cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aggressiveness of care following intracerebral hemorrhage in women and men

OBJECTIVE To compare comorbidities and use of surgery and palliative care between men and women with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). METHODS The Ethnic/Racial Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ERICH) study is a prospective, multicenter, case-control study of ICH risk factors and outcomes. We compared comorbidities, treatments, and use of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders in men vs women. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the likelihood of ICH surgery and palliative care after adjustment for variables that were p < 0.1 in univariate analyses and backward elimination to retain those that were significant (p < 0.05). RESULTS Women were older on average (65.0 vs 59.9, p < 0.0001), and higher proportions of women had previous stroke (24.1% vs 19.3%, p = 0.002), had dementia (6.1% vs 3.4%, p = 0.0007), lived alone (23.1% vs 18.0%, p = 0.0005), and took anticoagulants (12.8% vs 10.1% p = 0.02), compared with men. Men had higher rates of alcohol and cocaine use. After adjusting for age, hematoma volume, and ICH location, there was no difference in rates of surgical treatment by sex (odds ratio [OR] 0.93 for men vs women, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68-1.28, p = 0.67), and there was no difference in DNR/comfort care decisions after adjustment for ICH score, prior stroke, and dementia (OR 0.96, CI 0.77-1.22, p = 0.76). CONCLUSIONS After ICH, women do not receive less aggressive care than men after controlling for the substantial comorbidity differences. Future studies on sex bias should include the presence of comorbidities, prestroke disability, and other factors that may influence management.
Power Distribution Scheduling for Electric Vehicles in Wireless Power Transfer Systems

Electric vehicles (EVs) will become a component of the future generation intelligent transportation system. Because of EVs' limited battery power, the wireless power transfer (WPT) system has drawn much attention in recent years. The WPT system charges EVs in motion when they pass the charging lanes installed in roads without requiring physical contact between utility power supply and vehicle battery. A charging lane has limited power that can be transferred to EVs on the charging lane. A challenge here is how to allocate the limited power to the EVs so that they have sufficient power to arrive at the next charging lane or their destinations (when there are no charging lanes ahead). In this paper, we study this power distribution scheduling problem.We provide solutions to handle this challenge and also achieve each of the following goals as much as possible: i) balancing the state of charge (SOC) of the EVs, ii) balancing the amount of stored power of the EVs, and iii) minimizing the total power charged. This paper is the first work that handles such a power distribution scheduling problem in WPT systems. Our extensive experiments on MatLab and Simulation for Urban MObility (SUMO) show the effectiveness of our scheduling solutions in achieving the different goals compared with other scheduling methods including first-come- first-serve and equal share.
Oxidative Stress Measures of Lipid and DNA Damage in Human Tears.

Purpose We evaluate feasibility and repeatability of measures for lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation in human tears, as well as relationships between outcome variables, and compared our findings to previously reported methods of evaluation for ocular sun exposure. Methods A total of 50 volunteers were seen for 2 visits 14 ± 2 days apart. Tear samples were collected from the inferior tear meniscus using a glass microcapillary tube. Oxidative stress biomarkers were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): lipid peroxidation by measurement of hexanoyl-lysine (HEL) expression; DNA oxidation by measurement of 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguinosone (8OHdG) expression. Descriptive statistics were generated. Repeatability estimates were made using Bland-Altman plots with mean differences and 95% limits of agreement were calculated. Linear regression was conducted to evaluate relationships between measures. Results Mean (±SD) values for tear HEL and 8OHdG expression were 17368.02 (±9878.42) nmol/L and 66.13 (±19.99) ng/mL, respectively. Repeatability was found to be acceptable for both HEL and 8OHdG expression. Univariate linear regression supported tear 8OHdG expression and spring season of collection to be predictors of higher tear HEL expression; tear HEL expression was confirmed as a predictor of higher tear 8OHdG expression. Conclusions We demonstrate feasibility and repeatability of estimating previously unreported tear 8OHdG expression. Seasonal temperature variation and other factors may influence tear lipid peroxidation. Support is demonstrated to suggest lipid damage and DNA damage occur concurrently on the human ocular surface.
Through the looking-glass: How nineteenth century asylums shaped school architecture and notions of intellectual abnormality shaped public education:

This paper utilizes Henri Lefebvre’s work to examine nineteenth century school architecture, in relation to asylums. The deployment of the asylums occurred in unison with the development of public ...
Thyrotoxicosis and Choledocholithiasis Masquerading as Thyroid Storm

