cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Communication practices as unobtrusive control: An observational study

This paper reports a study that examines naturalistic communication as concertive control. The paper argues that, while the theoretical perspective considers communication in the powerful role of controlling organizational decision making, research efforts have not, for the most part, examined communication practices. Results of an interpretation of communication interaction observed during organizational meetings identify several communicative practices that are interpreted as unobtrusive control practices. First, premises are articulated and reiterated during meetings. Second, leaders simultaneously reinforce and appeal to organizational premises. Third, as premises are articulated and reiterated, leaders' metacommunication suggests that the premises are being drawn from the members. Fourth, members participate in this process through interactive decision‐making rituals. A more complex interpretation is offered to enrich the understanding of concertive control. Specifically, instances of concertive cont...
The effects of hydrostatic pressure on the low-Km GTPase in brain membranes from two congeneric marine fishes

To investigate, the effects of hydrostatic pressure on transmembrane signaling in cold-adapted marine fishes, we examined the high-affinity GTPase activity in two congeneric marine fishes, Sebastolobus alascanus and S. altivelis. In brain membranes there are two GTPase activities, one with a low Km and one with a high Km for GTP. The high-affinity GTPase activity, characteristic of the α subunits of the guanine nucleotide binding protein pool, was stimulated by the A1 adenosine receptor agonists N6(R-phenylisopropyl)adenosine and N6-cyclopentyladenosine, and the muscarinic cholinergic agonist carbamyl choline. Pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of the membranes for 2 h at 5°C prior to the GTPase assay decreased the basal GTPase activity 30–40% and abolished N6 (R-phenylisopropyl)adenosine stimulation of GTP hydrolysis. Basal high-affinity hydrolysis of GTP, measured at 0.3 μmol·1-1GTP, was stimulated 22% in both species by 340 atm pressure. At 340 atm pressure, the apparent Km of GTP is decreased approximately 10% in each of the species, and the Vmax values are increased 11 and 15.9% in S. alascanus and S. altivelis, respectively. The apparent volume changes associated with the decreased Km of GTP and the increased Vmax ranged from-7.0 to-9.9 ml·mol-1. Increased pressure markedly decreased the efficacy of N6 (R-phenylisopropyl) adenosine, N6-cylcopentyladenosine and carbamyl choline in stimulating GTPase activity. The effects of increased hydrostatic pressure on transmembrane signal transduction by the A1 adenosine receptor-inhibitory guanine nucleotide binding protein-adenylyl cyclase system may stem, at least in part, from pressure-increased GTP hydrolysis and the concomitant termination of inhibitory signal transduction.
Alpha-fetoprotein, stem cells and cancer: how study of the production of alpha-fetoprotein during chemical hepatocarcinogenesis led to reaffirmation of the stem cell theory of cancer.

Identification of the cells in the liver that produce α-fetoprotein during development, in response to liver injury and during the early stages of chemical hepatocarcinogenesis led to the conclusion t
Does Erythropoietin Have a Dark Side? Epo Signaling and Cancer Cells

Erythropoietin (Epo) stimulates red blood cell production by docking with its cognate receptor on the erythroid progenitor cell and triggering an array of signaling pathways that inhibit apoptosis and promote cell proliferation and differentiation. In its pharmaceutical forms, epoetin and darbepoetin, Epo is widely used to treat various anemias, including those associated with cancer. The Epo receptor is also expressed by nonhematopoietic cells, including cancer cells, and Epo exhibits a "tissue-protective" effect on nonhematopoietic tissues, possibly mediated through a novel heteroreceptor, blocking apoptosis induced by a variety of insults. The unexpected results of several clinical studies in which Epo was used to treat cancer patients have now raised the question of a potential direct growth-promoting action of Epo on cancer cells.
Over consumption of fat by college students: The fast food connection

College students (416) in an introductory nutrition class were surveyed to determine how college students categorize foods and to establish the relationships between fat intake (3‐day diet record), everyday food choices and fat practices (frequency survey), and fast‐food use (attendance and food consumption). Factor analysis of everyday food choices resulted in five groupings, three high‐fat and two low‐fat. Males averaged 84 g fat/day (range 26–212); women 61 g fat/day (range 25–201). Fat intake was almost double for students with the highest fast‐food attendance (97 g) compared to the lowest (50 g). Fast‐food intake does not necessarily contribute a great amount of fat to the overall diet, but is predictive of a certain type of high‐fat dietary pattern.
The Attitudes of Middle Class versus Upper Class Male and Female Consumers Regarding the Effectiveness of Celebrity Endorsers

This study analyzes and compares middle and upper class male and female consumer perceptions regarding the effectiveness of celebrity endorsers in relation to the AIDA framework and the match-up hypothesis. Findings indicate that celebrity endorsers influence both men and women, but men were influenced to a greater degree than middle class women, while upper class women were most influenced. The main AIDA influence is the celebrity endorser's ability to get and hold attention. The most important celebrity source characteristic is expertise, which apparently can overcome certain celebrity character flaws, such as the lack of trustworthiness and likeability.
Oxidative dehydrogenation of cyclohexane over alumina-supported vanadium oxide nanoliths

Abstract Featuring highly ordered one-dimensional nanopores, anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) makes an ideal substrate for fabrication of catalysts by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Vanadium oxide (VOx) catalysts supported on AAOs and prepared by ALD and incipient wetness impregnation are characterized by X-ray fluorescence and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. At low loadings (
The platelet-activating factor signaling system and its regulators in syndromes of inflammation and thrombosis.

