cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuron-Specific Gene 2 (NSG2) Encodes an AMPA Receptor Interacting Protein That Modulates Excitatory Neurotransmission.

Abstract Neurons have evolved a number of unique protein-coding genes that regulate trafficking of protein complexes within small organelles throughout dendrites and axons. Neuron-specific gene 2 (NSG2) encodes for one of the most abundant proteins in the nervous system during perinatal development. NSG2 belongs to a family of small neuronal endosomal proteins but its function has remained uncharacterized to date. Here, we show that NSG2 is found in discrete punctae restricted to the somatodendritic arbors of developing mouse and human neurons, and a significant proportion of NSG2 punctae colocalize with postsynaptic HOMER1 and surface-expressed AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) at excitatory synapses. Immunoprecipitation revealed that NSG2 physically interacts with both the GluA1 and GluA2 AMPAR subunits in mouse brain. Knock-out of NSG2 in mouse hippocampal neurons selectively impaired the frequency of miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs) and caused alterations in PSD95 expression at postsynaptic densities (PSDs). In contrast, NSG2 overexpression caused a significant increase in the amplitude of mEPSCs as well as GluA2 surface expression. Thus, NSG2 functions as an AMPAR-binding protein that is required for normal synapse formation and/or maintenance, and has unique functions compared with other NSG family members.
The battle for survival: Innovating firms' strategic signaling behaviors and their impacts on business success during the shakeout period after the standards war

Abstract The shakeout period after the emergence of a dominant design is very important to technology followers and niche market producers, who need adjust to significant changes in the competitive landscape. We posit that such innovating firms use strategic signals that address technical-, market-, and standards-uncertainty associated with their innovations to communicate with market participants to reduce participants' perceived uncertainties associated with the innovative products. Studying technology followers and niche market producers in the personal computer industry during its 1982–1989 shakeout period, we found that technology followers and niche market producers differ in their use of technical-, market-, and standards-related signals. Additionally, using event study methodology, we find that technology followers' strategic signals have significant positive impacts on both their own and other followers' stock prices. Meanwhile, niche market producers' strategic signals have significant positive impacts on their own stock prices, but not significant impacts on other niche market producers and technology followers' stock prices.
Pediatric spinal cord tumors: Diagnosis and management

Pediatric intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCT) are rare, and still represent a diagnostic, surgical and medical challenge to modern neurosurgeons. Advances in imaging technology, microsurgical techniques and equipment, and genetic profiling have increased our understanding of these tumors and their management guidelines. In this chapter, we review the epidemiology, clinical presentation, imaging features, pathological classification, and genetic profiles of the most common pediatric IMSCTs. In the second part, we discuss treatment strategies, including microsurgical nuances and the current state of the art surgical devices, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery remains the gold-standard treatment, and modern neurosurgeons are required to perfect their microsurgical abilities to improve patient outcomes. Further research is needed in the future to refine the genetic classification and targeting of these tumors.
A GRAPPA algorithm for arbitrary 2D/3D non‐Cartesian sampling trajectories with rapid calibration

Purpose GRAPPA is a popular reconstruction method for Cartesian parallel imaging, but is not easily extended to non-Cartesian sampling. We introduce a general and practical GRAPPA algorithm for arbitrary non-Cartesian imaging. Methods We formulate a general GRAPPA reconstruction by associating a unique kernel with each unsampled k-space location with a distinct constellation, that is, local sampling pattern. We calibrate these generalized kernels using the Fourier transform phase shift property applied to fully gridded or separately acquired Cartesian Autocalibration signal (ACS) data. To handle the resulting large number of different kernels, we introduce a fast calibration algorithm based on nonuniform FFT (NUFFT) and adoption of circulant ACS boundary conditions. We applied our method to retrospectively under-sampled rotated stack-of-stars/spirals in vivo datasets, and to a prospectively under-sampled rotated stack-of-spirals functional MRI acquisition with a finger-tapping task. Results We reconstructed all datasets without performing any trajectory-specific manual adaptation of the method. For the retrospectively under-sampled experiments, our method achieved image quality (i.e., error and g-factor maps) comparable to conjugate gradient SENSE (cg-SENSE) and SPIRiT. Functional activation maps obtained from our method were in good agreement with those obtained using cg-SENSE, but required a shorter total reconstruction time (for the whole time-series): 3 minutes (proposed) vs 15 minutes (cg-SENSE). Conclusions This paper introduces a general 3D non-Cartesian GRAPPA that is fast enough for practical use on today's computers. It is a direct generalization of original GRAPPA to non-Cartesian scenarios. The method should be particularly useful in dynamic imaging where a large number of frames are reconstructed from a single set of ACS data.
Effect of Pregnancy on paroxetine-induced adiposity and glucose intolerance in mice

