cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advance Care Planning Decisions of Women with Cancer: Provider Recognition and Stability of Choices

Our prior research found that 43% of women with cancer relied on more than one person for advance care planning (ACP) and support. We conducted this follow-up study to address the stability of patient choices around ACP and providers’ knowledge of patients’ named supports. Living participants from the original survey were recontacted and asked to participate in this study. Of the original 215 participants, 113 (66%) participated. The median time between surveys was 23 months. At resurvey, 33 (26%) patients did not name the same person to all three roles. Controlling for age, race, partner status, tumor type, and remission status, naming one person for all three roles was associated with higher concordance at follow-up for primary support (PS) and health care proxy (HCP). Comparing patients’ and providers’ responses (N = 162), concordance was 71% for emergency contact (EC), 60% for PS, but only 51% for HCP. In this follow-up study, a smaller percentage of women named more than one person to the roles of EC...
Stress granule formation mediates the inhibition of colonic Hsp70 translation by interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α

Mucosal inflammation, through cytokines such as interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), has many effects on the intestinal epithelium, including selective translational inhibition of the cytoprotective protein heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70). To further elucidate the mechanisms underlying this effect, we examined the role of stress granules in mediating the actions of these proinflammatory cytokines. Using conditionally immortalized young adult mouse colonic epithelial cells, we demonstrate that IFN-γ and TNF-α, which upregulate eukaryotic initiation factor-α (eIF-2α) phosphorylation and reduce Hsp70 translation, significantly enhance stress granule formation in heat-shocked intestinal epithelial cells. The IFN-γ and TNF-α effects in upregulation of stress granule formation and downregulation of Hsp70 were eIF-2α dependent, and the effect could be negated by blocking eIF-2α phosphorylation with use of an RNA-dependent protein kinase inhibitor. Correspondingly, IFN-γ and TNF-α increased binding of cytoplasmic proteins to the 3′-untranslated region of Hsp70 mRNA, suggesting specific recruitment of Hsp70 to stress granules as the mechanism of IFN-γ and TNF-α inhibition of Hsp70 translation. We thus report a novel linkage between inflammatory cytokine production, stress granule formation, and Hsp70 translation inhibition, providing additional insights into the response of intestinal epithelial cells to inflammatory stress.
The Effect of Other-Oriented Values on Decision Making: A Test of Propositions of a Theory of Concern for Others in Organizations☆

Abstract Based on recent theoretical work by Simon (1990, 1993), we proposed that the value of concern for others would reflect a general process whereby individuals place less value on personal outcomes and are less disposed to engage in rational calculations involving costs and benefits. We conducted two studies to examine whether these mechanisms generalize to situations that do not involve helping others. In the first study, persons high in concern for others were less attracted to choices involving the prospect of personal gain and were less discerning about the value and risk involved in making choices than were individuals low in concern for others. The second study showed that positive affective arousal, which is likely to focus attention on personal concerns, moderated the effects observed in the first study. Results suggest that other-oriented values such as concern for others may have a substantial impact on a wide range of organizational processes beyond helping.
A single ALU speech synthesizer/ROM/microprocessor system

Describes a single ALU (arithmetic logic unit) speech IC which includes a flexible synthesizer, ROM, RAM, I/O and a 0.5 MIPS microcomputer with a single cycle multiply-all for less than $2.00 in large quantities. >
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists in anesthesiology

A LTHOUGH CLONIDINE, the prototypic at 2 adrenoceptor agonist, was introduced as an antihypertensive medication more than 25 years ago, its introduction into anesthetic practice has been relatively recent. There are currently no a2 agents being marketed for anesthetic practice in humans, although veterinary anesthesiologists have used these compounds to great advantage for many years. Despite the lack of available compounds with appropriate pharmacology and formulation, many protagonists have administered a2 adrenoceptor agonists in the perioperative period with beneficial effects. Clinical interest in these compounds will be further aroused by the development and clinical introduction ofsuperselective agonists such as dexmedetomidine. We review the basic and applied pharmacology of this class of drugs and provide practical examples of the use of a2 adrenergic agonists in the clinical setting.
Designing intercultural education and training programs: An evidence-based approach ☆

Abstract In this article we describe a six stage model for the design of evidence-based intercultural education and training programs. The six stages involve: (1) selecting the cultures or subgroups involved in the program, (2) establishing the goals of the program, (3) choosing relevant theories of culture, culture change, and adaptation, (4) selecting relevant psychological and communication processes based on the goals and theory, (5) selecting techniques and exercises that will activate these processes, and (6) evaluating the effectiveness of the program and the processes by which these outcomes occurred. These six stages are illustrated by reference to an intergroup dialogue program ( Gurin et al., in press ). The effects of the program on intergroup understanding, intergroup relationships, and social justice oriented actions are presented along with a causal model of these outcomes. The article concludes with a discussion of the utility of the six stage model.
Galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase of lemurs: A comparison of four species

