cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased spreading of macrophages from mice treated with interferon inducers

Abstract Several interferon inducers administered iv or per os to mice enhanced the spreading of peritoneal macrophages freshly plated on a glass surface. Spreading was scored with a microscope after the monolayers were incubated in serum-containing medium. The effective agents were a ribopolynucleotide (Poly rI:Poly rC), 1 a bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), tilorone, cycloheximide or pyran copolymer. However, while induction of interferon and enhanced macrophage spreading appeared to be associated, we failed to obtain significant correlation coefficients between peak serum interferon titers and % of spread macrophages after the administration of NDV, tilorone or cycloheximide. Spreading was also increased by the macrophage activator C. parvum or by intraperitoneal administration of thioglycollate broth. Lethal preirradiation did not influence the spreading enhancement by LPS, but markedly reduced the spreading that followed the extraperitoneal administration of NDV, tilorone, cycloheximide or C. parvum , or the intraperitoneal injection of thioglycollate broth. The effect of NDV on macrophages was inhibited by preliminary splenectomy. Splenectomy, however, did not influence the macrophage response to the other agents tested. The results are compatible with a direct effect of LPS on the macrophages and with an indirect, possibly lymphocyte-mediated effect of NDV. Spreading enhancement by NDV was found to be mouse-strain dependent. The results provide models for the investigation of cellular or humoral mechanisms that underlie macrophage activation.
NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY OF MIAMI SOILS

An important part of man9s radioactive environment is the natural radioactivity of soils. This radioactivity varies with soil type and withdepth in the soil profile. The relation between gross gamma activity and soil depth for a particular soil (Miami silt loam) is presented, together with a discussion of the contribution of K 40 and the uranium and thorium series and of the effects of fallout from bomb tests in increasing the radioactivity of a thin layer of surface soil.
I Can Choose Clearly Now: The Influence of Online Source Reliance on Candidate Preference During the 2008 Presidential Election

This study focused on whether reliance on specific online media predicted support for Barack Obama or John McCain during the 2008 presidential election. Political blogs and political websites were the most heavily relied on sources for election news. Moreover, preference for Obama was positively predicted by reliance on social network sites, online newspapers, online newsmagazines, and candidate sites, and negatively predicted by reliance on political blogs. In contrast, support for McCain was positively predicted by reliance on online cable television news and negatively predicted by reliance on social network sites, online newspapers, online newsmagazines, and online candidate sites. Reciprocal relationships were also found in which media reliance predicted candidate preference and candidate preference predicted media reliance.
Trisomy 18 in a hydrocephalic fetus

Autosomal trisomies may be responsible for intrauterine death of the fetus. The present report described a female hydrocephalic fetus aborted at 25 weeks gestation; leukocyte and skin cultures as well as autoradiography revealed trisomy 18. Further case histories may indicate whether the association of hydrocephalus with trisomy 18 is incidental or significant.
Effects of testosterone on the development of a sexually dimorphic neuromuscular system in ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor knockout mice.

Motoneurons in the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB) innervate the perineal muscles, bulbocavernosus (BC), and levator ani (LA). Testosterone regulates the survival of SNB motoneurons and BC/LA muscles during perinatal life. Previous findings suggest that effects of testosterone on this system may be mediated by trophic factors-in particular, by a factor acting through the ciliary neurotrophic factor alpha-receptor (CNTFRalpha). To test the role of CNTFRalpha in the response of the developing SNB system to testosterone, CNTFRalpha +/+ and -/- mice were treated with testosterone propionate (TP) or oil during late embryonic development. BC/LA muscle size and SNB motoneuron number were evaluated on the day of birth. Large sex differences in BC and LA muscle size were present in newborn mice of both genotypes, but muscle volumes were reduced in CNTFRalpha -/- animals relative to same-sex, wild-type controls. Prenatal testosterone treatment completely eliminated the sex difference in BC/LA muscle size in wild-type animals, and eliminated the effect of the CNTFRalpha gene deletion on muscle size in males. However, the effect of TP treatment on BC and LA muscle sizes was blunted in CNTFRalpha -/- females. SNB motoneuron number was sexually dimorphic in oil-treated, wild-type mice. In contrast, there was no sex difference in SNB motoneuron number in oil-treated, CNTFRalpha knockout mice. Prenatal treatment with testosterone did not increase SNB motoneuron number in CNTFRalpha -/- mice, but also did not significantly increase SNB motoneuron number in newborn wild-type animals. These findings confirm the absence of a sex difference in SNB motoneuron number in CNTFRalpha -/- mice. Moreover, the CNTFRalpha gene deletion influences perineal muscle development and the response of the perineal muscles to testosterone. Prenatal TP treatment of CNTFRalpha -/- males overcomes the effects of the gene deletion on the BC and LA muscles without a concomitant effect on SNB motoneuron number.
Structural prediction and binding analysis of hybridized aptamers.