Long-term use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) targeting the serotonin transporter (SERT) has been suggested to be associated with an increased risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Previously, using a murine knockout model of SERT, we showed that estrogen suppression is involved in SERT deficiency-induced obesity and glucose intolerance in nonpregnant mice. The present study investigated the effects of chronic paroxetine treatment on adiposity and glucose tolerance in mice before and during pregnancy. Chronic paroxetine treatment in nonpregnant mice resulted in visceral adiposity and glucose intolerance accompanied by reduced circulating 17β-estradiol levels and ovarian expression of the aromatase (CYP19a1). Remarkably, pregnancy significantly reduced adiposity and improved glucose tolerance in paroxetine-treated mice by rebooting ovarian CYP19a1 expression and 17β-estradiol production. These effects appear to be reversible as ovarian CYP19a1 expression and circulating 17β-estradiol returned to prepregnancy levels soon after parturition. As in pregnant mice, 17β-estradiol replacement treatment in nonpregnant mice reduced paroxetine-induced adiposity. Our findings further suggested that modulation of estrogen synthesis underlies the observed metabolic adverse effects of SSRIs. Although our data revealed a transient reversal effect of pregnancy on SSRI-induced metabolic abnormalities, these observations are experimental and limited to mice. The use of SSRIs during human pregnancy should be cautioned because of potential adverse effects to the fetuses.
Immunological considerations for heart valve replacements

Abstract Heart valve replacement strategies have significantly improved since the conception of the first artificial valve in the 1950s. Current heart valve substitutes utilize synthetic, biological, or a combination of materials to create more durable and biomimetic valves. Despite these advances, current valve replacement strategies elicit immune-mediated responses that negatively impacts valve function and decreases longevity. In this chapter, we discuss the immunological considerations associated with heart valve substitutes. Specifically, we explore the immune responses associated with different types of artificial valves, including transplanted grafts, and mechanical, bioprosthetic, tissue-engineered, and transcatheter heart valves. We highlight immune-mediated failure mechanisms and current efforts made to mitigate the host response. Finally, we discuss the future directions of tissue-engineered heart valves and their potential to modulate the immune response.
Interactions between childhood maltreatment and combat exposure trauma on stress-related activity within the cingulate cortex: a pilot study

ABSTRACTChildhood trauma may sensitize the brain, increasing vulnerability to maladaptive stress responses following adulthood trauma exposure. Previous work has identified the cingulum as a white ...
Moving Kindergarten Entry Assessments from Policy to Practice Evidence from North Carolina

Kindergarten Entry Assessments (KEAs) – assessment tools used at the beginning of kindergarten to provide educators with a snapshot of children’s readiness for school – are increasingly being adopt...
Expanding the Utilization of Kidneys from Donors with Acute Kidney Injury

Our aim is to review the experience with transplanting kidneys from decreased donors with acute kidney injury (AKI). The discard rate is higher for kidneys from AKI donors. Studies have uniformly shown that the risk of delayed graft function (DGF) is higher. However, the majority of studies have shown that other outcomes including short and long graft survival, eGFR, and risk of rejection are not inferior with transplanting AKI donor kidneys. To select AKI donor kidneys, we depend on preimplantation biopsy to exclude AKI kidneys with > 10% cortical necrosis or more than mild chronic changes. Although the DGF rate is higher, we have been able to safely discharge patients by POD 2 and manage DGF as an outpatient. It is estimated that if the transplant community used appropriately selected kidneys from AKI donors, there would be almost 600 additional transplants done each year in the US.
Estudos curriculares, história do currículo e teoria curricular: a razão da razão

Palavras como “aprendizagem”, “empoderamento”, “resolucao de problemas”, “autorrealizacao”, “comunidade” etc. tornam-se inteligiveis e “razoaveis” conforme regras e padroes historicamente formados que ordenam, classificam e dividem o que e “visto” e realizado na escolarizacao. Essas regras e padroes de razao sao efeitos de poder e do politico da escolarizacao. A primeira sessao analisa essa nocao do politico e a razao, considerando o curriculo como um duplo gesto. A frase “todas as criancas podem aprender” ilustra esse duplo gesto. A palavra “todas” assume a unidade do todo, que diferencia e divide o cosmopolitismo da crianca (isto e, o aprendiz ao longo da vida) e da crianca “deixada para tras”, que e diferente e pode “nunca estar na media”. Finalmente, examina-se como a nocao de pesquisa, que busca o conhecimento “util” ou “pratico” para modificar a escola, inscreve esse duplo gesto e, ironica e paradoxalmente, assume um consenso que estabelece a hierarquia que separa o pesquisador daqueles que devem ser pastoreados. Explorar o sistema de razao nos estudos do curriculo torna visiveis os limites do presente, e, mediante esse engajamento critico, torna possiveis outros futuros.
An investigation on outbreaks of collective food poisoning in Xinbei District, Changzhou City, 2002-2008.

