cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of delaying same-admission cholecystectomy on outcomes in patients with diabetes

Background Recent studies have suggested that same-admission delayed cholecystectomy is a safe option. Patients with diabetes have been shown to have less favourable outcomes after cholecystectomy, but the impact of timing of operation for acute cholecystitis during the same admission is unknown. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis between 2004 and 2010, from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patients with no significant co-morbidities (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I or II) were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match patients with diabetes with those who did not have diabetes, in a ratio of 1 : 3, to ensure homogeneity of the two groups. Logistic regression models were applied to adjust for differences between early (within 24 h) and delayed (24 h or more) surgical treatment. The primary outcome was development of local and systemic infectious complications. Secondary outcomes were duration of operation and length of hospital stay. Results From a total of 2892 patients, 144 patients with diabetes were matched with 432 without diabetes by PSM. Delaying cholecystectomy for at least 24 h after admission in patients with diabetes was associated with significantly higher odds of developing surgical-site infections (adjusted odds ratio 4·11, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·11 to 15·22; P = 0·034) and a longer hospital stay. For patients with no diabetes, however, delaying cholecystectomy had no impact on complications or length of hospital stay. Conclusion Patients with diabetes who undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy 24 h or more after admission may have an increased risk of postoperative surgical-site infection and a longer hospital stay than those undergoing surgery within 24 h of admission.
MSTAR: an absolute metrology sensor with sub-micron accuracy for space-based applications

The MSTAR sensor is a new system for measuring absolute distance, capable of resolving the integer cycle ambiguity of standard interferometers, and making it possible to measure distance with subnanometer accuracy.
Designing a PBL Environment Using the 3C3R Method

With the growing emphasis being placed upon situated learning theory, designs increasingly implement problem-based learning (PBL) in various educational contexts. However, some of the difficulties instructional designers face include interweaving elements such as breadth, depth, and situated knowledge in a contextualized learning task. This design case details how the 3C3R method was systematically employed to design a PBL learning environment that highlights the effects of environmental toxins on human fertility. We also discuss how a case library learning environment (CLLE) was implemented and designed to support the decision-making process. This design case examines the challenges involved, such as misunderstandings between the SMEs and instructional designer as we contextualized complex issues related to human biology. A discussion of how we designed for multiple solution paths is also included. Lastly, we discuss the challenges of interweaving the ill-structured problem with multiple narratives found in a case library.
Systemic lupus erythematosus observations of travel burden: A qualitative inquiry

Aims Explorations of travel impediments among patients suffering from rheumatic diseases have been very limited. Research has consistently indicated a shortage of rheumatologists, resulting in patients potentially having to travel long distances for care. The purpose of our study was to explore how systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients experience travel issues differentially by race and socio-economic status. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews and a brief demographic survey with 10 patients diagnosed with SLE. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed using NVivo Analysis Software to facilitate the reporting of recurrent themes and supporting quotations, and an initial codebook was independently developed by two researchers on the study team and then verified together. Results Patients described three major areas of concern with respect to travel burden in accessing their rheumatologists: reliance on caregivers; meeting financial priorities; and pain and physical limitations. Conclusions Our data suggest general traveling challenges interfering with medical appointment compliance for several participants and the importance of socio-economic issues when considering travel issues. This study highlights an important area with implications for adherence to medical appointments and participation in research among patients with SLE.
Cenozoic ice‐rafting history of the central Arctic Ocean: Terrigenous sands on the Lomonosov Ridge

The Cenozoic ice-rafted debris (IRD) history of the central Arctic is reconstructed utilizing the terrigenous coarse sand fraction in IODP 302 cores from 0 to 273 meters composite depth. This Holocene−middle Eocene quantitative record of terrigenous sand accumulation on the Lomonosov Ridge, along with qualitative information on grain texture and composition, confirms the interpretation that ice initiation (sea ice and glacial ice) occurred ∼46 Ma in the Arctic, and provides a long-term pattern of Arctic ice expansion and decay since the middle Eocene. IRD mass accumulation rates range from 0 to 0.13 g/cm2/ka in the middle Eocene and from 0 to 0.36 g/cm2/ka in the Neogene. IRD mass accumulation rate (MAR) maxima in the Miocene and Pliocene cooccur with either glacial initiation or intensification in the sub-Arctic. The 46.25 Ma IRD onset in the central Arctic slightly precedes the earliest evidence of ice in the Antarctic, and compares in timing with a >1000 ppm decrease in atmospheric concentrations of CO2. The decline of pCO2 in the middle Eocene may have driven both poles across the temperature threshold that enabled the nucleation of glaciers on land and partial freezing of the surface Arctic Ocean, especially during times of low insolation.
Shaka, A.J.: Stay in School and You May End Up Flipping…Spins!