Few studies were performed to investigate the molecular recognition capabilities of hybridized aptamers. This study is aimed at applying both theoretical algorithms and experimental assays to examine the effects of hybridization length and region on the secondary structures and binding functionality of hybridized aptamers. The experimental results were significantly different from the structural predictions in many hybridization conditions. To explain this difference, we further proposed a novel equilibrium reaction model that can explicitly analyze the molecular interactions between hybridized aptamers and their targets. We believe that the research findings and the novel model can be used to guide numerous hybridized aptamer-based applications. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Taylor Spatial Frame for Deformity Correction in Children

The Taylor Spatial Frame (Smith & Nephew PLC, London, UK) is a circular external fixator that is able to correct multiplanar deformities simultaneously or sequentially. This makes the fixator an excellent tool for correcting pediatric limb deformities. This article highlights the common pediatric uses for the Taylor Spatial Frame, including Blount's disease, long bone trauma, lengthening, and joint contractures. Other issues specific to using the Taylor Spatial Frame in children, such as sizing, strut changes, dynamization, calculation of the length of correction, and postoperative management with be discussed as well.
Correlated Optical Spectroscopy and Electron Microscopy Studies of the Slow Ostwald-Ripening Growth of Silver Nanoparticles under Controlled Reducing Conditions

Metallic nanoparticles display distinct localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties that depend on their size, shape, and composition and that can be monitored to characterize their growth. Utilizing LSPR properties, we report the first investigation of ambient temperature formation of trioctylamine (TOA)-stabilized spherical silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of ∼3.0-nm diameter by mild reduction of AgClO4 with the weak reducing agent heptamethyltrisiloxane in organic solvent. The appropriate choice of experimental conditions caused slow reduction, which allowed the study of the nanoparticle growth process by time-resolved UV–visible spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The linear nanoparticle growth kinetics from 50 min to end of the reaction derived from LSPR changes, the absence of a bimodal size distribution during the initial stage of the reduction process from TEM analysis, and the single crystallinity of the resulting AgNPs suggested a diffusion-controlled Ostwald-ripening growth process. It was also found that in addition to its stabilizing ability, TOA acted as a catalyst and facilitated Ag+ reduction. Furthermore, a modest increase in reaction temperature caused a substantial enhancement in the AgNP formation rate, and low concentration of stabilizing ligand yielded an increase in size and dispersity.
Bacillus calmete-guérin plus interferon-α2B intravesical therapy maintains an extended treatment plan for superficial bladder cancer with minimal toxicity

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and interferon-alpha2B (IFN-alpha2B) have both been individually used for the intravesical treatment of superficial bladder cancer. We report our experience on the therapeutic efficacy and toxicity of combined intravesical BCG plus IFN-alpha2B for treating superficial bladder cancer, including patients failing previous BCG therapy. Thirty-two patients with superficial bladder cancer underwent 6 weekly treatments with full-, one-third, or one-tenth-dose of BCG plus 50 or 100 MU of IFN-alpha2B based on prior BCG exposure and tolerance. Patients with no evidence of disease proceeded onto maintenance therapy of 3 weekly treatments at 3 months followed by 2 additional maintenance cycles given 6 months apart. Response was assessed by cystoscopy/biopsy every 3 months after treatment. Before BCG plus IFN-alpha2B treatment, 20 patients (63%) had previously failed intravesical BCG therapy, 27 (84%) had aggressive disease (stage T1, grade 3, or carcinoma in situ), 27 (84%) had recurrent disease, 14 (44%) had multifocal disease, and 6 (19%) had disease of over 4 years duration. At median follow-up of 22 months, 21 patients (66%) remain disease-free and 11 patients (34%) had disease-recurrence. Nineteen of 32 patients (59%) were disease-free after the initial induction cycle. Six of 11 patients 55% ultimately failing combination therapy did so at the first 3 to 4 month evaluation. Four of 7 patients (57%) benefited from salvage re-induction therapy. Of the 20 patients previously treated with BCG, 12 patients (60%) remain disease-free. Combination BCG plus IFN-alpha2B intravesical therapy was well tolerated. Combination intravesical BCG plus IFN-alpha2B is an effective and tolerable alternative for patients with superficial bladder cancer, including those patients in whom intravesical BCG therapy had previously failed. Benefits of this combination therapy may include potentially less morbidity, improved clinical efficacy, and in the long term, fewer patients undergoing radical therapy. However, radical treatment options should be pursued for early failures of this combination regimen in those patients with risk factors for recurrence and progression.
Changes in linoleic acid metabolism and membrane fatty acids of LLC‐PK cells in culture induced by 5α‐cholestane‐3β, 5, 6β‐triol