Objective To explore the characteristics and influence factors of collective food poisoning in the emerging cities,and thus to provide scientific basis for formulating measures for food safety supervision and management.Methods Collective food poisoning data collected from high-tech industrial development zone of Yangtze River Delta from 2002 to 2008 were analyzed.Results There were 17 cases of collective food poisoning incidents within 7 years,among which,14(82.4%) were bacterial food poisonings and 3(17.6%)chemical food poisonings.A total of 391 persons were involved in the incidents.Vibrio parahaemolyticus was major pathogen for bacterial food poisonings(78.6%).The peak season of bacterial food poisoning was from June to September(85.7%).Cross-contamination was the main reason for bacterial food poisoning(57.1%).Most cases occurred in collective canteens(47.1%).Conclusion The majority of the collective food poisonings were caused by bacteria in Xinbei District of Changzhou City.Food safety supervision should be strengthened to prevent the outbreak of food poisoning.
Towards random generation of microstructures of spatially varying materials from orthogonal sections

Abstract New additive manufacturing techniques create materials with microstructures that are not easily represented by traditional simulation techniques, such as ellipsoid packing algorithms. Building upon previous techniques, a new framework for geometric simulation is introduced which allows for more flexible simulation and estimation of microstructure in materials with spatial variation, such as additively manufactured materials. The framework recreates growth of grains, allowing for a per-grain specification of growth properties, which is unavailable to techniques that rely on optimal packing procedures. An estimation technique is also introduced that allows for estimation of the hyperparameters of the growth model based only on a partial sample of orthogonal slices.
Cognitive Bias in Systems Verification

Working definition of cognitive bias: Patterns by which information is sought and interpreted that can lead to systematic errors in decisions. Cognitive bias is used in diverse fields: Economics, Politics, Intelligence, Marketing, to name a few. Attempts to ground cognitive science in physical characteristics of the cognitive apparatus exceed our knowledge. Studies based on correlations; strict cause and effect is difficult to pinpoint. Effects cited in the paper and discussed here have been replicated many times over, and appear sound. Many biases have been described, but it is still unclear whether they are all distinct. There may only be a handful of fundamental biases, which manifest in various ways. Bias can effect system verification in many ways . Overconfidence -> Questionable decisions to deploy. Availability -> Inability to conceive critical tests. Representativeness -> Overinterpretation of results. Positive Test Strategies -> Confirmation bias. Debiasing at individual level very difficult. The potential effect of bias on the verification process can be managed, but not eliminated. Worth considering at key points in the process.
Abstract 10441: Chronic Stress and Adverse Life Events are Associated with Depressed Autonomic Function as Measured by Heart Rate Variability

Background: Chronic stress and adverse life events are well-known to predict future cardiovascular disease. The physiological pathways, however, remain unknown. Decreased heart rate variability (HR...
Separation from Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Hemodynamic Considerations

The successful transition from full circulatory support to the normal circulatory physiology requires careful attention to a number of parameters that are often perturbed while on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Many of these parameters, such as temperature, extracellular glucose and potassium concentrations, hematocrit, and acid-base status, are relatively easy to restore. However, the re-establishment of many aspects of normal cardiovascular function, such as peripheral vascular resistance, blood pressure, and cardiac function, are not as straightforward, due in part to the unusual physiologic conditions imposed. The purpose of this chapter is to elaborate the cardiovascular physiology relevant to the transition from full circulatory assist, and to describe a model that will allow for a better understanding of the unique consequences that occur.
Protecting Gun Rights and Improving Gun Control after District of Columbia v. Heller

The Supreme Court’s decision in District of Columbia v. Heller, rejecting the narrow interpretation of the Second Amendment that most courts previously embraced, might seem to be a significant setback for gun control supporters and a major victory for gun rights advocates. Challenging that conventional wisdom, the author contends that Heller ultimately will help rather than hinder the push toward strong, sensible gun control laws. Justice Scalia’s opinion for the majority in Heller ultimately backs away from the most drastic implications of its reasoning and instead steers toward a more moderate approach under which virtually all existing gun laws should be upheld. Developments since Heller, including the continuing controversy over gun laws in the District of Columbia and the lower courts’ reactions to a wave of post-Heller challenges to the constitutionality of various federal and state gun laws, suggest that the ultimate effects of the Supreme Court’s decision in Heller will be far less dramatic than many initially expected. In the long run, the Heller decision’s most important effect may be to reduce the intensity and bitterness of the nation’s political and cultural debate over guns. By confirming that reasonable gun regulations will not lead to extreme measures like prohibition of all guns, Heller may turn out to be an important victory for both gun control and gun rights.
Speech perception of sine-wave signals by children with cochlear implants

Children need to discover linguistically meaningful structures in the acoustic speech signal. Being attentive to recurring, time-varying formant patterns helps in that process. However, that kind of acoustic structure may not be available to children with cochlear implants (CIs), thus hindering development. The major goal of this study was to examine whether children with CIs are as sensitive to time-varying formant structure as children with normal hearing (NH) by asking them to recognize sine-wave speech. The same materials were presented as speech in noise, as well, to evaluate whether any group differences might simply reflect general perceptual deficits on the part of children with CIs. Vocabulary knowledge, phonemic awareness, and “top-down” language effects were all also assessed. Finally, treatment factors were examined as possible predictors of outcomes. Results showed that children with CIs were as accurate as children with NH at recognizing sine-wave speech, but poorer at recognizing speech in noise. Phonemic awareness was related to that recognition. Top-down effects were similar across groups. Having had a period of bimodal stimulation near the time of receiving a first CI facilitated these effects. Results suggest that children with CIs have access to the important time-varying structure of vocal-tract formants.
A reassessment of the study of cut mark patterns to infer hominid manipulation of fleshed carcasses at the FLK Zinj 22 site, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania

Previous experimental studies on cut marks have suggested that cut mark percentages and their anatomical distribution (based on element type and bone section type) could be used to differentiate primary access to fleshed carcasses from secondary access to defleshed carcasses. In this study, the experimental sample of this type of studies is increased and further data are included to infer a primary access by hominids to carcasses at the FLK Zinj site of Olduvai.
Sound Control with Smart Skins

In the last decade, there has been an increased interest in developing methods for the active control of sound radiation from vibrating structures. In one promising method, termed active structural acoustic control (ASAC), actuators are attached directly to the structure and are used to modify its structural vibration characteristics (spatial and temporal) in order to minimize the sound radiation. In ASAC, the actuators tend to be compact and thus cover only a very small portion of the structure; their effect is achieved because of the distributed elastic response of the structure. This technique has worked well for a number of applications, usually where the structure has a reasonable mobility and a low modal density of response. In some applications, however, the structure is quite massive or stiff, and it is extremely difficult to elicit the necessary control field response with practical control actuators. In this article a variant of the ASAC approach in which the control inputs come from a smart or active skin that covers all or most of the vibrating surface is discussed. The objective of the smart skin is to locally change the radiation impedance (the resistive component) of the structure in order to control the total radiated power in contrast to the conventional ASAC, which alters the dynamic response of the host structure. The sound radiation levels are directly coupled to the normal displacement of the smart skin. Thus modification of the transfer function between the structural displacement and the smart skin displacement will lead to a change in sound radiation. This modification can occur via a decrease in the amplitude, thus decreasing the sound levels, or via a change in the amplitude distribution causing the normal skin surface to be an inefficient sound radiation over an extended area. Since it does not drive the host structure, an active skin is suitable for heavy or stiff structures with low mobility. The negative trade-off, however, of the active skin approach, is that since it covers the structure completely, it may require many independent sections if the structural response is complex and near or above the sound radiation critical frequency. For illustrative purposes, two different skins are described: one based on a composite of acoustic foam and the piezoelectric polymer PVDF and the other on ceramic piezoelectric elements arranged in a motion amplification configuration. Keywords: Smart foam skin; Sound control; Piezoelectric double amplifier; Sound reflection control; Advanced control
Peer review as an educational strategy to improve academic work: an interdisciplinary collaboration between communication disorders and nursing.

Background The Communication Disorders and Nursing Programs conducted a pilot study to examine the value of peer review as an educational strategy to improve graduate student writing and understanding of course assignments. Participants Graduate students enrolled in a communication disorders diagnostic process course, a health policy course, or a philosophical foundations course (N=120). Methods Students participated as a peer reviewer for their final assignment. The reviewer read the draft assignment and provided comments. Additionally, nursing students read their papers out loud to the peer reviewer. Students submitted their draft assignment to their professor. The nursing drafts were graded. Students revised and submitted the final assignment for a grade. Students completed a questionnaire at the end of the course to provide feedback about the value of peer review. Results A 65% response rate was obtained. Students (89.9%) felt that the draft was helpful, the partner was helpful (70.9%), and 78.5% incorporated the suggestions of the peer reviewer. Overall, grades improved from the draft version to the final version for each assignment. Conclusion The pilot study showed that peer review was an effective educational strategy to improve student grades and conceptual understanding of the material.
A double hairpin structure is necessary for the efficient encapsidation of spleen necrosis virus retroviral RNA.

Abstract We conducted a mutational analysis within the previously defined encapsidation sequence (E) for spleen necrosis virus (SNV), an avian retrovirus. We found that two regions are necessary for efficient SNV replication. The first region is a double hairpin structure as proposed by Konings et al. (1992, J. Virol., 66, 632-640); the second region is located downstream of the hairpins. We showed further that the double hairpin structure is required for efficient SNV RNA encapsidation. Our work is the first to demonstrate, via linker-scanning and site-directed mutagenesis, that a specific RNA secondary structure is required for the encapsidation of retroviral RNA. Analysis of a series of mutations within the E region indicates (i) that preserving the secondary structure of the two hairpins is important for efficient encapsidation and (ii) that the stem regions of the hairpins contain specific sequences critical for encapsidation. Within the hairpins, the presence of at least one of the two conserved GACG four-residue loops, but not the moderately conserved bulge sequence of the first hairpin, is crucial for function. The function of the hairpins is independent of the relative order of the two hairpins. However, the two hairpins are not redundant and are not functionally identical. Replacement of SNV double hairpin sequences with those of Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MLV) has no detectable effect on the replication of SNV-based retrovirus vectors with reticuloendotheliosis virus strain A (REV-A) helper virus. Furthermore, replacement of the entire E sequence of SNV with that of Moloney murine sarcoma virus (M-MSV) and M-MLV results in retroviral vectors that replicate as well as SNV vectors with wild type SNV E. This result indicates that the encapsidation sequences of M-MSV/M-MLV and SNV are not virus specific and that, during packaging of SNV and MLV RNA with viral proteins from REV-A, the encapsidation sequences are recognized largely by their secondary or tertiary structures.
The Role of Respect in the Relation of Aggression to Popularity.

