cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Career choices of graduates from Washington University's Medical Scientist Training Program.

The Medical Scientist Training Program at Washington University has been in existence for 21 years; by 1990, 148 students had completed the program leading to the combined M.D./Ph.D. degree. Of these graduates, most (95%) chose to enter residency programs rather than postdoctoral fellowships. Of the 72 who had completed their residencies or postdoctoral training by 1990, the vast majority (89%) reported that they were returning to academic institutions or the National Institutes of Health. Those in academic institutions were primarily in clinical departments, with medicine being the first choice. Most said they were devoting much of their time to basic research. These graduates were progressing rapidly into tenured positions and appear to have been well funded.
Do Patients With Primary Pulmonary Hypertension Develop Extensive Central Thrombi

Background Distinguishing chronic major vessel thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension from primary pulmonary hypertension is critical because the treatment options differ markedly. Surgical thromboendarterectomy is potentially curative in the former condition, whereas oxygen, vasodilators, perhaps anticoagulation, and lung transplantation are the options for the latter. The development of large thrombi in the main, right, or left pulmonary arteries has not been previously described in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension. Methods and Results Three pulmonary hypertensive patients with massive thrombi in the central pulmonary arteries are described. The data indicate that the large central thrombi in these three patients were not hemodynamically significant. In none did perfusion lung scans demonstrate segmental or larger defects. Conclusions Large central thrombi can develop in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension. Perfusion lung scans that do not demonstrate segmental or larger defects shou...
Effect of Material and Geometry on the Sound and Vibration Transmission across a Sandwich Beam

This paper studies sound and vibration transmission across a sandwich beam made of anisotropic materials. In our previous study, we have found that there is a significant increase in the transmission loss for the sandwich beam with anisotropic materials as compared with isotropic ones. This paper presents an extensive numerical study of the effects of damping, thickness of the laminae and density of the material on the sound transmission loss. This work may eventually lead to a new way of designing sandwich structures with high vibration and noise isolation performance.
Alignment of the H 2 + Molecular Ion by Selective Photodissociation. II. Experiments on the Radio-Frequency Spectrum

Magnetic resonance transitions have been observed among several Zeeman sublevels of the hyperfine states of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{+}$ in magnetic fields from 50 to 115 mG. The following $g$-factor ratios $\frac{g(K{F}_{2}F)}{g({K}^{\ensuremath{'}}F_{2}^{}{}_{}{}^{\ensuremath{'}}{F}^{\ensuremath{'}})}$ have been determined: $\frac{g(1 \frac{1}{2} \frac{3}{2})}{g(1 \frac{3}{2} \frac{5}{2})}=0.584(3)$; $\frac{g(1 \frac{3}{2} \frac{3}{2})}{g(1 \frac{3}{2} \frac{5}{2})}=1.241(6)$; $\frac{g(1 \frac{1}{2} \frac{3}{2})}{g(3 \frac{3}{2} \frac{9}{2})}=1.051(5)$. An analysis using the ratios yields equations relating the hyperfine interaction constants $b$, $c$, and $d$ in the Hamiltonian $H=b\mathbf{I}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\mathbf{S}+c{I}_{z}{S}_{z}+d\mathbf{K}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\mathbf{S}$, such as $\frac{(\frac{\sqrt{2}c}{6}\ensuremath{-}\frac{\sqrt{2}d}{3})}{(\frac{3b}{2}+\frac{23c}{30\ensuremath{-}\frac{d}{6}})}=(\frac{8}{\sqrt{5}}){[\frac{g(1 \frac{1}{2} \frac{3}{2})}{g(3 \frac{3}{2} \frac{9}{2})}]\ensuremath{-}1}$. When nuclear contributions to the $g$ factors are included and a weighted average of the measured ratios is used with theoretical values of $b$ and $c$ from the literature, a value for $d$ may be obtained. The result is $d=32.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5.1$ MHz. With this it is possible to predict the ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{+}$ hfs spectrum in the 20-cm region with an error estimate of a few MHz. $(1 \frac{3}{2} \frac{3}{2})\ensuremath{-}(1 \frac{1}{2} \frac{3}{2})=1415.3$ MHz; $(1 \frac{3}{2} \frac{3}{2})\ensuremath{-}(1 \frac{1}{2} \frac{1}{2})=1400.9$ MHz; $(1 \frac{3}{2} \frac{5}{2})\ensuremath{-}(1 \frac{1}{2} \frac{3}{2})=1398.1$ MHz; $(1 \frac{3}{2} \frac{1}{2})\ensuremath{-}(1 \frac{1}{2} \frac{3}{2})=1322.4$ MHz; $(1 \frac{3}{2} \frac{1}{2})\ensuremath{-}(1 \frac{1}{2} \frac{1}{2})=1308.2$ MHz. The ion sample is contained electrically in an rf quadrupole trap where production and analysis of alignment is by selective optical excitation by linearly polarized light of the transition $1s\ensuremath{\sigma}\ensuremath{-}2p\ensuremath{\sigma}$ leading to dissociation. The mechanism is briefly reviewed. A description is given of the trap and apparatus for the detection of the trapped ions and magnetic resonance.
A new combination in Spermacoce (Rubiaceae) and lectotypification of Borreria terminalis

