cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-memory subjective cognitive concerns predict incident motoric cognitive risk syndrome.

Background and purpose Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is a predementia condition that combines slow gait and subjective cognitive concerns. As the earliest markers of MCR are relatively unknown, the role of subjective cognitive concerns was investigated to predict incident MCR in a well-characterized prospective cohort of non-demented older adults. Methods Non-demented MCR-free older adults (n = 476) from the Central Control of Mobility in Aging cohort completed gait, subjective cognition and neuropsychological assessment at baseline and follow-up. Subjective concerns were analyzed via responses to 12 items from three validated measures, the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument - Disability Component, the Activities of Daily Living Prevention Instrument and the Geriatric Depression Scale, and were independent of items utilized to diagnose MCR. Cox proportional hazard models examined the association between cognitive concerns and incident MCR. Results After 2.36 ± 1.4 years, 28 participants developed MCR. Executive functioning (adjusted hazard ratio 2.458, 95% confidence interval 1.094-5.524, P = 0.029) and mental clarity concerns (adjusted hazard ratio 3.917, 95% confidence interval 1.690-9.077, P = 0.001) were associated with incident MCR, controlling for age, sex, education and gait speed. Conclusions Subjective cognitive concerns in non-memory cognitive domains predict incident MCR. Although most MCR studies assess cognitive concerns about memory, our findings suggest the need to broaden the scope of subjective cognitive assessment to enhance the accuracy of diagnosis and prediction of future cognitive decline.
EXPLORING THE MARKETPLACE: SCAVENGER HUNTS AS FIELD-BASED EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

This article describes the process of implementing a field-based experiential learning activity using a marketplace scavenger hunt. Evidence for integrating short-term field-based learning in marke...
Acute Renal Failure in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients With a Focus on the Role of Renal Replacement Therapy: A Review of What We Know So Far

Acute renal failure remains a significant concern in all patients with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Management is particularly challenging in critically ill patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) level of care. Supportive care in the form of accurate volume correction and avoiding nephrotoxic agents are the chief cornerstone of the management of these patients. The pathophysiology of acute renal failure in COVID-19 is multifactorial, with significant contributions from excessive cytokine release. Gaining a better insight into the pathophysiology of renal failure will hopefully help develop more directed treatment options. A considerable number of these patients deteriorate despite adequate supportive care owing to the complexity of the disease and multi-organ involvement. Renal replacement therapy is used for a long time in critically ill septic patients who develop progressive renal failure despite adequate conservative support. Timing and choice of renal replacement therapy in critically ill COVID-19 patients remains an area of future research that may help decrease mortality in this patient population.
Perspectives of an SRHR advocate on the impact of the Global Gag Rule in Kenya

It is estimated that 465,000 abortions occur in Kenya annually, a majority of which are unsafe.1 Unsafe abortions account for over 13% of all cases of maternal mortality2 and 60% of all gynaecologi...
Death Defied : James Joyce's Naturalistic Evolution

Death, as a thematic and narrative motif, is of particular import to the Naturalistic literary approach. This is extremely evident in the work of James Joyce, on whom the Naturalist movement had a notable influence. Throughout his career Joyce utilized the subtext surrounding death in the father-son relationship to criticize Irish culture as it appears in his works. However, Joyce was not content to simply recreate a textbook interpretation of Naturalism. Joyce developed the core principles of the Naturalistic approach, starting with a basic and purely Naturalistic approach in his early writing; Joyce eventually managed to subvert and reinterpret the literary style that inspired his career. In Joyce's earliest short story “The Sisters” (1914) he recounts the death of the defrocked priest Father Flynn from the perspective of a young boy to question the effects of the judgmental and unyielding nature of religion as Flynn is allowed to slip further into ill-health due to being excommunicated from the church. Joyce's work becomes all the more complex in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (1916) as he presents the subtleties of Simon and Stephen Dedalus's relationship, and in the process criticizes paternalism as it leads to Simon's failures and spiritual demise. Finally, in Ulysses (1922) he makes light of death itself as he presents the humorous and irreverent insight of Stephen's alternative father figure Leopold Bloom as he attends the funeral of Paddy Dignam. In my paper I will examine death as it appears in these works spanning Joyce's career. In the process, I observe the effect of Joyce's treatment of death and paternalism, and how they, like his writing and interpretation of Naturalism, evolve throughout his career. The relationship between the works of James Joyce and those of the major naturalist authors has been a concern in Joyce scholarship for years. In “Grist for the Mill: James Joyce and the Naturalists,” Phillip Raisor observes
Long-term impact of abusive head trauma in young children: Outcomes at 5 and 11 years old.

