cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of chairman and research director in influencing scholarly productivity and research funding in academic orthopaedic surgery

The purpose of this study was to determine what orthopaedic surgery department leadership characteristics are most closely correlated with securing NIH funding and increasing scholarly productivity. Scopus database was used to identify number of publications/h-index for 4,328 faculty, department chairs (DC), and research directors (RD), listed on departmental websites from 138 academic orthopaedic departments in the United States. NIH funding data was obtained for the 2013 fiscal year. While all programs had a DC, only 46% had a RD. Of $54,925,833 in NIH funding allocated to orthopaedic surgery faculty in 2013, 3% of faculty and 31% of departments were funded. 16% of funded institutions had a funded DC whereas 65% had a funded RD. Department productivity and funding were highly correlated to leadership productivity and funding(p< 0.05). Mean funding was $1,700,000 for departments with a NIH-funded RD, $104,000 for departments with an unfunded RD, and $72,000 for departments with no RD. These findings suggest that orthopaedic department academic success is directly associated with scholarly productivity and funding of both DC and RD. The findings further highlight the correlation between a funded RD and a well-funded department. This does not hold for an unfunded RD.
Colonial waterbird site occupancy dynamics reflect variation in colony site environments in the U.S. Great Lakes

Abstract Colonies of breeding waterbirds are salient biological features of many of the world’s great lakes. Globally, status of colonial waterbird populations ranges from declining and in need of conservation to maintain their roles in aquatic ecosystems, to “overabundant” and managed to reduce human-wildlife conflict; both ends of this spectrum are observed in the North American Great Lakes. Conservation and management of colonial waterbirds should rely on knowledge of colony site use dynamics because the best approach may vary depending on the frequency with which historical colony sites are abandoned and new sites colonized. The goal of this study was to understand how site use dynamics are influenced by the physical and avian social environment, using the Great Lakes Colonial Waterbird Survey as a source of breeding-season site occupancy records. This study is the first to apply community occupancy modeling techniques to colonial waterbirds. Model parameter estimates were generated through a Bayesian analysis using Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation. Sites with large waterbird colonies and those not susceptible to flooding were most likely to persist as breeding locations into the next survey period, and thus should be prioritized for conservation and management. Additionally, the model demonstrated that co-nester presence was positively related to persistence probabilities, while relationships between colonization probabilities and co-nester presence ranged from positive to negative for different focal species. Finally, species-specific responses to presence of other species and to environmental influences were apparent; knowledge of this relationship variability should be incorporated into management strategies to achieve optimal outcomes.
Palliative Care and Dyspnea

Dyspnea is a frequent focus of palliative care, which nurses can better address using the skills of comprehensive assessment and an updated knowledge base about appropriate medical, pharmaceutical, and nonpharmaceutical interventions. A solid clinical foundation about dyspnea allows clinicians to establish an effective plan of care. This column features two clinical case studies, which review clinical assessment in palliative care and appropriate targeted treatment strategies and interventions.
Prostaglandin G2 levels during reaction of prostaglandin H synthase with arachidonic acid

Prostaglandin H synthase catalyzes the formation of prostaglandin (PG) G2 from arachidonic acid (cyclooxygenase activity), and also the reduction of PGG2 to PGH2 (peroxidase activity). The ability of the pure synthase to accumulate the hydroperoxide, PGG2, under conditions allowing the concurrent function of both catalytic activities was investigated. The peroxidase velocity was continuously determined from the absorbance increases at 611 nm that accompanied oxidation of a peroxidase cosubstrate, N,N,N',N'-tetramethylphenylenediamine, and PGG2 concentrations were calculated from the peroxidase velocities and the peroxidase Vmax and Km values. Cyclooxygenase velocities were then calculated from the changes in PGG2. Parallel reactions monitored by the use of radiolabelled arachidonate or with a polarographic oxygen electrode were used to confirm the calculated PGG2 levels and the cyclooxygenase velocities. The concentration of PGG2 was found to follow a transient course as the reaction of the synthase progressed, rapidly rising to a maximum of 0.7 microM in the first 10 s, and then declining slowly, reaching 0.1 microM after 60 s. The maximal level of PGG2 achieved during the reaction was constant at about 0.7 microM with higher amounts of added cyclooxygenase capacity (0.3-0.6 microM PGG2/s) but was only about 0.4 microM when the added cyclooxygenase capacity was 0.1 microM PGG2/s. The peroxidase was found to lose only 30% of its activity after 90 s, a point where the cyclooxygenase was almost completely inactive. These results support the concept of a burst of catalytic action from the cyclooxygenase and a reactive, more sustained, catalytic action from the peroxidase during the reaction of the synthase with arachidonic acid.
Electron attachment chemistry of SiCl4. Relevance to plasma reactions

Abstract The anions formed by electron impact upon silicon tetrachloride in the 10 −6 torr range have been identified and their relative concentrations have been measured as a function of electron energy. Primary and secondary reaction products are distinguished. The results are compared with those from earlier studies, and they suggest an explanation for an unusual ion concentration observed with laser-induced fluorescence by plasma diagnostics researchers.
A comparison of aphasic and non-brain-injured adults on a dichotic CV-syllable listening task.

