cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of ambulatory continuous peripheral nerve blocks for postoperative pain management in children and adolescents.

Summary Background Ambulatory continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNBs) are feasible for pediatric patients. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of CPNBs in a pediatric population. Methods This retrospective report of 33-month prospectively collected data investigates patient, parent, and nurse pain control satisfaction score (PCSS), the incidence and severity of pain, daily analgesic consumption following discharge home with various CPNBs and On-Q pumps, and any complications and side effects related to CPNBs. Results Four hundred and three patients (403; aged 5–22) were discharged home with 410 CPNBs (brachial and lumbar plexus, femoral, sciatic, and paravertebral); 76.7% on the day of surgery. The median/interquartile range (IQR) ropivacaine continuous infusion via On-Q pump was 0.24 (0.20–0.30) mg·kg−1·hr−1, and the median/IQR duration was 72 (48–72) h. The median/IQR home PCSS was 10 (9–10). Median Postoperative Ambulatory Care Unit (PACU)/IQR pain control satisfaction scores were 10 (8–10) for the patient, 10 (9–10) for the parent, and 10 (9–10) for the nurse. Thirty-three (10.0%) patients did not report any pain at home, and median maximum home/IQR pain score was 4 (2–6). In the PACU, 126 (31.3%) patients did not report any pain and median/IQR pain score was 1 (0–3). No opioids were administered at home for 12 (4.3%) patients and in the PACU for 150 (37.4%). Sixty-three (14.4%) complications and side effects for 58 patients were reported. We report 93.1% ambulatory efficacy of CPNBs. Conclusion Our patients and their caregivers were very satisfied with ambulatory CPNBs. When combined with oral analgesics, CPNBs provided effective home postoperative analgesia.
Accessibility Theory for Enhancing the Validity of Test Results for Students with Special Needs

In the arena of educational testing, accessibility refers to the degree to which students are given the opportunity to participate in and engage a test. Accessibility theory is a model for examining the interactions between the test-taker and the test itself and defining how they may decrease some students’ access to the test event, ultimately reducing the validity of subsequent test score inferences. The paper describes the application of accessibility theory to the development of tests that are optimally accessible for all students, with particular regard to students identified with disabilities. The author uses example test items to describe these sources of error and discusses how they may be addressed during the design phase.
The interatomic potential of argon

Abstract The recent literature abounds with proposed interatomic potential functions for argon. Of these the Hartree—Fock dispersion (HFD) type functions have been very successful and are considered to be among the best characterizations of the argon interaction to date. It is the purpose of this Letter, however, to show that of the proposed HFD-type potentials, none predict the recent acoustic virial coefficients measured by Moldover et al. In view of this an alternative interatomic potential has been constructed for argon. The potential is of the Hartree—Fock dispersion individually damped (HFD-ID) type and represents a subtle but significant improvement for the interaction.
Phase I clinical trial for the feasibility and safety of remote ischemic conditioning for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) is a powerful endogenous mechanism whereby a sublethal ischemic stimulus confers a protective benefit against a subsequent severe ischemic insult. RIC has significant potential clinical implications for the prevention of delayed ischemic neurological deficit after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Although RIC has been extensively investigated in animal models, it has not been fully evaluated in humans. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and safety of RIC for aSAH in a phase I clinical trial. METHODS: Consecutive patients hospitalized for treatment of an aSAH who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were approached for consent. Enrolled patients received up to 4 RIC sessions on nonconsecutive days. Primary end points were the development of a symptomatic deep venous thrombosis, bruising, or injury to the limb and request to stop by the patient or surrogate. The secondary end points were the development of new neurological deficits or cerebral infarct, demonstrated by brain imaging after enrollment, and neurological deficit and condition at follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty patients were enrolled and underwent 76 RIC sessions, 75 of which were completed successfully. One session was discontinued when the patient became confused. No patient developed a deep venous thrombosis or injury to the preconditioned limb. No patient developed delayed ischemic neurological deficit during enrollment. At follow-up, median modified Rankin Scale score was 1 and Glasgow Outcome Scale score was 5. CONCLUSION: The RIC procedure was well tolerated and did not cause any injury. RIC for aSAH warrants investigation in a subsequent pivotal clinical trial.
A priori evaluation of aqueous polarization effects through Monte Carlo QM-MM simulations

A Monte Carlo quantum mechanical-molecular mechanical (QM-MM) simulation method was used to determine the contributions of the solvent polarization effect to the total interaction energies between solute and solvent for amino acid side chains and nucleotide bases in aqueous solution. In the present AM1-TIP3P approach, the solute molecule is characterized by valence electrons and nucleus cores with Hartree-Fock theory incorporating explicit solvent effects into the total Hamiltonian, while the solvent is approximated by the three-point charge TIP3P model. The polarization energy contributes 10 to 20 percent of the total electrostatic energy in these systems. The performance of the hybrid AM1-TIP3P model was further validated by consideration of bimolecular complexes with water and by computation of the free energies of solvation of organic molecules using statistical perturbation theory. Excellent agreement with ab initio 6-31G(d) results and experimental solvation free energies was obtained.
Critique of Heron's directional-reading conflict theory of scanning.

