cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment and cognitive-behavioral interventions

The use of methods for assessing cognitions is crucial for the development of cognitive-behavioral therapies. Seven approaches to assessing cognitions are described and discussed: in vivo thought sampling, and the assessment of imagery, cognitive style, beliefs, attributions, self-efficacy expectations, and self-statements. Emphasis is placed upon a description of the assessment methods, a consideration of their role in the validation of cognitive explanations of emotional disorders, and a call for the verification of the effects of cognitive treatments upon cognitions. Discussion also considers the overlap among the various approaches to cognitive assessment and the question of the accessibility of cognitive information.
James Coco, AIDS, and the Genesis of A Perfect Ganesh

Terrence McNally's A Perfect Ganesh (1993) presents two upper-middle class American women who, while on holiday in India, are each forced to address how the loss of a beloved son has left them unab...
A critical period for macromolecular synthesis in long-term heterosynaptic facilitation in Aplysia

Both long-term and short-term sensitization of the gill and siphon withdrawal reflex in Aplysia involve facilitation of the monosynaptic connections between the sensory and motor neurons. To analyze the relationship between these two forms of synaptic facilitation at the cellular and molecular level, this monosynaptic sensorimotor component of the gill-withdrawal reflex of Aplysia can be reconstituted in dissociated cell culture. Whereas one brief application of 1 microM serotonin produced short-term facilitation in the sensorimotor connection that lasted minutes, five applications over 1.5 hours resulted in long-term facilitation that lasted more than 24 hours. Inhibitors of protein synthesis or RNA synthesis selectively blocked long-term facilitation, but not short-term facilitation, indicating that long-term facilitation requires the expression of gene products not essential for short-term facilitation. Moreover, the inhibitors only blocked long-term facilitation when given during the serotonin applications; the inhibitors did not block the facilitation when given either before or after serotonin application. These results parallel those for behavioral performance in vertebrates and indicate that the critical time window characteristic of the requirement for macromolecular synthesis in long-term heterosynaptic facilitation is not a property of complex circuitry, but an intrinsic characteristic of specific nerve cells and synaptic connections involved in the long-term storage of information.
Localization of Sister Chromatid Exchanges in Human Chromosomes

The bromodeoxyuridine; sensitivity of 33258 Hoechst fluorescence allows microfluorometric analysis of sister chromatid exchanges in human metaphase chromosomes. The frequency of sister chromatid exchanges among chromosomes correlates with chromosome length. Exchanges appear to occur predominantly in interband regions, as defined by quinacrine fluorescence, or very near band-interband junctions. A few regions are involved unusually frequently.
A fluorometric method for determination of 1-methyl-2-aldoximinopyridinium ion in biological fluids☆

Abstract A rapid, sensitive method has been developed to measure 1-methyl-2-aldoximinopyridinium ion (2-PAM) in biological fluids. This method is based on the alkaline hydrolysis of 2-PAM to 1-methyl-2-pyridone and subsequent determination of the fluorescent emission spectrum of this latter compound in chloroform. The fluorometric method is applicable over a wide range of concentrations, and as little as 1.0 × 10 −6 M can be determined by this procedure. It has been employed to measure the disappearance of 2-PAM from the blood of dogs.
Clergy-laity support and patients' mood during serious illness: a cross-sectional epidemiologic study.

Objectives Religious participation is positively associated with mental health, but attendance at worship services declines during serious illness. This study assessed whether home visits by clergy or laity provide benefits to seriously ill patients who may have difficulty attending religious services. Method A cross-sectional study design nested in an observational epidemiologic cohort study was used. The regionally representative sample of patients had metastatic lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer (n = 70); Class III and IV congestive heart failure (n = 70); or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with hypercapnea (n = 70) and were observed regarding clergy-laity support in their natural environments. Dependent variable 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression Scale. Independent variable A one-item question measuring how much helpful support patients received from clergy or other persons from church, temple, synagogue, or mosque. Covariates: demographic, health, social support, religiousness. Results Depressed mood was negatively associated with clergy-laity support in a non-linear pattern. Depressed mood was also positively associated with functional deficits and a lifetime history of difficulties related to religious involvement. Significance of results In lieu of worship attendance when people are sick, home visits by members of a patient's religious community may bolster mood by providing continuity of instrumental, emotional, and spiritual support.
Pigment content and molar extinction coefficients of photochemical reaction centers from Rhodopseudomonas spheroides.