Abstract Background : Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among young children. We aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of AHT. Methods : Using administrative claims from 2000–2018, children Results : 1,165 children were identified with follow-up through age 5; 358 also had follow-up through age 11. The incidence of neurodevelopmental disability was 68.0% (792/1165) at 5 years of age and 81.6% (292/358) at 11 years of age. The incidence of disability significantly increased for the 358 children followed from 5 to 11 years old (+14.3 percentage points, p Conclusions : AHT is associated with significant long-term disability by age 5 and the incidence increased by age 11 years. There is an association between age at time of AHT and long-term outcomes. Efforts to improve comprehensive follow-up as children continue to age is important. Level of Evidence : IV
Design and Characterization of Biomimetic Kerateine Aerogel-Electrospun Polycaprolactone Scaffolds for Retinal Cell Culture.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a retinal disease that affects 196 million people and causes nearly 9% of blindness worldwide. While several pharmacological approaches slow the effects of AMD, in our opinion, cell-based strategies offer the most likely path to a cure. We describe the design and initial characterization of a kerateine (obtained by reductive extraction from keratin proteins) aerogel-electrospun polycaprolactone fiber scaffold system. The scaffolds mimic key features of the choroid and the Bruch’s membrane, which is the basement membrane to which the cells of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) attach. The scaffolds had elastic moduli of 2–7.2 MPa, a similar range as native choroid and Bruch’s membrane. ARPE-19 cells attached to the polycaprolactone fibers, remained viable for one week, and proliferated to form a monolayer reminiscent of that needed for retinal repair. These constructs could serve as a model system for testing cell and/or drug treatment strategies or directing ex vivo retinal tissue formation in the treatment of AMD.
Understanding factors associated with uptake of lung cancer screening among individuals at higher risk.

10559Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S, accounting for about 25% of all cancer mortality. The U.S Preventive Services Task Force has recommended annual screeni...
Professionalism development through the curriculum: Developing a new system for identifying and tracking professional behavior lapses

Abstract Introduction Pharmacy education has evolved from focusing on knowledge alone to highlighting personal and professional growth. Providing a standardized process for tracking, mentoring, and guiding students in professionalism and other soft skills may help achieve compliance with the current Center for the Advancement of Pharmacy Education Educational Outcomes and Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Standards 2016. Commentary Becoming a pharmacist requires more than demonstrating proficiency in tasks and responsibilities associated with pharmacy practice. Exhibiting strong professional behavior and soft skills are important for the clinical practice environment. These behaviors are more difficult to measure due to the broad definition of professionalism. In the academic setting, it is important to identify students struggling in this area. Implications Promotion of professional behavior and soft skills development is a responsibility of higher education; however, it is difficult to assess. Development and implementation of an effective tracking and monitoring system for professionalism lapses will aid in identifying students struggling with professional behavior and offer mentoring opportunities for student personal growth and professional development.
Free Flap Coverage for Complex Primary and Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background Free flap coverage in the setting of a total knee arthroplasty is rare. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the outcome of patients who underwent a free flap to assist with soft-tissue coverage following a complex total knee arthroplasty. Methods The authors used their institutional total joint registry to retrospectively review patients undergoing a free soft-tissue flap in the setting of complex primary and revision total knee arthroplasty. Among 29,069 primary and 6433 revision total knee arthroplasties from 1994 to 2017, eight (0.02 percent) required a free flap for wound coverage. This included three primary total knee arthroplasties (0.01 percent) for posttraumatic arthritis and five revision total knee arthroplasties (0.07 percent) in the setting of infection. Median follow-up was 4 years. Results Free flaps included vertical rectus abdominis (n = 3), anterior lateral thigh (n = 2), latissimus (n = 2), and transverse rectus abdominis (n = 1). There were no total flap losses; however, one patient required additional skin grafting. Reoperation occurred in six patients, of which four were revisions of the total knee arthroplasty for infection (n = 2) and tibial component loosening (n = 2). One patient ultimately underwent transfemoral amputation for persistent infection. Following reconstruction, there was improvement in the median Knee Society Score (49 versus 82; p = 0.03) and total range of motion between preoperative and postoperative assessments (70 degrees versus 85 degrees; p = 0.14). Conclusion Free flap coverage in the setting of total knee arthroplasty was associated with a high rate of reoperation; however, the limb was able to be preserved in the majority of patients, with a reasonable functional outcome. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, IV.
Research Pipeline II: Oral Therapeutics

Recent insights into the pathophysiology of psoriasis have led to the identification of putative targets for pharmacological intervention. With the investigation for small molecule compounds that can inhibit or activate cellular signal transduction cascades, a number of new, promising targeted treatment options for psoriasis are being tested in clinical trials. Medications that are currently in phase III studies apremilast, CF101, tofacitinib, voclosporin, and LAS410008. Numerous other drugs targeting new and old pathogenic pathways are in phase II trials. This chapter will review some of the oral treatment options for psoriasis that are currently being investigated in phase II and III clinical studies.
ECPV: EFficient Certificate Path Validation in Public-Key Infrastructure

