamp and optimistic approaches is analyzed. We show that significant speedup can be gained in parallel rule execution. Our main contribution is in the insights into parallel-rule firing provided by parametric modeling.
The poverty of economic explanations of consumption and an action theory alternative

The purpose of this essay is to critique economic conceptualizations of consumer behaviour and explanations of consumer choice, and to propose an alternative rooted in the philosophy of mind and action, as well as in nascent social psychological and marketing models of purposive behaviour. It is claimed that economic theory harbours ideological and methodological biases in how consumer behaviour is conceived and obscures understanding of the many decision processes constituting consumer behaviour and its causes and effects. A novel multistage model is proposed to account for consumer goal achievement/goal failure, where goal outcomes are hypothesized to be joint functions of consumer actions and physical, social, or other environmental forces. Consumer action, in turn, is proposed to begin with reasoning processes (subject to nonconscious biases found in neural operations), to undergo appraisals of anticipated goal outcomes, which are experienced as positive and negative emotions, to involve a subsequent integrative stage of desire production, where reasoning, emotional, and social processes are integrated and transformed into a decision to act or not, and finally to encompass additional affective and reasoning processes that are initiated in a stage termed, ‘trying to consume’, wherein decisions are planned and implemented, and goal-directed behaviours activated. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of developmental trajectories in the starlet sea anemone Nematostella vectensis: embryogenesis, regeneration, and two forms of asexual fission

Abstract. The starlet sea anemone, Nematostella vectensis, is a small burrowing estuarine animal, native to the Atlantic coast of North America. In recent years, this anemone has emerged as a model system in cnidarian developmental biology. Molecular studies of embryology and larval development in N. vectensis have provided important insights into the evolution of key metazoan traits. However, the adult body plan of N. vectensis may arise via four distinct developmental trajectories: (1) embryogenesis following sexual reproduction, (2) asexual reproduction via physal pinching, (3) asexual reproduction via polarity reversal, and (4) regeneration following bisection through the body column. Here, we compare the ontogenetic sequences underlying alternate developmental trajectories. Additionally, we describe the predictable generation of anomalous phenotypes that can occur following localized injuries to the body column. These studies suggest testable hypotheses on the molecular mechanisms underlying alternate developmental trajectories, and they provoke new questions about the evolution of novel developmental trajectories and their initiation via environmental cues.
The Next Generation of Community College Leaders

Nearly a decade ago, Sullivan presented her interpretation of the four generations of community college leaders by describing them as “the founding fathers, the good managers, the collaborators, and the millennium generation” (Sullivan, 2001, p. 559). She predicted a shift to frames utilizing the Four-Frame Model of Leadership by Bolman and Deal (1991). This article provides a discussion of the research that has been published using the Bolman and Deal model and a synopsis of the current leadership challenges faced by community college leaders. And finally, a new prediction is made of the values, skills, and frames needed for these leaders.
Chromatography of reversibly reacting mixtures: mutarotation effects in sugar separations

Abstract A mathematical model is developed to describe the chromatographic behavior of a reversibly reacting mixture of two linearly adsorbed components. When the distribution coefficient between the fluid and the solid phases is different for the two components, the elution profiles are broadened to an extent that depends upon the rate of reaction. For low reaction rates, the two components behave independently and two separate peaks are obtained when an equilibrium mixture is injected. At intermediate reaction rates, the elution profiles are stretched between the characteristic elution times of the two components. Finally, at high reaction rates, the two components propagate through the column as an equilibrium mixture and two superimposed symmetrical peaks are obtained. The mathematical development is used in the analysis of experimental results for the chromatographic separation of glucose—fructose mixtures at diferent temperatures. Each component peak is broadened and distorted by the simultaneous occurrence of mutarotation, which results in the formation of differently sorbed tautomers for each sugar. The model developed allows a determination of equilibrium and rate constants for each tautomer and a successful prediction of the chromatographic behavior.
Sibling Reflux: A Dual Center Retrospective Study

AbstractPurpose: Siblings of index patients with vesicoureteral reflux are known to have an increased incidence of reflux. Previous reports may be biased due to significantly more female siblings undergoing screening. In addition, it has been suggested that screening is unnecessary in older children.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of probands with vesicoureteral reflux. A total of 422 families comprising 622 siblings was identified at our centers from 1985 to 1994. Of the 255 boys and 277 girls newborn to 16 years old (mean age 6.2 years) 85 percent were evaluated. Almost 43 percent of the probands (225) were older than 7 years.Results: Vesicoureteral reflux was noted in 144 siblings (52 boys and 92 girls, 27 percent). The majority had low grade reflux but in 111 (77 percent) maximum reflux grade was II or III. Reflux nephropathy was demonstrated on a nuclear renal scan in 18 of the 132 tested siblings (13.6 percent). In all of these children reflux was grades II to IV and 2...
Absorbable suture improves growth of venous anastomoses