Borreria terminalis Small is recognized as a species distinct fromS. verticillata L. and as an endemic to southern Florida and is transferred to the genusSpermacoce L. A new combination,S. terminalis (Small) Kartesz & Gandhi, is proposed, and a lectotype is designated.
Do criminal offenders specialize in crime types

A common misconception exists that criminal offenders specialize in types of crime, such as serial murders, domestic violence, and sex offenses. This article explores the research on specialization in general criminal offenders, domestic violence offenders, and sex offenders. This review finds that although there are a few specialists, the majority of criminal offenders are generalists who exhibit wide versatility in offending. The implications for legal and mental health policies are discussed.
Ultraviolet light induced damage to desoxyribonucleic acid in human skin.

ABSTRACT Exposure of human skin to ultraviolet light in vivo results in immediate changes in desoxyribonucleic acid in the nuclei of the epidermal cells. These in vivo changes are demonstrated by immunofluorescence using antibodies specific for desoxyribonucleic acid altered by exposure to ultraviolet light.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in a situation of diagnostic dilemma.

Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in children carries a high morbidity and mortality. High frequency ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are used as rescue modes of support in difficult situations. Malignancy may be considered to be a relative contraindication to ECMO support. We report a case where the decision was made to support the patient with ECMO for fulminant Epstein–Barr (EBV) infection while investigations were being done to exclude an underlying malignancy.
Domain-Domain Interactions in Filamin A (16–23) Impose a Hierarchy of Unfolding Forces

The quaternary structure of Filamin A (FLNa) 16-23 was recently shown to exhibit multiple domain-domain interactions that lead to a propeller-like construction. Here we present single-molecule force spectroscopy experiments to show a wide variety of mechanical responses of this molecule and compare it with its linear counterpart FLNa 1-8. The compact structure of FLNa 16-23 leads to a broad distribution of rupture forces and end-to-end lengths in the force-extension mode and multiple unraveling timescales in the force-clamp mode. Moreover, a subset of force-extension trajectories reveals a mechanical hierarchy in which the rupture of domain-domain interactions at high forces (>200 pN) liberates the unfolding of individual domains at low forces (∼100 pN). This mechanism may also explain the order-of-magnitude difference in the rates of the biexponential fits to the distribution of unfolding dwell times under force-clamp. Overall, FLNa 16-23 under a force of 100 pN is more compliant than the linear FLNa 1-8. Because a physiological role of FLNa is to crosslink actin filaments, this range of responses allows it to accommodate a broad spectrum of forces exerted by the cell and its environment.
Successful adoption and implementation of a comprehensive casework practice model in a public child welfare agency: Application of the Getting to Outcomes (GTO) model

Abstract In recent years, several states have been developing or adopting casework practice models in an effort to shape the thinking and behavior of front line child welfare workers with a commitment to improving the safety, permanency and well-being outcomes of vulnerable children in their care (Antle, Christensen, Barbee & Martin, 2008; Christensen, Todahl & Barrett, 1999; Courtney, 2009; Folaron, 2009). This article presents one framework for approaching the organizational changes that need to be made in order to support a practice model. The Getting to Outcomes” Framework (Wandersman, 2009) is a useful approach for ensuring that all areas to support practice change are addressed.
Effect of ionization on the variable uptake of valacyclovir via the human intestinal peptide transporter (hPepT1) in CHO cells

Carrier-mediated transport of valacyclovir (vacv), the L-valyl ester prodrug of acyclovir (acv), via the human peptide transporter (hPepT1) has been shown in Xenopus laevis oocytes and in cell lines such as Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and Caco-2 transfected with the hPepT1 gene. However, significant differences in vacv uptake were observed in those models as extracellular pH varied. The purpose of this work was to characterize the interactions of various ionic species of vacv with the peptide transporter by overexpressing the transporter gene, hPepT1, in CHO cells. Based on the pK(a) values of vacv, it was determined that vacv exists as four different ionic species (di-cationic, cationic, neutral and anionic) with a predominance of cationic and neutral species at physiologically relevant pH conditions. Vacv uptake was shown to increase with increasing pH of the extracellular medium from 5.5 to 7.2. The uptake value was maximal at around pH 7.2 and did not vary for studies done at higher pH. Vacv uptake was concentration dependent and saturable at all pH conditions (5.5, 6.2, 6.8, 7.5 and 7.9) with apparent Michaelis-Menten constants, mean (S.D.), of 7.42(0.32), 6.64(1.20), 5.38(0.88), 2.69(0.23) and 2.23(0.33) mM, respectively. The current results demonstrate that the estimated affinities of the cationic and the neutral species of vacv with hPepT1 are significantly different (7.4 versus 1.2 mM, respectively). Given the axial and radial (microclimate) pH gradients known to exist in the intestine, the greater than six-fold difference in affinity constants suggests that intestinal pH fluctuations may significantly impact upon the variability of vacv uptake.
Catalysis by modified polyethylenimine of nucleophilic substitution reactions of azide ions