Objectives: To review the platelet-activating factor (PAF) signaling system, its regulation, and its dysregulation in acute inflammation and thrombosis and in syndromes that involve these cascades, including sepsis. Data Sources: A summary of published literature from MEDLINE search files and published reviews. Data Extraction, Synthesis, and Summary: PAF, a phospholipid signaling molecule, transmits outside-in signals to intracellular transduction systems and effector mechanisms in a variety of cell types, including key cells of the innate immune and hemostatic systems: neutrophils, monocytes, and platelets. Thus, the PAF signaling system is a point of convergence at which injurious stimuli can trigger and amplify both acute inflammatory and thrombotic cascades. The biological activities of PAF are regulated by several precise mechanisms that, together, constrain and control its action in physiologic inflammation. Unregulated synthesis of PAF or defects in the mechanisms that limit its biological activities have the potential to cause pathologic inflammation and thrombosis. In addition, nonenzymatic generation of oxidized phospholipids that are recognized by the PAF receptor can trigger inflammatory and thrombotic events. There is evidence that the PAF signaling system is dysregulated in sepsis, shock, and traumatic injury and that interruption or termination of its effector responses leads to beneficial outcomes. Plasma PAF acetylhydrolase, an enzyme that hydrolyzes PAF and structurally related oxidized phospholipids, yielding products that are no longer recognized by the PAF receptor, may be a particularly important signal terminator. Conclusion: The PAF signaling system can trigger inflammatory and thrombotic cascades, amplify these cascades when acting with other mediators, and mediate molecular and cellular interactions (cross talk) between inflammation and thrombosis. Evidence from in vitro experiments, studies of experimental animals, and clinical observations in humans indicates that the PAF signaling system is important in sepsis and other syndromes of inflammatory injury and that therapeutic strategies to interrupt or terminate signaling via the PAF signaling system may be useful in these conditions.
Effects of chronic oral methadone on hepatic microsomal drug metabolism in monkeys

Eight adult stump-tailed macaques ( Macaca arctoides ) were divided into three groups: (1) those receiving placebo; (2) those receiving 15 mg/kg/day of methadone for 3 months followed by an adjustment to 7 mg/kg/day for the remainder of 1 year; and (3) those receiving methadone for 12 months, as in (2), followed by a drug-free period of at least 4 months. The effects of methadone on hepatic microsomal metabolism were studied using microsomes prepared from surgical biopsy samples. Microsomes were assayed for cytochrome P -450 and cytochrome b 5 content and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase and p -nitroanisole O -demethylase activity. Methadone administration decreased all parameters, especially the p -nitroanisole O -demethylase activity. With withdrawal from methadone, all parameters were similar to, or slightly elevated above, control values. The data suggest a generalized depression of microsomal enzymatic function with sustained methadone ingestion.
Successful treatment of mycotic hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms with arterial reconstruction and liposomal amphotericin B

A 55-year-old woman developed end-stage liver disease and the hepatorenal syndrome secondary to cryptogenic cirrhosis. Orthotopic liver transplantation was complicated by bile peritonitis, requiring reoperation and eventual placement of an internal biliary stent. On postoperative day 26, hemobilia was caused by localized rupture of mycotic (Aspergillus fumigatus) hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms with fistulization into the biliary tree. After arterial reconstruction with a reversed autologous saphenous vein graft, the patient was treated successfully with liposomal amphotericin B.
The Legislative Politics of Congressional Redistricting Commission Proposals

Many politicians and reformers have suggested that allowing non- or bipartisan redistricting commissions to draw congressional districts will make elections more competitive and reduce partisan pol...
Real Time Dispatching Control of Multi-Dollies Material Handling Systems in General Assembly Lines

Material handling process on assembly lines is important because poor planning and control policies lead to low utilization of workforce and resources, which will cause more inadequate part delivery (part starvation) and reduce the overall system performance. Therefore, the delivery system must be optimized such that minimum number of workforce can be achieved without sacrificing production rate. In real assembly process, for better safety and higher efficiency, dolly trains are widely used to replace traditional forklifts for part delivery, which allows drivers to deliver more than one parts per trip and raises problems: how to choose proper number of parts and the delivery order at the beginning of each trip to achieve optimal dispatching control. Effective algorithms and strategies are addressed and compared in this study to provide practical guidelines for dolly material handling system.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Use of prophylactic topical or intraluminal antibiotics for hemodialysis catheters

