cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Informed consent: Commentary on the ACOG ethics committee statement

T he word "ethics" has to do with what ought to be done, all things considered. 1 From a societal perspective, ethical reflection on health care issues focuses on the continued liberty of citizens when they are patients and on the fair distribution of resources. From a professional's perspective, ethical reflection orients clinical decisions toward the goal of enhancing the patient's well-being or easing the patient's decline. From a patient's perspective, ethical reflection measures clinical choices by the impact on one's life story, which has been disrupted by accident or illness. "Informed consent" singles out one component of the decision-making process in which this freedom is exercised by the patient in the context of health care. We believe the ACOG ethics committee has correctly recognized that "ethics" presumes that human beings are essentially free and, therefore, accountable for their actions. However, the committee took a serious risk in attempting to approach the meaning of informed consent historically, philosophically, and culturally. We fear that most physicians would prefer a more cookbook document. The committee may have written a document that may, for some physicians, create confusion about a clinical responsibility they thought was fairly straightforward. The phrase "obstetric-gynecologic ethics" suggests both commonality and distinction in decision-making pertaining to women's reproductive and sexuality health care. Obstetrics and gynecology do continue to share enough common ground for both specialties to be addressed jointly in an ethics statement (eg, both areas involve women's health care needs, relate to the same region of the body, and have reproductive and sexuality interests). However, we believe that such an ethics statement needs to demonstrate consideration of the many traits that distinguish obstetrics ethics from gynecology ethics. For instance, an obstetrician makes clinical decisions for two patients (at least from the point of fetal viability) who are interdependent, with one (the fetus) being accessible for interventions only through the other (the pregnant woman). A gynecologist practices preventive medicine. An obstetrics team includes © 1993 by The Jacobs Institute of Women's Health 1049-3867/93/$6.00
GLASS SURFACES - 1982

A new category of glass surface is described. Type IIIB surfaces are composed of multiple layers of oxides, hydroxides, and hydrated silicates resulting from a sequence of solution-precipitation reactions between the glass surface and leaching solutions. Very low leach rates and then ion depletion depths of certain compositions of complex nuclear waste glasses are due to Type IIIB surfaces. The solubility limits that establish the equilibrium ionic concentrations for burial ground waters also establish the multiple barrier Type IIIB films, to protect nuclear waste glasses in contact with those ground waters.
Does CSR Impact M&A Target Attractiveness?

We examine the impact of CSR on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), which have become a very popular method by which firms seek to acquire resources and/or capabilities that might create value. Based o...
Validity of the Fermi Approximation in Slow Neutron Scattering

The correction to the Fermi approximation for the cross section is calculated for slow neutron scattering from a proton bound in a harmonic potential. For neutron energies up to fifteen times thermal energy, and for energy transfer due to proton transitions between the ground state and first excited state, the Fermi approximation is found to be accurate to 0.5%. Previous calculations for d 122 to 158 deg /d OMEGA that considered only elastic scattering from the proton initially in the ground state are thereby extended. (auth)
Spread of introduced Lehmann lovegrass Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees. in Southern Arizona, USA

Abstract Through seeding and subsequent spread, Lehmann lovegrass Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees. has transformed the structure and function of at least 145 000 ha of semi-desert grassland in southern Arizona since its introduction in 1932. Our study of its spread on the Santa Rita Experimental Range since 1954 showed that by 1989 it was present on >85% of 75 relatively widely dispersed non-seeded permanent plots and accounted for >40% of all perennial grass plants on these plots. In addition, it represented >50% of the perennial grass plants on sites 90% of the grass biomass and produce 2–4 times more biomass annually than native grass vegetation. In the future, strong consideration of these plant composition changes, and the likely decrease in wildlife diversity and increase in fire frequencies accompanying Lehmann lovegrass dominance, should be made before seeding the species.
OSMOTIC PRESSURE GRADIENTS AND JOINT EFFUSIONS.

This study reveals that in rheumatoid joint disease the total osmotic pressure of synovial fluid tends to be lower than, or equal to, that of plasma. With local articular or general systemic improvement the total osmotic pressures of synovial fluid and plasma tend to increase, and that of synovial fluid may exceed that of plasma. The colloid osmotic pressure of synovial fluid from joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis was lower than that of plasma. Le presente studio revela que in morbos rheumatic del articulationes le total pression osmotic del liquido synovial tende a esser inferior o equal a illo de plasma. Con local melioration articular o con melioration constitutional, le total pressiones osmotic del liquidos synovial e del plasma tende a montar, e illo del liquido synovial pote exceder illo del plasma. Le colloide pression osmotic de liquido synovial ab articulationes de patientes con arthritis rheumatoide esseva inferior a illo del plasma.
Thermal melting of bacteriophage f2 RNA and initiation of synthesis of the maturation protein