Can aggressive children be popular with peers? Generally, sociometric popularity (liking nominations) has been shown to be negatively associated with aggression, and perceived popularity (popularity nominations) has been shown to be positively associated with aggression. The thesis of the present research was that being respected by peers moderates the relation between aggression and popularity. For both third‐ through sixth‐grade boys (N = 107) and girls (N = 117), perceived popularity by peers was positively associated with nominations for aggression (both overt and relational) only for children high in respect. Aggression was negatively associated with sociometric popularity for girls who were low in respect; sociometric popularity for girls high in respect was not related to aggression nominations. In sum, aggressive children were considered to be popular only if they were respected; aggressive girls were not disliked if they were respected.
The Effects of a Training Session on Teacher Knowledge, Perceptions, and Implementation of Assistive Technology in Secondary Schools.

The Effects of a Training Session on Teacher Knowledge, Perceptions, and Implementation of Assistive Technology in Secondary Schools.
Reindeer lichen productivity: Problems and possibilities

Reindeer lichens are important in the structure and function of tundra and taiga ecosystems, as exemplified by cover values, biomass, mineral content, and effect on other ecosystem components. They are particularly important for winter ecology of reindeer and caribou which largely relay on them. Growth measurement is difficult due to the very slow rate and the methods that have been used are not sufficiently documented, precise, or appropriate. Use of carbon dioxide exchange models, coupled with models of lichen microclimate and water relations, based on microclimatic data are suggested as alternatives for land managers. The assumptions of such models are discussed and the performance of mixed species lichen mats and of the lichen CO2 environment and its effect on lichen CO2 exchange.
Evaluation of a Computer-Assisted Instructional Component in a College-Level Nutrition Course

Abstract The effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in nutrition education was evaluated by determining if a CAI program designed to reinforce class lectures and available on disks and the university network was associated with higher cognitive achievement test scores. Students’ opinions concerning the helpfulness, advantages, and disadvantages of such a program were also assessed. Our CAI program was available to 243 students in four sections of an introductory nutrition course. Students could use the CAI program for any amount of time. There were 160 users and 83 nonusers. A valid and reliable cognitive pretest–post-test, an attitude assessment, and a demographic and opinion questionnaire were used. Differences in pretest–post-test scores were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance. Internal consistency of the attitude assessment instrument was determined using Cronbach's alpha test. Users of the CAI program had higher pretest–post-test gain scores than nonusers. Eighty-seven percent of the students thought that the program was useful or very useful; 78% thought that it improved their grades. Students’ attitudes were positive toward use of computers and, generally, improved with use of the program. We concluded that class material in a computerized format available on disks and a network is useful for improving performance of students in a college-level, introductory nutrition course.
Rapid progression of Wellens syndrome in the emergency department.

Abstract Background: In 1982, Wellens and colleagues described characteristic electrocardiogram (ECG) findings in angina patients virtually pathognomonic for significant stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery and associated with a high risk of acute anterior wall myocardial infarction. Case Report: We present the case of a 74-year-old emergency department patient with classic ECG findings of Wellens syndrome and progression to acute ST elevation within 55 min. Summary: We present this case to increase awareness among emergency physicians of the characteristic findings of Wellens syndrome.
SPECTROSCOPIC OBSERVATION OF ISOMERIZATION KINETICS IN ISOTOPICALLY LABELED (BENZENE)13

Isotopically labeled (benzene)13 clusters, (C6H6)(C6D6)12, generated in supersonic expansion, were studied by resonance-enhanced two-photon ionization (R2PI) spectroscopy as a function of nozzle-to-laser distance using two distinct sets of expansion conditions. In this report we present spectroscopic evidence for both evaporation and isomerization within the supersonic jet. The observed (C6H6)(C6D6)12 population initially undergoes a fluxional-to-rigid transition; this transition is followed by isomerization within a subpopulation of the ordered, rigid clusters, in which the unique C6H6 moiety migrates from the surface to the interior of an otherwise homogeneous C6D6 cluster. These experiments are unique in that analogous isomerization dynamics have never before been spectroscopically observed. The observed kinetics are generally insensitive to differences between the benzene:helium ratio in the expansion mixture.
Kinetic Modeling of Photocatalyzed Soot Oxidation on Titanium Dioxide Thin Films