Abstract The reactions of azide ion with 4-chloro-3,5-dinitrobenzoate and with 4-acetoxy-3-nitrobenzoate catalyzed by laurylethyl polyethylenimine were examined at pH 5.72 and 25°C. In the presence of the polymer, marked accelerations were observed for nucleophilic attack of azide ion in the aromatic substitution reaction, but only small enhancements appeared in the acylation reaction. A detailed rate analysis indicates that the intrinsic reactivity of the reactants in the aromatic substitution reaction is increased in the environment of the polymer about 100 times more than is the reactivity of reactants in the acylation reaction. This difference is ascribed to the influence of the apolar environment of the polymer matrix on the more delocalized charge distribution in the transition state of the aromatic substitution reaction.
Economic Impact of Implementing Pneumonia Treatment Guidelines for Intravenous to Oral Conversion

Background: Inpatient treatment of pneumonia produces significant costs to the health care system. In an effort to improve quality of care, decrease length of stay, and decrease drug costs associated with treating pneumonia, on October 1, 2006, the Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System (VANYHHS) implemented guidelines for treating hospitalized patients with pneumonia. These guidelines included specific criteria for initial selection of an antimicrobial agent based on patient risk factors, conversion from intravenous (IV) to oral antibiotics, and selection of an appropriate oral agent for conversion. The primary objective of this study was assessment of the economic impact of implementing pneumonia treatment guidelines at the VANYHHS.Methods: Retrospective analysis of 100 patients admitted to the VANYHHS for treatment of pneumonia was completed before implementation of the guidelines, and then those data were compared with similar data from a group of 100 patients admitted to the hospital for ...
Responses of an African tall-grass (Hyparrhenia filipendula stapf.) to defoliation and limitations of water and nitrogen.

Hyparrhenia filipendula stapf., a tall (1–1.5 m) perennial grass common in dry-subhumid African savannas, was collected from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, propagated vegetatively, and grown in controlled environments simulating conditions in nature. Plants were subjected to a factorial experiment with combinations of watering frequency, nitrogen supply, clipping height (10 and 15 cm) and clipping frequency (7 and 14 d). Biomass yield and allocation to various tissue types, morphometric traits, and growth processes were measured.
Evidence for a Common Pathway Linking Neurodegenerative Diseases

In the largest Parkinson's disease genome-wide association studies to date, common variants in three familiar genes—SNCA, MAPT and LRRK2—and two new loci are found to increase disease susceptibility. The studies suggest genetic heterogeneity for Parkinson's disease risk in different human populations and lend support to the idea of a common pathway for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
Isolation and Characterization of a Hyphomicrobium Species and its Polysaccharide Formation from Methanol

A microorganism which could utilize methanol as the sole source of carbon and excreted a new polysaccharide was isolated from soil. This isolate was a stalked bacterium which reproduced by a budding process, and could grow on only methanol, formaldehyde or methylamines as the carbon source. The most suitable nitrogen source for growth was the ammonium ion. The optimum pH and temperature for growth were about 7.0 and 30°C, respectively. The cell growth was inhibited by blue light irradiation. Amino acid composition and fatty acid composition of the cells and electrophoretic behavior of methanol dehydrogenase were also studied. On the basis of these properties as well as taxonomical studies, the isolate (strain JTS-811) was identified as belonging to the genus Hyphomicrobium. This strain had different characteristics as compared to those described for other Hyphomicrobium isolates. At present, it is difficult to give a specific name to this strain, because classification of hyphomicrobia is not clear.
Molecular cloning and functional expression of Cav3.1c, a T-type calcium channel from human brain

Low voltage-activated T-type calcium channels are encoded by a family of at least three genes, with additional diversity created by alternative splicing. This study describes the cloning of the human brain α1G, which is a novel isoform, Cav3.1c. Comparison of this sequence to genomic sequences deposited in the GenBank allowed us to identify the intron/exon boundaries of the human CACNA1G gene. A full-length cDNA was constructed, then used to generate a stably-transfected mammalian cell line. The resulting currents were analyzed for their voltage- and time-dependent properties. These properties identify this gene as encoding a T-type Ca2+ channel.
Repeated exposure to ketamine-xylazine during early development impairs motor learning-dependent dendritic spine plasticity in adulthood.

Background:Recent studies in rodents suggest that repeated and prolonged anesthetic exposure at early stages of development leads to cognitive and behavioral impairments later in life. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we tested whether exposure to general anesthesia
Microcells for ICA-SOC for remote sensing of high energy radiation

