cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: high-resolution CT, chest radiographic, and functional correlations.

Study objective To determine whether a correlation exists between pulmonary function and both frontal chest radiographs and high-resolution chest CT findings in patients with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). Design Retrospective review of radiographic and clinical data. Setting Tertiary referral hospital. Patients Seven patients with PAP were studied on 25 occasions using high-resolution chest CT (n=21), frontal chest radiographs (n=19), and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) (n=25). Measurements and results Visual estimates of the extent, degree, and overall severity of parenchymal abnormalities were determined for plain radiographs and high-resolution chest CT, and were correlated with PFTs. With high-resolution CT, the extent and severity of ground-glass opacity correlated significantly with the presence of a restrictive ventilatory defect, reduced diffusing capacity, and hypoxemia. Chest radiographic findings also correlated significantly with restrictive ventilatory defect, diffusing capacity, and hypoxemia. Conclusion In patients with PAP, although high-resolution CT correlates more closely with pulmonary function, plain radiographs should be sufficient for follow-up.
Neutropenia in 6 ethnic groups from the Caribbean and the U.S.

BACKGROUND. Low white blood cell counts (WBC) or absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) may delay or prevent the completion of appropriate chemotherapy, especially among women receiving adjuvant therapy for breast and colon cancer, and affect cancer survival. Because race/ethnicity is also associated with survival, the authors compared WBC and ANC in healthy American-born women of African descent and European descent, and women from Barbados/Trinidad-Tobago, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica. METHODS. Blood samples from 261 healthy women ages 20 to 70 years were tested for WBC with differential, cytokine and growth factor levels, and ancestry informative and neutrophil elastase polymorphisms. The authors analyzed the association between neutropenia and serum WBC growth factor levels, cytokine levels, and neutrophil elastase c199a polymorphism. RESULTS. The median WBC and ANC differed among the 6 groups (P < .01 for WBC and P < .0001 for ANC). Dominicans were found to have higher median WBC and ANC than all other groups (P < .03). Neutropenia (ANC < 1500 cu/mm) was observed among 2.7% to 12.5% of the groups of predominantly African descent; no other groups were found to have neutropenia (P < .05). Granulocyte–colony-stimulating factor was found to be lower in white women, but tumor necrosis factor-α and C–reactive protein were not found to be correlated with ethnicity. Women of African origin were more likely to have polymorphisms of African ancestry (P < .001) and c199a alleles (P < .0001), which were also associated with low ANC levels. CONCLUSIONS. In the current study, the authors observed a strong association between neutropenia and African descent among asymptomatic women from the U.S. and the Caribbean. Among women of African descent who develop a malignancy, this association may contribute to racial disparities in treatment and outcomes. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Pollen-collecting by stingless bees on cacao flowers

Stingless bees (Trigona jaty) routinely visit the flowers ofTheobroma cacao (Sterculiaceae) in the Atlantic lowlands of Costa Rica. The bees collect pollen and behave as pollen thieves in flowers well exposed to direct sunlight in cacao plantations, and avoid flowers in heavy shade. Pollination rates are maximized, however, in heavy shade due to the high abundance of the small-bodied pollinating midges (Ceratopogonidae and Cecidomyiidae) found in such places. Pollen-thieving by stingless bees, therefore, may only impact on fruit set in cacao trees in direct sunlight, with only minimal to no impact in areas of cacao where natural pollinator activity is high.
HEART RATE VARIABILITY IN METABOLIC SYNDROME

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. It is also associated with insulin resistance (glucose intolerance) and obesity or overweight 1,2 . According to the International Diabetes Federation, a quarter of the world’s adult population has MetS, and more cases are diagnosed in males over 40 years of age 1
Pavlov's moth: olfactory learning and spike timing–dependent plasticity

Spike-timing dependent plasticity is a favored synaptic mechanism for learning. However, a surprising new study by Ito and colleagues in the insect mushroom body suggests that it cannot account for a paradigmatic form of learning.
New Methodology For Infrared Focal Plane Configuration Analysis

We have developed a new, systematic approach to analyzing the effects of different infrared mosaic focal plane geometrical configurations in order that a confkguration may be selected which is best for a particular application. This approach has been incorporated into a computer simulation program. The program provides a quantitative and graphical methodology which can be used to assess the performance of user-specified focal plane geometries when used in combination with specified target complexes. To do this, simulated detector signal data are first calculated. These data are used to directly develop an apparent image, or map, of the scene. Recently-developed techniques used to survey and map the sky at X-ray wavelengths have been modified appropriately for the infrared focal plane situation in order to do this. Once a map is developed, it is compared to the known target complex characteristics in order to assess its validity. Various focal planes and different instrumental noise levels can be used with a single reference scene in order to select a best focal plane configuration. The simulation will be described by reviewing a recent example application.
PERSONALITY CORRELATES OF AGE AND LIFE ROLES IN ADULT WOMEN

