cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the rapid four-step cricothyrotomy technique: An interim report

Abstract Introduction: We described the rapid four-step cricothyrotomy technique (RFST), a new cricothyrotomy method specifically designed for the prehospital environment. In this article, we report our initial clinical experience and provide additional information regarding the technique itself. Method: This article is a prospective, consecutive case series. Each time Life Flight personnel used the RFST in the prehospital setting, they were asked to complete a brief questionnaire regarding their experiences with the technique. Data were collected between July 1995 and June 1997. Results: During the study period, 13 cricothyrotomies were performed using the RFST, all of which were successful. One report of significant bleeding occurred and was controlled with cricoid pressure. In 4 of the 13 patients, the skin and soft tissue were incised before performing the stab incision through the cricothyroid membrane. In nine cases the incision was enlarged before passing the tracheostomy tube. A second attempt was needed to successfully pass the tube in two patients. No difficulties were reported in maneuvering the hook, and the #20 scalpel blade was thought to be an appropriate size. All personnel with previous cricothyrotomy experience preferred the RFST to their previous cricothyrotomy approach. Conclusion: Our experience with the RFST has been very favorable. We recommend this technique to others for use in the prehospital environment. We also invite the reader to participate in ongoing evaluation comparing the RFST with standard cricothyrotomy techniques.
Design, Synthesis, and Structure–Activity Relationship Studies of Fluorescent Inhibitors of Cycloxygenase-2 as Targeted Optical Imaging Agents

Cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an attractive target for molecular imaging because it is an inducible enzyme that is expressed in response to inflammatory and proliferative stimuli. Recently, we reported that conjugation of indomethacin with carboxy-X-rhodamine dyes results in the formation of effective, targeted, optical imaging agents able to detect COX-2 in inflammatory tissues and premalignant and malignant tumors (Uddin et al. Cancer Res. 2010, 70, 3618–3627). The present paper summarizes the details of the structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies performed for lead optimization of these dyes. A wide range of fluorescent conjugates were designed and synthesized, and each of them was tested for the ability to selectively inhibit COX-2 as the purified protein and in human cancer cells. The SAR study revealed that indomethacin conjugates are the best COX-2-targeted agents compared to the other carboxylic acid-containing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or COX-2-selective inhibitors (COXIBs)...
GDF11 Controls the Timing of Progenitor Cell Competence in Developing Retina

The orderly generation of cell types in the developing retina is thought to be regulated by changes in the competence of multipotent progenitors. Here, we show that a secreted factor, growth and differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), controls the numbers of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), as well as amacrine and photoreceptor cells, that form during development. GDF11 does not affect proliferation of progenitors-a major mode of GDF11 action in other tissues-but instead controls duration of expression of Math5, a gene that confers competence for RGC genesis, in progenitor cells. Thus, GDF11 governs the temporal windows during which multipotent progenitors retain competence to produce distinct neural progeny.
Extinction and survival of plant life following the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary event, Western Interior, North America

The palynological Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary is recognized in the northern part of the Western Interior by the abrupt disappearance of a few characteristic Cretaceous pollen genera, principally Proteacidites and Aquilapollenites . In the southern part, the boundary is recognized by the disappearance of a somewhat different group of pollen: Proteacidites , “ Tilia ” wodehousei , and Trisectoris . The abrupt change in both regions takes place precisely at the stratigraphic horizon at which boundary clay layers containing anomalously high concentrations of iridium (interpreted to be the result of an asteroid impact) are found. Although some characteristic Cretaceous taxa apparently became extinct, others were minimally affected by this boundary event and reappear in strata above. However, all the principal Cretaceous pollen genera (though not species) that disappear regionally have been reported from Tertiary rocks in other parts of North America. Differential apparent extinction and/or survival reflects a pronounced temporary disruption of plant life immediately after the event. Some Cretaceous plants must have persisted in refugia to have provided the propagules for the rapid recovery of the flora. No massive total extinction of plant genera at the end of the Cretaceous can be seen from the palynologic record.
Genetics and the origin of a vector population: Aedes aegypti, a case study

Thirty-four population samples representing the worldwide distribution of the mosquito Aedes aegypti were analyzed for variation at 19 to 22 enzyme-coding genes. A multivariate discriminant analysis revealed that the genetic differences among populations in six geographic regions and between two subspecies enable one to determine the regional origin of a population. Such studies of population genetics may have quite general applicability in studying vector-borne diseases.
Measuring Price Thresholds Using Social Judgment Theory

Price perceptions of 120 homemakers were assessed for one product using social judgment theory. In keeping with the theory, the homemakers' latitudes of acceptance, rejection, and noncommitment were established in a laboratory experiment. Product involvement and price sensitivity were manipulated, and their impact on the respective latitudes was measured. Implications for price strategy based on the analysis are presented.
Absence of depth processing in the large-frame rod-and-frame effect.