This Practice Point commentary discusses the findings and limitations of a meta-analysis that evaluated the use of prophylactic antibiotics for hemodialysis catheters. Use of prophylactic topical antibiotics at the catheter exit site was associated with a significant reduction in catheter-related bacteremia, exit-site infections, catheter removals due to secondary complications, hospitalizations for infection, and patient mortality. Use of prophylactic intraluminal antibiotic instillation was associated with a significantly reduced risk of catheter-related bacteremia and need for catheter removal. This commentary highlights the issues that should be considered when interpreting and generalizing these results, including the variability of antibiotic type and catheter type (nontunneled vs tunneled), the use of co-interventions in the various trials, and potential publication bias. The known benefits of prophylactic antibiotic use in patients with hemodialysis catheters are strongly supported by this meta-analysis.
Dynamic Complexity: Teaching, Learning, and Politics

The author explores the ethical and pedagogical dimensions of teaching politically charged subjects or in politically charged contexts. The author notes the ways in which faculty have failed to engage well in difficult dialogues, often attaching attacks on scholarly and teaching competence to what are really accounts of political difference. The author argues for intellectual and pedagogical engagement that acknowledges and accounts for the intellectual challenge of difficult dialogue, the indeterminacy of knowledge within politically contested domains, and the ongoing need of both teachers and students for unconditional commitment to the relational.
Chemical Etiology of Nucleic Acid Structure

Systematic chemical studies indicate that the capability of Watson-Crick base-pairing is widespread among potentially natural nucleic acid alternatives taken from RNA's close structural neighborhood. A comparison of RNA and such alternatives with regard to chemical properties that are fundamental to the biological function of RNA provides chemical facts that may contain clues to RNA's origin.
Airway management strategies in patients with halo vest fixation devices

To the Editor, White et al. highlighted the airway management challenges in patients with halo vest fixation devices (HVFDs). Limited mouth opening, reduction in the oropharyngeal space due to immobilization in flexion, limited access to the airway due to the physical presence of the device, and the inability to extend the patient’s head at the atlanto-occipital joint may all lead to an extremely difficult or impossible airway management situation. Although awake fibreoptic intubation (AFI) has typically been recommended as the technique of choice in this particular situation, the article illustrated that it should not be assumed that AFI is a completely safe and complicationfree technique that always ends in successful intubation. This is simply because such a technique does not exist. McGuire and el-Beheiry reported two cases of complete airway obstruction during attempted AFI in patients with unstable cervical spine fractures. Face mask ventilation was not possible and, in both cases, an emergency surgical airway was performed to save the patients. The authors concluded that complete obstruction was caused by laryngospasm due to both inadequate topicalization and oversedation. Similarly, Shaw et al. reported complete airway obstruction during an attempted AFI when the local anesthetic was sprayed into the upper airway. In addition, Sato et al. reported a similar incidence in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis in whom the obstruction resolved after inducing general anesthesia. Several other airway management techniques were successfully used in patients with HVFDs. A few examples of such techniques include induction of general anesthesia and laryngeal mask insertion (with or without fibreoptic tracheal intubation), tracheal intubation using an airway scope or a video laryngoscope, and direct laryngoscopy with manual in-line stabilization. Induction of general anesthesia, however, carries the risk of airway loss. Furthermore, the degree of mouth opening and the limited space to maneuver or insert an airway device can limit the usefulness of these devices. In some cases, an elective awake tracheostomy may be the safest initial approach to establish a definitive airway. Regardless of the technique, the real challenge should not be forgotten, namely, to establish the airway without causing further neurologic deterioration. White et al. reported no neurologic deficits after releasing the HVFD and using a video laryngoscope with manual in-line neck stabilization for tracheal intubation. Their finding may pave the way for future large-scale studies to compare the safety, success rate, and incidence of life-threatening and neurologic complications that may be associated with each individual technique.
Molecular models of a hydrated calcite mineral surface