Abstract In extracts from Bacillus stearothermophilus bacteriophage f2 RNA directs synthesis only of maturation protein. Bacteriophage f2 protein synthesis increases 20-fold from 47 to 65 °C. We show this is probably caused by a change in the RNA secondary structure, and is correlated with a 5% increase in A 260 . Alteration of f2 RNA structure by treatment with formaldehyde at 37 °C results in synthesis of large amounts of maturation protein irrespective of temperature. Formaldehyde treatment also modifies the RNA so that Bacillus ribosomes can initiate synthesis of the RNA polymerase, but still not of coat protein.
Energy transformations in human movement by contact

This study focuses on the transformation of energy in multilinkage systems by a deliberate use of the contact with the ground, leading to a derivation of the directional change of translational velocity of the body's center of mass. The coefficient of friction on the surface on which the impact occurs, and its effect on the overall movement, is studied for general multilinkage systems undergoing impact. The effect of surface friction is made apparent via simulation studies for a two-link example, where two interesting conditions arise: slippage or no slippage on the surface at impact. It is found that once the system stops on the surface, the translational energy increases as the angular velocity increases. Likewise, it is seen that the rotational energy after impact increases as the angular velocity of the first link increases, but the rate of increase of energy is less in the case where the system stops on the ground with no slippage.
The 50th anniversary of TGEB

With the intent of stimulating discussion, this section is reserved for book reviews, comments, and letters; your input is welcome. By nature, this material may be subjective, reflecting the opinions of the authors; your responses are therefore encouraged.
On the Structural Changes of Native Human α2-Macroglobulin upon Proteinase Entrapment: THREE-DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE HALF-TRANSFORMED MOLECULE

Abstract The reconstructions of an intermediate form of human α2-macroglobulin (half-transformed α2M) in which two of its four bait regions and thiol ester sites were cleaved by chymotrypsin bound to Sepharose were obtained by three-dimensional electron microscopy from stain and frozen-hydrated specimens. The structures show excellent agreement and reveal a structure with approximate dimensions of 195 (length) × 135 (width) and 130 A (depth) with an internal funnel-shaped cavity. The structure shows that a chisel-shaped body is connected to a broad base at the opposing end by four stands. Four approximately 45 A diameter large openings in the body of the structure result in a central cavity that is more accessible to the proteinase than those associated with the native or fully transformed structures. The dissimilarity in the shapes between the two ends of α2M half-transformed and the similarity between its chisel-shaped body and that of native α2M indicate that the chymotrypsin has cleaved both bait regions in the bottom-half of the structure. Consequently, its functional division lies on the minor axis. The structural organization is in accord with biochemical studies, which show that the half-transformed α2M migrates on native polyacrylamide gels at a rate intermediate to the native and fully transformed α2M and is capable of trapping 1 mol of proteinase. Even though its upper portion is similar to the native molecule, significant differences in their shapes are apparent and these differences may be related to its slower reaction with a proteinase than the native structure. These structural comparisons further support the view that the transformation of α2M involves an untwisting of its strands with an opening of the cavity for entrance of the proteinase and a retwisting of the strands around the proteinase resulting in its encapsulation.
Mobile robot localization with multiple stationary cameras

The problem of determining the position and orientation of a mobile robot has been addressed by several researchers using sensors of different modalities, including video cameras. Invariably, all the vision-based approaches for robot localization consider that the camera is mounted on the robot and that the robot working environment is assumed to contain prominent landmarks at known locations. In this paper we propose a robot localization scheme where the robot itself serves as the landmark for cameras that are positioned in the environment to cover the entire work area of the robot. Although the proposed approach is applicable for the robots of any regular shape, we develop the solution to the localization problem by assuming a cylindrical shape for the robot. A compete mathematical analysis of the localization problem is given by extending the three-dimensional structure-from-rotational motion approach to the present task. We also examine the implementation issue of the proposed approach and present experimental results to show its effectiveness.
Severe H1N1-associated acute respiratory failure in immunocompromised children†

Background Severe pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection can lead to acute respiratory failure (ARF) with associated high mortality. Children with malignancy may be at higher risk of H1N1-associated ARF because of underlying primary disease or immunosuppression associated with chemotherapy. Procedure We describe the clinical course and outcome of critically ill pediatric oncology/hematology patients with H1N1-associated ARF. Results Five patients were admitted to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH) ICU with H1N1 infection during the 2009–2010 influenza season. Underlying diagnoses included 2 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and one each with neuroblastoma, brainstem glioma, and hemolytic anemia secondary to pyruvate kinase deficiency. All patients were mechanically ventilated secondary to ARF following unsuccessful trials of non-invasive ventilatory support. The majority of patients (4/5) required inotropic support, and none required dialysis. Further measures to support their ARF included high frequency oscillatory ventilation in 2 patients, nitric oxide in 3 patients, and surfactant in 1 patient. Three patients had bronchopleural air leak. All patients received oseltamivir; however, 2 were switched to intravenous zanamivir once resistance to oseltamivir was documented. Mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 24 ± 6.8 days and mean duration of ICU admission was 37 ± 12 days. All patients survived to hospital discharge. Conclusion Our series suggests an overall favorable outcome in immunocompromised children with H1N1-related ARF. Our experience underscores the value of aggressive support during H1N1-related ARF, and early detection and management of oseltamivir-resistant H1N1 infection in this high-risk population. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 625–628. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Clinical Outcomes for Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Mastectomy and Reconstruction with Use of DermACELL, a Sterile, Room Temperature Acellular Dermal Matrix.