-Heron (1957) proposed a theory of scanning of tachistoscopically presented alphabetical stimuli. It provided a unifying framework to interpret the disparate results obtained when a target is exposed such that half of it is in the left visual field and half in the right visual field, and when arrays are presented laterally, i.e., either in the right o r left field. The theory basically holds that eye-movement tendencies established through reading are also operative in covert scanning because tachistoscopically exposed material is encoded in a manner similar to the way it is read. This paper accepts this position but offers a critical evaluation of Heron's ideas as to the manner in which these tendencies function. This discussion and a reexamination of the role of these tendencies in reading lead to the conclusion that they operate sequentially, not simultaneously, as Heron contended. A slight modification in Heron's theory is offered in light of this conclusion.
Targeted therapy for epithelial ovarian cancer: Current status and future prospects

Despite advances in surgery and chemotherapy, less than 20% of patients with stage III or IV ovarian cancer survive long-term. In the past, cytotoxic regimens have been developed empirically, combining active agents at maximally tolerated doses, often without a clear rationale for their interaction. Advances in understanding the biology of ovarian cancer have identified multiple molecular targets that differ in normal and malignant cells. Targets include cell cycle regulators, growth factor receptors, signal transduction pathways, molecules that confer drug resistance, and angiogenic mechanisms. A number of targeted agents have entered clinical trials. Small molecular weight inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and antisense and gene therapy are all being evaluated alone and in combination with cytotoxic drugs. In contrast to earlier studies, the impact of each agent on the designated target can be assessed and agents can be matched to the genotype and phenotype of malignant and normal cells. In the long run, this should facilitate individualization of more effective, less toxic therapy for women with ovarian cancer.
Two different metabolic fates of 5-ethyl-6-azauracil in mice.

Abstract After the injection into mice of a hypnotic close of 5-cthyl-6-azauracil, two metabolitcs and the unchanged drug were detected in the urine. The major metabolite, 5-(1-hydroxyethyl)-6-azauracil, accounted for about 70 per cent of the recovered material, and the minor metabolite, 5-ethyl-6-azauracil-1-ribofuranoside, accounted for approximately 1 to 3 percent. These findings indicate that this compound is metabolized in an anabolic fashion similar to that of a natural component of nucleic acids, uracil. and is oxidized in a manner similar to the calabolism of barbiturates.
Carbon nanofibre/cement composites: challenges and promises as structural materials

The effect of different pre-processing treatments on the incorporation of carbon nanofibres (CNFs) in cement composites was studied. Surface treatment with nitric acid or pre-dispersion in acetone improved the dispersion of CNFs in the cement pastes. The CNFs were found as individual fibres throughout the cement pastes and as entangled networks in pockets. Though no significant change in the strength was observed, the presence of the CNFs modified the mechanical behaviour of the composite post testing.
The Transspinous Mini-Open Approach for Resection of Intradural Spinal Neoplasms: Cadaveric Feasibility Study and Report of 3 Clinical Cases

Objective Standard approaches to thoracic intradural tumors often involve a large incision and significant tissue destruction. Minimally invasive techniques have been applied successfully for a variety of surgical decompression procedures but have rarely been used for the removal of intradural thoracic tumors. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility and initial clinical experience with a new minimally invasive approach for resection of intradural tumors. Methods Initially, 12 procedures were performed on six cadavers to determine the feasibility of the transspinous mini-open approach (using an expandable tubular retractor) and to compare this approach to a standard open approach. The body mass index (BMI) of all specimens was noted. Measurements were taken to compare the mini-open approach with the open approach in terms of the number of lamina accessed and the length of the incision. Subsequently, the transspinous mini-open approach was used to biopsy one clinical case of intradural, intramedullary tumor (glioblastoma multiforme) and to remove two intradural, extramedullary tumors (meningiomas) in two other patients. Results The BMI of the cadavers ranged from 18 to 43. Regardless the BMI, up to three-level laminectomies could be performed in all the cadavers via a mini-open approach. In specimens with a BMI of Conclusions The mini-open approach allows complete dorsal access to the spinal canal, with less tissue disruption than with a standard open procedure. This is especially true in obese patients where the incision length may be 3 times smaller compared to a standard open approach. The mini-open transspinous resection of thoracic intradural tumors can be performed safely.
British Women's Life Writing, 1760–1840: Friendship, Community, and Collaboration

In British Women's Life Writing, 1760–1840: Friendship, Community, and Collaboration, Amy Culley focuses her inquiry on late eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century women's literary collaborations...
Predictive factors underlying the restoration of macular binocular vision in adults with acquired strabismus.