The association between age/family stage, career role, and personality traits was studied using a multivariate statistical approach. Young adult, midlife, and older women from four role groups—homemaker, married career, single career, and student—were compared on a number of personality measures including achievement motivation, affiliation, autonomy, cultural sex role characteristics, self esteem, and adjustment. While some of the expected group differences did not appear, some significant age and role differences were found. Older women showed less achievement motivation and had a greater need for affiliation than young adult and midlife women. Career women had a more internalized locus of control than homemakers and students. When age and role were considered together, the age-role groups were differentiated on autonomy, femininity, and adjustment. There were no differences between either age or role groups on measures of self-esteem, well-being, socialization, or other personality variables.
Developmentally Informed Research on the Effectiveness of Clinical Trials: A Primer for Assessing How Developmental Issues May Influence Treatment Responses Among Adolescents With Alcohol Use Problems

The goal of this article is to familiarize readers with the adolescent developmental issues and processes most likely to affect responses to treatment for alcohol use problems. Although the need for research that blends developmental science and treatment outcome research is widely acknowledged, scant information exists about developmentally informed approaches to treatment research with alcohol-abusing teens. Exactly how developmental issues may influence treatment responses among adolescents with alcohol use problems remains an open question. In the hope of moving developmentally informed research forward, this article reports findings from a literature review regarding the degree to which developmental issues and processes have been considered in adolescent alcohol treatment research. Moreover, promising concepts and methods from applied developmental science are discussed, as are various developmental processes and transitions that may influence adolescent risk behavior. Finally, guidance is provided regarding how applied developmental science conceptualizations and methods may be incorporated successfully into randomized, clinical trials with adolescents with alcohol use problems.
C-Axis Resistivity of SbCl 5 -Graphite in Hopg and Single Crystal Forms

C-axis electrical resistivities were measured from 2-300K on SbCl 5 -graphite intercalation compounds, using both HOPG and single crystals as host materials. The resistivity of these compounds is up to an order of magnitude higher (˜10 −2 Ωm) than that of pure HOPG graphite. Yet, for stage n≤3 (in the case of HOPG), a metallic temperature dependence of ρ C is observed throughout the entire investigated range. Higher stage compounds show metallic behavior at high temperatures, but exhibit a crossover to an activated dependence as the temperature is lowered. All samples show hysteretic behavior with cycling. A model, based on defect-mediated short-circuiting channels, is proposed to account for the existence of a metallic temperature dependence in conjunction with large resistivity.
Effects of a suppressor tone on distortion product otoacoustic emissions fine structure: why a universal suppressor level is not a practical solution to obtaining single-generator DP-grams.

Objectives The use of a suppressor tone has been proposed as the method of choice in obtaining single-generator distortion product (DP) grams, the speculation being that such DP grams will be more predictive of hearing thresholds. Current distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) theory points to the ear canal DPOAE signal being a complex interaction between multiple components. The effectiveness of a suppressor tone is predicted to be dependent entirely on the relative levels of these components. We examine the validity of using a suppressor tone through a detailed examination of the effects of a suppressor on DPOAE fine structure in individual ears. Design DPOAE fine structure, recorded in 10 normal-hearing individuals with a suppressor tone at 45, 55, and 65 dB SPL, was compared with recordings without a suppressor. Behavioral hearing thresholds were also measured in the same subjects, using 2-dB steps. Results The effect of the suppressor tone on DPOAE fine structure varied between ears and was dependent on frequency within ears. Correlation between hearing thresholds and DPOAE level measured without a suppressor was similar to previous reports. The effects of the suppressor are explained in the theoretical framework of a model involving multiple DPOAE components. Conclusions Our results suggest that a suppressor tone can have highly variable effects on fine structure across individuals or even across frequency within one ear, thereby making the use of a suppressor less viable as a clinical tool for obtaining single-generator DP grams.
New flow dissipation mechanisms in superfluid 3He.

We have studied the flow of superfluid ${}^{3}\mathrm{He}\ensuremath{-}B$ forced through small apertures. There are unexpectedly large dissipative currents, which can be described by two independent processes. One process involves the creation of quasiparticles within the aperture and their subsequent acceleration in the ambient pressure gradient. The second process involves the dissipative precession of a texture in a geometry-induced anisotropic order parameter. For both mechanisms we make a simple estimate of the relevant effect and find these agree well with the data.
Stability Theory and Algebra