Erythrocyte galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (Gal-1-PUT) was studied in four species of lemurs. Electrophoretic phenotypes of Lemur fulvusand Lemur macacowere indistinguishable and different from the phenotypes of Lemur cattaand Lemur variegatus,which were different from each other. Enzymatic activity of hemolysates was species specific, with that of Lemur variegatusabout twice that of either Lemur fulvusor Lemur macacoand almost three times that of Lemur catta.Only minor interspecific differences were demonstrated in pH optima and km for galactose-1-phosphate; however, thermal stability varied considerably with phenotype. Antibody inhibition studies indicated that differences in enzyme activity of hemolysates from these species are probably due to differences in enzyme concentration.
Woodin cardinals and presaturated ideals

Abstract Models of set theory are constructed where the non-stationary ideal on P Ω1 λ (λ an uncountable regular cardinal) is presaturated. The initial model has a Woodin cardinal. Using the Levy collapse the Woodin cardinal becomes λ+ in the final model. These models provide new information about the consistency strength of a presaturated ideal on P Ω1 λ for λ greater than Ω 1 .
Chrysaora: WebGL jellyfish simulation

Chrysaora is a real-time jellyfish simulation created entirely with web technologies such as javascript, WebGL, websockets and CSS. It uses realistic rendering and simulation techniques similar to those used in modern 3D video games, but it can run in an internet browser on any operating system. It takes advantage of WebGL API to deliver real-time hardware-accelerated graphics to the browser. At the same time, Chrysaora uses the latest web-socket technology for full-duplex communication over a single TCP socket to establish real-time synchronization across multiple browsers. This enables the application to render different parts of the scene on multiple computers while they are being synchronized by a remote server in real time.
Recruiting and Retaining Black Male Teachers in Gifted Education

Every school district shares the pervasive issue of having males under-represented in the teaching profession. Likewise, most have a paucity of teachers who are African American. Combining both gender and race, only 1% of teachers are Black males. In the article, we rely on scholarship regarding the lack of diversity among teachers and among males in general education to draw implications to the field of gifted education, with specific attention to recruiting and retaining Black male teachers in gifted education. We present an overview of demographic data for students and teachers by race and gender, along with recommendations for recruiting and retaining greater percentages of Black male teachers in gifted education.
Advances in low-energy neutral-atom imaging techniques

Recently proposed low energy neutral atom (LENA) imaging techniques use a collisional process to convert the low energy neutrals into ions before detection. At low energies, collisional processes limit the angular resolution and conversion efficiencies of these devices. However, if the intense ultraviolet light background can be suppressed, direct LENA detection is possible. We present results from a series of experiments designed to develop a novel filtering structure based on free-standing transmission gratings. If the grating period is sufficiently small, free standing transmission gratings can be employed to substantially polarize ultraviolet (UV) light in the wavelength range 300 angstroms to 1500 angstroms. If a second grating is placed behind the first grating with its axis of polarization oriented at a right angle to the first's, a substantial attenuation of UV radiation is achievable. The neutrals will pass through the remaining open area of two gratings and be detected without UV background complications. We have obtained nominal 2000 angstroms period (1000 angstroms bars with 1000 angstroms slits) free standing, gold transmission gratings and measured their UV and atomic transmission characteristics. The geometric factor of a LENA imager based on this technology is comparable to that of other proposed LENA imagers.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Situation-specific training for adults with aphasia: An example

Abstract Two individuals with aphasia were taught to communicate in simulated emergency situations using a situation-specific training strategy. A single-subject experimental design was used to determine the efficacy of the treatment procedure. The results indicated that both individuals improved within 10 treatment sessions with variable levels of generalization and lasting effects at 4 weeks following treatment. These preliminary data provide evidence that a situation-specific approach has promise as an efficacious technique to facilitate functional communicative outcomes in patients with aphasia.
Experimental investigation of talc solubility in H2O-MgCl2-NaCl-HCl fluids in the range 500–700°C, 2 kb