A 26-year-old female, thirteen months postpartum, presented to the emergency department for four weeks of epigastric abdominal pain, pruritus, new onset jaundice, and 11.3 kgs (25 lbs) unintentional weight loss. On examination, she was afebrile, tachycardic, alert, and oriented and had jaundice with scleral icterus. Labs were significant for undetectable TSH, FT4 that was too high to measure, and elevated total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and transaminases. Abdominal ultrasound revealed cholelithiasis without biliary ductal dilation. Treatment for presumed thyroid storm was initiated. Further work-up with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) revealed an obstructing cholelith within the distal common bile duct. With the presence of choledocholithiasis explaining the jaundice and abdominal pain, plus the absence of CNS alterations, the diagnosis of thyroid storm was revised to thyrotoxicosis complicated by choledocholithiasis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) with sphincterotomy was performed to alleviate the biliary obstruction, with prompt symptomatic improvement. Thyroid storm is a rare manifestation of hyperthyroidism with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of thyroid storm is based on clinical examination, and abnormal thyroid function tests do not correlate with disease severity. Knowledge of the many manifestations of thyroid storm will facilitate a quick and accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Thermal Population Fluctuations in Two-Dimensional Infrared Spectroscopy Captured with Semiclassical Mechanics.

Time-resolved two-dimensional (2D) infrared spectra of the asymmetric stretch mode of solvated CO2 show distinct features corresponding to ground- and excited-state thermal populations of the bend modes. The time-dependence of these peaks arises in part from solvent-driven thermal fluctuations in populations of the lower-frequency bend modes through their coupling to the higher-frequency asymmetric stretch. This observation illustrates the capacity of multidimensional vibrational spectroscopy to reveal details of the interactions among vibrational modes in condensed phases. The optimized mean-trajectory (OMT) method is a trajectory-based semiclassical approach to computing the vibrational response functions of multidimensional spectroscopy from a classical Hamiltonian. We perform an OMT calculation of the 2D vibrational spectrum for two coupled anharmonic modes, with the lower-frequency mode undergoing stochastic transitions in energy to mimic solvent-induced fluctuations in quantum populations. The semic...
PERSISTENT IPSILATERAL FRONTAL AND SUPRAORBITAL FACIAL PAIN IN A PATIENT WITH A LEFT AXILLARY ARTERY INTRA-AORTIC BALLOON PUMP

Left axillary artery (LAA) intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) permits sitting and ambulation in patients requiring prolonged circulatory support and is associated with a lower infectious risk. This approach is more suitable for patients awaiting a heart transplant or more definitive mechanical support
Metaboreceptor activation in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Linking cardiac and peripheral vascular haemodynamics.

New findings What is the central question of this research? Do patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) exhibit a greater dependence on cardiac or peripheral vascular haemodynamics across multiple levels of muscle metaboreflex activation provoked by postexercise circulatory occlusion? What is the main finding and its importance? The metaboreflex-induced pressor response in HFrEF patients is governed almost entirely by the peripheral circulation, which places a substantial haemodynamic load on the failing heart. This maladaptive response exacerbates the disease-related impairment of systolic function that is a hallmark feature of HFrEF and may therefore contribute to exercise intolerance in this patient group. Abstract We sought to evaluate the muscle metaboreflex in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients, with an emphasis on the interaction between cardiac and peripheral vascular haemodynamics across multiple levels of metaboreceptor activation. In 23 HFrEF patients (63 ± 2 years of age) and 15 healthy control subjects (64 ± 3 years of age), we examined changes in mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, systemic vascular conductance, effective arterial elastance, stroke work and forearm deoxyhaemoglobin concentration during metaboreceptor activation elicited by postexercise circulatory occlusion (PECO) after three levels of static-intermittent handgrip exercise (15, 30 and 45% maximal voluntary contraction). Across workloads, the metaboreflex-induced increase in deoxyhaemoglobin and mean arterial pressure were similar between groups. However, in control subjects, the pressor response was driven by changes (Δ) in cardiac output (Δ495 ± 155, Δ564 ± 156 and Δ666 ± 217 ml min-1 ), whereas this change was accomplished by intensity-dependent reductions in systemic vascular conductance in patients with HFrEF (Δ-4.9 ± 1.5, Δ-9.1 ± 1.9 and Δ-12.7 ± 1.8 ml min mmHg-1 ). This differential response contributed to the exaggerated increases in effective arterial elastance in HFrEF patients compared with control subjects, coupled with a blunted response in stroke work in the HFrEF patients. Together, these findings indicate a preserved role of the metaboreflex-induced pressor response in HFrEF but suggest that this response is governed by changes in the peripheral circulation. The net effect of this response appears to be maladaptive, as it places a substantial haemodynamic load on the left ventricle that may exacerbate left ventricular systolic dysfunction and contribute to exercise intolerance in this patient population.
ORGANELLE BIOGENESIS AND EVOLUTION

Publisher Summary Much of current thinking concerning the biogenesis of organelles of energy conversion rests on a series of assumptions, with some of them explicit and based on sound experimental facts, others implicit and based only on inference and analogy. The chapter presents assumptions for the case of mitochondria. Mitochondria or mitochondria-like bodies that function as mitochondrial analogues or precursors are found in all unicellular eucaryotes cells. Mitochondria arise neither de novo from non-membranous constituents nor do they originate from other non-mitochondrial organelles; instead, they originate by accretion of precursors to pre-existing mitochondria resulting in the growth and division. This continuity and persistence of mitochondrial phenotype depends on and is, at least partially, caused by continuity and persistence of mitochondrial genotype. Individual mitochondria constitute discrete and distinct functional and genetic entities. Their persistence in successive mitochondrial and cellular generations requires the simultaneous participation and mutual interaction of both, their own and the nucleo-cytoplasmic system of gene duplication and expression.
Super obesity and gastric reduction procedures.

