cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Near Disappearance of Splenorrhaphy as an Operative Strategy for Splenic Preservation After Trauma.

Background Splenorrhaphy was once used to achieve splenic preservation in up to 40% of splenic injuries. With increasing use of nonoperative management and angioembolization, operative therapy is less common and splenic injuries treated operatively are usually high grade. Patients are often unstable, making splenic salvage unwise. Modern surgeons may no longer possess the knowledge to perform splenorrhaphy. Methods The records of adult trauma patients with splenic injuries from September 2014 to November 2018 at an urban level I trauma center were reviewed retrospectively. Data including American Association for the Surgery of Trauma splenic organ injury scale, type of intervention, splenorrhaphy technique, and need for delayed splenectomy were collected. This contemporary cohort (CC) was compared to a historical cohort (HC) of splenic injuries at a single center from 1980 to 1989 (Ann Surg 1990; 211: 369). Results From 2014 to 2018, 717 adult patients had splenic injuries. Initial management included 157 (21.9%) emergent splenectomy, 158 (22.0%) angiogram ± embolization, 371 (51.7%) observation, and only 10 (1.4%) splenorrhaphy. The HC included a total of 553 splenic injuries, of which 313 (56.6%) underwent splenectomy, while splenorrhaphy was performed in 240 (43.4%). Those who underwent splenorrhaphy in each cohort (CC vs HC) were compared. Conclusion The success rate of splenorrhaphy has not changed. However, splenorrhaphy now involves only electrocautery with topical hemostatic agents and is used primarily in low-grade injuries. Suture repair and partial splenectomy seem to be "lost arts" in modern trauma care.
Augmented Cognition on the Run: Considerations for the Design and Authoring of Mobile Tutoring Systems

This paper discusses considerations for design and authoring of mobile intelligent tutoring system (ITSs). ITSs are on the rise as tools for desktop tutoring of cognitive tasks (e.g., problem solving and decision making). To become truly ubiquitous, ITSs will be required to leave the desktop and support interactive, adaptive instruction on-the-move via mobile devices. We examined the capabilities of Google Glass as a potential hands-free platform to support mobile tutoring and found many of the functions serviceable as proxies to desktop tutoring functions. The potential of mobile platforms like Google Glass integrated with the Generalized Intelligent Framework for Tutoring (GIFT) provides a practical example on which to discuss limitations and project future capabilities for mobile tutoring.
Mitochondrial Hyperoxidation After Cerebral Anoxia/Ischemia

Ischemia and reperfusion afterward provoke a characteristic series of events which is common among tissues. Many of the changes produced by ischemia are easily measurable with non-invasive optical or electrode probes in intact or isolated tissues. Among these changes are shifts toward reduction of the electron carriers of the mitochodrial respiratory chain, depletion of tissue oxygen, suppression of the tissue’s functional activities and loss of ion homeostasis. Figure 1 is a composite drawing which illustrates some of these typical events in the cerebral cortex of an anesthetized rat.
Variable-Order Model of Bacterial-Film Kinetics

A variable-order model provides a closely approximate, explicit solution for the flux of a limiting substrate into a “deep” fixed bacterial film. The model incorporates concepts of liquid-layer mass transport, Monod kinetics, and molecular diffusion. The derived equation provides an explicit solution for the flux into a bacterial film, and for this reason, it should aid in the application of fundamental, fixed-film kinetics to practical reactor problems. Examples are given to illustrate use of the model.
Does the photon have an elementary magnetostatic flux density?: (I) Plane waves

Abstract It has been claimed that a magnetostatic field BΠ is a fundamental property of circularly polarized plane waves. It is shown here that this magnetostatic field can hardly be considered to be fundamental, and it can be defined for any elliptically polarized plane wave.
Analytical results for polarization mode dispersion of spun fibers

In summary, we have derived a first-order perturbation solution to describe the fibre polarisation mode dispersion (PMD) for spun fibers. The first-order expansion is valid beyond the validity range of standard first-order perturbation theory for a whole category of periodic spin profiles. Using the analytical results, we have analyzed the features for spun fibers. In particular, we have found that the PMD change factor is independent of the fiber beat length, and the spun fibers follow linear scaling for PMD increase along the fiber.
Premature luteal regression in a pregnant mare and subsequent pregnancy maintenance with the use of oral altrenogest.

