cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid changes in chromatographically determined haemoglobin A1c induced by short-term changes in glucose concentration.

Chromatographically determined haemoglobin A1c concentration was measured during short-term (1–24 h) changes in glucose concentration in vitro and in vivo. In vitro at 37 °C the HbA1c concentration increased with glucose concentration and time both in normal and diabetic erythrocytes. In normal erythrocytes incubated in 20–100 mmol/l glucose, the increases in the HbA1c concentration were maximal after 4–6 h and then stable for the next 18–20 h. During the first hour, increases in the HbA1c concentration were linear with time and on average 0.034% HbA1c × h−1 × mmol/l glucose−1. In erythrocytes, after a rapidly produced increase (2h), HbA1c decreased to preincubation concentrations during a further incubation of the erythrocytes in a glucose-free medium at 37 °C for 4–6 h. The mean rate of linear decrease was 0.017% × h−1 × mmol/l glucose−1. After incubation of erythrocytes in 100 mmol/l glucose for 24 h, 1.3% HbA1c remained stable for 6 h in saline. The rapid increase in HbA1c concentration, as determined by chromatography, was not due to stable HbA1c (ketoamine linked glucose) as no increase was found in the HbA1c concentrations determined by the thiobarbiturate method. In juvenile diabetics controlled by an artificial beta-cell, rapid changes of blood glucose concentration (up to 20 mmol/l) resulted in increases in HbA1c concentration of as much as 1.9% within 12 h (mean 1.1%). Rapid in vivo increases in HbA1c concentration were reversible by normalization of the blood glucose concentration. That rapid changes in HbA1c may occur in daily diabetic life was evidenced by differences in HbA1c concentration between blood samples from out-patient diabetics incubated in saline for 16 hours at 4 °C and 37 °C (range of differences 0.2–1.4% HbA1c). The differences correlated to the blood glucose concentration at the time of sampling blood for HbA1c determination. Thus, incubation of blood at a low glucose concentration prior to determination of the glycosylated haemoglobin concentration may overcome interference from rapidly produced HbA1c.
Quantitative assessment of mobile protein levels in human knee synovial fluid: feasibility of chemical exchange saturation transfer (proteinCEST) MRI of osteoarthritis

Abstract Purpose To establish the feasibility of chemical exchange saturation transfer (proteinCEST) MRI in the differentiation of osteoarthritis (OA) knee joints from non-OA joints by detecting mobile protein and peptide levels in synovial fluid by determining their relative distribution. Materials and Methods A total of 25 knees in 11 men and 12 women with knee injuries were imaged using whole knee joint proteinCEST MRI sequence at 3 T. The joint synovial fluid was segmented and the asymmetric magnetization transfer ratio at 3.5 ppm MTRasym (3.5 ppm) was calculated to assess protein content in the synovial fluid. The 85th percentile of synovial fluid MTRasym (3.5 ppm) distribution profile was compared using the independent Student's t test. The diagnostic performance of the 85th percentile of synovial fluid MTRasym (3.5 ppm) in differentiating OA and non-OA knee joints was evaluated. Results The 85th percentile of synovial fluid MTRasym (3.5 ppm) in knee joints with OA was 8.6%±3.4% and significantly higher than that in the knee joints without OA (6.3%±1.4%, P Conclusion proteinCEST MRI appears feasible as a quantitative methodology to determine mobile protein levels in synovial fluid and identify patterns characteristic for OA disease.
Sonolytic reactions of phenanthrene in organic extraction solutions.

Ultrasonic extraction is a common method used to extract semi-volatile and nonvolatile organic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from solid matrices. However, ultrasonic energy has been suspected to lead to undesired reactions of the solute and thus affect qualitative and quantitative results. In this paper, sonolytic reactions of phenanthrene in common organic extraction solutions were examined using a 20 kHz ultrasonic probe under conditions commonly used for ultrasonic extraction. Extraction parameters including phenanthrene concentration, solvent type, pulse length, and sonication time were investigated. Hexane:acetone (1:1 V/V) resulted in less phenanthrene degradation than dichloromethane (DCM):acetone (1:1 V/V). Initial solute concentration, length of sonication time, and solvent type affected the degradation of phenanthrene. Reaction byproducts including methylphenanthrene and methylnaphthalene detected after sonication indicate that phenanthrene reacts by both direct pyrolysis and reaction with methyl or ethyl radicals formed from solvent pyrolysis.
SANDPLAY: AN INVESTIGATION INTO A CHILD'S MEANING SYSTEM VIA THE SELF CONFRONTATION METHOD FOR CHILDREN