Attenuation of the rod-and-frame effect (RFE) with depth separation (Gogel & Newton, 1975) was investigated with the rod and frame in either intersecting or parallel depth planes (PDP). In the former case, in which either the top of the rod or the frame was inclined 45 deg away from the observer, no attenuation was found for frames projecting a retinal angle of 39.2 or 13.5 deg. In the PDP paradigm, the rod was optically 60 cm nearer the observer than was the frame. The depth adjacency effect of Gogel and Newton was replicated, but only for small retinal angles (7.2 and 6.8 deg) of the frame and for a 15-deg frame tilt, but not for larger retinal angles (39.2 and 12.7 deg) or for frames tilted at 22 deg. The absence of attenuation with depth separation in large frames and its presence in small frames is consistent with the identification of these phenomena with properties of the ambient and focal visual systems, respectively (Leibowitz & Post, 1982).
Angular accuracy of amplitude monopulse off-boresight radar

An improved formulation of the theory estimating the off-boresight angular measurement accuracy with amplitude monopulse radar is presented and illustrated by examples.
Malignant lymphoma and granulocytic sarcoma of the uterus and vagina a clinicopathologic analysis of 27 cases

Twenty-five cases of malignant lymphoma of the uterine corpus or cervix and the vagina, and one case of granulocytic sarcoma of the cervix were analyzed. The patients typically presented with vaginal bleeding and a subepithelial mass without obvious ulceration or other epithelial abnormality. Twenty-one of the 27 tumors appeared to originate in the cervix, 4 in the vagina, and 2 in the endometrium. Seven of them were nodular lymphomas, 17 diffuse large cell, or "histiocytic" lymphomas, 1 was a Burkitt's tumor, and 2 were granulocytic sarcomas. Sclerosis was a prominent histologic feature in lymphomas of the cervix and vagina. Twenty-one patients had disease confined to a single extranodal site (Ann Arbor Stage IE), and six had lymph node or ovarian involvement (Stages IIE + IV). The overall actuarial 5-year survival was 73%. The survival of patients with Stage IE tumors was 89%, compared with 20% for patients with lymph node or ovarian involvement. None of the 12 patients with Stage IE lymphoma of the cervix or vagina who received definitive initial local treatment (surgical and/or radiation therapy) relapsed. Nodular lymphomas and diffuse lymphomas with a preponderance of large cleaved cells were more often localized and had a better prognosis than large or small noncleaved and immunoblastic types. Lymphoma of the lower female genital tract is a rare, but treatable malignancy, which must be distinguished microscopically from inflammatory lesions and nonlymphoid tumors arising in this site.
Retrospective Study and Review of Polymorphous Low‐Grade Adenocarcinoma

Objectives/Hypothesis: We review a single institution's experience with polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the largest patient series of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma with clinical follow-up in the otolaryngology literature. Study Design: We retrospectively identified 19 patients with polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma who had adequate clinical follow-up and pathologic specimens available for examination. Methods: All pathologic materials were reviewed by one head and neck pathologist. Results: The median follow-up was 9.6 years. The most frequently affected sites were the hard palate (12 patients) and soft palate (9 patients). Fifteen patients had their initial treatment at our institution, and four patients presented with a recurrent tumor. Five patients had a local recurrence after surgery; of those patients, two had initially presented with recurrent tumors. Local tumors recurred as late as 15 years after the initial surgery. One patient had regional nodal disease 20 years after the initial procedure, and another had lung metastasis. No patients received chemotherapy. The most common initial diagnoses were polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and pleomorphic adenoma. Conclusions: Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma is an increasingly recognized malignancy that originates predominantly in the minor salivary gland. Our experience confirms good local control after a wide local excision is performed, but local recurrences can occur despite having negative margins after surgery. The delayed local recurrences and regional nodal metastases noted in our series show that prolonged follow-up is needed. This series also reports one of the first pathologically confirmed cases of distant metastasis.
Multiple Wavelength Solid State Lasers: Spectroscopic And Stimulated Emission Properties

The absorption, fluorescence decay and stimulated emission properties of several multiply doped laser crystals including (Er, Nd):YAG and (Cr, Er, Nd):GSGG are investigated. The presence of different laser ions in one crystal host results in strong ion-ion interactions and energy transfer among these ions. Consequently, both fluorescence decay and lasing characteristics of one kind of laser ions are strongly affected by the presence of the other. Simultaneous lasing of both Er +3 (2.94 μm) and Nd +3 (1.06 μm) ions has been obtained from the codoped laser crystals.
Mechanisms of Biosynthesis of Mammalian Copper/Zinc Superoxide Dismutase

Copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) is an abundant intracellular enzyme with an essential role in antioxidant defense. The activity of SOD1 is dependent upon the presence of a bound copper ion incorporated by the copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase, CCS. To elucidate the cell biological mechanisms of this process, SOD1 synthesis and turnover were examined following 64Cu metabolic labeling of fibroblasts derived from CCS +/+ and CCS –/– embryos. The data indicate that copper is rapidly incorporated into both newly synthesized SOD1 and preformed SOD1 apoprotein, that each process is dependent upon CCS and that once incorporated, copper is unavailable for cellular exchange. The abundance of apoSOD1 is inversely proportional to the intracellular copper content and immunoblot and gel filtration analysis indicate that this apoprotein exists as a homodimer that is distinguishable from SOD1. Despite these distinct differences, the abundance and half-life of SOD1 is equivalent in CCS +/+ and CCS –/– fibroblasts, indicating that neither CCS nor copper incorporation has any essential role in the stability or turnover of SOD1 in vivo. Taken together, these data provide a cell biological model of SOD1 biosynthesis that is consistent with the concept of limited intracellular copper availability and indicate that the metallochaperone CCS is a critical determinant of SOD1 activity in mammalian cells. These kinetic and biochemical findings also provide an important framework for understanding the role of mutant SOD1 in the pathogenesis of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Large Eddy Simulation of Near-Field Dispersion Within and Above Forest Canopies

Numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the feasibility of predicting near field concentrations of a tracer gas within and above forest canopies. The current research is geared towards providing forest managers with a tool for developing anti-aggregation techniques to control the bark beetle. Several field experiments have been conducted in different forest canopies linking tracer gas concentration fields with meteorological and canopy parameters. Field experiment results are site and situation specific. Numerical simulations are far less expensive and allow for variation in virtually all flow parameters such as atmospheric stability, wind speed and direction, and turbulence intensity. As a first step, a CFD simulation has been used to study dispersion in a generic lodgepole pine forest canopy based on leaf area index (LAI) and stem density. Steady Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) solutions were computed using the k-e and Reynolds Stress Model (RSM) turbulence closure models. These solutions provide insight into in-canopy dispersion; however they do not fully capture the dynamics of the flow. The current work uses large eddy simulation (LES). LES resolves large flow dominated eddies while modeling smaller eddies using a sub grid scale model. Unsteady LES, can be used to capture the dynamics of flow within a canopy, including large rolling eddies above the canopy, bursting and sweeping within the canopy, multiple shear layers, and drainage flows.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Evaluation of Vertical Motion: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract The potential impact of gridded output from numerical models on operational forecasting of vertical motion is examined. A review of historical techniques for operational vertical motion evaluation is presented. An attempt is made to relate previous methods with current operational techniques, and to contrast these with techniques that could be applied operationally via the use of gridded model output. This paper makes the point that most of the current operational practices for the estimation of vertical motion and the general interpretation of numerical model output are based on techniques that were originally used to create surface and upper air prognoses manually in the pre-NWP era, and are no longer appropriate or optimal. Unfortunately the tools available to operational forecasters are also a remnant of this same era. Gridded data from numerical models have the potential to greatly change operational methods of vertical motion estimation and general interpretation of numerical models.
Synthesis and thermal stability of a new barium polytitanate compound, Ba1.054Ti0.946O2.946

Abstract A new barium polytitanate Ba1.054Ti0.946O2.946 was synthesized by a citrate chemical route. The X-ray powder pattern of this compound was indexed to a hexagonal system, with space group P63/mmc and lattice parameters a=5.722(4) and c=13.996(8) A. Prolonged annealing of the Ba1.054Ti0.946O2.946 in air at temperatures above 1150°C leads to a peritectoid decomposition reaction yielding Ba2TiO4 and cubic-BaTiO3, consistent with the known phase diagram. A thermal stability study of this compound demonstrates it to be a stable phase under ambient conditions and metastable under low oxygen partial pressures.
Effects of solvent composition on coprocessing coal with petroleum residua

Abstract The effect of solvent composition on coprocessing of coal and petroleum solvents is examined under a variety of reaction conditions. The effects of solvent modification procedures on enhancing methylene chloride/methanol (MeCl/MeOH) soluble coal conversion and pentane soluble oil production are studied. Solvent modification procedures performed prior to coprocessing reactions include pentane deasphalting, catalytic hydrotreatment, H-donor addition, and blending of coal-derived liquids with petroleum solvents. Oil production and coal conversion were variously affected by the different solvent modifications. Prior hydrotreatment of petroleum solvents generally enhanced coal conversion, as did H-donor addition. The presence of a hydrotreating catalyst exerted a leveling effect on the effects of solvent modification. Blending of coal liquids and petroleum solvents resulted in complex and not readily predictable interaction. Solvents yielding the highest MeCl/MeOH soluble coal conversion were not generally the optimal solvents for pentane soluble oil production.
Rapid atrial pacing-induced infra-His conduction block in children