SUMMARY Identification and designation of those patients whose estimated ideal weight exceeds 225 per cent as super obese has improved our evaluation of operations designed for treatment of obesity. It has also allowed a more realistic prediction of results, and provided a basis for further study of both the need for, and effectiveness of, further modification of operative treatment of these extremely heavy people. The super obese patient provides a severe test for operative weight control. Much has been accomplished with purely restrictive operations in the super obese group and it is possible that the 50 per cent reduction of excess weight achieved by VBG among these patients is sufficient to prevent the more serious medical complications from extreme obesity.
Annealing Textures in Rolled Face-Centered Cubic Metals

As described by means of quantitative pole figures, the annealing texture of highly rolled aluminum consists of the four retained components of the rolling texture near (123) [121], rather more sharply developed, and of a cube texture component. Local reorientation corresponds fairly well to 40° rotation around a [111] axis. In copper strip rolled 96 pct, the annealing texture is mainly the cube texture, with the four twin orientations as minor components. The annealing texture of highly rolled brass strip consists of four components of the (225) [734] type.
Judicial Trial Skills Training

The University of Minnesota Law School and the Minnesota Supreme Court Office of Continuing Education for State Court Personnel have initiated a unique and dynamic Judicial Trial Skills Training Program. Newly appointed judges participate in videotaped simulated trials designed to present the participating judges with numerous evidentiary and trial relationship issues. The videotapes of these trials are reviewed and critiqued by the participating judge and a senior judge to give the participating judges immediate feedback on their performance. The review session is used to discuss the various skills that judges must develop in order to conduct fair and efficient trials.
PODC 2018 Review

The 2018 ACM Symposium on the Principles of Distributed Computing (PODC 2018) was held on July 23-27, at Royal Holloway, University of London, in Egham, UK (see Figure 1). This venue achieved a nice balance between two opposing desirable features of a conference location: being remote enough to encourage conference participants to attend most of the talks, and being central enough to allow for enjoyable tourism. Royal Holloway is only a 15 minute drive from Windsor Castle (see Figure 2), and about an hour away from central London. This allowed conference attendees to enjoy London before and after the conference, but also created a lively atmosphere in the lecture hall and during breaks, as most conference attendees remained in the area.
The Need for Credibility Guidance for Analyses Quantifying Margin and Uncertainty

Current quantification of margin and uncertainty (QMU) guidance lacks a consistent framework for communicating the credibility of analysis results. Recent efforts at providing QMU guidance have pushed for broadening the analyses supporting QMU results beyond extrapolative statistical models to include a more holistic picture of risk, including information garnered from both experimental campaigns and computational simulations. Credibility guidance would assist in the consideration of belief-based aspects of an analysis. Such guidance exists for presenting computational simulation-based analyses and is under development for the integration of experimental data into computational simulations (calibration or validation), but is absent for the ultimate QMU product resulting from experimental or computational analyses. A QMU credibility assessment framework comprised of five elements is proposed: requirement definitions and quantity of interest selection, data quality, model uncertainty, calibration/parameter estimation, and validation. Through considering and reporting on these elements during a QMU analysis, the decision-maker will receive a more complete description of the analysis and be better positioned to understand the risks involved with using the analysis to support a decision. A molten salt battery application is used to demonstrate the proposed QMU credibility framework.
Testing prediction accuracy in short-term ecological studies