There are two origins for first-order theories. One type of theory arises by generalizing the common features of a number of different structures, e.g. the theory of groups, and formulating a set of axioms to encode these common features. Here the set of axioms is well understood, frequently it is finite or at least recursive, but there usually is no clear understanding of all the logical consequences of these axioms. The second type of theory arises by considering the set, T = Th( A ), of all sentences true in a fixed structure A , 3 e.g. the theory of arithmetic ( N , +, 0) or the theory of the field of complex numbers (alias: the theory of algebraically closed fields of characteristic zero). The second case gives little more insight as to the truth in A (i.e. membership in T ) of a given sentence ∅. But it does guarantee that for a given sentence ∅, either ∅ or ¬∅ is in T , that is, that T is a complete theory. When does a theory T of the first type, i.e. with well-understood axioms, posses this completeness property? An obvious sufficient condition is that T be secretly of the second type, that it have only one model, or, in jargon, T is categorical. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your point of view) for any theory with an infinite model, the Lowenheim-Skolem theorem shows this to be impossible: The theory has a model in every infinite power. In the mid-50's Łoś and Vaught discovered that if a theory T with no finite models is categorical in some infinite power α (all models with cardinality α are isomorphic) then T is complete. We will be dealing below with countable complete theories and will assume, unless stated to the contrary, that each theory has no finite models.
An Evaluation of the Use of Statistical Methodology in the Journal of Infectious Diseases

One hundred fourteen articles published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases in 1982 were evaluated for the occurrence of eight commonly made statistical errors. Seventy-one percent of Original Articles and 50% of presentations in the Data Forum used statistical methods to analyze results. Almost all of the articles that used statistics contained at least one statistical error. The most common inadequacy, which occurred in 95% of the articles with statistical data, was the statement of a probability value without a complete summary of the statistical results. The most common error was the failure to include a correction for multiple comparisons. These results suggest that a more clearly stated statistical policy, a more explicit set of instructions to authors, and closer editorial attention to statistical methodology, perhaps at the prepublication phase, would improve the validity of articles published in the Journal.
Total Trust and Trust Asymmetry: Does Trust Need to Be Equally Distributed in Interfirm Relationships?

Interfirm supply chain relationships can be an important driver of firm performance and sustainable competitive advantage. Successful supply chain relationships have been shown to reduce costs, increase service, and improve financial performance. However, in order to truly leverage the power of collaborative supply chain initiatives, relationship partners must trust each other. The purpose of this research is to take a deeper look at the concept of trust and to more precisely specify how trust impacts interfirm relationships. Therefore, this conceptual literature review uses applicable theory to introduce the interdependent concepts of total trust and trust asymmetry. This research addresses a gap in the relationship literature by exploring the potential effects of total trust and trust asymmetry on collaborative behaviors in interfirm supply chain relationships. The strategic performance implications of total trust and trust asymmetry may offer critical insight into the reasons why interfirm supply chain...
The Occupational Therapist as Case Manager in an Adult Day Health Care Setting

Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) is a new Veterans Administration Research Program designed to offer elderly veterans day hospital and rehabilitative care to prevent nursing home placement. ADHC is the liaison between the hospital and the community with care provided by an interdisciplinary team using the case manager approach. This article reviews the program and the role of the ADHC occupational therapist. It illustrates the expanded responsibilities that are encompassed in the position of occupational therapist as case manager.
Chromatographic Characterization of Porous Polymers for Use as Adsorbents in Sampling Columns.

Abstract : A systematic approach for the use of elution chromatography measurements in characterizing polymeric adsorbents is described. A variety of commercially available porous polymeric adsorbents has been evaluated with regard to the chromatographic capacities and efficiencies of the polymers for several organic adsorbates. The results of this work are discussed in terms of a wide range of sampling situations as well as those specific systems which have been investigated.
Micromorphic observation of soil alteration by earthworms.

Abstract Thin section methodology was used to examine soils from laboratory experiments and from experimental field plots for effects of earthworms on soil microfabrics. Samples of loamy sand or sandy clay loam were incubated with the earthworm Lumbricus rubellus . Field samples of similar soil texture were collected from experimental plots treated with conventional or no-tillage management for 5 years. All samples were subjected to thin sectioning and microscopic examination for fabric and porosity characteristics. In both sandy and clayey soil, fewer and smaller voids were present adjacent to earthworm channels compared with bulk soil. Additionally, clay domains in the clayey soil were oriented into a porostriated b-fabric adjacent to the earthworm channel, suggesting that compaction and reorientation of the soil occurred as the channels were formed. In the sandy soil, plasma (clay, organic matter, and clay-organic complexes) coatings were observed along the channel walls, and two forms of earthworm castings were observed; (1) castings deposited within channels and composed of coarse sand grains that had been depleted of plasma; and (2) castings deposited on the surface which appeared t to have fewer coarse sand grains and more plasma bridging between sand grains, compared with bulk soil. These grain size and plasma relationships between channel and surface castings suggest that earthworms passed coarse sand grains through their gut and deposited them in the channel. Plasma removed from the coarse grains appeared to be incorporated with plasma associated with the finer sand and deposited along the channel wall or as castings at the soil surface. Similar features were observed in and around macropores from field soils, suggesting similar effects of earthworms in relatively undisturbed soils from no-tillage agroecosystems. Particle reorientation along channel walls, compaction of particles adjacent to channel walls, and organic linings may limit water movement from earthworm burrows into the bulk soil, with possible impacts on solute movement and retention in the soil.
Enhanced backoff scheme in CSMA/CA for IEEE 802.11