The early days of pulsed NMR were an exciting time to be a bright-eyed graduate student – even one studying abroad in a system that could seem at once magical and Kafkaesque. Luck, hard work, the healthy spirit of competition, a helpful hand or two at crucial moments, and a steady hand guiding the entire group were all factors that produced an interesting product. Two-dimensional spectroscopy was one of the most intriguing topics to study, and in the late 1970s, there were only a handful of groups doing it. While adjusting to Oxford took some time and was not painless, the author has no regrets and would do it again in a second. Keywords: 2-D NMR; broadband decoupling; WALTZ; Oxford; physical chemistry; graduate school
CIDS-a shipboard centralized integrated data system

In December of 1986, a microVAX computing system was installed aboard the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS) Research Vessel Columbus Iselin. Several aspects of the installation are presented, including design approach, reliability, personal computer networking, file serving, personal computers as interfaces, instruments interfacing, and low cost disk sharing. After almost two years of operation, with virtually no incidents of failure, reliability has exceeded expectations. The modular approach has allowed an upgrade from a MicroVAX II to a MicroVAX III with no additional capital outlay. >
Numerical Linear Algebra and Solvability of Partial Differential Equations

It was observed long ago that the obstruction to the accurate computation of eigenvalues of large non-self-adjoint matrices is inherent in the problem. The basic idea is that the resolvent of a highly non-normal operator can be very large far away from the spectrum. This leads to an easily observable fact that algorithms for locating eigenvalues will typically find some ``false eigenvalues''. These false eigenvalues also explain one of the most surprising phenomena in linear PDEs, namely the fact (discovered by Hans Lewy in 1957, in Berkeley) that one cannot always locally solve the PDE P u = f. Almost immediately after that discovery, Hormander provided an explanation of Lewy's example showing that almost all operators with non-constanct complex valued coefficients are not locally solvable. In modern language, that was done by considering the essentially dual problem of existence of non-propagating singularities. The purpose of this article is to review this work in the context of ``almost eigenvalues'' and from the point of view of semi-classical analysis.
Hopkins, Frederick Gowland (1861–1947)

This article has no abstract. Keywords: Hopkins, Frederick Gowland (pioneer in dynamic biochemistry); vitamin discovery
Variations in Community Prevalence and Determinants of Recreational and Utilitarian Walking in Older Age

Background. Regular walking is critical to maintaining health in older age. We examined influences of individual and community factors on walking habits in older adults. Methods. We analyzed walking habits among participants of a prospective cohort study of 745 community-dwelling men and women, mainly aged 70 years or older. We estimated community variations in utilitarian and recreational walking, and examined whether the variations were attributable to community differences in individual and environmental factors. Results. Prevalence of recreational walking was relatively uniform while prevalence of utilitarian walking varied across the 16 communities in the study area. Both types of walking were associated with individual health and physical abilities. However, utilitarian walking was also strongly associated with several measures of neighborhood socioeconomic status and access to amenities while recreational walking was not. Conclusions. Utilitarian walking is strongly influenced by neighborhood environment, but intrinsic factors may be more important for recreational walking. Communities with the highest overall walking prevalence were those with the most utilitarian walkers. Public health promotion of regular walking should take this into account.
Temperature compensated fused silica resonators using embedded nickel-refilled trenches

This paper reports a new fabrication process that utilizes nickel-refilled trenches to achieve passive temperature compensation in fused silica. Using this scheme, piezoelectrically actuated fused silica resonators are demonstrated with a temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF) of +50.28 ppm/K (reduced from +77.65 ppm/K) and quality factors of over 5,000. Additionally, a higher frequency mode at 16 MHz shows a TCF of +21.84 ppm/K (reduced from +71.94 ppm/K). This compensation method can be extended to actuate a compensated and an uncompensated mode of the same device, allowing for a temperature-stable dual-mode frequency reference. This is the first time that passive temperature compensation has been shown for fused silica micro-mechanical resonators.
Comparison of outcomes between patients with single versus multiple positive blood cultures for Enterococcus: Infection versus illusion?

Enterococci represent one of the most common causative pathogens of bloodstream infections (BSIs). There is debate in the literature regarding the clinical importance of single versus multiple positive blood cultures for Enterococci . This single-center retrospective study found that patients with multiple positive blood cultures experienced increased inpatient mortality and a shorter median survival. Additionally, BSIs >6.7 days resulted in approximately 20% increased mortality. These results are preliminary and require further exploration.
Oligopeptides as an oral delivery system: I. Aggregation characteristics and drug encapsulation

A series of glutamic acid(E)-phenylalanine(F) oligopeptides were studied as potential oral drug delivery systems for protein and polysaccharide drugs. The aggregation behavior of the tri- and tetrapeptides (pEE(a)F, pEE(y)F, pEE(a)F(y)F) were characterized by light scattering and light microscopy. The tripeptides did not form aggregates up to 0.1 M at pH 2. On the other hand, the tetrapeptide pEE(a)F(y)F formed self-aggregates at relatively low concentrations (11.8 mM). This tetrapeptide also associated preferentially with several drug molecules, such as insulin and bovine serum albumin, below the concentration at which the aggregation occurred. The same concentration of unassociated pEE(a)F(y)F was necessary to achieve aggregation whether the pEE(a)F(y)F was associated with drugs or not. The pEE(a)F(y)F also formed unique spheres in the presence of protein drugs.
Evaluation of Friction Behavior and Its Contact-Area Dependence at the Micro- and Nano-Scales