Abstract Hydrated mineral surfaces play an important role in many processes in biological, geological, and industrial applications. An energy force field was developed for molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics simulations of hydrated carbonate minerals and was applied to investigate the behavior of water on the ( 10 1 ¯ 4 ) calcite surface. The force field is a significant development for large-scale molecular simulations of these systems, and provides good agreement with experimental and previous modeling results. Simulations indicate that water molecules are significantly ordered near the calcite surface. The predominant surface configuration (75–80%) results from coordination of a water molecule with a single calcium cation–carbonate anion pair, while the less common situation involves water coordination with two ion pairs. Surface restructuring and variation in coordination in the water layers results in distinct distances for water oxygens above the calcite surface—a two-component first monolayer (2.3 and 3.0 A) and a secondary monolayer (5.0 A). The different coordinations also alter lateral displacement, hydrogen bonding, and surface-normal orientation of the water molecules. The ordering of water molecules and the formation of a unique hydrogen bonding network at the calcite surface influence the physical properties of the interfacial water. Surface exchange of water molecules is observed by molecular dynamics simulation to occur at a rate of one exchange per 10 ps. Diffusion coefficients derived from mean square displacement analysis of atomic trajectories indicate a dependence of water transport based on the distance of the water molecules from the calcite surface.
Current status of pharmaceutical safety management in Korea

827 c Korean Medical Association This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons. org/licenses/by-nc/3.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. J Korean Med Assoc 2012 September; 55(9): 827-834 http://dx.doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2012.55.9.827 pISSN: 1975-8456 eISSN: 2093-5951 http://jkma.org
Vegetation and climate dynamics of southern Chile during the past 50,000 years: results of ODP Site 1233 pollen analysis

Abstract High-resolution pollen data from ODP Site 1233 (41°0.005S, 74°26.992W, 838 m water depth) provide a continuous, chronostratigraphically controlled ∼50,000-yr record of regional changes in vegetation from temperate South America. Deposited ∼38 km west of the transition from northern, summer-green, lowland forest to southern evergreen rain forest, the 135 m core documents the comparatively brief Holocene development of thermophilous vegetation (Lowland Deciduous Beech Forest and Valdivian Evergreen Forest), and the expansion of glacial, subantarctic vegetation (North Patagonian Evergreen Forest-Subantarctic Parkland) during Marine Isotope State (MIS) 2 and 3. Systematic variability in these terrestrial climate proxies that reflect latitudinal movement of the southern westerlies is mirrored in co-eval ocean conditions inferred from radiolaria census data and in Antarctic climate records.
Improving hand-based verification through online finger template update based on fused confidences

Since the biometric data tends to have a large intra-class variability, it is possible for the enrolled templates to be significantly different from acquired samples during system's operation. The majority of existing techniques in the literature, namely self update, update a template set by using a confidently verified input sample in order to avoid the introduction of impostors into the template set of a client. Therefore these techniques can only exploit the input sample very similar to the current template set leading to local optimization of a template set. To address this issue, this paper introduces a technique by decomposing the hand silhouette into the different parts (i.e. fingers) and analyzing the confidences of these parts in order to lead to global optimization of templates. In the proposed method, first the hand silhouette is divided in different parts corresponding to the fingers. Then the confidence of each finger, as well as its identity, is evaluated by a Support Vector Data Description (SVDD). The confidence of a query hand is determined by the maximum confidence of all fingers. If the maximum confidence is higher than a threshold, the boundaries of all fingers' SVDDs are incrementally updated to learn the variations of the input data. The motivation behind this technique is that the temporal changes that may occur in the fingers are uncorrelated in such a way that the confidence of each finger can be significantly different from the others. As a result those fingers with difficult intra-class variations (low confidence) can be used in the update process by this technique. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed technique in comparison to the state of the art self-update technique specially at low false acceptance rates.
Prevalence of G6PD deficiency in a large cohort of HIV-infected patients

Summary Background Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common human enzyme defect. Screening for this condition in HIV-infected patients from susceptible ethnic groups is recommended based on expert opinion. Here we determined the prevalence of G6PD deficiency and the occurrence of G6PD-related hemolytic events in a large cohort of patients. Methods We identified all HIV-infected adults who presented as new patients at a single urban HIV clinic between 02/01/2007 and 01/31/2009. Demographic and laboratory data including G6PD results were collected. In addition, outpatient and inpatient medical records of G6PD deficient patients were reviewed for episodes of hemolytic anemia. Results A total of 1172 patients were identified and G6PD testing was performed in 1110 (94.7%). Overall, 75 (6.8%) subjects had G6PD deficiency. Rates were higher among African Americans (68/699; 9.7%) and Hispanics (5/253; 2.0%). Only one non-Hispanic White subject had G6PD deficiency (1/153; 0.7%). At baseline, hemoglobin concentrations were similar among subjects with or without G6PD deficiency. Among patients with G6PD deficiency, 40 (53.3%) were prescribed trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or dapsone. During follow-up, five (6.7%) of these patients developed acute hemolytic anemia. Discussion These results provide strong clinical evidence for recommending G6PD testing in HIV-infected subjects from susceptible ethnic backgrounds.
Treatment dilemma in childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

