cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developing Leaders for Decision Making Under Stress: Wildland Firefighters in the South Canyon Fire and Its Aftermath

To identify the sources of ineffective leadership decisions, we focus on ten decisions made by a leader of a wildland firefighter crew during the fatal South Canyon fire of July 5–6, 1996. The decisions of team leaders in fire zones are unusually clear-cut and consequential for the goals of the enterprise, but they are not unlike decisions faced by managers of most organizations. We suggest that three factors—underpreparation, acute stress, and ambiguous authority—can result in suboptimal decisions by team leaders on a fireline. Through detailed evaluation of the team leader's ten most consequential decisions in the South Canyon fire, we conclude that five were relatively optimal for the triple objectives of safety, speed, and suppression, but five others proved suboptimal. Much of their suboptimality is traced to the fact that the team leader was undertrained for leadership decision making, faced intense stress, and operated without clear authority. In the wake of this firefighting disaster—14 men and wo...
Current successes in medical education beyond the bedside

One of the most exciting aspects of medical education is the shift beyond the bedside. The programs I have described represent only a few of the educational experiments being undertaken around the country. Medical education in the ambulatory arena has passed from rhetoric to reality. At the same time, the traditional mode of designing the education of students and residents around hospitalized patients still prevails. Our educational systems have enormous inertia, and it will take broad consensus among medical school faculty and administrators before substantial change can be accomplished. There is considerable risk and potential disruption involved in any major shift in the locus of medical education. The success and vitality of the programs profiled here encourage us that changes can be made without dismantling our current approaches to clinical care and teaching. Ambulatory clinical facilities of the future will not resemble the inadequate outpatient clinics that used to be synonymous with ambulatory care. As clinicians increasingly take pride in their ability to care for patients in ambulatory facilities—and as the proportion of care that takes place there becomes dominant—medical education will follow. The challenge to medical educators is to take the lead in designing these clinical and teaching facilities of the future, rather than to inherit them reluctantly as a consequence of having been displaced from a more traditional setting.
Occupational stress within the paramedic profession: an initial report of stress levels compared to hospital employees

We report a study of occupational stress in 374 paramedics. Results indicate that this profession experiences a high degree of job-related stress relative to other medical personnel. In a component analysis of this stress the results show that job stress manifests itself as job dissatisfaction, organizational stress, and negative patient attitudes, but not as frequently as somatic distress.
Abnormal maternal behavior, altered sociability, and impaired serotonin metabolism in Rai1-transgenic mice

Dup(17)(p11.2) syndrome, consisting of a spectrum of more than 20 clinical features, is associated with increased dosage of the retinoic acid induced 1 (RAI1) gene. We previously reported on the generation and evaluation of Rai1-overexpressing mice. Several phenotypes, including increased anxiety and hyperactivity, growth retardation, and altered motor and sensory coordination, were observed, recapitulating phenotypes observed in patients with 17p11.2 duplication. In addition, these mice have reduced reproductive fitness. In this study we expand investigations to identify possible neural correlates for increased Rai1 dosage. We analyzed Rai1-transgenic breeding data and evaluated maternal and social behaviors as potential causes for reduced litter size in Rai1 transgenics compared to wild-type controls. Abnormal maternal behavior, including delayed pup retrieval in the Rai1-transgenic dams compared to wild-type dams, was identified. Mendelian transmission of parental genotypes was also distorted in the pups from transgenic breeding. Furthermore, altered social behavior was observed in the male transgenic mice. Analysis of neurotransmitter levels from whole-brain lysates showed significantly impaired serotonin metabolism indicating a neuronal basis for behavioral modifications in these mice. Our study suggests an important role for Rai1 in the serotonin pathway in a dosage-dependent manner.
Search for geomagnetic storm effects on lower thermospheric winds at midlatitudes

Abstract Neutral winds in the lower thermosphere during several geomagnetic storms of different intensity are derived from ion velocity measurements made by the Millstone Hill incoherent scatter radar (42.6° N , 71.5° W ) . The reliable detection of storm effects on midlatitude winds in the altitude region 100–130 km is difficult since the response at these altitudes is expected to be small. A search for such effects has been conducted using observations made during the past eight years during moderate and intense geomagnetic conditions. When geomagnetic activity is moderate, as that occurred in May 1995 and March 1999, there is no strong evidence for a response in the ion drifts or lower thermosphere winds. When the geomagnetic disturbances are intense, exceeding a geomagnetic index Kp of 6, such as that occurred in June 1991 and September 1998, there is clear evidence of a response. The primary finding is that the zonal wind component is enhanced, and the magnitude of the enhanced winds and their duration depends on the intensity and duration of the storm. In September 1998, both the ion and neutral velocities in the lower thermosphere are found to respond to the disturbance, and the largest enhancement of daytime zonal winds is observed roughly 13 h after the onset of the storm impulse.
A Gender Gap in Publishing? Women's Representation in Edited Political Science Books