Summary A dichotic CV-syllable listening task was administered to a group of eleven non-brain-injured adults and to a group of eleven adult aphasics. The results of this study may be summarized as follows: 1) The group of non-brain-injured adults showed a slight right ear advantage for dichotically presented CV-syllables. 2) In comparison with the control group the aphasic group showed a bilateral deficit in response to the dichotic CV-syllables, superimposed on a non-significant right ear advantage. 3) The aphasic group demonstrated a great deal of intersubject variability on the dichotic task with six aphasics showing a right ear preference for the stimuli. The non-brain-injured subjects performed more homogeneously on the task. 4) The two subgroups of aphasics, a right ear advantage group and a left ear advantage group, performed significantly different on the dichotic listening task. 5) Single correct data analysis proved valuable by deleting accuracy of report for an examination of trials in which there was true competition for the single left hemispheric speech processor. These results were analyzed in terms of a functional model of auditory processing. In view of this model, the bilateral deficit in dichotic performance of the aphasic group was accounted for by the presence of a lesion within the dominant left hemisphere, where the speech signals from both ears converge for final processing. The right ear advantage shown by one aphasic subgroup was explained by a lesion interfering with the corpus callosal pathways from the left hemisphere; the left ear advantage observed within the other subgroup was explained by a lesion in the area of the auditory processor of the left hemisphere.
Osteogenic Potential of Leukemic Marrow

Summary and ConclusionsIntravenous injection of 20 × 106 Shay chloroleukemia cells into 50 g rats induces acute granulocytic leukemia with infiltration of marrow and blood. Most animals die within 12 days.Marrow tissue obtained from these animals and implanted into subcutaneous tissue of normal recipients produces bone which is later rejected. We, therefore, conclude that the leukemic marrow tissue, despite the reported injury to its potentially osteogenic cellular reticulum, retains its osteogenic potential. This observation may be of significance in explaining why the course of leukemia, unlike myeloma and other infiltrative diseases of the marrow, is not associated with bone destruction.
Thinking inside the box: community-level consequences of stage-structured populations.

Ecologists have historically represented consumer–resource interactions with boxes and arrows. A key assumption of this conceptualization is that all individuals inside a box are functionally equivalent. Demographic stage structure, however, is a widespread source of heterogeneity inside the boxes. Synthesizing recent studies, we show that stage structure can modify the dynamics of consumer–resource communities owing to stage-related shifts in the nature and strength of interactions that occur within and between populations. As a consequence, stage structure can stabilize consumer–resource dynamics, create possibilities for alternative community states, modify conditions for coexistence of competitors, and alter the strength and direction of trophic cascades. Consideration of stage structure can thus lead to outcomes that are not expected based on unstructured approaches.
THE BALANCE BETWEEN CHASMOGAMY AND CLEISTOGAMY IN COLLOMIA GRANDIFLORA (POLEMONIACEAE)

The extent of cleistogamy (CL) and chasmogamy (CH) was investigated in natural populations of Collomia grandifiora Dougl. ex Lindl. The ubiquitous occurrence of CL flowers was -documented in 18 populations from throughout the geographic range of the species. The interrelationship of environmental perturbation, vegetative weight, and the balance between CH and CL flowers was investigated by means of a factorial experiment which varied plant density, incident light and soil mix. An ANOVA revealed that total plant weight increased significantly under conditions of low density, low light and low sand content, with density accounting for most of the variance in plant weight. Interactions involving density were not significant. The number of CH and CL flowers and estimated percent outcrossing increased significantly with increased plant weight, low density, low light, and low sand content, although an analysis of covariance showed that plant weight and density accounted for most of the variance in these traits. Among large, multibranched plants, the proportion of CL flowers increased in a basipetal pattern, whereas most of the CH flowers were restricted to the terminal and upper inflorescences. The smallest plants produced only a single terminal inflorescence comprising entirely CL flowers. The proportion of reproductive effort allocated to outcrossing was dependent upon plant size as estimated from total weight, whereas the proportion allocated to selfing was relatively independent. Studies of outcrossed vs. inbred progenies of five populations revealed little evidence for immediate inbreeding depression with respect to plant weight and the number of CH or CL flowers, but indicated that significant quantitative genetic differences exist for these traits among populations of diverse ecological or geographical origin.
Effect of a ctrA promoter mutation, causing a reduction in CtrA abundance, on the cell cycle and development of Caulobacter crescentus

Background Polar development during the alphaproteobacterium Caulobacter crescentus cell cycle is integrated to the point that individual mutations can have pleiotropic effects on the synthesis of polar organelles. Disruption of the genes encoding the histidine kinase PleC, or its localization factor PodJ, disrupts synthesis or functionality of pili, flagella and adhesive holdfast. However, the mechanism by which these mutations affect polar development is not well understood. The aim of this study was to identify new regulators that control multiple aspects of polar organelle development.
Campylobacter infections in human beings

