cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Literacy levels of ophthalmic patient education materials

Health care providers have become increasingly aware of poor patient understanding of their illnesses and their treatments. A major, increasingly recognized factor in poor understanding and compliance is the low literacy skills of 90 million Americans. This article reviews the literature on the relationship between patients' literacy skills and the literacy levels required to read educational health care materials, and applies a similar analysis to commonly used ophthalmic patient-educational materials. Understanding the relationships between patient literacy skills and health care utilization will be critical in improving the efficiency of the health care system.
Composition-dependent fracture toughness of ROMP-based Dilulin/dicyclopentadiene copolymers

The fracture toughness of a series of ring-opening metathesis polymerization-based Dilulin/dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) copolymers was evaluated by utilizing the essential work of fracture method and the structure-fracture property relationship was thoroughly analyzed. Both dynamic mechanical analyzer and scanning electron microscope demonstrated a reaction-induced phase separation in the copolymers. The copolymers’ composition-dependent morphologies showed a significant effect on their fracture behavior. The maximum value for the essential work of fracture was found with Dil30DCPD70, which may be explained by their less heterogeneous structure and high cross-link density. The highest non-essential work of fracture was observed with samples made from Dil40DCPD60, which is possibly a consequence of the formation of a rigid DCPD-phase.
Perceptual-cognitive conflict in the development of an invariant area concept

Abstract Judgments of area equality and inequality were obtained from children aged 5–11 when visual pattern pairs were equal in area and congruent in spatial organization, as well as when the areas were equal but not spatially congruent. The latter (representing a hypothesized perceptual-cognitive conflict condition) is an analogue to Piaget's area conservation problem. Judgment of area equality in the “conflict” condition was more difficult for all ages than the “no-conflict” condition. Predicted utilization of infralogical strategies (iterative and translocational) in making the area equality judgments was confirmed. Employment of those infralogical methods was inversely related to the complexity of conflict patterns. Attainment of correct area equality decisions was on an all-or-none basis. The inability to utilize available cognitive resources in making equality judgments when patterns were not congruent is discussed.
In vivo analysis of Kvβ2 function in Xenopus embryonic myocytes

Kv1 potassium channels consist of pore-forming α subunits as well as auxiliary β subunits. In heterologous systems, Kv1α subunits suffice for induction of voltage-dependent potassium current (IKv). Although Kv1 channels can be expressed without auxiliary subunits in heterologous systems, coexpression with Kvβ subunits has dramatic effects on surface expression and kinetic properties. Much less is known about the functional roles of Kvβ subunits in vivo, despite their presence in the majority of native Kv1 channel complexes. We used an antisense approach to probe the contribution of Kvβ2 subunits to native Kv1 channel function in embryonic myocytes. We compared the effects of antisense Kvβ2 treatment on the whole cell IKv to those produced by overexpression of a dominant-negative Kv1α subunit. The reductions in the maximal potassium conductance produced by antisense Kvβ2 treatment and elimination of Kv1α subunit function were not significantly different from each other. In addition, simultaneous elimination of Kv1α and Kvβ2 subunit function resulted in no further reduction of the maximal conductance. The Kv channel complexes targeted by Kvβ2 and/or Kv1α subunit elimination contributed to action potential repolarization because elimination of either or both subunits led to increases in the duration of the action potential. As for potassium conductance, the effects of elimination of both α and β subunits on the duration of the action potential were not additive. Taken together, the results suggest that Kv1 potassium channel complexes in vivo have a strong requirement for both α and β subunits.
Experimental Study on Capillary Flow in a Vane-Wall Gap Geometry

Capillary flow in microgravity in the vane-wall gap geometry in a cylindrical container is studied experimentally. The flow is of interest because it affects the performance of vane-type propellant management devices, in which the vane-wall gap geometry is common. Different flow regimes, previously reported for the capillary flow in cylinders of various cross-section geometries, are identified using the data obtained in the Purdue University 1.2-s drop tower. Effects of geometric parameters, contact angle, and liquid viscosity on the flow are studied, with emphasis on the Lucas-Washburn flow regime
There are at least two kinds of probability matching: evidence from a secondary task.

Probability matching is a suboptimal behavior that often plagues human decision-making in simple repeated choice tasks. Despite decades of research, recent studies cannot find agreement on what choice strategies lead to probability matching. We propose a solution, showing that two distinct local choice strategies—which make different demands on executive resources—both result in probability-matching behavior on a global level. By placing participants in a simple binary prediction task under dual- versus single-task conditions, we find that individuals with compromised executive resources are driven away from a one-trial-back strategy (utilized by participants with intact executive resources) and towards a strategy that integrates a longer window of past outcomes into the current prediction. Crucially, both groups of participants exhibited probability-matching behavior to the same extent at a global level of analysis. We suggest that these two forms of probability matching are byproducts of the operation of explicit versus implicit systems.
Relativistic corrections to the Zeeman effect in hydrogenlike atoms and positronium.