High right atrial pacing (abrupt initiation and random coupling to the spontaneous rhythm) was performed in 285 pediatric cardiac patients for diagnostic purposes. Nine patients (3%) were found to have pacing-induced infra-His conduction block. In two patients this occurred following a preceding long cycle as well as a preceding short-to-long sequence cycle length change. In five patients block occurred with an abrupt shortening of the coupling H-H interval (in three patients the infra-His block initiated a series of 2:1 infra-His block). In two patients with type II second-degree atrioventricular block the initiating events were not recorded. In one of them, when the rapid atrial pacing was incremented to the same cycle length with infra-His block, the atrioventricular response became 1:1 with normal conduction. These findings of pacing-induced infra-His conduction block can be explained by the normal response of the His-Purkinje system to changes in the preceding cycle lengths, and to the abrupt shortening of the coupling interval.
Visual optics in toads (Bufo americanus)

Aspects of visual optics were investigated in the American toad (Bufo americanus). The development of the refractive state of the eye during metamorphosis was followed with IR photoretinoscopy. Frozen sections documented the changes in optical parameters before and after metamorphosis. There is a difference in light sensitivity between juvenile and adult toads. Binocular accommodation in adult toads was observed.
Suicide attempts among juvenile delinquents ; the contribution of mental health factors

This study examined which, if any, of four variables (depression, hopelessness, conduct problems, substance abuse) differentiated suicide attemptors from nonattemptors among incarcerated juvenile delinquents. Fifty-one male youth served as subjects. The predictor variables were collected by either a standardized interview or an orally administered questionnaire. Youth self-report data regarding suicide attempts were collected. The results indicated that depression served as a predictor of suicide attempts but only in white, not black, youth. Suicide attempts also were reported three times more often in white than black participants. Implication, as well as limitations, of the findings are discussed.
Searches for "Arnold Diffusion" and "Chaotic" Motion in the Beam-Bean Interaction

The results of long time computer simulation searches for "Arnold Diffusion" in beam-beam interactions at p?p collider parameters are presented. No evidence of significant diffusion is found, consistent with beam storage for many days without "blow-up". "Chaotic" motion is observed in 2-D simulations at p?p parameters by use of reversability tests, and Lyapunov exponents for the chaotic motion are measured. This motion appears at the intersections of low-order resonances. Chaotic motion in 1-D simulations and in simulations with tune modulation can also occur. The conditions for the appearance of chaotic motion are explored as well as its relationship with "beam blow-up".
The Role of Tropomodulin in Cardiac Function and Remodeling

Tropomodulin is an actin-capping protein in cardiac muscle, and is associated with both sarcomeric and cytoskeletal actin filaments. Homozygous knockout of erythrocyte tropomodulin (E-Tmod) is embryonically lethal, but heterozygous knockout (+/-) mice survive. Heterozygous E-Tmod knockout resulted in smaller right ventricle (RV) cavities and free walls compared to wild type. To investigate the effect of heterozygous tropomodulin knockout on mouse cardiac function and remodeling, mice (n=6 to 9) were subjected to 5 weeks of hypoxia to increase loading conditions on the RV via pulmonary hypertension. The effect of loading was determined by measuring the volume of RV anatomical features, and surface strain during the cardiac cycle. Although there was no significant change due to loading on RV cavity or free wall volume for wild type, geometrical measurements suggest that tissue had been redistributed. Under equal loading conditions, knockout mice exhibited a significant increase in volume for both RV features. RV epicardial function showed an increase in surface area strain at peak systole for hypoxic knockout mice. Thus it appears that heterozygous knockout of E-Tmod affects RV volume under normal and adverse loading conditions, as well as RV function.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Nonlinear Estimation of Transient Flow Field Low Dimensional States Using Double Proper Orthogonal Decomposition

Feedback flow control of the wake of a circular cylinder at a Reynolds number of 100 is an interesting and challenging benchmark for controlling absolute instabilities associated with bluff body wakes. A two dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulation is used to develop low-dimensional models for estimator design. Actuation is implemented as displacement of the cylinder normal to the flow. The estimation approach uses a low dimensional model based on a truncated 6 mode Double Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (DPOD) applied to the streamwise velocity component of the flow field. Sensor placement is based on the intensity of the resulting spatial modes. Accurate estimation of the lowdimensional states of a wake in the presence of transient forcing is a challenging problem and there are few successful attempts to model off-design cases where the frequency and amplitude of the excitation differs from the design condition. A non-linear Artificial Neural Network Estimator (ANNE) was employed to map the velocity data to the mode amplitudes of the DPOD model. For a given four sensor configuration, developed using a previously validated strategy, ANNE was compared to two state-of-theart approaches, namely, a Quadratic Stochastic Estimator (QSE) and a Linear Stochastic Estimator with time delays (DSE). For the estimation of the first six DPOD modes, we show that a four sensor configuration using ANNE provides lower estimation errors (one order of magnitude for Mode 1,1 and about 50% improvement for the higher modes) when compared to conventional state-of-the-art techniques appearing in literature.
Chinese Visiting Scholars' Academic Socialization in US Institutions of Higher Education: A Qualitative Study.