Background. Decellularized human skin has been used in a variety of medical applications, primarily involving soft tissue reconstruction, wound healing, and tendon augmentation. Theoretically, decellularization removes potentially immunogenic material and provides a clean scaffold for cellular and vascular in growth. The use of acellular dermal matrix in two-stage postmastectomy breast reconstruction is described. Methods. Ten consecutive breast cancer patients were treated with mastectomies and immediate reconstruction from August to November 2011. There were 8 bilateral and 1 unilateral mastectomies for a total of 17 breasts, with one exclusion for chronic tobacco use. Reconstruction included the use of a new 6 × 16 cm sterile, room temperature acellular dermal matrix patch (DermACELL) soaked in a cefazolin bath. Results. Of the 17 breasts, 15 reconstructions were completed; 14 of them with expander to implant sequence and acellular dermal matrix. Histological analysis of biopsies obtained during trimming of the matrix at the second stage appeared nonremarkable with evidence of normal healing, cellularity, and vascular infiltration. Conclusion. Postoperative observations showed that this cellular dermal matrix appears to be an appropriate adjunct to reconstruction with expanders. This acellular dermal matrix appeared to work well with all patients, even those receiving postoperative chemotherapy, postoperative radiation, prednisone, or warfarin sodium.
Mechanisms for Stable Single Bubble Sonoluminescence

A gas bubble trapped in water by an oscillating acoustic field is expected to either shrink or grow on a diffusive time scale, depending on the forcing strength and the bubble size. At high ambient gas concentration this has long been observed. However, recent sonoluminescence experiments show that when the ambient gas concentration is low the bubble can be stable for days. This paper discusses mechanisms leading to stability.
Women, Work, and Family : Three Studies of Roles and Identity Among Working Mothers

Three studies were conducted with partnered workingwomen with children younger than 18 years old living at home. The first two studies examine relationships among women's identity, career salience, attachment and coping styles, and work-family issues. The final study explores relations among individual differences, organizational variables, and turnover intent. Findings suggest that conflict as an identity element may be more a function of education and income than individual differences. Turnover intent was predicted only by organizational variables as perceived by the individual, not individual differences.
Immunochemical identification of an actin-like protein from soybean seedlings

Microfilaments are recognised as ubiquitous cytoskeletal and contractile elements found in virtually all types of cells. Indeed, the major protein component of these fibrillar structures, actin, has been isolated from a variety of cells1–5. A number of laboratories have recently reported ultrastructural observations of microfilaments in plant cells such as Avena sativa, Nicotiana tabacum, Nitella flexilis, Amaryllis belladonna, Haemanthus katherina, Mougeotia, Mimosa and Chara6–13. Preliminary studies on the identification of the actin subunit of these structures have also been reported for Nitella, Phaseolus vulgaris and Lycopesicon esculentum14–16. More detailed studies have been made on actin isolated from the cellular slime mould, Dictyostelium discoideum17,18. We report here the isolation, from extracts of soybean (Glycine max) seedlings, of a protein that binds rabbit antibodies directed against calf thymus actin. The results suggest the presence of an actin-like polypeptide chain in soybean cells.
Labellar chordotonal organs of the mosquito, Culiseta inornata (Williston) (Diptera : Culicidae)

Abstract One chordotonal organ innervated by 2 bipolar neurons is found in each labellar lobe of the mosquito Culiseta inornata. Each chordotonal organ is connected by an attachment cell to the distal apex of each labellum. The axons of the chordotonal neurons form the core around which the sensory axons of chemosensory hairs coalesce to form the labial nerve. Nine pairs of neurotubules are found in the distal or ciliary segment of the dendrites. The proximal portion of the dendrites contains the ciliary collar, basal body and axial filament. The axial filament extends proximally to the nerve cell body and lies parallel with the nucleus. The chordotonal organs may act as proprioceptors sensing the amount of spreading of the labellar lobes during feeding.
Structure-activity relationship information incorporation in health related environmental risk assessment