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the oxysterol 5α-cholestane-3β, 5, 6β-triol (triol) on the metabolism of linoleic acid (18∶2n−6) to arachidonic acid (20∶4n−6) and on the cell membrane fatty acid composition. Porcine kidney cells were incubated in medium with or without 10 μg/mL of triol for 24 h, then incubated for 1, 6, or 12 h in a medium which contained 50 μM of either [14C]linoleic acid or unlabeled linoleic acid. The cellular uptake of [14C] linoleic acid was significantly higher in the triol-treated cells than in control cells. After 1- and 6-h incubations despite the increase of [14C]linoleic acid pool size in the triol-treated cells, neither total n−6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) metabolites nor arachidonic acid were increased in the triol-treated cells as compared to the control cells, but trienoic acids accumulated to a greater extent in the triol-treated cells. Therefore, the ratios of n−6 PUFA metabolites vs. pool size of linoleic acid and of tetraenoic acids vs. dienoic acids were significantly decreased in triol-treated cells as compared to the control cells. The cellular fatty acid composition also showed that linoleic acid percentage was significantly increased while arachidonic acid percentage was significantly decreased in the triol-treated cells, and that the accumulation of trienoic acids (18∶3n−6+20∶3n−6) observed from the [14C]linoleic acid experiment was due solely to increased 20∶3n−6 content. This latter finding indicates that a decrease of elongase activity by triol is unlikely. Our results also showed that the triol-treated cells had a lower level of free cholesterol but higher levels of phospholipid and triol in their membranes, suggesting that triol displaced free cholesterol from the cell membrane.
The Xenopus homolog of Drosophila Suppressor of Hairless mediates Notch signaling during primary neurogenesis

The X-Notch-1 receptor, and its putative ligand, X-Delta-1, are thought to mediate an inhibitory cell-cell interaction, called lateral inhibition, that limits the number of primary neurons that form in Xenopus embryos. The expression of Xenopus ESR-1, a gene related to Drosophila Enhancer of split, appears to be induced by Notch signaling during this process. To determine how the activation of X-Notch-1 induces ESR-1 expression and regulates primary neurogenesis, we isolated the Xenopus homolog of Suppressor of Hairless (X-Su(H)), a component of the Notch signaling pathway in Drosophila. Using animal cap assays, we show that X-Su(H) induces ESR-1 expression, perhaps directly, when modified by the addition of ankyrin repeats. Using a DNA binding mutant of X-Su(H), we show that X-Su(H) activity is required for induction of ESR-1. Finally, expression of the DNA binding mutant in embryos leads to a neurogenic phenotype as well as increased expression of both X-Delta-1 and XNGNR1, a proneural gene expressed during primary neurogenesis. These results suggest that activation of X-Su(H) is a key step in the Notch signaling pathway during primary neurogenesis in Xenopus embryos.
Putting the pieces together: Maternal depression, maternal behavior, and toddler helplessness

This study assessed relations between maternal depression, maternal behavior, and helplessness in toddlers. Helplessness was assessed behaviorally in 25- and 32-month-old toddlers while the toddlers were engaged with an impossible task. Maternal behavior (warmth, negativity, control, intrusiveness) was assessed during a mother–child teaching task when toddlers were 18 and 25 months of age. Mothers who reported more depressive symptoms on the BDI had 32-month-old toddlers who displayed more affect-related helplessness. No direct relations were found between maternal diagnosis of depression and helplessness in toddlers. Few differences emerged in the behavior of depressed and nondepressed mothers while interacting with their toddlers, and few relations were found between maternal behavior alone and toddlers' helplessness. However, results suggest that maternal behavior moderates the relation between maternal depression (diagnosis, recency, and symptoms) and helplessness. ©2003 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.
Pain in neonates, assessment and management

There is now widespread recognition that newborn infants both preterm and full term feel pain. There have been major developments in the assessment of neonatal pain. Multi-dimensional painscales have been developed primarily for use in full term neonates in relation to post-operative pain. There is an increased understanding of the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of analgesic drugs in the newborn. Continuous intravenous infusions of opiates such as morphine or regular oral paracetamol are established ways of treating pain.
Effects of magnesium on the dynamic instability of individual microtubules.

Microtubules have been shown to exhibit two contrasting states: slow growth and rapid shortening. Recently, we have characterized how the transitions between these phases change with tubulin concentration, and determined the rate constants for the slow elongation phase for each microtuble end (Walker et al., 1988). These studies, as well as the original study that proposed the existance of these two phases (Mitchison and Kirschner, 1984), were done in the presence of ImM magnesium (Mg). Recent work has demonstrated that Mg can have dramatic effects on both the assembly and disassembly phases of microtubule growth (O’Brien and Erickson, 1988; Gal et al., 1988), and that high Mg can promote bizarre microtubule behaviors, such as synchronous oscillations (Pirollet et al., 1987; Carlier et al., 1988; Mandelkow et al., 1988). However, these experiments were done in bulk solution, where the properties of individual microtubules, and differences between the ends, could not be determined. We therefore investigated the effects of Mg on the assembly and disassembly of individual microtubules.
Stroke in blacks.