The friction behavior of two different materials, mica and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), was evaluated at the nanoscale with an atomic force microscope and with a custom-built ball-on-flat microtribometer at the microscale. The same counterface (Si3N4 probe), environmental conditions (25 °C, RH < 10%), and similar load ranges were maintained for all experiments. The friction-force data obtained were analyzed for contact-area dependence. Friction force between silicon nitride and mica at the nanoscale showed initial non-linearity with normal load up to a certain load, beyond which surface damage was observed resulting in a linear dependence of friction force on normal load. At the microscale, the friction force of the mica–silicon nitride interface exhibited linear dependence on normal load. Friction force between silicon nitride and UHMWPE exhibited non-linearity with normal load at both the length scales, for the applied load ranges of our experiment. An appropriate contact mechanics theory was applied to calculate an interfacial shear strength value for the material pair at both the scales. The values at both the scales were similar, when the conditions were carefully maintained to be the same across scales.
Hepatitis C virus is independently associated with increased insulin resistance after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS There is a strong epidemiologic association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, the pathogenetic basis for this association has not been established. We sought to evaluate the association between insulin resistance (IR), beta-cell dysfunction, and HCV among orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) recipients. METHODS We performed a cross sectional analysis comparing 39 HCV(+) with 60 HCV(-) OLT recipients. IR and beta-cell function were calculated using validated measures and were correlated with clinical variables. RESULTS By multivariate analysis of the entire cohort, HCV infection and body mass index (BMI) were independent predictors of IR (P =0.04 and 0.0006, respectively). HCV infection was associated with 35% increase in IR. Because the model used to calculate IR was derived from nondiabetic subjects, we performed additional analysis of patients who did not meet criteria for diabetes at the time of their study evaluation. In this analysis, HCV(+) subjects had greater fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) IR (15.3 mu U/mL and 3.8) compared with HCV(-) patients (10.7 mu U/mL and 2.5) (P =0.03, 0.03). There was no difference in beta-cell function or hepatic insulin extraction between the HCV (+) and (-) groups. HCV (P =0.0005), BMI (P <0.0001), and high high-density lipoprotein (P =0.039) were the only independent predictors of IR. The presence of HCV infection and a 10-fold increase in HCV RNA were associated with a 62% and 8% increase in IR, respectively. CONCLUSIONS HCV is independently associated with increased IR after OLT. These findings provide a possible pathogenetic basis for the association of DM with HCV.
Cholinergic stimulation of phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis by rat corneal epithelium in vitro.

Phosphatidic acid (PA) is an obligate intermediate in the phosphatidylinositol (PI) cycle and may serve as a sensitive marker for this pathway of reactions. Previously, we have shown that acetylcholine (ACh) stimulates formation of labeled PA in whole rat corneas whose.phospholipids were prelabeled with [14C]arachidonate. To determine which layer of the cornea exhibits the ACh effect, intact epithelium was isolated from the rest of the corneal tissue (designated “stroma/ endothelium”) by incubating rat corneas with neutral protease and then stripping off the epithelium using forceps. The epithelium was ultra-structurally normal and avidly incorporated [14C]arachidonate into phospholipids; the stroma/endothelium had only trace incorporation. [14C]Arachidonyl-PA formation by the epithelium was significantly increased after a 37 second (+58%) and was maximal after a 5.0 minute (+188%) incubation in the presence of 1 mM ACh. The stimulation by ACh was blocked by atropine and scopolamine but not by d-tubocurar...
Poly[d(A · T)]and other synthetic polydeoxynucleotides containing oligoadenosine tracts form nucleosomes easily

Synthetic double-stranded polydeoxynucleotides of the general form poly[d(AnT).d(ATn)], with n ranging from 3 to 11, have been synthesized. The conformation of the polymers was investigated by circular dichroism spectroscopy and the polymers were examined for their ability to form nucleosomes. Although spectra show that a circular dichroism band characteristic of poly[d(A.T)] appears in the polymer family for n greater than 7, we demonstrate that even polynucleotides with the longest tracts of contiguous adenosine bases (n = 11) are able to form nucleosomes when reconstituted using a histone exchange procedure. Thus resistance to nucleosome formation does not coincide with the appearance of features similar to that of poly[d(A.T)] over the bulk of the nucleosomal DNA. Furthermore, we show that an approximately 150 base-pair poly[d(A.T)] itself, long thought to be refractory to nucleosome formation, can assemble into such a protein-DNA complex when reconstituted by a low-salt exchange procedure. Competitive assays show that the homopolymer reconstitutes about as well as heterogeneous sequences DNA. Our work, therefore, suggests that highly adenosine-rich sequences in vivo apparently have a function that operates at a level other than that of nucleosome structure.
Two Cases of Calculation of Mechanical Forces in Electric Circuits