Abstract The equilibrium solubility of the talc-quartz mineral assemblage in H 2 O-MgCl 2 -NaCl-HCl fluids at 2 kb and temperatures in the range 500–700°C has been determined using rapid-quench hydrothermal techniques. Nacl concentrations from 0.0 m to approximately 6 m were utilized. The Ag-AgCl acid buffer technique was used to control the activity of the aqueous HCl o species in the fluid at elevated temperature and pressure. At 500°C, the concentration of Mg measured in the fluid after quench decreased in a systematic, nonlinear fashion with increasing concentrations of NaCl, from 2.8 m Mg in NaCl-free solutions to 1.5 m in 5.1 m NaCl. In contrast, at 600 and 700°C Mg molalities increased with increasing NaCl molalities. At 600°C, the concentration of Mg increased from 0.072 to 0.12 m as the concentration of NaCl increased from 0.0 to 6.1 m. At 700°C, Mg molality increased from an NaCl-free value of 0.0078 m, to 0.031 m in 6.3 m NaCl. The observed solubilities were compared to concentrations of aqueous species calculated by solving the series of mass-action and mass-balance equations that describe the activities and molalities of the relevant species in the fluid. It is concluded that at 500°C, MgCl o 2 , MgCl + , and Mg 2+ are the only Mgspecies necessary to account for the observed behavior. The calculations suggest that the decrease in Mg results from both the increasing concentrations of Cl − as NaCl concentration increases, and the changing dielectric properties of the fluid. At 600 and 700°C, the presence of Mg-species in addition to MgCl 2 0 , MgCl + , and Mg 2+ may be required to describe the increased solubility observed in the experiments. Use of the slope-quantification method for identifying aqueous species (e.g., Seward , 1976) indicates that higher order Mg-Cl species or Na-Mg-Cl species are possible, but the precision of the technique is not sufficient to uniquely identify the species.
Application of the statistical narrow-band correlated-k method to non-grey gas radiation in CO2–H2O mixtures: approximate treatments of overlapping bands

Abstract The statistical narrow-band correlated- k method was employed to calculate narrow-band intensities along a line-of-sight and radiative transfer in a three-dimensional rectangular enclosure containing nonisothermal CO 2 –H 2 O–N 2 mixtures at 1 atm. The correlated treatment of overlapping narrow bands of CO 2 and H 2 O based on the multiplication property of gas transmissivity significantly increases the execution time of this method at each overlapping band. Three new approximate treatments for overlapping bands were proposed to improve the computational efficiency of the statistical narrow-band correlated- k method for gas radiation calculations in media containing two or more radiating gases. The accuracy of the statistical narrow-band correlated- k method using four approximate treatments of overlapping bands in CO 2 –H 2 O–N 2 mixtures was evaluated by comparing their numerical results with those obtained using the correlated treatment of overlapping bands. Such comparisons were made for both spectrally integrated quantities and narrow-band intensities along a line-of-sight. Results of the statistical narrow-band model were also obtained as a reference solution in the evaluation of the results of the statistical narrow-band correlated- k method.
Variation in mitochondrial DNA in populations of Peromyscus eremicus from the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts

A 1,439-bp region of the mitochondrial DNA was analyzed for restriction-fragment-length polymorphisms (RFLPs) within and among populations of cactus mice ( Peromyscus eremicus ) from the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts. Although five mtDNA haplotypes were detected, none of these was shared between Sonoran and Chihuahuan populations. All analyses of the RFLP variation and concordant morphological, biochemical, and biogeographic data are consistent with the hypothesis that the P. eremicus from the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts represent recently diverged species. Pliocene or late Pleistocene pluvial-interpluvial climatic fluctuations are implicated as the primary mechanism in the diversification of the cactus mice from the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts.
Effects of conductive hearing loss on auditory evoked potentials and audiogenic seizures in mice.

IF a mouse is exposed to an intense acoustic stimulus during a critical developmental period, subsequent acoustic exposure days or weeks later will produce audiogenic seizures1,2. Chen, Gates and Bock3 have also observed audiogenic seizures subsequent to rupture of the tympanic membrane and have proposed supersensitivity resulting from auditory deprivation as a mechanism common to both phenomena. Here we extend their findings to auditory deprivation resulting from nontraumatic temporary conductive deafness, examine its effects on subsequent auditory electrophysiology, and present evidence for a critical period for the effects of this disuse.
Statistical analyses of two-dimensional photonic bandgap waveguides containing structural deviations

Feasibility studies and statistical analyses generated using specially tailored software tools of 2D photonic bandgap waveguides containing structural deviations are presented. Waveguide structures comprising two wide angle bends within a photonic bandgap structure were used in this analysis. The results demonstrate that small variations in the location and size of ordered media create significant changes in the photonic bandgap properties of the material. Deviations with a statistical mean of 20 nm in locaiton and size of this particular model designed for 1.55 μm wavelength are enough to cause the waveguide transmission to reduce by up to 90%.
World maps and Easter tables: Medieval maps in context

Abstract Medieval geographical texts and world histories have long been searched for world maps. One source which merits further exploration is the computistical or calendar manuscript, which is devoted to calculating the date of Easter. Computus manuscripts include T‐O, zonal and ‘list’ maps, as well as more complex and detailed maps. Three of the complex maps are examined here, and their form and content related to their context.
Existence of a Hydroperoxy and Water (HO2‚H2O) Radical Complex

The structure, vibrational spectrum, and binding energy of HO2·H2O are predicted using ab initio molecular methods. Theory predicts that the HO2·H2O complex is bound by 6.9 kcal mol-1. The equilibr...
Nuclear Data Sheets for A=199*

Experimental data pertaining to nuclei with A = 199 are compiled and evaluated. copyright 1988 Academic Press, Inc.
Determination of the Load Distribution in a Threaded Connector Having Dissimilar Materials and Varying Thread Stiffness

A modified spring model was developed to predict the load distribution in the threaded portion of a connector. Distinction was made between a compression case (nut and bolt) and a tension case (turnbuckle). The load distribution was described using simple second-order difference equations. Three different nut and bolt (turn-buckle) combinations were discussed: (1) threads of similar materials and geometry, (2) threads of similar geometry but different modulus of elasticity, and (3) threads with varying stiffness
Timely and efficient facilitation of coordination of software developers' activities

Work dependencies often exist between the developers of a software project. These dependencies frequently result in a need for coordination between the involved developers. However, developers are not always aware of these Coordination Requirements. Current methods which detect the need to coordinate rely on information which is available only after development work has been completed. This does not enable developers to act on their coordination needs. Furthermore, even if developers were aware of all Coordination Requirements, they likely would be overwhelmed by the large number and would not be able to effectively follow up directly with the developers involved in each dependent task. I will investigate a more timely method to determine Coordination Requirements in a software development team as they emerge and how to focus the developers’ attention on the most crucial ones. Further, I hope to prove that direct inter-personal communication is not always necessary to fulfill these requirements and gain insight on how we can develop tools that encourage cheaper forms of coordination.
Depletion of Serum Response Factor by RNA Interference Mimics the Mitogenic Effects of Platelet Derived Growth Factor-BB in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Promoters of many smooth muscle-specific genes (SM-genes) contain multiple CArG boxes, which represent a binding site for serum response factor (SRF). Transciptional control through these regions involves interactions with SRF and specific coactivators such as myocardin. We have previously reported that suppression of SM-gene expression by platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) is associated with redistribution of SRF, leading to lower intra-nuclear levels, and a reduction in SRF transactivation. To further assess the role of SRF depletion on VSMC phenotype, the current study used RNA interference (RNAi). Two SRF-specific sequences constructed as hairpins were stably expressed in rat VSMC. Clones expressing SRF RNAi had no detectable SRF expression by immunoblotting, and showed diminished levels of SM α-actin protein and promoter activity. Unexpectedly, depletion of VSMC resulted in increased rates of proliferation and migration. Several genes whose expression is increased by PDGF stimulation, including c-Jun, were similarly induced in cells lacking SRF. Effects of SRF depletion were not attributable to altered PDGF receptor activity or alterations in activation of Akt. These data indicate that loss of SRF transactivation in VSMC, in this case through suppression via RNAi, induces biological responses similar to that seen with PDGF.
Was there policy ''reform''? Evolution of EU domestic support for processed fruits and vegetables

Policy “reform” in agricultural markets is often associated with less government regulation and expenditures, or a shift towards more efficient interventions. The European Union (EU) adopted major policy changes for processed fruits and vegetables in 2001 and again in 2008, and we employ a simulation model to examine the effects of the three policy regimes in place before and after each of the changes. Our analysis incorporates the heterogeneity of processing firms in the EU and considers how they responded to the different policy regimes. Simulation results indicate that the EU subsidies increased EU tomato production by 3.8% for the regime that began in 2008 and 9.1% for the regime that began in 2001 compared to no subsidies. The policy regime that was in place from 2001 through 2007 led to the greatest distortions in global processing tomato markets, in part because it directed more of the benefits to EU growers and less to EU processors and consumers. Thus changes in 2001 “reformed” policy by redistributing gains within the EU, while changes in 2008 “reformed” policy by reducing distortions in global markets.
Microarray-Based Characterization of Microbial Community Functional Structure and Heterogeneity in Marine Sediments from the Gulf of Mexico

ABSTRACT Marine sediments of coastal margins are important sites of carbon sequestration and nitrogen cycling. To determine the metabolic potential and structure of marine sediment microbial communities, two cores were collected each from the two stations (GMT at a depth of 200 m and GMS at 800 m) in the Gulf of Mexico, and six subsamples representing different depths were analyzed from each of these two cores using functional gene arrays containing ∼2,000 probes targeting genes involved in carbon fixation; organic carbon degradation; contaminant degradation; metal resistance; and nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorous cycling. The geochemistry was highly variable for the sediments based on both site and depth. A total of 930 (47.1%) probes belonging to various functional gene categories showed significant hybridization with at least 1 of the 12 samples. The overall functional gene diversity of the samples from shallow depths was in general lower than those from deep depths at both stations. Also high microbial heterogeneity existed in these marine sediments. In general, the microbial community structure was more similar when the samples were spatially closer. The number of unique genes at GMT increased with depth, from 1.7% at 0.75 cm to 18.9% at 25 cm. The same trend occurred at GMS, from 1.2% at 0.25 cm to 15.2% at 16 cm. In addition, a broad diversity of geochemically important metabolic functional genes related to carbon degradation, nitrification, denitrification, nitrogen fixation, sulfur reduction, phosphorus utilization, contaminant degradation, and metal resistance were observed, implying that marine sediments could play important roles in biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfate, and various metals. Finally, the Mantel test revealed significant positive correlations between various specific functional genes and functional processes, and canonical correspondence analysis suggested that sediment depth, PO43−, NH4+, Mn(II), porosity, and Si(OH)4 might play major roles in shaping the microbial community structure in the marine sediments.
Mesenchymal stem cells: building blocks for molecular medicine in the 21st century