Purpose: To investigate whether macular binocular vision can be permanently lost following acquired strabismus and to identify predictive factors underlying its restoration. Subjects and methods: Twenty-three patients with strabismus acquired after binocular vision maturation were enrolled. Factors studied included duration of eye misalignment, age at treatment, pre-surgical strabismus type, pre-surgical diplopia, and pre-surgical capacity for binocularity. The restoration of macular binocular vision was evaluated between 1 and 3 years following successful eye re-alignment and was defined as 60 seconds of arc stereopsis or better on the Titmus circles and/or the Preschool Randot Stereoacuity test. Results: Sixteen of 23 (70%) or 7/23 (30%) of patients achieved macular binocular vision following successful surgical eye realignment using the Titmus circles versus the Preschool Randot Stereoacuity test. Patients with ≤12 months constant eye misalignment were more likely to achieve macular binocular vision following treatment than patients with >12 months constant eye misalignment. Conclusions: Macular binocular vision continues to be susceptible to permanent loss in adult patients. Factors that are predictive of the restoration of macular binocular vision include duration of constant eye misalignment and the pre-surgical capacity for binocularity.
The prevalence of phobia and its associated factors in a multiracial aging urban population.

Objective There have been few multiracial epidemiologic community-based studies of phobia in older adults. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of phobia and associated factors among older persons living in a northeastern urban area. Methods Using 1990 census data for Brooklyn, NY, the authors attempted to interview all persons age 55+ in randomly selected block groups. The final sample consisted of 214 whites and 860 blacks. The authors used an adaptation of George's Social Antecedent Model for examining the association of 18 individual variables and one interactive variable with the presence of a phobia. The dependent variable was derived from the Guy's/Age Concern community survey. The sample was weighted by race and gender. To control for design effects, the authors used SUDAAN for the data analysis. Results A total of 8.9% of the sample met criteria for a current phobia and 10.2% met phobia criteria at some time during their life. Using logistic regression analysis, the authors found six variables—higher personal income, more depressive symptoms, poorer physical health, use of prayer as a coping strategy, use of spiritualists or their products, and not having been raised by both parents—to be significantly associated with a current phobia. Conclusion The prevalence rate of phobia was comparable to rates for older adults in the urban areas of the Epidemiologic Catchment Area study suggesting that prevalence has remained stable over the past two decades. Consistent with earlier studies, there were significant associations among phobia, depressive symptoms, and physical illness. Many of the demographic and social variables, including race, that had been reported previously to be associated with phobias in younger samples were not significant in this study.
A study of surface segregation in austenitic stainless steels—factors that control this segregation, its relation to grain boundary segregation and its usefulness for interpreting intergranular corrosion data

This paper reports a study of various factors that influence surface segregation in austenitic stainless steels. In particular four rather practical questions are addressed, all of which arose from various concerns about the corrosion behavior of these alloys. They are the following: (1) will significant segregation occur at temperatures below 500°C?; (2) is sulfur segregation affected by the presence of a strong sulfide former such as Mn?; (3) does silicon segregate to interfaces in these alloys?; and (4) do niobium additions affect phosphorus segregation in these alloys? The results show that at temperatures below 500°C, phosphorus, sulfur, nitrogen and silicon will all segregate, although at about 300°C the kinetics of segregation are becoming rather sluggish. Silicon will also segregate at temperatures at least up to 650°C. Manganese additions greatly lower sulfur segregation but niobium additions do not retard phosphorus segregation. In addition to the presentation of these results on surface segregation we consider what can be learned from them about grain boundary segregation and how they can be used to help interpret results on intergranular corrosion and stress corrosion cracking.
ER chaperone–metal interactions: Links to protein folding disorders

Chaperones in the endoplasmic reticulum play vital roles in the folding, assembly, and post-translational modification of secretory proteins and also recycle, refold, or initiate degradation of misfolded proteins. Chaperone deficiencies in either amount or function are implicated in the etiology or pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and other protein folding disorders of the central nervous system. In this review, we discuss evidence that chaperones become pathologic through deleterious interactions with metals and then promote protein folding disorders. The "master regulator" chaperone GRP78 in the endoplasmic reticulum is a compelling subject for investigation in this context because it is located at the hub of signaling pathways in a complex chaperone network. It has therefore been studied by several laboratories in conjunction with exposure to toxic metals. The key points of this review are that metals are implicated in the etiology or pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and other protein folding disorders, metals induce the expression GRP78, often associated with oxidative stress, some metals bind to GRP78, and lead (Pb) impairs GRP78 function when it binds to GRP78. If certain metals do indeed cause or promote the aggregation of toxic proteins in the central nervous system, as the available evidence indicates, the identification of the mechanisms by which they act would provide valuable leads for the development of therapies to prevent or reverse toxic protein aggregation.
Electrospinning materials for energy-related applications and devices