A formula is derived for the mechanical force in a circle of round wire, due to its own current. A formula, F = I2 logh a 1 /a 2 , is also derived for the longitudinal force exerted on a round conductor, due to its own current, where it changes its diameter. Where there is a constriction in a liquid conductor, this force acts in both directions away from the constriction, thus tending to accentuate it. It may be that this has more to do with the rupturing of a liquid conductor by heavy current, than the better known forces acting in a radial direction, which have been usually referred to under the name ``pinch effect.''
P-786 - The neural correlates of aversive learning among PTSD patients

Soldiers in combat situations need to learn to quickly identify and respond to threatening stimuli, but once safe home this learning has to be ignored. PTSD patients might be impaired in their ability to learn that cues that predicted danger in the context of war do not predict danger in a new context. A leading model for studying fear learning is Pavlovian fear conditioning, in which an emotionally neutral conditioned stimulus (CS) is paired with an aversive unconditioned stimulus (US). Following acquisition of fear response, fear extinction can be achieved by presenting the CS without the US. While fear acquisition and extinction partially model the fear modulation processes, a paradigm, which is much more interesting in the context of PTSD, is the reversal of aversive reinforcement contingencies. In this case, after acquisition of fear to one CS, the fear response is not eliminated but rather is switched to another CS. While extinction learning can only identify a diminished ability to extinguish the conditioned response in PTSD patients compared to healthy controls, reversal learning will allow us to test three distinct predictions: 1) PTSD patients may be more sensitive to fear learning compared to healthy controls; 2) PTSD patients may have difficulties in unlearning a fear response; 3) PTSD patients may generalize the fear response they developed for the first CS. We contrasted fMRI and GSR data collected during the reversal task from soldiers who developed PTSD with those of combat exposed soldiers without PTSD, as well as with healthy controls.
Long-acting natriuretic peptide, vessel dilator, and kaliuretic peptide enhance the urinary excretion rate of β2-Microglobulin

The atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) gene synthesizes a 126-amino acid (aa) prohormone from which four peptide hormones are derived. These 4 peptide hormones consisting of aa 1 to 30 (ie, long-acting natriuretic peptide [LANP]), aa 31 to 67 (vessel dilator), aa 79 to 98 (kaliuretic peptide), and aa 99 to 126 (ie, ANP) have diuretic, natriuretic, and/or kaliuretic properties. ANP has been reported to have its natriuretic and protein-excreting effects via both the proximal and distal tubules, but where in the kidney the other three peptide hormones have their natriuretic and/or diuretic effects is unknown. Further, it has never been investigated as to whether these three other peptide hormones enhance protein excretion. The present investigation was designed to determine (1) if these atrial peptides enhance protein excretion and (2) if their effects involve the proximal tubules of healthy humans by examining the excretion rate of beta2-microglobulin, a marker of proximal tubule function. Twenty-four healthy human subjects were studied following the infusion of 100 ng/kg body weight/min for 60 minutes of each of the respective peptides. LANP enhanced the excretion rate of beta2-microglobulin 2-fold within 20 minutes of beginning its infusion (P < .05) and was 2.5-fold higher than the preinfusion excretion rate at the end of the infusion. The excretion rate of beta2-microglobulin continued to be significantly (P < .01) increased for 3 hours after cessation of the LANP infusion, with the maximal excretion rate (ie, 3.8-fold increase) at 2.5 hours after stopping the infusion. Vessel dilator showed a more marked enhancement of beta2-microglobulin during its infusion, with the excretion rate increasing 2.5-fold at 20 minutes, and was increased 4-fold (P < .01) at the end of the infusion. With cessation of the vessel dilator infusion, the excretion rate of beta2-microglobulin decreased but was still elevated 2-fold (P < .05) 3 hours after stopping the infusion. Kaliuretic peptide enhanced the beta2-microglobulin excretion rate a maximal 3-fold, which occurred at the end of its infusion. The beta2-microglobulin excretion secondary to kaliuretic peptide remained 2-fold (P < .05) above baseline during the 3-hour postinfusion period. These peptide hormones similarly enhanced the albumin and total protein excretion rates 2- to 4-fold. These results indicate that LANP, vessel dilator, and kaliuretic peptide each (1) enhance protein excretion in healthy humans and (2) inhibit proximal tubular protein reabsorption.
Genomic organization of the human erythropoietin receptor gene.