Abstract Applied ecology is based on an assumption that a management action will result in a predicted outcome. Testing the prediction accuracy of ecological models is the most powerful way of evaluating the knowledge implicit in this cause-effect relationship, however, the prevalence of predictive modeling and prediction testing are spreading slowly in ecology. The challenge of prediction testing is particularly acute for small-scale studies, because withholding data for prediction testing (e.g., via k-fold cross validation) can reduce model precision. However, by necessity small-scale studies are common. We use one such study that explored small mammal abundance along an elevational gradient to test prediction accuracy of models with varying degrees of information content. For each of three small mammal species, we conducted 5000 iterations of the following process: (1) randomly selected 75 % of the data to develop generalized linear models of species abundance that used detailed site measurements as covariates, (2) used an information theoretic approach to compare the top model with detailed covariates to habitat type-only and null models constructed with the same data, (3) tested those models’ ability to predict the 25 % of the randomly withheld data, and (4) evaluated prediction accuracy with a quadratic loss function. Detailed models fit the model-evaluation data best but had greater expected prediction error when predicting out-of-sample data relative to the habitat type models. Relationships between species and detailed site variables may be evident only within the framework of explicitly hierarchical analyses. We show that even with a small but relatively typical dataset (n = 28 sampling locations across 125 km over two years), researchers can effectively compare models with different information content and measure models’ predictive power, thus evaluating their own ecological understanding and defining the limits of their inferences. Identifying the appropriate scope of inference through prediction testing is ecologically valuable and is attainable even with small datasets.
Observed Predation of Neotoma magister (Allegheny Woodrat) by Strix varia (Barred Owl) in Virginia

Neotoma magister (Allegheny Woodrat) is a Tier IV species of conservation concern in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Threats across its range include habitat fragmentation, parasites, and predation. Until now, predators have been suggested, but not confidently documented. Here, we use wildlife camera footage to document a predation event of an adult female Allegheny Woodrat by Strix varia (Barred Owl). This is the first documented predation event for this species. Our finding contributes to the growing knowledge of threats to Allegheny Woodrats within their range.
Household Attitudes toward Water Rate Increases Based on Perceptions of Water Service Reliability and Quality: An Exploratory Analysis

AbstractDue to the high costs associated with maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure systems, selecting an appropriate water rate to charge for water service is an important step for water ...
A light scalar explanation of (g - 2) μ and the KOTO anomaly

The KOTO experiment has recently performed a search for neutral Kaons decaying into neutral pions and a pair of neutrinos. Three events were observed in the KOTO signal region, with an expected background of about 0.05. Since no clear signal of systematic errors have been found, the excess of events in the decay KL→ π0ν $$ \overline{v} $$ is quite intriguing. One possibility to explain this anomaly would be the presence of a scalar 𝜙 with mass of the order of the pion mass and inducing decays KL→ π0𝜙 which mimic the observed signal. A scalar with mass of the order of the pion mass and a coupling to muons of the order of the Standard Model Higgs coupling could also explain the muon anomalous magnetic moment anomaly (g − 2)μ. We built on these facts to show that a light singlet scalar with couplings to the leptons and quarks as the ones induced by mixing with Higgs states in two Higgs doublet models may lead to an explanation of both anomalies. More specifically, we show that this is the case in the so-called type-X models in which leptons and quarks couple to two different Higgs doublets, and for scalar masses that are in the range between 40 and 70 MeV. Due to the relatively large coupling to leptons required to fit (g − 2)μ, the scalar lifetime accidentally falls into the sub-nanosecond range which is essential to evade the severe proton beam dump experiments and astrophysical constraints, though it becomes sensitive to constraints from electron beam dump experiments. The additional phenomenological properties of this model are discussed.
Acute Stroke Following Carotid Endarterectomy: Approach and Strategy

Postoperative stroke is a rare complication following carotid endarterectomy (CEA), but a major outcome endpoint in trials and in clinical practice. Many strokes with symptom onset in the immediate postoperative period are due to surgical-site thrombus. For this reason, management has historically consisted of emergent reoperation without angiography. There are, however, multiple possible etiologies for postoperative stroke including intracranial thromboembolism, tandem extracranial-intracranial occlusion, cerebral hemorrhage, and carotid dissection. Moreover, there have been important advances in the endovascular treatment of acute thrombo-embolic stroke using mechanical thrombectomy. Given the various etiologies for postoperative CEA stroke, optimal management remains controversial. Advances in endovascular and imaging techniques have challenged the historical dogma of emergent open carotid reoperation. In this chapter, we will outline the evidence related to postoperative CEA stroke, the various time courses, and etiologies of said postoperative strokes, along with evidence-based rationale to inform clinical decision-making.
Evaluating an Intensive Program to Increase Cultural Intelligence: A Quasi-Experimental Design

This study used a quasi-experimental design to compare the effects of an intercultural development program on students' Cultural Intelligence (CQ) compared with students in a summer research program who did not receive the intervention. Social Learning Theory guided a 9-week student-centered cultural learning course focused on attention, retention, and reproduction of each CQ domain. After the course, students had opportunities to practice their CQ abilities while studying abroad. Pre-assessment CQ determined an individualized learning plan. Reflective journaling and cultural mentoring were used to maximize student CQ growth. Using multi-level modeling, we observed a statistically significant increase in three CQ domains compared to the comparison control group: cognitive (p<.01), metacognitive (p<.01), and behavioral CQ (p<.01). Motivation CQ scores did not significantly improve (p=0.08). Our results suggest that a university intercultural development program that intentionally combines a cultural learning course with a study abroad experience may improve students’ CQ.
The Evolution of a food-animal veterinarian