Academic publishing is tightly connected to college and university faculty members' prospects for promotion, tenure, salary increases, and professional recognition, and is often regarded as an index of one's scholarly contribution to a given field (Blackburn and Lawrence 1995). This is problematic because, as many researchers have clearly documented, women publish less than men. Because female faculty produce fewer publications on average than their male counterparts, they also receive lower pay and are more likely to hold the ranks of assistant and associate professor (Blackburn and Lawrence 1995; Creamer 1998; Dinauer and Ondeck 1999; Roland and Fontanesi-Seime 1996; Schneider 1998). And, although gender differences in publishing have narrowed in most disciplines over the past two decades, in most cases, men still outpublish women by a ratio of two to one (Roland and Fontanesi-Seime 1996). Among the factors cited as being important to publishing regularly are ambition, reputation, merit, institutional support and resources, professional networks and collegial/mentoring relationships, research topic and methodology, and time.
Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3: a Putative Molecular Target for Lithium Mimetic Drugs

Despite many decades of clinical use, the therapeutic target of lithium remains uncertain. It is recognized that therapeutic concentrations of lithium, through competition with the similarly sized magnesium cation, inhibit the activity of select enzymes. Among these is glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3). Recent preclinical evidence, including biochemical, pharmacological, genetic, and rodent behavioral models, supports the hypothesis that inhibition of GSK-3 may represent a target for lithium's mood-stabilizing properties. Specifically, it has been demonstrated that lithium administration regulates multiple GSK-3 targets in vivo and that multiple additional classes of mood-stabilizing and antidepressant drugs regulate GSK-3 signaling. Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of GSK-3 results in mood stabilizer-like behavior in rodent models, and genetic association studies implicate GSK-3 as a possible modulator of particular aspects of bipolar disorder including response to lithium. Furthermore, numerous recent studies have provided a more complete understanding of GSK-3's role in diverse neurological processes strengthening the hypothesis that GSK-3 may represent a therapeutically relevant target of lithium. For example, GSK-3 is a primary regulator of neuronal survival, and cellular responses to glucocorticoids and estrogen may involve GSK-3-regulated pathways. While the preclinical evidence discussed in this review is encouraging, ultimate validation of GSK-3 as a therapeutically relevant target will require clinical trials of selective novel inhibitors. In this regard, as is discussed, there is a major effort underway to develop novel, specific, GSK-3 inhibitors.
INFLUENCE OF SOLVENT PROPERTIES ON LIGAND SUBSTITUTION MECHANISMS OF LABILE COMPLEXES

Abstract The kinetics of substitution reactions at such metal ions as nickel(II) are relatively insensitive to the nature of the ligand in aqueous solution, but exhibit a marked ligand dependence in certain nonaqueous solvents. While the kinetics of simple unidentate ligands are consistent with a dissociative interchange mechanism, as in water, ligands such as bipyridine and phenanthroline react either “too slow” or “too fast” in certain solvents. It is shown that reaction by the flexible ligand bipyridine requires that the two rings be in the cis position, so that the two donor atoms will coordinate essentially simultaneously. The deviations from simple substitution are attributed to the combined effect of the stability of the outer-sphere complex and the orientation of the ligand in the outer sphere. Both factors are influenced by the donor strength of the solvent, the thickness and openness of the inner sphere, and competition between the ligand and solvent in the outer sphere.
A Conceptual Design and Modeling Approach for Determining the Revised Energy Generation Potential due to Site Obstructions for Micro-Scale Wind Turbines