An enhanced CSMA/CA (carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance) protocol to be used in the medium access control (MAC) layer of the IEEE 802.11 standard for wireless local area networks (wireless LANs) is proposed in this work. In wireless LANs, the CSMA/CA protocol supports asynchronous data transfer, and adopts an acknowledgment mechanism to confirm successful transmissions and a handshaking mechanism to reduce collisions. In both cases, a binary exponential backoff mechanism is used. The enhanced protocol improves the exponential backoff scheme by dynamically adjusting the contention window (CW) around the optimal value. Moreover, an analytical model based on the Markov chain is developed to analyze the system performance in terms of throughput and delay. Numerical results are presented to show the effect of the proposed backoff mechanism.
Distributed Cross-Layer Protocol Design for Magnetic Induction Communication in Wireless Underground Sensor Networks

Wireless underground sensor networks (WUSNs) enable many applications such as underground pipeline monitoring, power grid maintenance, mine disaster prevention, and oil upstream monitoring among many others. While the classical electromagnetic waves do not work well in WUSNs, the magnetic induction (MI) propagation technique provides constant channel conditions via small size of antenna coils in the underground environments. In this paper, instead of adopting currently layered protocols approach, a distributed cross-layer protocol design is proposed for MI-based WUSNs. First, a detailed overview is given for different communication functionalities from physical to network layers as well as the QoS requirements of applications. Utilizing the interactions of different layer functionalities, a distributed environment-aware protocol, called DEAP, is then developed to satisfy statistical QoS guarantees and achieve both optimal energy savings and throughput gain concurrently. Simulations confirm that the proposed cross-layer protocol achieves significant energy savings, high throughput efficiency and dependable MI communication for WUSNs.
Experimental investigation of compression failure of sandwich specimens with face/core debond

An experimental study of the in-plane compressive failure mechanism of foam cored sandwich specimens with an implanted through-width face/core debond is presented. Tests were conducted on sandwich specimens with glass/vinylester and carbon/epoxy face sheets over various PVC foam cores. Observation of the response of the specimens during testing showed that failure occurred by buckling of the debonded face sheet, followed by rapid debond growth towards the ends of the specimen. The compression strength of the sandwich specimens containing a debond decreased quite substantially with increasing debond size. A high-density core resulted in less strength decrease at any given debond size. Examination of the failure surfaces after separation of the face sheet and core revealed traces of core material deposited on the face sheet evidencing cohesive core failure. The amount of core material adhered to the face sheet decreased with increasing foam density indicating increasing tendency for core/resin interfacial failure.
Organizational Leadership and Its Impact On Social Workers' Job Satisfaction: A National Study

ABSTRACT This article reports the results of a national study focusing on leader behavior and job satisfaction of BSW and MSW social workers employed in social service agencies. A stratified, systematic, randomly selected sample of 2,500 social workers who are members of NASW in the United States was surveyed through the use of a mailed questionnaire. The final sample was composed of 833 practicing MSW and BSW social workers. A key finding is that organizational leadership impacts job satisfaction. Academic programs need to expand their curricula to address leadership development and offer separate courses on leadership to prepare students for organizational leadership roles.
Self-assembled smooth muscle cell tissue rings exhibit greater tensile strength than cell-seeded fibrin or collagen gel rings.

In this study, we created self-assembled smooth muscle cell (SMC) tissue rings (comprised entirely of cells and cell-derived matrix; CDM) and compared their structure and material properties with tissue rings created from SMC-seeded fibrin or collagen gels. All tissue rings were cultured statically for 7 days in supplemented growth medium (with e-amino caproic acid, ascorbic acid, and insulin-transferrin-selenium), prior to uniaxial tensile testing and histology. Self-assembled CDM rings exhibited ultimate tensile strength and stiffness values that were two-fold higher than fibrin gel and collagen gel rings. Tensile testing of CDM, fibrin gel and collagen gel rings treated with deionized water to lyse cells showed little to no change in mechanical properties relative to untreated ring samples, indicating that the ECM dominates the measured ring mechanics. In addition, CDM rings cultured in supplemented growth medium were significantly stronger than CDM rings cultured in standard, unsupplemented growth medium. These results illustrate the potential utility of self-assembled cell rings as model CDM constructs for tissue engineering and biomechanical analysis of ECM material properties.
The Flexible Organism

Ecological Developmental Biology Integrating Epigenetics, Medicine, and Evolution by Scott F. Gilbert and David Epel Sinauer Associates, Sunderland, MA, 2009. 496 pp. $49.95. ISBN 9780878932993. Gilbert and Epel focus on embryonic and larval development of metazoans to explore where "embryology meets the real world."
Consumer Preferences for Organic Standards: Does the Final Rule Reflect Them?