Socialization as a theoretical concept has been increasingly applied to higher education over the past several decades. However, little research examines international visiting scholars' overseas academic socialization experiences. Rooted in socialization theory, this one-year qualitative study explores 15 Chinese visiting scholars' lived experiences in socialization to the US academic community through observations and interviews. The data reveal that the strategies used for academic socialization include motivation, social networking development, academic recognition, goal orientation, and community involvement. Besides, this paper analyses the reasons for their encountered dilemmas such marginalization, time constraint, and external critique. Implications for Chinese Scholarship Committee (CSC) policy makers, international visiting scholars, and researchers are provided.
A Steady-State Control Analysis of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System

This communication develops a steady-state block diagram about the configuration of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in relation to the mineralocorticoid-dependent reabsorption of sodium. Two principal mechanisms appear to be involved in the control of renin secretion. The baroreceptor hypothesis suggests that decreased stretch of the afferent glomerular arteriole produces increased renin secretion. The macula densa theory, on the other hand, suggests that renin secretion responds to alterations either in sodium load or in sodium concentration at the macula densa. These two receptors are presented as parallel feedback pathways which are independently capable of altering renin secretion. This concept of independent receptor function is supported by literature in which one of the receptor pathways was eliminated. The system configuration for the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system suggests the hypothesis that the vascular receptor controls renin secretion in the autoregulatory range of blood pressure and that macula densa control dominates at pressures below the autoregulatory range. The control system diagram also calls attention to certain unique features of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system; it indicates that (1) a chronic low-sodium diet involves changes in both input variables (extracellular fluid volume) and parameters (hepatic blood flow) to maximize sodium reabsorption, (2) thoracic inferior vena cava constriction opens the feedback loop so that the renal receptors do not perceive increases in extracellular fluid volume, (3) congestive heart failure reduces the overall gain of the system, and (4) a small nonhypotensive hemorrhage primarily increases renin secretion through renal sympathetic nerve stimulation.
Analysis of Repeat-Mediated Deletions in the Mitochondrial Genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Mitochondrial DNA deletions and point mutations accumulate in an age-dependent manner in mammals. The mitochondrial genome in aging humans often displays a 4977-bp deletion flanked by short direct repeats. Additionally, direct repeats flank two-thirds of the reported mitochondrial DNA deletions. The mechanism by which these deletions arise is unknown, but direct-repeat-mediated deletions involving polymerase slippage, homologous recombination, and nonhomologous end joining have been proposed. We have developed a genetic reporter to measure the rate at which direct-repeat-mediated deletions arise in the mitochondrial genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here we analyze the effect of repeat size and heterology between repeats on the rate of deletions. We find that the dependence on homology for repeat-mediated deletions is linear down to 33 bp. Heterology between repeats does not affect the deletion rate substantially. Analysis of recombination products suggests that the deletions are produced by at least two different pathways, one that generates only deletions and one that appears to generate both deletions and reciprocal products of recombination. We discuss how this reporter may be used to identify the proteins in yeast that have an impact on the generation of direct-repeat-mediated deletions.
High-frequency properties of Tl-based superconductors deposited onto large-area metallic substrates

Microwave surface resistance measurements were made on large-area (11.4-cm/sup 2/) Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O thick films/ss ( approximately 10 mu m) which were magnetron sputtered onto oriented Ag alloy (Consil 995) substrates. Initial films were prepared by depositing a BaF/sub 2/ buffer layer between the superconducting film and the substrate to control the film/substrate interaction; however, films exhibiting the best microwave properties were prepared without a buffer layer. Surface resistance measurements were made by replacing the end wall of an 18-GHz Cu cavity (TE/sub 011/ mode) with the superconducting film. The best surface resistance values obtained on the unbuffered film were 4 and 14 m Omega at 10 K and 77 K, respectively; the corresponding Cu values are 8 m Omega and 21 m Omega . The dependence of surface resistance on surface magnetic field was measured in a similar way except that an Nb cavity was used instead of a Cu one. Films exhibiting the highest degree of c-axis texturing show the weakest dependence of surface resistance on magnetic field and also exhibit the sharpest high-frequency transition into the superconducting state. These results are important for potential cavity applications of these materials.
A case of round ligament varicosities during pregnancy

Estimated incidence of round ligament varicosities in pregnancy is not known and often times it is confused with inguinal hernia due to their clinical similarities. When a patient is presented with inguinal mass especially in association with varicosity in the genital region or lower extremity, round ligament varicosity must be considered as a plausible diagnosis. Depiction of “bag of worms” on color Doppler ultrasonography is diagnostic of the round ligament varicosity and it is known to resolve spontaneously following delivery. We report a case of round ligament varicosities that was diagnosed at 29 weeks of gestation with a brief review of the literatures.
Modulation of endogenous dopamine release in the fish retina by light and prolonged darkness

