cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quality of informed consent: measuring understanding among participants in oncology clinical trials.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To describe newly enrolled clinical trial subjects' knowledge and understanding of the oncology clinical trials in which they were participating. DESIGN Descriptive, correlational. SETTING The oncology center of a small community hospital in New England. SAMPLE 8 patients who consented to enroll in oncology clinical trials. METHODS The Quality of Informed Consent questionnaire was sent to 17 potential participants who recently had consented to participate in oncology clinical trials. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Knowledge of the basic elements of informed consent and participants' understanding of the clinical trials in which they were enrolled. FINDINGS Scores on the Quality of Informed Consent questionnaire indicated that participants had a good overall understanding of the basic elements of informed consent as well as the clinical trials in which they were enrolled. However, half of the sample failed to understand that clinical trial treatment is not standard treatment and may involve additional risk when compared with standard treatment. CONCLUSIONS The results of this investigation provide valuable feedback regarding participants' understanding of the informed consent process. The Quality of Informed Consent questionnaire may be a useful tool for monitoring the quality of the informed consent process and contributing to patients' understanding of clinical trials and the research process. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING The Quality of Informed Consent questionnaire may provide valuable feedback regarding clinical trial participants' understanding of clinical trials and the research process. Individual responses to questions on the questionnaire may be used to aid personalized patient education and validation of the informed consent throughout trial enrollment. Future research efforts need to focus on the development of reliable tools to measure participants' understanding of informed consent and nursing interventions that improve the informed consent process as well as enhance patients' understanding of the research process.
Corticosteroid atrophy in human skin. A study by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy.

Steroid atrophy was induced in 3 volunteers by the continuous, occlusive application of clobetasol propionate to the forearms for 6 weeks. The changes were followed sequentially by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. A 59% decrease in viable epidermal thickness was noted after the sixth week of treatment, as well as a flattening of the dermal-epidermal junction. The 3-dimensional architecture of the dermis was strikingly reorganized. This was largely brought about by resorption of the ground substance as revealed by a progressive dimunition of Hale's stain for acid mucopolysaccharides. Loss of ground substance resulted in decreased spaces between collagen and elastic fibers as shown by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The fibrous network consequently collapsed, yielding a more compact papillary and reticular dermis. This compression caused the reorientation of both collagen and elastic fibers. However, no differences in collagen and elastin fine structure were noted. Fibroblasts were shrunken but not reduced in density. A marked decrease in number of mast cells was noted in 3-week specimens and virtually no mast cells were observed after 6 weeks. We found that the primary effect of short-term steroid use was a rearrangement of the geometry of the denial fibrous network. This was not due to alterations in the fibers themselves but a secondary consequence of the loss of ground substance.
The Gender Concept Development Legacy.

The gender concept category system traces its roots to Kohlberg's legacy and serves as a prototype for all social category systems.
Sodomitical Scandals and Subcultures in the 1720s

Published letters, memoirs, and pamphlets discuss two scandals involving sexual relations between noblemen at Versailles in 1722 and 1724. Unpublished police records document the entrapment of some forty men, many of them unmarried workingmen, in Parisian parks in 1723. This article compares the patterns in and representations of same-sex relations in the different sources and milieux. The literary sources generally describe the courtiers who committed sodomitical acts as libertines involved with both sexes and credit them with personal and political, not just sexual, motives. The archival sources, which provide information about the behavior and attitudes of what the police called “infamous types” in the sodomitical subculture, contain evidence of the emergence of a notion of distinctive sexual taste or inclination manifested but not wholly defined by sexual acts.
Determination of the total carbon in soft drinks by tungsten coil electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma spectrometry

Abstract A method is developed for the direct determination of carbon in soft drinks by electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. A tungsten coil is used as the electrothermal vaporizer, and is extracted from a commercially produced 150 W, 15 V microscope bulb. The standard additions method is employed to correct any matrix effects from the samples. Carbon emission is monitored at 193.091 nm. Carbon content determined for the samples was in the range of 13 to 60 g in one 8 fl oz serving, and these values agreed with the label values in the range 93 to 137% (except for one sample, Orange Fanta, which provided a 200% recovery. This was likely due to non-carbohydrate carbon-containing species in that sample). The precision of the technique was always better than 20% relative standard deviation (n = 10). The detection limits for carbon range from 0.4 to 3 mg L − 1 , and absolute detection limits range from 12 ng to 90 ng for a 30 μL aliquot of sample on the coil. This method could be an alternative approach for determining the carbon content of nonvolatile compounds, and complement HPLC–ICP-AES determination of those same species.
Tonic shock induces detachment of Giardia lamblia.