Abstract Erythropoietin (EPO) mediates the growth and differentiation of erythroid progenitors through its interaction with a specific receptor. Using a partial cDNA clone for the murine erythropoietin receptor, we isolated a human genomic clone containing the erythropoietin receptor gene. The coding region of the human EPO receptor gene is contained within eight exons spanning approximately 6 kb. The human gene has a great deal of structural similarity and sequence homology with the murine gene. The murine gene also has eight exons, although the size of each intron is somewhat different. The locations at which the introns interrupt the coding sequence are conserved precisely. The genomic organization of the EPO receptor gene is also shown to be homologous to the genomic organization of the IL-2 receptor β chain gene. The sequence of 1.1 kb of 5′ flanking DNA was characterized and contains consensus sequences for both Sp1 and GATA-1 binding sites and an initiator (Inr)-like element, but lacks both a canonical TATA box and the CACCC consensus sequence found in the murine gene.
Effective potential for heavy-quark-antiquark bound systems

An analytic form for the quark-antiquark interaction potential is proposed based on the renormalization-group equation of quantum chromodynamics (QCD) and the confinement assumption. With validity of the nonrelativistic approximation assumed, energy spectra, leptonic decay width, and E1 transition rates are computed. The results are compared with experimental data of psi and UPSILON resonances. A possible spin-spin interaction of non-QCD origin is then discussed.
Persistent depletion of striatal dopamine and cortical norepinephrine in mice by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-3-pyridinol (MPTP-3-OL), an analog of MPTP.

Abstract MPTP-3-ol injected s.c. once daily for 4 days resulted in a dose-dependent depletion of striatal dopamine and cortical norepinephrine one week after the last dose. MPTP-3-ol was approximately one-fourth as potent as MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) in causing these effects. MPTP-3-ol was oxidized by monoamine oxidase in mouse brain in vitro and resulted in MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium) formation in brain in vivo , both at about one-fourth the rates with MPTP. The in vitro metabolism of MPTP-3-ol was inhibited by deprenyl, a selective inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type B, and deprenyl pretreatment also blocked the depletion of striatal dopamine and cortical norepinephrine in vivo . Pretreatment with EXP 561, an inhibitor of catecholamine uptake, also prevented the dopamine- and norepinephrine-depleting effects of MPTP-3-ol. Thus, substitution of a hydroxy group on the 3-position of MPTP retains its neurotoxic potential toward catecholamine neurons but reduces potency by decreasing the rate of oxidation via monoamine oxidase type B.
Skills versus pedagogy? Doctoral research training in the UK Arts and Humanities

The traditional ‘lone scholar’ view of an Arts and Humanities doctoral student sits uneasily with the skills-based discourse underpinning policies aimed at enhancing researcher development and employability. This paper reports on a case study of a research training programme for doctoral students in the Arts and Humanities at a UK university. It calls for the embedding of the generic skills agenda within a more clearly articulated pedagogic discourse and formulates four pedagogic principles for research training programme design. Additionally, the paper problematises the research trainer role and highlights the importance of paying attention to the students' own learning agendas and the learning value they are prepared to derive from training.
High-gain observer design for loop transfer recovery

A systematic procedure of designing a high-gain observer which achieves asymptotic loop transfer recovery is given. The method allows assignment of different time-scales to an observer while permitting a chosen eigenstructure in each time-scale.
Sample Effects of extreme weather on power systems and components, part I: Sample effects on distribution systems

Extreme weather can impact the power system and its components in a number of ways. This paper covers some of these impacts on the electric power system, specifically distribution transformers and underground cables.
On Running Windowed Image Computations on a Pipeline

Many image processing operations manipulate an individual pixel using the values of other pixels in the given pixel's neighborhood. Such operations are called windowed operations. The size of the windowed operation is a measure of the size of the given pixel's neighborhood. A windowed computation applies a windowed operation on all pixels of the image. An image processing application is typically a sequence of windowed computations. While windowed computations admit high parallelism, the cost of inputting and outputting the image often restricts the computation to a few computational units. In this paper we analytically study the running of a sequence of z windowed computations, each of size w, on a z-stage pipelined computational model. For an NxN image and nxn input/output bandwidth per stage, we show that the sequence of windowed computations can be run in (N/n)^2*(1+d) steps, where d=n/N+(3n^2)/(wN)+(zw)/N. This produces a speed-up of z/(1+d). Generally, N>>n>zw, so the overhead, d, is dominated by the (3n^2)/(wN) term which is typically small. This also indicates the time to be relatively independent of the number of stages z.
Acute and chronic actions of ethanol on endogenous calmodulin content in synaptic plasma membranes from rat brain