Wind energy is one of the fastest growing sectors of renewable energy technologies. Micro-scale wind turbines are becoming increasingly more popular as individuals seek more innovative and efficient ways of reducing their energy demand. However, even with more efficient wind energy harvesting devices, it is not uncommon for the anticipated energy harvesting potential for a wind turbine to be vastly different from the actual energy generation capability for a site. This paper will introduce the problems associated with accurately predicting the energy generation potential of wind energy harvesting systems considering several power loss factors. The focus of this paper is on the use of commonly available engineering tools and simulations to evaluate obstructions on the implementation site and energy harvesting technologies in order to maximize the energy generation potential.The issues of energy generation prediction accuracy will be addressed by incorporating high-resolution weather data and computer simulations into a predictive model. Additionally, several correction factors and design guidelines for the successful implementation of micro-scale wind turbines will be introduced and discussed. A multi-step approach is introduced to collect weather data, generate revised energy generation potential models for various land regions, account for common site obstructions through the use of correction factors, and formulate a final set of recommendations for the wind turbine implementation site. A set of design guidelines are also developed to assist in turbine placement for specific site locations. The guidelines are based on the revised energy generation prediction model, wind speed correction factors for common site obstructions, orientation and placement of the wind turbine, and other factors. Verification of the guidelines has been performed through Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation. The design approach and guidelines are examined and results presented for one case study.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Coordinated expression of microRNA-155 and predicted target genes in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) attenuate gene expression by pairing to the 3′UTR of target transcripts inducing RNA cleavage or translational inhibition. Overexpression of microRNA-155 (miR-155), measured either at the primary ( BIC gene) or mature transcript level, was recently described in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL). These studies have been limited in size, however, and have not attempted to link miR-155 expression to that of putative target genes. To start to address these issues, we examined a collection of 22 well-characterized DLBCL cell lines. The expression of miR-155 is heterogeneous in these cell lines and associates with NF-κB activity. We found that the expression of the primary miR-155 transcript reliably reflects that of the functional mature miR-155. Because many gene array platforms include probe sets for the primary miR-155 sequences, these findings allowed us to confidently examine large array-based expression datasets of primary DLBCLs in the context of miR-155 levels. Our investigation revealed that miR-155 expression segregates with specific molecular subgroups of DLBCL and it is highest in activated B-cell (ABC)-type lymphomas. These tumors are characterized by constitutive activation of NF-κB signals, which supports the data derived from our cell lines. More importantly, using supervised learning algorithms, we identified a robust gene signature driven by the differential expression of miR-155. These profiles contained several gene markers, including predicted targets, consistently downregulated in tumors expressing high levels of miR-155. Our data start to unveil the genome-wide effects of miR-155 expression in DLBCL and indicate the utility of this strategy in the identification and validation of miRNA target genes.
CO2 laser with simultaneous active and passive Q-switching

Carbon dioxide laser with simultaneous active rotating mirror Q switch and passive absorbing gas cell
Duelling after the Duce: postwar conflicts of honour in Italy

Unlike other western European countries, Italy did not see the waning of the duel of honour after the First World War. On the contrary, there was an increase in the practice during the 1920s as the Fascists used mechanisms of honour to facilitate and legitimize their rise to power. However, Mussolini's regime found the individualism of the chivalric tradition inconsistent with its totalitarian notions of discipline and duty and worked in a variety of subtle ways to try to eliminate the ritual from Italian life. For the most part, the Second World War finished the process and, in the wake of defeat, destruction and partisan conflict, duelling virtually disappeared as a means of settling disputes of honour among elites. Nevertheless, one can point to a handful of formal duels, which adhered to traditional regulations, that occurred in the decade after the war. This article investigates these encounters in order to understand why these particular participants decided to opt for a ritual that was both out of ...
Free-space optical channel characterization in the maritime environment

The performance of a free-space optical (FSO) communications link in a maritime environment was evaluated during two field trials conducted off the mid-Atlantic coast near Wallops Island, VA, in July and September 2009. Bidirectional, ship-to-shore data links operating at 2.5 Gbps and utilizing commercial, single-mode adaptive optics terminals were set up between a lookout tower located on Cedar Island, VA and a Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory research vessel over a range of 2-22 km (optical horizon). This paper presents the test configuration, discusses the overall performance of the FSO channel, and compares it to the available turbulence and weather measurements. Additionally, modeling of the link configuration is presented, and comparisons are made to data measured throughout the experiment such as received power, received beam diameter, and local The performance of a free-space optical (FSO) communications link in a maritime environment was evaluated during two field trials conducted off the mid-Atlantic coast near Wallops Island, VA, in July and September 2009. Bidirectional, ship-to-shore data links operating at 2.5 Gbps and utilizing commercial, single-mode adaptive optics terminals were set up between a lookout tower located on Cedar Island, VA and a Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory research vessel over a range of 2-22 km (optical horizon). This paper presents the test configuration, discusses the overall performance of the FSO channel, and compares it to the available turbulence and weather measurements. Additionally, modeling of the link configuration is presented, and comparisons are made to data measured throughout the experiment such as received power, received beam diameter, and local C n 2 .
A simple venous thromboembolism prophylaxis protocol for patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Objective: Pulmonary embolism is a leading cause of death for bariatric patients. Numerous regimens have been proposed, but a comprehensive, simple approach is lacking. This study provides a simple, easily implemented prophylaxis regimen. Research Methods and Procedures: One hundred fifty bariatric surgery patients were evaluated. Patients considered at high risk for venous thromboembolism had heart failure, a BMI of ≥50 kg/m2, or a history of venous thromboembolism or pelvic surgery. Preoperatively and postoperatively, all patients received subcutaneous enoxaparin or unfractionated heparin. High-risk patients received either preoperatively inserted inferior vena cava filters or continuous heparin infusions intraoperatively. All high-risk patients were anticoagulated with warfarin (Coumadin; Bristol Myers-Squibb, Princeton, NJ) for at least 3 months postoperatively. Initially, some patients experienced significant hemorrhage; to prevent this, sutures were oversewn into staple lines. Results: No patient experienced venous thromboembolism; a binomial test showed that the regimen reduced the risk of this complication to less than 2% (p < 0.05). Hemorrhage sufficient to require transfusion occurred in 4 of the first 20 patients; of the remaining 130 patients, into whose staple lines sutures were oversewn, none required transfusion (p < 0.05). Discussion: Patients should be divided into those who are at high risk and those who are at low risk for venous thromboembolism. All patients should receive pre- and postoperative anticoagulation. High-risk patients should also receive either an inferior vena cava filter or intraoperative heparin infusions, as well as at least 3 months of Coumadin therapy. Oversewing of staple lines may reduce the risk of hemorrhage.
Mechanisms of Assembly of the Enzyme‐ssDNA Complexes Required for Recombination‐Dependent DNA Synthesis and Repair in Bacteriophage T4