BACTERIA belonging to the genus Campylobacter have been associated with a variety of veterinary diseases since McFadyean and Stockman ~ in 1913 and Theobald Smith in I9i8 ~ implicated Vibrio-like organisms in ovine and bovine infectious abortion. These organisms, formerly classified as Vibriofetus, have been extensively studied by those interested in animal diseases but have escaped the notice of investigators of human diseases until recently. In the last 30 years, an increased appreciation of the protean manifestations of human disease due to Campylobacter fetus combined with more sophisticated microbiologic methods have begun to uncover the true importance of this genus in human disease. Systemic campylobacteriosis may present as relapsing fever, endocarditis, meningitis, or septic thrombophlebitis. Studies in the present decade indicate that Campylobacterfetus may be the single most common bacterial cause of acute gastrointestinal infection in children and adults, exceeding Salmonella and Shigella in frequency. The relevant historical, taxonomic, microbiologic, and veterinary aspects of this genus and the spectrum of human disease associated with it are reviewed here.
Characterization of Silver Sulfadiazine and Related Compounds

Silver sulfonamides can be successfully recrystallized from strong ammonia solution. The spectral characterization of silver sulfadiazine, silver sulfamethazine, silver sulfanilamide, and silver sulfapyridine indicates that the silver sulfonamide formed on reaction of silver nitrate with the free sulfonamide or its sodium salt is correctly represented by a classical salt structure. Complexations of silver sulfonamides with morpholine yield 1:1 crystalline complexes, which can be analyzed by NMR spectroscopy directly. Spectral studies of the silver sulfonamides were carried out using an indirect NMR technique.
Punishing the Innocent: Children of Incarcerated and Detained Parents

Abstract About 2 million minor children in the U.S. have at least one parent incarcerated for criminal offenses. There are about 33,000 undocumented persons detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in jails and federal detention centers around the country, and 79% of the minor children of these detainees are U.S. citizens. There are few government programs that measure and respond to the harm caused to these children by the incarceration and detention of their parents, and the negative effects on these children are largely ignored in public policy debates about incarceration and immigration detention. I argue that we have an obligation to these children based on (1) the special status of children, (2) the harm caused to children by the arrest, detention and incarceration of their parents, (3) current incarceration and detention policies even in the presence of alternatives that would, on balance, create less harm.
Necrotizing pulmonary arteritis in a dog with patent ductus arteriosus.

A 4-month-old, male Cocker Spaniel was examined because of exercise intolerance. A grade IV/V holosystolic diastolic murmur was auscultated. Increased pulmonary arterial pressure was measured via cardiac catheterization. A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was diagnosed radio-graphically by injection of contrast media into the sinus of Valsalva with the immediate appearance of contrast in the pulmonary artery. The dog was destroyed at the owner's request. The presence of a PDA was confirmed by necropsy examination. Medial hypertrophy and necrotizing arteritis of muscular pulmonary arteries were observed on histopathologic examination.
Variation in detection limits between bacterial growth phases and precision of an ATP bioluminescence system.

UNLABELLED To determine the detection limits of the SystemSure Plus, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus growth curve samples were taken in lag (1 h), log (6 h), stationary (12 h) and death phases (E. coli 144 h, Staph. aureus 72 h). At each time point, the log10 CFU ml(-1) was determined for the dilution where the SystemSure read 0 relative light units (RLU). Average detection limits were E. coli: lag 6·27, log 5·88, stationary 7·45 and death 6·88; Staph. aureus: lag 4·37, log 5·15, stationary 7·88 and death 7·57. Between-run precision was determined with positive control; within-run precision with positive control, lag and log growth for each bacteria. Within-run precision mean RLU (CV): positive control 274 (12%), E. coli lag 1 (63%), log 2173 RLU (19%), Staph. aureus lag 2 (58%) and log 5535 (18%). Between-run precision was 232 (16%). The precision is adequate with most values within the 95% confidence interval. The detection limit varied by 3·51 log10 for Staph. aureus and 1·47 log10 for E. coli. The lowest detection limits were during E. coli log and Staph. aureus lag phases; the highest was during stationary phase. These results suggest that organism identification and growth phase both impact ATP RLU readings. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Surface hygiene is a critical component of food safety and infection control; increasingly, ATP detection by bioluminescence is used to evaluate surface hygiene and effective cleaning. This is the first study to show that the number of living and potentially infectious bacteria remaining when the device reads zero varies between the different bacterial life cycle phases: lag, log, stationary and death. ATP device users need to be aware of this information to use the devices appropriately.
Creativity is …: A metaphoric model of the creative thought process

This study applied a three-part metaphoric model of thinking to illuminate the creative thought process in developing marketing communications. The Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique was used to categorize metaphorical statements about the creative process. Analysis found that these statements fit the model's tripartite structure of perception, movement, and object manipulation. These results suggest alternative paths for developing creative concepts, and also suggest a framework for understanding how best to use various techniques at different stages of the creative process.
Paraurethral vaginal leiomyoma.