In ‘radiation remote sensing’ multiple unknown high energy sources are generally involved, and upon sensing the detectors must separate their contributions blindly for further analysis. That is, the objective is to recover the unobserved source signals from the observed mixtures without the knowledge of the mixing coefficients. An effective way to perform such separation is through Independent Component Analysis algorithm. This paper sets the background for this important application, shows successful application of the algorithm on actually measured multi-source data, develops an architecture for the ICA-SOC and, importantly, presents two major VLSI cells for it. A parallel architecture is presented utilizing two reconfigurable coarse-gain microcells with high functionality, performance, and reconfigurability. Fabricated in 0.5 micron CMOS process and tested, these comprise a two-cycle Universal Nonlinear (UNL) cell, and a two-cycle extended multiply accumulate (MA_PLUS) cell. The UNL includes two specialized functions for ICA, namely (1) the first derivative of an approximation to the negentropy function g(u) = G'(u) = u exp(-u2/2), and (2) the second derivative of the approximation to the negentropy function g′(u) = G″(u) = [1-u2]exp(-u2/2); The coarse-grain approach has the distinct advantages of reduced external interconnect, reduced design time, and manageable testability. The overall application goal is an intelligent sensor system for high energy radiation remote sensing, with integrated processing-and-decision-making capability, which can reliably separate threat radioactivity from the ambient one.
Games parasites play: how parasites evade immune surveillance

Parasites have evolved an extraordinary variety of mechanisms for surviving in the face of the natural and acquired immune responses of their hosts. A selection of the mechanisms serves to illustrate the challenge involved in developing strategies for immunising against parasites.
The prognostic significance of cytokine levels in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia and high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes

BACKGROUND. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and other cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), but their prognostic significance in these diseases is unknown. In the current study, the authors assessed the association between serum levels of various cytokines and clinical outcomes in patients with untreated AML or high-risk MDS. METHODS. Serum levels of TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist, IL-6, IL-10, and endostatin were measured in patients with AML or high-risk MDS who presented for treatment at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center from September 1994 through January 2001. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to test for correlations with clinical outcomes. RESULTS. Higher TNF-α levels were found to correlate with poorer performance status; higher leukocyte counts; higher levels of β2-microglobulin, creatinine, uric acid, and alkaline phosphatase; lower levels of creatinine clearance and albumin; baseline infection; and M4-M5 AML subtypes. TNF-α levels <10 pg/mL were associated with higher rates of complete remission (P = .003), survival (P = .0003), and event-free survival (EFS) (P = .0009). However, on multivariate analyses, TNF-α level ≥10 pg/mL was not found to be an independent factor predicting clinical outcomes, but became statistically significant when leukocyte count was excluded from the models. The other cytokines were not found to be predictive of clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS. High serum TNF-α level is an adverse prognostic factor for survival and EFS in patients with untreated AML or high-risk MDS. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Intercalary growth in the fossil arthrophyte, Sphenophyllum

Abstract Petrified specimens of Sphenophyllum preserved in a coal ball from the Middle Pennsylvanian of Kansas provide conclusive evidence of intercalary growth. Several well-preserved specimens of these small articulated stems exhibit an intercalary or “detached” meristem at the base of each internode. These meristematic regions are evident in the hypodermal tissue of the cortex as horizontal layers of isodiametric or transversely elongate cells. In the internodal regions above each meristem the hypodermal cells show a successive acropetal increase in length indicating that the meristems cut off new cells only in an apical direction. The intercalary meristems of Sphenophyllum are compared to those in the extant genus Equisetum and with certain fossil specimens of Calamites .
The transporter, the agitator, and the kamanguista: Qualia and the in/visible materiality of diamonds

This article examines the qualitative dimensions invoked and procured by smugglers, traders, and agitators in events of transporting and trading diamonds in Angola. The experience of qualities generally attributed to diamonds is exhibited and embodied in indexical and iconic relation to organized semiotic qualisigns of speed and slowness, secure and insecure bodies, mobility and immobility. In other words, ‘qualia’ orient objects and people by displaying a connection to the experience of diamonds’ qualities of visibility and hiddenness, and allow in turn for the articulation of disparate social processes implicating both the materiality of carbon-based stones and the social relations inscribed in the labor of extraction and exchange.
Response of dairy heifers to Prostaglandin F2α after treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin1

Abstract After the observation of estrus following administration of Prostaglandin F 2α (PGF 2α ), 79 dairy heifers were randomly either injected with 2500 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) 48 h postestrus or maintained as controls with no injection at that time. Five to 9 d later, after a blood sample for progesterone determination was taken, all heifers were injected with 25 mg of PGF 2α . Heifers observed in estrus within the next 5 d were inseminated about 12 h after initial observation and were palpated for pregnancy 45 to 60 d postinsemination. Heifers treated with hCG had higher progesterone concentrations, reduced and delayed estrual responses, and lower insemination fertility rates when compared with control heifers.
Image segmentation using Gaussian curvature

One of the central problems of computer vision is segmentation of images into salient features such as edges and surfaces. Different kinds of similarity criteria can be used to group related pixels together. One such criterion is the curvature of surfaces in an image of a multiobject scene that contains several objects with different shapes. In practice, however, curvature is difficult to calculate because small amount of noise can cause large amounts of errors in calculations of first and second derivatives. In this paper, we use a discrete approximation of Gaussian curvature that is efficient to compute. The approximation is used to segment the image into individual surfaces. Both synthetic and real images have been tested. Results appear quite encouraging.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Retrospective Analysis of Acoustic Pressure Wound Therapy: Effects on the Healing Progression of Chronic Wounds