Abstract The tasks of harvesting, transmitting, and storing the energy required to meet global demands are some of the most pressing needs we will face in the near future. Scientists are seeking new technologies to generate renewable and clean energy resources. Nanofiberous materials with high surface areas and porosities have attracted significant attention in recent years and are considered to be promising candidates to address these critical issues. Nanofibers can be produced by many techniques. Of these, electrospinning is a particularly low cost and versatile method. This paper highlights research into the use of electrospinning to create materials suited for four major energy-related applications: (1) fuel cells, (2) dye-sensitized solar cells, (3) Li-ion batteries, and (4) supercapacitors. In addition, electrospun nanofibers used in other areas, such as thermoelectrical and piezoelectric materials, are also discussed. Specific attention is given to the material properties that have been achieved through electrospinning and what limitations of existing processes offer opportunities for future research.
Understanding the Costs of Litigation: The Case of the Hourly-Fee Lawyer

What does it mean to talk about the “cost of civil justice”? What can be done to bring down that cost? This article addresses these two important questions. Drawing on data collected by the Civil Litigation Research Project, the authors first examine the components of cost and then present an extensive analysis of what is by far the dominant element of the cost equation-legal services. The analysis of the cost of legal services examines the amount of time lawyers devote to cases and the rates they charge for their time. The major factors influencing time include adversariness, stakes, litigant goals, and court (federal versus state); hourly rates appear to be determined primarily by the legal services market. The article closes with a discussion of the implications of the results of the analysis for reforms of the civil justice system that might seek to lower the cost of justice.
A Technological Tool to Detect Plagiarized Projects in Microsoft Access

Over one in ten students surveyed have admitted to copying programs in courses with computer assignments. The ease with which digital coursework can be copied and the impracticality of manually checking for plagiarized projects in large courses has only compounded the problem. As current research has focused predominantly on detecting plagiarism for textual applications such as source code and documents, there exists a gap in detecting plagiarism in graphically-driven applications. This paper focuses on the effectiveness of a technological tool in detecting plagiarized projects in a course using Microsoft Access. Seven semesters of data were collected from a large technology-oriented course in which the tool had been in use. Comparing semesters before and after the technological tool was introduced demonstrates a significant decrease in the number of projects being duplicated. The results indicate combining technology and policy can be effective in curtailing blatant plagiarism within large technology courses.
Analyses of the complete chloroplast genome sequences of two members of the pelagophyceae: aureococcus anophagefferens ccmp1984 and aureoumbra lagunensis ccmp1507

Heterokont members of the Pelagophyceae form the massive brown tides that have continually plagued the coastal regions of the eastern U.S. seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico. To gain a better understanding of the photosynthetic competence that may be linked to their success in forming massive blooms, we sequenced the chloroplast genomes of two pelagophytes: Aureococcus anophagefferens Hargraves et Sieburth and Aureoumbra lagunensis D. A. Stockw., DeYoe, Hargraves et P. W. Johnson. The chloroplast genomes of A. anophagefferens (89,599 bp) and Ar. lagunensis (94,346 bp) are significantly smaller than those of six other stramenopiles sequenced to date. The structure (or configuration) is partially due to the absence of the large inverted repeats common in chloroplast genomes. Eight of 10 small and tandem repeats from the A. anophagefferens and Ar. lagunensis genomes are adjacent to genes coding for photosynthetic or energy production functions, implying that these domains may have functional constraints. High genomic synteny, a multigene phylogenetic analysis, and a synapomorphic change in the form of an attenuated psbA gene confirm that A. anophagefferens and Ar. lagunensis are closely related taxa. Finally, the presence of three light-independent chl-biosynthesis genes in the chloroplast of Ar. lagunensis, but absence in the chloroplast and nuclear genomes of A. anophagefferens, suggests the persistence of a more ancient (i.e., dark-adaptive) potential in Ar. lagunensis but not in A. anophagefferens. Whether the presence of both chl-biosynthesis pathways in Ar. lagunensis contributes to the ability of this organism to sustain prolonged bloom (continuously for ∼8 years) under reduced light conditions, but not A. anophagefferens (a few months), remains an open question.
Standardization of Fluorophores Using Phase Fluorometry