Summary Premature luteal demise or luteal insufficiency is not well characterised as a cause of pregnancy loss in domestic species, including horses. In this report, a mare inseminated with cooled-transported semen at our facility returned for a routine pregnancy diagnosis at 15 days post ovulation. Ultrasonography per rectum revealed endometrial oedema and the absence of visual indication of a corpus luteum on either ovary. Nonetheless, an embryonic vesicle small for the gestational age was identified. Daily oral altrenogest treatment was implemented immediately. Serum progesterone concentration was 0.67 ng/ml, which is below the threshold considered adequate for pregnancy maintenance in the mare. Examinations were repeated at 17, 25, 30, 39, 49, 72 and 120 days post ovulation. At 25 days post ovulation the embryonic vesicle presented normal development for the gestational age. In addition, sequential blood samples were collected to measure progesterone, equine chorionic gonadotrophin and oestrone sulphate concentrations. Although progesterone concentration did not exceed 2 ng/ml until 72 days post ovulation, all other results were unremarkable and a healthy filly was born uneventfully at 344 days post ovulation.
Limping in Toddlers: Pelvic Abscess Presenting with Transient Synovitis Picture

Abstract Background Limping is a common presenting pediatric complaint, caused by conditions originating in the lower extremities as well as in anatomical areas surrounding the hip joint. Pathologic processes presenting with limping include trauma, inflammation, infection, and malignancy. Objectives In this report, we present a case of pelvic abscess presenting with limping in a toddler. We review common conditions presenting with limping in this age group, and discuss laboratory and radiographic evaluation of limping in toddlers. Case Report A 20-month-old previously healthy boy presented for evaluation of limping and history of fever. The physical examination was suggestive of transient synovitis. Radiological evaluation revealed normal hip X-ray study, a normal complete blood count, and a moderately increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Due to the persistence of limping, tenderness over the inguinal area and subsequent development of edema over the inguinal area, magnetic resonance images of the hip and pelvis were obtained, which revealed a pelvic abscess. The patient improved after ultrasound-guided drainage of the abscess and a course of intravenous antibiotics. Conclusion Although transient synovitis is the most common pathology that causes limping in toddlers, limping can also be a presentation of pelvic pathology. Thus, in this age group, a detailed physical examination of the patient with special emphasis on structures adjacent to the hip joint is extremely important. Laboratory evaluation and additional imaging help confirm the suspected diagnosis.
The Positive Effect of Immediate Feedback on Medical Student Education During the Surgical Clerkship

Background and Aims Feedback from faculty to medical students is vital in medical education. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and educational benefits of a program that incorporates seeking immediate feedback by students from their faculty during the third-year medical student core surgery clerkship. Methods Using a crossover model, students in the intervention group sought daily feedback from their faculty surgeons, whereas those in the nonfeedback comparison group did not seek feedback. These groups crossed over every 2 weeks for the 8 surgical weeks of their 12-week clerkship. Weekly surveys, using 7-point Likert scales, were used by the participating students and surgical faculty to measure outcomes. Results Among 53 potential students, 33 were enrolled. Students reported significantly more weekly immediate feedback sessions in the experimental group (1.21 vs 0.67, p = 0.002). Additionally, in the experimental group, there were significantly more occasions where faculty surgeons provided specific guidance as to how students could further their education (1.25 vs 0.83, p = 0.02). Although not significant, there were trends toward the experimental group reporting their faculty feedback to be more specific, sufficient, and including both more positive and negative feedback. There were no significant differences in student self-assessments or faculty assessments of knowledge and skills. Student participation was a major impediment to this study. Conclusions Despite the challenges, there appear to be real educational gains associated with immediate feedback. The results suggest that an immediate feedback program can be implemented and may enhance the dialog in the student-faculty relationship. Further research could focus on improving student participation and the quality of attending faculty feedback.
Extensor mechanism slide for the treatment of Proximal interphalangeal joint extension lag: An anatomic study

Purpose We describe a technique for correction of proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) extensor lag secondary to angulation and/or shortening of proximal phalanx fractures. Methods Proximal phalanx fracture malunions with 2.5 mm of shortening, 5.0 mm of shortening, and apex volar angulation of 40° were simulated in 15 cadaver fingers, creating PIP extensor lags. The metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint was pinned in neutral. Transection of the ulnar and radial sagittal bands, the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) insertion on the MCP joint capsule, and the juncturae tendinae then was performed. The PIP extensor lag before and after each of the earlier-noted releases was recorded. The MCP joint then was freed and MCP hyperextension was recorded. With the MCP joint in neutral position the sagittal bands then were reapproximated with sutures and MCP extension was measured. Results The 2.5 mm of axial shortening, 5.0 mm of axial shortening, and 40° of apex volar angulation fracture models produced an average extensor lag of 6.2°, 25.8°, and 42.5°, respectively. Maximal correction of PIP extensor lag required transection of both sagittal bands, EDC insertion on the MCP capsule, and the juncturae tendinae with an average residual extensor lag of −0.8° for the 2.5-mm shortening model, 0.7° for the 5.0-mm shortening model, and 3.2° for the 40°-angulation model. The MCP joint hyperextension increased by 20° to 30° after the releases but decreased to only 1.8° if the sagittal bands were reapproximated to the EDC tendon at their new resting position with the MCP joint in neutral position. Conclusions In the cadaver model the PIP extensor lag can be improved substantially by transection of the sagittal bands, release of the EDC insertion on the MCP capsule, transection of the juncturae tendinae, and reapproximation of the sagittal bands to the EDC tendon.
An eight-dimensional pulse-height analyzer☆