The effect of light stimuli and prolonged darkness on the release of endogenous dopamine was measured in the white perch and hybrid bass retinas. Isolated retinas were superfused and released dopamine was measured using extraction and high-pressure liquid chromatography separation techniques. Potassium-induced release did not depend on the background illumination nor on the period of previous darkness. Steady white light did not affect release, but flickering light of 2 Hz increased release about two-fold. During prolonged darkness, the release of dopamine increased steadily over the test period of 2 h, but only if the experiments were performed at night. During the day such an increase was not observed. The increased release during prolonged darkness at night was turned off by a short period of steady white light. The release patterns obtained from the white perch and the hybrid bass were similar. However, the hybrid bass retina showed much lower levels of dopamine than did the white perch retina.
Agreement between College Major and Vocational Interests for Female Athlete and Non-athlete College Students

Abstract The agreement between college major and measured vocational interests was calculated for a sample of female student-athletes ( n = 83) and two college student contrast samples—women enrolled in a career decision-making course ( n = 73) and women enrolled in an introductory psychology course ( n = 81). A matching procedure was used to pair each participant′s college major with corresponding Occupational Scale scores from the Strong Interest Inventory. Overall, participants from the introductory psychology sample showed the highest agreement between major and vocational interests, with 70.4% having Excellent and Moderate levels of agreement compared with 62.7% of the student-athletes and 52.1% of the career course students. The χ 2 analysis showed that the differences in agreement between the student-athletes and the comparison samples were non-significant at p = .05, although the direction was as expected. The level and pattern of interests was quite similar among the three samples, suggesting that choice of major and fit with interests is what differentiated the groups on the agreement measure. The findings are discussed within the context of identity formation theory (Marcia, 1966).
New iridium and rhodium chiral di-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes and their application in enantioselective catalysis.

New iridium and rhodium complexes prepared from C2-symmetric trans-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene-11,12-bis(1-R)-benzimidazolidine-2-ylidene ligands (R = Me, iPr, and diPh) have been synthesized and characterized. Their catalytic activities have been tested in enantioselective hydrogenation and hydroformylation reactions. The ee’s for the reactions are low. Evidence indicates that even chelating di-N-heterocyclic carbene ligands are susceptible to reductive elimination.
School Choice and School Governance: a Historical Study of the United States and Germany ‐ by Jurgen Herbst

School Choice and School Governance: a Historical Study of the United States and Germany. By Jurgen Herbst. Pp. 207. New York and Hampshire, England: Palgrave Macmillan. 2006. £42. ISBN: 1-4039-7302-4.
Platelet storage solution improves the in vitro function of preserved platelet concentrate.

Background and Objectives Stored platelets develop biochemical lesions, manifest as depressed haemostatic function, clot retraction and wound healing. ViaCyte™, a proprietary experimental preservative solution (comprising d-ribose, d-glucose, Hanks solution, Hepes solution, bovine serum albumin, tic anticoagulant peptide and sterile water), was tested in comparison with the presently accepted storage solution, citrate–dextrose–phosphate–plasma (CDP-P), to evaluate its ability to preserve platelet function during storage. Materials and Methods Platelets stored in ViaCyte and platelets suspended in CDP-P were transferred to polypropylene tubes with PL732 covers and analysed for adenine nucleotide levels (ATP molecules), in vitro agonist-mediated P-selectin expression and aggregation. Results After 5 days of storage at room temperature, 12·2% of platelets stored in ViaCyte exhibited P-selectin expression at rest, and 64·2% exhibited P-selectin expression upon activation with thrombin challenge, an increase of 52%. Platelets stored in CDP-P exhibited 44·4% P-selectin expression at rest, suggesting significant activation during storage, and thrombin stimulation resulted in P-selectin expression of 47·9%, an increase of only 2·5% (P ≤ 0·002, untreated vs. treated). ViaCyte also maintained ATP levels throughout the storage period, while these levels became depressed in platelets stored in CDP-P (P ≤ 0·02, untreated vs. treated). Storing platelets in the experimental preservative solution maintained their ability to aggregate, while control platelets lost their ability to aggregate in response to agonist. Conclusions ViaCyte appears to protect platelets during storage, reflected by a low level of induced lesions. Platelets stored in ViaCyte maintain energy levels at their resting state, which preserves their ability to aggregate and se crete granule contents, and ensures the availability of additional platelets for activation upon in vitro challenge.
The Ombudsman: Who's at Fawlt at Fawlty Towers? Commentaries on the Citation Dilemma