In an attempt to answer unresolved questions and to suggest directions for future research concerning stroke in black populations, data from the National Center for Health Statistics were examined and published studies were reviewed. Stroke was the third leading cause of death among U.S. blacks in 1982, accounting for 18,698 deaths, 8.25% of the total. Black men aged 35-74 years were 2.5 times and black women 2.4 times as likely as whites to die of stroke. A long-term decline in stroke mortality rates continued through 1982, with the declines since 1968 probably due to improved hypertension control. Data on morbidity trends are lacking. About 7% of black men and 11% of black women in the U.S. noninstitutionalized population aged 65 and over reported having had a stroke in 1977, black women having the highest prevalence of any group. In several studies, black women had higher incidence rates of stroke than white women in each age group. Black men had higher incidence rates than whites up to age 75 years. Survivorship and outcome following stroke may have been poorer in blacks than in whites. Advanced age and elevated blood pressure were the only putative risk factors for stroke for which published data were adequate to firmly establish the association in blacks. Thus, data are needed to examine trends in stroke incidence and survivorship in blacks and to assess the relation of many variables to the risk of stroke.
What happens when older people are discharged from NHS podiatry services

This study examines the prevalences of a range of foot-related pathologies of a large random sample of older patients (>65 years) who were discharged from NHS care as part of a disinvestment programme. The prevalences are examined with respect to the time since discharge, the age of the patients and their reported ability to care for their own feet. The pattern of alternative care taken up by these patients is reported, which shows that a sizeable proportion of patients with poor foot health are not receiving professional care. The prevalences of insensitivity to touch and vibration are reported both for diabetics and non-diabetics and the increasing prevalence of these problems with increasing age is commented upon. These results have important implications for planning for service provision for older people in the future.
Terahertz generation and detection using frequency conversion

Terahertz is nonlinearly upconverted to telecommunication wavelengths, resulting in detection with 4.5 pW/Hz1/2 noise equivalent power and nanosecond temporal resolution. Optical frequencies from an ultrashort pulse mix, generating 3 mW of broadband terahertz.
Epilepsy-associated dysfunction in the voltage-gated neuronal sodium channel SCN1A.

Mutations in SCN1A, the gene encoding the brain voltage-gated sodium channel 1 subunit (NaV1.1), are associated with at least two forms of epilepsy, generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS) and severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (SMEI). We examined the functional properties of four GEFS alleles and one SMEI allele using whole-cell patch-clamp analysis of heterologously expressed recombinant human SCN1A. One previously reported GEFS mutation (I1656M) and an additional novel allele (R1657C), both affecting residues in a voltage-sensing S4 segment, exhibited a similar depolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of activation. Additionally, R1657C showed a 50% reduction in current density and accelerated recovery from slow inactivation. Unlike three other GEFS alleles that we recently characterized, neither R1657C nor I1656M gave rise to a persistent, noninactivating current. In contrast, two other GEFS mutations (A1685V and V1353L) and L986F, an SMEI-associated allele, exhibited complete loss of function. In conclusion, our data provide evidence for a wide spectrum of sodium channel dysfunction in familial epilepsy and demonstrate that both GEFS and SMEI can be associated with nonfunctional SCN1A alleles.
Proton secretion in the male reproductive tract: involvement of Cl−-independent HCO 3 − transport

The lumen of the epididymis is the site where spermatozoa undergo their final maturation and acquire the capacity to become motile. An acidic luminal fluid is required for the maintenance of sperm quiescence and for the prevention of premature activation of acrosomal enzymes during their storage in the cauda epididymis and vas deferens. We have previously demonstrated that a vacuolar H+-ATPase [proton pump (PP)] is present in the apical pole of apical and narrow cells in the caput epididymis and of clear cells in the corpus and cauda epididymis and that this PP is responsible for the majority of proton secretion in the proximal vas deferens. We now show that PP-rich cells in the vas deferens express a high level of carbonic anhydrase type II (CAII) and that acetazolamide markedly inhibits the rate of proton secretion by 46.2 +/- 6.1%. The rate of acidification was independent of Cl- and was strongly inhibited by SITS under both normal and Cl--free conditions (50.6 +/- 5.0 and 57. 5 +/- 6.0%, respectively). In the presence of Cl-, diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC) had no effect, whereas SITS inhibited proton secretion by 63.7 +/- 11.3% when applied together with DPC. In Cl--free solution, DPC markedly inhibited proton efflux by 45.1 +/- 7.6%, SITS produced an additional inhibition of 18.2 +/- 6.6%, and bafilomycin had no additive effect. In conclusion, we propose that CAII plays a major role in proton secretion by the proximal vas deferens. Acidification does not require the presence of Cl-, but DPC-sensitive Cl- channels might contribute to basolateral extrusion of HCO-3 under Cl--free conditions. The inhibition by SITS observed under both normal and Cl--free conditions indicates that a Cl-/HCO-3 exchanger is not involved and that an alternative HCO-3 transporter participates in proton secretion in the proximal vas deferens.
Quantification of diesel exhaust gas phase organics by a thermal desorption proton transfer reaction mass spectrometer