Measurements of fluorescence lifetimes, like any other analytical procedure, require the use of standards for instrument calibration and comparison. Scattering materials have been widely used in time-resolved fluorometry as standards because, on the nanosecond time scale of fluorescence, their femtosecond “lifetime” is accurately approximated as zero. As is well known (Wahl et al., 1974; Rayner et al., 1976), the use of scattering compounds can introduce artifacts into lifetime determination because the wavelength of emission is necessarily different from that of excitation; e. g., “color effects” in photomultiplier tubes, and other, more subtle optical artifacts (R.B.T. and E.G., unpublished results; Bernard Valeur and David Jameson, personal communication). To minimize these difficulties “standard fluorophores” have long been used, since they permit matching the standard’s emission wavelength with that of the sample (Lako-wicz et al., 1981; F. Castelli, 1985; Kolber and Barkley, 1986). Unfortunately, there is no wide agreement (to better than 5%) on the lifetimes of the standards now in use, even though the precision of current multifrequency phase and pulse instrumentation is perhaps 0.5%. This may be due to differences in the samples themselves, and particularly the concentration of the important quencher, oxygen. Thus a transferable standard might be difficult to specify. Moreover, the dozen or so compounds widely used as standards cover only half the spectral region of interest (250-1000 nm).
Semisimple games, enactment power and generalized power indices

By allowing for individual abstention, the classC of simplen-person games is extended to the class ofsemisimple gamesS. Using this extension, any given index of individual power onC gives rise to a measure of individual power onS in the form of a vector function with 2 n −1 components. After developing an axiomatic characterization of Coleman's notion of collective power, thisenactment power is combined with any index of individual power to provide a general nonnormalized meausre of individual power. Using these results, enactment and individual power in different games can be meaningfully compared. In the presence of abstention, various “paradoxes” associated with power indices lose some of the impact.
The Disappearance of the State from “Livable” Urban Spaces

: This paper examines the absence of the state from the discourses and practices of “livable” urban spaces. Drawing from an ethnography of Atlantic Station, the USA's largest new urbanist infill development, we argue that “livable” urban spaces are increasingly arenas for luxury, theater, and consumption, and that the state, while an important actor in the creation of urban spaces such as Atlantic Station, has largely been made invisible. We see this in the absence of public institutions, such as schools, parks, and libraries, and in the absence of a collective political identity among Atlantic Station patrons. The disappearance of the state in the material spaces of the city suggests that the neoliberal project of individualism and consumerism is transforming the very notion of livability and the democratic possibilities of what makes urban space “livable”.
Should providers give women advance provision of emergency contraceptive pills? A cost-effectiveness analysis.

Abstract Purpose We sought to determine the potential effect and cost-effectiveness of different means of accessing emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) on unintended pregnancy rates in sexually active women. Methods We used a computer simulation model to compare the effects of advance provision, on-demand provision, and no use of ECP on unintended pregnancies and costs of care in three hypothetical cohorts of 1 million sexually active women. Data on effectiveness of ECP from the single-use clinical trials, and costs from Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program were used for the model. Findings Advance provision of ECP is projected to avert a greater or the same percentage of unintended pregnancies compared with on-demand provision, with the greatest percentage of pregnancies averted (66%) in low-risk women with advance provision. In the simulation model, the percentage of pregnancies averted decreases as the frequency of unprotected intercourse increases and ECP use decreases. In all scenarios, the cost-savings ratio—the number of dollars saved on averted pregnancy expenditures for each dollar spent on advance ECP—is greater than one. Conclusion Advance provision of ECP has the potential to avert unintended pregnancies and reduce medical expenditures. The most likely reason that the advance provision trials fail to demonstrate reductions in pregnancy rates is a result of a combination of small study sizes, the use of ECP in both treatment and control groups, and a failure to take into account a realistic range of rates of unprotected intercourse and imperfect ECP use.
Limit Stress for Granular Composites Reinforced with Continuous Filaments

The concept of using continuous filaments (threads) to reinforce soils has been applied in practice for more than a decade. The design of soil structures reinforced with continuous thread is based on limit state techniques where the failure criterion of the composite is the essential function. This paper is focused on deriving such a function. A homogenization technique is used to calculate the components of the macroscopic stress state at failure. The limit condition is anisotropic because of the preferred plane of the filament deposition. In the stress space used here the limit condition has the shape of a convex cone with a cross section close to that of a circle. The numerically derived function gives reasonable estimates of the increase in strength (apparent cohesion) of granular materials reinforced with continuous threads. Further work needs to concentrate on a more accurate description of the stress mobilization in filaments during failure, and on including the filament-matrix slip. The numerically calculated failure criterion has a form convenient for use in stability analyses of structures.
Psychological Ownership: An Empirical Examination of its Consequences

Analysis of data from 797 residents of university housing cooperatives demonstrated that psychological ownership was positively related to extrarole behavior. In addition, mediated regression analysis supported the hypothesis that the relationship between psychological ownership and extrarole behavior was mediated by organizational commitment. Furthermore, psychological ownership was superior to satisfaction in predicting extrarole behavior. The article concludes with a discussion of potential managerial implications and recommendations for future research.
Toward Representation Independent Similarity Search Over Graphs