Abstract Growth of vascular anastomoses is desirable in pediatric vascular surgery, especially in pediatric organ transplantation. Although absorbable suture has been shown to be superior to nonabsorbable suture in permitting growth of arterial anastomoses, the optimal suture material for venous anastomoses has not been established. To examine this in a porcine model, we performed bilateral primary end-to-end anastomoses of transected external jugular veins in 10, 4-week-old piglets. In each piglet one anastomosis was constructed with continuous absorbable 8-0 polyglyconate suture, whereas the contralateral anastomosis was constructed with continuous nonabsorbable 8-0 polypropylene suture. After 6 months the veins were excised, pressure fixed at 15 mm Hg for 2 hours, and examined grossly and histologically. Vein diameter was measured by contrast radiography at the anastomosis and 1 cm proximal and distal to the anastomosis. Vein cross-sectional area 1 cm from the anastomosis was similar in the two groups: polyglyconate 95.7 ±12.3 mm 2 versus polypropylene 95.3 ± 9.7 mm 2 . However, polyglyconate anastomoses had greater cross-sectional area (polyglyconate 72.8 ± 7.9 mm 2 vs polypropylene 51.8 ± 6.0 mm 2 ; p p 2 ) from control pigs at 4 weeks of age. On histologic examination, polyglyconate had dissolved entirely in six cases and was present but in varying degrees of dissolution in the other four; in contrast, polypropylene was identifiable at all anastomoses. These results suggest that absorbable suture is superior to nonabsorbable suture for construction of venous anastomoses when anastomotic growth is important. (J Vasc Surg 1992;769–73.)
A pointwise representation of the s-matrix Kohn variational principle for quantum scattering

Abstract A method is proposed for reducing the complexity of scattering calculations carried out using the Kohn variational principle. The technique is based upon the use of a pointwise representation for the L 2 part of the basis set and eliminates the need to explicitly evaluate any integrals involving such functions. Application to potential and inelastic scattering test cases show the method to be of good accuracy.
Substitution‐reduction: an alternative process for the [18F]N‐(2‐fluoroethylation) of anilines

Summary Substitution of a halo atom (chloro or bromo) in easily prepared N-haloacetylanilines with no-carrier added (NCA) cyclotron-produced [ 18 F]fluoride ion ( 18 F, t1/2= 109.8 min; b + =96.9%), followed by reduction with borane–tetrahydrofuran (BH3– THF), provides an alternative route to NCA [ 18 F]N-(2-fluoroethyl)-anilines. This twostep and one-pot process is rapid (� 50 min) and moderately high yielding (� 40% decay-corrected radiochemical yield (RCY) overall). In the nucleophilic substitution reaction, 18-crown-6 is preferred to Kryptofix 1 222 as complexing agent for the solubilization of the counter-ion (K þ ), derived from an added metal salt, in acetonitrile. Weakly basic potassium bicarbonate is preferred as the added metal salt. Inclusion of a small amount of water, equating to 4–5 molar equivalents relative to 18-crown-6, base or precursor (held in equimolar ratio), is beneficial in preventing the adsorption of radioactivity onto the wall of the glass reaction vessel and for achieving high RCY in the nucleophilic substitution reaction. BH3–THF is effective for the rapid reduction of the generated [ 18 F]Nfluoroacetyl-aniline to the [ 18 F]N-(2-fluoroethyl)-aniline. Copyright # 2004 John
On periodic pulse interval analysis with outliers and missing observations

Analysis of periodic pulse trains based on time of arrival is considered, with perhaps very many missing observations and contaminated data. A period estimator is developed based on a modified Euclidean algorithm. This algorithm is a computationally simple, robust method for estimating the greatest common divisor of a noisy contaminated data set. The resulting estimate, although it is not maximum likelihood, is used as initialization in a three-step algorithm that achieves the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) for moderate noise levels, as shown by comparing Monte Carlo results with the CRBs. This approach solves linear regression problems with missing observations and outliers. Comparisons with a periodogram approach based on a point process model are shown. An extension using multiple independent data records is also developed that overcomes high levels of contamination.
Simulation of the binary hard-sphere crystal/melt interface

We report results of molecular-dynamics simulations on a planar binary hard-sphere disordered facecentered-cubic @100# crystal/melt interface. From the analysis of the single-particle density and diffusion profiles for the separate components, several phenomena are observed. The density profile for the smaller particle has an envelope that is decidedly nonmonotonic, unlike the same quantity for single-component systems. Also, the coarse-scaled density profiles show that the mole fractions of the two coexisting phases change from crystal-like to meltlike values over a length scale that is much shorter than that of the overall density, which exhibits a pronounced deficit in the interfacial region, indicating inefficient wetting of the @100# crystal surface by the fluid. @S1063-651X~96!50112-1#
Progress Is a Relay Race

It is hard for me to put into words what it feels like to stand here before you as your 16th Mary McMillan lecturer. I feel deeply honored and appreciate the message you sent to me with this invitation. OUR HERITAGE: THE McMILLAN SPIRIT We are convening this year for a very special conference, special in many ways. Above all, this is our 60th anniversary, and we are now approaching maturity. We are also celebrating the 100th anniversary of Mary McMillan's birth. We are convening in our nation's capital, and much of our professional history took place in this city. It also happens to be the city where I was introduced to physical therapy, during a brief visit with Col Emma Vogel, who at that time, just prior to World War II, was Director of Physical Therapy Services here at Walter Reed Hospital.
EgoNet: identification of human disease ego-network modules

Mining novel biomarkers from gene expression profiles for accurate disease classification is challenging due to small sample size and high noise in gene expression measurements. Several studies have proposed integrated analyses of microarray data and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks to find diagnostic subnetwork markers. However, the neighborhood relationship among network member genes has not been fully considered by those methods, leaving many potential gene markers unidentified. The main idea of this study is to take full advantage of the biological observation that genes associated with the same or similar diseases commonly reside in the same neighborhood of molecular networks. We present EgoNet, a novel method based on egocentric network-analysis techniques, to exhaustively search and prioritize disease subnetworks and gene markers from a large-scale biological network. When applied to a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) microarray dataset, the top selected modules contain both known gene markers in TNBC and novel candidates, such as RAD51 and DOK1, which play a central role in their respective ego-networks by connecting many differentially expressed genes. Our results suggest that EgoNet, which is based on the ego network concept, allows the identification of novel biomarkers and provides a deeper understanding of their roles in complex diseases.
Mediastinal mass and pericardial tamponade in a renal transplant recipient: A rare case of nocardia infection

PATIENT Female, 30 FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Nocardiosis Symptoms: Cardiac tamponade • cough • dyspnea • hoarseness • mediastinal mass • pericardial effusion • short of breath MEDICATION - Clinical Procedure: - Specialty: Transplantology. OBJECTIVE Rare disease. BACKGROUND Nocardia infections can complicate solid organ transplantation. The usual clinical presentations include pulmonary infiltrates with or without cavitation and subcutaneous and brain abscesses. We report an unusual case of nocardia infection in a kidney transplant recipient that presented as mediastinal mass and was associated with pericardial tamponade. CASE REPORT A 30 year old African American renal transplant recipient presented with cough, hoarseness and shortness of breath nine months after kidney transplantation. She received basiliximab perioperatively and her maintenance immunosuppression included tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone. Computed tomography (CT) showed a large mediastinal mass with a large pericardial effusion. An echocardiogram revealed collapse of the right ventricle consistent with tamponade. We performed emergent pericardiocentesis to treat the tamponade. A mediastinoscopic biopsy of the mediastinal mass was done to establish a diagnosis. The mediastinal biopsy confirmed the growth of Nocardia. After 2 weeks of imipenem and 6 weeks of linezolid, there was marked radiographic improvement in the size of the mediastinal mass. CONCLUSIONS We report a rare case of a large mediastinal mass associated with pericardial tamponade from nocardia infection in a renal transplant recipient. An invasive approach may be necessary to obtain tissue diagnosis to direct treatment in these cases. Prompt and appropriate medical therapy leads to marked radiographic improvement.
Reliability-aware thermal management for hard real-time applications on multi-core processors

Advances in chip-multiprocessor processing capabilities have led to an increased power consumption and temperature hotspots. Reducing the on-die peak temperature is important from the power reduction and reliability considerations. However, the presence of task deadlines constrain the reduction of peak temperature and thus complicates the determination of optimal speeds for minimizing the peak temperature. We formulate the determination of optimal speeds for minimizing the peak temperature of execution with task deadlines as a quasiconvex optimization problem. This formulation includes accurate power and thermal models with the leakage power dependency on temperature. Experiments demonstrate that our approach is very flexible in adapting to various scenarios of workload and deadline specifications. We obtained an 8°C reduction in peak temperature for a sample execution of benchmarks.