In the current public-key infrastructure (PKI) schemes based on X.509, a relying party must validate a user’s certificate as well as the existence of a path from its trust points to the CA of the certificate. The latter part is referred to as certificate path validation. In this paper, we suggest an efficient certificate path validation scheme (ECPV) that employs delegation with efficient computing at relying parties. In particular, in our scheme, a relying party is provided with certificate path validation trees (CPVTs) depending on its trust points and applicable trust policies. This information should enable a relying party to perform certificate path validation locally. The CPVAs can be deployed either as autonomous entities or in a federated mode. We discuss the two major components of ECPV: the data harvester and the data analyzer. Some of the concerns of security, trust, and performance are also discussed.
Lazy release consistency for distributed shared memory

A software distributed shared memory (DSM) system allows shared memory parallel programs to execute on networks of workstations. This thesis presents a new class of protocols that has lower communication requirements than previous DSM protocols, and can consequently achieve higher performance. The lazy release consistent protocols achieve this reduction in communication by piggybacking consistency information on top of existing synchronization transfers. Some of the protocols also improve performance by speculatively moving data. We evaluate the impact of these features by comparing the performance of a software DSM using lazy protocols with that of a DSM using previous eager protocols. We found that seven of our eight applications performed better on the lazy system, and four of the applications showed performance speedups of at least 18%. As part of this comparison, we show that the cost of executing the slightly more complex code of the lazy protocols is far less important than the reduction in communication requirements. We also compare the lazy performance with that of a hardware supported shared memory system that uses processors and caches similar to those of the workstations running our DSM. Our DSM system was able to approach, and in one case even surpass, the performance of the hardware system for applications with coarse-grained parallelism, but the hardware system performed significantly better for programs with fine-grained parallelism. Overall, the results indicate that DSMs using lazy protocols have become a viable alternative for high-performance parallel processing.
Understanding Participant Experiences: Reflections of a Novice Research Participant:

There is very little empirical work on the experiences research participants have engaging in qualitative inquiry; yet, qualitative researchers often think of themselves as forging critical relationships with their participants. It seems that perhaps the actual experiences of participants in the research process are being taken largely for granted. I want to problematize research participants being taken for granted. In this article, I analyze the existing literature and report on insights from my own experience as a participant in two interview studies. The article offers insights regarding participant experiences that are not well captured in the existing literature.
Carrier-based control of matrix converter in linear and over-modulation modes

Since the inception of matrix converters, various modulation schemes have been proposed for their control. But the explanation of matrix converter operation is complex, and so is the control methodology. In this paper a 3-phase to 3-phase matrix converter is explained from the point of view of multi-level inverter topology. The matrix converter is represented as a three-level inverter and a switching cycle average model of the converter is presented. A simplified carrier-based modulation scheme is proposed where the need for sector information and corresponding look-up tables is avoided. The theoretical maximum output to input voltage transfer ratio of 0.866 is attained when the input power factor is unity. The voltage transfer-ratio is increased at the expense of low frequency harmonic distortion in the output voltages and input currents, by operating the converter in the over-modulation mode. Both input-side over-modulation and output-side over-modulation are analyzed and their limits of operation are derived. The voltage transfer-ratio is found to be 0.95 with output-side over-modulation and 0.908 with input-side over-modulation. Theoretical calculations of the maximum output voltages in the linear and over-modulation modes presented in the paper are supported by simulation results.
Methods for generating high-resolution structural models from electron microscope tomography data

Reconstructed volumes generated by tilt-image electron-microscope tomography offer the best spatial resolution currently available for studying cell structures in situ. Analysis is often accomplished by creating surface models that delineate grayscale contrast boundaries. Here, we introduce a specialized and convenient sequence of segmentation operations for making such models that greatly improves their reliability and spatial resolution as compared to current approaches, providing a basis for making accurate measurements. To assess the reliability of the surface models, we introduce a spatial uncertainty measurement based on grayscale gradient scale length. The model generation and measurement methods are validated by applying them to synthetic data, and their utility is demonstrated by using them to characterize macromolecular architecture of active zone material at the frog's neuromuscular junction.
The Influence of the Tropics on the Prediction of Ultralong Waves. Part II: Latent Heating

Abstract The influence of tropical latent heating on the short-to-medium-range numerical prediction of ultralong waves is examined. Two integrations of the GLAS general circulation model are made from the came initial state. One forecast utilizes the full model physics, the other contains no latent heating in the tropical belt from 20°S to 20°N. The tropical and subtropical divergence fields react to differences in the latent heating within half a day. Differences in the rotational wind field within these latitudes are noted in about three days, while at mid-latitudes (30°–60°) the influence is not felt until five days. At higher latitudes the five-day predictions of a strong North Atlantic block with and without latent heating are quite similar. Although the greatest changes in the heating field occur in the Southern Hemisphere, the largest temperature, height and wind change take place in the Northern Hemisphere. It appears that the upper troposheric tropical westerlies are sustained in the model by tro...
Atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (AP MALDI) on a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer

Abstract A new atmospheric pressure ionization technique, atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (AP MALDI), was recently introduced by Laiko et al. [U.S. Patent 5,965,884; Abstracts of the 4th International Symposium on Mass Spectrometry in the Health and Life Sciences, San Francisco, CA, 25–29 August 1998; Atmospheric Pressure Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry, Proceedings of the 47th ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics, Dallas, TX, 1999; Anal. Chem. 72 (2000) 652]. This source has been coupled to an orthogonal time-of-flight mass spectrometer [U.S. Patent 5,965,884; Abstracts of the 4th International Symposium on Mass Spectrometry in the Health and Life Sciences, San Francisco, CA, 25–29 August 1998; Atmospheric Pressure Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry, Proceedings of the 47th ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics, Dallas, TX, 1999; Anal. Chem. 72 (2000) 652] and to an ion trap mass spectrometer (ITMS) [Anal. Chem. 72 (2000) 5239; Atmospheric Pressure MALDI/Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry, Proceedings of the 48th ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics, Long Beach, CA, June 2000; An Atmospheric Pressure MALDI Probe for Use with ESI Source Interfaces, Proceedings of the 48th ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics, Long Beach, CA, June 2000; Atmospheric Pressure Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization, Proceedings of the 48th ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics, Long Beach, CA, June 2000]. Here, we present the current status of the work involving the development of an AP MALDI source for an ITMS. In addition, we present recent work from our own laboratory to demonstrate the utility of this novel configuration.
Heed Your Calling and Follow it Far: Suggestions for Authors who Write about Spirituality or Other Innovations for Social Work:

This essay provides suggestions for authors who wish to write about spirituality or other innovations for social work. It recommends that authors integrate their life mission, professional commitments, creative process, and the practicalities of writing and publishing within a spiritually sensitive approach to social work.
Perspectives on the German Energiewende: Culture and Ecology in German Instruction

This article addresses a dual desire for teaching units that (1) incorporate green issues into the language curriculum, (2) fulfill the need for comparative cultural studies in the language classroom, and (3) incorporate the ACTFL Standards for Foreign Language Learning. Included are a review of recent approaches to teaching culture in the German curriculum, the role of the Standards in culture instruction, and an instructional approach, Stationenlernen, that may be adaptable to teaching culture. After reflection on affective considerations and the intercultural stance, the article outlines a teaching unit for intermediate and early-advanced German instruction. The exploration of the German Energiewende and cultural perspectives that underlie the resistance to atomic energy in Germany will appeal to instructors challenged with integrating environmental culture into the German curriculum.
NOW-account strategies of depository institutions: A recent survey of goals, pricing policies, costs, and returns in New England

Abstract Comprehensive findings of a survey of negotiable order of withdrawal (NOW) accounts in New England-area banks and thrift institutions are presented. Depository institutions' responses to questions concerning problem areas, account development, cross selling, planning, customer profiles, pricing, costs and returns, and goals are covered. Because the NOW account represents the demand deposit of the future, knowledge of it is of fundamental importance for understanding recent developments in the financial sector of the United States. Recent deregulation has liberalized interest-rate ceilings on some deposit accounts; nonetheless, regulators have instituted tiered-pricing systems with NOW-type accounts at the core. Because such tiering will likely be independently implemented with continued deregulation, banks and thrifts need to become better informed about NOW-account services and their potential contributions to profitability. The results of the survey suggest that many institutions are taking a defensive posture toward NOWs, which is incongruous with recent trends toward greater competition and innovation in the financial-services industry.
Analysis of LIMS Data by Potential vorticity Inversion

This paper analyzes LIMS data for a minor warming of January 1979 by potential vorticity inversion, to investigate how flows in the middle atmosphere were determined. The inversion problem of calculating the flow from the potential vorticity is solved repeatedly, including and excluding different portions of the potential vorticity, thus revealing which bits of potential vorticity were important in determining the flow at a time and location of interest. The results of the analysis of LIMS data indicate that the middle stratospheric flow is dominated by potential vorticity that is local in height and in latitude, while planetary-scale mesospheric flows are primarily induced by potential vorticity in the stratosphere. A possible explanation for this difference is proposed.
The effects of alcohol on eating behavior: Disinhibition or sedation?

Abstract An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of alcohol (administered without the subjects' awareness) on the eating behavior of normally restrained and unrestrained eaters. Consumption was assessed in a taste-rating context. The results indicated that when disinhibitory cognitive or social cues are unavailable, alcohol does not release the suppressed eating of restrained eaters, but rather counteracts the disinhibitory effects of anxiety. The experimental findings were interpreted as providing indirect support for Pliner & Cappell's (1974) labelling model of alcohol intoxication.
Certain Norditerpenoid Alkaloids and Their Cardiovascular Action