Abstract An eight-dimensional pulse-height analyzer with 30 channels per dimension is described. This is a relatively slow instrument designed for use with high energy physics experiments. The pulse inputs may accept signals directly from particle detectors using high speed photomultipliers; a 30 nsec linear gate is provided for selection of acceptable events in synchronism with an external trigger pulse. Data output is by electric typewriter and on punched IBM cards.
Maternal mortality, women's status, and economic dependency in less developed countries: a cross-national analysis

While much has been written about the medical, economic, and social causes of cross-national differences in some mortality related phenomena such as in life expectancy and infant mortality, much less attention has been given to maternal mortality, the focus of the present study. In the studies of maternal mortality that have been done, there has been very little effort to assess the potential relevance of the gender stratification and dependency theory perspectives. Using lagged cross-sectional and path analysis with a sample of 79 less developed countries, this article focuses on the impact of predictors linked to three theoretical perspectives - modernization, economic dependency, and gender stratification. We find that women's status, as measured by indicators such as level of education relative to men, age at first marriage, and reproductive autonomy, is a strong predictor of maternal mortality. We find that economic dependency, especially multinational corporate investment, has a detrimental effect on maternal mortality that is mediated by its harmful impacts on economic growth and the status of women. We also find support for developmental theory, a variant of modernization theory.
The cholinergic excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic responses of Aplysia ganglion cells during and after lithium-Ringer perfusion.

The excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic responses of Aplysia ganglion cells were elicited by either stimulating cholinergic afferent fibers or by topically applying acetylcholine (ACh) to the cell under study. The responses were evaluated as an increase in membrane conductance and compared before, during, and after perfusion with Li+-Ringer. Excitatory postsynaptic responses were significantly depressed during 30–60 min of Li+-Ringer perfusion. Upon return to normal Ringer, they increased sharply beyond the control, showing post-Li+ augmentation. Inhibitory postsynaptic responses were augmented during 30–60 min of Li+-Ringer perfusion when the cells were examined before treatment with anticholinesterase. After treatment with neostigmine, however, they were found to be also depressed in Li+-Ringer. This finding suggested a suppressing effect of Li+-Ringer on the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The reversal potential of ACh-induced depolarizing response was altered from the normal value of –25 mV to –5 mV during 1–2 hr of Li+-Ringer perfusion and gradually returned to normal value in 2–3 hr after return to normal Ringer. The reversal potential of ACh-induced hyperpolarizing response remained practically unchanged (–62 mV) during 1–2 hr of Li+-Ringer perfusion. Post-Li+ augmentation of ACh-induced depolarizing responses was explained by an increase in driving force for Na+ movement resulting from a depletion of intracellular Na+. The systematic shift of the dose-response curves during Li+-Ringer perfusion suggested that the affinities of both excitatory and inhibitory receptors to ACh are depressed and the effect is greater on the excitatory receptors.
The ecology of Psorophora confinnis (Diptera: Culicidae) in Southern California. II. Temperature and development.

The developmental times, eclosion to emergence, of 18 broods of Psorophora confinnis Lynch Arribalzaga, observed in irrigated date groves in the Coachella Valley, Calif., ranged from 78 to 126 hours with a mean of 97 hours at average water temperatures of 77–88°F. In 38% of the broods, all pupae were stranded on mud by the disappearance of open water, but 50%–95% of these metamorphosed successfully although stranded for as much as 15 hours. Thus, at summer temperatures, irrigation water needs to persist only 3–3.5 days to permit emergence. At constant water temperatures of 65°–95°F, developmental time varied inversely with temperature, but the effect of a 5° increase was progressively less as temperature increased. Total development was fastest (86–89 hours) at 90°–95°F. Survival, from second-instar larva to adult, was maximum at 75°–85°F. For each immature stage there is agreement between the constant temperatures which allowed good survival in the laboratory and the range of water temperatures encountered in nature. The first- and second-instar larvae were most susceptible to temperature extremes; later stages were progressively more resistant. Pupae appeared normal at 115°F and metamorphosed after such exposure. The rapid development from eclosion to emergence and the high tolerance of the pupae, together with their ability to metamorphose on mud, are significant adaptations of the Coachella Valley populations of P. confinnis .
Eocene lower vertebrates from Ellesmere Island, Canadian Arctic Archipelago