Mesenchymal stem sells (MSCs) are present in a variety of tissues during human development, and in adults they are prevalent in bone marrow. From that readily available source, MSCs can be isolated, expanded in culture, and stimulated to differentiate into bone, cartilage, muscle, marrow stroma, tendon, fat and a variety of other connective tissues. Because large numbers of MSCs can be generated in culture, tissue-engineered constructs principally composed of these cells could be re-introduced into the in vivo setting. This approach is now being explored to regenerate tissues that the body cannot naturally repair or regenerate when challenged. Moreover, MSCs can be transduced with retroviral and other vectors and are, thus, potential candidates to deliver somatic gene therapies for local or systemic pathologies. Untapped applications include both diagnostic and prognostic uses of MSCs and their descendents in healthcare management. Finally, by understanding the complex, multistep and multifactorial differentiation pathway from MSC to functional tissues, it might be possible to manipulate MSCs directly in vivo to cue the formation of elaborate, composite tissues in situ.
Intake of Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, and Fiber and Risk of Stroke Among US Men

Background—Animal experiments and epidemiological studies have suggested that high potassium intake may reduce the risk of stroke, but the evidence is inconclusive, and the role of other nutrients in potassium-rich foods remains unknown. Methods and Results—We examined the association of potassium and related nutrients with risk of stroke among 43 738 US men, 40 to 75 years old, without diagnosed cardiovascular diseases or diabetes, who completed a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire in 1986. During 8 years of follow-up, 328 strokes (210 ischemic, 70 hemorrhagic, 48 unspecified) were documented. The multivariate relative risk of stroke of any type for men in the top fifth of potassium intake (median intake, 4.3 g/d) versus those in the bottom (median, 2.4 g/d) was 0.62 (95% CI, 0.43, 0.88; P for trend=0.007). Results for ischemic stroke alone were similar. Intakes of cereal fiber and magnesium, but not of calcium, were also inversely associated with risk of total stroke. These inverse associatio...
A Workforce Analysis Informing Medical School Expansion, Admissions, Support for Primary Care, Curriculum, and Research

PURPOSE This case study describes the findings of a physician workforce analysis and how an institution is using these findings to address the decreasing proportion of medical students choosing primary care careers. METHODS A University of Washington School of Medicine committee commissioned an analysis of the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile. The analysis examined physician-to-population ratios, rural-urban geographic distribution, physician demographics, and physician graduation from the university or one of its affiliated residency programs for graduates of allopathic medical schools and residencies at the county level in the 5 states in the WWAMI partnership (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho). RESULTS The analysis found that in 2005, the 5 WWAMI states ranked at the bottom of US states in the number of publicly supported medical school and residency slots per capita. Although physician-to-population ratios were comparable to those in the rest of the country, the 5 WWAMI states imported most of their physicians, including family physicians, approximately 70% of whom came from other medical schools or residency programs. Family physicians were the only specialty distributed across the population gradient from urban to isolated rural areas. The workforce analysis is informing planning for medical school expansion, admissions, support for primary care, curriculum, and research at an institution with a clear mission that includes training the health workforce for its region. CONCLUSIONS The analysis has wide potential applicability, but it has special relevance for primary care and has been particularly useful in making the case for supporting primary care education in the WWAMI region.
Fibrinolysis and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Open Heart Surgery

Fibrinolysis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) have been implicated as the cause or contributing mechanisms for hemorrhage during and after cardiopulmonary bypass. Even when unassociated with hemorrhage, both processes have been thought to be common occurences during open heart surgery. In order to measure the degree to which these mechanisms occur, fibrin split products (FSP) were measured simultaneously in blood and chest tube drainage of open heart surgical patients. In addition, serial measurements of platelets and fibrinogen were also measured in the blood of these patients. It is concluded that fibrinolysis invariably occurs to a high degree in the chest postoperatively but with few systemic manifestations and that fibrinolysis and/or DIC are rare causes of a hemorrhagic diathesis after cardiopulmonary bypass.
PREPARATION OF TETRAMETHYLPIPERDINE-1-OXOAMMONlUM SALTS AND THEIR USE AS OXIDANTS IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. A REVIEW