ABSTRACT This paper compares the USDA National Organic Program Final Rule with consumer preferences. Results of a survey administered to a group of current consumers of organic food indicate that most consumers prefer the stricter version of standards and will pay to avoid the “Big 3” (Genetically Modified Organisms, Municipal Sewage Sludge (a.k.a., Biosolids) and Irradiation) in organic food. Welfare impacts of the Rule are measured. Regression results suggest those most willing to pay to avoid the Big 3. Implications of these results for public policy and private firm strategy are discussed.
Two-part surgical neck fractures of the proximal part of the humerus. A biomechanical evaluation of two fixation techniques.

Background: Successful internal fixation of fractures of the surgical neck of the humerus can be difficult to achieve because of osteopenia of the proximal aspect of the humerus. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical stability of a proximal humeral intramedullary nail and a locking plate for the treatment of a comminuted two-part fracture of the surgical neck in a human cadaver model. Methods: Twenty-four cadaveric humeri were instrumented with use of either a titanium proximal humeral nail (PHN) or a 3.5-mm locking compression plate for the proximal part of the humerus (LCP-PH). The specimens were matched by bone mineral density and were separated into four experimental groups with six humeri in each: PHN bending, LCP-PH bending, PHN torsion, or LCP-PH torsion. Comminuted fractures of the surgical neck were simulated by excising a 10-mm wedge of bone. Bending specimens were cyclically loaded from 0 to 7.5 Nm of varus bending moment at the fracture site. Torsion specimens were cyclically loaded to ±2 Nm of axial torque. The mean and maximum displacement in bending, mean and maximum angular rotation in torsion, and stiffness of the bone-implant constructs were compared. Results: In bending, the LCP-PH group demonstrated significantly less mean displacement of the distal fragment than did the PHN group over 5000 cycles (p = 0.002). In torsion, the LCP-PH group demonstrated significantly less mean angular rotation than did the PHN group over 5000 cycles (p = 0.04). A significant number of specimens in the PHN group failed prior to reaching 5000 cycles (p = 0.04). The LCP-PH implant created a significantly stiffer bone-implant construct than did the PHN implant (p = 0.007). Conclusions: The LCP proximal humeral plate demonstrated superior biomechanical characteristics compared with the proximal humeral nail when tested cyclically in both cantilevered varus bending and torsion. The rate of early failure of the proximal humeral nail could reflect the high moment transmitted to the locking proximal screw-bone interface in this implant. Clinical Relevance: The high failure rate in torsion of the proximal humeral nail-bone construct is concerning, and, with relatively osteoporotic bone and early motion, the results could be poor.
Analysis of angular dependent resistance measurements on IrMn-based spin valves using a finite pinning model

The magnetoresistance of IrMn based spin valve sheet films has been measured as a function of applied field orientation and temperature. Analysis of these angular resolved results allows the separation of the magnetic response of each ferromagnetic layer in the structure. Specifically, the data are fitted to a model of magnetoresistive response that accounts for giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effects between the two layers and anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) effects within each layer. Both the pinned and free ferromagnetic layers are assumed to be single domains. Additionally, the free layer is assumed to follow the applied field, while the pinned layer follows the vector sum of the applied field and the pinning field. From the fitting results, several parameters are separated quantitatively, including the resistance change associated with GMR and AMR effects, the misalignment angle for the pinned layer, the angular excursion of the pinned layer under external field, the. average current direction and the thermal coefficient of resistance. This analysis can support the design of spin valve readers, especially when extended to the determination of the canting angle of the pinned direction for patterned devices.
Supraventricular tachycardia after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery and fluid and electrolyte variables.

Abstract Objective To explore the relationship between fluid and electrolyte variables and the development of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Design Retrospective chart review. Random selection from a list obtained from the medical records department and with use of the International Classification of Diseases code to identify patients under-going their initial CABG. Setting Medical records department of a southeastern 600-bed urban referral hospital with a large cardiovascular surgical program. Patients Forty patients experiencing SVT and 40 patients not experiencing SVT during their stay in an intensive care unit after CABG. Outcome Measure Fluid and electrolyte variables and the development of SVT in the intensive care unit after CABG. Variables Data collected included preoperative demographic variables such as age and gender; previous history of SVT, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrest, previous surgery, diabetes, hypertension, valve disease, tobacco use, obesity; preoperative and postoperative medications; postoperative laboratory values of potassium, calcium, and magnesium; intravenous intake; hourly urine output; and chest tube drainage. Results Demographic variables revealed that patients with SVT were older ( p =0.001) and had a higher incidence of preoperative SVT ( p =0.04). Although groups did not differ by numbers of patients with high or low potassium, calcium, or magnesium, patients receiving additional intravenous potassium by bolus after surgery had a higher incidence of SVT ( p =0.02). Patients who lost blood via the chest tube at a rate greater than 100 ml per hour for at least 1 hour after surgery had a higher incidence of SVT ( p =0.02). Patients with a urine output greater than 300 ml per hour for longer than 9 hours had an increased incidence of SVT ( p =0.02). In the patients experiencing SVT, 62% had it occur 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Conclusions These data suggest that shifts in fluid and electrolytes may be important characteristics of patients in whom SVT will develop, which could lead to better identification and nursing management of SVT and improve hemodynamic status, patient recovery, and cost after CABG.
Development of responses to vaginal secretion and other substances in golden hamsters