This correlational study was conducted to create a developmentally appropriate and psychometrically sound version of the Self Confrontation Method (Hermans, 1976, 1985, 1987a, 1987b, 1988, 1992; Hermans & Hermans-Jansen, 1995) that can be used with children between the ages of 9 and 12. The reliability and validity of the revised Self Confrontation Method for Children (SCMC) were examined for fourth to sixth graders' valuations of themselves and their world, and valuations of their sandworlds and associated narratives. Results revealed that seven of the eight Indices on the two SCMC valuations demonstrated adequate to very good internal consistency. There was partial support for the instrument's construct validity, as a moderate and positive significant relationship between the S and O Indices emerged. And within-subject comparisons between the S, O, N, and P Indices on the two valuations revealed a moderate and positive significant relationship between the P Indices. Results are discussed in the context ...
What do healthy women know about the consequences of delayed childbearing

Female fertility declines dramatically with age, and childbearing at older maternal ages has significant medical consequences for mother and infant that are well-known to health professionals. Despite this, the average maternal age in the United States continues to rise. Many factors likely contribute to this secular trend; to date, no research has examined whether American women are aware of the complications of deferring conception and how this correlates with health literacy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate women's knowledge of the implications of delaying pregnancy. A structured, in-person interview was administered to 300 women between 20 and 50 years of age attending 1 of 2 gynecologic clinics at a single institution. Demographic information, medical history, and gynecologic history were obtained; and participants answered questions about the implications of aging for fertility and pregnancy outcome. Health literacy and numeracy were assessed. Participants demonstrated knowledge deficits about the implications of aging on fertility and pregnancy, and many were unfamiliar with success rates of infertility treatments. Several demographic factors correlated with knowledge; health literacy and numeracy were both important predictive variables. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study of women's knowledge about fertility, aging, and their health literacy. Awareness of the importance of health literacy and numeracy should inform future educational efforts about fertility.
Anatomic considerations of costotransverse screw placement in the thoracic spine

Abstract BACKGROUND Numerous techniques have been reported to restore spinal stability and to correct spinal deformities, including rods with wires/hooks, and rods or plates with pedicular screws. It was thought that posterior fixation of the thoracic spine through the costotransverse joint may be another alternative. METHODS Nine cadavers were obtained for study of screw fixation of the costotransverse joint for posterior thoracic instrumentation. The entrance point for screw insertion was designed to be at the posterior center of the clubbed extremity of the transverse process. From this point, a 3-mm drill bit was used to create the screw path penetrating the costotransverse joint and the ventral cortex of the rib. Under direct visualization of the costotransverse joint, the drill bit was directed parallel to the sagittal plane and toward the upper portion of the rib. Measurements included the screw path length and sagittal angulation. Also, the distance between the superior borders of the transverse process and the tubercle of the rib and the anatomic relationship of the drill bit exit to the intercostal vessels and nerves were evaluated. RESULTS The maximum length of the screw path was found at T1 (19.7 mm), whereas the minimum length was noted at T4-T5 (13.9 mm). This value decreased gradually from T1 to T4-T5, and slightly increased to T10. The larger sagittal angles of the screw path were found at the levels of T1-T4 (78–86°), whereas the smaller were noted at the levels below T5 (53–61°). The mean distance between the superior borders of the transverse process and the tubercle of the rib was smaller at T1-T5 (0.2–0.4 mm), and significantly increased to T8 (5.1 mm), and then slightly decreased to T10. The variation of this parameter was remarkable. All of the exit points for the drill bit were located in the upper half of the rib, and away from the intercostal vessels. CONCLUSIONS The ideal screw orientation is parallel to the sagittal plane, and angled 80–90° relative to the frontal plane for T1-T4 and 50–70° for T5-T10 superiorly, starting at the posterior center of the transverse process. Costotransverse screw fixation in the thoracic spine may be an alternative to pre-existing methods.
Hemispheric Specialization for Motor Function and Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

The localization of injury to a single hemisphere in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy potentially affects the development of hemispheric specialization. The motor dysfunction seen may, in part, depend of the particular hemisphere that is damaged. The purpose of this article was to review the available literature to determine whether the motor function of the child with hemiplegic cerebral palsy depends on which hemisphere is damaged. The development of specialization, the effects of early lesions of specialization, and motor function in children with right and left hemisphere lesions were explored. No statistically significant differences between the two groups were found, although a trend for children with right hemisphere lesions to have less severe motor dysfunction was discovered. A potential explanation for this was discussed.
Comparison of numerical methods for modeling laser mode locking with saturable gain

The widely used split-step Fourier method has difficulties when solving partial differential equations with saturable gain. Here, we describe a modified split-step Fourier method, and we compare it to several different algorithms for solving the Haus mode-locking equation and related equations that are used to model mode-locked lasers and other optical oscillators and amplifiers with saturable gain. These equations all include the product of a scalar nonlinearity and a stiff nonlinear operator. We find that a modified split-step method is the easiest to program with the same level of reliability and accuracy as the other methods that we investigated.
The modern engineering bandwagon