Lower vertebrates from the Early Eocene Eureka Sound Formation, Ellesmere Island, Canadian Arctic Archipelago, form a mixed aquatic—riparian—terrestrial assemblage similar to that of many North American Late Cretaceous and Paleogene continental deposits. Taxa include the bony fishes Amia and Lepisosteus, the salamander Piceoerpeton, anguid and varanid lizards and a boid snake. Turtles include two emylids, the tortoise Geochelone, and anosteirine, Trionyx s.s. and an unidentified turtle adapted for durophagy. The durophagous alligator Allognathosuchus is also present. The varanid, tortoise and alligator indicate an equable climate with winters that rarely suffered freezing temperatures. These animals (especially the varanid) have high temperature optima today. Such optima are more likely to have occurred seasonally, under present obliquity of the earth's axis, than with the low obliquity model that has been suggested by paleobotanical data. If so, these animals must have undergone periods of winter dormancy, unlike their living relatives. Zoogeographic affinities of the lower vertebrates are generally with North America although some of the taxa also occur in Palaeogene Europe; only the anosteirine turtle shows Asian affinities. Two of the taxa appear to have been endemic to the Arctic region, and the assemblages as a whole may have been part of a pan-Arctic fauna rather than resembling that of any northern continent in particular.
Role of Calcium-Independent Phospholipases (iPLA2) in Phosphatidylcholine Metabolism

The proposed role of calcium-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2) in membrane phospholipid homeostasis was tested by examining the perturbation of phosphatidylcholine metabolism by enzyme overexpression. There are alternatively spliced forms of murine iPLA2 that were widely expressed in mouse tissues: a long form containing exon-9 that is membrane-associated and a short form lacking exon-9 that is distributed between the membrane and cytosolic fractions. Enforced expression of either iPLA2 isoform led to a significant increase in intracellular free fatty acid, lysophosphatidylcholine, and GPC without a concomitant increase in the incorporation of either exogenous arachidonic acid or choline. The accumulation of lysophosphatidylcholine in iPLA2-expressing cells illustrates the limited capacity of cells for reacylation and degradation of lysophospholipids. Since iPLA2 overexpression did not accelerate either phospholipid remodeling or phosphatidylcholine synthesis, this enzyme does play a determinant (rate-controlling?) role in either of these cellular processes.
Spectral characteristics of selected soils and vegetation in northern Nevada and their discrimination using band ratio techniques

Abstract Characterizing arid region soils and vegetation conditions from remotely sensed imagery is limited by low interband and intraspectral reflectance contrast between soil and vegetation. This study has evaluated the spectral response of semiarid soils and vegetation and the utility of four calculated Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) band ratios and band transformations for discriminating soil and vegetation. Ground-level reflectance spectra were taken of 62 soil and 236 vegetation surfaces. Mean reflectances were calculated for the equivalent TM Bands 1, 2, 3 and 4. All two-band ratios, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and the brightness, greenness, and yellowness transformation were calculated. Soil reflectance spectra are highly variable, yet predictable: They increased directly with wavelength over the visible-near infrared (NIR) region and have low interband contrast. Vegetation spectra are less predictable because various plant structures and phenology affect the spectral response and the visible-to-NIR reflectance contrast. Ratio techniques can separate most pure vegetation samples from pure soils, but the degree of separation varies with the technique. Ratioing is effective for surfaces with high interband spectral contrast but is not effective for surfaces with low contrast. The NIR/red and the NDVI ratios indicate an association with plant-available water gradients and the drought tolerance or drought-avoidance mechanisms.
Examination of Phycomyces blakesleeanus for nitrate reductase as a possible blue light photoreceptor

Abstract Phycomyces blakesleeanus is unable to grow on media which contain nitrate as the sole nitrogen source. Further, according to a number of assay procedures, there is no significant nitrate reductase activity in Phycomyces . Thus, although nitrate reductase has been proposed to be a blue-light receptor in Neurospora , no active nitrate reductase is available to serve this function in Phycomyces .
Evaluation of Arm Circumference as a Public Health Index of Protein Energy Malnutrition in Early Childhood

Arm circumference (AC) is an easy and inexpensive way to detect preschool malnutrition. It is being used increasingly in developing countries for rapid and extensive nutrition surveillance and screening programs as well as for monitoring nutrition rehabilitation. This paper evaluates the AC measurement as a public health index of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) as compared with more commonly used measures like weight for height and weight for age. The literature is reviewed concerning these relationships in the 1st part of this paper. The 2nd part describes and evaluates the effort to develop methodology for rural health systems to screen preschool children for malnutrition. The project was undertaken in 4 villages in Guatemala employing minimally trained health workers. An analysis of the results demonstrates there is a strong correlation between AC and weight for height as well as weight for age. Because interventionin all cases of malnutrition is not possible in all areas it is significant that AC selected a younger and more severely malnourished group of cases that was smaller in number and hence more feasible to treat. AC also performed well in identifying severely malnourished children whose stunted condition made their weight appear normal for their height.
Modeling the Rovibrationally Excited C2H4OH Radicals from the Photodissociation of 2-Bromoethanol at 193 nm