The sniffing preferences of hamsters (7–64 days of age) toward a variety of chemical stimuli were studied. Male and female pups displayed the same pattern of responses to a variety of chemical stimuli during the nestling period: pups displayed little sniffing or licking at 7 and 10 days of age, much greater responses at 14 days, and low but consistent responses at 17 and 20 days of age. It is suggested that these results reflect a maturational stage in some part of the olfactory projection system. Responses to the vaginal secretion were generally greater than responses to the other stimuli, and the possibility that this substance functions briefly to attract pups to the mother is discussed. Juvenile hamsters (28–64 days of age) tested for their responses to the odor of the vaginal secretion displayed striking sexual differences which first appeared at the time of puberty in males (40–43 days of age). These sex differences seem to be due to changes in circulating levels of testosterone, since both male and female pups injected with testosterone propionate showed high levels of response to the secretion at 25 days of age, and adult, ovariectomized females also responded vigorously to the odor of the secretion when receiving such injections. These results also suggest that neonatal testosterone is not necessary for the testosterone-dependent attraction to the vaginal secretion.
Pharmacology of vasopressin antagonists

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is characterized by fluid and water retention, which frequently is a therapeutic challenge. Most conventional diuretics act primarily as saluretics, i.e. they inhibit renal tubular electrolyte reabsorption, which due to osmotic pressure promotes excretion of isotonic fluid. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) via the V1A receptor vasoconstricts and via the V2 receptor promotes water reabsorption in the renal collecting duct by inserting aquaporin-2 water channels into the luminal membrane. Novel V2 receptor antagonists act as powerful aquaretics, i.e. they excrete free water. We review the pharmacology of non-selective V1A/V2 receptor antagonists and selective V2 receptor antagonists currently in clinical development.
The dV/dt capability of MOS-gated thyristors

In this paper, a detailed study of the dV/dt capability of MOS-gated thyristors is performed. It is shown that in addition to the conventional mode of dV/dt-induced turn-on in thyristors, termed the intrinsic mode, there exists another distinct mode of dV/dt-induced turn-on, peculiar to the MOS-gated thyristor structure, which the authors term the extrinsic dV/dt mode. The effective dV/dt capability is determined by both modes and is degraded by the presence of an external gate-cathode resistance and parasitic gate-anode capacitance. The existence of these two modes of dV/dt-induced turn-on is demonstrated experimentally, and the effect of device parameters on the dV/dt capability is studied.
The nEDM experiment at the SNS

The nEDM collaboration proposes to measure the neutron electric dipole moment at the Spallation Neutron Source (Oak Ridge National Laboratory). The nEDM is a clear signature of CP violation. According to the Standard Model the nEDM is very small (∼10−31 e cm), but many theories predict much higher values. In the proposed experiment polarized cold neutrons from the SNS would be trapped in liquid helium at a temperature of about 400 mK. The neutron spin would precess in a very uniform magnetic field (H ∼ 30 mG), and the experiment would measure the change in the precession frequency when a very strong electric field (E ∼ 50 kV/cm) is applied. Polarized 3He atoms serve as a co-magnetometer. The goal of the experiment is to measure the nEDM with an accuracy of ∼9 × 10−28 e cm, which is more than an order of magnitude better than existing results.
Sulfide-hemoglobin interactions in the sulfide-tolerant salt marsh resident, the California killifish Fundulus parvipinnis

Sulfide can potentially damage hemoglobin or be detoxified by hemoglobin. In the sulfide-tolerant California killifish neither seems to be the case at environmentally realistic (micromolar) and physiologically relevant (millimolar) sulfide concentrations. An 8-h exposure of killifish to 5 and 8 mmol sulfide · 1-1 results in 50–100% mortality, but not due to sulfhemoglobin (where sulfide covalently binds to the porphyrin) nor ferric hemoglobin (Hb+), both dysfunctional hemoglobin derivatives. Killifish hemoglobin converts to sulfhemoglobin in vitro only in the presence of 1–5 mmol sulfide · 1-1. The amount of sulfhemoglobin formed increases with time and heme concentration but decreases with pH. Hb+ binds sulfide as ferric hemoglobin sulfide (Hb+S, an unstable complex where sulfide ligates to the iron), and also as sulfhemoglobin. Killifish blood does not catalyze the oxidation of 10–500 μmol sulfide · 1-1 to any appreciable extent. Radiolabeled sulfide incubated with oxyhemoglobin or whole blood disappears at rates greater than in buffers, but only minimal amounts of thiosulfate and no sulfate nor sulfite are formed (elemental sulfur and bound sulfide not quantified). Sulfide disappearance rates increase linearly with initial sulfide concentration. Hb+ does catalyze the oxidation of sulfide to thiosulfate in vitro. Similar experiments on another sulfide-tolerant species, the long-jawed mudsucker Gillichthys mirabilis, produced similar results.
Size Distribution and Velocity of Ethanol Drops in a Rocket Combustor Burning Ethanol and Liquid Oxygen