In the bioinformatics and environmetrics evolution, virology, molecular biology and toxicology, along with biostochastics, play the key role; the complex task is invaded by some statistical methodologic challenges. We need to identify the multitude of (often disguised) toxicants and virus working in synergism and slow progression, assess their absorption mode, as well as, in vivo biological activity and reaction, and then to formulate suitable stochastic models for statistical analysis. Lack of experimental control, difficulties with standard dose-response regression analysis, as well as limitations of usual dosimetric studies create impasses. Basically, chemical or viral structure and in vivo biological activity relationship information needs to be incorporated adequately to depict the causal cum stochastic relationship between environmental exposures (of toxins and virus) and specific health hazards. Limitations of conventional statistical analysis in health related environmental risk assessment are appraised; some Bayesian perspectives are also examined.
How does the mode of inheritance of a genetic condition influence families? A study of guilt, blame, stigma, and understanding of inheritance and reproductive risks in families with X-linked and autosomal recessive diseases

Purpose: While the mode of inheritance of a genetic condition has long been considered to have not only medical, but also psychosocial consequences for families, this supposition has never been tested. Methods: We surveyed 112 members of 51 families (59% response) with chronic granulomatous disease to determine the influence of mode of inheritance on parents', siblings', and patients' (1) knowledge of inheritance and reproductive risk; (2) concern about risk to future family-members; (3) feelings of guilt and blame; and (4) feelings of stigmatization. Ninety-six members of 51 families (49% response) with Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy types II/III were also studied. Results: X-linked families had better understanding of inheritance (P < 0.001) and reproductive risks (P < 0.01). X-linked mothers worried more about risks to future generations; other autosomal-recessive family members were as worried. X-linked mothers were more likely to feel guilty (P < 0.01) and blame themselves (P < 0.001). X-linked fathers blamed their child's mother (P < 0.05) and X-linked mothers felt more blamed by the father (P < 0.01). X-linked family-members were more likely to consider being a carrier stigmatizing (P < 0.05). Conclusion: When providing genetic counseling, attention should be given to guilt and blame in X-linked families and understanding reproductive risks in autosomal recessive families.
Comparison of quantity of egg and mouse-adapted influenza viruses required to infect each host.

SummaryParallel titrations to determine the dilution of virus essential to initiate infection in the allantoic membrane of the embryonated egg and the mouse lung were carried out. In every instance with mouse-adapted viruses, the relative quantity essential to infect the mouse and the chick embryo was approximately the same; with egg-adapted viruses approximately 2 logs more virus was required to initiate multiplication in the mouse lung than in the allantoic sac. These data describe another property of mouse-adapted influenza viruses which distinguish them from unadapted strains.
MMSE reconstruction for 3D freehand ultrasound imaging

The reconstruction of 3D ultrasound (US) images from mechanically registered, but otherwise irregularly positioned, B-scan slices is of great interest in image guided therapy procedures. Conventional 3D ultrasound algorithms have low computational complexity, but the reconstructed volume suffers from severe speckle contamination. Furthermore, the current method cannot reconstruct uniform high-resolution data from several low-resolution B-scans. In this paper, the minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) method is applied to 3D ultrasound reconstruction. Data redundancies due to overlapping samples as well as correlation of the target and speckle are naturally accounted for in the MMSE reconstruction algorithm. Thus, the reconstruction process unifies the interpolation and spatial compounding. Simulation results for synthetic US images are presented to demonstrate the excellent reconstruction.
Monte Carlo Study of the Molecular Beam Epitaxy Process for Manufacturing Iron Oxide Nano Scale Films and Similarities With Magnesium Oxide Films

Functional properties of thin film metal oxides depend upon their stoichiometric and structural uniformity. Controlling the film deposition process can help tune the functionality of these films by ensuring the control over chemistry and structure of the films. The high volume manufacturing of functional devices will benefit from the development of reliable control models developed from research efforts in designing robust manufacturing processes. The use of neural networks as computer models to simulate the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) of iron oxide thin films is presented in this work. Monte Carlo experiments are used to study the sensitivities and significances of process control variables to the stoichiometric performance indicators. Moreover, we also explore the relationship between growth dynamics of iron oxide (Fe2 O3 , Fe3 O4 , and mixed Fex Oy ) and magnesium oxide (MgO) thin films. The common metal adsorption controlled growth mechanism of two films with different structural and stoichiometric complexities were observed and the similarities among the trends of analogous stoichiometric indicators at comparable metal arrival rates of the two films are presented. The dependence of undesirable bonding states of iron and magnesium metals with the film thicknesses was also observed in both processes. The commonalities suggest the potential to use of neural network assisted Monte Carlo analysis to link common atomic-level mechanisms to processing variables in one nano-scale system and use them to predict some level of behavior in other nanoscale processes with similar atomic-level mechanisms.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Surface supported bilayer platform for studies of lateral association of proteins in membranes (Mini Review)