Recent research [Mills et al. Chemosphere 2006, 64, 1032−1035; Lee and Choi J. Phys. Chem. B 2002, 106, 11818−11822] has demonstrated photocatalytic oxidation of “soot” by titanium dioxide thin films. However, little attention has been paid to developing kinetic models of photocatalyzed soot destruction. We develop here a series/parallel kinetic model for soot oxidation and use it to analyze the CO2 data of Mills et al. and the mass loss data of Lee and Choi. The model assumes two oxidation pathways: a single step yielding CO2 directly and a serial sequence through a solid intermediate species, which is subsequently oxidized to CO2. We extend this simple model to include variable O2 partial pressure, which is used to evaluate the initial CO2 data of Lee and Choi. These models fit the experimental CO2 data of Mills et al. and Lee and Choi well. The simple kinetic model also describes the mass loss data of Lee and Choi for the front mode of sample irradiation.
Experience With Wood Lamp Illumination and Digital Photography in the Documentation of Bruises on Human Skin

Bruising is very common in children. Examination of bruising can guide the clinician in ordering radiographic imaging studies of children who have suffered trauma. Additionally, bruising in infants and patterns of bruising that do not match the injury scenario offered by caretakers can raise the suspicion of abuse. This article reports preliminary experience with Wood lamp enhancement of faint bruises and visualization of bruises that are not visible. It describes the method for digital photography of bruises visualized in this way. Finally, it suggests future applications and areas of further study.
Special Issue: Synthesis and Chemistry of Chiral Metallocenes

Metallocenes are an important and well-known class of organometallic compounds, which were first discovered by Kealy and Paulson in 1951.[...]
Prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by trichosporon beigelii

A case of Trichosporon beigelii prosthetic valve endocarditis is described. Prosthetic valve endocarditis developed in the patient, a 58-year-old woman with a history of rheumatic heart disease, 10 months after mitral valve surgery. A large left atrial fungus ball was present. Cultures of blood and valvular tissue were positive for T. beigelii. The organism was sensitive to amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, ketoconazole, and miconazole.
Toward a cooptive model of qualitative research

With the growing acceptance of qualitative (field observational and intensive interview) research in the social sciences, there has been increasing interest in the practical and philosophical issues related to these methods. Since the foundation of the methodology is social relations, scholars have made numerous attempts to construct an epistemology of research relations; among these are the research bargain, cooperative and conflict models of qualitative research. An alternative model is presented, the cooptive model, in which the basic assumptions are that 1. there is a highly situational element in the process of qualitative research, as there is in any other set of relations, which prevents its characterization as “fundamentally”; one of bargaining, cooperation or conflict; 2. the research respondent will attempt to coopt the researcher into her or his meaning world and 3. the uncautious researcher will, in a parallel manner, attempt to fit the respondent's meanings into the researcher's meaning world...
Synthesis and characterization of ‘double-cubane’ complexes containing MFe3Se4 cores (MMo, W)

Abstract The reaction system (Et4N)2MSe4 (MMo, W)/FeCl3/EtSH/Na in methanol or ethanol at ambient temperature has yielded three principal products: [M2Fe6Se8(SEt)9]3−, [M2Fe7Se8(SEt)12]3− (MMo, W); and [W2Fe7Se8(SEt)12]4− which are isolable as Et4N+ salts. The structure of (Et4N)3[Mo2Fe6Se8(SEt)9] has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P63/m with a=17.453(3), c=16.575(2) A and Z=2. Reaction of [Mo2Fe7Se8(SEt)12]3− with 6 equiv of acetyl chloride or arylthiol afforded new clusters with substitution of the terminal ethanethiolate ligands: [Mo2Fe7Se8(SEt)6Cl6]3− and [Mo2Fe7Se8(SEt)6(SC6H4X)6]3−, XH, Cl. The structure of (Et4N)3[Mo2Fe7Se8(SEt)6(SC6H4-Cl)6 has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the space group P 1 (No. 2) with a=11.401(2), b=12.697(2), c=19.897(3) A, α=87.91(1), β=74.93(1), γ=89.14(2)° and Z=1. The anions in both structures are of the ‘double-cubane’ type containing trigonally distorted MoFe3Se4 subclusters which are linked through the Mo atoms. In the former, linkage is through three μ2-ethanethiolate ligands; whereas in the latter, the bridging is accomplished by a Fe(SEt)6 distorted trigonal anti-prismatic moiety. These complexes are structurally similar to the related sulfur double-cubanes. Incorporation of the larger selenide ion has a surprisingly small effect upon the M···Fe distances within the cubane subclusters. All products show the full stoichiometric amount of four selenium atoms per cubane unit, indicating that MSe42− can effectively deliver all four selenium atoms in the assembly process even though one is no longer covalently bound to M. All clusters exhibit isotropically shifted 1H NMR spectra, which are the result of both contact and dipolar shift mechanisms and are larger in magnitude than the shifts observed in the sulfur analogs. This is consistent with the larger solution magnetic moments of these selenium double-cubanes as determined by the Evans method. Electrochemical reduction potentials of these selenium double-cubanes were nearly identical to their sulfur analogs as determined by cyclic voltammetry. Full tabulation of 1H NMR isotropic shifts, electronic absorption maxima, electrochemical reduction potentials, room temperature solution magnetic susceptibilities, and representative cyclic voltammograms and 1H NMR spectra are presented.
A simple characterization of Student’s distributions and normal distributions