Reaction center particles isolated from carotenoidless mutant Rhodopseudomonas spheroides were studied with the aim of determining the pigment composition and the molar extinction coefficients. Two independent sets of measurements using a variety of methods show that a sample with A800 nm = 1.00 contains 20.8 ± 0.8 μM tetrapyrrole and that the ratio of bacteriochlorophyll to bacteriopheophytin is 2:1. Measurements were made of the absorption changes attending the oxidation of cytochrome c coupled to reduction of the photooxidized primary electron donor in reaction centers, using laser flash excitation. The ratio of the absorption change at 865 nm (due to the bleaching of P870) to that at 550 nm (oxidation of cytochrome) was found to be 5.77. These results, combined with other data, yield a pigment composition of 4 bacteriochlorophyll and 2 bacteriopheophytin molecules in a reaction center. Based on this choice, extinction coefficients are determined for the 802- and 865-nm bands: e802 nm = 288 (± 14) mM−1 · cm−1 and e865 nm = 128 (± 6) mM−1 · cm−1. For reversible bleaching of the 865-nm band, Δered - ox865nm = 112 (± 6) mM−1 · cm−1 (referred to the molarity of reaction centers). Earlier reported values of photochemical quantum efficiency are recomputed, and the revised values are shown to be compatible with those obtained from measurements of fluorescence transients.
Optimized lower leg injury probability curves from postmortem human subject tests under axial impacts.

Objective: Derive optimum injury probability curves to describe human tolerance of the lower leg using parametric survival analysis.Methods: The study reexamined lower leg postmortem human subjects (PMHS) data from a large group of specimens. Briefly, axial loading experiments were conducted by impacting the plantar surface of the foot. Both injury and noninjury tests were included in the testing process. They were identified by pre- and posttest radiographic images and detailed dissection following the impact test. Fractures included injuries to the calcaneus and distal tibia–fibula complex (including pylon), representing severities at the Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) level 2+. For the statistical analysis, peak force was chosen as the main explanatory variable and the age was chosen as the covariable. Censoring statuses depended on experimental outcomes. Parameters from the parametric survival analysis were estimated using the maximum likelihood approach and the dfbetas statistic was used to identify ...
Viscoelastic-Related Glaucomas

The routine surgical use of viscoelastic substances has revolutionized many anterior segment procedures. All of the currently available agents may be responsible for causing or exacerbating a transient, but occasionally significant, postoperative IOP elevation. In spite of differences in physical properties such as molecular weight, concentration, and viscosity, none of the various viscoelastics has consistently shown a decreased likelihood of producing ocular hypertension. Moreover, any newly introduced product must be evaluated carefully for this potential complication. Lavage of viscomaterial from the anterior chamber and administration of ocular antihypertensives may be helpful in averting or controlling the increased IOP. The surgeon should be cognizant of any pre-existing optic nerve damage and adjust the aggressiveness of postoperative glaucoma therapy accordingly. In the future, the development of new substances or simultaneous use of degrading enzymes may reduce or eliminate the incidence of viscoelastic-induced ocular hypertension.
Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis and Other Pulmonary Histiocytic Diseases: A Review

Abstract Context.—Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis is the most common and best known pulmonary histocytic lesion; however, the realm of pulmonary histiocytic lesions also includes an assortment of uncommon diseases that may exhibit pulmonary involvement. Objective.—To review pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis and other pulmonary histiocytoses to better ensure correct diagnosis and optimal assessment of prognosis and treatment. Data Sources.—Literature review and primary material from the author's institution. Conclusions.—This review discusses the most common pulmonary histocytosis, pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and also reviews the uncommon pulmonary histiocytic lesions, which are distinct from pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
Identification of novel transcripts in annotated genomes using RNA-Seq

Summary: We describe a new ‘reference annotation based transcript assembly’ problem for RNA-Seq data that involves assembling novel transcripts in the context of an existing annotation. This problem arises in the analysis of expression in model organisms, where it is desirable to leverage existing annotations for discovering novel transcripts. We present an algorithm for reference annotation-based transcript assembly and show how it can be used to rapidly investigate novel transcripts revealed by RNA-Seq in comparison with a reference annotation. Availability: The methods described in this article are implemented in the Cufflinks suite of software for RNA-Seq, freely available from http://bio.math.berkeley.edu/cufflinks. The software is released under the BOOST license. Contact:cole@broadinstitute.org; lpachter@math.berkeley.edu Supplementary Information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Putting the “we” in leadership : continuing the dialogue to advance our science and practice

This article addresses the insightful and diverse commentaries received regarding our focal article examining collectivistic leadership approaches from both a scientific and practical perspective. In our response, we attend to four emergent themes: the interdisciplinary and historic nature of collectivistic approaches to leadership, the need for studying the nature of collectivistic leadership as a unique phenomenon, the benefits and vulnerabilities associated with this leadership perspective, and the importance of understanding from a holistic perspective what influences collectivistic leadership and how to develop it. For each theme, we integrate feedback from the commentaries and provide our perspective in terms of how to continue the dialogue on collectivistic leadership for scientific and practical advancement.
Mini -RF Orbital Planning and Commanding System