See page 620 Acute idiopathic (immune) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in childhood is an uncommon, self-limiting disease. The cause is unknown although the disease is probably immune mediated. Affected children have been well and most have had a preceding viral infection or immunisation. The disease appears suddenly with cutaneous petechiae and ecchymoses and, in some patients, mucous-membrane bleeding. Intracranial haemorrhage has been reported in occasional cases. The platelet count is low (<15010 9 /L). The typical ITP patient is a child with mild haemorrhagic signs and no symptoms or abnormal laboratory abnormalities apart from the thrombocytopenia. The disease resolves within 6 months in 75–80% of the children. Thus treatment of ITP is temporising and short term. Treatment options for acute ITP in children include no therapy, corticosteroids, intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), splenectomy, and platelet transfusions. Splenectomy is rarely, if ever, done for acute childhood ITP. Platelet transfusions are used for emergency, lifethreatening bleeding episodes. Options differ about no therapy, corticosteroids, and IVIG because there is no predictable association between the platelet count and spontaneous haemorrhage, and because there have been no controlled investigations that give clinical credibility to any of the options. Guidelines for the therapy of ITP have been drawn up for children in the UK 1
Pulse Doppler Ambiguity Resolution

A mathematical algorithm using the method of invariant imbedding is developed which generates a best £2 estimate of range and range rate from pulse Doppler data.
General Explanation of Bias-Anneal Effects in a-Si:H

A new explanation is offered for the metastable changes caused by combined electric field and elevated temperature in properties of a-Si:H such as doping efficiency, solar-cell efficiency, and “structural relaxation.” This explanation is based on properties of the localized centers that are associated with the light-induced Staebler-Wronski effect and solar-cell degradation. The newfeature is recognition that the metastable state of these localized centers is more polarizable than the ground state, so that afield increases the energy difference between the two states. Then, when the temperature is high enough to permit transitions, the density of metastable defects decreases, producing the observed effects. This explanation is general in the sense that it does not depend on any atomic model of the centers involved.
Raman analysis of blue ice tephra: an approach to tephrachronological dating of ice cores

Tephra in glacial ice provide a method to obtain a depth vs chronology correlation within an ice core. Currently, core sections containing particulate must be sacrificially analysed to determine the nature of the particulate (e.g. aerosol, micrometeor, volcanic ash), and, in the case of volcanic ash, the event tied to the particle. Characterization through melting and chemical analysis precludes, de facto, its use for other purposes. A non-destructive technique to characterize particulates in ice cores prior to sectioning the samples, e.g. optical interrogation, would be useful, especially if chemical information specific to particular volcanic eruptions could be gleaned from such an analysis. We investigated the use of micro-Raman spectroscopy for this purpose. Spectra were obtained on samples of Antarctic blue ice tephra from different sources along with a reference ash sample of New Mexico Bandelier Tuff. Vitreous and crystalline particles in the samples were characterized. For vitreous material, a detailed analysis of the Raman-active vibrational bands of the glass structure was found to have the potential of being a unique identifier of the source of the glass, however, additional library development is needed for implementation.
A consumption model for targeted electronic advertising

Information distribution networks will give consumers access to rich media-based electronic content in both business and home settings. Electronic advertising will become an integral component of such networks, subsidizing consumption while providing a new service for consumers without invading their personal space. The consumption model presented in this article explains how consumer-driven advertising might develop-and why it probably won't be soon. >
The genetics of reading disabilities: From phenotypes to candidate genes

This article provides an overview of (a) issues in definition and diagnosis of specific reading disabilities at the behavioral level that may occur in different constellations of developmental and phenotypic profiles (patterns); (b) rapidly expanding research on genetic heterogeneity and gene candidates for dyslexia and other reading disabilities; (c) emerging research on gene-brain relationships; and (d) current understanding of epigenetic mechanisms whereby environmental events may alter behavioral expression of genetic variations. A glossary of genetic terms (denoted by bold font) is provided for readers not familiar with the technical terms.
Relative stability of deep‐ versus shallow‐side bone levels in angular proximal infrabony defects

The relative changes with time, in the position of the coronal margin of the mesial and distal bone of proximal, angular infrabony defects, were investigated. Tracings of the radiographs of 51 mandibular posterior sites, treated by flap curettage, with a mean post-surgical duration of 11.8 years, were measured using a digitizer pad. The group consisting of shallow-side sites (N = 51), exhibited no significant change in the bone height with time; however, there was a significant decrease in bone height in the deep-side group (N = 51). The mean area of proximal bone decreased significantly with time. The defects were divided into early (N = 25) and advanced (N = 26) angular groups, and then into deep- and shallow-side subgroups. In the early defect group, there was a significant decrease in the mean bone height of the deep-side subgroup. There were no differences in the changes of mean bone level of the remaining 3 subgroups with time. There was no correlation between changes in bone levels of adjacent mesial and distal sides of angular defects with time (r = 0.27). There was no difference between the deep- and shallow-side groups in the number of sites which gained, lost or evidenced no change in bone height. In the study population, the bone height of 73% of the deep-side, and 84% of the shallow-side sites was either unchanged or in a more coronal position.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Nurses' Views on the Meaning of Touch in Obstetrical Nursing Practice