Here, the authors review how surface supported bilayers can be engineered and how Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) can be used to quantify interactions between transmembrane peptides in these bilayers. The requirements for the surface supported platform are (1) lateral mobility of the peptides, (2) transmembrane orientation of the peptides, and (3) capabilities for FRET measurements. To satisfy these requirements, a new assembly method, termed “directed assembly” was developed. This assembly method could have broad utility in basic studies of proteins in membranes and in biotechnological applications.
Establishment of HIV Latency in Primary CD4+ Cells Is due to Epigenetic Transcriptional Silencing and P-TEFb Restriction

The development of suitable experimental systems for studying HIV latency in primary cells that permit detailed biochemical analyses and the screening of drugs is a critical step in the effort to develop viral eradication strategies. Primary CD4 + T cells were isolated from peripheral blood and amplified by antibodies to the T-cell receptor (TCR). The cells were then infected by lentiviral vectors carrying fluorescent reporters and either the wild-type Tat gene or the attenuated H13L Tat gene. After sorting for the positive cells and reamplification, the infected cells were allowed to spontaneously enter latency by long-term cultivation on the H80 feeder cell line in the absence of TCR stimulation. By 6 weeks almost all of the cells lost fluorescent protein marker expression; however, more than 95% of these latently infected cells could be reactivated after stimulation of the TCR by α-CD3/CD28 antibodies. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that, analogously to Jurkat T cells, latent proviruses in primary CD4 + T cells are enriched in heterochromatic markers, including high levels of CBF-1, histone deacetylases, and methylated histones. Upon TCR activation, there was recruitment of NF-κB to the promoter and conversion of heterochromatin structures present on the latent provirus to active euchromatin structures containing acetylated histones. Surprisingly, latently infected primary cells cannot be induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha because of a restriction in P-TEFb levels, which can be overcome by activation of the TCR. Thus, a combination of restrictive chromatin structures at the HIV long terminal repeat and limiting P-TEFb levels contribute to transcriptional silencing leading to latency in primary CD4 + T cells.
Ischemic heart disease mortality in Hispanics, American Indians, and non-Hispanic whites in New Mexico, 1958-1982

To describe trends in mortality from ischemic heart disease in New Mexico's Hispanic, American Indian, and non-Hispanic white populations, we used vital records data collected from 1958 through 1982. We calculated age-adjusted and age-specific mortality rates for ischemic heart disease for each of the state's principal ethnic groups. Death certificate data were used in combination with population estimates based on the censuses of 1960, 1970, and 1980. Age-adjusted mortality rates for ischemic heart disease among Hispanics, American Indians, and non-Hispanic white men were consistent with nationwide patterns of rising mortality rates during the 1960s followed by declining rates. Mortality rates from ischemic heart disease in all three ethnic groups in New Mexico were lower than national rates for whites. Rates for Hispanics in New Mexico were lower than for non-Hispanic whites; rates for American Indians were the lowest among the three groups. These data support previous observations that Hispanics and American Indians in the Southwest are at decreased risk for mortality from ischemic heart disease in comparison with U.S. whites.
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome of the Hand After Placement of an Arteriovenous Graft for Hemodialysis

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS), a complex clinical syndrome characterized by pain and swelling of an affected extremity, is most commonly seen after trauma. We report the case of a woman with diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure who presented with RSDS 5 months after placement of an arteriovenous (AV) graft for hemodialysis. The temporal relationship between RSDS and the vascular surgery suggests AV graft placement as the precipitating event for the development of RSDS. Treatment with systemic corticosteroids successfully relieved the patient's symptoms. We believe that RSDS should be included in the differential diagnosis of unexplained limb pain and swelling after AV graft placement.
Hysteretic and multiphoton optical resonances of a single cyclotron electron

Due to tiny relativistic effects, a host of nonlinear interactions of microwave or optical radiation with a single trapped electron in a strong magnetic field is feasible. This phenomenon, relativistic so-called nonlinear optics of a single electron, includes hysteretic and isolas resonances and various multiphoton excitations, in particular, stimulated cyclo-Raman resonances and subharmonics of any order. The authors develop a unified approach to all these effects. Results valid for arbitrary electron energy and for any order of interaction are obtained, and higher order cyclo-Raman resonances are predicted. >
Lipoxygenase‐Catalyzed Oxidation of N‐6 and N‐3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Relevance to and Activity in Fish Tissue

Lipid peroxidation is an important process responsible for the flavor deterioration of many plant and animal foods. In order to understand possible mechanisms of initiation, a soybean lipoxygenase-polyunsaturated fatty acid model system was studied. The rate of enzyme-initiated oxidation was monitored by both oxygen consumption and diene conjugation. The hydroperoxides from an n-6 fatty acid, i.e. arachidonic, and n-3 fatty acids, i.e. linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids were reduced and analyzed by reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The lipoxygenase specifically catalyzed oxygenation at the n-6 carbon of both n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. Lipoxygenase activity was demonstrated in skin homogenate from rainbow trout and its role in off-flavor development is discussed.
Convex subspace closure of the point shadow of an apartment of a spherical building

Let Σ be the point-line truncation of an augmented J-Grassmann geometry of a spherical building B. We show that if |J | = 1, or if |J | ≥ 2 and some additional conditions hold, then the convex subspace closure in Σ of the point shadow of an apartment of B is the entire space Σ.
An enhanced approach to distinguishing public health practice and human subjects research.