(2004). PREPARATION OF TETRAMETHYLPIPERDINE-1-OXOAMMONlUM SALTS AND THEIR USE AS OXIDANTS IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. A REVIEW. Organic Preparations and Procedures International: Vol. 36, No. 1, pp. 1-31.
Acupuncture inhibits sympathetic activation during mental stress in advanced heart failure patients

Background: In heart failure (HF) patients, muscle sympathetic nerve activity is increased, and HF patients with the greatest sympathetic activation have the poorest prognosis. In animals, acupuncture is sympathoinhibitory, and the most profound sympathoinhibition occurs in animals with the highest resting sympathetic nerve activity. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that acupuncture is sympathoinhibitory in humans with HF. Methods and Results: Fifteen advanced HF patients underwent acute mental stress testing before and during (1) “real” acupuncture (n 10), (2) non-acupoint acupuncture (n 10), and (3) no-needle acupuncture control (n 10). Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) was recorded using peroneal microneurography. Resting MSNA was not different before and after acupuncture (52 22 versus 50 21 bursts/min, P NS). During mental stress, SNA increased significantly. This increase was eliminated following real acupuncture (mean delta MSNA pre-acupuncture versus post-acupuncture: 149 171 versus 169 130, P .03), but not after non-acupoint or no-needle acupuncture controls. The changes in blood pressure and heart rate during mental stress were not attenuated by real or control acupuncture. Conclusion: Acute acupuncture attenuates sympathoexcitation during mental stress in advanced HF patients.
Optical measurement uncertainties due to refractive index mismatch for flow in porous media

Application of optical techniques such as PIV, PTV, and LDA for velocity field estimation in porous media requires matching of refractive indices of the liquid phase to that of the solid matrix, including the channel walls. The methods most commonly employed to match the refractive indices have been to maximize the transmitted intensity through the bed or to rely on direct refractometer measurements of the indices of the two phases. Mismatch of refractive indices leads to error in estimation of particle position, e PD, due to refraction at solid–liquid interfaces. Analytical ray tracing applied to a model of solid beads placed randomly along the optical path is used to estimate e PD. The model, after validating against experimental results, is used to generate expression for e PD as a function of refractive index mismatch for a range of bead diameters, bed widths, bed porosity, and optical magnification. The estimate of e PD, which is found to be unbiased, is connected to errors in PIV measurement using the central limit theorem. Mismatch in refractive indices can also lead to reduction in particle density, N s, detected light flux, J, and degrade the particle image. The model, verified through experiments, is used to predict the reduction in N s and J, where it is found that particle defocusing caused by spherical beads in refractive index mismatched porous bed is the primary contributor to reductions of N s and J. In addition, the magnitude of e PD is determined for the use of fluorescent dye emission for particle detection due to wavelength-dependent index of refraction.
Cerebromicrovascular Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease Compared to Normal Aging

A growing amount of data using light and electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry, uptake of brain markers and metabolic studies suggest that the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease may be due to impaired vascular delivery of nutrients to the brain. The bulk of this evidence indicates that cerebral capillary transport of glucose, oxygen and other vital nutrients is dysfunctional in Alzheimer brains due to abnormal hemodynamic flow patterns caused by structural deformities of the capillaries. Clinical disorders which can worsen cerebral blood flow, such as head injury, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular ischemia or the presence of apolipoprotein E4 allele will increase the risk of Alzheimer's dementia. By contrast, activities that increase cerebral blood flow during aging such as complex thinking patterns or the use of drugs to reduce vascular resistance, such as aspirin or NSAIDs, will reduce the risk or improve the status of Alzheimer's disease. The production of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles may develop from the hypometabolic abnormalities caused by the impaired cerebromicrovasculature in Alzheimer brains. Such metabolic and cerebral blood flow changes are considerably less significant in age-matched control subjects. The major physiological, pathological and cognitive changes reported for Alzheimer's disease appear to have a common denominator which is reflected by the physically distorted cerebromicrovessels and their inability to optimally deliver nutrients to the brain, a condition which ultimately disturbs neurono-glial homeostasis.
Homeostatic regulation of the endoneurial microenvironment during development, aging and in response to trauma, disease and toxic insult

The endoneurial microenvironment, delimited by the endothelium of endoneurial vessels and a multi-layered ensheathing perineurium, is a specialized milieu interieur within which axons, associated Schwann cells and other resident cells of peripheral nerves function. The endothelium and perineurium restricts as well as regulates exchange of material between the endoneurial microenvironment and the surrounding extracellular space and thus is more appropriately described as a blood–nerve interface (BNI) rather than a blood–nerve barrier (BNB). Input to and output from the endoneurial microenvironment occurs via blood–nerve exchange and convective endoneurial fluid flow driven by a proximo-distal hydrostatic pressure gradient. The independent regulation of the endothelial and perineurial components of the BNI during development, aging and in response to trauma is consistent with homeostatic regulation of the endoneurial microenvironment. Pathophysiological alterations of the endoneurium in experimental allergic neuritis (EAN), and diabetic and lead neuropathy are considered to be perturbations of endoneurial homeostasis. The interactions of Schwann cells, axons, macrophages, and mast cells via cell–cell and cell–matrix signaling regulate the permeability of this interface. A greater knowledge of the dynamic nature of tight junctions and the factors that induce and/or modulate these key elements of the BNI will increase our understanding of peripheral nerve disorders as well as stimulate the development of therapeutic strategies to treat these disorders.
The influence of social and political violence on the risk of pregnancy complications.