This study photolytically generates, from 2-bromoethanol photodissociation, the 2-hydroxyethyl radical intermediate of the OH + ethene reaction and measures the velocity distribution of the stable radicals. We introduce an impulsive model to characterize the partitioning of internal energy in the C2H4OH fragment. It accounts for zero-point and thermal vibrational motion to determine the vibrational energy distribution of the nascent C2H4OH radicals and the distribution of total angular momentum, J, as a function of the total recoil kinetic energy imparted in the photodissociation. We render this system useful for the study of the subsequent dissociation of the 2-hydroxyethyl radical to the possible asymptotic channels of the OH + ethene reaction. The competition between these channels depends on the internal energy and the J distribution of the radicals. First, we use velocity map imaging to separately resolve the C2H4OH + Br(2P3/2) and C2H4OH + Br(2P1/2) photodissociation channels, allowing us to account...
Molecular Simulation of the DMPC-Cholesterol Phase Diagram

In this paper, we present a coarse-grained model of a hydrated saturated phospholipid bilayer (dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine, DMPC) containing cholesterol that we study using a hybrid dissipative particle dynamics−Monte Carlo method. This approach allows us to reach the time and length scales necessary to study structural and mechanical properties of the bilayer at various temperatures and cholesterol concentrations. The properties studied are the area per lipid, condensation, bilayer thickness, tail order parameters, bending modulus, and area compressibility. Our model quantitatively reproduces most of the experimental effects of cholesterol on these properties and reproduces the main features of the experimental phase and structure diagrams. We also present all-atom simulation results of the system and use these results to further validate the structure of our coarse-grained bilayer. On the basis of the changes in structural properties, we propose a temperature−composition structure diagram, which we c...
Impact of Peer Nutrition Education on Dietary Behaviors and Health Outcomes among Latinos: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract Objective This systematic review assesses the impact of peer education/counseling on nutrition and health outcomes among Latinos and identifies future research needs. Design A systematic literature search was conducted by: (1) searching Internet databases; (2) conducting backward searches from reference lists of articles of interest; (3) manually reviewing the archives of the Center for Eliminating Health Disparities among Latinos; (4) searching the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior; and (5) directly contacting researchers in the field. The authors reviewed 22 articles derived from experimental or quasi-experimental studies. Outcome Measures Type 2 diabetes behavioral and metabolic outcomes, breastfeeding, nutrition knowledge, attitudes and behaviors. Results Peer nutrition education has a positive influence on diabetes self-management and breastfeeding outcomes, as well as on general nutrition knowledge and dietary intake behaviors among Latinos. Conclusions and Implications There is a need for longitudinal randomized trials testing the impact of peer nutrition education interventions grounded on goal setting and culturally appropriate behavioral change theories. Inclusion of reliable scales and the construct of acculturation are needed to further advance knowledge in this promising field. Operational research is also needed to identify the optimal peer educator characteristics, the type of training that they should receive, the client loads and dosage (ie, frequency and amount of contact needed between peer educator and client), and the best educational approaches and delivery settings.
Extension of Poisson-Nernst Planck Theory of Ion Conductivity with Soft-Repulsion Potential between Ions and Protein. Sensitivity of I-V Properties of α-Hemolysin Channel on its Penetration Depth into Membrane

A soft repulsion (SR) potential between mobile ions and protein atoms is introduced to Poisson-Nernst-Plank (PNP) theory of ion transport as an alternative to commonly used hard sphere repulsion (HR). Two sets of SR were tested: one is parameterized for all atoms of 20 essential amino-acid residues using full atomic molecular dynamic simulation (SR-MD); and another is a truncated Lennard-Jones potential (SR-LJ). The effect of different models of short-range interaction between protein atoms and mobile ions (HR, SR-MD and SR-LJ) were studied using α-hemolysin channel protein. In addition, four different methods of setting the diffusion coefficients were analyzed in order to evaluate the effect of diffusion distribution on predicted currents. Our calculations show that the diffusion distribution has a strong influence on the size of total currents whereas has significantly less effect on rectifications, reverse potentials and selectivity. Therefore, for proper modeling of these properties, the potential of mean force (PMF) may play a more important role than the diffusion distribution. SR-MD has a better approximation of PMF near the protein surface than HR and significantly improves selectivity predictions.Additionally, we have studied the dependency of α-hemolysin I-V properties on the penetration depth of the channel into the membrane. The results show that rectification and reverse potentials are very sensitive to the penetration depth. The depth, predicted by matching calculated rectification with the experimentally determined one, is in a very good agreement with the neutron reflection experimental result. Our free energy estimation also indicates that there is a minima near the predicted depth.
Analeptic effect of opiate receptor agonists in rabbits.