What are the Differences between Public Health Practice and Research? This perplexing question constantly arises in the planning and performance of public health activities involving the acquisition and use of identifiable health information. Public health agencies collect and analyze significant identifiable health data from health care providers, insurers, other agencies, or individuals to perform an array of public health activities. These activities include surveillance (e.g., reporting requirements, disease registries, sentinel networks), epidemiological investigations (e.g., to investigate disease outbreaks), and evaluation and monitoring (e.g., public health program development and analysis, oversight functions). Few debate that these essential public health activities, often specifically authorized by law, are classifiable as public health practice. Other public health activities in which identifiable health data are acquired or used, however, can resemble, include, or constitute human subjects research. “Human subjects research” is legally defined as “a systematic investigation, including research development, testing, and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge” that involves living human subjects (or their identifiable, private data).
Wideband frequency tunable liquid metal monopole antenna

A frequency tunable liquid metal monopole antenna is introduced. The antenna is formed inside a microfluidic channel embedded within Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate. The bottom side of the channel is sealed with 25μm thick liquid crystal polymer (LCP) layer in order to interface the antenna with a conventional microstrip feed line using the capacitive coupling mechanism. The physical length of the antenna is dynamically changed by using pumps to accomplish tunability over a wide frequency range. The concept is demonstrated through the design and experimentation of a 2.9:1 tunable monopole antenna that can operate between 1.7GHz and 4.9GHz.
Propagation of Columbia SK virus in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells with oncolysis.

SummaryPropagation of Columbia SK virus in Ehrlich ascites cells in vivo is described. After several passages an adapted strain of SK virus having an oncolytic effect was obtained. The adapted strain was relatively non-pathogenic for mice unless accompanied by Ehrlich cells, in which it could propagate freely. This strain, after many passages, maintains ability to agglutinate sheep red cells and is neutralized by antiserum against the original brain virus. The strain shows no cytopathogenicity to Sarcoma 180 cells in tissue culture.
Secondary Preservice Teachers' Perspectives on Teacher Self-Disclosure as Citizenship Curriculum

Abstract This article explores secondary preservice teachers' attitudes toward the use of teacher self-disclosure as a tool for citizenship education. Based on the notion that teacher self-disclosure may function as citizenship curriculum, this study addressed critical issues of teachers' sharing their knowledge about religions (including their own) and political perspectives (including their own) for citizenship education, and it explored the challenges of integrating teacher self-disclosure into teaching. Data from interviews with six preservice teachers indicate that they did not consider it acceptable for teachers to talk about their religious beliefs and political perspectives for fear of (1) disagreeing with their students, (2) the possibility of students' having limited understanding or misunderstanding, and (3) the risk of inciting conflicts with parents and the school administration. The study suggested that teacher education programs should provide courses and field experiences for preservice te...
Impact of β1- and β2-Adrenergic Receptor Gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on Heart Rate Response to Metoprolol Prior to Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography

A slow, steady heart rate (HR) is necessary for optimal image quality during coronary computed tomographic angiography. Beta blockers are often used, but the goal HR is not achieved in some patients. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the β 1 (codons 49 and 389) and β 2 (codons 16, 27, and 164) adrenergic receptor (AR) genes on HR response to metoprolol in 200 adults (mean age 56 ± 11 years) referred for coronary computed tomographic angiography (using a 64-slice scanner). Oral and intravenous (IV) metoprolol was given to achieve a goal HR of 1 -AR Ser49Gly or Gly49Gly genotype (n = 49) more often failed to reach an optimal HR compared to those with the Ser49Ser genotype (n = 151) (29% vs 15%, p = 0.04), despite receiving higher doses of oral (210 ± 115 vs 172 ± 115 mg, p = 0.048) and IV (7 ± 13 vs 3 ± 8 mg, p = 0.02) metoprolol. Similarly, patients with the β 1 -AR Gly389Gly genotype (n = 11) more often failed to reach an optimal HR compared to those with the Arg389Arg and Arg389Gly genotypes (n = 189) (45% vs 17%, p = 0.02), despite receiving higher doses of IV (13 ± 15 vs 4 ± 9 mg, p = 0.002) but not oral (162 ± 105 vs 182 ± 117 mg, p = 0.50) metoprolol. Multivariate analysis identified β 1 -AR SNPs at codons 49 and 389 and β 2 -AR SNP at codon 27 as independent predictors of suboptimal HR response. In conclusion, these data indicate that the selected SNPs of β 1 -AR and β 2 -AR genes influence HR response to metoprolol in patients who undergo coronary computed tomographic angiography.
Establishment size and risk of occupational injury