Thirteen new derivatives of norditerpenoid alkaloids, namely, 8-deacetyl-8-p-aminobenzoyl-delphinine (1), 8-deacetyl-8-anthranoyldelphinine (2), 8-deacetyl-8-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxycin-namoyl)delphinine (3), 16-demethoxy-15,16-didehydro-8-p-anisoyl-14-benzoyldelphonine (4), 6-acetylheteratisine N-oxide (6), 3,8-diacetylfalconerine (7), 8-stearoylfalconerine (8), 8-lino-lenylfalconerine (9), 13-acetylpyrodelphinine (11), 13-acetyldelphinine N-oxide (13), N-deacetyl-8,9-diacetyllappaconitine (14), 8,9-(methylenedioxy)lappaconine (15), and 16-epipyroaconitine N-oxide (17), were prepared, and their structures were established by analysis of spectroscopic data (1D and 2D NMR, HRFABMS). The preliminary in vivo cardiovascular action (hypotensive, bradycardic, and ventricular arrhythmias) of these new compounds was tested in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The results are reported herein.
Networks and mobile arrangements: Organisational innovation in the US environmental justice movement

This study examines and evaluates the political practice of networking in the US environmental justice movement. Networking is a strategy that has evolved in opposition to perceived problems with centralised organisations, and out of the inherent diversity of the movement. This form of organising not only proposes a remedy to the limitations of the conventional model, but is also more able to confront changes in the nature of power, capital, and the political oversight of environmental problems. The study concludes with an examination of some of problems that might hamper a networked movement.
Holographic sparse-aperture telescopes for space

In order to achieve ultra-large (>20m) effective apertures for space-based telescopes, new techniques will have to be developed to overcome issues of increased launch mass and volume. Research conducted in the past has shown it possible to correct for thousands of waves of surface and geometrical wavefront error using inexpensive image holograms of aberrated primary elements. We now show that this same technique can also be used to simultaneously phase separate primary apertures together. Experimental results presented here demonstrate the phasing and correction of both monolithic membrane primaries and glass flats to diffraction limited performance. In the latter case, the lack of curvature of the mirrors is simply treated as an aberration like any other. The ultimate goal of this project is to conceive a simple correction scheme which will permit space-based imaging interferometers with effective apertures of up to 100m. Although operating over narrow bandwidths, such telescopes may well be suited to lidar, optical communications or high-resolution imaging not requiring multi-spectral detection.
Clinical outcomes of neonatal onset proximal versus distal urea cycle disorders do not differ.

Objective To compare the clinical course and outcome of patients diagnosed with one of 4 neonatal-onset urea cycle disorders (UCDs): deficiency of carbamyl phosphate synthase 1 (CPSD), ornithine transcarbamylase (OTCD), argininosuccinate synthase (ASD), or argininosuccinate lyase (ALD). Study design Clinical, biochemical, and neuropsychological data from 103 subjects with neonatal-onset UCDs were derived from the Longitudinal Study of Urea Cycle Disorders, an observational protocol of the Urea Cycle Disorders Consortium, one of the Rare Disease Clinical Research Networks. Results Some 88% of the subjects presented clinically by age 7 days. Peak ammonia level was 963 μM in patients with proximal UCDs (CPSD or OTCD), compared with 589 μM in ASD and 573 μM in ALD. Roughly 25% of subjects with CPSD or OTCD, 18% of those with ASD, and 67% of those with ALD had a “honeymoon period,” defined as the time interval from discharge from initial admission to subsequent admission for hyperammonemia, greater than 1 year. The proportion of patients with a poor outcome (IQ/Developmental Quotient Conclusion Neurocognitive outcomes do not differ between patients with proximal UCDs and those with distal UCDs. Factors other than hyperammonemia may contribute to poor neurocognitive outcome in the distal UCDs.
Fuel economy of hybrid fuel-cell vehicles

The potential improvement in fuel economy of a mid-size fuel-cell vehicle by combining it with an energy storage system has been assessed. An energy management strategy is developed and used to operate the direct hydrogen, pressurized fuel-cell system in a load-following mode and the energy storage system in a charge-sustaining mode. The strategy places highest priority on maintaining the energy storage system in a state where it can supply unanticipated boost power when the fuel-cell system alone cannot meet the power demand. It is found that downsizing a fuel-cell system decreases its efficiency on a drive cycle which is compensated by partial regenerative capture of braking energy. On a highway cycle with limited braking energy the increase in fuel economy with hybridization is small but on the stop-and-go urban cycle the fuel economy can improve by 27%. On the combined highway and urban drive cycles the fuel economy of the fuel-cell vehicle is estimated to increase by up to 15% by hybridizing it with an energy storage system.
Investigation of waveguide-below cutoff resonators for solid-state active devices

The use of passbands below cutoff in waveguide structures for realisation of microwave circuits using active devices is reported. Experiments were performed on waveguide structures with cutoff frequencies of 14, 17, 21, 26 and 31GHz using Gunn and avalanche diodes. Mechanical tuning ranges of nearly 10% were obtained at frequencies in the lower half of Xband.
Methylation of either cytosine in the recognition sequence CGCG inhibits ThaI cleavage of DNA

ThaI (CGCG) sites which overlap HhaI (GCGC) sites in phi X174 and pBR322 DNA were methylated in vitro with HhaI methylase and S-adenosylmethionine to yield CGmCG, mCGCG or mCGmCG (5-methylcytosine, mC). Methylation of either cytosine in the ThaI recognition sequence rendered the DNA resistant to ThaI cleavage. Rat pituitary cell genomic DNA was digested with ThaI or 2 other known methylation-sensitive enzymes, AvaI or XhoI. After electrophoresis and ethidium bromide straining of the DNA, all 3 enzymes showed the infrequent DNA cleavage characteristic of methylation-sensitive enzymes. Comparison of pituitary growth hormone (GH) genes bearing strain-specific degrees of methylation showed the less methylated gene to be more frequently cut by either AvaI or ThaI. ThaI resistant sites in GH genes were cleaved by ThaI after exposing cells to 5-azacytidine, an inhibitor of DNA methylation. We conclude that ThaI is a useful restriction enzyme for the analysis of mC at CGCG sequences in eukaryotic DNA.
Results of gastric interposition for reconstruction of the pharyngoesophagus

Background: Free jejunal transfer has become the standard technique for reconstruction of the proximal pharynx and hypopharynx. Gastric tube interposition is an effective alternative when resection extends below the thoracic inlet. This study was done to determine current indications, review morbidity and mortality rates, and to define clinical and pathologic determinants of survival associated with this procedure. Methods: We reviewed the records of 32 patients who underwent gastric tube interposition for reconstruction of the pharyngoesophagus from 1987 to 1997. Results: The overall complication rate was 50%. Complications were more frequent in the reoperative group (22% vs 66%, P < .05). The overall fistula rate was 31%. The overall mortality rate was 12%. Ultimately, 71% of patients resumed oral feedings. The 5-year actuarial survival rate was 22%. Unfavorable prognostic factors associated with significantly reduced survival (P < .05) included margin positive resection, positive lymph node involvement, and operations done for recurrent tumor. Conclusions: Reconstruction of the pharyngoesophagus with gastric tube interposition is indicated for primary tumors of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus with inferior extension below the thoracic inlet and recurrent tumors or benign strictures in which free jejunal transfer is not feasible or has failed. It can be done with acceptable morbidity and mortality and provides reasonable expectations for long-term survival and resumption of oral intake. (Surgery 1999;126:666-72.)
Glucose-stimulated insulin release by individual pancreatic β cells : potentiation by glyburide

To investigate the effect of glyburide on insulin secretion by individual beta cells from normal rats, we employed a reverse hemolytic plaque assay. Pancreata were harvested from female Wistar-Furth rats, the pancreatic islets isolated, and the latter dispersed into single cells. These cells were mixed with protein A-coated ox erythrocytes, the mixture was placed in a Cunningham chamber in the presence of insulin antiserum, and the cells were exposed to the various test substances. Having developed hemolytic plaques around the insulin-secreting cells with complement, the percentage of plaque-forming cells was determined and the plaque areas (reflecting the amount of insulin secreted) were quantitated. For the purpose of validation, we demonstrated that (i) plaque-forming (but not nonplaque-forming) cells could be identified as insulin secreting by an independent immunofluorescent technique, (ii), plaques did not form if insulin antiserum was deleted from the preparation, (iii) plaques failed to develop if insulin antiserum was preabsorbed with insulin, and (iv) incubation with non-protein A-coated RBC or omission of complement resulted in no plaque formation. In addition, both the percentage of plaque-forming cells and the mean plaque are increased upon exposure to glucose (0.75-20 mM) in a concentration-dependent manner at 5- and 60-min incubation times. Moreover, somatostatin suppressed the percentage of plaque-forming cells and diminished the mean plaque area of cells which continued to secrete insulin in response to glucose. Exposure of cells to 100 nM glyburide in the presence of 5 mM or 20 mM glucose had no effect on the percentage of plaque-forming cells present at 5 min or 60 min. Similarly, glyburide did not alter mean plaque area at 5 or 60 min when cells were co-incubated with 5 mM glucose. However, mean plaque area was markedly enhanced at 5 and 60 min in response to glyburide and 20 mM glucose. These results demonstrate that glyburide (i) does appear to enhance insulin secretion by an effect directly on the pancreatic beta cell; (ii) does not act by recruiting previously noninsulin-secreting cells into a secretory pool; (iii) does not potentiate the effect of glucose, at fed concentrations, on insulin secretion by individual cells; but (iv) does augment insulin secretion by beta cells stimulated with supraphysiologic concentrations of glucose.
The private security industry in Turkey: Officer characteristics and their perception of training sufficiency

The literature on private security in a cross-national context has expanded over the last two decades. However, research on the Turkish private security industry has been limited. The current study explores various aspects of the Turkish private security industry, including growth trends, the latest regulations, officer demographics, and their perception of instructional sufficiency using Turkish National Police (TNP) statistics and a survey of Turkish private security officers. The findings suggest that Turkish private security is a rapidly growing industry relative to other countries in the world. Although the majority of Turkish private security officers felt that the level of training they received was sufficient to perform their duties, little connection was found among their demographic characteristics and their perception of training sufficiency.
Some generic invariant factor assignment results using dynamic output feedback