BACKGROUND. Events in Chile provided an opportunity to evaluate health effects associated with exposure to high levels of social and political violence. METHODS. Neighborhoods in Santiago, Chile, were mapped for occurrences of sociopolitical violence during 1985-86, such as bomb threats, military presence, undercover surveillance, and political demonstrations. Six health centers providing prenatal care were then chosen at random: three from "high-violence" and three from "low-violence" neighborhoods. The 161 healthy, pregnant women due to deliver between August 1 and September 7, 1986, who attended these health centers were interviewed twice about their living conditions. Pregnancy complications and labor/delivery information were subsequently obtained from clinic and hospital records. RESULTS. Women living in the high-violence neighborhoods were significantly more likely to experience pregnancy complications than women living in lower violence neighborhoods (OR = 5.0; 95% CI = 1.9-12.6; p less than 0.01)...
An Examination for Sperm Capacitation in the Fowl

The in vitro culture system developed was capable of supporting recently ovulated chicken ova in a viable state for at least 24 hr. Utilizing this system, 8 out of 10 ova obtained from the body cavity or infundibulum of unmated White Leghorn hens, were successfully fertilized in vitro. Microscopic examination of the eight fertile blastodiscs revealed that five had proceeded to the blastula state of development during the 24-hr culture period. The remaining three fertile ova, apparently retarded, had not progressed beyond the early cleavage stage of development. None of 10 ova recovered from unmated hens showed signs of development after culture under the same conditions but without incubation with spermatozoa. These observations afford direct evidence that avian spermatozoa do not require a period of capacitation within the hen’s reproductive tract in order to fertilize ova.
Love to hate: national celebrity and racial intimacy on reality TV in the New Europe.

This essay examines the love–hate relationship—overt hatred and secret love—that surrounds reality shows about Roma and other racialized celebrities in postsocialist New European nations. Taking th...
Making Doctors: An Institutional Apprenticeship

Making Doctors: An Institutional Apprenticeship Simon Sinclair. Oxford: Berg, 1997. + 347 pp., bibliography, index.
Evaluation of structural and evolutionary contributions to deleterious mutation prediction.

Abstract Methods for automated prediction of deleterious protein mutations have utilized both structural and evolutionary information but the relative contribution of these two factors remains unclear. To address this, we have used a variety of structural and evolutionary features to create simple deleterious mutation models that have been tested on both experimental mutagenesis and human allele data. We find that the most accurate predictions are obtained using a solvent-accessibility term, the Cβ density, and a score derived from homologous sequences, SIFT. A classification tree using these two features has a cross-validated prediction error of 20.5% on an experimental mutagenesis test set when the prior probability for deleterious and neutral cases is equal, whereas this prediction error is 28.8% and 22.2% using either the Cβ density or SIFT alone. The improvement imparted by structure increases when fewer homologs are available: when restricted to three homologs the prediction error improves from 26.9% using SIFT alone to 22.4% using SIFT and the Cβ density, or 24.8% using SIFT and a noisy Cβ density term approximating the inaccuracy of ab initio structures modeled by the Rosetta method. We conclude that methods for deleterious mutation prediction should include structural information when fewer than five to ten homologs are available, and that ab initio predicted structures may soon be useful in such cases when high-resolution structures are unavailable.
Noncontingent Reinforcement: Behavioral Mechanisms Involved in Response Suppression and Treatment Efficacy

Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) has been found to be an effective treatment for a variety of undesirable behaviors maintained by various types of reinforcement (e.g., social positive, social negative, and automatic). Throughout the last decade, over 100 research articles have been published on the topic of NCR as a treatment for maladaptive behavior. Research has involved questions ranging from treatment comparisons and efficacy to parametric analyses. Specifically, much of the research has questioned the specific behavioral mechanisms involved in the reduction of undesirable behavior. In addition, more recent studies have started to evaluate the efficacy of NCR with respect to both short- and long-term outcomes. This paper reviews these two prominent areas; highlighting particular research that is indicative of current views in the field of behavior analysis. In addition, suggestions for future research on NCR are provided.
Presidential Particularism and Divide-the-Dollar Politics—CORRIGENDUM