Background Small clinical studies suggest adjunctive use of acoustic pressure wound therapy (APWT) may enhance wound healing, even in challenging patients. This noncontact low-frequency, nonthermal ultrasound therapy for assisting with the debridement of necrotic tissue from challenging wounds is generally better tolerated by patients for whom treatment-related wound pain, anticoagulation, or medical instability precludes sharp, surgical, or mechanical debridement.
Mechanism of acetoin synthesis by α-carboxylase

Abstract 1. 1. Highly purified preparations of α-carboxylase from wheat germ catalyze the synthesis of acetylmethylcarbinol (AMC) from pyruvate and acetaldehyde and from acetaldehyde alone. 2. 2. The AMC thus synthesized has been isolated and its identity established by conversion to diacetyl, periodate degradation, and by analysis of the semicarbazone. 3. 3. It has been shown that the decarboxylase and AMC-synthesizing activities are associated with the same enzyme, α-carboxylase. The conclusion is based on the constant ratio of decarboxylation to AMC synthesis throughout a 2,700-fold purification, on the identical effects of partial inactivation and of pH, and on the identical requirements for diphosphothiamin and a metallic ion for the various activities. 4. 4. The AMC synthesized by α-carboxylase consists of 72% of the (+) and 28% of the (−) optical isomer. 5. 5. A scheme has been proposed for the enzymic transformation catalyzed by α-carboxylase. Known facts about the α-carboxylase of yeast, higher plants, and of animal tissues may be explained in terms of the formation of a relatively stable enzyme-acetaldehyde complex, wherein the aldehyde is linked to the diphosphothiamin moiety of the enzyme. It has been suggested that the formation of a similar intermediate may be the first step in the enzymic oxidation of pyruvate.
Evaluation of liver and brain esterases in the spotted gar fish (Lepisosteus oculatus) as biomarkers of effect in the lower Mississippi River Basin.

The responses of various xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in fish models are rapidly evolving as important biomarkers for monitoring unacceptable levels of environmental contaminants. Ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase, a specific cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase, is often used as an indicator of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollution. Another class of enzymes which are potential biomarkers are the B-type esterases. These enzymes are sensitive to inhibition by organophosphates, and include the cholinesterases (ChE) and carboxylesterases. ChEs are further subdivided into acetylcholinesterase and butyryl cholinesterase. Among fish, AChE is predominantly localized in the brain and muscle, whereas, BuChE activity is found mainly in liver and plasma. The precise physiological role of BuChE is unknown, although it has been regarded as a marker enzyme for glial or supportive cells or other non-neuronal elements. Inhibition of ChE activity has often been associated with exposure to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides and other neurotoxic xenobiotics. Chemicals other than carbarnates and organophosphates that are environmental contaminants can also affect the activity of ChEs. Carboxylesterases represent a heterogenous group of isozymes that can catalyze the hydrolysis of a wide range of xenobiotic esters, amides and thioesters. For most CaE, their natural substrates are unknown, therefore, their physiological functions remain to be elucidated. These enzymesmore » (CaE) occur widely in most tissues and are generally found in high levels in the liver. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the liver and brain esterases in the spotted gar fish as biomarkers of effect to multiple contaminants in the lower Mississippi River basin. 15 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs.« less
Characteristics of Students and Services in New York State Student Assistance and Prevention Counseling Programs

This article reports on a review of selected New York State school prevention program student case records. Methods: Data were extracted from Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASA...
Determining who should be referred for total hip and knee replacements

Total hip and total knee replacements (THR and TKR respectively), the definitive treatments for end-stage arthritis, are both safe and extremely successful in relieving pain and improving function. However, physicians who care for patients with chronic hip and knee arthritis are often the 'gatekeepers' to total joint replacement (TJR) procedures as they select patients for referral to an orthopaedic surgeon to be considered for arthroplasty. Currently, no evidence-based criteria exist to guide physicians in this decision-making process, and this situation raises the possibility that conscious or unconscious biases may influence referral patterns, potentially leading to systematic inequities regarding which patients are eventually offered TJR. This article reviews why TJRs are particularly important procedures, and highlights common misperceptions among physicians regarding TJR risk assessment. This article also underscores the benefits of ongoing discussion regarding TJR with all patients with moderate-to-severe chronic hip or knee pain and disability.
Ligand-field spectra of cobalt(II) ammines and hexaamminecobalt(III/II) electron self-exchange

Abstract The energies of the 2 E state in hexaammine-cobalt(II) and related complexes are estimated, and implications for the electron self-exchange reactions are discussed. Solution spectra of [Co(NH 3 ) 6 ] 2+ and [Co(en) 3 ] 2+ are presented, and analysis of these and related spectra permits confident assignment of the energies of the 4 T 1g , 2 T 1g , 2 T 2g , 2 T 1g and 4 T 1g states. A ligand-field treatment leads to an estimate of the energy of the spectroscopic 2 E state in [Co-(NH 3 ) 6 ] 2+ at approximately 6800 cm −1 above the ground state. For the 2 E/ 1 A pathway to have reorganizational energy dose to that of the groundstate pathway, the octahedral 2 E state would have to have a minimum-energy bond length of 2.08 A. It is concluded that the 2 E pathway probably lies near or slightly above the 4 T pathway in activation energy, and that the two paths cannot be readily distinguished.
Is broadband the future? An analysis of broadband technology potential and diffusion