The present study was designed to demonstrate that endogenous calmodulin (CaM) content in synaptic plasma membranes (SPM) is altered by acute and chronic administration of ethanol and is a sequel to the kinetic characterization of ethanol inhibition of [125I]CaM binding to SPM reported in our previous study. In rats, an acute ethanol injection (2 g/kg, i.p.) rapidly reduced CaM content in SPM from cerebral cortex, whereas chronic ethanol treatment [6% (w/v) in a liquid diet for 3 weeks] led to an up-regulation of the CaM content. In both cases, the alteration of CaM content in SPM occurred in the EGTA-dissociable pool of CaM (77% of total membrane CaM); the EGTA-nondissociable pool (23% of total CaM) was not affected. In animals receiving chronic ethanol treatment, CaM content in SPM was not altered significantly by the acute ethanol dose that produced rapid reduction of CaM content in control animals, indicating that resistance to ethanol develops. This resistance to ethanol can be attributed to alterations of membrane properties. In control SPM, ethanol at 50 mM markedly accelerated the temperature-dependent dissociation of endogenous CaM, whereas in SPM from animals chronically treated with ethanol, significant acceleration of CaM dissociation required ethanol concentrations as high as 150-200 mM. These findings on SPM in vitro were consistent with the data on CaM content obtained in vivo. Since CaM mediates a variety of biochemical processes in synaptic membranes, we hypothesize that the effects of ethanol in altering the content of membrane-bound CaM may lead to a cascade of consequences in synaptic membrane function.
An Expanded Evaluation of the Relationship of Four Alleles to the Level of Response to Alcohol and the Alcoholism Risk

Background: Alcoholism is a complex, genetically influenced disorder the cause of which may be better understood through the study of genetically influenced phenotypes that mediate the risk. One such intermediate phenotype is the low level of response (LR) to alcohol. This project used a case-control approach to search for genes that may contribute to LR. Methods: Data were available from alcohol challenges at approximately age 20 and regarding the development of alcohol use disorders over the subsequent 20 years for 85 men, including 40 reported in a previous genetic analysis. LR was evaluated using oral consumption of 0.75 ml/kg of alcohol, after which changes in subjective feelings of intoxication and body sway were measured. Alcohol abuse and dependence were diagnosed by DSM-III-R criteria through structured interviews administered to both the participant and an informant (usually the spouse) 10, 15, and 20 years after initial testing. Four polymorphisms were evaluated, including the serotonin transporter HTTLPR promoter ins/del, GABA A α 6 Pro385Ser, NPY Leu7Pro, and catalase 262C>T. Two of these, HTTLPR and GABA A α 6 Pro385Ser, had been previously associated with LR and alcoholism in a preliminary study. Results: The HTTLPR L allele was significantly related to both the LR and alcoholism in an allele-dosage (stepwise) manner. Furthermore, the association remained when L alleles were subdivided into recently reported functional subtypes: the lowest LR was associated with genotypes correlated with the highest serotonin transporter expression. The GABA A α 6 Ser385 allele showed a nonsignificant trend for association to a low LR, as had been previously observed, although the Ser385 allele is uncommon, and only 18 heterozygotes were in the current group. However, the six men with both LL and Pro385/Ser385 genotypes had the lowest LR, and each had developed alcoholism during follow-up. Neither NPY nor catalase was associated with either LR or alcoholic outcomes, although the sample did not have sufficient power for definitive conclusions. Conclusions: This report strengthens the support for a relationship between the HTTLPR L and GABA A α 6 Ser385 alleles to low alcohol LR and to alcoholism in a prospectively studied cohort evaluated for LR in young adulthood and before the onset of alcohol dependence.
Marx's Reading of Adam Ferguson and the Idea of Progress

Karl Marx misappropriated Ferguson's thought even though he championed the Scot's remarks on the division of labor. The argument is developed by examining Marx's specific quotations of Ferguson in literary context and by critiquing Marx's quotations in light of three ethical categories that are implicit in Ferguson's idea of progress. Marx not only presents a highly selective reading of Ferguson and espouses a view of history that is antithetical to Ferguson's idea of progress, but he fails to do justice to the complexity of Ferguson's moral philosophy, even if he viewed the Scot as something of a maverick like himself.
Ring semigroups whose subsemigroups form a chain

A multiplicative semigroup S is called a ring semigroup if an addition may be defined on S so that (S,+,⋅) is a ring. Such semigroups have been well-studied in the literature (see Bell in Words, Languages and Combinatorics, pp. 24–31, World Scientific, Singapore, 1994; Jones in Semigroup Forum 47(1):1–6, 1993; Jones and Ligh in Semigroup Forum 17(2):163–173, 1979). In this note, we use Mihailescu’s Theorem (formerly Catalan’s Conjecture) to characterize the ring semigroups whose subsemigroups containing 0 form a chain with respect to set inclusion.
Musculoskeletal education in physical medicine and rehabilitation residency programs

Smith J, Krabak BJ, Malanga GA, Moutvic MA: Musculoskeletal education in physical medicine and rehabilitation residency programs. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004;83:785–790. Objective: To characterize current musculoskeletal (MSK) education experiences in physical medicine and rehabilitation residency programs and to identify perceived barriers to providing more extensive MSK education experiences. In addition, to establish utilization patterns for the PASSOR Physical Examination Core Competencies List.
Quasi-periodic Fluctuations in Default Mode Network Electrophysiology