Abstract A case of paraurethral vaginal leiomyoma becoming clinically apparent in the post-partum period is presented. As is frequently the case, the diagnosis was not apparent. Urinary tract origin is commonly suspected, since the majority of these tumors occur in the midline of the anterior vaginal wall. The tumors are often asymptomatic, but can cause dysuria, urinary frequency, urinary retention, and dyspareunia. Pathologically, they are well circumscribed and have the typical microscopic features of leiomyomas found elsewhere. Simple excision is usually adequate treatment.
Identification of two positive transcriptional elements within the 91-base pair promoter for mouse testis angiotensin converting enzyme (testis ACE).

Testis angiotensin-converting enzyme (testis ACE) is an isozyme of ACE only expressed by male germ cells during spermiogenesis. It is the result of a strong sperm-specific promoter found within the 12th intron of the somatic ACE gene. Previous studies have localized the boundaries of the mouse testis ACE promoter as being from −91 to −9, relative to the transcriptional start site, and have suggested two important DMA regulatory elements starting at positions −55 and −32. DNA constructs were made in which these motifs were either eliminated or substituted. Each construct was tested for its ability to promote transcription in vitro, using a rat testis nuclear extract. Disruption of either motif reduced in vitro transcription to about 30% of control levels, while mutations of both elements abolished transcription. Two sites were selected inside each motif and altered by point mutation. Each of four constructs, containing a mutation at −51, −48, −30, or −28, transcribed at 29% or less the efficiency of the parent construct. The DNA element at −55, TGAGGTCA, is homologous to a consensus cyclic AMP response element. The motif at −32, TCTTAT, is located at a position analogous to a TATA box. Substitution of the −32 motif with a consensus TATA box sequence, TATAAA, stimulated transcriptional activity about 3-fold. As measured by gel mobility shift, oligonucleotides encompassing the −32 motif and the consensus TATA box formed different DNA-protein complexes. However, the −32 motif oligonucleotide was recognized by nuclear proteins prepared from either liver or testis nuclei. In this example of a tissue-specific promoter that functions only during spermatogenesis, at least two DNA elements act synergistically during in vitro transcription. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Iron aluminide–Al2O3 composites by in situ displacement reactions: processing and mechanical properties

Abstract Composites of an intermetallic alloy matrix (such as iron aluminide) and ceramic particle reinforcement (such as alumina) have potential for high-temperature structural applications requiring excellent oxidation resistance. In contrast to conventional processing methods (e.g. mechanical alloying), in situ processing techniques can be inexpensive and can also lead to unique microstructures, such as very fine dispersions of the reinforcements or interconnecting phases. The feasibility of processing Fe–Al alloy/Al2O3 composites by an in situ displacement reaction between Fe–40at.%Al and the iron oxide Fe2O3 was investigated and the results are presented in this paper. Specimens were prepared by hot pressing of the powder mixtures at 1300°C. The final volume fractions of Al2O3 were determined by the initial ratio of Fe–40%Al to Fe2O3 and composites with 7 and 20 vol.% Al2O3 were investigated in this study. Compression creep tests performed at 700°C showed that composites with 7 and 20 vol.% Al2O3 had higher compressive strengths than monolithic iron aluminide (Fe–28at.%Al). In particular, the compressive strength of the composite with 20 vol.% Al2O3 was three times that of the monolithic iron aluminide. Further increases in compressive strength, as well as significant improvements in bend and fracture strength, were obtained when the particle size of the starting Fe–40%Al powders was less than 10 μm. Improved fracture toughness with the smaller Fe–40%Al powders could be attributed to the ductile failure of fine iron aluminide ligaments. The effect of Cr and Ti additions of up to 8 at.% on the strength of the interface between the iron aluminide and alumina phases was also investigated. The compressive strength of a composite processed with
Isolation, Quantification, and Biosynthetic Origin of Orotic Acid in Milk

Abstract The most frequently used methods for estimating orotic acid in milk have been variations of a colorimetric procedure. Assay here involves the isolation of orotic acid by dialysis and anion exchange and silicic acid chromatography. This is followed by the silylation of the purified orotic acid and its quantification by gas-liquid chromatography. This technique was compared with a colorimetric method on various milk samples and the results by the two methods were similar. Both confirmed the high orotic acid content of bovine milk. Orotic acid was less in commercial cultured buttermilk and goat milk and not detectable in human milk. The ability to isolate orotic acid in essentially pure form made it possible to study its biosynthesis in vivo. Intramammary infusion of carbon-14 uniformly labeled aspartic acid, a precursor, confirmed in vitro studies (8) indicating that orotic acid in milk originates almost exclusively in mammary cells.
Cholesterol and Screening of Asymptomatic Adults

Excerpt To the Editor:I read with great interest the article by Dr. Garber and colleagues (1) on the role of cholesterol screening in asymptomatic adults. On the advice of the National Cholesterol ...
Pathogenesis of Edwardsiella ictaluri in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus.