Abstract This paper examines the policy issues surrounding residential broadband technology, discusses how broadband extends Internet capabilities and at what cost, and makes recommendations for future applications of broadband. It focuses on residential broadband access, and in examining the future of broadband, it identifies three areas of concern: regulatory tendencies and tensions in the US, international diffusion of broadband, and the overall consumer appeal of broadband content. Specific policy recommendations center on providing regulation that guarantees open access, enforces reasonable pricing plans, and encourages innovative content.
High resolution electron microscopy and nanodiffraction study of the MgOAl interface

Abstract The interfaces between MgO crystals and evaporated aluminum layers were studied using high resolution electron microscopy and diffraction from nanometersize areas (nanodiffraction). For evaporation under a wide range of vacuum conditions, an interface layer of thickness about 3 nm is formed. This is initially amorphous but crystallizes to form a spinel structure on electron beam irradiation. For very small amounts of evaporated aluminum, the MgO surface is roughened to form a layer, about 3 nm thick, of pits and protrusions which appear to be pure MgO, continuous with the substrate crystals. The formation of this layer isseen as an intermediate stage in the formation of the spinel interface layer.
A synthesis of a thysanone analog

Hemiacetal 10 was prepared in 13 steps from dimethoxybenzaldehyde. Key steps included the salcomine oxidation of a phenol and a selective deprotection using boron trichloride.
Fine structure of myelinated mechanical nociceptor endings in cat hairy skin

High-threshold mechanoreceptors (mechanical nociceptors) with myelinated axons were electrophysiologically identified in hairy skin of the cat as described by Burgess and Perl ('67). Such elements possess receptive fields consisting of a number of punctate areas from which maximal firing can be elicited by intense (skin-damaging) mechanical stimuli. The spots of the receptive field are separated from each other by unresponsive regions, i.e., by skin areas from which responses cannot be evoked by stimuli effective at the spots. Fine steel pins were inserted to bracket closely a number of the spotlike responsive areas for each of several units. After aldehyde perfusion of the animal, osmification of the tissue and embedding in plastic, the marked skin zones were examined in semithin and ultrathin sections at the light and electron microscopic level. Near each delineated area, a thinly myelnated axon was fond that could be traced to the papillary layer where it loses its myelin sheath. Unmyelinated axons accompanied by thin Schwann cell processes were then traced and found to penetrate the epidermal basal lamina in one of the papillae. At the epidermal penetration site, the axons contained both clear round, and large, dense core vesicles; at this level, the surrounding Schwann cell cytoplasm exhibited numerous pinocytotic vesicles. The zone of pentration may constitute the receptive apparatus. Some of these axons have been traced within the basal epidermal layer where they become surrounded by keratinocytes, lose their Schwann sheath, and apparently terminate. This overall morphological pattern was consistently present in the demarked areas of focal responsiveness, and was rare in the surrounding skin; this and its difference from other cutaneous neural endings suggest that the intraepidermal axon-Schwann cell complex constitutes the receptive structure for myelinated mechanical nociceptors. It is suggested that such complexes are the sense organs responsible for initiating the sensation of pricking pain produced by localized mechanical injury of the skin.
Clonal Aging In Two Species of Spathidium (Ciliophora: Gymnostomatida)*

Thirty newly excysted Spathidium spathula (Muller) and 60 newly excysted Spathidium muscicola (Kahl) were selected as progenitors of clonal daily reisolation lines that omitted both conjugation and encystment. Daily division rates were determined for each clone either until it died or until the end of the 170 days of reisolation. Both species had reduced fission rates as they accumulated fissions in the absence of macronuclear reorganization. Spathidium spathula had a significant reduction of daily fission rate after 100-120 fissions and S. muscicola after 20-30 fissions. Older clones of both species contained a noticeable proportion of abnormal organisms. A significant increase (10.5%) in daily fission rate occurred in aged sublines of S. spathula following conjugation (selfing) and its concomitant nuclear reorganization. Spathidium muscicota did not conjugate, but recently excysted sublines, compared to aged lines, had an increased daily fission rate.
Heterocycles in synthesis. Dipeptides via unmasking of 5-acyl- and 5-acyloxyaminooxazoles

Abstract Heteroaromatic oxazole rings, when sibstituted in the appropriate fashion, may be unsmasked to afford dipeptides in excellent yields.
Understanding data survivability in archival storage systems

Preserving data for a long period of time in the face of faults, large and small, is crucial for designing reliable archival storage systems. However, the survivability of data is different from the reliability of storage because typically, data are stored in more than one storage at a given moment. Previous studies of reliability ignore the former. We present a framework for relating data survivability and storage reliability, and use the framework to gauge the impact of rare but large-scale events on data survivability. We also present a method to track all copies of data and the condition of all the online and offline media, devices and systems on which they are stored uninterruptedly over the whole lifetime of the data. With this method, the survivability of the data can be closely monitored, and potential dangers can be handled in a timely manner. A better understanding of data survivability can be used in reducing unnecessary data replicas, thus reducing the cost.
The promise of outreach for engaging and retaining out-of-care persons in HIV medical care