Finding similar entities over data graphs is an important problem with many applications. Current similarity search algorithms use intuitively appealing heuristics that leverage the link information in the data graph to quantify the degree of similarity between its entities. In this paper, using examples from real-world data sets, we show that people represent the same information using data graphs with different shapes. We argue that in order for a similarity search algorithm to be usable and effective, it should be representation independent: it should return essentially the same answers for a query over different graphs that represent the same information. We formalize this property and show that the outcome of current similarity search algorithms depend highly on data representation. Hence, they may be effective on some datasets and ineffective over others. We also perform an empirical study and analyze the sensitivity of current methods against changes in data representation. Our results indicate that the output of these algorithms are highly affected by changes in data representation.
Kinetic characterization of a T-state of Ascaris suum phosphofructokinase with heterotropic negative cooperativity by ATP eliminated.

Abstract The affinity analogue, 2′,3′-dialdehyde ATP has been used to chemically modify the ATP-inhibitory site ofAscaris suumphosphofructokinase, thereby locking the enzyme into a less active T-state. This enzyme form has a maximum velocity that is 10% that of the native enzyme in the direction of fructose 6-phosphate (F6P) phosphorylation. The enzyme displays sigmoid saturation for the substrate fructose 6-phosphate (S0.5(F6P) = 19 mM andnH= 2.2) at pH 6.8 and a hyperbolic saturation curve for MgATP with aKmidentical to that for the native enzyme. The allosteric effectors, fructose 2,6-bisphosphate and AMP, do not affect theS0.5for F6P but produce a slight (1.5- and 2-fold, respectively)V-type activation withKavalues (effector concentration required for half-maximal activation) of 0.40 and 0.24 mM, respectively. Their activating effects are additive and not synergistic. The kinetic mechanism for the modified enzyme is steady-state-ordered with MgATP as the first substrate and MgADP as the last product to be released from the enzyme surface. The decrease inVandV/Kvalues for the reactants likely results from a decrease in the equilibrium constant for the isomerization of the E:MgATP binary complex, thus favoring an unisomerized form. TheVandV/KF6Pare pH dependent with similar pKvalues of about 7 on the acid side and 9.8 on the basic side. The microenvironment of the active site appears to be affected minimally as evidenced by the similarity of the pKvalues for the groups involved in the binding site for F6P in the modified and native enzymes.
An evaluation semantics for classical proofs

It is shown how to interpret classical proofs as programs in a way that agrees with the well-known treatment of constructive proofs as programs and moreover extends it to give a computational meaning to proofs claiming the existence of a value satisfying a recursive predicate. The method turns out to be equivalent to H. Friedman's (Lecture Notes in Mathematics, vol.699, p.21-28, 1978) proof by A-transition of the conservative extension of classical cover constructive arithmetic for II/sub 2//sup 0/ sentences. It is shown that Friedman's result is a proof-theoretic version of a semantics-preserving CPS-translation from a nonfunctional programming language back to a functional programming language. A sound evaluation semantics for proofs in classical number theory (PA) of such sentences is presented as a modification of the standard semantics for proofs in constructive number theory (HA). The results soundly extend the proofs-as-programs paradigm to classical logics and to programs with the control operator, C. >
Wave mice: a new tool in the quest to characterize aortic valvular disease etiologies.

Although many patients with non-rheumatic aortic regurgitation (AR) are asymptomatic and do not require surgical intervention, chronic AR can lead to left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and, eventually, heart failure (1). The progression from mild to chronic AR is poorly understood and relatively few animal models of chronic AR have been described. In a recent study published in Arteriosclerosis , Thrombosis , and Vascular Biology , Hajj et al. report the characterization of a “Wave” mouse model whose predominant valvular function abnormality is AR, despite the valves exhibiting many of the features traditionally associated with aortic stenosis (AS) (2). Unlike previously described models of AS (3,4), the valvular dysfunction exhibited by Wave mice is independent of the fibrocalcific changes found in the aortic valves of these mice. Thus, the results of this study challenge some of the current paradigms of aortic valve disease and are likely to impact pathophysiological conclusions related to both AR and AS.
The stuck-at fault: it ain't over 'til it's over

The stuck-at fault has weathered at least two major revolutions in the manufacture of electronic components, the transition from tubes to solid state, and the move from bipolar to MOS technologies. It has been applied successfully in all three domains. It seems unlikely that future digital technologies will invalidate the use of the model. In conclusion, as long as the stuck-at fault model remains useful, it should not be abandoned in favour of other defect models. Investigations into new models and test techniques should continue, with the idea that they will probably be used to complement existing stuck-at-based methodologies.
The Effects of Familism and Cultural Justification on the Mental and Physical Health of Family Caregivers