Abstract Eight opiate agonists, administered by the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) route, were evaluated as analeptics in pentobarbital-anesthetized rabbits. Morphine, codeine, ethylketocyclazocine, N-allylnormetazocine, meperidine and methadone, but not etorphine or d -Ala 2 -Met-enkephalin, given i.c.v. 40 min after pentobarbital (30 mg/kg i.v.), produced significant shortening of the duration of anesthesia as determined by the loss of the righting reflex. No apparent relationship was found between this and analgesic potency, nor with the specific receptor subtypes with which these agonists are known to interact. With active compounds, such as morphine, codeine and methadone, producing narcotic sedation, it was necessary to pretreat the animals with naltrexone to unmask the analeptic effect. It is concluded that the analeptic effect produced by certain opiate drugs is not specifically related to any of the subtypes of opiate receptors thus far described.
ADVANCES IN DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC ENDOSCOPY

Endoscopy has changed the practice of gastroenterology radically. Previously a primarily cognitive specialty characterized by nontechnical diagnostic methods and pharmacologic management, gastroenterology now is characterized increasingly by direct visual inspection, tissue sampling, and minimally invasive therapeutic intervention. Endoscopy can provide practical and cost-effective therapy for many disorders that previously required more invasive surgical intervention. This article reviews the current status of gastrointestinal endoscopy. In particular, the focus is on developments that are likely to alter substantially the practice of gastroenterology in the near future.
Spatially- and temporally-adaptive communication protocols for zero-maintenance sensor networks relying on opportunistic energy scavenging

Wireless sensor networks allow scientists to gather data from remote, difficult to access, and dangerous locations. However, maintenance of aging networks and removal of obsolete or inactive nodes containing toxic materials is expensive and time consuming. Moreover, node lifespan is generally constrained by the reliability of the batteries used in most deployments, especially in the presence of extreme variation in environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. We consider the problem of designing wireless sensor networks capable of indefinite deployment periods measured in decades, not months. We describe the architectural and capability implications of eliminating batteries from sensor networks and instead relying on opportunistic energy scavenging. Sensor nodes using ambient energy sources become temporarily active at unpredictable but possibly correlated times. In this paper, we use wind power as an example of such a power source, which we model using temporally and spatially correlated random processes. Such models can be built using historical measurements over a geographical range. We describe a method to use energy models in the design of latency-optimized and cost-constrained battery-less wireless sensor networks, and explain the required changes to network architecture, communication protocol, and node hardware. In the context of environmental monitoring applications, we compare the performance of a network designed and managed using our techniques with that of existing design styles.
Adaptive coherent optical receiver array

A linear four element adaptive heterodyne optical receiver array employing semiconductor lasers is described. The array adaptively adjusts the phase of each subaperture IF signal to correct for wavefront tilt and distortion and non-uniform optical and RF path delays across the array by phase-locking each channel to a reference channel.
Serum iodine fractions in subjects receiving potassium iodide in small dosage.

PREVIOUS studies from this laboratory have shown that the ingestion of an inorganic iodide in amounts as large as 3 to 7 grams per day produced a marked elevation of the total as well as the serum precipitable or protein-bound iodine (1, 2). Fractionation of the latter moiety indicated that the rise had occurred in the nonthyroxine iodine (3). Without iodide supplements, however, these various iodine fractions are known to remain relatively constant in healthy adults (4, 5). The experiments herein reported define the effects of an inorganic iodide on serum iodine fractions when administered in therapeutic amounts such as those used, for example, in hyperthyroidism. Materials and Methods Five adult male subjects received 0.2 and subsequently 0.4 gram of potassium iodide daily as a saturated aqueous solution during periods totalling approximately four to seven weeks in length. Five others were given 0.6 gram daily in the form of compressed tablets for variable periods of time. All of the subjects continued ...
Risk assessment and fitness of a transgenic entomopathogenic nematode.

Abstract A strain of the entomopathogenic nematode,Heterorhabditis bacteriophora,was transformed by the addition of a heat-shock protein gene (hsp70A) from the free-living nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans.Laboratory experiments with wild-type and transgenic nematodes were done at 16, 25, 30, and 37°C to investigate infectivity, reproductive capacity, and survival in water. Heat-shocked transgenic nematodes (ones subjected to a heat shock that is lethal to wild-type nematodes) were included in experiments to determine if this treatment caused sublethal damage. We found no significant differences in the ability of wild-type, transgenic, and heat-shocked-transgenic nematodes to infect or to reproduce in last-instarGalleria mellonellalarvae or to survive at these temperatures. We compared the ability of wild-type and transgenic nematodes to infect and kill 11 species of invertebrates, representing groups known to be susceptible and nonsusceptible to wild-type nematodes. Transformation caused no detectable change in virulence of nematodes to any test invertebrates. Transgenic and wild-type nematodes were also injected interperitoneally into mice and transgenic nematodes were fed by injection to mice without mouse mortality or changes in growth rate. We conclude that genetic engineering has provided a precise method to alter the heat shock tolerance ofH. bacteriophorawithout affecting other important life history characteristics and that the transgenic nematode is unlikely to pose any threat to the environment if released on a wide scale.
Communications: a software group productivity dominator

Software group productivity can be dominated by many factors. A dominator is a single factor that causes productivity to decline ten-fold. The software productivity dominators discussed are design partition and communications. A model is developed to show the effect of intra-group communications on software group productivity, efficiency and group productivity speed up.
Commodity Cultures, Mesoamerica and Mexico's Changing Indigenous Economy:

A case is argued for the constitutive role of commodity value (use + exchange + symbolic), and its shifting triangulations, in Mesoamerican and Mexican indigenous culture. This role cross-cuts historical epochs but assumes more pervasive influence historically in proportion to the spread of integrative markets and monetization. Given their commodity value matrix, indigenous direct-producing subjects, yesterday and today, are assumed to economize, regardless of the nature and destination of their labor or products or the particular social relations organizing the latter's disposition. Particular forms of commodity value triangulation require empirical determination at specific spatial/temporal coordinates. Critical evaluations of work by Karl Marx, Guillermo Bonfil, Alejandro Marroquin, Manuel Gamio and Arturo Warman, together with ethnographic material, are used to support the case for the commodity value approach.
MALE AND FEMALE MATING BEHAVIOR IN PREPUBERALLY CASTRATED FEMALE RATS TREATED WITH ANDROGENS1

THAT MANY of the phenomena associated with mammalian estrus are dependent upon ovarian hormones is a well established fact. In lower mammals ovariectomy of the adult female results in cessation of cyclical changes in the vaginal epithelium, eradication of the running-activity cycle and elimination of sexually receptive behavior. Prepuberal castration prevents the appearance of these physiological and behavioral reactions. Administration of female sex hormones to the castrate female induces vaginal cornification, increased general activity and sexual receptivity. Despite the obvious interrelationships of ovarian secretions and feminine copulatory reactions, there is some evidence to indicate that sexually receptive behavior may appear in the absence of the ovarian hormone. Male rats mounted by other males occasionally exhibit responses typical of the receptive female of their species (1, 2).
Examining red tape in public and private organizations: a further look at the role of individual perceptions and attributes

Abstract The growing number of studies on red tape over the last several years has led to notable progress in our understanding of red tape. For example, sectoral comparisons have both challenged and reinforced traditional beliefs about the prima facie existence of higher levels of red tape in the public sector. In addition, the research has led to improvements in how we conceptualize red tape and distinguish it from closely related constructs such as formalization. But several gaps remain, one of which concerns the degree to which red tape is essentially an objective or subjective phenomenon. This paper presents an overview of this lineage of research, with particular focus on red tape’s subjective/individualistic nature. The paper concludes with some suggestions for future research.
A shadow concept

The author focuses on the signifi cance of preconscious thinking, and its relationship to what we think of as unconscious fantasies. He reopens Freud's forgotten struggle with preconscious thinking, while he explores preconscious thinking as the basis for thinking about psychoanalytic treatment. This includes our goals in bringing an idea to the analysand's attention, and the role of transitional space where thoughts and feelings can be played with.
Criminal correlates of injury-related emergency department recidivism

To investigate criminal and high-risk lifestyle factors that predict emergency department (ED) recidivism, a longitudinal (8-year) cohort study of ED trauma patients was conducted. Study patients provided risk and lifestyle behavior information via semi-structured interview. ED revisit and re-injury rates for 1995-2003 were acquired through hospital record review. Lifetime criminal arrest data were obtained for each study subject via record linkage from PublicData.com, an internet-based service. The 8-year ED re-visit rate was 47% (75/161), but revisits were more often medical than injury-related (30% vs. 17%, respectively). Over half (58%) of all injured ED patients had a documented arrest history, and arrests were significantly more common in those who came back to the ED for repeat trauma vs. those who did not revisit the ED (70.4% vs. 55.9%, respectively; p < 0.05). In this sample, 21% (34/161) had been convicted of 97 property-related crimes, 26% (42/161) of 109 violence-related crimes, 23% (37/161) of 98 drug-related offenses, and 17.4% (28/161) of 89 other non-traffic-related crimes. ED recidivism for trauma care was associated with multiple substance abuse behaviors and drug-related arrests. Significant risk factors for ED recidivism seem to be high-risk substance-abuse-related behaviors and criminal activity, constituting important targets for effective ED-based intervention, referral, and follow-up.
Pion electroproduction in a nonrelativistic theory

The pion and nucleon mass differences generate a very pronounced cusp in the photoproduction reaction of a single pion on the nucleon. A nonrelativistic effective field theory to describe this reaction is constructed. The approach is rigorous in the sense that it is an effective field theory with a consistent power counting scheme. Expressions for the S- and P-wave multipole amplitudes for all four reaction channels at two loops are given.
Effect of variations in thermophysical properties and design parameters on the performance of a V-shaped micro grooved heat pipe

Abstract The paper presents a detailed simulation of a V-shaped micro heat pipe. The effect of the substrate temperature on the model has been considered. A new method for calculating dry-out length has been proposed. The sensitivity of the model to variations in thermophysical properties and design parameters has been studied. The variations in the contact angle for the substrate–coolant liquid system, surface tension and viscosity of the coolant liquid, inclination, groove angle, length of adiabatic section and radius of ungrooved substrate have been considered. The effect of design and operating parameters on the performance of the heat pipe has been studied. The variations in contact angle have been found to significantly affect the performance of a micro heat pipe. The performance of a micro heat pipe is susceptible to ungrooved area of a V-shaped micro heat pipe. If the groove is not sharp enough i.e., the radius of ungrooved substrate is more; the micro heat pipe may cease to work even before it reaches its other operating limits. The various sensitivity studies made in this work gives better understanding of variations in thermophysical properties and design parameters of a micro heat pipe.
Cell cycle parameters of 3T3 cells cultured as aggregates.