From the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, outreach workers have been on the frontlines of HIV prevention, working in community venues to increase knowledge and promote behaviors to reduce HIV transmission. As demographics of the HIV-infected population have changed, the need has grown to locate out-of-care individuals and learn how to engage and retain them in HIV care. Through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) Outreach Initiative, 10 sites across the United States implemented and evaluated enhanced outreach models designed to increase engagement and retention in HIV care for underserved, disadvantaged HIV-infected individuals. Although the models differed in response to local needs and organizational characteristics, all made use of a common conceptual framework, and all used the same data collection and reporting protocols. Study teams enrolled and provided behavioral interventions to HIV-infected individuals who have been noticea...
Adams Operations and the Dennis Trace Map

Abstract We show that the Adams operations on the algebraic K -theory of a commutative unital Q -algebra correspond to Adams operations on Hochschild homology via the Dennis trace map. This establishes a conjecture of Geller and Weibel, Hodge decomposition of Loday symbols in K -theory and cyclic homology, K -theoty 8 (1994) 587–632, that the Dennis trace map preserves the Hodge decomposition.
Molybdenum- and tungsten-cyclopentadienyl carbonyl complexes with hetero-allyl derivatives as ligand

Abstract The functionally substituted phosphines LH = Ph2PC(X)N(H)R (X = S, R = Ph, Me; X = O, R = Ph; X = N-p-tol, R = p-tol) behave as neutral monodentate (LH) ligands in substitution reactions with M(CO)3(η5-C5H5)Cl (M = Mo, W), forming M(CO)2(η5-C5H5)Cl(LH) with P bonded to the metal atom. Deprotonation under the influence of the base Et3N occurs only in the case of X = S and the chelate complexes M(CO)2(η5-C5H5)(L−) are formed with coordination via P and S. The related ligand Me2NC(S)N(H)R (R = Me, Ph) reacts in the presence of Et3N to form M(CO)2(η5-C5H5)(L−) (M = Mo, W; L− = Me2NC(S)NR−; R Me, Ph) with coordination via S and N. Tetramethyldithiobiuret (Me2NC(S)N(H)C(S)NMe2) reacts with Mo(CO)3(η5-C5H5)Cl only when Et3N is present and a complex with a six-membered ring is formed. The molybdenum complexes were prepared by thermal reactions while the tungsten complexes were also prepared photochemically. The complexes were characterised by means of elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and 1H and 31P[1H] NMR spectroscopy.
A dynamic model of the hand with application in functional neuromuscular stimulation

Potential hand function in people with tetraplegia was evaluated using a three-dimensional dynamic mathematical model. The model was used to evaluate hand positioning, grasp force, and the outcome of surgeries such as tendon transfers and joint fusion, in situations typical of those encountered when using functional neuromuscular stimulation to restore function in people with tetraplegia. In the model, the hand is treated as a jointed multibody system. Each joint is subjected to muscle moments, passive joint moment, and moments due to grasp forces. Model simulations showed that function was highly dependent on both muscle strength and joint passive moments. The potential for tendon transfers, such as the Zancolli-lasso and intrinsic-plasty, to improve hand function was demonstrated, but their value is subject-dependent. It was also shown that activation of multiple thumb muscles (adductor pollicis, abductor pollicis brevis, and flexor pollicis longus) without interphalangeal joint fusion can provide convenient lateral pinch posture with ∼70% more grip force than a currently used method, which includes joint fusion but requires only one muscle. Finally, a grasp protocol was introduced and shown successful in palmar grasp and hold of movable cylindrical objects using only extrinsic muscles, provided the fingers could be extended sufficiently to enclose the object.
Using the Knowledge-and-Appraisal Personality Architecture to Predict Physically Active Leisure Self-Efficacy in University Students

Although self-efficacy is a construct found throughout research literature, little is known about the psychological mechanisms that give rise to perceptions of personal confidence. This situation is changing as a result of the introduction of the knowledge-and-appraisal personality architecture (KAPA; Cervone, 2004), a theory proposed to explain the origins of self-efficacy percepts. In the present study, KAPA's framework was utilized to predict university students' self-efficacy toward 3 physically demanding leisure activities. The results support the theory's validity. Confidence was strongly related to how personal characteristics were thought to influence performance of a leisure activity. Self-efficacy was significantly higher when personal attributes were thought to help with performance vs. when attributes were believed to hinder performance.
Encainide disposition in patients with renal failure