Abstract Working with input-output transfer functions in the frequency domain and exploiting a formulation involving generalized Sylvester resultants, we are able to derive necessary and sufficient conditions for generic invariant factor assignment, in several cases, using proper dynamic output feedback compensators.
β-Lactam antibiotic-induced pseudoporphyria

Abstract A case of β-lactam antibiotic-induced pseudoporphyria is presented. A 24-year-old African American woman with systemic lupus erythematosus and end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis developed tense bullae on her forehead and cheeks after exposure to ampicillin-sulbactam and cefepime. Histologically, the lesions were similar to porphyria cutanea tarda, but without the associated porphyrin abnormalities. The lesions resolved spontaneously on cessation of the antibiotics.
The Genome-Linked Protein of Picornaviruses

Digestion of poliovirus type 2 [32P]-RNA with enzymes and analysis of the products by column chromatography and paper electrophoresis provides evidence that the RNA is covalently linked to
Kinds and locations of mutations arising spontaneously in the coding region of the HPRT gene of finite-life-span diploid human fibroblasts.

Spontaneous thioguanine-resistant mutants were derived from populations of finite-life-span, diploid human fibroblasts by means of a fluctuation analysis. cDNA was prepared from mutantHPRT mRNA and amplified by the polymerase chain reaction, and the sequence of the product was analyzed. Exon deletions, which very likely arose from mutations in the intron splice site consensus sequences, were found in 10 of the 37 mutants examined (27% of the total). Among the 28 mutations in the coding sequence, base pair substitutions predominated (89%). With the exception of one base pair involved in a tandem mutation, all base pair substitutions resulted in alterations in the predicted amino acid sequence of the protein. In addition there were three frameshift mutations, consisting of the deletion of one or two base pairs. Although mutations occurred throughout the coding sequence, 50% (14/28) were found in the 5′ portion of exon 3.
Nerve and tendon injury with percutaneous fibular pinning: a cadaveric study.

Abstract Objective The purposes of this study were to measure the average distance from a percutaneous pin in each quadrant of the distal fibula to the sural nerve and nearest peroneal tendon, and define the safe zone for percutaneous pin placement as would be used during surgery. Method Ten fresh-frozen cadavers underwent percutaneous pin fixation into four quadrants of the distal fibula. The sural nerve and peroneal tendon were identified as they coursed around the lateral ankle. Distances from the K-wire in each quadrant to the anatomic structure of interest were measured. Results Average distances (mm) from the K-wire to the sural nerve in the anterolateral, anteromedial, posterolateral, and posteromedial quadrants were 19.1 ± 8.9 (range, 5.1–35.5), 12.8 ± 8.2 (range, 0.3–27.8), 12.6 ± 6.8 (range, 3.0–27.8), and 5.9 ± 5.5 (range, 0.1–19.9), respectively. Average distances from the K-wire to the nearest peroneal tendon in the anterolateral, anteromedial, posterolateral, and posteromedial quadrants were 15.7 ± 4.4 (range, 9.5–23.1), 11.9 ± 5.2 (range, 3.2–21.7), 6.3 ± 3.9 (range, 0.1–14.4), and 1.0 ± 1.6 (range, 0–5.6), respectively. Conclusions Percutaneous pinning of distal fibula fractures is a successful treatment option with minimal complications. Our anatomical study found the safe zone of percutaneous pin placement to be in the anterolateral quadrant. The sural nerve can be as close as 5.1 mm and the peroneal tendons as near as 15.7 mm. In contrast, the posteromedial quadrant was associated with the greatest risk of injury to both the sural nerve and peroneal tendons.
Polyalkylene sulfides containing silicon. XI

The optimum pH for the emulsion polymerization of hexamethylenedithiol and diallyldimethylsilane was found to be in the region of 3.0 to 4.0. A variety of polyalkylene sulfides containing silicon were prepared using bulk, solution, and emulsion polymerization techniques. All of the polyalkylene sulfides which contained silicon were heavy oily materials which were very “tacky”.
Sharing and Responding to Memories

This article describes the evolution of a college seminar in which reports are presented of sexual assault arising in child custody cases and of ritual abuse and mind-control programming. Seminar participants listen to stories from a variety of sources firsthand and secondhand. Techniques of seminar organization and management to promote open, critical evaluation and discussion of the significance and validity of these reports are reviewed. The seminar has become a primary means by which the instructor himself learns and teaches about the nature of personal violence and of efforts at healing and peace making in response.
Differential effects of type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus on pentosidine formation in skin and glomerular basement membrane.