BALB/c 3T3 cells cultured as aggregates were examined by two independent techniques to determine whether or not cells accumulated at a specific point in the cell cycle, and if so to determine the point at which they accumulate. Replating cells onto dishes followed by pulse labeling with [3H]thymidine and autoradiography indicated that aggregate-cultured cells were in the same phase of the cell cycle as cells cultured as confluent monolayers. Flow microfluorometry confirmed that 75% of the aggregate-maintained cells were arrested in G0 or G1, with 25% distributed throughout the rest of the cell cycle. Labeling and mitotic indices of cells in aggregates were also consistent with about 20 to 25% of the cells being in S+G2=M phases of the cell cycle at any time.
Why do we Like Fat

Abstract Dietary choices are strongly influenced by the taste and texture of foods. Fats are responsible for the sensory properties of many foods and greatly contribute to eating pleasure. Although diets rich in fats tend to be more flavorful and varied, they also are high in energy. Because excessive fat consumption has been associated with higher rates of obesity and coronary heart disease, nutrition education efforts have focused on replacing dietary fats with grains, vegetables, and fruit. However, preference for high-fat foods appear to be a universal human trait, and in the absence of efficient physiologic mechanisms regulating fat intake, fat consumption appears to be determined simply by the amount of fat available in the food supply. Fat consumption at national levels is determined largely by economic variables such as urbanization or income. The question is whether these barriers can be surmounted by appropriate nutrition education and intervention programs. J Am Diet Assoc. 199 7;9 7(suppl):S58-S62 .
Operant conditioning of blood pressure: Effects of mediators.

Respiration and frontalis muscle activity were evaluated as mediators in the operant conditioning of systolic blood pressure (BP). Three groups of 7 normotensives received 5 training sessions with either: a) systolic BP feedback alone, b) systolic BP feedback plus respiration rate and volume feedback, or c) systolic BP feedback plus frontalis muscle activity feedback. Respiration and muscle feedback subjects were given BP feedback so that they might test various response strategies for BP control. Each session consisted of 5 training cycles, during which the subject was instructed to “lower” BP and then “don't lower” BP. This design demonstrated subjects' BP control, while eliminating extraneous factors as sources of BP change. Respiration feedback clearly enhanced acquisition of BP control, while frontalis muscle feedback was ineffective as a BP mediator. Respiration subjects slowed respiration rate and increased respiration volume when lowering BP. No other systematic physiological changes occurred in any group. Reflex instigation of BP lowering in the respiration group was improbable for a variety of reasons. It was concluded that while mediators may not be essential for response acquisition, they can serve to enhance autonomic self-regulation. These findings have significant implications for hypertension treatment methodology.
Technology in the Public Library: The Impact on Our Community:

Le Pikes Peak Library District au Colorado (Etats-Unis) a cree un ensemble de bibliotheques informatisees qui est l'un des plus intensifs du monde. Le systeme actuel fournit presqu'un terminal par employe, et le nouveau systeme en prevoit trois. L'auteur analyse l'environnement et l'organisation qui se font ainsi jour, ainsi que la perception nouvelle qu'ont les utilisateurs de la bibliotheque
The publishing game: reflections of an editorial team

The close of a 5-year editorship gives opportunity to reflect on the highs and the lows of an editorship. The goal of such reflection is to assist both authors and reviewers in interacting with a biomedical journal, and to foster interest among individuals contemplating an editorship. Among the highs was the privilege of publishing high-quality original scientific work within the scope of the journal; in this instance mechanistic studies of disease. Although review articles and editorials have their reward, it is the publication of original peer-reviewed work that constitutes the true basis for advancing biomedical science. This is the heart of journal publication. Second, the editorial interaction with submitting authors in bringing their work to publication is itself highly rewarding, and can lead to longer-term collegial working relationships between editors and authors. The anonymous expert reviewers also play a key role in bringing outstanding scientific work to successful publication. Collectively, authors, editors, and reviewers constitute an important ‘community of science’. Third, working together as an editorial team, especially through the weekly ‘journal clubs’ that a regular editorial meeting affords, is commended as a key reward of any editorial group taking on journal management. The lows included sifting through submitted manuscripts in which the rigor of science was not satisfactory, and encountering specific instances of compromised scientific integrity—fortunately rare. In both instances, the editorial commitment is to publish high-quality original science; a necessary corollary is identifying those submissions, through rigorous but fair review, which do not meet journal standards. In the end, editorship is a highly rewarding experience, and very much conducive to sustaining the wonder of science that drew us to this profession.