During late stages of bacteriophage T4 infection in E. coli, the initiation of phage DNA replication is dependent on the homologous recombination activity of the T4 uvsX protein. In vitro, uvsX protein initiates DNA synthesis on a duplex template by inserting the 3{prime} end of a homologous ssDNA molecule into the duplex. The resulting D-loop structure serves as a primer-template junction for the assembly of the T4 replication fork. Two key steps in this initiation process are (A) the assembly of uvsX-ssDNA complexes necessary for recombination activity and for the priming of lead-strand DNA synthesis, and (B) the assembly of the T4 primosome (gp41 helicase/gp61 primase complex) onto the single-stranded template for lagging-strand synthesis. Our laboratory is focusing on the mechanisms of these two different but related enzyme-ssDNA assembly processes. In this extended abstract, we describe recent efforts in our laboratory to elucidate the mechanism by which the gp41 helicase enzyme is assembled onto gp32-covered ssDNA, a process requiring the activity of a special helicase assembly factor, the T4 gp59 protein.
Expression of various multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) homologues in brain microvessel endothelial cells.

Multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) actively transports a broad range of anionic compounds out of the cell. To date, six different homologues of MRP (i.e. MRP1-MRP6) have been identified. The current study examines the expression of the various MRP homologues in both primary cultured bovine brain microvessel endothelial cells (BBMEC) and the capillary-enriched fraction from bovine brain homogenates. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated the presence of MRP1, MRP4, MRP5 and MRP6 in both BBMEC and the capillary-enriched fractions of brain homogenates. While low levels of MRP3 were detected in the BBMEC, it was not observed in the capillary-enriched fraction. In addition, RT-PCR and Western blot studies indicated an absence of MRP2 expression in both blood-brain barrier preparations. The presence of several different MRP homologues in the brain microvessel endothelial cells may be important in controlling the permeability of the blood-brain barrier to organic anions.
The state of surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease after five decades.

The impetus to identify and counsel patients with progressive disease regarding the need for surgical therapy is critical. This goes largely unheeded by gastroenterologists due to their lack of confidence in the durability of a fundoplication and concern over the side effects of the operation. Consequently, early referral of a patient with symptoms and signs of progressive disease for surgical therapy is resisted. Further, there is widespread concern that not all surgeons are sufficiently experienced in evaluating esophageal patients, many are not knowledgeable enough to select the proper antireflux procedure, and some are not sufficiently trained to properly perform the procedure. 4,5 Over the last 5 decades, 5 principles of the surgical treatment of GERD have emerged and when followed, lead to a successful outcome in nearly all patients. These principles are: documentation of the diagnosis of GERD; determination of the status of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and esophageal body; identification of the patient who is a proper candidate for surgical therapy; selection of the proper surgical procedure; and surgeon awareness of the technical nuances of the procedure. Application of these principles requires surgeons to hone their cognitive, diagnostic, clinical, and surgical skills regarding reflux disease. Errors can lead to surgical failure and the need for repetitive reoperations with the inherent risk of vagal injury and ischemic damage to esophageal and gastric tissues. The last 5 decades of experience have taught that a successful therapeutic outcome is unlikely after 3 failed antireflux operations. 6-8 Consequently, it is imperative that the first operation be performed for the right diagnosis, on the right patient, and by a knowledgeable and capable surgeon. The objective of this review is to describe the current state of surgical treatment for GERD, to expand on how new knowledge about disease progression and LES function has improved our ability to select the appropriate patient for surgical therapy, and to offer a more personalized surgical approach to these patients.
Pressure measurements in the microcirculation with active and passive transducers

Abstract The measurement of hydraulic pressure in the microscopic vasculature is analyzed in terms of the frequency response attainable for different tip diameters used in conjunction with active and passive systems. Frequency response of the order of 10 Hz and better is desirable in the measurement of pressures in the cardiovascular system in order to detect the pervasive pulsatile wave forms which originate as a consequence of the action of the heart. This frequency response can be obtained with passive systems with tip cannulae of 18 μm and greater. Smaller tip diameters require active systems. Characterization of the phase relationship between measurements obtained simultaneously in different vessels can be obtained by implementing a cross-correlation technique.
Papillary Muscle Fractional Shortening Is a Determinant of Heart Shape in Patients With Prior Myocardial Infarction