We present an efficient science operations planning and commanding sys tem for the Mini -RF instrument. The Mini -RF instrument is a lightweight side -looking radar system that will use Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to obtain images of the lunar polar regions to search for regions of water -ice deposits. The two missions that wi ll carry the Mini -RF instruments are the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chandrayaan -1 lunar orbiter and the NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). The Science Operations Planning and Commanding Subsystems, a suite of planning and commanding to ols, will be used by a small team of scientists to efficiently construct the operations schedule, and to modify any opportunity to maximize the science obtained.
The Role of Sonography in Renal Artery Stenosis Evaluation and Stent Placement

A literature review has been conducted to demonstrate the role of duplex sonography in evaluating renal artery stenosis (RAS) as a screening method for patients prior to percutaneous transluminal r...
Enzymatic Synthesis of Layered Titanium Phosphates at Low Temperature and Neutral pH by Cell-Surface Display of Silicatein-α

We introduce a novel method of inorganic synthesis using the catalytic and structure-directing properties of the demosponge enzyme silicatein-α. Recombinant silicatein-α was displayed at the surface of Escherichia coli cells by fusion to outer membrane protein A and used to biocatalytically direct the formation of layered and amorphous titanium phosphates from a small water-soluble precursor at near-neutral pH at 16 °C. Synthesis of titanium phosphates, with potential applications in catalysis and separation technology, previously has required prolonged reactions with phosphoric acid at elevated temperatures. Additionally, we use library screening to isolate a 15-mer with affinity toward the silicatein active site (Kd ca. 50 nM) and introduce this new approach to demonstrate the success of our display strategy. Considering our previous findings with native silicatein filaments, we suggest that this scalable, efficient, cell-based system may have a broad utility for the synthesis of a range of structured m...
Communicating Forest Management Science and Practices through Visualized and Animated Media Approaches to Community Presentations An Exploration and Assessment

Natural-resource managers have used a variety of computer-mediated presentation methods to communicate management practices to diverse publics. We explored the effects of visualizing and animating predictions from mathematical models in computerized presentations explaining forest succession (forest growth and change through time), fire behavior, and management options. In an experimental design using purposive samples, rural-mountain, town, and student groups gained substantial information from both the visualized, animated presentation and the nonvisualized, nonanimated presentation. Mountain residents gained significantly more information from the visualized and animated presentation than from the nonvisualized and nonanimated presentation.
SPICE2S: Wellness Dimensions Applied to Dance with Advice for Teachers

The acronym SPICE2S stands for the following dimensions of wellness: social, physical, intellectual, career, emotional, environmental, and spiritual. In this article, each dimension is discussed with respect to the unique issues and needs of dancers, and specific recommendations are provided for how dance teachers can foster wellness in dance education programs.
Elevations of Endogenous Kynurenic Acid Produce Spatial Working Memory Deficits

Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is a tryptophan metabolite that is synthesized and released by astrocytes and acts as a competitive antagonist of the glycine site of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors at high concentrations and as a noncompetitive antagonist of the α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor at low concentrations. The discovery of increased cortical KYNA levels in schizophrenia prompted the hypothesis that elevated KYNA concentration may underlie the working memory dysfunction observed in this population that has been attributed to altered glutamatergic and/or cholinergic transmission. The present study investigated the effect of elevated endogenous KYNA on spatial working memory function in rats. Increased KYNA levels were achieved with intraperitoneal administration of kynurenine (100 mg/kg), the precursor of KYNA synthesis. Rats were treated with either kynurenine or a vehicle solution prior to testing in a radial arm maze task at various delays. Elevations of endogenous KYNA resulted in increased errors in the radial arm maze. In separate experiments, assessment of locomotor activity in an open field and latency to retrieve food reward from one of the maze arms ruled out the possibility that deficits in the maze were attributable to altered locomotor activity or motivation to consume food. These results provide evidence that increased KYNA levels produce spatial working memory deficits and are among the first to demonstrate the influence of glia-derived molecules on cognitive function. The implications for psychopathological conditions such as schizophrenia are discussed.
Algebraic approach to recovering topological information in distributed camera networks

Camera networks are widely used for tasks such as surveillance, monitoring and tracking. In order to accomplish these tasks, knowledge of localization information such as camera locations and other geometric constraints about the environment (e.g. walls, rooms, and building layout) are typically considered to be essential. However, this information is not required for tasks such as estimating the topology of camera network coverage, or coordinate-free object tracking and navigation. In this paper, we propose a simplicial representation (called CN-Complex) that can be constructed from discrete local observations, and utilize this novel representation to recover topological information of the network coverage. We prove that our representation captures the correct topological information for coverage in 2.5D layouts, and demonstrate its utility in simulations as well as an experimental setup. Our proposed approach is particularly useful in the context of ad-hoc camera networks in indoor/outdoor urban environments with distributed but limited computational power and energy.
Neuronal organization of the cochlear nuclei in alligator lizards: a light and electron microscopic investigation.