The study of human brain electrophysiology has extended beyond traditional frequency ranges identified by the classical EEG rhythms, encompassing both higher and lower frequencies. Changes in high-gamma-band (>70 Hz) power have been identified as markers of local cortical activity. Fluctuations at infra-slow (<0.1 Hz) frequencies have been associated with functionally significant cortical networks elucidated using fMRI studies. In this study, we examined infra-slow changes in band-limited power across a range of frequencies (1-120 Hz) in the default mode network (DMN). Measuring the coherence in band-limited power fluctuations between spatially separated electrodes makes it possible to detect small, spatially extended, and temporally coherent fluctuating components in the presence of much larger incoherent fluctuations. We show that the default network is characterized by significant high-gamma-band (65-110 Hz) coherence at infra-slow (<0.1 Hz) frequencies. This coherence occurs over a narrow frequency range, centered at 0.015 Hz, commensurate with the frequency of BOLD signal fluctuations seen by fMRI, suggesting that quasi-periodic, infra-slow changes in local cortical activity form the neurophysiological basis for this network.
Microinstability-based model for anomalous thermal confinement in tokamaks

This paper deals with the formulation of microinstability-based thermal transport coefficients (chi/sub j/) for the purpose of modelling anomalous energy confinement properties in tokamak plasmas. Attention is primarily focused on ohmically heated discharges and the associated anomalous electron thermal transport. An appropriate expression for chi/sub e/ is developed which is consistent with reasonable global constraints on the current and electron temperature profiles as well as with the key properties of the kinetic instabilities most likely to be present. Comparisons of confinement scaling trends predicted by this model with the empirical ohmic data base indicate quite favorable agreement. The subject of anomalous ion thermal transport and its implications for high density ohmic discharges and for auxiliary-heated plasmas is also addressed.
On weeping lubrication theory

Der Einfluss einer bewegten Last auf einen zusammengesetzten Korper wird untersucht. Dieser besteht aus einer poroselastischen Schicht auf einer elastischen Halbebene. Das Modell simuliert die mechanische Belastung eines hyalinen Knorpels endlicher Dicke, der die Oberflache von Knochengelenken bedeckt. Die poroselastische Schicht ist ein Modell der Knorpelmatrix, die mit Gelenkwasser gefullt ist. Die Ergebnisse erharten die vonMcCutchen vorgeschlagene Theorie derTranenschmierung von Knochengelenken, schliessen jedoch rheodynamische Vorgange nicht aus.
Characterization of microstructural fluctuations in Waspaloy exposed to 760 °C for times up to 2500 h

Abstract The microstructure of Waspaloy, a nickel-base superalloy, was investigated as a function of thermal exposure to 760 °C for times up to 2502 h. The primary strengthening phase in this material is the γ′ precipitate phase—Ni 3 (Al, Ti). The microstructure of the specimens was monitored using impedance spectroscopy (IS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The average grain size varied significantly during thermal exposure. SEM analysis indicated that the precipitates had a bimodal size distribution, with morphologies ranging from spherical to cubic. High-resolution XRD experiments indicated that the γ′ lattice parameter is a non-linear function of the exposure time. Energy dispersive (EDS) analysis of Al and Ti composition in the matrix surrounding the primary γ′ precipitates also varied. The normalized admittance maximum displayed a partial inverse correlation with the volume fraction of the primary γ′ precipitates, and a partial direct correlation with the matrix grain size as a function of thermal exposure time. It is hypothesized that the fluctuations detected by the above techniques are indicative of repetitive nucleation, coarsening and dissolution events occurring during the course of the extended thermal exposure. These results suggest that IS may be useful for monitoring the microstructure of these alloys non-destructively.
Belief Propagation for Large-Variable-Domain Optimization on Factor Graphs: An Application to Decentralized Weather-Radar Coordination

Due to the NP-hardness of factor-graph optimization, obtaining exact solutions to problems with a large variable domain is generally not possible. Max-sum (max-product) belief propagation (BP) is a distributed message-passing heuristic that has found popularity due to its ability to generate approximate solutions to such factor-graph problems in a distributed fashion. Because max-sum BP generally provides no indication of solution quality, researchers have sought alternative algorithms to generate approximate (and, in some cases, exact) solutions, the most successful of which operate on a relaxation of the integer programming form of an equivalent maximum a posteriori estimation problem. While such linear-programming-based algorithms perform well in empirical studies, there are limits to the variable domain size for which they are tractable. Via a case study in weather-radar coordination, we demonstrate that the decentralized max-sum BP algorithm remains useful for generating quality solutions to problems with a large variable domain. Our custom simulation tool facilitates a comparison of the performance of algorithms with respect to adaptive weather-radar scanning resource allocation across three weather scenarios. In addition to no adaptive scanning, the algorithms include four max-sum-BP-based algorithms: decentralized distributed max-sum BP, self-terminating tree-based bounded approximation, tabu search implemented in a centralized fashion, and a combination of the latter two. Performance is measured by the end-user utility for all algorithms and by two types of approximation ratios for the tree-based bounded approximation. BP-based decentralized algorithms are found to exhibit comparable performance with a centralized algorithm and superior performance to no adaptive scanning. Furthermore, our analysis demonstrates that max-sum BP is capable of generating solutions within 67% of optimal (and typically much better) across the weather scenarios.
The foundations of set theoretic estimation