To examine the relation between papillary muscle fractional shortening and heart shape, we performed quantitative echocardiography in 20 patients with prior myocardial infarction and 20 normal control subjects. Papillary muscle fractional shortening was markedly depressed in infarction patients and there was a high degree of correlation between papillary muscle fractional shortening and left ventricular shape, which was evident over a wide range of ejection fraction and shape.
High-temperature SOI-based gate driver IC for WBG power switches

High-temperature integrated circuits fill a need in applications where there are obvious benefits to reduced thermal management or where circuitry is placed away from temperature extremes. Examples of these applications include aerospace, automotive, power generation, and well-logging. This work focuses on automotive applications in which the growing demand for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in-hybrids (PHEVs), and Fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs) has increased the need for high-temperature electronics that can operate at the extreme ambient temperatures that exist under the hood of these vehicles, which can be in excess of 150°C. Silicon carbide (SiC) and other wide-bandgap power switches that can function at these temperature extremes are now entering the market. To take full advantage of their potential, high-temperature capable circuits that can also operate in these environments are required.
Space efficient processor identity protocol

Abstract In this paper, a space efficient probabilistic protocol is presented for the Processor Identity Problem—an essential problem in distributed computation and asynchronous parallel computation. The new protocol uses only O(n log2 n) bits, which improves the previous known protocol, due to Lipton and Park, which uses O(n2) bits. The new protocol is very simple, fully distributed, and symmetric, and has no assumption on the initial contents of the elements in the shared memory. Moreover, it is very fast in theory and in practice. This provides a very practical and important primitive for distributed systems and asynchronous parallel systems.
The Development of Echocardiography in China: The Pioneering Role of Xin-Fang Wang

I cannot discuss the history of the development of echocardiography in China without describing the pioneering role of Xin-fang Wang (王新房) from Wuhan, China, who is the "father of modern echocardiography."(1) Although Inge Edler from Sweden(2-5) and Harvey Feigenbaum from the United States(6) were also oftentimes referred to as the fathers of echocardiography, both Edler(7) and Feigenbaum(8) recognized that the Chinese used cardiac ultrasonography in the very early years (Figure 1).
Statistics and ethics: Models for strengthening protection of human subjects in clinical research

In this issue of PNAS, Press (1) proposes a method that could substantially advance ethical approaches to clinical trials and comparative effectiveness research. Such advances are needed to harvest the potential benefit of electronic medical information, allowing far greater numbers and far greater specificity of comparisons among diagnostic or treatment modalities in demographic, phenotypic, and genetically distinct comparative populations.
Campylobacter Jejuni PglH is a Single Active Site Processive Polymerase that Utilizes Product Inhibition to Limit Sequential Glycosyl Transfer Reactions

Asparagine-linked protein glycosylation is essential for the virulence of the human gut mucosal pathogen Campylobacter jejuni. The heptasaccharide that is transferred to proteins is biosynthesized via the glycosyltransferase-catalyzed addition of sugar units to an undecaprenyl diphosphate-linked carrier. Genetic studies on the heptasaccharide assembly enzymes have shown that PglH, which transfers three terminal N-acetyl-galactosamine (GalNAc) residues to the carrier polyisoprene, is essential for chick colonization by C. jejuni. While it is now clear that PglH catalyzes multiple transfer reactions, the mechanism whereby the reactions cease after the addition of just three GalNAc residues has yet to be understood. To address this issue, a series of mechanistic biochemical studies was conducted with purified native PglH. This enzyme was found to follow a processive mechanism under initial rate conditions, however, product inhibition and product accumulation led to PglH release of intermediate products prior to complete conversion to the native ultimate product. Point mutations of an essential EX7E sequence motif were used to demonstrate that a single active site was responsible for all three transferase reactions, and a homology model with the mannosyltransferase PimA, from Mycobacteria smegmatis, establish the requirement of the EX7E motif in catalysis. Finally, increased binding affinity with increasing glycan size is proposed to provide PglH with a counting mechanism that does not allow the transfer of more than three GalNAc residues. These results provide important mechanistic insights into the function of the glycosyl transfer polymerase that is related to the virulence of C. jejuni.
Open donor, laparoscopic donor and hand assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: a comparison of outcomes.