Background The parasite Giardia lamblia must remain attached to the host small intestine in order to proliferate and subsequently cause disease. However, little is known about the factors that may cause detachment in vivo, such as changes in the aqueous environment. Osmolality within the proximal small intestine can vary by nearly an order of magnitude between host fed and fasted states, while pH can vary by several orders of magnitude. Giardia cells are known to regulate their volume when exposed to changes in osmolality, but the short-timescale effects of osmolality and pH on parasite attachment are not known. Methodology and Principal Findings We used a closed flow chamber assay to test the effects of rapid changes in media osmolality, tonicity, and pH on Giardia attachment to both glass and C2Bbe-1 intestinal cell monolayer surfaces. We found that Giardia detach from both surfaces in a tonicity-dependent manner, where tonicity is the effective osmolality experienced by the cell. Detachment occurs with a characteristic time constant of 25 seconds (SD = 10 sec, n = 17) in both hypo- and hypertonic media but is otherwise insensitive to physiologically relevant changes in media composition and pH. Interestingly, cells that remain attached are able to adapt to moderate changes in tonicity. By exposing cells to a timed pattern of tonicity variations and adjustment periods, we found that it is possible to maximize the tonicity change experienced by the cells, overcoming the adaptive response and resulting in extensive detachment. Conclusions and Significance These results, conducted with human-infecting Giardia on human intestinal epithelial monolayers, highlight the ability of Giardia to adapt to the changing intestinal environment and suggest new possibilities for treatment of giardiasis by manipulation of tonicity in the intestinal lumen.
The ethical leader: An ascetic construct

The way in which ethical standards are neglected or applied is a function of individual character. The best guarantee of ethical leadership, therefore, lies in the identification of those already predisposed to live according to high moral standards. The ascetic construct is offered as a type of personality with such a predisposition. The ascetic is self-controlled, purposeful, and mindful with regard to consequences. The character traits of the ascetic leader are predicted to increase ethical awareness and ethical accountability within his organization or hers. This will increase the probability of the organization's economic success because it will reduce uncertainty on the part of customers and investors. A better understanding of the ascetic personality may be helpful in identifying those with the potential for becoming highly ethical leaders.
Mycobacterium leprae-induced demyelination: a model for early nerve degeneration

The molecular events that occur at the early phase of many demyelinating neurodegenerative diseases are unknown. A recent demonstration of rapid demyelination and axonal injury induced by Mycobacterium leprae provides a model for elucidating the molecular events of early nerve degeneration which might be common to neurodegenerative diseases of both infectious origin and unknown etiology. The identification of the M. leprae-targeted Schwann cell receptor, dystroglycan, and its associated molecules in myelination, demyelination and axonal functions suggests a role for these molecules in early nerve degeneration.
Optimizing battery life for electric UAVs using a Bayesian framework

The amount of usable charge of a battery for a given discharge profile is not only dependent on the starting state-of-charge (SOC), but also other factors like battery health and the discharge or load profile imposed. For electric UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) the variation in the load profile can be very unpredictable. This paper presents a model parameter augmented Particle Filtering prognostic framework to explore battery behavior under these future load uncertainties. Stochastic programming schemes are explored to utilize the battery life predictions generated as a function of load, in order to infer the most optimal flight profile that would maximize the battery charge utilized while constraining the probability of a dead stick condition (i.e. battery shut off in flight).
Tissue plasminogen activator therapy of glomerular thrombi in the Shwartzman reaction

Tissue plasminogen activator therapy of glomerular thrombi in the Shwartzman reaction. To study the effect of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) therapy on glomerular fibrin deposition in the generalized Shwartzman reaction, rabbits were given an intravenous injection of TPA immediately following or three, four, or five hours after the second injection of endotoxin. Animals were sacrificed six hours after the second dose of endotoxin. Glomerular fibrin deposition was reduced in animals receiving TPA four hours after the second injection of endotoxin and was absent in animals receiving TPA five hours after the second dose of endotoxin. Glomerular fibrinolytic activity was reduced following development of the generalized Shwartzman reaction but was normal in animals that received TPA five hours after the second injection of endotoxin. TPA did not produce a systemic fibrinolytic state and did not prevent the decline in hematologic and coagulation factors typical of the Shwartzman reaction, despite the elimination of glomerular fibrin. These results suggest that TPA effectively removes glomerular thrombi in the generalized Shwartzman reaction and infers that TPA may be of value in the treatment of human diseases with similar pathology, such as the hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Use of exteriorized stents in vasovasostomy

Ten patients, three to fifteen years postvasectomy, underwent vasovasostomy. Using 2-0 nylon, stents were brought to the scrotal surface. Vas anastomosis was accomplished with a single transmural layer of 6-0 or 7-0 proline or chromic sutures under loupe magnification. Stents were removed in seven to ten days. After two years, a pregnancy rate of 70% was achieved, comparing favorably with other more difficult operative techniques.
Surgical therapy for tremor in multiple sclerosis An evaluation of outcome measures