The organization of neurons and fibers in the cochlear nuclei of the alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus multicarinutus) was examined with light and electron microscopy. In this species, much is known about the anatomy and physiology of the inner ear including the cochlear nerve, but little is known about the synaptic connections of cochlear fibers on second-order neurons. These data will help to develop general principles addressing the cellular organization of the vertebrate auditory system. Subdivisions of the cochlear nuclei were defined on the basis of their histologic appearance and neuronal composition. Neuron classes were proposed from their light microscopic and ultrastructural features. Nucleus magnocellularis medialis consists of a homogeneous population of neurons called “lesser ovoid” cells. Nucleus magnocellularis lateralis consists of “greater ovoid” and “small” cells. Nucleus angularis lateralis consists of “spindle” cells. Lastly, nucleus angularis medialis contains a population of large neurons called “duckhead” and “multipolar” cells, and a population of smaller neurons called “bulb” and “agranular” cells. These neuron populations are differentially innervated by tectorial and free-standing cochlear fibers that are associated with separate frequency ranges. All neuronal populations except agranular cells were observed to receive synaptic input from cochlear nerve fibers. In nucleus magnocellularis medialis and nucleus angularis medialis, primary afferents form both chemical and electrical synapses with resident neurons. These observations imply that acoustic information is synaptically processed in fundamentally distinct ways in the cochlear nuclei of alligator lizards and distributed along separate neural circuits. Thus, the characteristic structural and functional dichotomy of the alligator lizard inner ear is extended to central auditory pathways by way of cochlear nerve projections. c IYYG WiIeyLiss. ~ric. Indexing terms: cytology, hearing, reptile, synapse, ultrastructure
The Osmotic Potential of Polyethylene Glycol 6000

Osmotic potential (ψs) of aqueous solutions of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG-6000) was curvilinearly related to concentration. At given concentrations, ψs increased linearly with temperature. The effects of concentration and temperature on ψs of PEG-6000 solutions differ from those for most salts and sugars and apparently are related to structural changes in the PEG polymer. Measurements of ψs with thermocouple psychrometers are more negative than those with a vapor pressure osmometer, with the psychrometer probably giving the more nearly correct ψs for bulk solutions. An empirical equation permits calculation of ψs from known concentrations of PEG-6000 over a temperature range of 15 to 35 C. Viscometery and gravimetric analysis are convenient methods by which the concentrations of PEG-6000 solutions may be measured.
Metal concentrations in feathers of birds from Papua New Guinea forests : evidence of pollution

The authors used the feathers of seven species of birds from New Guinea highland forests to examine concentrations of heavy metals and selenium. The authors tested the null hypotheses that there were no species, food type, or elevation differences in the concentrations of mercury, lead, cadmium, selenium, chromium, and manganese in the feathers of adults. All species had nondetectable levels of mercury. There were significant species differences in cadmium, lead, chromium, selenium, and manganese. Common smokey honeyeaters (Melipotes fumigatus, a fruit and flower feeder) had the lowest levels of all metals; blue-grey robin (Peneothello cyanus, mainly insectivorous) had the highest cadmium and manganese; and several species of birds of paradise had the highest lead levels. Lead levels were relatively high compared to those reported from feathers of other birds, attributable to the use of leaded gasoline.
IL-2–Inducible T Cell Kinase Tunes T Regulatory Cell Development and Is Required for Suppressive Function

IL-2-inducible T cell kinase (ITK) is a key signaling mediator downstream of TCR, mediating T cell positive selection, as well as innate T cell and CD4(+) Th2/Th17 differentiation. In this article, we show that ITK also negatively tunes IL-2-induced expansion of conventional Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells (Tregs). In vivo, Treg abundance is inversely correlated with ITK expression, and inducible Treg development is inversely dependent on ITK kinase activity. While Treg development normally requires both hematopoietic and thymic MHC class 2 (MHC2) expression, the absence of ITK allows Treg development with MHC2 expression in either compartment, with preference for selection by thymic MHC2, suggesting a gatekeeper role for ITK in ensuring that only Tregs selected by both thymic and hematopoietic MHC2 survive selection. Although ITK suppresses Treg development and is not required for maintenance of neuropilin-1-positive natural Tregs in the periphery, it is indispensable for Treg functional suppression of naive CD4(+) T cell-induced colitis in Rag(-/-) recipients. ITK thus regulates the development and function of Tregs.
Psychosocial development of adolescent preterm children