Purpose: In experienced hands laparoscopic surgery has been shown to be safe for procuring kidneys for transplantation that function identically to open nephrectomy controls. While searching for a safer and easier approach to laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, hand assisted laparoscopic techniques have been added to the surgical armamentarium. We compare allograft function in patients with greater than 1-year followup who underwent open donor (historic series), classic laparoscopic and hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy.Materials and Methods: The charts of 48 patients who underwent open donor, laparoscopic donor or hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy were reviewed. Only patients with greater than 1-year followup and complete charts were included in our study. Of these patients 34 underwent consecutive laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy and 14 underwent open donor nephrectomy. Mean patient age plus or minus standard deviation (SD) was 36.5 ± 8.4 years for donors and 29 ± 17 for recipients at transplan...
Dysrhythmogenesis Associated with the Treatment of Acute Reversible Airway Obstruction

The management of acute reversible airway obstruction in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) relies substantially on the use of sympathomimetics and/or methylxanthines. In spite of deeply ingrained clinical "impressions" regarding the relative safety of these agents, singly or in combination, their cardiotonic and dysrhythmogenic properties — particularly in the setting of hypoxemia — are not well documented. Even the newer "selective" B 2 agonists have not been shown to evoke less cardiac effect (as manifested by tachycardia or dysrhythmogenesis) than their by now somewhat maligned and ignored cousin, epinephrine. The limited number of clinical studies which have examined this area are reviewed and suggestions for clinical practice are offered.
A STRIDE towards practical 3-D device simulation-numerical and visualization considerations

A 3-D device solver (STRIDE), capable of solving grids up to 250,000 nodes, has been developed on a message passing multiprocessor. By the use of iterative matrix solvers and Gummel style nonlinear iteration schemes, user memory per node is reduced over use of direct solvers and Newton schemes. By using an independent-edge-grouping scheme to increase the vector length to the order of the number of variables, the vector processing efficiency is significantly increased without additional floating point operations. The modified-singular-perturbation (MSP) scheme is extended to two-carrier simulations. This significantly speeds up the convergence rate of Gummel style nonlinear iterations. Physical insight gained from the MSP schemes also leads to an automatic switching scheme between various nonlinear schemes based on the monitoring of certain matrix parameters. Application of STRIDE is demonstrated by an analysis of latchup trigger current dependence on layout arrangement. >
600 GHz planar-Schottky-diode subharmonic waveguide mixers

We report on the first planar two-diode subharmonic mixer operating at 600 GHz. The measured mixer noise temperature of 4200 K DSB is only a factor of 2 worse than the best single diode (whisker-contacted or planar) fundamental mixers and a factor 1.5 worse than the best ever single diode (whisker-contacted) harmonic mixer at similar frequencies. The measured conversion loss is /spl ap/12 dB and a noise temperature between 4200-5300 K can be maintained with a fix tuned circuit over a 1-18 GHz IF bandwidth. The anodes are made via a trilayer direct e-beam write process that results in extremely low parasitic devices with high cutoff frequencies. The mixers are being developed for NASA's Mission to Planet Earth.
Selective-correlation velocity analysis

Increased resolution in computed velocity spectra aids in distinguishing between neighboring primary events from reflectors with conflicting dip and in identifying primaries in the presence of multiples. The transformation from the offset and reflection-time domain to the stacking-velocity and zero-offset-time domain can be achieved using any of several coherence measures based on crosscorrelations among traces in a common-midpoint (CMP) gather or a common-image gather (CIG). Use of just selected subsets of crosscorrelations rather than all possible ones in a gather can improve both the reliability and resolution of velocity analysis. In selective-correlation velocity analysis, we include in the summation only crosscorrelations for those pairs of traces with relative differential moveout of reflections exceeding a chosen threshold value. Comparisons of performance on CMP gathers, both synthetic and field-data, show that selective-correlation velocity analysis considerably enhances the resolving power of v...
Performance models of flash-based solid-state drives for real workloads

There is a wide gap between the potential performance of NAND flash-based solid state drives (SSDs) and their performance in many real-world applications; understanding this gap requires knowledge of their behavior and internal algorithms for various workloads. We develop analytic models for two commonly-used Flash Translation Layer (FTL) algorithms, as used in SSDs, as well as a methodology for applying these models to real-world workloads. We demonstrate the accuracy of these models via simulation, extend this approach to incorporate measurement-based approximations when detailed parameters are unknown, and validate this methodology against real devices.
Optimum Locations on a Graph with Probabilistic Demands

The traffic demands at the stations of a communication network are usually not deterministic. Optimum locations found using deterministic techniques are poor when the random nature of the network traffic is considered. The concepts of absolute centers and medians are generalized to maximum probability absolute centers and medians. Minimum variance points are also considered. Techniques to locate these optimum points are discussed.
Cost-Effectiveness of MODY Genetic Testing: Translating Genomic Advances Into Practical Health Applications