An outstanding educator in the field of electrical engineering expresses his concern over the trend to distort modern engineering curricula into a virtual maze of mathematics and theory. The practical aspects of electrical engineering are being neglected, since there is not enough time for both practical work and theory. To paraphrase, an expert on energy conversion theory could freeze to death in a lumberyard because he doesn't know how to light a fire. The editors of Spectrum have endeavored to present Professor Moore's thoughts, first expressed to the 2nd Canadian Conference on Electrical Engineering, in his own words and in his own style.
Transition from intravenous or subcutaneous prostacyclin therapy to inhaled treprostinil in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: a retrospective case series

SummaryWhat is known and objective Inhaled treprostinil represents an attractive alternative to the other available prostacyclin formulations by obviating the use of continuous infusions and its associated risks. Published evidence describing the process of transition from infusion prostacyclin therapy to inhaled treprostinil is limited. The purpose of this report is to describe an inpatient protocol for transitioning patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) from intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SQ) prostacyclin therapy to inhaled treprostinil. Methods A retrospective case cohort study was performed evaluating medical records of three patients undergoing transition from IV/SQ continuous infusion prostacyclin therapy to inhaled treprostinil. The transition protocol and clinical data were collected prospectively. Results and discussion Haemodynamics, six-min walk distance (6MWD), World Health Organization (WHO) functional class, modified Borg Dyspnea Score and brain natriuretic peptide prior to and after transition remained similar. All patients were receiving concomitant oral PAH medications prior to and after conversion. Adverse effects during the change were mild. No patients discontinued inhaled treprostinil following transition. At long-term follow-up, functional class remained stable at WHO functional class II or better. Patient 1 and Patient 3 demonstrated stable to modest improvement in 6MWD, whereas Patient 2 had a slight decrease in 6MWD. The transition to inhaled treprostinil from IV/SQ infusion prostacyclin therapy appears to be safe in carefully selected patients. What is new and conclusion Our report describes a standard method used to transition patients from IV/SQ infusion prostacyclin to inhaled treprostinil.
Activation of Acyl-Coenzyme A:Cholesterol Acyltransferase by Cholesterol or by Oxysterol in a Cell-free System

Acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) is an intracellular enzyme that catalyzes the conjugation of long chain fatty acid and cholesterol to form cholesteryl esters. It is an integral membrane protein located in the endoplasmic reticulum. Experiments performed in intact mammalian cells have shown that the rate of cholesteryl ester synthesis in intact cells, as well as the ACAT activity from cell extracts, are greatly activated by the addition of low density lipoprotein (LDL) or oxygenated sterols such as 25-hydroxycholesterol to the growth medium. However, the molecular mechanism(s) by which sterol(s) stimulate the ACAT activity remains to be elucidated. Recently, our laboratory reported the expression cloning of human ACAT cDNA (Chang, C. C. Y., Huh, H. Y., Cadigan, K. M., and Chang, T. Y. 1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 20747-20755). In the current study, we report the expression of human ACAT cDNA in insect Sf9 cells. Uninfected Sf9 cells do not express detectable ACAT-like activity. Infecting these cells with recombinant virus containing ACAT cDNA caused these cells to express high levels of ACAT protein and high levels of ACAT activity when assayed in vitro. The catalytic properties of ACAT expressed in these cells were found to be similar to those found in human tissue culture cells. The combination of high level of ACAT protein expression and the low level of cellular cholesterol content in the infected cells have provided us a novel opportunity to establish a simple cell-free system, whereby stimulation of ACAT by sterols can be readily demonstrated. Using this system, we have shown that cholesterol itself can serve as an ACAT activator in vitro, in addition to its role as an ACAT substrate. The current work provides the experimental basis to hypothesize that, inside mammalian cells, cholesterol itself may serve as a physiological regulator of ACAT.
Microfabrication of membrane-based devices by HARSE and combined HARSE/wet etching

Deep-reactive ion etching (DRIE) of silicon, also known as high-aspect-ratio silicon etching (HARSE), is distinguished by fast etch rates (approximately 3 micrometer/min), crystal orientation independence, anisotropy, vertical sidewall profiles and CMOS compatibility. By using through-wafer HARSE and stopping on a dielectric film placed on the opposite side of the wafer, freestanding dielectric membranes were produced. Dielectric membrane-based sensors and actuators fabricated in this way include microhotplates, flow sensors, valves and magnetically-actuated flexural plate wave (FPW) devices. Unfortunately, low-stress silicon nitride, a common membrane material, has an appreciable DRI etch rate. To overcome this problem HARSE can be followed by a brief wet chemical etch. This approach has been demonstrated using KOH or HF/Nitric/Acetic etchants, both of which have significantly smaller etch rates on silicon nitride than does DRIE. Composite membranes consisting of silicon dioxide and silicon nitride layers are also under evaluation due to the higher DRIE selectivity to silicon dioxide.
Plasma membrane lipid composition of the halophilic cyanobacterium Aphanothece halophytica