Abstract. A new approach was developed to measure the total abundance of long chain alkanes (C 12 and above) in urban air using thermal desorption with a proton transfer reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS). These species are emitted in diesel exhaust and may be important precursors to secondary organic aerosol production in urban areas. Long chain alkanes undergo dissociative proton transfer reactions forming a series of fragment ions with formula C n H 2n+1 . The yield of the fragment ions is a function of drift conditions. At a drift field strength of 80 Townsends, the most abundant ion fragments from C 10 to C 16 n -alkanes were m/z 57, 71 and 85. The PTR-MS is insensitive to n -alkanes less than C 8 but displays an increasing sensitivity for larger alkanes. Higher drift field strengths yield greater normalized sensitivity implying that the proton affinity of the long chain n -alkanes is less than H 2 O. Analysis of diesel fuel shows the mass spectrum was dominated by alkanes (C n H 2 n +1 ), monocyclic aromatics, and an ion group with formula C n H 2 n −1 ( m/z 97, 111, 125, 139). The PTR-MS was deployed in Sacramento, CA during the Carbonaceous Aerosols and Radiative Effects Study field experiment in June 2010. The ratio of the m/z 97 to 85 ion intensities in ambient air matched that found in diesel fuel. Total diesel exhaust alkane concentrations calculated from the measured abundance of m/z 85 ranged from the method detection limit of ~1 μg m −3 to 100 μg m −3 in several air pollution episodes. The total diesel exhaust alkane concentration determined by this method was on average a factor of 10 greater than the sum of alkylbenzenes associated with spark ignition vehicle exhaust.
The Freedom in Selecting Deadbeat Control Systems

All the available freedom in selecting the closed-loop Jordan block structure associated with deadbeat controllers is described and the parameters associated with this freedom are characterized. It is shown that in general one has freedom in selecting the Jordan block structure as well as the eigenvectors of deadbeat controllers. Although in general the feedback matrix is a nonlinear function of the eigenvectors that are assigned, it is shown that for one important Jordan block structure the deadbeat controller feedback matrix is a linear function of the parameters of the system. The feedback matrix of minimum norm is then calculated for this special case.
The Morse-Bott inequalities via a dynamical systems approach

Let f:M→ℝ be a Morse–Bott function on a compact smooth finite-dimensional manifold M. The polynomial Morse inequalities and an explicit perturbation of f defined using Morse functions fj on the critical submanifolds Cj of f show immediately that MBt(f)=Pt(M)+(1+t)R(t), where MBt(f) is the Morse–Bott polynomial of f and Pt(M) is the Poincare polynomial of M. We prove that R(t) is a polynomial with non-negative integer coefficients by showing that the number of gradient flow lines of the perturbation of f between two critical points p,q∈Cj of relative index one coincides with the number of gradient flow lines between p and q of the Morse function fj. This leads to a relationship between the kernels of the Morse–Smale–Witten boundary operators associated to the Morse functions fj and the perturbation of f. This method works when M and all the critical submanifolds are oriented or when ℤ2 coefficients are used.
The Development of Purpose During Adolescence

The field of psychology has been slow to recognize the importance of purpose for positive youth development. Until recently, purpose was understood, if at all, as a means of adapting to threatening conditions rather than as a motivator of good deeds and galvanizer of character growth. Moreover, in most psychological studies, purpose has been conflated with personal meaning, a broader and more internally oriented construct. This article offers a new operational definition of purpose that distinguishes it from meaning in an internalistic sense, and it reviews the existing psychological studies pertinent to the development of purpose during youth. The article identifies a number of urgent questions concerning how—and whether—young people today are acquiring positive purposes to dedicate themselves to and, if so, what the nature of today’s youth purposes might be. When Victor Frankl published the English edition of Man’s Search for Meaning in 1959, the book’s instant influence forced psychology to come to terms with the primary importance of high-level belief systems that had been considered derivative or epi-phenomenal by the major theories. 1 The notion that ethereal constructs such as “meaning” and “purpose” could make a difference—that they could motivate someone to do something, or even shape a person’s basic choices about how to live—seemed impossibly soft-headed and sentimental to mainstream psychologists of that time. If the behaviorist and psychoanalytic schools (the two best-known bodies of psychological work at midcentury) agreed on anything at all, it was that meaning, purpose, and other such belief systems were the products of more fundamental drives; that they were dependant on the drives for their shape, substance, and very existence; and that meaning and purpose were no more than marginal factors in behavioral development. To this entrenched materialist position, Frankl (1959) wrote (in the non-“degenderized” language of his day): Man’s search for meaning is a primary force in his life and not a “secondary rationalization” of instinctual drives. This meaning is unique and specific in that it must and can be fulfilled by him alone; only then does it achieve a significance which will satisfy his own will to meaning. There are some authors who contend that meanings and values are “nothing but defense mechanisms, reaction formations and sublimations.” But as for myself, I would not be willing to live merely for the sake of my “defense mechanisms,” nor would I be ready to die merely for the sake of my “reaction formations.” Man, however, is able to live and even to die for the sake of his ideals and values! (p. 121)
Barriers and Facilitators to Detecting Child Abuse and Neglect in General Emergency Departments.