Pentosidine is an advanced Maillard/glycation reaction product the formation of which in human skin is significantly increased in Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus and correlates with the severity of diabetic complications. Preliminary data in a limited number of Type 2 (noninsulin-dependent) diabetic individuals showed that skin pentosidine was not significantly elevated, raising the question of whether statistical power was insufficient for differences to be revealed, or whether pentosidine did not form because biological factors intrinsic to Type 2 diabetes affected the advanced Maillard reaction altogether. To resolve this question, pentosidine levels were measured in 209 human skin samples obtained at autopsy and in purified glomerular basement membranes from 45 subjects of various ages, with and without Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and uraemia. Pentosidine increased exponentially in skin but curvilinearly in glomerular basement membranes, and reached 75 and 50 pmol/mg collagen at projected 100 years, respectively. Skin levels were not significantly elevated in individuals with Type 2 diabetes (p>0.05). In contrast, pentosidine levels in glomerular basement membranes were elevated above the 95% confidence interval in the majority of diabetic patients regardless of the type of diabetes and in all individuals on haemodialysis. These data clearly demonstrate that the advanced Maillard reaction is indeed accelerated in Type 2 diabetes and strongly suggest that differences in pentosidine accumulation rates may be due to differences in collagen turnover. In diabetes and uraemia, accelerated Maillard reaction mediated protein crosslinking, as reflected by pentosidine, may contribute to decreased turnover of the extracellular matrix, sclerosis and thickening of basement membranes.
Effects of angiotensin II and aldosterone on collagen gene expression and protein turnover in cardiac fibroblasts.

Earlier studies have demonstrated angiotensin II (AngII) and aldosterone (ALDO) each augment cultured adult rat cardiac fibroblast (CFb) collagen synthesis. Whether this involves type I collagen, the major structural protein of the myocardium, and represents a transcriptional event, is uncertain. Accordingly, the influence of AngII and ALDO on transcription and synthesis of fibrillar collagen and on collagenolytic activity was examined in cultured CFb maintained in serum-deprived media. Using concentrations for AngII (10−7 M) or ALDO (10−9 M), shown to influence collagen turnover in these cells, we found: a) total collagen synthesis was significantly (p < 0.05) increased (5.4 ± 0.41 and 4.8 ± 0.37 vs. control 3.1 ± 0.55); b) type I collagen production (6590 ± 710 and 6150 ± 410 vs. control 4700 ± 490 ng/mL) in the medium were significantly (p < 0.01) increased; c) type I collagen mRNA expression was also significantly (p < 0.01) increased by AngII (2.0 fold) and ALDO (1.8 fold) compared with control; d) AngII, but not ALDO, significantly (p < 0.05) decreased collagenolytic activity (0.5 fold) compared with control. Thus, AngII and ALDO each increase CFb type I collagen synthesis at the level of transcription and protein synthesis and AngII, but not ALDO, alters collagenolytic activity. Such hormonally mediated alterations in CFb collagen turnover may contribute to the adverse accumulation of fibrillar collagen found in the myocardium in various disease states, where circulating AngII and/or ALDO are increased.
Neuronal cell-cell adhesion depends on interactions of N-CAM with heparin-like molecules.

Cell–cell interactions are of critical importance during neural development, particularly since the migration of neural cells and the establishment of functional interactions between growing axons and their target cells1,2 has been suggested to depend upon cell recognition processes. Neurone–neurone adhesion has been well studied in vitro, and is mediated in part by the neural cell adhesion molecule N-CAM3–7. N-CAM-mediated cell–cell adhesion has been postulated to occur by a homophilic binding mechanism8, in which N-CAM on the surface of one cell binds to N-CAM on a neighbouring cell. Studies in our laboratory have identified a cell surface glycoprotein, now known to be N-CAM9, which participates in cell–substratum interactions in the developing chicken nervous system10–12. Although this adhesion involves a homophilic binding mechanism, the binding of the cell surface proteoglycan heparan sulphate to the glycoprotein is also required13. This raises the question of whether the binding of heparan sulphate to N-CAM is also required for cell-cell adhesion. Here we show that the binding of retinal probe cells to retinal cell monolayers is inhibited by heparin, a functional analogue of heparan sulphate, but not by chondroitin sulphate. Monoclonal antibodies that recognize two different domains on N-CAM, the homophilic-binding and heparin-binding domains, inhibit cell–cell adhesion. The heparin-binding domain isolated from N-CAM by selective proteolysis also inhibits cell-cell adhesion when bound to the probe cells.
Plateau equalization algorithm for real-time display of high-quality infrared imagery

The plateau equalization algorithm for display of IR images is defined to include histogram equalization and histogram projection as special cases. A maximum gain parameter is defined and surveyed for a large number of images, determining the useful range of plateau values. Analysis of hardware experience with histogram projection explains why it produces intensity jitter in very low contrast scenes. Detailed flow charts for hardware implementation of plateau equalization are provided.
Click Analytics: Visualizing Website Use Data

Click analytics is a powerful technique that displays what and where users are clicking on a webpage helping libraries to easily identify areas of high and low usage on a page without having to decipher website use data sets. Click analytics is a subset of web analytics, but there is little research that discusses its potential uses for libraries. This paper introduces three click analytics tools, Google Analytics’ In-Page Analytics, ClickHeat, and Crazy Egg, and evaluates their usefulness in the context of redesigning a library’s homepage.