The plasma membrane from Aphanothece halophytica was isolated using both glycerol and sucrose gradient centrifugation. The isolated membrane was characterized for lipid content by TLC and isolated lipids were quantified by chemical analysis. The plasma membrane of A. halophytica was composed of MGDG, DGDG and PG. The sulfur containing lipid SQDG was not detected. The mole percent of each lipid in the plasma membrane varied with the external salinity of the media. MGDG was the most abundant lipid in the plasma membrane of cells grown at one molar external NaCl. At three molar external NaCl, PG was the most abundant lipid. The ratio of uncharged to charged lipids comprising the plasma membrane decreased as the external salinity increased. It is possible that the alteration in lipid composition is of major importance in the adaptation of A. halophytica to changing external salinity.
Effect of Environmental Conditions on the Fluoride Sensitivity of Acid Production by S. sanguis NCTC 7865

Growth and environmental conditions affected the fluoride (F) sensitivity of acid production by Streptococcus sanguis NCTC 7865. Cells grown glucose-limited in a chemostat were generally more sensitive than those harvested from cultures in which there was an excess of glucose (amino acid-limited). There was no consistent relationship between the growth rate of cells and their F sensitivity. Slower-growing cells (mean generation time = 14 hr) were more sensitive than those growing quickly when glucose was the limiting nutrient, whereas the faster growing cells from the glucose-excess culture were most susceptible. The pH of the environment markedly affected the F sensitivity of cells: 2 mM F- was sufficient to abolish acid production by cells incubated at pH 5.0, whereas 24 mM F- did not totally inhibit glycolysis at pH 7.0 or 8.0. Regardless of pH and growth conditions, the cationic composition of the environment had the most pronounced effect on acid production and fluoride sensitivity. Cells washed and re-suspended in KCl were more acidogenic and more sensitive to F than the same cells treated with saline. At pH 7.0 and 8.0, saline-washed cells were comparatively unaffected by F, while glycolysis by the same cells at the same pH but washed in KCl could be inhibited by up to 80%. These results suggested that F inhibition could not be explained merely on the basis of HF uptake at low pH values. Since it has been shown previously that the activity of the energized membrane is maintained by K+ and dissipated in the presence of Na+, it was proposed that proton motive force (pmf) might be involved in the uptake of F-.
The Association of Sexual Behavior with Externalizing Behaviors in a Community Sample of Prepubertal Children

Abstract On the basis of the problem-behavior theory for adolescence, we hypothesized that already during childhood sexual behavior is associated with (non-sexual) externalizing behaviors and tested the hypothesis in a community sample. In the context of a postal questionnaire survey of 6-10 year old children, the parents of 349 girls and 326 boys completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). The CBCL Sex Problems scale did not differ between genders, ethnic groups, or age groups. For both girls and boys, the scores on the Sex Problems scale correlated significantly but modestly (maximum r = 0.35) with all other CBCL scales; only in boys did the correlations with externalizing behaviors exceed those with other scales. We conclude that children from a community sample who show sexual behavior as defined by the CBCL tend to be the ones with increased behavioral/emotional problems in general, with only modest specificity in symptomatology.
Spatial and temporal distribution of phytoplankton and primary production in the western Bransfield Strait region

Abstract Studies on phytoplankton were one component of the multi-disciplinary RACER program which had 69 stations within a 100 × 250-km rectangle in the southwestern Bransfield Strait and contiguous waters. Data were acquired during eight cruises between December 1986 and March 1987. All deep stations north of the continental shelf break were low in phytoplankton biomass ( 10 μM inorganic nitrogen) that nutrient depletion is not likely to have caused the rapid decline of the phytoplankton bloom. Grazing, sinking and advection all appear to be important mechanisms of massive bloom decline. Phytoplankton populations appeared to be low-light adapted, as they showed low Pmax values (1.1 mg C mg Chl a−1 h−1), low saturating ligh values (Ik ∼ 18 μEins m−2 s−1), high initial slope [α = 0.06 (mg C mg Chl a−1h−1/μEin m−2 s−1)] and a compensation point for net light-activated fixation of CO2 of ≈ 1.0 μEin m−2 s−1.
The analgesic potency of piminodine (alvodine).

Abstract 1. 1. A controlled clinical trial comparing morphine and piminodine (Alvodine) in 96 patients suffering from postoperative pain is reported. 2. 2. When morphine sulfate, 10 mg., was used as the standard for comparison, the equipotent dose of piminodine was found to be approximately 7.5 mg., a figure which is in excellent agreement with the potency of the drug as predicted from the animal data. 3. 3. The side effects observed in this study were minimal with both drugs.
Three-photon absorption enhancement in symmetrical charge transfer pull–pull fluorene derivatives