Objective: To assess the reliability, validity, and sensitivity of outcome measures that might be used in a clinical trial of surgery for the treatment of severe tremor associated with MS (MS tremor). Methods: Nine patients with MS tremor were evaluated before and 3 and 12 months after thalamic surgery (six thalamotomy, three deep brain stimulation). A clinical tremor rating scale (CTRS), a novel quantitative movement analysis technique (QMA), and a variety of measures of disability, neurologic impairment, and quality of life was utilized. Results: Both the CTRS and QMA were reliable measures of tremor and both were sensitive to the improvement in tremor following surgery. However, QMA correlated with disability measures and corresponded better to patient and examiner assessment of surgical results. The disability scales used were insensitive to functional improvements that may follow surgery. The box and blocks test clearly separated three patients who had excellent results from three who had poor results. Baseline QMA values predicted improvement on the box and blocks test. Conclusions: 1) QMA is a reliable, objective and valid measure of MS tremor that could be used in a clinical trial. 2) The box and blocks test can detect the improvement in prehensile function that follows surgery, but standard disability scales are poorly responsive to this change. 3) Preoperative QMA values may predict which patients are most amenable to functional improvement after surgery.
Cellular manufacturing: A taxonomic review framework

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to employ a taxonomic framework for a comprehensive review of cellular manufacturing systems. Three classes of machine-part grouping techniques have been identified in cellular manufacturing: visual inspection, part coding and classification, and analysis of the production process. For this review, we concentrate on the latter approach and classify it by assumptions, characteristics, and main properties and results. A comprehensive review and discussions of various models are provided. Model assumptions and characteristics are summarized using a tabular framework. Finally, the paper provides directions for future research.
Scanning surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy of silver nanowires

We report results of scanning micro-Raman spectroscopy obtained on isolated nanowires and networks of nanowires with different geometries and surface morphologies. We measured a strong, relatively homogeneous, surface enhancement of the Raman response from nanowires with a rough surface morphology, and detected a more sporadic enhanced response detected from smooth nanowires. These results provide the first steps towards the development of selective sensors for hazardous bio- and chemical-agent detection that rely on a combination of electronic conductance measurements and Raman spectroscopic measurements from metallic nanowire networks.
Membrane Permeable Esterase–Activated Fluorescent Imaging Probe

An esterase-triggered probe 2 derived from a cyanine-based pH sensitive dye was developed for cell labeling. Permeation of probe 2 into cells and subsequent hydrolytic activation by cellular esterases result in a bright fluorescent intracellular signal.
Secure k-connectivity in wireless sensor networks under an on/off channel model

Random key predistribution scheme of Eschenauer and Gligor (EG) is a typical solution for ensuring secure communications in a wireless sensor network (WSN). Connectivity of the WSNs under this scheme has received much interest over the last decade, and most of the existing work is based on the assumption of unconstrained sensor-to-sensor communications. In this paper, we study the k-connectivity of WSNs under the EG scheme with physical link constraints; k-connectivity is defined as the property that the network remains connected despite the failure of any (k - 1) sensors. We use a simple communication model, where unreliable wireless links are modeled as independent on/off channels, and derive zero-one laws for the properties that i) the WSN is k-connected, and ii) each sensor is connected to at least k other sensors. These zero-one laws improve the previous results by Rybarczyk on the k-connectivity under a fully connected communication model. Moreover, under the on/off channel model, we provide a stronger form of the zero-one law for the 1-connectivity as compared to that given by Yagan.
Hospital Data on Duodenal Ulcers: A Base for the Cost-Benefit Assessment of Antiulcer Drugs

The late 1970s formed an opportune time to measure the effect of recent advances in the treatment of peptic ulcer (PU). Beginning in August 1977, the Food and Drug Administration had approved cimetidine to treat duodenal ulcers (DU). Combined with cimetidine's wide distribution and use, this step made it feasible to assess the effect of this innovation on the frequency of PU disease in populations; for some time before, this incidence had been diminishing in the United States and other developed countries.In that same era in the United States, hospital inpatient care had come to be viewed as costly, even extravagant for many conditions. Staff of prepayment programs and other health personnel often implied that charges for drugs were excessive. Related to antiulcer drugs, utilization data came promptly from the National Disease and Therapeutic Index. These data showed that DU patients attending the offices of private physicians were weaned swiftly from antacids to cimetidine as their main therapy. It thus ...
Ocular disease in AIDS

The ocular manifestations of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) have served to remind us that the eye is truly a special organ, for it is here that we may catch a glimpse of what may be occurring at a systemic level. Just as the eye is a mini-representation of the systemic disease process in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes mellitus, so it is in the case of AIDS. Opportunistic infections and unusual neoplasms that may severely and adversely affect the eye in this patient population may be a harbinger of involvement of other organ systems by the same pathogen. In such cases the immunopathology of the ocular manifestations mirrors that of the findings elsewhere in the body. Approximately 95% of patients with AIDS will have some ocular manifestation of the disease, the most common being cotton wool spots (CWS). Three-quarters of patients with AIDS will have evidence of ocular infection, which can be divided into posterior and anterior segment diseases. Disease of the posterior segment in patients with AIDS accounts for 30-40% of all opportunistic ocular infections in this population and causes the most devastating ocular complications. In addition, certain neoplasms including sarcomas, carcinomas, and lymphomas, occur more frequently in patients with AIDS than in immunocompetent patients.
Practical 3-D computer vision techniques for full-field surface measurement