The presentation describes the complex internal and external effects that led to my career evolving from associate veterinarian to practice owner to staff veterinarian for a large family owned agriculture enterprise, to a technical services veterinarian for a large animal pharmaceutical and services company.
Observations on the Relationships between Endophytic Metarhizium robertsii, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and Maize

Fungi in the genus Metarhizium are entomopathogens that can establish endophytically inside plants and benefit them through growth promotion and pest suppression. Lab- and greenhouse-based experiments were conducted to examine the effects of endophytic M. robertsii colonization in maize (Zea mays) on fall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda). Maize seeds were inoculated with M. robertsii conidia, plants were evaluated for endophytic colonization, and then relative growth rate (RGR) and feeding behavior of larval FAW fed leaves from inoculated and uninoculated maize were measured. Endophytic M. robertsii was recovered from 60.5% of inoculated maize. In feeding bioassays, the RGR of larval FAW fed leaves of inoculated maize was no different than the RGR of larvae fed leaves from uninoculated maize. The RGR of larval FAW was positively correlated with the proportion of endophytic colonization of maize leaf and root tissues; however, in feeding assays, FAW larvae demonstrated no preference for consuming leaf tissue from inoculated or uninoculated maize. The proportion of leaf tissue consumed was unrelated to the proportion of M. robertsii-colonization of leaf or root tissue from source plants. We discuss possible reasons why FAW were not affected by endophytic M. robertsii in the context of assay methodology, FAW physiology, and induced maize defenses.
Evaluation of a Series of Wrong Intravitreous Injections.

Importance This case series describes events associated with errors in intravitreous injections. Given the volume of injections performed worldwide, it is important to identify the factors associated with these wrong events to try to reduce their occurrences. Objective To evaluate a series of errors in intravitreous injections within Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC). Design, setting, and participants In this retrospective small case series of a convenience sample at KPNC between January 1, 2019, and December 30, 2020, cases of errors in intravitreous injection were identified either as part of a formal institutional quality review or by self-report of the involved surgeon during quality improvement discussions. Main outcomes and measures Description of the medical errors and the circumstances surrounding these errors. Results During the 2 years of this evaluation, there were more than 147 000 injections performed within KPNC. Four cases of errors in intravitreous injection were identified. Mistakes were associated with inaccurate review of the electronic medical record, poor surgeon and staff focus, and inconsistent use of surgical checklists and timeouts. No long-term ocular morbidity occurred following any of these errors. Conclusions and relevance Medical errors related to intravitreous injections have occurred within KPNC. We trust these events are not unique to our practice. A standardized teams-based approach that incorporates rigorous safety protocols will likely be needed to reduce the risk of future wrong intravitreous injections.
Pollution and City Competitiveness: A Descriptive Analysis

As cities grow, the negative effects of congestion start to play their part, often affecting the cities' ability to become and remain competitive. Although many studies have focused on these negative effects, the links between pollution and city competitiveness are less explored. This paper focuses on this relationship, particularly the links between air pollution and city growth, and how it correlates with city competitiveness. Although high-income cities are usually better at managing pollution, the paper finds successful examples of fast-growing, lower-income cities that are able to tackle this issue. The evidence shows that cities can be competitive and still manage pollution, as long as they have a proactive attitude and focus on developing a green agenda to support this journey.
Return to Civic Virtue: Tax Meals, 170 Tax Notes Federal 1105

The paper argues that meals, even business meals, should be taxed to the person eating them to prevent dead-weight loss.. Beyond meals, we should return to civic virtue in the post-Trump years by defending the tax base to make taxation more efficient. A Letter to the Editor attached at the end defends the thesis.
Automated measurement of river productivity for eutrophication prediction

A method for monitoring net and gross community oxygen productivity, community respiration, photosynthetic efficiency, and reaeration coefficient has been tested in five contrasting rivers. The technique uses relatively inexpensive digital data collection and processing, and allows detection of incipient eutrophication due to nutrient input and excess oxygen demand from organic waste input. Oxygen concentration, temperature, and solar radiation are recorded over a 24-h period and are the data used to calculate the parameters necessary for water quality monitoring. A few weeks data, taken during summer low-flow conditions, are then used to discriminate water quality.
The Role of Intra- and Intermolecular Cohesion in Fracture Initiation of High Polymers

The ultimate behavior of solid high polymers depends critically on the elastic energy stored within molecular chains. In this paper, the mechanism of the axial loading of chains through secondary bonds is studied in detail. For polyethylene and 6-polyamide, the maximum stresses which can be exerted by a defect-free crystallite in static equilibrium onto a chain are calculated. They are 0.75 × 1011 dynes/cm2 (PE) and 2.24 × 1011 dynes/cm2 (6-PA), respectively. The thermal excitation of stressed chains causes dislocations to migrate into the crystallite. The energy of dislocations and that of their activation are calculated as a function of molecular stresses. The effect of dislocation motion on chain breakage and macroscopic strength is discussed.
The Teaching of Tactics

(1911). The Teaching of Tactics. American Physical Education Review: Vol. 16, No. 9, pp. 559-565.
Barriers and facilitators to optimize function and prevent disability worsening: a content analysis of a nurse home visit intervention.

liebel d.v., powers b.a., friedman b. & watson n.m. (2012) Barriers and facilitators to optimize function and prevent disability worsening: a content analysis of a nurse home visit intervention. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(1), 80–93. Abstract Aims. This paper is a report of an analysis of how to better understand the results of the nurse home visit intervention in the Medicare Primary and Consumer-Directed Care Demonstration in terms of facilitators and barriers to disability improvement/maintenance as compared with disability worsening. Background. There is a lack of literature describing how nurse home visit interventions are able to maintain/improve disability among older persons with disability. The present study is one of only six reporting beneficial disability outcomes. Methods. Cases were purposefully sampled to represent change in the disability construct leading to selection of ten cases each of disability maintenance/improvement (no change or decrease in total Activities of Daily Living score from baseline) and worsening (an increase in total Activities of Daily Living score from baseline). Data from nurses’ progress notes and case studies (collected in March 1998–June 2002) were analysed using qualitative descriptive analysis (May 2009). These results remain relevant because the present study is one of the few studies to identify select nurse activities instrumental in postponing/minimizing disability worsening. Results/findings. Three primary themes captured the facilitators and barriers to effective disability maintenance/improvement: (1) building and maintaining patient-centred working relationships, (2) negotiating delivery of intervention components and (3) establishing balance between patients’ acute and chronic care needs. Sub-themes illustrate nurse, patient and system factors associated with effective disability maintenance/improvement (e.g. nurse caring, communicating, facilitating interdisciplinary communication) and barriers associated with disability worsening (e.g. dementia, depression and recurring acute illnesses). Conclusion. This study provides new insights about the facilitators and barriers to effective disability maintenance/improvement experienced by patients receiving home visits. Potential opportunities exist to integrate these insights into best-practice models of nurse home visiting.
Cortical Map Formation

Cortical maps are orderly representations of sensory receptors or body movements that form during the development of the brain. Proper development depends on genetic information, molecular signals based on relative position in the brain, and information in spontaneous and evoked neural activity patterns. Keywords: representations; motor cortex; visual cortex; auditory cortex; somatosensory cortex; sensory systems
Fast tiered labeling with topological priors

We consider labeling an image with multiple tiers. Tiers, one on top of another, enforce a strict vertical order among objects (e.g. sky is above the ground). Two new ideas are explored: First, under a simplification of the general tiered labeling framework proposed by Felzenszwalb and Veksler [1], we design an efficient O(KN) algorithm for the approximate optimal labeling of an image of N pixels with K tiers. Our algorithm runs in over 100 frames per second on images of VGA resolutions when K is less than 6. When K=3, our solution overlaps with the globally optimal one by Felzenszwalb and Veksler in over 99% of all pixels but runs 1000 times faster. Second, we define a topological prior that specifies the number of local extrema in the tier boundaries, and give an O(NM) algorithm to find a single, optimal tier boundary with exactly M local maxima and minima. These two extensions enrich the general tiered labeling framework and enable fast computation. The proposed topological prior further improves the accuracy in labeling details.
Protein kinase C-dependent and -independent effects of phorbol esters on hippocampal calcium channel current

Despite their widespread use in investigations of protein kinase C (PKC), concern is often expressed regarding the specificity of action of phorbol esters. We have extensively compared the effects of PDBu, a phorbol ester that activates PKC, with those of its inactive analog, 4 alpha-PDBu, on calcium (Ca) channel regulation in acutely isolated guinea pig hippocampal neurons and found that PKC-dependent and -independent actions could be clearly distinguished. While both phorbol esters depressed whole-cell barium current through Ca channels (IBa), PDBu was approximately 100-fold more potent than 4 alpha-PDBu. PKC-independent effects began to appear in the range of 5-10 microM, doses that, while high, have been used in some investigations. Moreover, only PDBu (1) was active when applied intracellularly, (2) had effects that were blocked by the PKC inhibitor H-7, and (3) induced PKC translocation with potency similar to its potency in depressing IBa. The finding that 4 alpha-PDBu acted only extracellularly was unexpected and suggested either that it acted via an extracellular binding site or that its orientation in the membrane was crucial to its effects on Ca channels. Finally, (4) PDBu alone caused a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of the high-voltage-activated, rapidly inactivating (N type) component of Ca current. This result extends our previous finding that the N-type current component was depressed by PDBu to a greater extent than the L-type component and may represent an important new mode of neurotransmitter regulation of ion channels in the brain via PKC.
Spectacular Nature: Corporate Culture and the Sea World Experience

Spectacular Nature: Corporate Culture and the Sea World Experience. SUSAN G. DAVIS. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1997. xii. 313 pp. illustrations, notes, index.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of right adrenal masses: report of 2 cases.