Abstract Let X 1 : 3 ≤ X 2 : 3 ≤ X 3 : 3 be the order statistics of the independent and identically distributed random variables X 1 , X 2 , and X 3 . Using the regressional property E [ ( a X 2 : 3 − X 1 : 3 ) 2 | X 2 : 3 = x ] = E [ ( X 3 : 3 − a X 2 : 3 ) 2 | X 2 : 3 = x ] , we characterize some distributions, including Student’s t ν distributions ( ν > 2 ) and normal distributions.
Value of Life and Behavior Toward Health Risks: An Interpretation of Social Capital

An individual assessing a risky job can be understood as a public good. He and each of his valued relationships place a demand for the preservation of his life and health for which he accepts a responsibility to preserve. Additional demands generally do not deplete his capacity for beneficial relationships, hence, they are nonrival. It follows that the more extensive are his relationships the greater is his social capital. Although a common metric to compare and aggregate such relationships is not practical, the paper demonstrates that the common social capital indicators can yield qualitative predictions on changes in risky behaviors in the context of conventional value of life models familiar within health economics. The individual will change his behavior toward risk upon experiencing an exogenous change in his social capital: when he marries, has children, acquires friends, or experiences a more socially active community. The empirical sections of the paper show this prediction to conform well to prior studies of micro data as well as to original empirical analysis of aggregate data.
Stochastic differential equation models for spatially distributed neurons and propagation of chaos for interacting systems.

Abstract Distribution of nuclear space-valued stochastic differential equations (SDEs) (diffusions as well as discontinuous equations) are discussed as stochastic models for the behavior of voltage potentials of spatially distributed neurons. A propagation of chaos result is obtained for an interacting system of Hilbert space-valued SDEs.
Who is counseled to lose weight? Survey results and anthropometric data from 3,149 lower socioeconomic women.

Because obesity is a grave public health concern, this study examined the percentage of disadvantaged women who recalled ever having received weight loss advice from a healthcare provider and factors associated with such advice. This study was part of a 5-clinic, cervical cancer prevention trial. Patients not immediately post-partum completed a Spanish/English survey; height and weight were also obtained. Of the 3,149 respondents (response rate 83%), 2,138 (68%) were overweight or obese (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25); 94% reported a household income of <$35,000/year; 69% were Hispanic; 10% non-Hispanic black; and 40% completed the survey in Spanish. Only one-third reported ever having been told to lose weight. Based on BMI, these rates were 15% in the 25–29.9 range (overweight); 34% within 30–34.9; 57% within 35–39.9; and 73% ≥ 40. In univariate analyses, among overweight women, diabetes or English-speaking was associated with weight loss advice. In multivariate analyses, being older, more educated, and diabetic were associated with such advice. 48% of non-Hispanic whites, 31% of non-Hispanic blacks, and 29% of Hispanic had a home scale. Among disadvantaged women, obesity alone does not determine who recalls weight loss advice. Language barriers and lack of a home scale merit further study to address obesity.
Tuberculosis in umbilical cord blood transplant recipients: clinical characteristics and challenges

Tuberculosis in umbilical cord blood transplant recipients: clinical characteristics and challenges
Byssinosis: airway constrictor response to cotton bracts.

Inhalation of aqueous extracts of cotton bracts by healthy human volunteers induces reversible lung function changes and symptoms similar to those experienced by cotton textile workers with byssinosis. This airway constrictor response, maximal after 90–120 min, occurred in 95 out of 105 volunteers. This explains why byssinosis is highly prevalent under adverse conditions in cotton textile mills. The airway constrictor activity is retained in purified extracts of the cotton bracts which contain a small molecular (< 1,000 daltons), watersoluble, heat-stable compound.
Rapid purification of calmodulin and S-100 protein by affinity chromatography with melittin immobilized to sepharose.

Abstract Melittin-Sepharose was prepared for Ca 2+ -dependent affinity chromatography of calmodulin and S-100 protein. This matrix exhibits extremely high capacity (∼ 10 mg calmodulin/ml gel), low nonspecific binding, and excellent recovery (> 90%) under optimal conditions. Recovery of calmodulin from melittin-Sepharose was related to the degree of saturation of column capacity with lower yields when only partial saturation was achieved. Large-scale, simultaneous purification of calmodulin and S-100 protein from brain was carried out using selective adsorption to organomercurial agarose followed by melittin-Sepharose chromatography; yields were 250–300 mg of calmodulin and 200–300 mg of S-100 per kg tissue. Calmodulin also was purified in a single step from bovine testis supernatant using melittin-Sepharose in yields comparable to those from brain.
Kinetic and regulatory properties of HK I(+), a modified form of the type I isozyme of mammalian hexokinase in which interactions between the N- and C-terminal halves have been disrupted.