Single jets of ethanol were studied photomicrographically inside a rocket chamber as they broke up into sprays of drops which underwent simultaneous acceleration and vaporization with chemical reaction occurring in the surrounding combustion gas stream. In each rocket test-firing, liquid oxygen was used as the oxidant. Both drop velocity and drop size distribution data were obtained from photomicrographs of the ethanol drops taken with an ultra-high speed tracking camera developed at NASA, Lewis Research Center.
Rapid Eddy-Induced Modification of Subtropical Mode Water during the Kuroshio Extension System Study

AbstractFrom 2004 to 2006 an observational array of current- and pressure-recording inverted echo sounders (CPIES) were deployed as part of the Kuroshio Extension (KEx) System Study (KESS). KESS observed a transition from a weakly meandering (“stable”) to strongly meandering (“unstable”) state (Qiu and Chen). As the KEx made this transition, potential vorticity (PV) observed within the southern recirculation gyre (SRG) rapidly increased from January to July 2005. In this study, the authors diagnose eddy PV fluxes (EPVFs) in isentropic coordinates within the subtropical mode water (STMW) layer from the CPIES data to determine the role of mesoscale eddies in this rapid increase of PV.The rapid increase in PV within the SRG coincided with enhanced cross-front EPVFs and eddy PV flux convergence upstream of a mean trough in the KEx path and adjacent to the SRG. The enhanced cross-front EPVFs were the result of the formation of a cold-core ring (CCR) and the interaction of the jet with a preexisting CCR. Eddy d...
Mechanism of Assembly of G Protein βγ Subunits by Protein Kinase CK2-phosphorylated Phosducin-like Protein and the Cytosolic Chaperonin Complex

Phosducin-like protein (PhLP) is a widely expressed binding partner of the G protein βγ subunit complex (Gβγ) that has been recently shown to catalyze the formation of the Gβγ dimer from its nascent polypeptides. Phosphorylation of PhLP at one or more of three consecutive serines (Ser-18, Ser-19, and Ser-20) is necessary for Gβγ dimer formation and is believed to be mediated by the protein kinase CK2. Moreover, several lines of evidence suggest that the cytosolic chaperonin complex (CCT) may work in concert with PhLP in the Gβγ-assembly process. The results reported here delineate a mechanism for Gβγ assembly in which a stable ternary complex is formed between PhLP, the nascent Gβ subunit, and CCT that does not include Gγ. PhLP phosphorylation permits the release of a PhLP·Gβ intermediate from CCT, allowing Gγ to associate with Gβ in this intermediate complex. Subsequent interaction of Gβγ with membranes releases PhLP for another round of assembly.
Photopigment radiolabelling as a tool for determining in situ growth rates of the toxic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis (Dinophyceae)

Determination of growth rates of harmful algae is critical to understanding bloom dynamics. However, we have few reliable methods of directly determining in situ growth rates on natural populations. One available method is photopigment radiolabelling, where C-specific growth rates are based on synthesis rates of chlorophylls and carotenoids using 14C-bicarbonate as a tracer. Here, we examined radiolabelling of the biomarker pigment gyroxanthin-diester as a tool for determining in situ growth rates of the toxic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis. We also characterized growth responses of K. brevis to various nitrogenous (N) nutrient sources and the presence or absence of a natural plankton community (including grazers) at two irradiances. We found that gyroxanthin radiolabelling may be used successfully to determine C-specific growth rates of K. brevis during monospecific blooms. However, the approach may be of limited use in mixed assemblages when there is low Karenia biomass because low concentrations of gyro...
Restricted neuronal expression of ubiquitous mitochondrial creatine kinase: Changing patterns in development and with increased activity