Objective. Although transgastric endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biopsy is a safe and accurate method for sampling of the left adrenal gland, only 2 reports describing EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of the right adrenal gland have been published to date. The aim of this series was to report 2 additional successful cases of EUS-FNA of right adrenal masses. Methods. In this retrospective single-center case series, prospectively updated cytology and EUS databases between January 1997 and September 2007 were reviewed to identify all patients who underwent attempted EUS-FNA of either adrenal gland. Those who underwent EUS-FNA of the right adrenal gland were identified and reviewed. Results. Of 52 consecutive patients who underwent EUS-FNA of either adrenal gland, 2 had attempted biopsy of the right adrenal gland and constituted the study population. The first patient had a history of colon cancer and was found to have a right adrenal mass during workup of jaundice. The second patient also had a history of colon cancer and was found to have an enlarging right adrenal mass and a subcarinal mass during follow-up computed tomography. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided FNA showed a pheochromocytoma in the first patient and metastatic colon cancer in the second patient. No complications were encountered during either procedure. Conclusions. This series further shows that EUS-FNA of right adrenal masses is feasible and may be an option for sampling of these
Airport availability modelling: a different perspective

This study proposes a systems-level approach to airport and runway availability assessments and prediction, and addresses the problem of the aging or continuously degrading aviation infrastructure. Although the availability block diagrams are often used in the availability assessment of aerospace and electronic systems, their application to the airport availability problem on a system level, developed in this study, is novel. The proposed methodology is intended for short-term and long-term planning of the Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) equipment acquisition, and investment and modernisation decisions. A better understanding of the effects of equipment outages on airport availability is important in determining a required level of airport equipage and equipment reliability, particularly during critical operating conditions, such as bad weather and increased traffic demand. With proposed methodology, an analyst can precisely quantify the additional level of airport availability achieved by upgrading or adding new pieces of CNS equipment.
The use of autoradiography and cycloheximide to determine the origin of enamel proteins in the maturation ameloblasts of the rat incisor

Morphological and cytochemical studies have suggested that maturation ameloblasts participate in protein loss by absorbing and degrading enamel proteins as the enamel matures. Several immunocytochemical and autoradiographic studies have suggested other possible explanations for the presence of enamel matrix proteins in maturation ameloblasts. The weakness of these autoradiographic studies is the uncontrolled distribution of systemically injected radioactive amino acids, making it impossible to trace the source of the visualized intracellular isotope. This study used a localized technique to control the targets of the applied isotope and to identify enamel matrix proteins in the maturation ameloblasts with more confidence about their origin. The amount of labelled enamel protein was higher in maturation ameloblasts than transitional ameloblasts. When cycloheximide, a protein-synthesis inhibitor, was applied, there was no effect on the amount of labelled protein in the maturation ameloblasts. These findings support the hypothesis that maturation ameloblasts actively resorb and degrade enamel matrix proteins during enamel formation in the mandibular incisor of the rat.
Alterations in cytotoxic and phenotypic subsets of natural killer cells in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Testing of cytotoxic function using a panel of natural killer (NK)-sensitive target cells, including a unique herpes simplex virus-infected Raji-cell target, was performed in conjunction with phenotypic cell analysis by dual-color flow cytometry to characterize the NK system. Subjects included in the study were at risk for or infected with the etiologic agent of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A generalized defect in NK function was temporally correlated with disease manifestations, as evidenced by deficient NK lytic function in patients with AIDS and AIDS-related complex (ARC). Healthy at-risk subjects, including those seropositive for HIV, exhibited robust NK-cell function. Phenotypic analysis revealed that normal proportions of the NK-associated CD16+ (Leu11) Leu7− and CD16+(Leu11)Leu7+ lymphocyte subsets were maintained throughout the clinical progression of HIV infection. However, the proportion and numbers of cells of the CD8+(Leu2)Leu7+ subset were increased in AIDS, ARC, and healthy at-risk subjects, including those seronegative for HIV. These results are consistent with a qualitative defect in the NK system in AIDS, perhaps secondary to CD4-cell depletion and a concomitant lack of essential accessory factors. The elevation in CD8+(Leu2)/Leu7+ cells is not solely the result of HIV infection and may be a general response to viruses and/or other antigenic stimulation.
A Legal Regime for the Arctic

Renewed interest in the Arctic as a source of oil corresponds with the present effort to reformulate the laws of the sea to accommodate developing nations and endangered species as well as strategic national interests. A physical and environmental description of the Arctic, 90% of which is covered with ice, concludes that a special environmentally oriented legal regime is desirable. An organizational structure is outlined for such a regime and major obstacles are identified. Although further study may conclude that a separate regime is not needed, the study indicates that an environmentally centered perspective on the legal aspects of development is called for. 229 footnotes and references. (DCK)
Impact of interhospital transport on the physiologic status of very low-birth-weight infants.