An approximately relativistic theory of bound states which ensures Poincar\'e invariance of the atomic system to relative order (v/c${)}^{2}$ developed by one of us [K. J. Sebastian, Phys. Rev. A 23, 2810 (1981)] is used to derive the Zeeman interaction Hamiltonian for a two-body system. This Hamiltonian is correct to order \ensuremath{\alpha}(Z\ensuremath{\alpha}${)}^{2}$ and to all orders of ${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{e}}$/${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{N}}$ and includes contributions from previously neglected radiative and recoil corrections. Explicit analytic expressions for the ${\mathit{g}}_{\mathit{J}}$ and ${\mathit{g}}_{\mathit{I}}$ factors are given and verify the results of Grotch and Kashuba [Phys. Rev. A 7, 78 (1973)]. This interaction Hamiltonian in conjunction with the zero-field relativistic interaction correct to order \ensuremath{\alpha}(Z\ensuremath{\alpha}${)}^{4}$ is used to analyze the Zeeman structure of the n=1, 2, and 3 levels of hydrogen and positronium. In the case of hydrogen, corrections for the Lamb shift which include the most recent radiative recoil and pure recoil corrections have also been included to yield an extremely precise analysis for hydrogen in the \ensuremath{\Vert}${\mathit{nFm}}_{\mathit{F}}$JL〉 representation. The Hamiltonian, g factors, and Zeeman splittings are compared with previously obtained results and experimental results. The results of these comparisons are discussed at length.
Fast and Frugal Heuristics1

A heuristic is a rule of thumb. In psychology, heuristics are relatively simple rules for making judgments. A fast heuristic is easy to use and allows one to make judgments quickly. A frugal heuristic relies on a small fraction of the available evidence in making judgments. Typically, fast and frugal heuristics (FFHs) have, or are claimed to have, a further property: They are very reliable, yielding judgments that are about as accurate in the long run as ideal non-fast, non-frugal rules. This paper introduces some well-known examples of FFHs, raises some objections to the FFH program, and looks at the implications of those parts of the FFH program about which we can have some reasonable degree of confidence.
Heat transfer in the thermal entrance region of non-Newtonian fluid flow

The problem of heat transfer for fully developed flow of a third-order Rivlin-Ericksen type of non-Newtonian fluid in a channel has been studied by means of the variational formulation. Consideration is given to the case when the walls of the channel are kept at one constant temperature upstream of the origin and at a different constant temperature downstream. A solution is presented for the temperature distribution and Nusselt number variation with dimensionless axial distance.
A simplified, robust, and streamlined procedure for the production of C. elegans transgenes via recombineering

Background The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as a powerful system to study biologic questions ranging from development to aging. The generation of transgenic animals is an important experimental tool and allows use of GFP fusion proteins to study the expression of genes of interest or generation of epitope tagged versions of specific genes. Transgenes are often generated by placing a promoter upstream of a reporter gene or cDNA. This often produces a representative expression pattern, but important exceptions have been observed. To better capture the genuine expression pattern and timing, several investigators have modified large pieces of DNA carried by BACs or fosmids for use in the construction of transgenic animals via recombineering. However, these techniques are not in widespread use despite the advantages when compared to traditional approaches. Additionally, some groups have encountered problems with employing these techniques. Hence, we sought identify ways to improve the simplicity and reliability of the procedure.
Greater functional connectivity between reading and error-detection regions following training with the reading acceleration program in children with reading difficulties

The Reading Acceleration Program is a computerized program that improves reading and the activation of the error-detection mechanism in individuals with reading difficulty (RD) and typical readers (TRs). The current study aims to find the neural correlates for this effect in English-speaking 8–12-year-old children with RD and TRs using a functional connectivity analysis. Functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected during a lexical decision task before and after 4 weeks of training with the program, together with reading and executive functions measures. Results indicated improvement in reading, visual attention, and speed of processing in children with RD. Following training, greater functional connectivity was observed between the left fusiform gyrus and the right anterior cingulate cortex in children with RD and between the left fusiform gyrus and the left anterior cingulate cortex in TRs. The change in functional connectivity after training was correlated with increased behavioral scores for word reading and visual attention in both groups. The results support previous findings of improved monitoring and mental lexicon after training with the Reading Acceleration Program in children with RD and TRs. The differences in laterality of the anterior cingulate cortex in children with RD and the presumable role of the cingulo-opercular control network in language processing are discussed.
Solid Phase Extraction for Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Atmospheric Wet and Dry Deposition Samples

Solid phase extraction with C-18 sorbent tubes was employed for extraction and preconcentration of trace level (ng/l) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from water samples obtained by collecting wet and dry atmospheric deposition. Recoveries of spiked PAHs from 0.2 to 10.0 l water samples ranged from 60% to 90%. Five deuterated PAHs (naphthalene- d 8 , acenaphthene- d 10 , anthracene- d 10 , chrysene- d 12 , and perylene- d 12 ) were added to the samples as surrogates. The recoveries of surrogates were in the same range as the spiked PAHs. The recoveries of surrogates were used to estimate the recoveries of ambient PAHs with a similar ring structure. Factors that contributed to the relatively low recoveries include breakthrough of the sorbates, adsorption on the container surface, and degradation in water during storage.
Embryotoxicity of a single dose of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and maternal serum MPA concentrations in cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis)