The majority of follow-up studies of preterm infants have focused on neurodevelopmental outcomes during early childhood. However the recognition that neuropsychological and behavioral deficits together with social and emotional problems account for a substantial proportion of the longer term impairment of preterm children has led to increased research on psychosocial problems and their sociodemographic and biologic correlates during the school age years and beyond. Adolescence is an especially important formative period of child development as it is characterized by profound biological, psychosocial, and social changes which are greater than at any stage of life other than during infancy. These changes would be expected to influence the functioning of preterm children with respect to their psychosocial adjustment and self perception of quality of life. Critical competencies in neuropsychological functioning and academic achievement are also strengthened during adolescence and become increasingly predictive of adult outcomes. Furthermore as neuroradiological techniques have advanced, continued maturation of brain processes during adolescence has been documented. In this edition of Best Practice Guidelines we present four reviews pertaining to the adolescent psychosocial development of preterm children and provide key guidelines with relevance to clinical practice and suggestions for future research directions. Samantha Johnson and Dieter Wolke provide an updated review of behavioral outcomes and psychopathology during adolescence. They note the preterm behavioral phenotype which is characterized by inattention, anxiety and socio-communicative problems and the higher prevalence of ADHD, emotional problems and Autism as compared to term born normal birth weight children as well as the comorbidity with neurodevelopmental problems which are prevalent among preterm children. They stress the importance of identification and treatment of mental health problems during adolescence as well as the need for studies of the biologic and socioenvironmental
Fuzzy qualitative diagnosis

Purely qualitative reasoning methods suffer from two problems. Measured data values must be classified into exactly one qualitative value and qualitative relations between variables represent only direction but not strength of influence. We have previously developed a constraint-based diagnostic system which searches for the "best" assignment of qualitative labels to all variables using heuristic search. Key elements of the reasoning procedure are 1) deriving unknown variable values by qualitative constraint processing, 2) enumerating possible component behaviors, 3) mapping behaviors into behavior modes (some of which imply faults), and 4) focusing search on promising alternatives. In this paper we describe how a fuzzy set-based representation of variable values combined with fuzzy constraint processing admits fuzzy classification of measurements and improves accuracy and focus of the diagnostic process. >
Dynamic Formulation for Geometrically Exact Sandwich Beams and One-Dimensional Plates

Multilayered structures have widespread applications in engineering. Laminated composite structures, initially developed for use in the aerospace industry, have played an increasingly important role in robotics and machine systems that require high operating speed. The low weight and high stiffness offered by laminated composite structures help reduce the power consumption, increase the ratio of payload/self-weight, and would contribute to improve the accuracy in the motion characteristics and the reduction in the level of acoustic emission of these systems. It is shown from computer simulations with experimental corroboration that the low weight/stiffness ratio of laminated composites is essential for obtaining high performance in slider-crank and four-bar linkage systems (Sung et al., 1986;
A three dimensional Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube based thermal sensor on a flexible Parylene substrate

We present the first design, fabrication and testing results from a three dimensional multi-walled carbon nanotube based thermal sensor fabricated on a flexible parylene-C substrate. Parylene-C is an inert, biocompatible, optically transparent, room temperature deposited polymer with a high mechanical strength, yet is rarely used as a flexible substrate. By utilizing a 2 mask process, we have manufactured a versatile microplatform for nanoscale assembly and then by utilizing dielectrophoretic assembly, incorporate MWNTs onto the platform in a 3D manner. The MWNTs are next encapsulated using a thin Parylene-C layer that acts as an environmental barrier and in addition keeps the MWNTs intact. The temperature Coefficient of Resistance of the MWNT sensor is measured to be between -0.21% and -0.66% per degree. The thermal sensor is compact, is very high density and could potentially be used for diverse temperature sensing applications such as in wearable textiles, on non planar surfaces and for in-vivo applications.
Utilization of total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer in the United States

Background Despite guidelines that recommend total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) greater than or equal to 1 cm, the extent of surgery remains controversial. We examined surgical practice patterns for PTC greater than or equal to 1 cm and identified factors that predict the use of total thyroidectomy. Methods Of 90,382 patients in the National Cancer Center Data Base (NCDB) with PTC from 1985 to 2003, 57,243 patients had tumors greater than or equal to 1 cm and underwent total thyroidectomy or lobectomy. Trends in extent of surgery for PTC were examined over 2 decades. Logistic regression was used to identify factors that predict use of total thyroidectomy compared with lobectomy. Results Use of total thyroidectomy increased from 70.8% in 1985 to 90.4% in 2003 ( P P P Conclusions Use of total thyroidectomy for PTC greater than or equal to 1 cm increased over time. Differences in use of total thyroidectomy are related to patient, tumor, and hospital factors and likely reflect disparities in access to care.
A logic and time nets for probabilistic inference