The antiarrhythmic agent encainide undergoes extensive presystemic biotransformation to form O-desmethylencainide (ODE) and 3-methoxy-ODE (MODE) in subjects who exhibit the extensive metabolizer (EM) phenotype for debrisoquin 4-hydroxylation. These metabolites contribute significantly to the overall antiarrhythmic activity and are extensively excreted in the urine. Therefore, the effects of renal impairment on the disposition of encainide and its metabolites were studied in seven EM patients with renal failure and compared with those in eight healthy normal subjects of the same phenotype. After a single dose of encainide, its systemic and oral clearances were significantly lower and its elimination t1/2 was shorter in patients with renal failure than in healthy volunteers. This shortening was explained by a significant reduction in steady-state volume of distribution in renal failure. After chronic dosing to steady state, quantitatively similar changes were seen. Chronic oral dosing produced 80% higher levels of ODE (the most pharmacodynamically active metabolite) and 167% higher levels of MODE as compared with healthy volunteers. The prolongations in ECG intervals were similar in the two groups despite the higher encainide dose in the normal subjects. In conclusion, patients with renal failure will require lower doses of encainide because of both reduced encainide clearance and increased accumulation of active metabolites.
Neurotransmitters in Nociceptive Modulatory Circuits

Abstract Significant advances have been made in our understanding of nociceptive modulation from RVM. Among the most useful conceptually has been the discovery that there are two classes of modulatory neurons in the RVM that are likely to have opposing actions on nociception: on-cells, which may facilitate nociceptive transmission, and off-cells, which probably have a net inhibitory effect on nociception. The similarity in response properties among the members of each class, their large, somatic "receptive fields," and the wide distribution of the terminal fields of axons of individual neurons to the trigeminal sensory complex and to multiple spinal segments indicate that these neurons exert a global influence over nociceptive responsiveness. Drug microinjections into the RVM presumably shift the balance between states of on- or off-cell firing and also produce measurable changes in the threshold for nocifensor reflexes. The meaningful unit of function in the RVM nociceptive modulatory system therefore probably consists of large ensembles of physiologically and pharmacologically similar neurons. The strong coordination of activity of the two classes of RVM neuron may depend largely upon intranuclear projections from RVM off-cells that excite other off-cells and inhibit on-cells. The off-cell pause is GABA-mediated, and it is likely that there is a subset of GABA-containing RVM on-cells that directly inhibit off-cells. Furthermore, the available evidence indicates that exogenous opiates activate off-cells by inhibiting GABAergic release. Presumably, enkephalinergic cells in the RVM disinhibit off-cells in a similar way. Although non-serotonin-containing off-cells certainly exist, we propose that some off-cells contain serotonin. Other possible connections are based on more limited data; however, ACh, neurotensin, NE, and EAAs are present in neurons that project to the RVM, and each of these compounds, when microinjected into the RVM, has a modulating effect on nociceptive transmission. The local circuits in the RVM that underlie these actions remain to be elucidated. At the level of the dorsal horn, there is good evidence for each of three inhibitory mechanisms: direct inhibition of nociceptive projection neurons, inhibition of excitatory relay interneurons, and excitation of an inhibitory interneuron. The relative contribution made by each of these circuits is unknown.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
High-rate sparse superposition codes with iteratively optimal estimates

Recently sparse superposition codes with iterative term selection have been developed which are mathematically proven to be fast and reliable at any rate below the capacity for the additive white Gaussian noise channel with power control. We improve the performance using a soft decision decoder with Bayes optimal statistics at each iteration, followed by thresholding only at the final step. This presentation includes formulation of the statistics, proof of their distributions, numerical simulations of the performance improvement, and useful identities relating a squared error risk to a posterior probability of error.
Descriptive outcomes of the American Lung Association of Ohio hypnotherapy smoking cessation program.

Abstract Hypnosis smoking cessation treatment is one type of program available to smokers. This paper describes a large randomly selected sample from such a program, which has not been previously reported. During 1997, 2,810 smokers participated in single-session, group hypnotherapy smoking cessation programs sponsored by the American Lung Association of Ohio. A randomly selected sample of 452 participants completed telephone interviews 5 to 15 months after attending a treatment session. Twenty-two percent of participants (n = 101) reported not smoking during the month prior to the interview. Use of other smoking cessation strategies since the treatment session were assessed. Interestingly, only 20% of participants who used pharmaceutical products to assist with smoking cessation took them for the recommended treatment duration. Hypnotherapy smoking cessation treatment offers an alternative cessation method, which may meet the unique needs of certain individuals.
Perioperative atrial fibrillation: A systematic review of evolving therapeutic options in pharmacologic and procedural management

Given the high incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the surgical population and the associated morbidity, physicians managing these complicated patients in the perioperative period need to be aware of the new and emerging trends in its therapy. The cornerstones of AF management have always been rate/rhythm control as well as anticoagulation. Restoration of sinus rhythm remains the fundamental philosophy as it maintains the atrial contribution to cardiac output and improves ventricular function. The recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of randomized AF trials that have made significant advances to our understanding of both pharmacologic and procedural management, from the introduction of the new generation of oral anticoagulants (NOAC's) to catheter approaches for AF ablation. This paper will summarize the newest data that will affect the perioperative management of these patients.
Strategies to Improve Student Motivation.

Descriptions of the causes of poor student motivation and practical strategies for improvement
Novel pharmacological approaches to treatment of drug overdose and addiction

Drug abuse is a major public health problem. It is still a challenge to develop a truly effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of drug overdose and addiction. Let us first take cocaine as an...