Abstract A modified form (HK I+) of rat Type I hexokinase (HK I) has been expressed. HK I+ contains a centrally located polyalanine insert which, along with the known helical propensity of adjacent sequence, was expected to lead to α-helix formation, with resulting distension of the molecule and disruption of interactions between the N- and C-terminal halves. The properties of HK I+ are consistent with this expectation and with previous proposals that ( 1 ) inhibition of HK I by Glc-6-P or its analogs and antagonism of this inhibition by Pi result from competition of these ligands for a binding site in the N-terminal half of HK I, with resulting conformational changes propagated through interactions with the catalytic C-terminal half, and ( 2 ) binding of Glc-6-P to a site in the C-terminal half of HK I is obstructed by interactions between the halves, present in HK I but not HK I+.
Computer Aided Modeling of Magnetic Behavior of Embedded Prestressing Strand for Corrosion Estimation

This work presents a novel computer model which simulates the main magnetic flux (MMF) signal of prestressing strand subjected to a magnetic field. Magnetic inspection techniques have been shown to be effective in detecting hidden corrosion in embedded prestressing steel strand. However, such systems are not yet ready for field application. The development of computational models is a key step in making the technology practical. Magnetic behavior of prestressing steel strand is a feature that can be used to determine loss of mass or other defects in the strand. The magnitude of the MMF induced in the strand can be used to estimate the cross-sectional area of healthy steel in the strand. Thus, magnetic properties can be utilized to measure the amount of hidden corrosion in the strands embedded in prestressed bridges and, hence, be used to determine the capacity of the bridge. An MMF electromagnet-based sensor system was recently developed for corrosion detection using the same principle. 2D and 3D models of this sensor are developed using commercially available magnetic field simulation software. The models are validated using laboratory results from tests with prestressing strands using the MMF electromagnet-sensor system. A number of factors including diameter of the strand, thickness of the concrete cover, reluctance in the magnetic circuit and variations due to temperature rise that affect the magnitude of the induced magnetic field are considered. Accuracy of the model is compared with laboratory and theoretical values. The computational model can be used to estimate corrosion from field test results and advance the development of the MMF electromagnet-sensor system.
Learning Evaluation: blending quality improvement and implementation research methods to study healthcare innovations

In healthcare change interventions, on-the-ground learning about the implementation process is often lost because of a primary focus on outcome improvements. This paper describes the Learning Evaluation, a methodological approach that blends quality improvement and implementation research methods to study healthcare innovations. Learning Evaluation is an approach to multi-organization assessment. Qualitative and quantitative data are collected to conduct real-time assessment of implementation processes while also assessing changes in context, facilitating quality improvement using run charts and audit and feedback, and generating transportable lessons. Five principles are the foundation of this approach: (1) gather data to describe changes made by healthcare organizations and how changes are implemented; (2) collect process and outcome data relevant to healthcare organizations and to the research team; (3) assess multi-level contextual factors that affect implementation, process, outcome, and transportability; (4) assist healthcare organizations in using data for continuous quality improvement; and (5) operationalize common measurement strategies to generate transportable results. Learning Evaluation principles are applied across organizations by the following: (1) establishing a detailed understanding of the baseline implementation plan; (2) identifying target populations and tracking relevant process measures; (3) collecting and analyzing real-time quantitative and qualitative data on important contextual factors; (4) synthesizing data and emerging findings and sharing with stakeholders on an ongoing basis; and (5) harmonizing and fostering learning from process and outcome data. Application to a multi-site program focused on primary care and behavioral health integration shows the feasibility and utility of Learning Evaluation for generating real-time insights into evolving implementation processes. Learning Evaluation generates systematic and rigorous cross-organizational findings about implementing healthcare innovations while also enhancing organizational capacity and accelerating translation of findings by facilitating continuous learning within individual sites. Researchers evaluating change initiatives and healthcare organizations implementing improvement initiatives may benefit from a Learning Evaluation approach.
A retrospective analysis of inpatient utilization of paliperidone palmitate and readmission rates

Introduction: This study evaluated pharmacoeconomic considerations, specifically drug cost and patient readmission rates, of the non-formulary agent paliperidone palmitate, within the Alegent Creighton Health system. Pharmacy reimbursement rates for paliperidone palmitate are better on an outpatient versus inpatient basis. Given the low reimbursement rates for inpatient psychiatric care and the high cost of paliperidone palmitate, the drug cost could be justified if patients who received the injection demonstrated a subsequent reduction in readmission. Methods: The electronic medical record was used to identify patients who received at least one inpatient injection of paliperidone palmitate within the Alegent Creighton Health system from January 2010 – April 2012. Indication, dose, administration date, concurrent antipsychotics, length of stay (LOS), discharge date, and time to readmission were also recorded. Finance reports determined hospital cost and reimbursement for each inpatient stay and pharmacy c...