Whereas ATP consumption increases with neural activity and is buffered by phosphocreatine (PCr), it is not known whether PCr synthesis by ubiquitous mitochondrial creatine kinase (uMtCK) supports energy metabolism in all neurons. To explore the possibility that uMtCK expression in neurons is modulated by activity and during development, we used immunocytochemistry to detect uMtCK-containing mitochondria. In the adult brain, subsets of neurons including layer Va pyramidal cells, most thalamic nuclei, cerebellar Purkinje cells, olfactory mitral cells and hippocampal interneurons strongly express uMtCK. uMtCK is transiently expressed by a larger group of neurons at birth. Neurons in all cortical layers express uMtCK at birth (P0), but uMtCK is restricted to layer Va by P12. uMtCK is detected in cerebellar Purkinje cells at birth, but localization to dendrites is only observed after P5 and is maximal on P14. Hippocampal CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons contain uMtCK-positive mitochondria at birth, but this pattern becomes progressively restricted to interneurons. Seizures induced uMtCK expression in cortical layers II–III and CA1 pyramidal neurons. In the cortex, but not in CA1, blockade of seizures prevented the induction of uMtCK. These findings support the concept that uMtCK expression in neurons is (1) developmentally regulated in post-natal life, (2) constitutively restricted in the adult brain, and (3) regulated by activity in the cortex and hippocampus. This implies that mitochondrial synthesis of PCr is restricted to those neurons that express uMtCK and may contribute to protect these cells during periods of increased energy demands.
The modified CUSUM algorithm for slow and drastic change detection in general HMMs with unknown change parameters

We study the change detection problem in a general HMM when the change parameters are unknown and the change can be slow or drastic. Drastic changes can be detected easily using the increase in tracking error or the negative log of observation likelihood (OL). But slow changes usually get missed. We have proposed in past work a statistic called ELL which works for slow change detection. Now single time estimates of any statistic can be noisy. Hence we propose a modification of the cumulative sum (CUSUM) algorithm which can be applied to ELL and OL and thus improves both slow and drastic change detection performance.
Downstream economic benefits from storm-water management

Using benefits transfer methods, this paper assesses the downstream economic consequences of development designs that promote greater on-site water retention. It concludes that on-site retention provides many services that are conceptually distinct but empirically intertwined. Flood mitigation and water quality protection are the most important of these services. For residential properties, the economic value of those services is on the order of 0–5% of market value depending on the difference that retention makes to downstream flood exposure. For water quality improvements, the increases range up to 15% of market value for waterside residences where clarity of the water quality is greatly improved. The increases are much less for improvements that are less visible, properties that are not developed, and properties not adjacent to the watercourse. Our best estimate of total benefits to property owners is 2–5% of property value on average for all properties in the flood plain. The public sector realizes additional benefits through smaller bridges, culverts, and other drainage infrastructure and through increased aquifer recharge. Cities and industries may avoid costly upgrades to waste water treatment facilities if low flows increase. It is difficult to generalize about the economic value of the latter effects.
Individual characteristics of whitecaps and volumetric description of bubbles

Measurements of whitecap coverages of the sea surface and air bubbles in the near-surface ocean are presented. Reported data of individual whitecaps are first analyzed; their individual characteristics are used along with global descriptions to determine the spatial density of whitecaps on the sea surface. The influence of water temperature is found to be rather significant in the production of bubbles, and therefore of whitecaps. Consequently, different distributions and coverages are proposed for bubbles and whitecaps in cold and warm waters. The vertical distribution of volumetric concentrations of spatially dispersed bubbles is obtained from that of numerical concentrations. Results of whitecaps and bubbles are compared to further explore physical processes of their productions by the wind. >
The need for an Intersociety Consensus Guideline for venous ulcer

Background The management of venous leg ulcers (VLU) consumes considerable resources in healthcare systems and accounts for up to 1% of healthcare budgets in some industrialized countries. Best practice clinical guidelines incorporate evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations in a cost-effective manner and have been associated with improved quality and less costly outcomes for many diseases. The objective of this study was to determine whether there are common elements in guidelines for VLU and their evidentiary strength. Methods A systematic analysis of guidelines for VLU that were identified through http://clinicaltrials.gov, a government-sponsored Web site, and other Web sites. The proportion of guidelines proposing a recommendation as well as the strength of the guidelines were analyzed. Results Fourteen guidelines were identified, of which 13 were evidence-based, with the majority using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation method. Five were sponsored by a government agency and nine by a medical or nursing society, while nine had been developed or updated within the last 5 years. Ankle/brachial index and venous duplex were recommended in 100% and 64%, respectively, of the guidelines. All recommended wound dressings and high compression, with both at the strongly recommended level of 75% and 77%, respectively. Debridement was suggested in 86%, but only one-third at the strong level. For adjunctive measures, 80% advocated pentoxifylline and approximately 50% physical therapy for improving ankle joint mobility. The majority emphasized the preventive value of compression stockings and surgical reduction of superficial venous hypertension, with a strong recommendation in 58% in the former and 73% in the latter. Conclusions While there are numerous evidence-based guidelines for VLU, there is consensus on strong recommendations for dressings and compression only among the various guidelines. A number of the guideline elements need further study and refinement. To improve patient care and reduce wasted resources, it is imperative for specialty societies to collaborate and develop this consensus document.