Objectives. We aimed to examine the effects of 2 factors of familism (Familial Obligations and Expected Support from the Family) and Cultural Justification on caregivers’ mental and physical health as mediated by coping style. Methods. We used a probability sample of 95 African American and 65 White family caregivers for people with dementia to test hypotheses based on the updated sociocultural stress and coping model using path analysis. Main outcome measures included depressive symptomatology, various psychological symptoms, and subjective physical health. Results. Both Familial Obligations and Cultural Justification had an indirect effect on poor mental health and subjec tive physical health via avoidant coping. Expected Support from the Family had no effect on caregivers’ health outcomes. Discussion. These findings suggest that feelings of obligation may be accounting for a significant proportion of the negative effects of familism on caregivers’ mental and subjective physical health. Expectations of familial social support may be relatively inconsequential in this process.
Predicting daily use of urban forest recreation sites.

A multiple linear regression model explains 90% of the variance in daily use of an urban recreation site. Explanatory variables include season, day of the week, and weather. The results offer guides for recreation site planning and management as well as suggestions for improving the model.
Interference effect in scattering loss of high-index-contrast planar waveguides caused by boundary reflections

We present theoretical and experimental results on an interference effect caused by boundary reflections on the optical scattering loss in high-index-contrast planar waveguides. Analytical expressions for the polarization-dependent scattering loss are derived using a surface Green's function. For high-index-contrast waveguides of submicrometer dimensions a significant deviation from accepted theory arises, including scattering loss suppression owing to a thin-film interference effect. Our theoretical predictions are confirmed by loss measurements on silicon-on-insulator channel waveguides.
Impact of Body Mass Index on Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors in Men and Women The Framingham Offspring Study

Increased body weight has been associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) in several populations. We studied the distribution of body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) in men (n=1566; mean age, 49±10 years) and women (n=1627; mean age, 49±10 years) participating in the third examination cycle of the Framingham Offspring Study and the association of BMI with known CHD risk factors. In men, BMI increased with age until age 50 years, when it reached a plateau. In women, there was a trend toward an increase in BMI with age up to the seventh decade of life. Seventy-two percent of men and 42% of women had a BMI ≥25.00, the cutoff point for the definition of overweight. In age-adjusted analyses, BMI was significantly and linearly associated with systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose levels, plasma total cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol levels and was inversely and linearly associated with HDL cholesterol levels (P<.001) in nonsmoking men and women. T...
Direct Drawing of Suspended Filamentary Micro- and Nanostructures from Liquid Polymers

Using various nanomanipulating instruments, solvated polymers are simultaneously formed into fibers, adhered to solid supports, and interconnected in real-time to create suspended fiber bridges and networks of specified geometries. Fibers from 50 nm to 20 μm diameter have been drawn individually and in parallel using single tips and tip arrays. The speed and ease of producing suspended three-dimensional structures recommends the method for application to custom fabrication of prototype microfluidic and microoptical devices.
A penalty function proof of the maximum principle

Abstract : In this paper we present a penalty function proof of the maximum principle for relaxed optimal controls which we feel is simpler than the standard proofs. The proof is also valid for ordinary controls that are solutions of the relaxed problem. We do not utilize the separation theorem for convex sets and the Brouwer fixed point theorem or its equivalent. (Author)
Open-Mindedness Urged

To the Editor: No one, I trust, especially those involved in the review process for this journal, would deny that the methods used in examining patients and experimental subjects should be both free of bias and valid. Indeed, every effort should be made to reduce bias in the clinic and the laboratory. Nevertheless, those reviewing papers should not confuse the possibility that a bias might exist with the actual presence of bias.1 Similarly, validity, an elusive characteristic at best, should not be confused with what is already believed (tradition). Although the beliefs of practitioners may serve as a useful screen when reading research,2 beliefs, like the research being read, must be scrutinized. The former might even be evaluated with regard to the latter. The performance of such evaluations on a routine basis could contribute substantially to the growth of our profession.…
Angular Derivatives and Iteration

In this chapter we are going to study the dynamical behavior of holomorphic self-maps of U. More precisely, if φ is such a map, then what can be said about its sequence of iterates: $$ {\varphi _n} = \varphi \circ \varphi \circ \cdots \circ \varphi {\text{ }}\left( {n{\text{ }}times} \right)? $$ The connection between iteration and composition operators comes from the equation \( {C_{\varphi n}} = C_\varphi ^n \), and this forms the basis of the work on cyclicity that takes place in Chapters 7 and 8. Right now, however, we intend to emphasize function theory, employing the methods developed for our theory of the angular derivative to study the dynamics of φ. As you might guess, our work will spin off consequences for the compactness problem.
Sketch-Based Authentication