Channel catfish fingerlings were injected intraperitoneally with 2.0 times 104 viable Edwardsiella ictaluri cells. During the subsequent 4 days hematological and histopathological changes were determined, and bacterial counts were made in selected organs. There were significant reductions in erythrocytes and leucocytes. The mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration did not change significantly. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin changed significantly only at 72 hours. The hematocrit, hemoglobin, plasma glucose and plasma protein were reduced significantly. There were no significant changes in differential white blood cell counts. The liver was edematous and necrotic while the pancreatic tissue was necrotic. The spleen and trunk kidney appeared necrotic and an increase of lymphoid cells was also observed. Edema and cloudy swelling were observed in gill lamellae. Intestine and stomach were normal. Bacteria were abundant in spleen, trunk kidney and liver. Bacteria reached the maximum population at 96 hours post injection and declined at 6 days in all three organs.
Ethics violations: A survey of investment analysts

The authors analyze the responses to a mail survey of securities analysts who were asked about their ethical behavior and the ethical behavior of people with whom they work. The findings show the types of ethical violations that occur and the frequency with which they occur. The findings also show how respondents deal with observed violations of ethical behavior. All responses are analyzed to determine if differences exist between the responses of analysts having different characteristics (gender, age, years of employment, and education), and differences in employment circumstances (firm size, firm type, buy side/sell side, U.S./Canada).
Syntaxin1a Dispersion and Assessment of cis-Snare-Complex Formation-Disassembly during Synaptic Transmission in Hippocampal Neurons

Soluble-N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive-factor-attachment-protein-receptor(SNARE)-complex formation and dissociation are biochemical prerequisites of synaptic transmission that occur during calcium-triggered synaptic vesicle (SV) fusion and subsequent recycling, which prepares cellular machinery for the following responses to action potentials (AP). The exact sequence of molecular events remains unknown, and it's a technological challenge to demonstrate SNARE-protein interactions in-situ, during AP-induced synaptic transmission. In this study, C-termini-labeled fluorescent constructs of Syntaxin1a-Cerulean and VAMP2-Citrine were transiently expressed either alone or together in cultured hippocampal neurons. A Syn1a-Cer-probe revealed a more uniform distribution of fluorescence in the plasma-membrane, with slightly higher intensity in synaptic boutons, while VAMP2-Cit-fluorescence was predominantly in boutons, suggesting that trafficking of heterologously-expressed constructs is similar to endogenous SNAREs. Efficiently transmitting boutons were identified by FM4-64-destaining during electrical-stimulation. These boutons revealed both faster transient increase of VAMP2-Cit-fluorescence (synaptopHluorine-effect), and a slower decrease of Syn1a-Cer-fluorescence. The latter effect started with a 3-6 s delay after beginning 30 Hz-stimulation, and developed as stimulation continued for 10-30 s. The largest reduction for averaged data was seen 5-10 s after stimulation completed, and recovery occurred in the following 20-40s. The decrease of Cer-fluorescence that occurred in regions of intensive FM-destaining was often accompanied by a transient increase of fluorescence in adjacent areas. In transmitting boutons co-expressing both Syn1a-Cer and VAMP2-Cit probes, the reduction was slightly stronger (up to 3-4%, although not significant yet, P<0.15) compared to the Syn1a-Cer alone (1-2%), even though the latter boutons showed on average larger FM-destaining. The decrease remains if measured in larger areas that presumably include dispersed probe. We hypothesize that a fraction of the Cer-fluorescence reduction can be attributed to FRET between Syn1a-Cer probe as a fluorescence-donor and VAMP2-Cit as an acceptor, which come in close proximity upon cis-SNARE-complex formation after SV-fusion.
Corticotropin Releasing Hormone and Imaging, Rethinking the Stress Axis

The stress system provides integration of both neurochemical and somatic physiologic functions within organisms as an adaptive mechanism to changing environmental conditions throughout evolution. In mammals and primates the complexity and sophistication of these systems have surpassed other species in triaging neurochemical and physiologic signaling to maximize chances of survival. Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and its related peptides and receptors have been identified over the last three decades and are fundamental molecular initiators of the stress response. They are crucial in the top down regulatory cascade over a myriad of neurochemical, neuroendocrine and sympathetic nervous system events. From neuroscience, we've seen that stress activation impacts behavior, endocrine and somatic physiology and influences neurochemical events that one can capture in real time with current imaging technologies. To delineate these effects one can demonstrate how the CRH neuronal networks infiltrate critical cognitive, emotive and autonomic regions of the central nervous system (CNS) with somatic effects. Abundant preclinical and clinical studies show inter-regulatory actions of CRH with multiple neurotransmitters/peptides. Stress, both acute and chronic has epigenetic effects which magnify genetic susceptibilities to alter neurochemistry; stress system activation can add critical variables in design and interpretation of basic and clinical neuroscience and related research. This review will attempt to provide an overview of the spectrum of known functions and speculative actions of CRH and stress responses in light of imaging technology and its interpretation. Metabolic and neuroreceptor positron emission/single photon tomography (PET/SPECT), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), anatomic MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (pMRS) are technologies that can delineate basic mechanisms of neurophysiology and pharmacology. Stress modulates the myriad of neurochemical and networks within and controlled through the central and peripheral nervous system and the effects of stress activation on imaging will be highlighted.
DNA ploidy pattern in human chronic liver diseases and hepatic nodular lesions. Flow cytometric analysis on echo-guided needle liver biopsy.