This qualitative pilot study explored the meaning of touch in obstetrical nursing. Interviews with practicing labor and delivery nurses provided the data for the study. Eleven nurses participated in taped interview sessions immediately after completing care of laboring clients. Interviews were transcribed, and thematic analyses were performed by two investigators. Group validation of themes derived from the interviews concluded the study. Interpretation of the data suggests an inherently sincere and reciprocal nature to touch. The meaning of touch appears to be conveyance of caring, acceptance, support, competence, and comfort. Touch is used on a basis of intuitive sensitivity and as an act of personal knowing on the part of the expert nurse. Implications for nursing practice, education, and research are suggested.
Communicating decision alternatives graphically using the point of indifference

Abstract In the search for more effective communication of decision alternatives, managerial accountants and educators have developed useful graphic presentations. For certain types of decisions, this study proposes the use of indifference points, or points where the decision maker would theoretically be indifferent between two alternatives. The indifference point concept is useful for presenting to students the analysis of such management choices as capital equipment acquisition (operating leverage), debt versus equity financing (financial leverage), and operating decisions such as make or buy.
Modulation of decompression sickness risk in pigs with caffeine during H2 biochemical decompression

In H2 biochemical decompression, H2-metabolizing intestinal microbes remove gas stored in tissues of animals breathing hyperbaric H2, thereby reducing decompression sickness (DCS) risk. We hypothes...
Extraction of motion parameters of gravity-wave structures from all-sky OH image sequences

We describe the application of a motion model to OH images collected by CCD cameras during three nights in February and April 1995 (3 February, 1 April, and 4 April) at the StarFire Optical Range, New Mexico. We used the instrument to take broadband images of OH Meinel bands at an altitude of 87 km to record the footprints of dynamics created by acoustic gravity waves in the mesosphere. We used the motion model to extract the velocity of the gravity waves from the images. The results of a total of 181 observations with the motion model were compared with a total of 189 observations obtained by manual estimation. We used these results to extract the intrinsic properties of the gravity waves. The mean intrinsic velocity for the three nights under consideration was 61.5 ± 17.0 m/s with the motion model and 61.1 ± 23.3 m/s with manual estimation.
Digging through disaster rubble in search of the determinants of organizational mitigation and preparedness

Disaster researchers have established the determinants of mitigation and preparedness at the household level of analysis. However, at the organizational level, there is limited research and no theory to guide research on the determinants of mitigation and preparedness. The research question is “what are the determinants of mitigation and preparedness at the organizational level?” The data come from a survey of 227 organizations in Memphis, Tennessee. This study uses Tobit regression technique to identify the determinants and finds that organizational size and concern over disaster impact are strong positive determinants of mitigation and preparedness in organizations. In addition, there is a significant and nonlinear relationship between organizational obstacle and mitigation and preparedness activities. This study concludes with policy implications and recommendations for future studies.
A randomized trial of the Hawaii SunSmart program's impact on outdoor recreation staff

Abstract Background: Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and one of the most preventable. Prevention programs for children at outdoor recreation sites may influence not only the youth, but the staff, or caregivers, as well. By teaching children about sun protection, staff may also change their sun protection behaviors. Objective: We report on the impact of a childhood skin cancer prevention program (SunSmart) on staff at outdoor recreation sites where a child-focused intervention was conducted. Methods: The intervention included staff training, on-site activities delivered by staff, distribution of sunscreen, and the promotion of sun-safe environments. It was hypothesized that by teaching children about sun protection, staff would change their sun protection behaviors. A randomized trial at 14 recreation sites (n = 176 staff) in Hawaii tested the efficacy of education only, and education plus environmental changes, compared with a control condition. Results: Results showed significant positive changes in knowledge, sun protection habits, norms, and sun protection policies. The education plus environment group was not superior to education alone. Conclusion: Changes in staff behavior and attitudes are important for their own health, as positive role models, and for the dissemination of skin cancer control programs. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;44:973-8.)
Measurement of Spatial Autocorrelation of Vegetation in Mountain Meadows of the Sierra Nevada, California and Western Nevada

Abstract The presence of autocorrelation invalidates all standard statistical tests unless special corrections are made. Because of this, it is important to know the degree of spatial autocorrelation in order to know how to sample. Mountain meadows were sampled to determine spatial autocorrelation of vegetation at the plant community level. A total of 40 meadows were sampled in the eastern Sierra Nevada, California. At each meadow a dominant plant community was selected for sampling. Sampling consisted of placing 10 × 10 cm quadrats at 1-m intervals on a 20-m transect and recording the presence for all vascular plant species rooted in the quadrats. Sites varied in plant species composition and number of species present. For each plot, ordination analysis in the form of reciprocal averaging was used to derive positions for each quadrat on axis 1. The scores from axis 1 were analyzed by semivariance to obtain the spatial dependence of the quadrats. Overall, three semivariance patterns were seen; A) plant co...
The Standard of Perfection : Thoughts about the Laying Hen Model of Ovarian Cancer