This chapter considers two different recognition/matching algorithms, namely dynamic time warping (DTW) and Simple K-Space (SKS). Both algorithms utilize classical pattern recognition techniques to the novel application of sketch-based password. While more sophisticated techniques are possible, DTW and SKS are chosen because the inherent nature of the underlying problem is easily perceived using the approaches. Plus, the fundamental concepts discussed in the chapter generalize beyond the specific algorithmic implementation. The overall sketch-based authentication framework is outlined in this chapter using DTW and SKS. The respective implementation details are rigorously discussed, from which the philosophies are compared and contrasted. In particular, these methods have a similar objective, but different parameterizations, operating spaces, and computational complexities.
Measurements of Wind Effects on Water-Side Controlled Gas Exchange in Riverine Systems

A simple relationship for the relative importance of streamflow generated turbulence and of wind generated turbulence on gas exchange in riverine systems is developed on the basis of estimates for the near-surface turbulent energy dissipation rates under these conditions. Analysis of gas exchange data for two riverine field experiments with concurrent detailed wind measurements demonstrates a definite wind effect that appears to be consistent with the predictive relationship. Gas exchange in wide open rivers with moderate slopes may be strongly influenced, if not controlled, by wind induced conditions.
Underwater communication via frequency shift keying in particle velocity channels: Experimental results

The commonly-used underwater communication channel is the acoustic pressure channel, which is the scalar component of the acoustic field. In this paper acoustic particle velocity channels, which are vector components of the acoustic field, are used together with the acoustic pressure channel, to increase the transmission rate and also improve the signal-to-noise ratio. The goal of this paper is to provide experimental results on underwater communication via particle velocity channels. Acoustic vector transducers, devices that can excite or measure the vector and scalar components of the acoustic field, are used in our experiments. Here we show how a compact vector transducer can be used either as a multichannel transmitter or a multichannel receiver for underwater communication. Without loss of generality, we have used frequency shift keying as a simple modulation scheme to demonstrate the feasibility of underwater communication in particle velocity channels via vector transducers. We present experimental results on two vector communication system configurations. In the first configuration a compact vector transmitter that excites two particle velocity channels and the pressure channel is used, to triple the transmission rate. One advantage of this setup compared to a fully scalar system which uses an array of three spatially-separated scalar transmitters for tripling the transmission rate is the small size of the vector transmitter. In the second configuration, a compact vector receiver that measures two particle velocity channels and the pressure channel is utilized, to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. Compared to a fully scalar system which uses an array of three spatially-separated scalar receivers, signal-to-noise ratio is significantly increased using a small vector receiver. Overall, our experimental results show the usefulness of particle velocity and vector transducers for underwater communication.
Modeling and Design of Islanding Detection Using Phase-Locked Loops in Three-Phase Grid-Interface Power Converters

Islanding detection is critical to safety and power quality as well as the control mode of grid-interface power converters. This paper addresses the islanding-detection methods on the basis of the grid synchronization instability mechanism. Although many modified phase-locked loop (PLL) methods have been proposed to achieve islanding detection, the PLL modeling and design are not clear in the existing literature and a cut-and-trail process is usually required during the design phase. This paper proposes a systematic PLL modeling and design approach to evaluate different frequency-based islanding-detection methods. Two different types of PLL-based islanding-detection solution are discussed, accounting for a majority of the existing methods. The first method is to modify the PLL to constantly move the stable equilibrium point. The second method is to modify the PLL small-signal characteristics to achieve a monotonic instability behavior under the islanded conditions. The design procedures of these methods are presented using the proposed PLL modeling approach. The impact of the modified PLLs to the converter's operation is also analyzed.
Employee attitudes about moving toward a smoke-free campus at a Veterans Affairs hospital.

BACKGROUND Although Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals have been smoke-free inside of buildings since 1991, smoke-free campuses have not been initiated. The purpose of this article is to describe staff attitudes regarding making the VA hospital a smoke-free campus except for the mandated smoking shelters. METHODS In 2008, a cross-sectional, anonymous survey was conducted with a convenience sample of employees at a Midwestern VA (N = 397). RESULTS Descriptive statistics showed that the vast number of employees were in support of a smoke-free campus (76%), relocating the smoking shelters (62%), and offering employees assistance to quit smoking (71%). Multivariate analyses showed that those who were nonsmokers, older, women, and higher educated were the greatest supporters of policies to support a smoke-free environment (p < .05). Write-in comments were generally favorable but also revealed employee resistance related to freedom, personal choice, and potential loss in productivity as smokers go further away from the building to smoke. CONCLUSIONS VA hospitals have unique challenges in implementing smoke-free campus policies.