Study objective Child abuse and neglect is common in the United States, and victims often present to emergency departments (EDs) for care. Most US children who seek care in EDs are treated in general EDs without specialized pediatric services. We aim to explore general ED providers' experiences with screening and reporting of child abuse and neglect to identify barriers and facilitators to detection of child abuse and neglect in the ED setting. Methods We conducted 29 semistructured interviews with medical providers at 3 general EDs, exploring experiences with child abuse and neglect. Consistent with grounded theory, researchers coded transcripts and then collectively refined codes and identified themes. Data collection and analysis continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Results Barriers to recognizing child abuse and neglect included providers' desire to believe the caregiver, failure to recognize that a child's presentation could be due to child abuse and neglect, challenges innate to working in an ED such as lack of ongoing contact with a family and provider biases. Barriers to reporting child abuse and neglect included factors associated with the reporting process, lack of follow-up of reported cases, and negative consequences of reporting such as testifying in court. Reported facilitators included real-time case discussion with peers or supervisors and the belief that it was better for the patient to report in the setting of suspicion. Finally, providers requested case-based education and child abuse and neglect consultation for unclear cases. Conclusion Our interviews identified several approaches to improving detection of child abuse and neglect by general ED providers. These included providing education through case review, improving follow-up by Child Protective Services agencies, and increasing real-time assistance with patient care decisions.
Infected urine and suprapubic prostatectomy: the urological equivalent of 'dirty and infected' surgery.

The article in this issue by Richter et al outlines a prospective observational study of patients undergoing suprapubic prostatectomy.1 Patients had urine cultures performed 48 to 72 hours before scheduled surgery, but the presence of infected urine was not considered to be a contraindication to surgery. Antimicrobial therapy was initiated at the time of prostatectomy with either oral trimethoprim sulfa or another specific antibmicrobial agent chosen according to the antimicrobial susceptibilities of the urinary pathogen. The authors documented a high rate of postoperative incisional wound infection (23.5%) among patients with infected urine, as compared to an 8.7% rate among individuals with clean urine at the time of surgery. The difference was both statistically (p = .028) and clinically significant.
3-D artificial media exhibiting degenerate band edge and frozen modes

Tunable dispersion characteristics of periodic structures are providing new direction in RF design [1]. Among them, are the negative index media based on the split-ring resonator and left handed transmission lines [2, 3]. Several miniature antenna implementations based on substrates with negative index metamaterials (NIM) have also been prepared [2]. Also a large body of work has been published using printed transmission line realizations of left handed propagation modes preceding the developments in NIMs.
Analysis of Entry Vehicle Aerothermodynamics Using the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo Method

This paper presents simulations of the aerothermodynamics of the Apollo Command Module under rarefied conditions with the direct simulation Monte Carlo method. Relevant details of the application setup and simulation performance are presented. Threedimensional windtunnel model and flight simulations are made. For the windtunnel model simulations, the direct simulation Monte Carlo method and an analytical free molecular flow method are compared with existing windtunnel data. These simulations are made at different angles-of-attack and Reynolds numbers. The Monte Carlo simulations provide accurate lift and drag results for the windtunnel test. The pitching moment is sensitive to changes in Reynolds number and in center-of-gravity location. Reasonable heat transfer simulation results are obtained. For the flight simulations, the pressure results are reasonable in comparison with the Newtonian theory. The corresponding heat transfer simulation results are reasonable in comparison to available heat transfer empirical data.
Evaluation of a Pointwise Local Visual Pattern Exploration Method

Sensitivity analysis is a powerful method for discovering the significant factors that contribute to understanding the interaction between variables in multivariate datasets. A number of sensitivity analysis methods fall into the class of local analysis, in which the sensitivity is defined as the partial derivatives of a target variable with respect to a group of independent variables. In a recent paper, we presented a novel pointwise local pattern exploration system for visual sensitivity analysis. Using this system, analysts are able to explore local patterns and the sensitivity at individual data points, which reveals the relationships between a focal point and its neighbors. In this paper we present several evaluations of the system, including case studies with real datasets, user studies on the effectiveness of the visualizations and interactions, and a detailed description of the experience of a user.
Groundwater nitrate reductions within upstream and downstream sections of a riparian buffer