Two practical computer-aided optical techniques for full-field surface shape measurement are presented, one for diffuse surfaces and the other for specularly reflective surfaces. The former technique is based on projecting a computer-generated fringe pattern onto a diffuse surface, and the latter is based on reflecting the fringe pattern from a specularly reflective surface. The fringe pattern is perturbed in accordance with the object surface with the fringe phase bearing information on the depth/slope of the object surface. The computer-generated fringe pattern conveniently enables the fringe phase to be manipulated, and hence the determination of the phase distribution using a phase extraction algorithm. Instead of deriving the mathematical relationship between the fringe phase distribution and the surface depth/slope, this relationship is obtained by calibration. The techniques described can be easily implemented for rapid measurement of 3-D surface shapes in an industrial setting.
Sulfur-tolerant anode materials for solid oxide fuel cell application

This paper summarizes the degradation mechanisms for SOFC anodes in the presence of sulfur and recent developments in sulfur-tolerant anodes. There are two primary sulfur-degradation mechanisms for the anode materials: physical absorption of sulfur that blocks the hydrogen reaction sites, and chemical reaction that forms nickel sulfide. The sulfur-tolerant anodes are categorized into three kinds of materials: thiospinels and metal sulfides, metal cermets, and mixed ionic and electronic conductors. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the combined application of available materials to serve as different functional components in anodes through proper design may be effective to achieve a balance between stability and performance.
Reproducibility of post-amphetamine [11C]FLB 457 binding to cortical D2/3 receptors.

In a recent positron emission tomography (PET) study, we demonstrated the ability to measure amphetamine-induced dopamine (DA) release in the human cortex with the relatively high affinity dopamine D2/3 radioligand [11C]FLB 457. Herein we report on reproducibility and reliability of [11C]FLB 457 binding potential relative to non-displaceable uptake (BPND) following an acute amphetamine challenge. Ten healthy human subjects were studied twice with [11C]FLB 457 following an acute amphetamine (oral, 0.5 mg kg-1 dose) challenge on two-separate days approximately one week apart. D2/3 receptor binding parameters were estimated using a two-tissue compartment kinetic analysis in the cortical regions of interest and cerebellum (reference region). The test-retest variability and intraclass correlation coefficient were assessed for distribution volume (VT), binding potential relative to plasma concentration (BPP), and BPND of [11C]FLB 457. The test-retest variability of [11C]FLB 457 VT, BPP and BPND were ≤ 17%, 22% and 11% respectively. These results, which are consistent with the published test-retest variability for this ligand measured under baseline conditions demonstrate that the post-amphetamine [11C]FLB 457 BPND is reproducible. These data further support the use [11C]FLB 457 and amphetamine to characterize cortical dopamine transmission in neuropsychiatric disorders.
A preliminary report on rheumatic fever in Virginia.

Summary 1. Of a total of 1,205 patients referred by physicians to the Medical Collegeof Virginia Rheumatic Fever Clinic from April, 1940, to June, 1947, as having probable rheumatic fever or heart disease, 504 had the diagnosis of rheumatic fever confirmed, while 203 were being followed as possible and/or potential heart disease, and 253 were still being listed as deferred. 2. Two hundred and twenty-five, or 44 per cent of the 504 patients, were the subjects of special study since they had been followed for at least three years or until death. 3. The study of this group of 225 patients brought out the following facts: The average duration of the disease was 5.95 years as followed thus far. The sexes were about evenly divided. Race incidence closely paralleled the percentage distribution in population A family history of rheumatic fever was obtained in 17.3 per cent. The average age of onset of initial manifestations was 7.97 years. January was the peak month for onset in both the initial and recurrent episodes. A history of preceding streptococcal infection was obtained in about 50 percent of the children. Only 20 per cent had had tonsillectomies prior to the onset of the disease. Joint pains led the list in frequency of symptoms occurring with initial and secondary attacks. Fever and malaise ran close seconds. Laboratoryfindings as to elevation of sedimentation rate, leucocytosis, andanemia were somewhat helpful but far from conclusive. Sixty-one per cent had one or more recurrent episodes while under observation. As nearly as could be estimated, the mean duration of the first attack was 6.4 months, and that of the second was slightly under eight months. Cardiac involvement was demonstrable in 83 per cent of all patients during the active stages of the disease. Only 49 per cent showed demonstrable residual cardiac damage, but the rest are still under observation as having possible and/or potential heart disease. Seven and one-tenth per cent (sixteen patients) died during the period ofobservation. The average duration of life after onset of the disease in these children was 40.8 months.
Multi-stage photovoltaic devices with a cutoff wavelength of ∼3µm