In this paper, we show a new approach for reasoning about time and probability that combines a formal declarative language with a graph representation of systems of random variables for making inferences. First, we provide a continuous-time logic for expressing knowledge about time and probability. Then, we introduce the time net, a kind of Bayesian network for supporting inference with statements in the logic. Time nets encode the probability of facts and events over time. We provide a simulation algorithm to compute probabilities for answering queries about a time net. Finally, we consider an incremental probabilistic temporal database based on the logic and time nets to support temporal reasoning and planning applications. The result is an approach that is semantically well-founded, expressive, and practical.
Meconium peritonitis in stillbirths

Meconium peritonitis is a sterile, chemical peritonitis resulting from perforation of the bowel in perinatal life. In stillbirths meconium peritonitis is extremely rare. We report the autopsy findings in three fetuses ranging from 21-39 weeks gestation in which meconium peritonitis was identified. Maternal history in two cases was suggestive of possible fetal hypoxia. No family history of cystic fibrosis was discerned. One fetus was hydropic and abdominal calcifications were noted on postmortem radiograph. Gross evidence of meconium in the peritoneal cavity, visceral adhesions, and serosal nodules were noted in two fetuses. Nodules of calcified meconium seen by microscopy were the only clues to diagnosis in the third fetus. The discovery of meconium peritonitis at autopsy may be the only residual evidence of antecedent bowel perforation. We suggest that intrauterine hypoxia may play a role in the development of meconium peritonitis in some cases.
Flexurally-triggered punching shear failure of reinforced concrete slab–column connections reinforced with headed shear studs arranged in orthogonal and radial layouts

Abstract Shear strength of reinforced concrete slab–column connections can be increased through the use of headed shear studs. To reduce interference with slab flexural reinforcement, stud rails are often placed in an orthogonal layout. In this layout, no stud rail is placed in regions extending from the corners of a column, as opposed to stud placement in a radial layout. Some experiments have found the absence of radial stud rails could lead to premature shear failure at slab–column connections. This problem may not have been noticeable in experiments that tested slabs with either short-spans or with a high flexural reinforcement ratio. This paper presents an experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of these stud layouts in slab–column connections whose slabs have relatively low flexural reinforcement ratios. Three full-scale slab–column connections that represent a flat plate structure with 25 ft (7620 mm) spans were tested. All three specimens had an identical flexural design, in which the reinforcement ratio was 0.8%. One specimen was built without shear reinforcement, and the remaining two specimens were reinforced with shear studs in either a radial or orthogonal layout. For the specimens with shear studs, calculated shear strengths were higher than their estimated flexural strengths.
The Pope's fateful vision of hope for society and the planet

The Pope's encyclical challenges incremental approaches that have dominated climate change discourse, and brings a much needed moral vision to the environmental movement. Social scientists are required to join this effort.
The (Willingly) Fettered Executive: Presidential Spinoffs in National Security Domains and Beyond

This article considers two increasingly important, but poorly understood, case studies that involve the Executive, on its own initiative, relinquishing control over essential national-security responsibilities by way of institutional redesign. The Executive already enjoyed unfettered discretion with respect to (1) the CIA financing and developing new technologies for its spies and (2) the President scrutinizing foreign investments that threaten U.S. national security. Nevertheless, it created In-Q-Tel, a private venture-capital firm, to incubate intelligence technologies. It also empowered the inter-agency Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (“CFIUS”) to investigate and impose conditions on foreign entities seeking to acquire controlling interests in strategically important American firms. In creating In-Q-Tel rather than allowing the CIA to direct R&D internally, and in delegating to an inter-agency committee sensitive responsibilities that Congress entrusted directly to the President, the Executive incurred a host of legal, political, and organizational constraints on its ability to control these two critical functions. These constraints would never have attached absent the reorganization efforts. Delegating responsibility to In-Q-Tel and CFIUS, as opposed to retaining it within the CIA and the White House, respectively, limits presidential discretion in contexts where external legal checks are largely disabled and where political stewardship appears to be self-defeating. Whether these self-imposed limitations were the Executive’s intent all along or simply an unintended consequence of institutional reorganization, the ways in which In-Q-Tel and CFIUS bear the marks of novel forms of accountability and self-constraint are innovative, compelling, and suggestive of a new chapter of thinking about bureaucratic design, separation of powers, and the optimal amount of Executive control.
Heat Transport in a Pure Fluid Near the Critical Point: Steady State and Relaxation Dynamics

The steady-state conditions and relaxation dynamics of a fluid layer during heat transport experiments near the liquid-vapor critical point are studied theoretically. The application is to3He along the critical isochore and under normal gravity—where experimental data are available—as well as zero gravity. First, the steady-state density stratification from gravity and from heat flow is calculated. The resulting observable thermal conductivity\(\bar \lambda _{obs} \)is obtained as a function of the temperature difference ΔT (or the heat current Q) across the fluid layer and becomes a strong non-linear function of ΔT as Tcis approached. The calculated\(\bar \lambda _{obs} \)is compared with that from experiments both above and below Tc. Second, the spatial profiles of temperature and density and their temporal evolutions are calculated above Tcas ΔT is established after Q is switched on, or conversely as ΔT decays to zero after Q has been switched off. From the calculations, done both from a closed-form expression and from simulations, the “observable” and “asymptotic” relaxation times for reaching the steady state are calculated as a function of Q, and compared with the experiments above Tc.
Continuous and Prolonged Intravenous β-Lactam Dosing: Implications for the Clinical Laboratory