Background. Significantly elevated fractions of diploid hepatocytes and reduction in the polyploid populations have been reported in human and experimentally induced hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). This study was conducted to determine how these changes are related to conditions that often precede HCC, such as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and premalignant focal nodules in cirrhotic livers. Methods. Ultrasound-guided needle biopsy specimens of the liver were obtained from patients with chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or ultrasonographically diagnosed nodules within cirrhotic livers; biopsy specimens also were taken from patients without hepatic disease. DNA flow cytometry was performed on isolated nuclei to determine the percentages of diploid, tetraploid, and octaploid hepatocytes; the S-phase fraction for each diploid peak and the diploid/polyploid (tetraploid + octaploid) ratio also were calculated. Part of each specimen was reserved for evaluation of hepatocyte binuclearity. Results. Chronically hepatitic (18 patients) and cirrhotic (18 patients) livers showed significantly increased diploid/polyploid ratios, with respect to normal livers, that were significantly correlated with decreases in hepatocyte binuclearity. This trend was even more marked in euploid nodules (4 premalignant and 5 malignant), in which the S-phase fractions were significantly higher than those of normal liver; aneuploidy was found in 6 of 11 malignant and 2 of 6 premalignant nodules.
Measurement uncertainty analysis for calorimetry apparatuses

The absence of a standardized uncertainty analysis methodology for fire calorimetry apparatuses makes significant comparison of test results between fire laboratories difficult. From a testing (pass/fail) perspective, the lack of a common means to estimate the uncertainty is problematic. From a material development viewpoint, the ability to differentiate versions of material systems is uncertain which potentially results in economic penalties for the developer. Probability and statistics methodologies recommended by International Organization for Standardization and National Institute of Standards and Technology were applied to begin developing a standardized measurement uncertainty method for fire calorimetry apparatuses. The method was applied to each component instrument (intrinsic and calibration uncertainty only) and each related physics quantity measured indirectly. Results were reported at the 95% confidence level. The results were compared with various reference cases as well as those from a Monte Carlo Simulation technique modelling the experiments. The consistency verified our measurement uncertainty method. The results for heat release rate and average heat of combustion provide the user of Cone Calorimeter data with the ability to estimate potential experimental error inherent in the operation of the Cone. This information can be used to make informed decisions related to the matters cited above. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do surrogates have a right to refuse pain medications for incompetent patients

The relief of pain is widely considered to be a basic human right. Physicians are expected to make every attempt to relieve pain and suffering, especially in patients who do not have capacity. This article presents a case in which the family of a woman with severe somatic pain from metastatic breast cancer requests that pain medications be reduced and, at times, held. The ethical issues associated with surrogate decision making and the refusal of medical treatments are reviewed. The obligation to treat pain remains paramount despite family objections.
The stereospecificity of sulfur dioxide insertion

Abstract The reaction of the optically active (−) 546 -π-C 5 H 5 Fe(CO) 2 [C(O)*CH(CH 3 )C 6 H 5 ] with Rh[P(C 6 H 5 ) 3 ] 3 Cl yields the optically active alkyl, (+) 546 -π-C 5 H 5 Fe(CO) 2 [*CH(CH 3 )C 6 H 5 ]. The latter undergoes sulfur dioxide insertion either in liquid SO 2 at −60° or −10° or in pentane solution at 27° to afford the corresponding sulfinate, (−) 546 -π-C 5 H 5 Fe(CO) 2 [S(O) 2 *CH(CH 3 )C 6 H 5 ], whose specific rotation, [α] 546 , varies from −186° to −158° depending on the synthetic conditions. Stereospecificity of these reactions with respect to the α carbon of -CH(CH 3 )C 6 H 5 is discussed.
Strain-modulated electronic properties of Ge nanowires: A first-principles study