Explains set theoretic estimation, which is governed by the notion of feasibility and produces solutions whose sole property is to be consistent with all information arising from the observed data and a priori knowledge. Each piece of information is associated with a set in the solution space, and the intersection of these sets, the feasibility set, represents the acceptable solutions. The practical use of the set theoretic framework stems from the existence of efficient techniques for finding these solutions. Many scattered problems in systems science and signal processing have been approached in set theoretic terms over the past three decades. The author synthesizes a single, general framework from these various approaches, examines its fundamental philosophy, goals, and analytical techniques, and relates it to conventional methods. >
WE-C-AUD C-10: Practical Approach for Electron Monitor Unit Calculation

Purpose: To propose a practical method of electron monitor unit calculation that can handle most of the clinical cases with a minimal set of measured electron beam data: (a) insert correction factors up to the insert size of 40% of applicator size; (b) virtual source to surface distances of each open applicator. Method and Materials: A PTW Markus ion chamber with Plastic Water™ phantom was used to measure the applicator factors, insert correction factors and virtual source to surface distances of eleven different energies (5MeV to 21MeV) for Siemens MD2 and Primus linear accelerators. From these measurements, we found two dosimetric properties of electron beams. First, the output ratio of two inserts is independent of applicator used and second, virtual source to surface distance is a function of field size but is independent of the applicator size and jaw opening. Therefore, insert correction factors and virtual source to surface distances were calculated for most of the clinical cases by extrapolating the minimal set of measured beam data. To calculate the output of elongated electron beam shape, we introduced the elongation correction factor and determined the values by using sector integration method. Results: The measured electron output factors of 160 clinical cases were compared to calculated ones and the differences between the measured and calculated values were less than 3%. Conclusion: Measuring the electron outputs to cover all the possible clinical cases is not practical in a busy clinic because it involves precious time and labor. By using the proposed method, we can calculate the electron monitor units for most of the clinical cases, including highly elongated fields with accuracy.
SU‐FF‐T‐212: Energy Response of a CR Plate Exposed to Megavoltage X‐Ray and Electron Beams

Purpose: To investigate the mechanism underlying the energy dependence when a CR plate is exposed to therapeutic beams. Method and Materials: Small circular disks were cut from one CR plate and placed in a water‐equivalent plastic (WEP) phantom and exposed. The photostimulated luminescence (PSL) signal was recorded until the signal dropped to the background level to obtain the bleaching curve (PSL vs. time). The area under the bleaching curve (AUC) gives a measure of stored information in the CR plate. Monte Carlo simulations were used to obtain the ratio, DCR/DWater of the energy absorbed in the active layer of the CR plate in a WEP phantom to the energy absorbed in water when the entire phantom (including the CR plate) is replaced by water. Results: For electron beams, the AUC was independent of energy for any given dose to water, and the work function, W, i.e. the energy required to produce one PSL photon was also energy independent. In contrast, for photon beams, the AUC was 15% and 30% higher for 18 MV than for 6MV and Co‐60, respectively where the ratio DCR/DWater was 0.81, 1.08 and 1.11, respectively. Taking AUC data into account, the W for 18 MV had to be lower than for 6MV and Co‐60, our data showing 37% and 45%, respectively, in order to give a higher AUC despite a lower energy absorption in the active layer. While there is no obvious reason for this energy dependence, the differences in the secondary electron spectra produced by the different photon beams are probably not responsible. Conclusion: The method presented here will help researchers to both understand the response to ionizing radiation and develop new applications such as megavoltage dosimetry for IMRT verification. The energy dependence of W on beam modalities requires caution regarding CR dosimetry.
Meeting the challenge of cancer survivorship in public health: results from the evaluation of the chronic disease self-management program for cancer survivors.

INTRODUCTION Self-management has been identified as an important opportunity to improve health outcomes among cancer survivors. However, few evidence-based interventions are available to meet this need. METHODS The effectiveness of an adapted version of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program for cancer survivors called Cancer Thriving and Surviving was evaluated in a randomized trial. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6-months post program via written survey among 244 participants in Colorado. Repeated measures analysis was used to analyze pre/post program change. RESULTS Statistically significant improvement was observed among those in the intervention in the following outcomes: Provider communication (+16.7% change); depression (-19.1%); energy (+13.8%); sleep (-24.9%) and stress-related problems (-19.2%); change over time was also observed in the controls for energy, sleep, and stress-related outcomes though to a lesser degree. Effect sizes of the difference in change over time observed indicate a net beneficial effect for provider communication (0.23); and decreases in depression (-0.18); pain (-0.19); problems related to stress (-0.17); and sleep (-0.20). CONCLUSION Study data suggest that the self-management support from adaptation of the CDSMP can reach and appeal to cancer survivors, improves common concerns in this population, and can fill an important gap in meeting the ongoing need for management of post-diagnosis issues in this growing segment of the U.S. population.