Beta-lactam antibiotics serve as a cornerstone in the management of bacterial infections because of their wide spectrum of activity and low toxicity. Since resistance rates among bacteria are continuously on the rise and the pipeline for new antibiotics does not meet this trend, an optimization of current beta-lactam treatment is needed. This review provides an overview of optimization through use of prolonged- and continuous-infusion dosing strategies compared with more traditional intermittent infusions. Included is an overview of the scientific basis for using these nontraditional prolonged- and continuous-infusion-based regimens, with a focus on major areas in which the clinical laboratory can support the clinical use of these regimens.
Managing Human Resources Simulation in Health Administration

"The name of the game is Managing Human Resources Simulation in Health Administration. This simulation is a set of connected case studies situated within the Human Resources function, and occurring over time in a Health Administration environment of a hospital. This approach corresponds to the learner-centered model referred to as â€œProblem-Based Learningâ€ or PBL. Participants learn to analyze information, solve problems by applying what theyâ€™ve learned in the course, and then assess their results. This means that while they are making decisions and analyzing outcomes, participants are â€œdiscoveringâ€ the cause and effect relationships that are true for HRM and the organization in the simulated company. This simulation may be used effectively in a university course that surveys HRM in Health Administration, a capstone integration of an Health Administration major or minor, or a graduate course that surveys HRM in Health Administration. The game can be played in-class, entirely online, or with a combination of in-class and online approaches. "
Conclusion: Fragmentation and Consensus

The Chinese reform since 1978 has been ranking as one of the most extraordinary episodes of social and economic transformation in history: industrialization, marketization, urbanization, and globalization, all occurring at the same time. Chinese intellectuals used to be tiny, highly educated elites. By quadrupling its output of college graduates in the past decade, China now produces eight million graduates a year from universities and community colleges. By the end of this decade, China expects to have nearly 195 million community college and university graduates, compared with no more than 120 million in the United States then.1 Rapid economic growth has also created a burgeoning middle class.
A comparative ultrastructural analysis of spermatogenesis in nemertean worms

Spermatogenesis has been analyzed by electronmicroscopy in eleven species of nemertean worms.Nemertean testes are serially repeated sacs thatcontain germ cells as well as somatic cells ofenigmatic function. In members of the class Enopla,intragonadal muscle cells and distinct clones ofdeveloping sperm are typically present in the testes,whereas such muscles and clones tend to be absent or lessconspicuous in species belonging to the class Anopla.During spermiogenesis, either a compact (5 µm long)or an elongate (6–40 µm long) sperm head develops, andan acrosome forms at the anterior end of the head. Themature spermatozoon of all benthic species examinedalso possesses a mitochondrial component and a tailconsisting of a single flagellum with a 9+2arrangement of microtubules. In the pelagic enoplanNectonemertes, however, numerous flagella occurin the testes but are rarely observed attached tosperm heads, owing either to poor preservation or thepossible sloughing of tails during spermatogenesis.The morphologies of the sperm produced by variousspecies seem to be related to the modes offertilization, as compact-headed sperm are associatedwith external fertilization, and elongate-headed spermare often found in species that utilize internalfertilization or pseudocopulation. However, somenemerteans utilize an external mode of fertilizationand yet produce elongate-headed sperm. The possiblesignificance of such sperm is discussed.
Catecholamines and 5-Hydroxytryptamine

Numerous attempts have been made to implicate the pharmacologic effects of morphine or its surrogates with the biogenic amines in the brain. Such premises are the natural consequences of the facts that the amines have a ubiquitous, although sometimes specialized, distribution in the central nervous system that often can be affected by drugs and that certain of these amines have been established to play key roles in the peripheral nervous system as neurotransmitters. While their functions in the CNS are not nearly as clearly defined, it appears reasonable to make inferences by analogy and, despite the gaps, attempt to utilize the existing knowledge of the biogenic amines as a framework for explaining morphine effects.
An analysis of knowledge-based planning for stereotactic body radiation therapy of the spine