The Issues There are two main issues: the first is the problem of citation errors in our literature; the second is what to do about this problem. Reading WA (2) to indicate to readers the most important and useful studies in the field; (3) to acknowledge sources of ideas, methods, or quotations; and (4) to impress readers, referees, and editors.” While one might refine or expand the list (e.g., Martin himself mentions “rivalry citation omission”), he stresses one critical point: “If the source is methodologically central, then careful reading is essential.” He disagrees with the need to provide exhaustive citations or read all sources completely. Uncles is concerned with excessive and redundant citations, stating, “the sheer density of referencing is out of control.” Indeed, a few decades ago, I could scan an article’s references and know the (manageable) prerequisites for reading it. If I applied the same rule today, I would be perpetually engaged in catching up and would never read anything new. Uncles’ prescription and goals are simple: cite better and cite less. While his argument is compelling, incentives and institutional norms oppose those goals (see below). A&W’s reply provides a manageable list of five action items. I concur with the first four and a relaxed form of the fifth (“attempt to contact that author to confirm the citation accuracy”). The last action item should be relaxed to “ensure that you fully understand (and cite) the substantive and methodological foundations of your work.” When one is at all in doubt about understanding a citation, there are good reasons to err on the side of making such contacts to get that assurance. Most of us are proud of our work and seek to have it used and interpreted appropriately. Hence, an important and unstated takeaway for young researchers should be: “Don’t hesitate to contact those whose work you cite for clarification or advice.” They will be flattered, almost certainly will
Passage detection using text classification

Passages can be hidden within a text to circumvent their disallowed transfer. Such release of compartmentalized information is of concern to all corporate and governmental organizations. Passage retrieval is well studied; we posit, however, that passage detection is not. Passage retrieval is the determination of the degree of relevance of blocks of text, namely passages, comprising a document. Rather than determining the relevance of a document in its entirety, passage retrieval determines the relevance of the individual passages. As such, modified traditional information-retrieval techniques compare terms found in user queries with the individual passages to determine a similarity score for passages of interest. In passage detection, passages are classified into predetermined categories. More often than not, passage detection techniques are deployed to detect hidden paragraphs in documents. That is, to hide information, documents are injected with hidden text into passages. Rather than matching query terms against passages to determine their relevance, using text-mining techniques, the passages are classified. Those documents with hidden passages are defined as infected. Thus, simply stated, passage retrieval is the search for passages relevant to a user query, while passage detection is the classification of passages. That is, in passage detection, passages are labeled with one or more categories from a set of predetermined categories. We present a keyword-based dynamic passage approach (KDP) and demonstrate that KDP outperforms statistically significantly (99% confidence) the other document-splitting approaches by 12% to 18% in the passage detection and passage category-prediction tasks. Furthermore, we evaluate the effects of the feature selection, passage length, ambiguous passages, and finally training-data category distribution on passage-detection accuracy. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Random telegraph noise in 45-nm CMOS: Analysis using an on-chip test and measurement system

RTN measurements in 45-nm CMOS across device bias and geometry using an on-chip characterization system are reported. An automated methodology for extracting RTN levels, amplitude and dwell times is developed. Complex RTN magnitude is statistically modeled, and device size and bias parameter dependencies of the developed model are examined.
Oral Fluid and Plasma Cannabinoid Ratios after Around-the-Clock Controlled Oral Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Administration

BACKGROUND: Oral fluid (OF) testing is increasingly important for drug treatment, workplace, and drugged-driving programs. There is interest in predicting plasma or whole-blood concentrations from OF concentrations; however, the relationship between these matrices is incompletely characterized because of few controlled drug-administration studies. METHODS: Ten male daily cannabis smokers received around-the-clock escalating 20-mg oral Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, dronabinol) doses (40–120 mg/day) for 8 days. Plasma and OF samples were simultaneously collected before, during, and after dosing. OF THC, 11-hydroxy-THC and 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH) were quantified by GC-MS at 0.5-μg/L, 0.5-μg/L, and 7.5-ng/L limits of quantification (LOQs), respectively. In plasma, the LOQs were 0.25 μg/L for THC and THCCOOH, and 0.5 μg/L for 11-hydroxy-THC. RESULTS: Despite multiple oral THC administrations each day and increasing plasma THC concentrations, OF THC concentrations generally decreased over time, reflecting primarily previously self-administered smoked cannabis. The logarithms of the THC concentrations in oral fluid and plasma were not significantly correlated ( r = −0.10; P = 0.065). The OF and plasma THCCOOH concentrations, albeit with 1000-fold higher concentrations in plasma, increased throughout dosing. The logarithms of OF and plasma THCCOOH concentrations were significantly correlated ( r = 0.63; P < 0.001), although there was high interindividual variation. A high OF/plasma THC ratio and a high OF THC/THCCOOH ratio indicated recent cannabis smoking. CONCLUSIONS: OF monitoring does not reliably detect oral dronabinol intake. The time courses of THC and THCCOOH concentrations in plasma and OF were different after repeated oral THC doses, and high interindividual variation was observed. For these reasons, OF cannabinoid concentrations cannot predict concurrent plasma concentrations.
Emergency Major Abdominal Surgical Procedures in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Mortality and Functional Outcomes.