We used density-functional theory based first-principles simulations to study the effects of uniaxial strain and quantum confinement on the electronic properties of germanium nanowires along the [110] direction, such as the energy gap and the effective masses of the electron and hole. The diameters of the nanowires being studied are up to $50\text{ }\text{\AA{}}$. As shown in our calculations, the Ge [110] nanowires possess a direct band gap, in contrast to the nature of an indirect band gap in bulk. We discovered that the band gap and the effective masses of charge carries can be modulated by applying uniaxial strain to the nanowires. These strain modulations are size dependent. For a smaller wire $(\ensuremath{\sim}12\text{ }\text{\AA{}})$, the band gap is almost a linear function of strain; compressive strain increases the gap while tensile strain reduces the gap. For a larger wire $(20\text{ }\text{\AA{}}--50\text{ }\text{\AA{}})$, the variation in the band gap with respect to strain shows nearly parabolic behavior: compressive strain beyond $\ensuremath{-}1%$ also reduces the gap. In addition, our studies showed that strain affects effective masses of the electron and hole very differently. The effective mass of the hole increases with a tensile strain while the effective mass of the electron increases with a compressive strain. Our results suggested both strain and size can be used to tune the band structures of nanowires, which may help in design of future nanoelectronic devices. We also discussed our results by applying the tight-binding model.
Chemorheology of unfilled and filled epoxy resins

Filled thermosetting resins used for adhesives, sealants, and coatings are two-phase systems whose rheological behavior is determined by the properties of both phases as well as by the interactions between the matrix and the filler. The chemorheological changes during the crosslinking of an epoxy system (EPON 828 with curing agent Y from Shell Chemical Co.) were investigated. The influence of an untreated silica filler on the reaction kinetics and the Rheological behavior of the system were also analyzed. The concentration of the filler was varied between 0 and 17.25 vol%. The influence of the filler on the gel point was explained in terms of the accelerating effect of the filler on the reaction kinetics.
Locating gaps in amino acid sequences to optimize the homology between two proteins.

A method for optimally locating gaps in the amino acid sequences of homologous proteins is presented. The method involves three steps: (1) demonstration that the sequences are indeed homologous, (2) location of regions where the homologous pairing is reasonably certain, and (3) location of gaps between these regions so as to minimize the total number of mutations required to account for the differences between the two sequences. The major virtues of this procedure are that the assertion of homology does not depend upon the prior introduction of gaps and that a genetic rather than a chemical test is the basis for asserting a genetic relationship.
Long-term drought sensitivity of trees in second-growth forests in a humid region

Classical field methods of reconstructing drought using tree rings in humid, temperate regions typically target old trees from drought-prone sites. This approach limits investigators to a handful of species and excludes large amounts of data that might be useful, especially for coverage gaps in large-scale networks. By sampling in more “typical” forests, network density and species diversity would increase in ways that could potentially improve reconstructions. Ten nonclassical tree-ring chronologies derived from randomly selected trees, trees from logged forests, or both were compared to more classical chronologies and an independent regional drought reconstruction to determine their usefulness for dendrohydroclimatic research. We find that nonclassical chronologies are significantly correlated to classical chronologies and reconstructed drought over the last 2–3 centuries. While nonclassical chronologies have spectral properties similar to those from classical dendroclimatic collections, they do lack sp...
The role of agrin in synaptic development, plasticity and signaling in the central nervous system

Development of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) requires secretion of specific isoforms of the proteoglycan agrin by motor neurons. Secreted agrin is widely expressed in the basal lamina of various tissues, whereas a transmembrane form is highly expressed in the brain. Expression in the brain is greatest during the period of synaptogenesis, but remains high in regions of the adult brain that show extensive synaptic plasticity. The well-established role of agrin in NMJ development and its presence in the brain elicited investigations of its possible role in synaptogenesis in the brain. Initial studies on the embryonic brain and neuronal cultures of agrin-null mice did not reveal any defects in synaptogenesis. However, subsequent studies in culture demonstrated inhibition of synaptogenesis by agrin antisense oligonucleotides or agrin siRNA. More recently, a substantial loss of excitatory synapses was found in the brains of transgenic adult mice that lacked agrin expression everywhere but in motor neurons. The mechanisms by which agrin influences synapse formation, maintenance and plasticity may include enhancement of excitatory synaptic signaling, activation of the “muscle-specific” receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK) and positive regulation of dendritic filopodia. In this article I will review the evidence that agrin regulates synapse development, plasticity and signaling in the brain and discuss the evidence for the proposed mechanisms.
Optical Purity Determination and 1H NMR Spectral Simplification with Lanthanide Shift Reagents: Glutethimide, 3-Ethyl-3-phenyl-2,6-piperidinedione, 1

The 60 MHz 1H NMR spectra of racemic glutethimide, 1, have been studied with the chiral shift reagent, tris[3-(trifluoro-methylhydroxymethylene)-d-camphorato] europium (III), 2, and the achiral tris(6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2-dimethyl-3,5-octanedionato) europium (III), 3. Appreciable values of the enantiomeric shift difference, ΔΔδ, were observed at relatively low molar ratios of 2:1 for the CH3 group in CDCl3 solution at 28°C. Optical purity determinations should easily be carried out by using this absorption with a 2:1 ratio of approximately 0.25; 3 to 5% of one enantiomer should be detectable in a sample. Lanthanide-induced line broadening was relatively low, thereby facilitating these measurements. A substantial ΔΔδ was also observed for the ortho hydrogens of the aromatic ring and the NH. For example, at a 2:1 ratio of 0.254, the CH3 resonance displayed a value of ΔΔδ of 7.3 Hz (0.12 δ) and was free of overlap with the absorptions of the shift reagent, 2. The relative slopes of the plots of induced shift, Δδ, vs molar ratios of 2:1 or 3:1, as well as values of coupling constants, support assignments for the proton absorptions of the aromatic ring.
Estimating sample mean under interval uncertainty and constraint on sample variance

Traditionally, practitioners start a statistical analysis of a given sample x"1,...,x"n by computing the sample mean E and the sample variance V. The sample values x"i usually come from measurements. Measurements are never absolutely accurate and often, the only information that we have about the corresponding measurement errors are the upper bounds @D"i on these errors. In such situations, after obtaining the measurement result x@?"i, the only information that we have about the actual (unknown) value x"i of the ith quantity is that x"i belongs to the interval x"i=[x@?"i-@D"i,x@?"i+@D"i]. Different values x"i from the corresponding intervals lead, in general, to different values of the sample mean and sample variance. It is therefore desirable to find the range of possible values of these characteristics when x"i@?x"i. Often, we know that the values x"i cannot differ too much from each other, i.e., we know the upper bound V"0 on the sample variance V:V=
A comparison of the response of near-fatal acute hemorrhage models with and without a vascular injury to rapid volume expansion

Recent studies in which animals were bled from a vascular injury rather than an intravascular catheter demonstrate increased blood loss and mortality with rapid volume expansion. The purpose of this study was to better define the importance of incorporating a vascular injury in animal models of acute hemorrhage. We directly compared the response to resuscitation from hemorrhage of comparable severity in animals with and without a vascular injury. Thirty-four immature swine (14.6 to 23.2 kg) were instrumented and subjected to severe blood loss (40 to 46 mL/kg). Groups I and II were hemorrhaged from a femoral artery catheter only. Groups III and IV were initially bled in the same manner; however, when the mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased to 30 mm Hg, a 4-mm tear was created in the infrarenal aorta, allowing free intraperitoneal hemorrhage. In all groups, the catheter hemorrhage was discontinued once the pulse pressure reached 5 mm Hg. Groups II and IV were resuscitated with normal saline (NS) infused at a rate of 6 mL/kg/min followed by shed blood at a rate of 2 mL/kg/min. The resuscitation fluids were infused as needed to maintain a MAP of 80 mm Hg. Groups I and III served as controls and were not resuscitated. All animals were observed for 60 minutes or until death. The data were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance with a post hoc Tukey Kramer and the Fisher's exact test. Mortality was 100%, 0%, 88%, and 78% for groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively (P < .05 for group II vs groups I, III, and IV).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
After the flood: Disaster capitalism and the symbolic restructuring of intellectual space

While corporate strategies for fostering innovation seek to benefit from university models of knowledge‐sharing and development, the adoption by universities of managerial models from business has met with more critical reaction from within. ‘Academic capitalism’ has been seen as a contradiction in terms. In the aftermaths of 9/11 and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the American Gulf Coast, investigative journalist Naomi Klein has called attention to the phenomenon of ‘disaster capitalism’. Disaster and conflict, she writes, have become alibis for radical restructuring. Have ‘academic capitalism’ and ‘disaster capitalism’ coincided? This paper examines, as a narrative case study, the events in a university school of architecture involved in post‐disaster reconstruction, with emphasis on the particular characteristics of the design academy. It suggests that the open intellectual and social space of the university was radically re‐engineered as a space of control: that freedom of investigation and exchange t...
Bayesian Model Averaging’s Problematic Treatment of Extreme Weather and a Paradigm Shift That Fixes It

Abstract Methods of ensemble postprocessing in which continuous probability density functions are constructed from ensemble forecasts by centering functions around each of the ensemble members have come to be called Bayesian model averaging (BMA) or “dressing” methods. Here idealized ensemble forecasting experiments are used to show that these methods are liable to produce systematically unreliable probability forecasts of climatologically extreme weather. It is argued that the failure of these methods is linked to an assumption that the distribution of truth given the forecast can be sampled by adding stochastic perturbations to state estimates, even when these state estimates have a realistic climate. It is shown that this assumption is incorrect, and it is argued that such dressing techniques better describe the likelihood distribution of historical ensemble-mean forecasts given the truth for certain values of the truth. This paradigm shift leads to an approach that incorporates prior climatological in...
Hodgkin-Huxley Equations: Logarithmic Relation between Membrane Current and Frequency of Repetitive Activity

ALMOST all the dynamic properties of the axon membrane can be quantitatively predicted by the system of non-linear differential equations first proposed by Hodgkin and Huxley1. The system takes the following form for the current-clamp condition: where V = displacement of membrane potential from resting value; IL= leakage current; Im = total membrane current; Cm = membrane capacitance; Ii= ionic current; n = variable associated with potassium conductance; m = variable associated with sodium conductance ; h = variable associated with sodium inactivation.