A single dose of MPA (Depo-Provera; Upjohn Co., Kalamazoo, Michigan) was administered intramuscularly to 12 time-mated pregnant cynomolgus monkeys on day 27 (+/- 2) of gestation at 25 mg/kg or at 100 mg/kg. Maternal blood samples were collected immediately prior to MPA injection and then at regular intervals until cesarean section at term (day 152 +/- 3). Infants in both dose groups had external genital abnormalities. Female infants in the low-dose groups had partial or complete labial fusion, prominent median raphe, and clitoral hypertrophy; at high doses (100 mg/kg), the female infants had complete labial fusion and a distinct penile urethra. MPA had an opposite effect on external genitalia of male infants. The penis was short and the scrotal swelling was absent or less conspicuous, and two males had hypospadias. The adrenal glands were significantly smaller (P less than 0.05) in infants of both sexes treated with 100 mg/kg. One of the infants treated with 25 mg/kg of MPA had a muscular ventricular septal defect. Serum concentrations of MPA were determined by radioimmunoassay in eight pregnant monkeys. In the 25 mg/kg group the patterns of MPA profiles in the serum were similar in all four animals. An initial peak occurred at 24-48 hr postinjection (2.7-9.6 ng/ml), followed by a slight decrease at 3 days postinjection (gestational day 30), and then a steady increase to maximum levels of 10-14 ng/ml occurring between gestational days 37 and 50. Serum levels gradually declined to concentrations below 5 ng/ml by midgestation in three of four monkeys. By comparison, both the patterns and magnitude of MPA concentration showed great interanimal variation in the 100 mg/kg group. MPA was present in cord blood at measurable concentrations in infants at both dose groups; the levels ranged from 0.6 to 8.3 ng/ml, corresponding to 40-72% of the maternal concentrations. These results demonstrate that a single injection of MPA during early pregnancy causes selective embryotoxicity in both male and female fetuses. Presence of high levels of MPA in maternal sera during the critical period of genital development can cause specific genital defects; however, the exact mechanism by which MPA causes these paradoxical genital abnormalities is unknown.
Orbital Inspection Vehicle Trajectories Based on Line-of-Sight Maneuvers

Abstract This Note derives techniques for automatically generating trajectories that are well suited to implementation by simple orbital inspection vehicles: the vehicle leaves a specified point, coasts until it crosses a given switching line, applies a Δv of given magnitude and direction, and then coasts until it reaches its target position.
Evaluation of Borehole MMR For Fracture Detection

A model study was made of the magnetometric (MMR) resistivity responses of a variety of dike-like bodies to determine if MMR could be used to detect fractures in a geothermal environment. Two configurations were studied: borehole to surface and borehole to borehole. For both configurations one current electrode is placed at the bottom of a vertical borehole, a second transmitting electrode was placed at the top of the borehole. For the borehole to surface configuration three components of magnetic field are measured at the surface. The borehole to borehole configuration measured the vertical component of field inside a borehole. For the borehole to surface configuration the vertical magnetic field and the component of magnetic field perpendicular to the strike of the body appear to be useful for locating conductors. However, results were dependent on the location of the borehole containing the current electrodes. This configuration is sensitive to the strike direction, dip of the body, and resistivity contrast but insensitive to the depth extent of the body. The borehole to borehole results also vary greatly with the position of the borehole containing the current electrodes. Optimal responses for borehole to borehole MMR occur when the current electrode is inside and near one end of the body and the receiving magnetometer is offset towards the center of the body. Borehole to borehole data were more sensitive to the vertical extent of the body than surface data.
Analysis of the impact of particle separation in a plasmonic spherical dimer on the resonance wavelength

Dimers are composite nanoparticles consisting of two interacting spherical metal particles, with properties suitable for a wide range of applications. The properties of a dimer depend on the particle sizes as well as the separation between the two particles. In this paper we present an analysis of the properties of Dimers using an efficient model for dimers based on the quasistatic approximation.
High performance optical absorbance detectors based on low noise switched integrators.