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a genetic testing policy for HNF1A-, HNF4A-, and GCK-MODY in a hypothetical cohort of type 2 diabetic patients 25-40 years old with a MODY prevalence of 2%. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used a simulation model of type 2 diabetes complications based on UK Prospective Diabetes Study data, modified to account for the natural history of disease by genetic subtype to compare a policy of genetic testing at diabetes diagnosis versus a policy of no testing. Under the screening policy, successful sulfonylurea treatment of HNF1A-MODY and HNF4A-MODY was modeled to produce a glycosylated hemoglobin reduction of -1.5% compared with usual care. GCK-MODY received no therapy. Main outcome measures were costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) based on lifetime risk of complications and treatments, expressed as the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) (USD/QALY). RESULTS The testing policy yielded an average gain of 0.012 QALYs and resulted in an ICER of 205,000 USD. Sensitivity analysis showed that if the MODY prevalence was 6%, the ICER would be ~50,000 USD. If MODY prevalence was >30%, the testing policy was cost saving. Reducing genetic testing costs to 700 USD also resulted in an ICER of ~50,000 USD. CONCLUSIONS Our simulated model suggests that a policy of testing for MODY in selected populations is cost-effective for the U.S. based on contemporary ICER thresholds. Higher prevalence of MODY in the tested population or decreased testing costs would enhance cost-effectiveness. Our results make a compelling argument for routine coverage of genetic testing in patients with high clinical suspicion of MODY.
“The Lovely Evil” The Pregame Sex Myth and the Denigration of Women

The notion that sex before a contest impedes male athletic performance has exercised a remarkably strong hold over the popular imagination and has secured a hallowed place within the lore of the sporting fraternity. The purpose of this article is to deconstruct the pregame sex myth, revealing that the various ontological layers by which the myth is constituted relate to men's deepest fears of physical and personal enervation. Grounded in an interdisciplinary approach, the article argues that the pregame sex myth represents a formidable form of antifeminine thinking derived from masculine insecurities that resonate across time and that are easily translated into denigrating actions and attitudes toward women.
Annexin A4 reduces water and proton permeability of model membranes but does not alter aquaporin 2-mediated water transport in isolated endosomes.

Annexin A4 (Anx4) belongs to a ubiquitous family of Ca2+-dependent membrane-binding proteins thought to be involved in membrane trafficking and membrane organization within cells. Anx4 localizes to the apical region in epithelia; however, its physiological role is unclear. We show that Anx4 exhibited binding to liposomes (phosphatidylcholine:phosphatidylserine, 1:1) in the presence of Ca2+ and binding was reversible with EDTA. Anx4 binding resulted in liposome aggregation and a reduction in membrane water permeability of 29% (P < 0.001) at 25°C. These effects were not seen in the presence of Ca2+ or Anx4 alone and were reversible with EDTA. Measurements of membrane fluidity made by monitoring fluorescence anisotropy of 2-(12-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino)dodecanoyl-1-hexadecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (NBD-HPC) demonstrated that Anx4 binding rigidified the outer leaflet of the bilayer (P < 0.001), thus providing a molecular explanation for the inhibition of water flux. To determine whether Anx4 would produce similar effects on physiological membranes we constructed liposomes which recapitulated the lipid composition of the inner leaflet of the MDCK apical membrane. These membranes exhibited reductions to water permeability upon Anx4 binding (19.5% at 25°C, 31% at 37°C; P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively) and to proton permeability (15% at 25°C, 19.5% at 37°C; P < 0.05). Since our in vitro experiments indicated an effect on membrane permeability, we examined localization of Anx4 in the kidney collecting duct, a region of the nephron responsible for concentrating urine through water reabsorbtion. Anx4 was shown to colocalize apically with aquaporin 2 (AQP2) in collecting duct epithelia. To test for the existence of a functional interaction between Anx4 and AQP2 we isolated AQP2-containing endosomes and exposed them to Anx4/Ca2+. Water flux rates were unchanged, indicating Anx4 does not directly regulate AQP2. We conclude that Anx4 can alter the physical properties of membranes by associating with them and regulate passive membrane permeability to water and protons. These properties represent important new functions for Anx4.
Asymptotic construction of Reissner-like composite plate theory with accurate strain recovery

Abstract The focus of this paper is to develop an asymptotically correct theory for composite laminated plates when each lamina exhibits monoclinic material symmetry. The development starts with formulation of the three-dimensional (3-D), anisotropic elasticity problem in which the deformation of the reference surface is expressed in terms of intrinsic two-dimensional (2-D) variables. The variational asymptotic method is then used to rigorously split this 3-D problem into a linear one-dimensional normal-line analysis and a nonlinear 2-D plate analysis accounting for classical as well as transverse shear deformation. The normal-line analysis provides a constitutive law between the generalized, 2-D strains and stress resultants as well as recovering relations to approximately but accurately express the 3-D displacement, strain and stress fields in terms of plate variables calculated in the plate analysis. It is known that more than one theory may exist that is asymptotically correct to a given order. This nonuniqueness is used to cast a strain energy functional that is asymptotically correct through the second order into a simple “Reissner-like” plate theory. Although it is not possible in general to construct an asymptotically correct Reissner-like composite plate theory, an optimization procedure is used to drive the present theory as close to being asymptotically correct as possible while maintaining the beauty of the Reissner-like formulation. Numerical results are presented to compare with the exact solution as well as a previous similar yet very different theory. The present theory has excellent agreement with the previous theory and exact results.
Quadratic boundedness of nonlinear dynamical systems