In a way not possible in humans, cancer prevention scientists have used animal models to study the role of genes, molecular pathways and networks, and environmental factors that relate to carcinogenesis. These studies are also designed to qualify the animal model as an eventual source of preclinical
Discovery of Novel Secreted Virulence Factors from Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium by Proteomic Analysis of Culture Supernatants

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis throughout the world. This pathogen has two type III secretion systems (TTSS) encoded in Salmonella pathogenicity islands 1 and 2 (SPI-1 and SPI-2) that deliver virulence factors (effectors) to the host cell cytoplasm and are required for virulence. While many effectors have been identified and at least partially characterized, the full repertoire of effectors has not been catalogued. In this proteomic study, we identified effector proteins secreted into defined minimal medium designed to induce expression of the SPI-2 TTSS and its effectors. We compared the secretomes of the parent strain to those of strains missing essential (ssaK::cat) or regulatory (ΔssaL) components of the SPI-2 TTSS. We identified 20 known SPI-2 effectors. Excluding the translocon components SseBCD, all SPI-2 effectors were biased for identification in the ΔssaL mutant, substantiating the regulatory role of SsaL in TTS. To identify novel effector proteins, we coupled our secretome data with a machine learning algorithm (SIEVE, SVM-based identification and evaluation of virulence effectors) and selected 12 candidate proteins for further characterization. Using CyaA' reporter fusions, we identified six novel type III effectors and two additional proteins that were secreted into J774 macrophages independently of a TTSS. To assess their roles in virulence, we constructed nonpolar deletions and performed a competitive index analysis from intraperitoneally infected 129/SvJ mice. Six mutants were significantly attenuated for spleen colonization. Our results also suggest that non-type III secretion mechanisms are required for full Salmonella virulence.
Imaging the physiology of the ischemic cascade: are 2 tools better than 1?

Stress cine function and vasodilating stress perfusion are commonly used approaches for the evaluation of ischemic heart disease. Both imaging approaches, using either stress echocardiography or stress nuclear scintigraphy, have stood the test of time as highly accurate in diagnosing coronary artery stenosis and as prognostic tools in patients with symptoms suspicious of myocardial ischemia.1,2 When epicardial coronary flow is interrupted and leads to an imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand, reduced myocardial perfusion, regional ventricular dysfunction, and ECG change occur in quick succession; hence, the term “ischemic cascade” has been described.3 This phenomenon has been well described after acute balloon inflation during percutaneous coronary intervention and also during demand ischemia induced by dobutamine stress. Consequently, capturing abnormalities of both perfusion and function, in an attempt to improve the diagnostic performance of noninvasive tests, has been the focus of investigation using echocardiography and nuclear scintigraphy, with encouraging results.4–6 Article p 122 In this issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging , Gebker et al7 described the diagnostic utility of cardiac MRI (CMR) for evaluation of coronary artery disease using both myocardial perfusion (DSMRP) and function (DSMR) assessments during high-dose dobutamine stress testing. As shown in their work, CMR has technical features that are well suited for imaging both perfusion and regional function during a single, high-dose dobutamine infusion. With advances in imaging speed and algorithms of accelerated data reconstruction, gated cine steady-state free precession imaging can capture regional left ventricular dysfunction from ischemia at high temporal resolution and contrast-to-noise ratio. At target heart rates during peak stress, first-pass perfusion can sample myocardial …
An evaluation of physical affordances in augmented virtual environments: Dataset grounding and Magic Lens

In this paper, we quantify the effects of two physical affordances on user interaction in an augmented virtual environment: the grounding of datasets on a workbench and the augmentation of a Magic Lens interface tool. We investigated the effects of these affordances on subjects' performance and behavior in an information gathering task. Our results indicated that grounding had a significant main effect and that there was significant interaction between grounding and interface factors. Specifically, subjects tended to perform better with some level of affordance than none at all, although performance with grounded datasets decreased in the presence of augmented Magic Lens. Further, both affordance factors influenced behavior by reducing head mobility.
Does an Unplanned Pregnancy Have Long-Term Implications for Mother–Child Relationships?:

The effect of pregnancy planning on the quality of mother–adolescent relationships 15 years later was examined among 373 first-time parents and 472 experienced parents using a mediated moderation model. Among first-time mothers only, the experience of an unplanned pregnancy was related to higher maternal depressive symptoms when mothers also experienced high parenting stress over the first three years. High maternal depressive symptoms over those early years were, in turn, related to more conflict and hostility in the parent–adolescent relationship according to mother and adolescent reports. Additionally, interactions between parity and pregnancy planning revealed that experienced mothers with unplanned pregnancies had the most early parenting stress, although an unplanned pregnancy and high parenting stress did not predict higher depressive symptoms for these mothers as it did for first-time mothers. The findings provide support for the importance of early parenting emotions and experiences on later pare...
Unpacking International Power and the Ecological Footprints of Nations: A Quantitative Cross-National Study