Abstract We report the multiphoton-induced upconversion fluorescence of 2,7-bisbenzothiazole-9,9-didecylfluorene (Acceptor-π-Acceptor) in hexane solution, pumping at wavelengths from 300 to 1200 nm, and its three-photon absorption cross-section at 1095 nm ( σ 3 ′ = 355 × 10 - 78 cm 6 s 2 photon - 2 for the transition S0 → S1). The multiphoton-induced fluorescence emission and the absorption measurements of 2,7-bisbenzothiazole-9,9-didecylfluorene in hexane were performed with a tunable OPG pumped by a Nd-YAG picosecond laser. It is demonstrated that the strong symmetrical electron-transfer from the electron rich fluorene core to the two electron-withdrawing benzothiazole end groups enhances σ 3 ′ . An increase of approximately four and nine fold, with respect to its Donor-π-Donor and Acceptor-π-Donor counterparts, respectively, was observed.
Aggregation and rendezvous in an unbounded domain without a shared coordinate system

Many swarm robotics problems focus on the details of robotic dynamics, while ignoring certain other practical issues such as the boundedness of the exploration space, the probability of unsuccessful communication or sensing between agents, knowledge of a common coordinate system, or the initial distribution of robots. A two-phase control is devised which, under appropriate individual bounds, almost surely leads to successful rendezvous. We examine a likely and practical initial distribution, which leads to an exploration protocol wherein an agent is obligated to stay within a certain range of its initial position. Furthermore, the rate of convergence is primarily limited to the velocity limitations of the agents. We solve the aggregation and rendezvous problem with random initial conditions in an arbitrary, unbounded 2D domain without an a priori share coordinate system. We examine rates of successful aggregation under certain initial distributions, and rates of convergence under uncertain communication.
Thermomechanical Sensitivity of Microcantilevers in the Mid-Infrared Spectral Region

This article reports the thermomechanical sensitivity of bimaterial cantilevers over a mid-infrared (IR) spectral range (5–10 μm) that is critical both for chemical analyses via vibrational spectroscopy and for direct thermal detection in the 300–700 K range. A physics-based model of cantilever bending was developed by including heat transfer to and within the cantilever, temperature-dependent cantilever bending, and cantilever and optical system IR characteristics. Detailed measurements of the optical system IR characteristics were used as inputs to the model, including Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectral characterization of cantilever absorbance as well as characterization of the light source and monochromator. Mechanical bending sensitivity and noise were modeled and measured for six commercially available microcantilevers, which consist of either an aluminum film on a silicon cantilever or a gold film on a silicon nitride cantilever. The spectral sensitivity of each cantilever was measured by ...
Irrigation management for corn in the northern Great Plains, USA

Irrigation management influences production costs and affects leaching of nutrients to groundwater. This study was conducted to compare irrigation scheduling techniques on a field-scale site and to determine whether significant irrigation water savings and equivalent yields could be achieved compared with the practices of other commercial growers in the local area. The effects of four irrigation scheduling techniques on seasonal irrigation water requirements and corn grain yields were studied for the 1990–1995 seasons at a field-scale (53.4 ha) site within the Oakes Test Area (OTA) of the Garrison Diversion Unit in southeastern North Dakota, USA. The four scheduling techniques, applied with field quadrants and seasons as dimensions of a modified Latin square statistical design, included irrigating based on tensiometer and infrared canopy temperature measurements, two water balance methods, and irrigating based on CERES–Maize estimates of plant-extractable soil water. No statistically significant differences in seasonal irrigation totals were found between irrigation scheduling methods or irrigation quadrants, while statistically significant differences were found for season. Corn grain yield was significantly affected by seasons, quadrants, and irrigation scheduling methods for both the current and previous seasons. Compared to other commercial growers in the OTA, this study maintained 5% higher yields and saved approximately 30% in irrigation inputs. Careful irrigation scheduling, based on any of the four techniques, offers the potential to reduce input costs for irrigated corn production in the area.
The Role of Systems Integration in the Design of Sustainable Skyscrapers

This paper examines the process of integration of tall building systems with special emphasis on sustainable tall buildings. The design of such buildings warrants a multidisciplinary approach and requires the integration of architectural components, structure, vertical transportation, fire safety, energy conservation, and communication systems. “Technology transfer” is a concept that suggests that technical developments in one industry can be applied to another. Sustainable design of high-rise buildings has benefitted from technology transfers, which contribute new materials, systems, methods, and techniques. Developments in materials, systems, and design integration in the aerospace and automotive industries and lessons learned also can be applied to tall building systems. A major component of the paper entails case studies of buildings, which represent a new generation of sustainable high-rise buildings that are challenging conventional high-rise building practices and setting trends for such future pro...
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STRATEGIES, DECISION‐MAKING THEORIES, AND LEADERSHIP STYLES: AN INTEGRATED FRAMEWORK