For many years, the annual survey of occupational injuries and illnesses by the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has consistently reported, without explanation, that injury rates in the smaller establishments (< 50 employees) are substantially lower than those for midsize establishments (100-499 employees). Also during those years, a remarkable increase has been reported in the injury rate in large companies, following the imposition of stiff fines for failure to keep required injury records. The rate patterns are identical for Michigan and the country in general. We investigated possible causes for lower injury rates in small establishments since such rates are inconsistent with reports of higher fatality rates in small establishments in the mining, construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries and higher, or at least comparable, injury rates for small establishments in the mining industry. They are also inconsistent with increased turnover and decreased availability of occupational safety services in small companies. Moreover, injury severity, as measured by missed worktime, is greater for workers in small establishments. We investigated the possibility that interactions of workforce or injury characteristics with establishment size could explain the rate differences. We also reviewed the available literature to see whether differences in labor turnover rates could explain the BLS findings. Graphical and statistical analyses of the 1988 CPS Annual Demographic File, a sample of employed persons in the U.S. workforce, failed to identify any associations between workforce characteristics and enterprise size that would explain the lower rates. Similarly, graphical and statistical analyses of all Michigan workers incurring a compensable injury in 1986 failed to indicate any associations between injury characteristics and establishment size that would explain the lower rates. The potential role of labor turnover on the injury rate was analyzed from data in the literature on turnover rate by establishment size and risk of injury by time on the job. None of these analyses explains the lower injury rates reported for small establishments. This leaves underreporting of injuries from small establishments as a substantial possibility. If small establishments were subject to the same injury incidence rates as midsize establishments, then the 1986 survey for Michigan may have missed as many as 54,000 injuries (and far more nationally). We suggest that BLS undertake methodological studies to validate the completeness of reporting from small establishments.
Angioedema Due to Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Use: Radiographic Findings in 3 Patients

Angioedema of the oropharynx and hypopharynx due to oral angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors is a potentially life-threatening event and has not been well described in the radiology literature. A retrospective review of the clinical and radiologic findings in three patients with angioedema due to ACE inhibitor use was performed.
A note on the consistency of Bayes factors for testing point null versus non-parametric alternatives

When testing a point null hypothesis versus an alternative that is vaguely specified, a Bayesian test usually proceeds by putting a non-parametric prior on the alternative and then computing a Bayes factor based on the observations. This paper addresses the question of consistency, that is, whether the Bayes factor is correctly indicative of the null or the alternative as the sample size increases. We establish several consistency results in the affirmative under fairly general conditions. Consistency of Bayes factors for testing a point null versus a parametric alternative has long been known. The results here can also be viewed as the non-parametric extension of the parametric counterpart.
Preliminary Study of a Novel R718 Compression Refrigeration Cycle Using a Three-Port Condensing Wave Rotor

Using a novel 3-port condensing wave rotor enhancing the turbocompression in a R718 refrigeration cycle, which uses only water as a refrigerant, has been introduced. The wave-rotor implementation can increase efficiency and reduce size and cost of R718 units. The condensing wave rotor employs pressurized water to pressurize, desuperheat, and condense the refrigerant vapor—all in one dynamic process. The underlying phenomena of flash evaporation, shock wave compression, desuperheating, and condensation inside the wave rotor channels are described in a wave and phase-change diagram. The thermodynamic process is shown in pressure–enthalpy and temperature–entropy diagrams. A computer program based on a thermodynamic model was generated to evaluate the performance of R718 baseline and wave-rotor-enhanced cycles. The effect of some key parameters on the performance enhancement is demonstrated as an aid for optimization. A performance map summarizes the findings. It shows optimum wave rotor pressure ratio and maximum relative performance improvement of R718 cycles by using the 3-port condensing wave rotor. DOI: 10.1115/1.1850503
Growing up with congenital heart disease : the dilemmas of adolescents and young adults

Advances in diagnosis, medical management and surgical intervention have improved the longevity and quality of life for children with congenital heart disease. Despite this, research studies specifically examining the psychosocial concerns of adolescents and young adults with congenital heart disease are few. To explore the subjective experiences and dilemmas of this population during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood, we interviewed, using a semi-structured protocol, a convenience sample of nine adolescents and young adults. Using analytic procedures inherent in Grounded Theory methodology, seven themes were identified: the dilemma of normality; dilemmas in disclosure; dilemmas in strategies for management of illness; the challenge of social integration versus social isolation; the challenge of dependence versus independence; the challenge of uncertainty; and strategies for coping. An understanding of these experiences by health professionals can be beneficial in helping this clinical population as they grow up and face the challenges of an uncertain, yet promising, future.
Continental Drainage in North America During the Phanerozoic from Nd Isotopes