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the water quality benefits provided by a buffer enrolled in the North Carolina Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (NC CREP). A 5-year study was conducted on two distinct buffer sections along the same stream to evaluate the hydrology and attenuation of groundwater nitrate (NO 3 − -N) entering from nearby agricultural fields. The average buffer widths were 60 m (Section 1, upstream) and 45 m (Section 2, downstream). Three transects of groundwater monitoring well nests within each buffer zone were installed to monitor water quality and water table depths for 5 years. Mean groundwater NO 3 − -N concentrations at the 1.5 m depth decreased from 4.5 mg L −1 to 1.7 mg L −1 and from 12.9 mg L −1 to 1.4 mg L −1 in buffer Sections 1 and 2 respectively. These differences were significant in both buffer sections ( α = 0.05), but the wider Section 1 received significantly less NO 3 − -N than did Section 2 ( P 3 − -N loads were reduced by 0.003 kg m −2 yr −1 (76% reduction) at the 1.5 m depth, while in Section 2 these loads were reduced by 0.02 kg m −2 yr −1 (94% reduction) and 0.04 kg m −2 yr −1 (86% reduction) at the 1.5 m and 3 m depths, respectively. Topography, water table and redox measurements, nitrate to chloride ratios, and deep groundwater cation analyses, indicated both sections were suitable for denitrification to proceed. However, the position of the wider Section 1 buffer in the landscape limited the amount of NO 3 − -N contaminated groundwater that entered from the agricultural fields, and thus could have been designed to be narrower. The effectiveness of NO 3 − -N reduction in riparian buffer systems is dependent on multiple landscape and biogeochemical factors and not buffer width alone. Findings provide design guidance for conservation buffer program managers as related to the influence of buffer landscape position on groundwater nitrate reduction.
Parylene to silicon adhesion enhancement

Parylene-C has been used extensively in neural interface devices as a conformal, biocompatible coating; it has also recently become an integrated part of our parylene-cabled silicon probes. However, it is found over the years that its adhesion capability to silicon may be compromised after thermal treatments, cleaning, handling, bench testing and implantations. This paper explores extensively new techniques including annealing, melting, anchoring, and XeF 2 silicon surface roughening to enhance this adhesion. We report the first quantitative experimental data on the effectiveness of each through tearing, soaking, etching and ASTM peeling tests. The results show various improved adhesion means over the standard A-174 adhesion promotion, which can greatly benefit the use of parylene.
Cooperative strategies and the evolution of communication

Using communication is not the only cooperative strategy that can evolve when organisms need to solve a problem together. This article describes a model that extends MacLennan and Burghardt's [37] synthetic ethology simulation to show that using a spatial world in a simulation allows a wider range of strategies to evolve in response to environmental demands. The model specifically explores the interaction between population density and resource abundance and their effect on the kinds of cooperative strategies that evolve. Signaling strategies evolve except when population density is high or resource abundance is low.
Perception and Conception: Shaping Human Minds

Perceptual experiences provide an important source of information about the world. It is clear that having the capacity of undergoing such experiences yields an evolutionary advantage. But why should humans have developed not only the ability of simply seeing, but also of seeing that something is thus and so? In this paper, I explore the significance of distinguishing perception from conception for the development of the kind of minds that creatures such as humans typically have. As will become clear, it is crucial to pay careful attention to the different kinds of information that are involved in perceiving and conceiving (including the way such information is gathered and transmitted). By identifying such kinds of information and the role they play, we can then understand an important feature of why creatures like us have the kind of consciousness and mental processes we do.
TEMPORAL OVERLAP OF NESTING DUCK AND AQUATIC INVERTEBRATE ABUNDANCES IN THE GRASSLANDS ECOLOGICAL AREA, CALIFORNIA, USA

Aquatic invertebrates are essential components of duckling diets, but little is known about temporal changes of invertebrate populations in different types of brood habitats. In spring and summer 1996 and 1997, we conducted searches for duck nests in upland fields in the Grasslands Ecological Area in California's Central Valley to determine timing of nest initiation and hatching. We also sampled aquatic invertebrate populations in adjacent permanent wetlands, semi-permanent borrow areas within seasonal wetlands that were drawn down in spring, and reverse-cycle wetlands (i.e., wetlands flooded from spring to summer) to estimate invertebrate food resources available to ducklings. Abundances of many invertebrates important in duckling diets (Gastropoda, Cladocera, Ostracoda, Amphipoda, Corixidae, Dytiscidae, Hydrophilidae) were greater in borrow areas and reverse-cycle wetlands than in permanent wetlands. Peak macroinvertebrate densities in borrow areas occurred immediately after adjacent wetlands are drawn down in March–April. Peak densities in reverse-cycle wetlands and permanent wetlands occur in May. Although total numbers of microinvertebrates (<1 mm size) and macroinvertebrates (≥1 mm size) in all wetlands decreased after May, most mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and cinnamon teal (A. cyanoptera) eggs hatched in May. Therefore, these ducklings hatch when abundant invertebrate food resources were most available in reverse-cycle wetlands. In contrast, most gadwall (A. strepera) eggs hatched in June after invertebrate numbers started to decrease. In areas where hydrology is controlled, managing for reverse-cycle wetlands may be a useful strategy to provide abundant invertebrate food resources during the waterfowl breeding season.
Diagnoses of hybrid hummingbirds (Aves: Trochilidae). 15. A new intergeneric hybrid (Hylocharis leucotis × Selasphorus platycercus) from the Huachuca Mountains, southeastern Arizona