International management researchers have examined the relationships between many components of strategy including mode of entry (e.g., Anderson and Gatignon, 1986; Hill, Huang and Kim, 1990; Kim and Huang, 1992; Kogut and Singh, 1988), international collaboration (e.g., Bresser and Harl, 1986; Buckley and Casson, 1988; Contractor and Kundu, 1988; Osborn and Baughn, 1990; Parkhe, 1993), and global integration vs. local responsiveness (e.g., Athanassiou and Nigh, 1999; Prahalad and Doz, 1987; Roth and Morrison, 1990; Taggart, 1998), among other things. Other management scholars have written about decision‐making from multiple perspectives including bounded rationality (Simon, 1955) and speed (Eisenhardt, 1989; Nordtvedt, 2000). Another subject of interest to management scientists has been that of leadership and its influence on organizational performance (e.g., Petrullo & Bass, 1961; Stodgill, 1974; Burns, 1978; and Bass, 1985). Although these three dimensions of the management discipline (i.e., international strategies, decision‐making, and strategic leadership) are individually important to organizational success, they have not yet been collectively researched or conceptually reviewed to understand how the nature of their interaction affects the internationalization of the multinational corporation.
Piezoelectric hydraulic pump development

Recent research in smart wing technology has led to the identification of a need for large displacement (0.1 to 10 mm), high force (10 to 2000 N) actuators that function over low to intermediate frequency bands (0.1 to 200 Hz). A hybrid piezohydraulic pump is under development for this smart structures application. Piezoelectric stack actuators are capable of producing large forces at higher bandwidth, but the stroke is too small. Shape memory alloys are capable of producing a larger stroke, but the bandwidth is too low. Step and repeat piezoelectric devices, such as inchworm motors, increase the power output of the actuators and have the potential to produce large forces and large displacements simultaneously. The piezohydraulic pump makes use of the step and repeat capability. A preliminary piezoelectric stack actuator driven hydraulic pumps system was constructed. The pump was connected to a hydraulic actuator and the actuator driven at 1 cm/sec with a 490 N (110 lb) blocking force. To achieve this, the stack actuator was driven at 10 Hz. Two subsequent generations of the piezohydraulic pump achieved intermittent actuation rates of 10 cm/sec. This work presents efficiency considerations and design modifications utilized in the subsequent generations of the piezohydraulic pump. The relationship between the diameter of the hydraulic actuator, actuation rate, and blocking force are discussed. Effective use of accumulators to increase actuation rate and control bias pressure is also discussed.
Analysis of protein-protein interactions and the effects of amino acid mutations on their energetics. The importance of water molecules in the binding epitope

A modeling analysis has been conducted to assess the determinants of binding strength and specificity for three crystal complexes; the anti-hen egg white lysozyme antibody D1.3 complexed with hen egg white lysozyme (HEL), the D1.3 antibody complexed with the anti-lysozyme antibody E5.2, and barnase complexed with barstar. The strengths of individual binding components within these interfaces are evaluated using a model of binding free energy that is based on pairwise surface preferences. In all cases the energetics of binding are dominated by a relatively small number of interfacial residues that define the binding epitope. A precise geometric arrangement of these residues was not found; they were either localized to one region, or distributed throughout the binding interface. Surprisingly, interfacial crystal water molecules were calculated to contribute around 25% of the total calculated binding strength. Theoretical alanine mutations were completed by atomic deletions of the wild-type complexes. Strong correlations were observed between the calculated changes in binding free energy (deltadeltaG(calculated)) and the experimental values (deltadeltaG(observed)) for all but three of the 30 single residue mutations in the D1.3-HEL, D1.3-E5.2 and barnase-barstar systems and for all of the double mutations in the barnase-barstar system. This analysis finds that the observed differences in binding strength are consistent with a model that accounts for the changes in binding energy from the direct contacts between each member of the complex and indirect changes due to released crystallographic water molecules that are near the mutation site. The observed energy changes for double mutations in the barnase-barstar system is fully accounted for by considering water molecules bound jointly by each member of the complex.
Quantum Chromodynamic Predictions for the Deuteron Form Factor

The asymptotic large-momentum-transfer behavior of the deuteron form factor and the form of the deuteron distribution amplitude at short distances are derived from perturbative quantum chromodynamics. The fact that the six-quark state is 80% hidden color at small transverse separation implies that the deuteron form factors cannot be described at large ${Q}^{2}$ by meson-nucleon degrees of freedom, and that the nucleon-nucleon potential is repulsive at short distances.
Improving light-emitting electrochemical cells with ionic additives

Light-emitting electrochemical cells with ionic transition metal complexes (iTMCs) comprising the active layer have great potential for lighting applications, but to date high luminance and fast turn on times have been challenging to attain without significant loss of lifetime. Here, we demonstrate iridium iTMC devices with high luminances of 3000–5000 cd/m2, reduced turn on times, and long lifetimes through incorporation of ionic additives. Furthermore, we show additional reduction of turn on time to seconds through heat processing. We rationalize these results as the enhancement of carrier injection through improved double-layer formation at the electrodes.
Underwater Impact of Composite Structures

Fiber reinforced polymer composite structures have very comparable mass densities to that of water. As a result, the effect of the Fluid-Structure-Interaction (FSI) is much greater for those composite structures than for conventional metallic structures. As a result, this study investigates the effects of FSI on composite structures. A series of underwater impact testing has been conducted to understand the dynamic responses of composite structures coupled with the FSI effects. Both air-backed and water-backed underwater impacts are considered and their behaviors are compared to the dry impact test results in order to determine the FSI effects. Furthermore, multiphysics-based computational analyses have been undertaken so as to better understand and interpret the experimental results. The results of this study will provide knowledge necessary to apply composite materials to underwater structural applications.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
The de Watteville Memorial Lecture: reproductive technologies and genetic advances in obstetrics and gynecology.