Abstract Optical absorption detection is the most common analytical measurement principle in liquid phase analysis. The current state-of-the-art of commercially available detectors exhibit peak-to-peak (p—p) noise levels in the range of 1 × 10−5−2 × 10−5 absorbance units (10–20 μAU). Using circuitry based on newly available switched integrator integrated circuit (IC) packages, it is possible to construct inexpensive absorbance detectors with p—p noise levels as low as 3 μAU under actual use conditions. The necessary electronics are described and performance data are reported with light emitting diodes (LEDs) as light sources. Even in the capillary format with a rectangular capillary (50 × 1000 μm cross section) with a slitwidth
Role of Ca2+, membrane excitability, and Ca2+ stores in failing muscle contraction with aging

Excitation-contraction (EC) coupling in a population of skeletal muscle fibers of aged mice becomes dependent on the presence of external Ca(2+) ions (Payne, A.M., Zheng, Z., Gonzalez, E., Wang, Z.M., Messi, M.L., Delbono, O., 2004b. External Ca(2+)-dependent excitation - contraction coupling in a population of aging mouse skeletal muscle fibers. J. Physiol. 560, 137-155.). However, the mechanism(s) underlying this process remain unknown. In this work, we examined the role of (1) extracellular Ca(2+); (2) voltage-induced influx of external Ca(2+) ions; (3) sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) depletion during repeated contractions; (4) store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE); (5) SR ultrastructure; (6) SR subdomain localization of the ryanodine receptor; and (7) sarcolemmal excitability in muscle force decline with aging. These experiments show that external Ca(2+), but not Ca(2+) influx, is needed to maintain force upon repetitive fiber electrical stimulation. Decline in fiber force is associated with depressed SR Ca(2+) release. SR Ca(2+) depletion, SOCE, and the putative segregated Ca(2+) release store do not play a significant role in external Ca(2+)-dependent contraction. More importantly, a significant number of action potentials fail in senescent mouse muscle fibers subjected to a stimulation frequency. These results indicate that failure to generate action potentials accounts for decreased intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization and tetanic force in aging muscle exposed to a Ca(2+)-free medium.
AGS Lattice Corrections and Tuning Using Backleg Windings

The excitation of a novel backleg winding system has significantly contributed to increasing the intensity of the AGS. The benefits of the improved magnetic lattice properties at fields in the vicinity of injection were demonstrated, both for future operations and for quantitative study of high intensity phenomena. A record intensity of 3.2 × 1012 protons per pulse was attained when some portions of these windings were activated. This occured approximately two years ago, too late for the previous Conference. The underlying ideas and computations preceded this date by about two years. While many turn backleg windings already existed on the AGS magnets, the appropriate systems connections had to be constructed and installed during a shutdown. It was hoped by now to have experimental studies using all the systems, but time commitments have prevented further work to date. However the ideas used and the particularly simple approach to orbit analysis developed warrants being described.
Laparoscopic nephrectomy: the Washington University experience

Objective To report our experience of laparoscopic nephrectomy for benign and malignant disease of the kidney. Patients and methods Since June 25, 1990, 24 patients have undergone laparoscopic removal of the kidney at the Washington University School of Medicine (Barnes Hospital): 20 patients had benign renal disease and four patients had malignant renal disease. Results Of the 24 procedures, 23 were completed successfully using laparoscopic procedures; one operation had to be converted to an open surgical nephrectomy. The mean operative time was 340 min (benign disease) and 438 min (malignant disease). Postoperatively the mean hospital stay was 4 days; return to work or usual activities occurred after 3.4 weeks, and full recovery was achieved after 6.6 weeks. Conclusion Laparoscopic nephrectomy, albeit time consuming to perform, results in minimal post-operative discomfort, a brief hospital stay and a rapid convalescence.
Some spacing relations among the central males of a transplanted troop of Japanese macaques (Arashiyama west)

In February, 1972, a troop of 150 Japanese macaques was tranplanted from Kyoto, Japan, to Laredo, Texas, USA, after 20 years of study in Japan. As part of the general adaptation of the troop to its new environment, spacing behavior was observed in the central adult males [by independent rank, (1)Dai, (2)W, (3)Bus 62, and (4)Kojiwa 59]. Spot checks of locations, vertical space use, mobility patterns, and paths to and from a box of apples suggested that the major influences on spacing were rank, personality and history, social interactions, and several environmental factors (availability of vertical space, water, and shade, extreme heat, daily provisioning, etc).Dai exceeded the other males in use of vertical space, rate and distance of travel, and proximity to the apple box.W confined his high use of vertical space use primarily to one structure. His distance and rate of travel were low, and he maintained the greatest distance from the apple box.Bus 62 ranked second in use of vertical space, distance and rate of travel, and proximity to the apple box.Kojiwa 59 frequently changed sites in his use of vertical space. His distance and rate of travel were low, and he maintained long distances from the apple box.
Mass transfer in shallow aerated vibrated powder beds

Abstract Mass transfer rates are reported for granular beds (depths = 24 and 1 mm) aerated by upward flow of nitrogen both in absence of vibration and also subjected to vibration at intensities affording maximum accelerations = two and four times gravity. Nitrogen flows were both below and above minimum gas-fluidizing velocities in absence of vibration. At both 24- and 1-mm bed depths, vibration at intensity four times gravity can enhance mass transfer by a factor between about 1.4 and 2. For mass transfer, bed depth is an important variable, with or without vibration. Without vibration, mass transfer at 1-mm depth can be ∼ 10 to 15 times greater than transfer in a 24-mm bed. A correlation is available that deals successfully with influence of bed depth in our data, both with and without vibration. Data reported herein at 1-mm depth bear upon performance of a chemical microreactor with cross-flow of gaseous reactants through particles in the coherent-expanded (CE) vibrated-bed state. The data suggest that a mass-transfer limitation need not ordinarily be taken into account in analysis of microreactor kinetic data for a chemical reaction for which a fluid bed reactor is an appropriate commercial choice.
Synthesis of fluorinated ReCl(4,4'-R2-2,2'-bipyridine)(CO)3 complexes and their photophysical characterization in CH3CN and supercritical CO2.