The concept of quadratic boundedness for an uncertain nonlinear dynamical system is defined and a sufficient condition for quadratic boundedness of a class of nonlinear systems which have an uncertain additive bounded disturbance input is then given. A relationship between quadratic boundedness of an uncertain system and quadratic stability of the system without disturbance is also developed. The results are applied to the rotational motion of a spacecraft subject to bounded disturbance torques.
The interactions between the stimulatory effect of follicle-stimulating hormone and the inhibitory effect of estrogen on mouse primordial folliculogenesis

The murine primordial follicle pool develops largely within 3 days after birth through germline nest breakdown and enclosure of oocytes within pregranulosa cells. The mechanisms that trigger primordial follicle formation likely are influenced by a transition from the maternal to fetal hormonal milieu at the time of birth. High levels of maternal estrogen maintain intact germline nest in fetal ovary, and decrease of estrogen after birth is permissive of follicle formation. In the present study, we measured an increase in neonatal serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which corresponded to falling estradiol (E(2)) levels during the critical window of primordial follicle formation (Postnatal Days 1-3). To determine whether fetal hormones contribute in an active manner to primordial follicle formation, mouse fetal ovaries (17.5 days postcoitus) were cultured in vitro at two concentrations of E(2) (meant to reflect maternal and fetal levels of E(2)) and FSH for 6 days. High levels of E(2) (10(-6) M) inhibited germline nest breakdown, and this effect was significantly reduced when fetal ovaries were cultured in the low E(2) concentration (10(-10) M). FSH facilitated germline nest breakdown and primordial follicle formation under both high and low E(2) culture conditions. Low E(2) was identified as being more permissive for the effects of FSH on primordial follicle formation by stimulating the up-regulation of Fshr and activin beta A subunit (Inhba) expression, pregranulosa cell proliferation, and oocyte survival. The decrease of E(2) plus the presence of FSH after birth are critical for primordial follicle formation and the expression of oocyte-specific transcription factors (Figla and Nobox) in that inappropriate exposure to FSH or E(2) during follicle formation resulted in premature or delayed primordial folliculogenesis. In conclusion, with the drop of E(2) level after birth, FSH promotes primordial follicle formation in mice by stimulating local activin signaling pathways and the expression of oocyte-specific transcription factors.
CHOLESTEROL METABOLISM IN THE MACROPHAGE III. INGESTION AND INTRACELLULAR FATE OF CHOLESTEROL AND CHOLESTEROL ESTERS

Phagocytosis of cholesterol-containing particles resulted in the formation of an intralysosomal cholesterol compartment. Cholesterol was excreted out of the macrophage with a single exponential rate which depended on the concentration of acceptor lipoproteins in the medium. Exchange kinetics performed on cells which had ingested particulate cholesterol suggested that excretion occurred by the same mechanism as exchange. Cholesterol esters as particulate albumin coacervates were taken up by macrophages and hydrolyzed by a lysosomal cholesterol esterase with optimal activity at pH 4.0. Cholesteryl linoleate was hydrolyzed much more readily than cholesteryl palmitate. The amount of cholesterol esterase and its specific activity increased during the in vitro cultivation of macrophages. Intralysosomally, cholesteryl linoleate and palmitate were hydrolyzed to free cholesterol which was excreted from the macrophage and recovered in the medium. Since cholesteryl linoleate was hydrolyzed more rapidly than free cholesterol was excreted into the medium, free cholesterol accumulated intralysosomally. Cholesteryl palmitate was hydrolyzed more slowly, and the rate of hydrolysis was limiting for excretion of the free cholesterol from within the lysosome.
Variability in the position of the retropharyngeal internal carotid artery

The retropharyngeal internal carotid artery (ICA) is a well-described arterial anomaly with important implications for patients undergoing pharyngeal approach surgical procedures. Existing clinical and imaging classification schemes for a retropharyngeal ICA take into account arterial distance to the pharyngeal mucosal wall. We describe a case of mobility of a retropharyngeal ICA between short-interval imaging studies. The possibility of respiratory variability or other etiologies causing such changes in retropharyngeal carotid position have not been described previously. Our findings suggest that imaging findings from a single study alone may not be sufficient to confidently exclude this clinically significant arterial anomaly.
Investigation of current transport and charges in graded base HBTs

An all injection model for graded-base HBTs (heterojunction bipolar transistors) has been developed and found to agree well with experimental results. The model shows that assuming low injection level and base transit time current independence may not be valid in all cases. Recombination current components have been formulated. The base grading effect on current components and current gain is investigated. The results show that as Al mole fraction increases gain increases to a maximum, then decreases. >