ABSTRACT A hummingbird specimen collected by W. W. Brown in 1917 in the Huachuca Mountains, southeastern Arizona, is a hybrid of Hylocharis leucotis (white-eared hummingbird) × Selasphorus platycercus (broad-tailed hummingbird). Brown's specimen, which exhibits a blended mosaic of plumage characters of the presumed parental species, represents the first known instance of hybridization between species currently placed in Hylocharis and Selasphorus.
Book Review: My Friend Isabelle

Author: Eliza Woloson Reviewer: Rhonda S. Black Illustrator: Bryan Gough. Publisher: Woodbine House, 2003. Cloth, ISBN: 1-890627-50-X, 28 pp. Cost: $14.95 USD
Enter Health Information Technology: Expanding Theories of the Doctor–Patient Relationship for the Twenty-First Century Health Care Delivery System

Since the publication of the Institute of Medicine’s landmark report To Err is Human (1999), health care industry leaders and policymakers have emphasized the central importance of improving the quality of care and reducing the number of medical errors. More recently, various health information technologies (HIT) have been identified by many as essential quality improvement tools. Indeed, over the past two decades, HIT has expanded dramatically. While originally viewed as a hospital-based resource, HIT is increasingly entering the exam rooms of both primary care and specialty providers. The enthusiasm for HIT is undeniable, yet the impact of the expanded use of HIT on the care delivery process, especially the impact on the doctor–patient relationship, is still unclear. Available research highlights an emerging paradox. On the one hand, the strength and quality of the doctor–patient relationship have been shown to have important implications for understanding both the quality and outcome of care provided. At the same time, a growing body of literature suggests that physicians’ utilization of HIT during consultations may be changing the nature of their relationships with patients. This chapter reviews the literature on the expansion of HIT in primary care settings and explores the sociological implications of this emerging trend for the social dynamics of doctor–patient interaction.
Epic Glory and Manhood Acts in Fantasy Role-Playing Dagorhir as a Case Study

Based on a yearlong observational study of participants in a “Live Action Role Playing” group called “Dagorhir,” using the manhood acts perspective, we focus on how masculinity is constructed among low-status, subordinate men who self-define as “nerds.” We demonstrate that through fantasy role-playing, men are given opportunities to increase their group status, while women are typically relegated to subordinate positions. Increasing status in Dagorhir involved a type of self-enhancement strategy that we termed “epic glory,” which positioned men as social dominants. Epic glory was earned through training activities, at Dagorhir events, and through simulating dramatic death scenes. Such actions served as a performance of masculinity that was not possible for these men outside the role-playing experience. Importantly, women were excluded from many of the opportunities to enact epic glory, which helped reproduce inequalities both among males and between males and females participating in the events.
Tubular daylighting devices—Development and validation of a thermal model (1415-RP)

This article presents the development and validation of a simplified model to compute the thermal characteristics (solar heat gain coefficient and thermal conductance (U-factor)) and surface temperatures of tubular daylighting devices. The model takes into account the three modes of heat transfer: conduction, convection, and surface-to-surface radiation. A one-dimensional heat conduction model is applied to tubular daylight device glazing layers. The convective heat transfer from tubular daylight device surfaces to their adjacent air spaces uses existing correlations for natural flows in enclosed air cavities and free stream air spaces. A zonal model, in which the pipe air space is divided into a number of thermally stacked zones, is used to predict the vertical average temperature distribution in the air cavity and wall surface of pipe. Thermal radiation exchange among surfaces uses the formulation of the form factor applied to the aforementioned zonal model. An iterative sequential procedure is proposed...
Across the divide: “Primary care departments working together to redesign care to achieve the Triple Aim”

Abstract Background Primary care is considered the foundation of an effective health care system. However, primary care departments at academic health centers have numerous challenges to overcome when trying to achieve the Triple Aim. Methods As part of an organizational initiative to redesign primary care at a large academic health center, departments of internal medicine, general pediatrics and adolescent medicine, and family medicine worked together to comprehensively redesign primary care. This article describes the process of aligning these three primary care departments: defining panel size, developing a common primary care job description, redesigning the primary care compensation plan, redesigning the care model, and developing standardized staffing. Results Prior to the initiative, the rate of patient satisfaction was 85%, anticoagulation measurement 65%, pneumococcal vaccination 85%, breast cancer screening 79%, and colorectal cancer screening 69%. These rates all improved to 87%, 75%, 88%, 80%, and 80% respectively. Themes around key challenges to departmental integration are identified: (1) implementing effective communication strategies; (2) addressing specialty differences in primary care delivery; (3) working within resource limitations; and (4) developing long-term sustainability. Conclusions Primary care in this large academic health center was transformed through developing a united primary care leadership team that bridged individual departments to create and adopt a common vision and solutions to shared problems. Our collaboration has achieved improvements across patient satisfaction, clinical safety metrics, and publicly-reported preventive care outcomes. Implications The description of this experience may be useful for other academic health centers or other non-integrated delivery systems undertaking primary care practice transformation.