Public fascination with genetics and the new reproductive technologies seem ubiquitious. Although interest in genetic causation for diseases is not new, attention is increasing. There are several predictable reasons for this. One is the overall decrease in deaths due to infection. As a result, genetic factors producing birth defects loom relatively larger. This is also coupled with the public's increased desire for the ideal pregnancy, especially given a decreased population rate. Finally, the public's appetite is whetted by the increasing number of heritable diseases whose molecular basis is being elucidated. We shall focus on three general areas in which genetic technology increasingly impacts upon the obstetrician/gynecologist: genetics of pregnancy losses, genetics of sex determination and the common gynecologic disorders, and finally prenatal genetic diagnosis, particularly in preimplantation genetics and recovering fetal cells from maternal blood. Most of these topics are discussed in a recent text, where extensive references are available [1].
The behavioral medicine unit: A new facility

Abstract A new type of short-term, psychiatric, inpatient facility is described that utilizes predominantly behavioral techniques and is designed to treat patients manifesting symptoms of severe anxiety, phobias, chronic pain syndromes, and psychosomatic disorders. Salient aspects of its organization and conduct are discussed. This Behavioral Medicine Unit offers a unique program of therapy to a patient population that presently has no appropriate health care facility. It is designed, moreover, to be self-evaluative and, within its own treatment schemes, optimizes conditions for long-term effectiveness. Behavioral medicine as here defined is a systematic approach to illness involving a sequence of assessment and treatment directed towards a specific patient population and represents a clinical application of a holistic-systems approach to medicine.
Locals' Involvement in Travelers' Informational Search and Venue Decision Strategies While at Destination

Abstract Visitors to a destination have varying motives, interests, and means in selecting specific venues for overnight accommodations and dining experiences as well as recreational and entertainment experiences. Information acquisition leading to critical venue decisions can be made at any or all journey pointspretrip, in-transit, and at-destination. Supported by past research, academic and practitioner, an explanatory model of at-destination search and decision strategies for travel-related services is discussed and partially tested. Travelers in general, and the adventuresome, risk averse, inexperienced, and disinclined decision makers in particular, may employ a common external search strategy, conferring with a perceived “expert” on the location and/or venue. The focus of this research is at-destination, visitor decision strategies that employ “local experts” for information acquisition and venue selection.
Role of frozen section, sex, age and tumour size in differentiating follicular adenoma from carcinoma: a meta-analysis

Background Frozen section (FS) has been the mainstay of intraoperative decision-making in thyroid neoplasms for many years. However, since the widespread use of preoperative fine-needle aspiration, the need for FS in patients with follicular neoplasms (FNs) has been debated. Preoperative features may be better at distinguishing follicular carcinoma (FC) from adenoma (FA). One reason why these issues are unresolved is because clinical studies are often too small to reach statistical significance. The purpose of this study was to combine modern trials and use the technique of meta-analysis to determine the efficacy of FS and the role of sex, age and tumour size in patients with FNs. Methods Inclusion criteria were published and unpublished studies between 1990 and 1999 inclusive, in which patients had a permanent pathology (PP) diagnosis of FA or FC (including Hurthle cell tumours) and underwent FS or had clinical features recorded. A pooled sample of the combined data was analysed for the prognostic variables and outcomes. P < 0·05 was considered significant. Results Nineteen studies were included. FS was evaluated in 11 studies (n = 2204). FS matched PP in 82 per cent of patients and was considered helpful. FS was indeterminate in 13 per cent of cases and was considered unhelpful. FS was detrimental in 4 per cent of patients. In 27 per cent of FCs, FS reported FA (false negative) and in 1 per cent of FAs, FS reported FC (false positive). Overall, FS had an 87 per cent sensitivity, 48 per cent specificity, 92 per cent positive predictive value, 35 per cent negative predictive value and 82 per cent accuracy. Clinical features were examined in ten studies (n = 1980). Nine studies (n = 1780) reported sex; 20 per cent of patients were male. A disproportionately high percentage of patients with FC were male (28 per cent) compared with female (P < 0·001). Two studies (n = 548) reported age; 36 per cent of patients were over 50 years old. A disproportionately high percentage of patients with FC were aged over 50 years (52 per cent) compared with those younger than 50 years (P < 0·001). Six studies (n = 1620) reported tumour size; 19 per cent of FNs were larger than 3–5 cm. A disproportionately high percentage of FCs were larger than 3–5 cm (33 per cent) compared with smaller lesions (P < 0·001). Conclusion FS is able to differentiate FC from FA in over 80 per cent of patients. It has a false-positive rate of less than 1 per cent and therefore may be trusted most when it reports a FC. In cases in which FS reports FA, male sex, age greater than 50 years and tumour size larger than 3–5 cm can be used as indicators that a FN will be a FC. © 2000 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd
Eidetic Imagery: I. Frequency:

Eidetic imagery, defined as a visual image persisting after stimulation, relatively accurate in detail, colored positively, and capable of being scanned, was measured in nearly all children in an elementary school in New Haven, Conn. Care was taken to specify and follow precise methods for the measurement, and strict criteria were used for the discrimination of eidetic images from after images and from memory. Discontinuous distributions of scores were found on all of the measures used to define eidetic images, with 12 Ss (8%) falling into this qualitatively different eidetic category on each measure Their images lasted as long as 4 min., during which nearly all of the details of the stimulus could be reproduced. However, their memory of the stimulus was not much better after their imagery had faded than that of Ss who did not have eidetic imagery. These results were discussed in terms of models of translation of stimulation into memory, and further research was outlined.
An Evaluation of Chewing and Swallowing for a Child Diagnosed with Autism

Pediatric feeding disorders comprise a range of developmental and behavioral disorders. To date, chewing and swallowing has not received as much clinical or research focus as other aspects of pediatric feeding disorders (e.g., acceptance, inappropriate mealtime behavior). The current analysis was conducted to increase the consumption of non-preferred target foods in a child diagnosed with autism. An initial chewing assessment was conducted to increase his compliance with chewing the target foods and a subsequent assessment was conducted to increase swallowing. Results are discussed in terms of the use of behavioral interventions to address chewing and swallowing.
High altitude discharges and gamma‐ray flashes: A manifestation of runaway air breakdown

γ-ray flashes of atmospheric origin as well as blue jets and red sprites are naturally explained by high-altitude discharges produced by runaway air breakdown. We present the first detailed model of the development of upward propagating discharges and compute optical and γ-ray emissions that are in excellent agreement with observations. According to our theory, such discharges represent the first known manifestation of runaway air breakdown, a fundamental new process in plasma physics.
Manual-based psychotherapies in clinical practice Part 1: assets, liabilities, and obstacles to dissemination.

Treatment manuals evolved in comparative psychotherapy outcome studies but are rapidly becoming a major medium for disseminating empirically supported treatments. Currently, the role of manual-based psychotherapies in clinical practice is a source of considerable debate among mental health practitioners and clinical researchers. In this editorial, we address why translating manual-based treatments from research to practice may be both difficult and worthwhile. We begin with an outline of the arguments for and against manuals and then explore some of the concrete difficulties involved in translating manuals into practice. Finally, we briefly address how these difficulties might be handled. Perhaps the most often articulated criticism of manual-based treatments is that they lead to a bland, rule governed, and emotionally detached form of therapy. Some therapists fear that practising therapy under these conditions may feel more like following a recipe than the intuitive and creative process that drew therapists to the field. Another criticism leveled against manual-based treatments is that clinical situations rarely mirror the tightly controlled conditions of a clinical research study.1 Criteria for participation in psychotherapy research often require accurate and differential diagnosis, which can be time consuming and costly. In addition, people with multiple diagnoses (eg, panic, depression, and substance dependence) are often deemed ineligible for participation in research. Yet another criticism lies in the impracticality of having a separate treatment manual for every diagnosis. A separate treatment manual for each diagnosis makes acquiring training and achieving competence in empirically supported treatments all but impossible because there is simply too much to learn. This trend toward differential treatment based on diagnosis is puzzling since few data support the use of alternative forms of psychotherapy based on diagnosis.2 Although some psychologists oppose manual-based treatments, others strongly favour them. The arguments in favour of manual-based treatment rest on its ability …
MIT-Skywalker: A novel environment for neural gait rehabilitation

A novel concept of rehabilitation is proposed for the recovery of walking post-stroke made possible by a novel piece of robotic hardware, the MIT Skywalker-γ prototype. Rather than prescribing motion for the patient similar to most current rehabilitation robots, we built an environment to foster self-directed movement. The concept is based upon our working model on dynamic motor primitives, prior rehabilitation results and a survey of common gait pathologies associated with stroke. Skywalker-γ was carefully developed to provide an environment in which three motor primitives can be trained in isolation or in combination to further insights into both rehabilitation and human motor control.
Ethical and consultation issues in the behavioral sciences and terrorism

This paper briefly examines ethics as a process and as an element of philosophy with a long historical tradition. The paper then reviews elements of the professional ethics of a terrorist or hostage event, issues involved with consulting with an institution, and ethical issues for the clinician who chooses to become personally involved in a hostage event. Although reference is made particularly to psychiatrists, the principles discussed apply in large part to other mental health professionals as well. The paper concludes with the principles articulated by the American Psychiatric Association's Task Force on the Psychiatric Aspects of Terrorism and Its Victims as guidelines for psychiatric intervention in hostage or terrorist situations. Language: en