Neodymium (Nd) isotopic data show consistent patterns in the sources of sedimentary rocks in North America at a continental scale. Between 600 and 450 million years ago (Ma), ancient continental shield sources dominated. Around 450 Ma, detritus from the Caledonian-Appalachian mountains overwhelmed sediment from all older sources, and is documented over large areas of the southern, western, and northern margins of North America. This material continued to dominate the sediment supply until about 150 Ma, probably due to cannibalistic recycling of sedimentary rocks formed earlier. Around 150 Ma, the rising western Cordillera delivered new and different detritus to the sedimentary system.
Regional Distribution of Choline Acetyltransferase Activity and Multiple Affinity forms of the Muscarinic Receptor in Heart

The autonomic nervous system plays an important role in the regulation of the heart. The parasympathetic division decreases heart rate and contractility while the sympathetic division mediates the opposite responses. The parasympathetic effect predominates at rest and provides tonic inhibitory influences. The parasympathetic system also predominates when both divisions are maximally stimulated (1). The preganglionic component of the parasympathetic system originates in the dorsal motor nucleus of the brain stem and courses to the heart through the vagus nerves. Postganglionic (intrinsic) neurons originate and terminate within the heart. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter of both the preganglionic and postganglionic divisions of the parasympathetic system. The response between the pre- and postganglionic neurons is mediated by the cholinergic nicotinic receptor. The postganglionic neurons interact with the myocardium and its specialized pacemaker tissue by means of the cholinergic muscarinic receptor. Choline acetyltransferase activity in heart is a neurochemical marker of both the pre- and postganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic system in unknown proportion.
Coexistence of polycythemia vera and biclonal gammopathy (gamma-GK and gamma-AL) with two Bence Jones proteins (BJK and BJL).

A patient with long standing polycythemia vera, who was treated with P32, chemotherapy and phlebotomies recently developed a myeloma-like disease picture. Two paraproteins (γG type K and γA type L) were found in the serum together with two Bence Jones-like proteins in the urine (kappa and lambda). γM was increased to twice the normal value. Immunofluorescence studies of the bone marrow showed two clones of plasma cells each of which produced only one type of heavy chain. No cells with double fluorescence were seen. The two types of immunologically different plasma cells were morphologically indistinguishable from one another.
Markov Chains: Gibbs Fields, Monte Carlo Simulation, and Queues

Preface * 1 Probability Review * 2 Discrete Time Markov Models * 3 Recurrence and Ergodicity * 4 Long Run Behavior * 5 Lyapunov Functions and Martingales * 6 Eigenvalues and Nonhomogeneous Markov Chains * 7 Gibbs Fields and Monte Carlo Simulation * 8 Continuous-Time Markov Models 9 Poisson Calculus and Queues * Appendix * Bibliography * Author Index * Subject Index
EFFECTS OF TONE STIMULUS FREQUENCY ON LATE POSITIVE COMPONENT ACTIVITY (P3) AMONG NORMAL ELDERLY SUBJECTS

The effects of tone stimulus frequency on the auditory P3 of normal younger (n = 16) and elderly (n = 23) subjects were assessed using latency and amplitude measures. Because presbycusis is prevalent among the elderly, it was hypothesized that P3s of elderly subjects elicited by a 2000 Hz target tone would show longer latencies and smaller amplitudes than those elicited by a 500 Hz target tone. As hypothesized, the results indicated that elderly subjects showed prolonged P3 latencies under a 2000 Hz, as compared to 500 Hz target tone condition, whereas younger subjects did not show such latency differences. The P3 amplitudes of the younger and elderly groups were not, however, affected by target tone frequency. The implications of these findings in clinical geriatric ERP research are discussed.
The Importance of Matching Educational Interventions to Parent Needs in Child Maltreatment

In this chapter, a discussion of unresolved definitional, assessment, educational, and policy needs regarding parenting in general and child maltreatment in particular is presented. These unresolved needs are critical to consider when discussing parenting by persons with disabilities. Juxtaposed with the issues surrounding parenting is a presentation of the changing view of disabilities and the adequacy of past, present, and future services and supports available to parents with disabilities. Finally, some of the methods available to professionals who work with parents with disabilities is presented to aid such professionals in preparing their clients for parenting as well as in answering and resolving concerns about their clients’ parenting skills.
Characterization of biological growth using iterated diffeomorphisms

Mathematical and statistical modeling of biological growth are important problems in medical diagnostics. We study a structured model, called growth by random iterated diffeomorphisms (GRID), that models growth by emphasizing its local nature. The cumulative growth is composed of several smaller deformations; each deformation models an active region by capturing deformation local to that region, and is characterized by a seed and a radial deformation pattern around the seed. The GRID variables - seed locations and radial deformation patterns - are estimated from observed images in two steps: (i) Estimate a cumulative deformation over an observation interval, and (ii) Estimate GRID variables using maximum-likelihood criterion from the estimated cumulative deformation. We demonstrate this framework using MRI image data of a rat's brain growth.