Abstract Purpose Planning for spine stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is time consuming, and differences in planner experience and technique result in discrepancies in plan quality between facilities. Here, knowledge-based planning is analyzed to determine if it may be effective in improving the quality and efficiency of spine SBRT planning. Materials and methods Thirty-eight spine SBRT cases were collected from the University of Michigan database and inverse planned to deliver 3 10-Gy fractions to the planning target volume (PTV). These plans were used to train a knowledge-based model (model A) using RapidPlan (Varian Medical Systems). The model was evaluated for outliers and validated in 10 independent cases. Each of these cases was manually planned to compare the quality of the model-generated plans with the manual plans. To further test the robustness of the software, 2 additional models (models B and C) were created with intentional outliers resulting from inconsistent contouring. Results Using models A, B, and C, all 10 generated plans met all dose objectives for modeled organs at risk (OARs) (spinal cord, cord planning risk volume, and esophagus) without user intervention. The target coverage and OAR dose sparing was improved or equivalent to manual planning by an expert dosimetrist; however, manually created plans typically required 1 to 1.5 hours to produce and model-generated plans required only 10 to 15 minutes with minimal human intervention to meet all dose objectives. Conclusions The clinical quality of plans produced by RapidPlan were found to improve on or be similar to the manually created plans in terms of normal tissue objectives and PTV dose coverage and could be produced in a fraction of the time. RapidPlan is a robust technique that can improve planning efficiency in spine SBRT while maintaining or potentially improving plan quality and standardization across planners and centers.
REAL WORLD BATTERY LONGEVITY OF ST. JUDE MEDICAL IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATORS INCLUDED IN THE ADVISORY FOR PREMATURE BATTERY DEPLETION

Background: Very recently St Jude Medical (SJM) released an advisory regarding premature battery depletion in a family of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) including biventricular cardiac defibrillators (CRTDs). There have been reported cases of loss of pacing and inability to
Gas separation mechanism of CO2 selective amidoxime-poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) membranes

Polymeric membranes for CO2 separation have drawn significant attention in academia and industry. We prepared amidoxime-functionalized poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) (AO-PTMSP) membranes through hydrosilylation and post-polymerization modification. Compared to neat PTMSP membranes, the AO-PTMSP membranes showed significant enhancements in CO2/N2 gas separation performance (CO2 permeability ∼6000 Barrer; CO2/N2 selectivity ∼17). This systematic study provides clear guidelines on how to tune the CO2-philicity within PTMSP matrices and the effects on gas selectivity. Key parameters for elucidating the gas transport mechanism were discussed based on CO2 sorption measurements and fractional free volume estimates. The effect of the AO content on CO2/N2 selectivity was further examined by means of density functional theory calculations. Both experimental and theoretical data provide consistent results that conclusively show that CO2/N2 separation performance is enhanced by increased CO2–polymer interactions.
What Does Being an “American” Look Like in the Therapy Room?

ABSTRACTA clinical experience of an Asian Indian therapist working with a client of a similar ethnic background is analyzed. The relational dynamics in the therapy and the impact of a perceived shared identity are examined. Transference and countertransference processes are emphasized. A shared perceived ethnic identity created complexities in the therapeutic relationship and affected the therapy in surprising ways. Assumptions related to a shared ethnic identity affected the ability to form a therapeutic alliance.
c-Kit modifies the inflammatory status of smooth muscle cells

Background c-Kit is a receptor tyrosine kinase present in multiple cell types, including vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC). However, little is known about how c-Kit influences SMC biology and vascular pathogenesis. Methods High-throughput microarray assays and in silico pathway analysis were used to identify differentially expressed genes between primary c-Kit deficient (KitW/W-v) and control (Kit+/+) SMC. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR and functional assays further confirmed the differences in gene expression and pro-inflammatory pathway regulation between both SMC populations. Results The microarray analysis revealed elevated NF-κB gene expression secondary to the loss of c-Kit that affects both the canonical and alternative NF-κB pathways. Upon stimulation with an oxidized phospholipid as pro-inflammatory agent, c-Kit deficient SMC displayed enhanced NF-κB transcriptional activity, higher phosphorylated/total p65 ratio, and increased protein expression of NF-κB regulated pro-inflammatory mediators with respect to cells from control mice. The pro-inflammatory phenotype of mutant cells was ameliorated after restoring c-Kit activity using lentiviral transduction. Functional assays further demonstrated that c-Kit suppresses NF-κB activity in SMC in a TGFβ-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) and Nemo-like kinase (NLK) dependent manner. Discussion Our study suggests a novel mechanism by which c-Kit suppresses NF-κB regulated pathways in SMC to prevent their pro-inflammatory transformation.
Violence, taphonomy and cannibalism in Chaco Canyon: Discerning taphonomic changes from human action in the archaeological record

The claim of cannibalism in the Southwest has sparked much controversy, and Chaco Canyon plays a central role in the hypothesis of widespread Southwestern anthropophagy. Although logical weaknesses in the argument for cannibalism in Chaco have been addressed in detail elsewhere, the actual taphonomic evidence that underpins these assertions has not received similar attention. This presentation revisits the data and weighs the validity and reliability of the taphonomic criteria upon which claims of cannibalism in the Southwest have been based.