Multi-stage Interband Cascade Photovoltaic (ICPV) devices with a room-temperature cutoff wavelength of ∼3 µm were investigated. These devices were characterized at various temperatures under illumination from both a blackbody source and an interband cascade (IC) laser (emission wavelength of ∼2.86 µm). Under laser illumination (8.0 W/cm2) an open-circuit voltage (V oc ) of 447 mV with a short-circuit current density (J sc ) of 1.5 A/cm2 was obtained from a three-stage device at room temperature. Studies of size dependence with different devices found significant surface leakage current, resulting in low fill factors in these devices. These results suggest a great potential of ICPV devices to attain higher V oc at lower J sc compared to conventional single-absorber thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cells.
Overview lecture the lewis acid-base concepts: recent results and prospects for the future

Since many of the applications of the Lewis acid-base concepts to problems in the field of surface chemistry are dependent on the use of the three basic models of Lewis acid-base phenomena introduced in the 1960s (the HSAB principle, the E & C equation, and the DN-AN approach), this overview lecture briefly summarizes and comments on the published literature on these models that has appeared since they were least reviewed in 1980. It also comments on the problem of extending them to the multi-site interactions characteristic of polymers and surfaces and suggests some possible directions for future work in this area.
CONTOURS OF FRIENDSHIP AND RESPECT IN THE LEGISLATURE

Interpersonal relations—patterns of friendship and respect—exemplify the informal organization of legislative institutions and provide the basis for legislative action. Who are the representatives who garner friendship and respect in the legislature? How widely are friendship and respect allocated among legislators? What characteristics and attitudes compel nominations of a friend or respected colleague? We address these questions using data from personal interviews with 119 Iowa state legislators. Members were asked to nominate (1) their five closest friends in the legislature, and (2) five members they respected. A multivariate analysis of nominations of friends and respected colleagues yields their major correlates, and shows intriguing differences between the sources of friendship and respect.
Estimation of a single probit line from multiple toxicity test data

LCs0 values for the same compound and the same species may vary considerably within a laboratory and between laboratories. These differences are usually attributed to variable test conditions and response of the test organisms to the toxicant. Furthermore, the lack of standardization for aquatic toxicity testing may contribute to the variability in LCso values. To employ toxicity data for regulatory purposes, it may be useful to report one single LCso value and its associated confidence interval, instead of several LCs0 values for each test substance. To accomplish this, a procedure for combining probit lines from several toxicity tests was developed by modifying the maximum likelihood probit method with inclusion of the technique for parallel line probit analysis. The resulting single probit line from this method is referred to as a "grand probit line' and takes into account separate test results. To ease the calculation a BASIC program was developed for an IBM PC.
Template images for nonhuman primate neuroimaging: 2. Macaque.

Neuroimaging studies are increasingly performed in macaque species, including the pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina). At times experimental questions can be answered by analysis of functional images in individual subjects and reference to a structural image in that subject. However, coregistration of functional brain images across many subjects offers the experimental advantage of enabling voxel-based analysis over multiple subjects and is therefore widely used in human studies. Voxel-based coregistration methods require a high-quality 3D template image. We created such templates, derived from T1-weighted MRI and blood-flow PET images from 12 nemestrina monkeys. We designed the macaque templates to be maximally compatible with the baboon template images described in a companion paper, to facilitate cross-species comparison of functional imaging data. Here we present data showing the reliability and validity of automatic image registration to the template. Alignment of selected internal fiducial points was accurate to within 1.9 mm overall (mean) even across species. The template images, along with copies aligned to the UCLA nemestrina brain atlas, are available on the Internet (purl.org/net/kbmd/n2k) and can be used as targets with any image registration software.
Percutaneous Image-Guided Augmentation for Spinal Metastatic Tumors

The purpose of this article is to review the current state of the art for treating symptomatic spinal fractures associated with malignant lesions by image-guided interventional techniques. Epidemiology, clinical presentation, and biomechanical ramifications of these lesions are summarized. A suggested treatment algorithm is also presented. The second part of the article deals with how to approach these lesions, explaining the issues that pertain to patient evaluation, preoperative, operative, and postoperative treatment regimes. Tips for certain difficult situations and potential complications are also discussed.
Single-Breath Diffusing Capacity for Carbon Monoxide Instrument Accuracy Across 3 Health Systems

BACKGROUND: Measuring diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is complex and associated with wide intra- and inter-laboratory variability. Increased DLCO variability may have important clinical consequences. The objective of the study was to assess instrument performance across hospital pulmonary function testing laboratories using a DLCO simulator that produces precise and repeatable DLCO values. METHODS: DLCO instruments were tested with CO gas concentrations representing medium and high range DLCO values. The absolute difference between observed and target DLCO value was used to determine measurement accuracy; accuracy was defined as an average deviation from the target value of RESULTS: Twenty-three instruments were tested across 3 healthcare systems. The mean absolute deviation from the target value was 1.80 mL/min/mm Hg (range 0.24–4.23) with 10 of 23 instruments (43%) being inaccurate. High volume laboratories performed better than low volume laboratories, although the difference was not significant. There was no significant difference among the instruments by manufacturers. Inspired volume was not accurate in 48% of devices; mean absolute deviation from target value was 3.7%. Instrument gas analyzers performed adequately in all instruments. CONCLUSIONS: DLCO instrument accuracy was unacceptable in 43% of devices. Instrument inaccuracy can be primarily attributed to errors in inspired volume measurement and not gas analyzer performance. DLCO instrument performance may be improved by regular testing with a simulator. Caution should be used when comparing DLCO results reported from different laboratories.
Update in Perioperative Medicine: Evidence Published in 2014

This Update summarizes studies published in 2014 that the authors consider highly relevant to the practice of perioperative medicine. Topics include perioperative cardiac medicine, perioperative β-...
Local versus non-local obsidian exchange at Tula and its implications for post-Formative Mesoamerica

Abstract The availability of archaeological data pertaining to a number of contexts of exchange including raw material procurement, production and local and non‐local consumption, permit an integrated examination of obsidian exchange involving the Epiclassic/Early Postclassic site of Tula, Hidalgo, Mexico. These data provide evidence of limited production for local exchange and evidence of what may have been substantial long‐distance exchange involving Tula and sites in northern Yucatan. Models of local and non‐local exchange based in part upon ethnohistorical data from Aztec times provide some means of accommodating these unexpected and somewhat contradictory results. The implications of these models for post‐Formative obsidian exchange in Mesoamerica are examined.
Isotope exchange studies on the uranium(vi) oxide hydrates and uranium peroxide

Abstract The exchange of oxygen between water enriched in O 18 and UC 42 H 2 O, two crystalline forms of UO 3 2H 2 O, and three crystalline forms of UO 3 H 2 O has been investigated. The results support the formulation of the peroxide as uranyl peroxide dihydrate, UO 2 (O 2 ) · 2H 2 O and are compatible with nuclear magnetic resonance studies on β-UO 3 2H 2 O and β-UO 3 H 2 O. The α- and β-forms of the UO 3 dihydrate are actually different substances rather than simply different crystalline modifications, and the same is true of the γ-monohydrate as contrasted with the α- and β-monohydrates.
Effect of continuous thyroxine administration on thyrotropin secretion in thyroidectomized rats.

We have studied the effect of T4 itself (i.e. without extrapituitary conversion to T3) on the feedback regulation of pituitary TSH secretion in thyroidectomized rats receiving continuous T4 or T3 replacement. Continuous sc infusion of 1.0 or 2.0 μg T4/100 g·day in 0.01 N NaOH, 20% 1,2-propanediol vehicle failed to maintain the plasma T4 concentration in thyroidectomized rats for more than 48 h, despite the verification of T4 delivery. Continuous sc infusion of 1.0 or 2.0 μg T4/100 g·day in 0.01 N NaOH, 5% rat serum resulted in a dose-dependent elevation in the plasma T4 concentration and inhibition of the postthyroidectomy rise in plasma TSH, in the presence of low plasma T3 concentrations. Mimicking the low plasma T3 concentrations that resulted from T4 infusion by continuous replacement of 280 ng T3/100 g·day failed to inhibit the postthyroidectomy rise in plasma TSH. The pituitary responsiveness to TRH (250 ng/100 g, iv) after 96 h of thyroid hormone infusion was significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited only...
Executable specifications for distributed software systems

The front-end life cycle or upper CASE aspects of software development for distributed systems is driven by the components of applications, management, and techniques/tools. The applications component seeks taxonomies of application domains in distributed computing and the identification of core software requirements. The management component concerns the twofold aspects of developing distributed computing systems and distributed development teams. The techniques/tools component includes analysis of those elements available to support software development. Specifications have advantages and limitations in distributed computing that must be addressed to effectively develop software systems. This paper describes the role of executable specifications in distributed computing, specification language development/experience, and future directions.
Optical forces on atoms in nonmonochromatic light

We have recently begun to explore the very strong optical forces that can be exerted on atoms by polychromatic light. Unlike the radiative force that is limited to be less than ℏkγ/2 in monochromatic light or the dipole force that alternates on a wavelength scale in a monochromatic standing wave, limiting its utility, these new forces have very attractive features. Not only is their strength far greater than Frad, but also their velocity range is far greater than γ/k, so that beam slowing can be accomplished without Doppler compensation in distances measured in millimeters instead of meters. These forces have been implemented by modulation of a single-frequency laser or by combination of the light of two different single-frequency lasers.
Contrasting free energies of electron transfer from [6] and [8]annulenes to their erdeuteriated-per-13C analogues

EPR analysis shows that the equilibrium isotope effect upon the equilibrium constant for electron transfer between isotopic isomers is much larger in [6]annulene (i.e. C6H6−. + 13C6D6 = C6H6 + 13C6D6−.) than in the [8]annulene systems (i.e. C8H8−. + 13C8D8 = C8H8 + 13C8D8−.). This is due to the effects of aromaticity.
Pneumocystis carinii Glycoprotein A Inhibits Surfactant Phospholipid Secretion by Rat Alveolar Type II Cells

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) remains a major cause of morbidity in AIDS. The pathogenesis of PCP is poorly understood, but evidence of surfactant abnormalities is mounting. The role of the major surface glycoprotein of P. carinii, gpA, in producing surfactant abnormalities was investigated. Rat type II pneumocytes were incubated with [3H]choline, purified gpA, and modulators. Lipid was extracted, and [3H]dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) secretion was calculated. Contaminating endotoxin had no effect on DPPC secretion. gpA inhibited basal and ATP-stimulated DPPC secretion in a dose- and time-dependent manner. An anti-gpA monoclonal antibody attenuated inhibition of DPPC secretion. Unglycosylated recombinant gpA inhibited secretion, suggesting that functional activity resides in the protein moiety of gpA. These results suggest that gpA is a specific trigger for abnormalities of surfactant lipids in PCP. This is a unique role for a microbial product in disease pathogenesis and a potentially exploitable therapeutic target.
Targeting Nuclear Import Shuttles, Importins/Karyopherins alpha by a Peptide Mimicking the NFκB1/p50 Nuclear Localization Sequence

Background We recently reported that a bifunctional nuclear transport modifier (NTM), cSN50.1 peptide, reduced atherosclerosis, plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose along with liver fat and inflammatory markers, in a murine model of familial hypercholesterolemia. We determined that cSN50.1 improved lipid homeostasis by modulating nuclear transport of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins through interaction with importin β. Previous studies established that cSN50.1 and related NTMs also modulate nuclear transport of proinflammatory transcription factors mediated by binding of their nuclear localization sequences (NLSs) to importins/karyopherins α. However, selectivity and specificity of NTMs for importins/karyopherins α were undetermined. Methods and Results We analyzed interaction of the NTM hydrophilic module, N50 peptide, derived from the NLS of NFκB1/p50, with endogenous human importins/karyopherins α to determine the mechanism of NTM modulation of importin α-mediated nuclear transport. We show that N50 peptide forms stable complexes with multiple importins/karyopherins α. However, only interaction with importin α5 (Imp α5) displayed specific, high-affinity binding. The 2:1 stoichiometry of the N50-Imp α5 interaction (KD1=73 nmol/L, KD2=140 nmol/L) indicated occupancy of both major and minor NLS binding pockets. Utilizing in silico 3-dimensional (3-D) docking models and comparative structural analysis, we identified a structural component of the Imp α5 major NLS binding pocket that may stabilize N50 binding. Imp α5 also displayed rapid stimulus-induced turnover, which could influence its availability for nuclear transport during the inflammatory response. Conclusions These results provide direct evidence that N50 peptide selectively targets Imp α5, encouraging further refinement of NLS-derived peptides as new tools to modulate inflammatory disorders.
Congress, the President, and the End of the Cold War: Has Anything Changed?

Many analysts believe that the end of the cold war will spark greater conflict between Congress and the president on foreign issues, thus further undermining the nation's political mythology that politics stops at the water's edge. The authors test that hypothesis using House of Representatives' support of presidents' foreign policy bids on prerogative power and defense budgeting issues during the Reagan, Bush, and Clinton Congresses (1983-1996). They also examine the votes of members of Congress whose careers bridged the cold war divide, asking whether the cold war's end shocked them into new forms of behavior. The authors conclude that conflict between Congress and the president has heightened in the post-cold war era, but the impact of the cold war's end is a less important explanation of executive-congressional contestation than members' role responsibilities and ideological preferences. Thus, the agenda of foreign policy issues may have changed with the end of the cold war, but the process of policy ...
Kierkegaard and the Blue Testament

KIERKEGAARD was as clever as a professional criminal in leaving a confusing trail --albeit including some tantalizing clues for those scholarly detectives who he predicted would come sleuthing after him. As a result of his method of operation "the real Kierkegaard" is exceptionally elusive. Hypotheses compete to explain his extravagant behavior. Opinions vary as to how Kierkegaard was related to his pseudonyms. Even the work published under his own name is not free from the charge of wily posturing. And often the entries in his own private diary appear contrived. However, it is just possible that one can get an intimate glimpse of the real Kierkegaard through a rich cache of his marginalia (to my knowledge) previously untranslated and uncommented upon. This fascinating material consists of one hundred and thirty-one notes, underlinings, and marks scattered over the pages of a New Testament from Kierkegaard's personal library.' The notes made by Kierkegaard in his New Testament present him as a sharply critical reader who catches flaws and incongruities in the text. Also, the delicate minuscule handwriting etched alongside the verses shows the touch of an exegetical virtuoso who can plumb the depths of meaning and capture it in words. The rigorous themes of Kierkegaard's "New Testament Christianity" and "attack upon Christendom" sound throughout many marked passages. There are some strangely cryptic notes, too, and some surprises. But let us begin at the beginning.
A perioperative cost analysis comparing single-level minimally invasive and open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.

Abstract Background context Emerging literature suggests superior clinical short- and long-term outcomes of MIS (minimally invasive surgery) TLIFs (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion) versus open fusions. Few studies to date have analyzed the cost differences between the two techniques and their relationship to acute clinical outcomes. Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine the differences in hospitalization costs and payments for patients treated with primary single-level MIS versus open TLIF. The impact of clinical outcomes and their contribution to financial differences was explored as well. Study design/setting This study was a nonrandomized, nonblinded prospective review. Patient sample Sixty-six consecutive patients undergoing a single-level TLIF (open/MIS) were analyzed (33 open, 33 MIS). Patients in either cohort (MIS/open) were matched based on race, sex, age, smoking status, medical comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity index), payer, and diagnosis. Every patient in the study had a diagnosis of either degenerative disc disease or spondylolisthesis and stenosis. Outcome measures Operative time (minutes), length of stay (LOS, days), estimated blood loss (EBL, mL), anesthesia time (minutes), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, and hospital cost/payment amount were assessed. Methods The MIS and open TLIF groups were compared based on clinical outcomes measures and hospital cost/payment data using SPSS version 20.0 for statistical analysis. The two groups were compared using bivariate chi-squared analysis. Mann-Whitney tests were used for non-normal distributed data. Effect size estimate was calculated with the Cohen d statistic and the r statistic with a 95% confidence interval. Results Average surgical time was shorter for the MIS than the open TLIF group (115.8 minutes vs. 186.0 minutes respectively; p=.001). Length of stay was also reduced for the MIS versus the open group (2.3 days vs. 2.9 days, respectively; p=.018). Average anesthesia time and EBL were also lower in the MIS group (p Conclusions MIS TLIF technique demonstrated significant reductions of operative time, LOS, anesthesia time, VAS scores, and EBL compared with the open technique. This reduction in perioperative parameters translated into lower total hospital costs over a 60-day perioperative period. Although hospital reimbursements appear higher in the open group over the MIS group, shorter surgical times and LOS days in the MIS technique provide opportunities for hospitals to reduce utilization of resources and to increase surgical case volume.
Occupational Exposure to Hepatitis C Virus: Early T-Cell Responses in the Absence of Seroconversion in a Longitudinal Cohort Study

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection constitutes a serious global health problem, with more than 120 million people chronically infected. Since the introduction of blood donor screening in the early 1990s, the epidemiology of HCV infection has changed. In the United States, transmission via blood transfusion is now effectively prevented via donor screening [1], and most cases of infection occur in injection drug users via HCV-contaminated needles [2, 3]. In addition, healthcare workers are at risk of infection due to sharp injuries. Some of the largest studies on virus exposure in healthcare workers were conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Needlestick Surveillance Group as multicenter case-control studies. In those studies, healthcare workers who developed antibodies to either HCV [4] or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) [5] were classified as cases, whereas those who did not seroconvert were classified as controls. Likewise, a large surveillance study in Europe followed 245 healthcare workers for 5 years using seroconversion as evidence of exposure [6]. However, none of these prospective studies assessed HCV-specific T-cell responses. T-cell responses are relevant because the small percentage of patients who clear acute HCV infection spontaneously, approximately 20%, mount vigorous HCV-specific T-cell responses, and T-cell–mediated immune memory may protect humans [7] and chimpanzees [8, 9] upon reexposure. In contrast, antibodies are not required for HCV clearance as shown in hypogammaglobulinemic patients [10], and antibody titers decrease significantly within 10–20 years after HCV clearance [11]. HCV-specific T-cell responses were also described in cross-sectional studies on seronegative subjects such as injection drug users [4, 12–15], family members of HCV-infected patients [16–18], and healthcare workers [19] who test negative for HCV RNA despite an increased risk of HCV exposure. Based on these studies, it has often been suggested that years of low-dose HCV exposure may prime and maintain HCV-specific T cells that protect against systemic infection [13, 14, 17]. However, due to unknown exposure dates and lack of longitudinal immune response analysis, in particular with early time points after exposure, it cannot be excluded that the studied subjects had resolved a regular acute HCV infection in the distant past and subsequently lost HCV-specific antibodies [11]. In the current study, 72 healthcare workers were enrolled upon documented HCV exposure and studied frequently, that is, up to 5 times in the first 6 weeks and at 3 months and 6 months after exposure. In contrast to a previous study that was smaller and had less frequent and later sampling [20], we found a pattern of early transient T-cell responses that was associated with the transmission risk score. Our results support the hypothesis that HCV-specific T cells are more sensitive indicators of low-dose HCV exposure than antibodies, which is relevant for surveillance studies and for vaccine development.