Although unsustainable natural resource consumption has recently garnered significant attention in macrosociology, empirical studies neglect to analyze the environmental impacts of different forms of international power dynamics. This study dissects international power into its various economic, military, and export dependence characteristics, and analyzes their independent effects on per-capita consumption of natural resources, measured as ecological footprints. Findings of the quantitative cross-national analyses indicate that economic power in the form of capital intensity, military technological power, and overall export dependence are the structural driving forces of per-capita resource consumption. The effects of military technological power and export dependence on percapita footprints are primarily direct, whereas the effect of capital intensity is both direct and indirect, partly mediated by its effects on levels of secondary education and domestic income inequality, both of which impact levels o...
Comparison of self-assessed competence and experience among critical care nurses

o'leary j. (2012) Journal of Nursing Management 20, 607–614 Comparison of self-assessed competence and experience among critical care nurses Aim To determine the level of self-assessed nursing competence and the relationship to age and experience in nursing. Background Nursing competence is a concern for all health-care stakeholders. Methods to measure competence have been evaluated worldwide. There is little agreement about the development or reliable measure of competence. Exploring these relationships can identify strategies for education, retention, professional growth and potentially affect patient outcome measures. Method The Nurse Competence Scale (NCS) was completed by 101 critical care nurses. Statistical methods were used to analyse the data. Results The nurses self-assessed level of competence ranged from good to excellent along with an increased frequency of using competencies. Statistically significant relationships were found among the variables. Conclusions Measurable, significant relationships exist among the variables. The NCS proved to be a valid and reliable instrument to measure competence. Implications for nursing management Objective and reliable assessment of nursing competence is an important measure for leadership and education. Further studies to identify other factors affecting the nurses’ experience and the effect on competence will help to develop and promote supportive strategies.
Early attachment of anaerobic bacteria may play an important role in biliary stent blockage

Abstract Background: In vitro studies have demonstrated that ciprofloxacin suppresses Escherichia coli attachment on stents, and ciprofloxacin has been shown to prolong stent patency in cats. However, clinical studies with antibiotic prophylaxis have produced conflicting results. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify the bacteria that attach early on unblocked stents removed from patients and to study their enzyme activities. Methods: Eighteen unblocked biliary stents were removed from 17 patients (benign obstruction in 14 and malignant obstruction in 4). All patients received antibiotic prophylaxis (mean of 6 days). Stents were in place for a mean of 33 days. The inside of stents was scraped and sludge was cultured aerobically and anaerobically. Identification of isolated bacteria and measurement of β-glucuronidase and phospholipase C activities were performed by using standard techniques. Gastric and duodenal juice from 18 patients with no biliary diseases was used as control samples. Results: All stents were patent and only 6 had visible sludge. There were 19 anaerobes isolated from 16 stents ( Clostridium perfringens 13, Clostridium bifermentans 4 and Bacteroides fragilis 2). Phospholipase C was detected in all Clostridium species. β-Glucuronidase was produced only by 12 of 13 C perfringens isolates. Sixteen aerobes including Enterococcus species and Bacillus species were isolated but none produced β-glucuronidase or phospholipase C. There were no aerobic gram-negative bacteria isolated from stents. Clostridium species and B fragilis were not recovered from the control samples. Conclusions: In patients who had received antibiotic prophylaxis against gram-negative bacterial infection, anaerobic bacteria may play a role in initiating stent blockage. (Gastrointest Endosc 2000;52:725-9.)
Improving threading algorithms for remote homology modeling by combining fragment and template comparisons

In this work, we develop a method called fragment comparison and the template comparison (FTCOM) for assessing the global quality of protein structural models for targets of medium and hard difficulty (remote homology) produced by structure prediction approaches such as threading or ab initio structure prediction. FTCOM requires the C(alpha) coordinates of full length models and assesses model quality based on fragment comparison and a score derived from comparison of the model to top threading templates. On a set of 361 medium/hard targets, FTCOM was applied to and assessed for its ability to improve on the results from the SP(3), SPARKS, PROSPECTOR_3, and PRO-SP(3)-TASSER threading algorithms. The average TM-score improves by 5-10% for the first selected model by the new method over models obtained by the original selection procedure in the respective threading methods. Moreover, the number of foldable targets (TM-score >or= 0.4) increases from least 7.6% for SP(3) to 54% for SPARKS. Thus, FTCOM is a promising approach to template selection. Proteins 2010. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.