On page 157 of the article by Kriner and Reeves in the February 2015 issue of American Political Science Review, the author of a book by Hart (1995) is incorrectly cited as House. On page 170, the reference incorrectly lists the author as House and the publisher as M.E. Sharpe. The publisher is in fact Chatham House. The correct reference is below.
Photoinduced Charge Separation in Bacterial Reaction Centers Investigated by Triplets and Radical Pairs

A time domain of particular interest in the study of photosynthetic charge separation is from 5 to 100 ns after the initiation of primary photochemistry within the reaction center. This regime is especially significant to the magnetic resonance spectroscopist because, although charge separation has proceeded to a radical pair state, the electrons on the radicals remain close enough to interact with each other magnetically during this time. Such magnetic interactions largely govern the fate of the radical pair state when the charges recombine; however, the dynamic evolution of the state occurs too quickly to be directly observable with the EPR, ENDOR, or ESE (electronspin echo) techniques. By using optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) and reaction yield-detected magnetic resonance (RYDMR), however, the time resolution necessary to observe short-lived paramagnetic states of the bacterial reaction center can be achieved, starting at about 5 ns.
Wavelet-Compressed Representation of Landscapes for Hydrologic and Geomorphologic Applications

The availability of high-resolution digital elevation data (submeter resolution) from LiDAR has increased dramatically over the past few years. As a result, the efficient storage and transmission of those large data sets and their use for geomorphic feature extraction and hydrologic/environmental modeling are becoming a scientific challenge. This letter explores the use of multiresolution wavelet analysis for compression of LiDAR digital elevation data sets. The compression takes advantage of the fact that, in most landscapes, neighboring pixels are correlated and thus contain some redundant information. The space–frequency localization of the wavelet filters allows one to preserve detailed high-resolution features where needed while representing the rest of the landscape at lower resolution. We explore a lossy compression methodology based on biorthogonal wavelets and demonstrate that, by keeping only approximately 10% of the original information (data compression ratio ∼94%), the reconstructed landscapes retain most of the information of relevance to geomorphologic applications, such as the ability to accurately extract channel networks for environmental flux routing, as well as to identify geomorphic process transition from the curvature–slope and slope–distance relationships.
The Series for e via Integration

Marc Chamberland (chamberl@math.grin.edu), Grinnell College, Grinnell IA 50112 This note describes yet another way of obtaining the classical series expansion for e, namely 11 1 e= lim {1 + ? + ? + ??? + ? w->oo I 1! 2! n\ by means of integrals, not by Taylor polynomials. This derivation is an interesting application of integration by parts and it offers a nice introduction to infinite series. Let
Impact of interactions between metal oxides to oxidative reactivity of manganese dioxide.

Manganese oxides typically exist as mixtures with other metal oxides in soil–water environments; however, information is only available on their redox activity as single oxides. To bridge this gap,...
Two-photon fluorescence microscopy of collateral blood flow following photothrombotic stroke in rat neocortex

Optical excitation of the dye rose bengal by tightly-focused 532-nm laser light induces clot formation in individual blood vessels in rat cortex. Changes in blood flow during and after clot formation are observed using two-photon microscopy. We find that flow reverses direction downstream from clotted arterioles, thereby maintaining tissue perfusion.
Multi-Scale Mechanical Performance of High Strength-High Ductility Concrete

A new fiber-reinforced cement-based composite, called High Strength-High Ductility Concrete (HSHDC) with unparalleled combination of compressive strength (>150 MPa) and tensile ductility (>3 %), has been recently developed. Due to such unique combination of properties, the specific energies of HSHDC under tension and compression at both pseudo-static and high strain rates are extremely high. The design of this engineered material is based on the fundamental principles of micromechanics which focus on the synchronous functioning of the fiber, the cementitious matrix, and their interface to achieve the desired material properties for a given structural application. For such micromechanics-based design to succeed, the material has been researched at several length scales ranging from micro-scale fiber/matrix interactions to structural-scale impact resistance of HSHDC slabs. This paper summarizes the mechanical properties of HSHDC at various length scales to facilitate further development of this material and explore its potential for use in enhancing structural impact and blast resistance.
Teachers' Perceptions on Current Piano Use in the Elementary General Music Classroom.

The purpose of this study was to identify teacher opinion of piano use, the amount of piano use, and current purposes for pianos in elementary general music classrooms. A geographically diverse sample of general music teachers (N = 189) completed a piano use survey. The data indicated that teachers felt piano was an important part of elementary music and that the piano should be used for accompaniment more than any other purpose. Pianos were most commonly used on a weekly basis. Teachers who began piano lessons at a younger age also tended to use more piano in their classrooms. Qualitative statements made about piano use were positive and enthusiastic. This study provides direction for future research in the investigation of relationships between amount of piano use and teacher variables, and the amount of a cappella singing in the elementary classroom.