Two new CO2-soluble rhenium(I) bipyridine complexes bearing the fluorinated alkyl ligands 4,4′-(C6F13CH2CH2CH2)2-2,2′-bipyridine (1a), and 4,4′-(C8F17CH2CH2CH2)2-2,2′-bipyridine (1b) have been prepared and their photophysical properties investigated in CH3CN and supercritical CO2. Electrochemical and spectroscopic characterization of these complexes in CH3CN suggests that the three methylene units effectively insulate the bipyridyl rings and the rhenium center from the electron-withdrawing effect of the fluorinated alkyl chains. Reductive quenching of the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer excited states with triethylamine reveals quenching rate constants in supercritical CO2 that are only 6 times slower than those in CH3CN.
Synergistic effect of glucocorticoids and androgens on the biosynthesis of a sex-dependent protein in the male rat

Abstract Castration of male rats reduced the urinary excretion of sex-dependent α 2 u-globulin by 50%. Replacement therapy with testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone increased the urinary excretion of α 2 u. To determine if adrenal androgen contributions to the excretion of α 2 u, especially in castrated rats, some animals were adrenalectomized. Adrenalectomy, however, almost abolished the excretion of the protein, an effect which could be reversed with glucocorticoid but not androgen or aldosterone. When male rats were adrenalectomized and castrated, then the excretion of α 2 u was obtained only following therapy with both androgen and glucocorticoid. It is suggested that the glucocorticoid is required in a synergistic or permissive sense for the androgen-dependent excretion of α 2 u.
Laser-based diagnostics for condensation in laser-ablated copper plasmas

We are investigating the thermodynamic conditions under which condensation occurs in laser-ablated copper plasma plumes. The plasma is created by XeCl excimer laser ablation (308 nm, 350 mJ/pulse) at power densities from 500--1000 MW/cm{sup 2}. The atomic vapor expands rapidly into backing pressures of helium ranging from 0--50 torr. The backing gas serves to slow the vapor before it rarefies and provides a third body to stabilize collision complexes between vapor atoms to produce small cluster species. The formation of these small clusters is indicative of the onset of condensation, a process which, under the proper conditions, eventually forms macroscopic particulate in the plume. We use laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) to probe both atomic copper and the copper dimer molecule, Cu{sub 2}. Velocities of atomic Cu have been obtained by a time-of-flight method under varying conditions of backing gas pressure. At low pressure (10 mtorr), the atomic Cu velocity peaks at approximately 2 {times} 10{sup 6} cm/s. Excitation scans of the Cu{sub 2} A {minus} X (0,0) and (1,1) bands yield both a rotational temperature and a vibrational temperature. Direct laser beam absorption is used to determine the number density of atomic copper. Rayleigh scattering from particulate is easily observable undermore » conditions favorable to particulate production. The Cu{sub 2} LIF and Rayleigh-scattered signals disappear instantaneously in the absence of the ablation laser pulse indicating that the particulate is formed during a single laser shot. 10 refs., 9 figs.« less
Constant strain- and stress-rate compressive strength of columnar-grained ice

Unconfined compressive strength of transversely isotropic columnar-grained ice has been investigated for loads applied normal to the longitudinal axis of the columns at the high homologous temperature of 0.96 Tm (Tm is the melting temperature) under truly constant strain and stress rates. A closed-loop, servo-hydraulic test system inside a cold room was used. Both the strain- and stress-rate dependences of upper yield stress can be expressed in terms of power laws. The observed strain-rate dependence of strength was found to be numerically the same as the dependence of viscous-flow rate on stress in constant stress creep tests at the same temperature. It is shown that the strain-rate sensitivity of yield strength compares well with previous results (obtained under constant cross-head rates using a conventional machine) only if the average strain rate to yield is used as the independent variable instead of the conventional nominal strain rate. The paper also discusses the strain and time aspects of the tests. It shows interdependence among values for compressive yield strength, strain rate, failure strain and time very similar to the interdependence among the corresponding values in tensile creep failures in metals, alloys and other polycrystalline materials at high temperatures. It is emphasized that the splitting type of brittle-like premature failure depends on the stiffness of the test system and should not be considered to be a fundamental material property. The concept of failure modulus is proposed for examining the ductile to brittle transition.
Cigarette smoking in living kidney donors: donor and recipient outcomes.

Background Living kidney donor pools are expanding with the use of “medically complex” donors. Whether or not to include cigarette smokers as living kidney donors remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between donor smoking and recipient outcomes. We hypothesized that donor smoking would increase donor complications and decrease allograft and recipient survival over time. Methods The charts of 602 living kidney donors and their recipients were retrospectively reviewed. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox modeling were used to assess the relationships between smoking and recipient and allograft survival. Results No difference in postoperative complications was seen in smoking versus non-smoking donors. Donor smoking at time of evaluation did not significantly decrease allograft survival (HR = 1.19, p = 0.52), but recipient smoking at evaluation did reduce allograft survival (HR = 1.74, p = 0.05). Both donor and recipient smoking decreased recipient survival (HR = 1.93, p < 0.01 vs HR = 1.74, p = 0.048). Discussion When controlled for donor and recipient factors, cigarette smoking by living kidney donors significantly reduced recipient survival. This datum suggests that careful attention to smoking history is an important clinical measure in which to counsel potential donors and recipients. Policy efforts to limit donors with a recent smoking history should be balanced with the overall shortage of appropriate kidney donors.
Pulse generation in a cw dye laser by mode−locked synchronous pumping

A continuous train of <500 ps (detector limited) pulses has been produced with a cw dye laser pumped by a mode−locked argon ion laser. The cavity lengths of the dye laser and argon laser were made equal in order to synchronously amplify a single pulse oscillating in the dye laser. An intracavity acousto−optic modulator was used to dump dye laser pulses at rates as high as 10 MHz.
Strength characterization of yttria-partially stabilized zirconia/alumina composite

The flexural strength of yttria-partially stabilized zirconia/alumina composite in the sintered and hot isostatically pressed condition (Super PSZ) was evaluated as a function of temperature (20–1300°C in air environment), applied stress and time. Failure was essentially governed by the presence of processing defects such as zirconia or alumina agglomerates. The sudden decrease in fracture strength at relatively low temperatures (400–600°C) is believed to be due to the stability of the tetragonal phase and relative decrease in the extent of the stress-induced martensitic phase transformation of the tetragonal to monoclinic phase. Flexural stress rupture testing at 300–1000°C in air indicated the material's susceptibility to time-dependent failure, and outlines safe applied stress levels for a given temperature. Stress rupture testing at 1000°C at low applied stress levels showed bending of specimens, indicating the onset of plasticity or viscous flow of the glassy phase and consequent degradation of material strength.
Memory-Based Techniques for Task-Level Learning in Robots and Smart Machines

We report on a preliminary investigation of tasklevel learning, an approach to learning from practice. We have programmed a robot to juggle a single ball in three dimensions by batting it up-wards with a large paddle. The robot uses a real-time binary vision system to track the ball and measure its performance. Task-level learning consists of building a model of performance errors at the task level during practice, and using that model to refine task-level commands. A polynomial surface was fit to the errors in where the ball went after each hit, and this task model is used to refine how the ball is hit. This application of task-level learning dramatically increased the number of consecutive hits the robot could execute before the ball was hit out of range of the paddle. The talk explores memory-based techniques for future implementations of tasklevel learning.
Lower Esophageal Ring

A case of lower esophageal ring was managed surgically; we observed the clinical, radiologic and histopathologic aspects of the lesion for a six-year period. Submucosal fibrous ring was the essential feature of the pathologic changes encountered. It responded well to partial wedge resection and transverse closure. Symptomatic improvement has been excellent with no clinical evidence of gastoesophageal reflux.
An inverse problem for the transport equation in the presence of a Riemannian metric

The stationary linear transport equation models the scattering and absorption of a low-density beam of neutrons as it passes through a body. In Euclidean space, to a first approximation, particles travel in straight lines. Here we study the analogous transport equation for particles in an ambient field described by a Riemannian metric where, again to first approximation, particles follow geodesics of the metric. We consider the problem of determining the scattering and absorption coefficients from knowledge of the albedo operator on the boundary of the domain. Under certain restrictions, the albedo operator is shown to determine the geodesic ray transform of the absorption coefficient; for simple manifolds this transform is invertible and so the coefficient itself is determined. In dimensions 3 or greater, we show that one may then obtain the collision (or scattering) kernel.
Acylation of alkyllysophospholipids by Fischer sarcoma microsomes.

Abstract Acylation of alkyllysophospholipids in most cells occurs by: (a) CoA-independent transacylation, (b) CoA-dependent transacylation, and (c) acyl-CoA-dependent acylation. Using a recently developed high-performance liquid chromatography method, we have investigated the factors that influence the molecular species composition of the acylated products formed via these pathways with 1-hexadecyl-2-lyso- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine (alkyl-lyso-GPC) or 1-hexadecyl-2-lyso- sn -glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (alkyllyso-GPE) as substrates for the enzymes in Fischer R-3259 sarcoma microsomes. We found that short incubation times and low substrate concentrations favored the formation of polyunsaturated molecular species, i.e., 16:0–22:6,16:0–22:5 ( n − 3), and 16:0–20: 4. Also, in agreement with results from other systems, CoA-independent transacylation produced a high percentage of polyunsaturated molecular species; acyl-CoAdependent acylations generated the least polyunsaturated molecular species and CoA-dependent transacylation gave intermediate values. Furthermore, no substrate selectivity occurred with respect to alkyl chain lengths of alkyllyso-GPE; similar molecular species composition was obtained with either hexadecyllyso-GPE or octadecyllyso-GPE as substrates. Responses to N -ethylmaleimide inhibition and heat inactivation as well as pH optima suggest the same enzyme catalyzes the CoA-independent transacylation of both alkyllyso-GPC and alkyllyso-GPE.
Compressible turbulent plane Couette flow with variable heat transfer based on von Karman model

I an earlier paper the present authors presented a solution to the problem of compressible turbulent plane Couette flow for the symmetrical case of equal temperature, and therefore equal heat transfer, at both walls. The von Karman turbulent model was used in Ref . 1 on the basis of its good agreement with the low speed measurements of Robertson and the fact that compressible turbulent boundary-layer theories based on this model give best agreement with measurements on flat plates for both the adiabatic and nonadiabatic cases according to the survey of Spalding and Chi. Interest in compressible, turbulent plane Couette flow stems from the use of slipper bearings to support rocketboosted sleds at speeds of several 1000 fps e.g., the test track at Holloman Air Force Base, and also possible application to very high-speed tube-guided vehicles. In the present paper, the solution for compressible turbulent-plane Couette flow based on the von Karman model is extended to the general case of arbitrary wall temperature. A more detailed study will be given in a forthcoming Aerospace Research Labs report.
Afterword: Linking spirituality and social work: Five themes for innovation

Summary. This article suggests five themes to guide continued innovation in professional efforts to link spirituality with social work in a manner that is consistent with commonly held professional commitments. First, the mission to promote human fulfillment needs to be expanded to include the concepts of mutual benefit, transpersonal self‐realization, and well‐being for all. Second, professional concern with human diversity needs to embrace spiritual diversity and its implications for transcultural understanding. Third, the value of self‐determination should take into account a transpersonal understanding of the self, including the rights of religious and spiritual groups’ self‐determination and the complementarity of freedom and responsibility. Fourth, theory and conceptual frameworks for social work practice need to address a truly holistic view of the person‐in‐environment, including transpersonal and deep ecological perspectives. Finally, the helping relationship itself needs to be revisioned in term...
An attempt to transfer tumor protein specificity to a foreign protein.

L'essai de transferer la specificite des proteines d'une tumeur a une proteine etrangere par un procede serologique, a donne un resultat negatif.
Implementing Routine HIV Testing: The Role of State Law

In September 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended routine HIV testing for all Americans aged 13–64, which would eliminate requirements for written consent and pretest counseling as previously required. However, this approach may conflict with state requirements concerning pretest counseling and informed consent for HIV testing. Our survey of state HIV testing laws demonstrates that the majority of states have HIV testing requirements that are inconsistent with the CDC's recommendations. Moreover, states that have recently amended their laws have not eased the requirements for pretest counseling and informed consent. The reasons for the persistence of these legal requirements must be understood to effect policy changes to increase HIV testing.
Habitat Use of the Shoal Bass, Micropterus cataractae, in an Alabama Stream

ABSTRACT Habitat use of larval, juvenile and adult shoal bass (Micropterus cataractae) was monitored in Little Uchee Creek (Chattahoochee River drainage), Alabama in 2005 and 2006. Larvae and juveniles used different habitats than adults and each other. All groups used habitat that differed from what was generally available. Adult shoal bass used different habitat in 2005 when water levels were relatively greater than in 2006. During low water level periods adults moved into pool mesohabitat, emphasizing the importance of habitat connectivity for the persistence of this species.
Image-guided localization accuracy of stereoscopic planar and volumetric imaging methods for stereotactic radiation surgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy: a phantom study.

Purpose To evaluate the positioning accuracies of two image-guided localization systems, ExacTrac and On-Board Imager (OBI), in a stereotactic treatment unit. Methods and Materials An anthropomorphic pelvis phantom with eight internal metal markers (BBs) was used. The center of one BB was set as plan isocenter. The phantom was set up on a treatment table with various initial setup errors. Then, the errors were corrected using each of the investigated systems. The residual errors were measured with respect to the radiation isocenter using orthogonal portal images with field size 3 × 3 cm 2 . The angular localization discrepancies of the two systems and the correction accuracy of the robotic couch were also studied. A pair of pre— and post—cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images was acquired for each angular correction. Then, the correction errors were estimated by using the internal BBs through fiducial marker–based registrations. Results The isocenter localization errors ( μ ± σ ) in the left/right, posterior/anterior, and superior/inferior directions were, respectively, −0.2 ± 0.2 mm, −0.8 ± 0.2 mm, and −0.8 ± 0.4 mm for ExacTrac, and 0.5 ± 0.7 mm, 0.6 ± 0.5 mm, and 0.0 ± 0.5 mm for OBI CBCT. The registration angular discrepancy was 0.1 ± 0.2° between the two systems, and the maximum angle correction error of the robotic couch was 0.2° about all axes. Conclusion Both the ExacTrac and the OBI CBCT systems showed approximately 1 mm isocenter localization accuracies. The angular discrepancy of two systems was minimal, and the robotic couch angle correction was accurate. These positioning uncertainties should be taken as a lower bound because the results were based on a rigid dosimetry phantom.
Naloxone inhibition of stress-induced daily torpor.

Abstract Peromyscus maniculatus , deermice, were induced into daily torpor by restricting food to one-half daily ration. Intraperitoneal injection of naloxone (20 mg/kg) into mice habituated to daily IP injections of saline inhibited or modified the expression of daily torpor. In those individuals demonstrating long duration/ deep bouts (greater than 300 min/body temperature 20°C or below) naloxone administration resulted in 1) a significant decrease in the duration of torpor, 2) a significant elevation in minimum body temperatures attained during torpor and 3) a significant delay in the initiation time of torpor. In those individuals demonstrating short duration/shallow bouts (less than 300 min/ body temperatures above 20°C), naloxone administration resulted only in a significant delay of initiation time. Upon subsequent return to saline administration, however, these mice displayed a significant increase in the duration and depth of torpor. The results suggest that the endogenous opiates modulate the state of daily torpor.
Ethnocentrism in the Inter-Nation Simulation:

The historical antecedents of the study of ethnocentrism as a sociopsychological syndrome can be traced back to Gumplowicz's "natural theory of State" (1883; Gregor, 1963). His theory was predicated on the assumption of the mutual hostility of heterogeneous groups. However, it was primarily through the influence of Sumner (1906) that the concept became an integral part of American sociological theory. Since Sumner, ethnocentrism has been depicted by theorists as a universal characteristic of nations which are part of an international system. Campbell and LeVine (1961) list
Oscillations in Transient Stimulated Brillouin Scattering

Oscillations in Transient Stimulated Brillouin ScatteringRaijun Chu, Morton Kanefsky and Joel FalkDepartment of Electrical EngineeringUniversity of PittsburghPittsburgh, PA 15261ABSTRACTSeeded, transient, stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) is studied using a new non-iterative, numericalalgorithm to solve this two-point boundary value problem. The coupled pump, Stokes and phonon equationsare solved numerically, including the effects of pump depletion and a finite phonon lifetime. The non-iterative approach leads to efficient computation (
Modernist anthropology and tourism of the authentic

Abstract Tourism, in addition to being big business, is a strategy for framing and interpreting cultural difference. The driving ideology behind tourism is a form of exotopy, or appropriation of otherness. It shares this exotopic function with anthropology, which is Western culture's official discourse of alterity. Semiotically, tourism and modernist anthropology are oppositionally linked. That is, while their experiential and narrative strategies are opposed, they can both be mapped onto the same general space, by means of semiotic square, and can be shown to overlap. In the postmodern era, both anthropological and touristic ideologies are breaking down, as ethnographic and touristic practices increasingly overlap.
Conformational Partitioning of the Fusion Peptide of HIV-1 gp41 and Its Structural Analogs in Bilayer Membranes

Experiments have shown that the ability of the HIV-1 virus to infect cells can be greatly diminished by deactivation of the N-terminal (fusion) peptide of its glycoprotein gp41. Deactivation can be achieved by the deletion of several amino acid residues, or replacement of a hydrophobic residue with a polar residue, to form mutant variants of the wild-type peptide. We report Monte Carlo simulation studies of a simplified peptide/membrane model, representing the interaction of an HIV-1 fusion peptide (FP) and four closely related mutagens with a lipid bilayer. In agreement with experimental results, we show that FP inserts deeply into the bilayer at approximately 40 degrees to the bilayer normal. We also show a previously unreported behavior of membrane peptides, namely their equilibrium partitioning between several distinct conformations within the bilayer. We quantify this partitioning behavior and characterize each conformation in terms of its geometry, energy, and entropy. The diminished ability of FP mutagens to hemolyse and aggregate red blood cells due to their partitioning into unfavorable conformations, is also discussed. Our analysis supports a negative curvature mechanism for red blood cell hemolysis by FP. We also suggest that the small repulsive forces between surface-adsorbed peptides in opposing membrane surfaces may block aggregation.
Identification and characterization of fully deuterated fatty acids isolated fromScenedesmus obliquus cultured in deuterium oxide

The algaScenedesmus obliquus cultured in deuterated water, synthesized fully deuterated saturated and unsaturated long chain fatty acids. Their methyl esters were purified and their equivalent chain lengths were determined by gas liquid chromatography (GLC). They were characterized by mass spectroscopy, IR and near-IR spectroscopy, and NMR spectroscopy. Hexadeca-3,6-dienoic acid was identified. The fatty acid compositions of the total lipid and of individual lipid classes were measured. The melting point of methyl perdeuteriohexadecanoate was lower than that of its hydrogen counterpart. Methyl esters of perdeuterio fatty acids had shorter retention times in GLC chromatography on polar and nonpolar phases.