Objectives To evaluate the change in physiologic stability of very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants following transport using TRIPS (transport risk index of physiologic stability) score as a measure of physiologic stability and compare changes in TRIPS score in groups of VLBW infants who underwent shorter versus longer transport. Study Design Retrospective chart review. Results Our cohort of 106 infants, 44 (41%) of whom were females, had a mean birth weight of 777 g (standard deviation [SD] 159) and median gestational age of 26 weeks (range 23 to 32 weeks). Mean weight at transfer was 1,610 g (SD 924) and mean postnatal age at transfer was 56 days (SD 45). Median time on transport was 15 minutes (range 10 to 85 minutes). All 106 transports were ground transports. Of the 106 infants, 57 (54%) had deterioration, 20 (19%) had improvement, and 29 (27%) had no change in their physiologic status during transport. Comparison of the two transport duration groups based on median transport time as a cutoff point (i.e., ≤ 15 minutes and > 15 minutes) revealed a higher proportion of infants with deterioration in their physiologic status in the prolonged transport (>15 minutes) group (65% versus 45%; p = 0.03). Temperature change, either alone or in combination with other indices, was responsible for change in TRIPS score (deterioration or improvement) in 79% of these infants. Conclusions Interhospital transport of VLBW infants may cause deterioration in their physiologic status, the likelihood of which is increased with longer duration of transport. Better temperature regulation during interhospital transport may decrease the chances of deterioration in physiologic status of VLBW infants.
Brow-lift: subgaleal vs subperiosteal flap adherence in the rabbit model.

Objective To analyze and compare the postoperative adherence qualities between the subperiosteal layer approach and the subgaleal layer approach for brow elevation using a rabbit model. Methods Twelve New Zealand white rabbits (weight, 3.1-3.5 kg) were evenly divided into 2 groups and underwent forehead flap elevation via subperiosteal or subgaleal dissection, depending on the group assignment. Two rabbits were not operated on and served as controls. Histologic and biomechanical testing (tensiometer) was performed at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks to assess adherence and wound strength. Results The subgaleal flap strength was greater than that of the subperiosteal flap at each time point. The mean flap strength for the subgaleal and subperiosteal control subjects were 208 g and 706 g, respectively. These values approximately correspond with the postelevation subgaleal flap strength regained at 2 weeks and the postelevation subperiosteal flap strength regained at 8 weeks. On histologic analysis, the subgaleal specimen showed less intervening space and a greater degree of connective tissue proliferation than the subperiosteal specimen at as early as 4 weeks. Conclusion This study supports our hypothesis that rapid healing and early fixation occurs when the subgaleal approach is used for surgical brow elevation.
(5αH)-6-Epidihydrocornin, the first known iridoid glycoside with a trans-fused ring system

Abstract An iridoid glycoside isolated from Penstemon secundiflorus contains a trans-fused cyclopentanopyran ring system, unlike all other known iridoid glycosides, which contain a cis-fused cyclopentanopyran.
Social class and social identity

Abstract Over the last 25 years, the relative economic situation of women, African-Americans, and other groups facing economic discrimination has improved but, paradoxically, the relative economic situation of the population's lower half has worsened. These opposite trends are surprising since the very groups whose overall situation has improved remain disproportionately represented in the bottom half. This paper presents several likely explanations of the trends. First, there has been a historically unique distancing of the upper economic half from the lower economic half that has lessened the former's interest in aiding the latter. Second, the increasing belief in free markets that has characterized the period is argued to be consistent with the removal of prejudices based on race, gender, and ethnicity while at the same time eroding institutions that relieve class income differences. Third, the fact that one can “exit” from a social class, but must raise one's voice to improve the treatment of one's ge...
Proton-induced muon production from nuclei

We study the weak proton-induced muon production reaction using the impulse approximation. The process is studied below threshold for real pion production assuming a /sup 12/C target. The theoretical predictions for muon angular distributions are given for the ground state, low-lying excited states, and the energetically available nuclear continuum. The process is a very rare event using presently available beam intensities. We argue that corrections to the impulse approximation are expected to be important and indicate how to use partial conservation of axial vector current and experimental (p,..pi..) results to obtain more reliable estimates. The reaction can be a rich additional source of information regarding the relationship between the many-body pion source current and the space and time components of the nuclear axial current. Even with the conjectured substantial increase over the impulse approximation, the subthreshold counting rate seems too low for detailed experimental investigation at this time. A simple exploratory experiment starting above pion threshold and working downward in energy is suggested.