Objectives To systematically review the current literature on mortality and functional outcomes after emergency major abdominal surgery in older adults. Design Systematic literature search and standardized data collection of primary research publications from January 1994 through December 2013 on mortality or functional outcome in adults aged 65 and older after emergency major abdominal surgery using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and CINAHL. Bibliographies of relevant reports were also hand-searched to identify all potentially eligible studies. Setting Systematic review of retrospective and cohort studies using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses, Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology, Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology, and A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews guidelines. Participants Older adults. Measurements Articles were assessed using a standardized quality scoring system based on study design, measurement of exposures, measurement of outcomes, and control for confounding. Results Of 1,459 articles screened, 93 underwent full-text review, and 20 were systematically reviewed. In-hospital and 30-day mortality of all older adults exceeded 15% in 14 of 16 studies, where reported. Older adults undergoing emergency major abdominal surgery consistently had higher mortality across study settings and procedure types than younger individuals undergoing emergency procedures and older adults undergoing elective procedures. In studies that stratified older adults, odds of death increased with age. None of these studies examined postoperative functional status, which precluded including functional outcomes in this review. Differences in exposures, outcomes, and data presented in the studies did not allow for quantification of association using metaanalysis. Conclusion Age independently predicts mortality after emergency major abdominal surgery. Data on changes in functional status of older adults who undergo these procedures are lacking.
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator activation by the solvent ethanol: implications for topical drug delivery.

Background Decreased cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-mediated chloride (Cl) secretion across mucosal surfaces contributes to the development of airway disease by depleting airway surface liquid, increasing mucus viscosity and adhesion, and consequently hindering mucociliary clearance. We serendipitously discovered during testing of drugs solubilized in low concentrations ethanol (0.25%, 43 mM) that the control vehicle produced robust activation of CFTR-mediated Cl− transport. The objective of the current study is to investigate low concentrations of ethanol for effects on Cl− secretion and ciliary beat frequency (CBF). Methods Wild-type (WT) and transgenic CFTR−/− primary murine nasoseptal epithelial (MNSE) cultures and WT and F508del/F508del human sinonasal epithelial (HSNE) cultures were subjected to transepithelial ion transport measurements using pharmacologic manipulation in Ussing chambers. CBF activation was also monitored. Murine nasal potential difference (NPD) was measured in vivo. Results Ussing chamber tracings revealed ethanol activated CFTR-mediated Cl transport in a dose-dependent fashion in WT MNSE (n = 4, p < 0.05) and HSNE (n = 4, p < 0.05). Ethanol also significantly increased CBF (fold change) in WT MNSE cultures in a dose-dependent fashion (phosphate-buffered saline [PBS], 1.33 ± 0.04; 0.25% ethanol, 1.37 ± 0.09; 0.5% ethanol, 1.53 ± 0.06 [p < 0.05]; 1% ethanol, 1.62 ± 0.1 [p < 0.05]). Lack of stimulation in CFTR−/− and F508del/F508del cultures indicated activity was dependent on the presence of intact functional CFTR. Ethanol perfusion (0.5%) resulted in a significant −3.5-mV mean NPD polarization when compared to control solution (p < 0.05). Conclusion The observation that brief exposure of ethanol stimulated Cl− secretion via CFTR-mediated pathways indicates its possible use as topical aerosol delivered alone or in combination with other CFTR activators for diseases of dysfunctional mucociliary clearance (MCC) in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).
The Michigan State Bar Foundation: Thirty-Five Years of Public Service Through Education, Research and Publicity

The Michigan State Bar Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the State Bar of Michigan. Its purpose is to provide financial support for meaningful public-service programs on behalf of the legal profession. Founded in 1947, it is the second oldest of state bar foundations nationally. This article, published on the Foundation’s 35 anniversary, traces its history, spotlights its achievements, and explores avenues for enhancing its potential in the years ahead. A companion article, "Michigan State Bar Foundation: Profiles in Leadership," Michigan Bar Journal, Vol. 64, p. 92 (Special Commemorative Issue) 1985, available at http://ssrn.com/abstract=1728508, focuses on the five men and a woman who led the Foundation during its first 35 years. [Includes photographs.]
Fluid Shear Response in Leukocytes

The passage of leukocytes from the bone marrow into the active circulation requires cell migration with all its requirements, such as pseudopod projection by cytoplasmic actin polymerization in coordination with cyclic membrane adhesion and detachment. The cells have to be fully activated. But leukocytes that are collected in venous or arterial blood samples from a healthy individual have few of these indicators for cell activation. They are almost perfectly round cells, exhibit low levels of membrane adhesion, and pass readily through the microcirculation without entrapment in capillaries or adhesion to venular or arteriolar endothelium. In contrast, if an inflammatory stimulus is applied, circulating leukocytes are perfectly capable at any moment to adhere to and migrate on or across the endothelium. This evidence suggests that there exists a mechanism that serves to de-activate circulating leukocytes. Furthermore, in the presence of inflammatory mediators, this mechanism may be abolished and as a result activated leukocytes may appear in the circulation. We hypothesize here that this mechanism is due to mechanical fluid shear. This chapter is focused on the shear response of circulating leukocytes. The chapters by Dr. Frangos and Tarbel address the fluid shear response in endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells.