cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical Decision Support for Recognizing and Managing Hypertensive Blood Pressure in Youth: No Significant Impact on Medical Costs.

Abstract Objective To evaluate economic costs from the health system perspective of an electronic health record-based clinical decision support (CDS) tool, TeenBP, designed to assist in the recognition and management of hypertension in youth. Methods Twenty primary care clinics within an integrated health system were randomized to the TeenBP CDS or usual care (UC), with patient enrollment from 4/15/14–4/14/16. The 12-month change in standardized medical care costs for insured patients aged 10-17 years without prior hypertension were calculated for each study arm. The primary analysis compared patients with ≥1 visit with blood pressure (BP) ≥95th percentile (isolated hypertensive BP), and secondary analyses compared patients with ≥3 visits within one year with BP ≥95th percentile (incident hypertension). Generalized estimating equation models estimated the difference-in-differences in costs between groups over time. Results Among 925 insured patients with an isolated hypertensive BP, the pre-to-post change in overall costs averaged $22 more for TeenBP CDS versus UC patients over 12 months, but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.723). Among 159 insured patients with incident hypertension, the pre-to-post change in overall costs over 12 months was higher by $227 per person on average for TeenBP CDS versus UC patients, but this difference also was not statistically significant (p=0.313). Conclusions The TeenBP CDS intervention was previously found to significantly improve identification and management of hypertensive BP in youth, and in this study, we find that this tool did not significantly increase care costs in its first 12 months of clinical use.
Evaluating Ensemble Kalman Filter Analyses of Severe Hailstorms on 8 May 2017 in Colorado: Effects of State Variable Updating and Multimoment Microphysics Schemes on State Variable Cross Covariances

AbstractEnsemble Kalman filter (EnKF) analyses of the storms associated with the 8 May 2017 Colorado severe hail event using either the Milbrandt and Yau (MY) or the NSSL double-moment bulk microph...
The Vibrios: Scavengers, Symbionts, and Pathogens from the Sea

Bacteria belonging to the genus Vibrio are major carbon cycle drivers in marine and estuarine environments. As is the case for most carbon cycle participants, the vibrios metabolize degradable compounds such as sugars and amino acids; they can also degrade some more recalcitrant compounds including hydrocarbons and lignins. Several vibrios are symbionts and even fewer are pathogenic for animals, including humans and marine animals and plants. This paper reviews Vibrio ecology, metabolism, and survival, and it also discusses select vibrios-V. alginolyticus, V. cholerae, V. coralliilyticus, V. cortegadensis, V. fischeri, V. harveyi, V. harveyi var. carahariae, V. ordalii, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. vulnificus.
Very High Parallel-Plane Surface Electric Field of 4.3 MV/cm in Ga 2 O 3 Schottky Barrier Diodes with PtO x Contacts

β-Ga 2 O 3 has emerged as a potentially-disruptive wide-bandgap semiconductor material for high power applications, largely due to its high breakdown electric field of ~8 MV/cm. To access the full benefit of Ga 2 O 3 , a high electric field close to the breakdown field should be sustained in devices under reverse blocking. This is a challenging task, especially given the fact that functional p-n homojunctions might never be feasible in Ga 2 O 3 . As a result, alternative reverse blocking junctions, such as Schottky barriers [1] , p-n heterojunctions [2] and MIS-structures with high-k dielectrics [3] are being investigated. Among them, Schottky barriers have highly-desirable advantages, including less stringent requirements on the interface quality compared to p-n heterojunctions, as well as an absence of reliability concerns – an issue in dielectrics.
Non-hermitian random matrix theory: Method of hermitian reduction

Abstract We consider random non-hermitian matrices in the large- N limit. The power of analytic function theory cannot be brought to bear directly to analyze non-hermitian random matrices, in contrast to hermitian random matrices. To overcome this difficulty, we show that associated to each ensemble of non-hermitian matrices there is an auxiliary ensemble of random hermitian matrices which can be analyzed by the usual methods. We then extract the Green function and the density of eigenvalues of the non-hermitian ensemble from those of the auxiliary ensemble. We apply this “method of hermitization” to several examples, and discuss a number of related issues.
General Aviation Weather Hazards:Current Human Factors Research, Pilot Practices, and Tools:

When General Aviation (GA) pilots encounter unexpected weather hazards in-flight, the results are typically deadly. It is unsurprising that the National Transportation Safety Board repeatedly lists...
A Dual Approach to Graph CNNs

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been very successful with learning on grid-based data such as time series and images. However, traditional CNNs do not perform well on irregular-structured data defined on a graph. Graph convolutional neural networks (graph CNNs) define convolutional layers using graph signal processing (GSP) concepts. They perform well on data defined on a graph such as citation networks and NYC taxi pickup data. Polynomial filter graph CNNs use a polynomial of the graph adjacency matrix A in the convolutional layer. However, they have been shown to fail on graph classification problems when the convolutional layer produces the same output for non-isomorphic graphs and identical graph signals.Recently, a spectral domain shift, M, has been proposed in GSP as the dual to the vertex domain shift and adjacency matrix, A. This has led to a spectral domain theory, dual to the existing vertex domain theory. In this paper, we redefine and dualize the convolutional layer for graph CNNs using M in the spectral domain. In doing so, we solve the problem of graph CNNs failing when applied to certain graph inputs. We show theoretically and experimentally the advantages of our solution on both synthetic and real datasets.
Patient-Centered Approaches to Transitional Care Research and Implementation: Overview and Insights From Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute's Transitional Care Portfolio.

Background This Special Issue, Future Directions in Transitional Care Research, focuses on the approaches used and lessons learned by researchers conducting care transitions studies funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). PCORI's approach to transitional care research augments prior research by encouraging researchers to focus on head-to-head comparisons of interventions, the use of patient-centered outcomes, and the engagement of stakeholders throughout the research process. Objectives This paper introduces the themes and topics addressed by the articles that follow, which are focused on opportunities and challenges involved in conducting patient-centered clinical comparative effectiveness research in transitional care. It provides an overview of the state of the care transitions field, a description of PCORI's programmatic objectives, highlights of the patient and stakeholder engagement activities that have taken place during the course of these studies, and a brief overview of PCORI's Transitional Care Evidence to Action Network, a learning community designed to foster collaboration between investigators and their research teams and enhance the collective impact of this body of work. Conclusions The papers in this Special Issue articulate challenges, lessons learned, and new directions for measurement, stakeholder engagement, implementation, and methodological and design approaches that reflect the complexity of transitional care comparative effectiveness research and seek to move the field toward a more holistic understanding of transitional care that integrates social needs and lifespan development into our approaches to improving care transitions.
[Oncological emergencies in chemotherapy : Febrile neutropenia, tumor lysis syndrome, and extravasation].

BACKGROUND Uro-oncological emergencies can be caused by the tumor, treatment complications, or non-oncological diseases. This review focuses on chemotherapy-associated emergencies, especially febrile neutropenia (FN), tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), and extravasations. AIM The goal is to provide an overview on the most relevant chemotherapy-associated emergencies and treatment methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS The ESMO (European Society of Medical Oncology), EORTC (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer), and S3 guidelines were used for the preparation of this review and a PubMed search was performed for "febrile neutropenia", "extravasation", and "tumor lysis syndrome". A selection of the most relevant articles was included. RESULTS A comprehensive medical history and examination are prerequisite for optimal treatment of chemotherapy-associated emergencies. The following aspects are of special interest: the malignant disease (tumor proliferation rate and burden); the applied medication (e. g., risk of FN, tissue damaging potential); the physical condition of the patient; age and relevant concomitant diseases (e. g., cardiovascular disease). Based on the diagnosis and the individual risk profile, therapeutic procedures are initiated. Distinct complications require an interdisciplinary treatment strategy. CONCLUSION New treatment options such as checkpoint inhibitors complicate diagnosis and treatment of uro-oncological emergencies. Thus, improved diagnostic tools are required to draw the right conclusions in an emergency.
Cellular and Molecular Modulation of Rotator Cuff Muscle Pathophysiology

Rotator cuff (RC) tendon tears are common shoulder injuries that result in irreversible and persistent degeneration of the associated muscles, which is characterized by severe inflammation, atrophy, fibrosis, and fatty infiltration. Although RC muscle degeneration strongly dictates the overall clinical outcomes, strategies to stimulate RC muscle regeneration have largely been overlooked to date. In this review, we highlight the current understanding of the cellular processes that coordinate muscle regeneration, and the roles of muscle resident cells, including immune cells, fibroadipogenic progenitors, and muscle satellite cells in the pathophysiologic regulation of RC muscles following injury. This review also provides perspectives for potential therapies to alleviate the hallmarks of RC muscle degeneration to address current limitations in post-surgical recovery. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Graduate training during the COVID-19 pandemic: North American genetic counseling students' challenges, intolerance of uncertainty, and psychological well-being.

The COVID-19 pandemic has upended genetic counseling (GC) graduate students' lives, as they have been forced to transition, manage, and acclimate to life during a pandemic. The current study is a first step in understanding their lived experiences during this historic, global event. We investigated academic and personal challenges, intolerance of uncertainty, and psychological well-being of GC students (n = 248) who trained during the pandemic (GC-COV cohort) and those who did not (GC-NoCOV cohort). Participants completed an online survey (July-September 2020) that used validated measures of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Psychological Well-Being. To assess the academic and personal challenges students experienced during GC graduate training, we developed a 43-item measure. Principal axis factoring of the items revealed categories of challenges related to the following: Academic & Professional Development, Self-Regulation & Resilience, Institutional & Program Leadership, and Financial Stability. There was no cohort difference in Psychological Well-Being. Linear mixed-effects modeling showed significant cohort differences in challenges. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that the GC-COV cohort's Psychological Well-Being was statistically significantly predicted by Institutional & Program Leadership challenges (p = .029), Self-Regulation & Resilience challenges (p = .013), and Intolerance of Uncertainty (p = .010). For the GC-NoCOV cohort, the statistically significant predictor of Psychological Well-Being was Self-Regulation & Resilience challenges (p = .029). Our findings demonstrate that GC students training during the COVID-19 pandemic have experienced various personal, academic, and psychological disruptions and highlight a need to develop resources and implement interventions supporting students' academic development and psychological well-being.
Comparison of relative abundance indices calculated from two methods of generating video count data

Abstract The use of baited remote underwater video to remotely observe fish and generate indices of relative abundance has steadily gained acceptance as a fisheries management tool particularly as survey time series have matured. Because ‘capture’ for this gear is visually derived, fish can possibly be counted multiple times and therefore different methods of estimating site abundances have been developed. We compared the performance of two video abundance estimation techniques, MaxN and MeanCount, by generating relative indices of abundance using a delta lognormal model. We demonstrated high correspondence between standardized indices produced through the years analyzed independent of the species evaluated, indicating there was little change in the information content between indices. Despite the agreement between the indices, estimates for proportion positive and coefficient of variation (CV) showed a general reduction in precision when using the MeanCount method for all species analyzed. Systematic underestimation of proportion positives and high CV values generated using MeanCount is problematic for the use of that abundance estimation method. Individual-based modeling results confirmed that MeanCount is linearly related to true abundance, while MaxN showed a power relationship. However, the MaxN estimate became linear as the area observed was increased in the model from 25% to 100%, which suggests that syncing cameras and generating counts over the entire observed area would eliminate the asymptotic relationship and simplify the use of MaxN estimators. Better understanding of catchability for optical type gears would enhance understanding of the relationship between the generated index and true population abundance, and supply assessment scientist with a clearer understanding of how to incorporate these types of survey data into assessments.
A Review of “Legal Admissability of the Polygraph”

This book, which covers a wide range of polygraph topics, consists of presentations by 34 contributors who presented papers or participated in panel discussions at the 1972 Seminar of the American Polygraph Association. Chaired by John E. Reid, the program was divided into five sections: Law, Validity, Technique, Instrumentation, and Labor-Management.
Speaking of infinity [i.i.d. strings]

We study the redundancy of three approaches to compression of independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) strings over large, possibly infinite, alphabets: standard compression of the string itself and compression of the string's shape and pattern, which describe its symbols' relative magnitude and precedence, respectively. We determine the rate at which per-symbol standard redundancy increases to infinity as the alphabet size increases, show that the maximum per-symbol shape redundancy is between 0.027 and 1, and compare these to results showing that per-symbol pattern redundancy diminishes to zero for all alphabet sizes. We relate these concepts to ordered and unordered partitions of integers and sets, and use this framework to explore relations between several combinatorial quantities, including the Bell, Fubini, and second-type Stirling numbers.
Bright and efficient molecular light-emitting devices

Summary form only given. The operation of a molecular organic light-emitting diode (MOLED) involves injection of electrons and holes from the respective cathode and anode, carrier transport through one or more molecular layers and carrier recombination inside the emissive medium. We review various approaches adopted to molecularly tailor materials and electronically engineer interfaces for the realization of bright and efficient MOLEDs.
CHRONIC DIARRHEA AND ALKALOSIS.

Three balance studies were carried out in a patient with severe diarrhea with alkalosis which had its onset in the neonatal period. The patient excreted frequent, profuse, watery stools containing large quantities of chloride, sodium, and potassium. The urine was quite hypotonic. When sufficient amounts of sodium, potassium, and chloride were provided in the diet and the child was not allowed to become dehydrated, body electrolyte and water could be maintained in a physiological range. This did not affect the volume, frequency, or content of the stools. This patient was considered to be similar to the two cases of "congenital alkalosis" with diarrhea originally described by Gamble and Darrow. An investigation of causes of the metabolic abnormality of this patient which had not been previously studied were presented. An exploratory laparotomy failed to demonstrate an anatomical lesion which might explain the patient9s basic problem. No abnormal endocrinopathy could be demonstrated. The child did fail to hydrolyze lactose in one out of three lactose tolerance tests. The absence of lactase activity in the duodenum was confirmed by a duodenal biopsy. Since a number of investigators have recently demonstrated a transient lactase deficiency in association with chronic or acute diarrhea, which resolved when the underlying problem was corrected, it was considered quite unlikely that this was the intrinsic defect in this child.
Anaerobic threshold and cardiovascular responses during one- versus two-legged cycling.

Abstract Ten male subjects participated in two randomly assigned experimental sessions involving either one- or two-legged cycling. Exercise was initiated at 25 watts and increased by 25 watts every 3 minutes to maximal work output. At each workload, oxygen consumption ([Vdot]O2), carbon dioxide production ([Vdot]CO2), blood lactate (HLa) concentration, minute ventilation ([Vdot]E), respiratory exchange ratio (R), heart rate (HR), cardiac output ([Qdot]), stroke volume (SV), and A-[Vdot]O2 difference were determined. It was found that while absolute differences existed at given work levels, each of the aforementioned variables was similar during one- versus two-legged cycling when expressed as relative percentage of [Vdot]O2 max. Anaerobic threshold (AT) for both one- and two-legged cycling was approximately 48% [Vdot]O2 max. This indicated that the size of the exercising muscle mass is not necessarily an influential factor in determination of AT. Two-legged cycling elicited higher maximal responses in ea...
The effects of detraining on knee biomechanics in a stop-jump task: implications for ACL injury

Introduction: ACL injuries have an annual incidence rate of 1 per 3000 people for the general population. Seventy to eighty percent of these injuries occur in noncontact maneuvers that involve sudden deceleration. The likelihood of sustaining an ACL injury for females is two to eight times greater than males. Movement studies and cadaver simulation studies suggested the biomechanical risk factors for ACL injuries increased with greater proximal anterior tibial shear forces, lower knee flexion angles, greater knee valgus angle/moments, greater quadriceps EMG, and lower hamstring EMG during deceleration movements. While the effects of different training programs on the biomechanical risk factors of ACL injuries were well investigated and were shown to be effective in preventing ACL injuries, no research has been conducted to investigate the effects of detraining on the knee biomechanics during functional movements in highly trained athletes. Methods: Twelve NCAA Division I female volleyball players participated in two stop-jump tests before and after a one-month season interval. Twenty-one retroreflective markers were attached on the subjects and four surface electrodes were placed on the muscle belly of the subject’s right thigh. Isometric maximum voluntary contraction tests were conducted for quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups. Subjects were asked to perform five trials of a stop-jump task as fast and high as possible. Muscle electrical activity was collected by a surface EMG capture system. Three-dimensional coordinate data of retroreflective markers were recorded using eight optical video cameras. Ground reaction force data were collected by a force platform. The EMG linear envelopes of each muscle group during the stop-jump tasks were normalized as a percentage of the corresponding maximum EMG in maximum voluntary contractions. An inverse dynamics approach was used to calculate the 3-D knee
Reachability for linear hybrid automata using iterative relaxation abstraction

This paper introduces iterative relaxation abstraction (IRA), a new method for reachability analysis of LHA that aims to improve scalability by combining the capabilities of current tools for analysis of low-dimensional LHA with the power of linear programming (LP) for large numbers of constraints and variables. IRA is inspired by the success of counterexample guided abstraction refinement (CEGAR) techniques in verification of discrete systems. On each iteration, a low-dimensional LHA called a relaxation abstraction is constructed using a subset of the continuous variables from the original LHA. Hybrid system reachability analysis then generates a regular language called the discrete path abstraction containing all possible counterexamples (paths to the bad locations) in the relaxation abstraction. If the discrete path abstraction is non-empty, a particular counterexample is selected and LP infeasibility analysis determines if the counterexample is spurious using the constraints along the path from the original high-dimensional LHA. If the counterexample is spurious, LP techniques identify an irreducible infeasible subset (IIS) of constraints from which the set of continuous variables is selected for the the construction of the next relaxation abstraction. IRA stops if the discrete path abstraction is empty or a legitimate counterexample is found. The effectiveness of the approach is illustrated with an example.
Purification of viral RNA by means of bentonite.

Abstract A technique is described for the isolation of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) ribonucleic acid (RNA) of higher purity and, as will be shown in the subsequent paper, of increased stability. The method relies on the use of bentonite as an adsorbent for nucleases during the phenol degradation of the virus. If S 35 -labeled virus is used as starting material, the S 35 content, indicative of the presence of residual protein, is markedly lower in the resultant RNA than it is in preparations made without bentonite. The upper limit for the presence of TMV protein based on these analyses is 0.04%, or one peptide chain per 23 moles RNA. The lower limit is zero. Amino acid analyses also suggest the presence of very little proteinaceous material. The possibility of traces of TMV protein contributing any biological role to the activity of the RNA is excluded on the basis of such data in conjunction with biological grounds which are discussed.
A Multibeam Ophthalmoscope for the Study of Retinal Physiology

An ophthalmoscope is described for electrophysiological research on the retina. It adds to the usual viewing and illuminating beam two stimulating beams whose patterns may also be viewed and photographed. A large region of the mammalian fundus can be surveyed, the eye being in the center of a spherical coordinate system.The design provides measured adaptive and stimulating parameters over the photopic range, sufficient to study intensity, color, timing, and spatial interaction in the retinal mechanisms. Extension to mesopia and scotopia is possible.Associated optically and mechanically are devices for locating, holding, and directing the eye and head of anaesthetized cats (or monkeys). The eye holder carries a small micromanipulator to control the direction and feed of microelectrodes. This arrangement provides stable electrical contact with single optic ganglion cells for long periods.The method does not interfere with normal metabolism and optical functioning of the eye.
The Endo-Exo Isomerization of N-Phenyl-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboximide

Abstract ENDO isomers of N-phenyl-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboximide was converted to exo-isomers below retro-Diels-Alder temperature under various reaction conditions. The exo-endo yield ratio was studied by NMR and the 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts of the isomers are reported. While no intermediate could be isolated using several different radical trapping agents, the results show that 7,5 proton chemical shift is a possible isomerization mechanism.
Adult bone marrow stromal stem cells express germline, ectodermal, endodermal, and mesodermal genes prior to neurogenesis

Bone marrow stromal stem cells (MSCs) normally differentiate into mesenchymal derivatives but recently have also been converted into neurons, classical ectodermal cells. To begin defining underlying mechanisms, we extended our characterization of MSCs and the differentiated neurons. In addition to expected mesodermal mRNAs, populations and clonal lines of MSCs expressed germinal, endodermal, and ectodermal genes. Thus, the MSCs are apparently "multidifferentiated" in addition to being multipotent. Conversely, the differentiating neurons derived from populations and clonal lines of MSCs expressed the specific markers beta-III tubulin, tau, neurofilament-M, TOAD-64, and synaptophysin de novo. The transmitter enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase and choline acetyltransferase were localized to neuronal subpopulations. Our observations suggest that MSCs are already multidifferentiated and that neural differentiation comprises quantitative modulation of gene expression rather than simple on-off switching of neural-specific genes.
Pathway selection by growth cones of identified motoneurones in live zebra fish embryos

How is the adult pattern of connections between motoneurones and the muscles that they innervate established during vertebrate development? Populations of motoneurones are thought to follow one of two patterns of development: (1) motor axons initially follow stereotyped pathways1 and project to appropriate regions of the developing muscle2–4 or (2) motor axons initially project to some regions that are incorrect, the inappropriate projections being eliminated subsequently5–9. Here we observed individually identified motoneurones in live zebra fish embryos as they formed growth cones and as their growth cones navigated towards their targets. We report that from axogenesis, each motor axon followed a stereotyped pathway and projected only to the specific region of the muscle appropriate for its adult function10. In addition, the peripheral arbor established by each motoneurone was restricted to a stereotyped region of its own segment and did not overlap with the peripheral arbor of the other motoneurones in that segment. We conclude that the highly stereotyped pattern of innerva-tion seen in the adult is due to initial selection of the appropriate pathway, rather than elimination of incorrect projections.
The sequential stochastic assignment problem with random success rates

Given a finite number of workers with constant success rates, the Sequential Stochastic Assignment problem (SSAP) assigns the workers to sequentially arriving tasks with independent and identically distributed reward values, so as to maximize the total expected reward. This article studies the SSAP, with some (or all) workers having random success rates that are assumed to be independent but not necessarily identically distributed. Several assignment policies are proposed to address different levels of uncertainty in the success rates. Specifically, if the probability density functions of the random success rates are known, an optimal mixed policy is provided. If only the expected values of these rates are known, an optimal expectation policy is derived.
Alternative Methods of Convergence Toward U.S. Market and Legal Regulations: Cross-Listing vs. Merging with U.S. Bidders

Non-U.S. firms have two options to converge toward U.S. capital market and legal regulations - to cross-list in the U.S. or to agree to be acquired by a U.S. bidder. We show that companies that have lower growth opportunities, are more capital intensive, and seek bonding benefits through compliance with U.S. exchange (rather than OTC market) requirements are more likely to be acquired, and that firms from civil law countries tend to cross-list. We document that the adoption of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) led to an increase in the propensity to be acquired for firms from civil law countries, and to a greater rate of cross-listings for capital intensive firms from common law countries and for firms from countries with strong protection of investor rights. We also show that Market-to-Book values of non-U.S. firms following cross-listing in the U.S. tend to be lower when these firms were expected to be acquired. Similarly, both non-U.S. targets and U.S. bidders experience lower abnormal returns in acquisitions involving targets expected to cross-list. Our results imply the existence of optimal convergence choices of non-U.S. firms. In addition, the adoption of SOX appears to have changed some determinants of these choices due to shift in benefits and costs of compliance with U.S. regulations.
The pattern of damage to the oogenetic series of cells after a single feeding of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum to Habrobracon females

Abstract A single meal of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (DDP) fed to virgin braconid wasps decreased drastically the number of eggs derived from oogonia. In contrast, most of the larger oocytes completed oogenesis even after a dose which shortened average lifespan to 1 3 its normal length. Temporary infecundity resulted from the destruction of the germarial cells which produced the 32 cystocytes per follicle (1 oocyte and 31 trophocytes) by mitosis. As determined by egg hatchability, oogonia were the most vulnerable cell type to DDP in the ovariole sequence. Therefore, oogonial vulnerability to DDP was demonstrated by failure to complete both gametogenesis and embryogenesis. In combination with γ radiation, DPP reduced egg production and hatchability below the values obtained from either agent used alone. However, the decreases were moderate, as expected from additivity of effect. A difference from the results from either radiation or several types of alkylating agents appeared in the proportion of early embryonic deaths. Deaths during cleavage predominated in every daily sample of eggs treated with DDP as oocytes. Usually only the eggs laid the first 2 days after treatment are characterized by a large number of ‘stage 1’ deaths.
Wide-bandgap metamorphic In y Ga 1−y P solar cells

We have grown metamorphic In 0.39 Ga 0.61 P solar cells on optimized GaAs 0.8 P 0.2 /GaAs graded buffers via solid source molecular beam epitaxy to serve as the top cell in a multi-junction device. Calculations show that the incorporation of a 2.00–2.20 eV top cell into future 4–6 junction cells could enable efficiencies as high as 60%. We show that faceted trenches, a morphological defect formed during growth of the tensile-strained GaAs x P 1−x graded buffers, led to local quenching of radiative recombination in forward-biased solar cell structures. Transmission electron microscopy revealed phase separation in the In y Ga 1−y P active region, regardless of composition, while selected area diffraction patterns showed a lack of Cu-Pt ordering. Although the disordered structure aids in the goal of attaining a wide bandgap, we speculate that phase separation has a detrimental effect on the ultimate open circuit voltage, due to the contribution of the lower-bandgap, In-rich regions to the dark current. Through optimized growth of GaAs x P 1−x graded buffers, we produced 2.00 eV, metamorphic In 0.39 Ga 0.61 P solar cells free of faceted trenches that exhibited open circuit voltages as high as 1.42 V. These results indicate that metamorphic In y Ga 1−y P is a promising material for future multi-junction solar cells.
Effects of Prolactin, Progesterone and Estrogen on Reactions of Nonpregnant Rats to Foster Young

In one experiment 3 virgin rats were given 5 daily injections of 20 mg. of prolactin, 3 were given 5 injections of 10 mg. of the same hormone, and 3 received control injections of sterile water. At the end of treatment each female was tested on 3 days for tendencies to retrieve foster young a few days old. Some retrieving occurred, but it was confined to 2 of the 3 control females. The 3 rats previously serving as controls were next injected for 5 days with 20 mg. of prolactin, while the 6 animals that had received prolactin were shifted to water injections. The reversal of treatment conditions was not accompanied by any change in responsiveness to foster young. In a second experiment 9 multiparous females were given 20 daily injections of estrogen followed by 10 daily injections of 10 mg. of prolactin (4 rats) or control injections of water (5 rats). These treatments were followed by 3 daily tests for retrieving behavior. Estrogen followed by prolactin or by water had no clear-cut effect upon the respons...
Guillain‐Barré syndrome triggered by influenza vaccination in a recipient of liver transplant on FK506

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) has been rarely reported after liver transplantation and generally has good outcome. We report a liver transplant patient on FK506 (tacrolimus) who developed GBS 6 months after liver transplantation. There was no evidence of liver rejection or active infection. Despite treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, the patient expired. GBS occurred despite downregulation of T cells by FK506, suggesting that humoral dysfunction might be the predominant mechanism of GBS in this report.
Silsesquioxanes in nanoscale patterning applications

Silsesquioxanes are inorganic-organic hybrid materials that combine the mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability of ceramics with the solution processing and flexibility of traditional soft materials. In this review we discuss how these attributes naturally lend themselves to a diverse range of nanoscale patterning applications. In comparison with traditional lithographic resists, the ceramic-like nature of the silsesquioxanes offers many advantages in terms of the mechanical and physical properties that are important for nanoscale patterning media. Beyond just creating physical patterns, silsesquioxanes can also be engineered to exhibit a wide range of functional properties that transcend the notion of resists being used singularly as a sacrificial component to transfer a pattern into functional materials. In this manuscript we will highlight some of the salient chemistries behind these materials that are relevant to nanoscale patterning applications and review the technical applications where patterned silsesquioxanes are being seriously considered.
The Pyramids of Sciences and of Humanities: Implications for the Search for Religious “Truth”

The 1900s' truth criteria were easily met in science but not easily met in the humanities and religions. This approach was founded in the classical view of science: describing the research so that ...
Twenty-Year Studies with the Ballistocardiograph

A group of 211 healthy persons, gathered together from 23 to 17 years ago to provide normal standards for the ballistocardiograms, has been followed to the present time. This study is concerned with the group as a whole, or with subgroups. The study of individuals will appear in later communications. With a few minor exceptions, the group, at the time of the initial test, had ballistocardiograms normal in form. The death rate of the group during the period of the study was much lower than was to be anticipated from standard life expectancy tables for the state of Pennsylvania. Although the ballistocardiograms of this group were normal in form, there was great variation in the amplitude of the records. Since these records were calibrated in terms of force, this can be interpreted as due to differences in the force of the heart's contraction. Those whose hearts contracted with little force at the initial test later suffered from death and cardiac disability, chiefly coronary heart disease, in far greater nu...
RESILIENT PI AND PD CONTROLLERS FOR A CLASS OF UNSTABLE MIMO PLANTS WITH I/O DELAYS

Abstract Recently (Gundes et al., 2006) obtained stabilizing PID controllers for a class of MIMO unstable plants with time delays in the input and output channels (I/O delays). Using this approach, for plants with one unstable pole, we investigate resilient PI and PD controllers. Specifically for PD controllers, optimal derivative action gain is determined to maximize a lower bound of the largest allowable controller gain. For PI controllers, optimal proportional gain is determined to maximize a lower bound of the largest allowable integral action gain.
Inhibition of tubulin self-assembly in vitro by fluorodinitrobenzene

Abstract The self-assembly of bovine brain tubulin into microtubules is inhibited by low molar ratios of 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobezene (FDNB). Binding studies using [14C]FDNB indicate that the incorporation of between one and two dinitrophenyl groups is sufficient to inhibit assembly completely, although more dinitrophenyl groups can be incorporated using higher FDNB/tubulin ratios. Dinitrophenyltubulin, under assembly conditions, tends to assemble into amorphous aggregates. Thiolysis by 2-mercaptoethanol removes the dinitrophenyl moieties. Paper chromatography and high-voltage electrophoresis of acid-hydrolyzed modified tubulin containing one dinitrophenyl group identified the residue as S- dinitrophenylcysteine . The β-monomer of tubulin is preferentially modified at low FDNB/tubulin ratios. The reaction with FDNB is greatly reduced when tubulin is in polymerized form. FDNB reduces the colchicine binding activity but does not affect the Mg(II) content of the protein.
The Shape of Electronic Writing: Evaluating and Assessing Computer-Assisted Writing Processes and Products.

Abstract Three features of electronic texts have been theorized as changing writing and writing instruction: the creation of a seamless flow of text, word publishing as a rhetorical act, and hypertextual writing and thinking. This article argues that these changes also carry implications for how teachers read, respond to, and evaluate student writing. Furthermore, this article stresses the importance of linking practices of writing assessment to these changes in writing processes, products, and teaching.
WHAT THE IDNDR HAS MEANT TO THE EARTHQUAKE COMMUNITY

The International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) has had a profound relationship with the earthquake community. It was, in a sense, the brainchild of the earthquake community since the concept for the IDNDR was announced by Dr. Frank Press, then president of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS), at the 1984 World Conference on Earthquake Engineering in San Francisco. The earthquake community followed the call dutifully and provided full support, assisting NAS and the United Nations in establishing the 1990s as the IDNDR. This paper offers a firsthand look of the making of the Decade. It provides readers with a glimpse of the key events that had been shaping the practice of earthquake engineering before the arrival of the Decade. It offers the writers' observations and assessments on the changes in the emphasis in the earthquake community's practices—the shift from research and implementation, the periodical updating of our model building codes with the National Earthquake Hazards Red...
A Case for the Sentence in Reading Comprehension

Purpose This article addresses sentence comprehension as a requirement of reading comprehension within the framework of the narrow view of reading that was advocated in the prologue to this forum. ...
A Clinicopathologic Study of Atypical Lesions of the Breast Further Follow Up

On the assumption that both the lobular and intraductal atypical lesions of the breast are precancerous in nature, a group of 572 such patients have been closely followed during the past 12 years. Thirty-four patients eventually developed cancer during this period. The cumulative incidence of breast cancer was 7.74% at 10 years in the group of patients with atypical lesions only and 16.15% at 10 years in the patients with atypical lesions in one breast and cancer in the contralateral breast. The transformation of this probable precancerous state into cancer apparently takes a long interval of time.
Scapulohumeral arthrodesis in miniature horses

Objectives— To describe surgical arthrodesis of the scapulohumeral joint and to evaluate its efficacy in reducing morbidity associated with severe shoulder dysfunction in miniature horses. Study Design— Retrospective study. Animals— Four miniature horses. Methods— Medical records and radiographs were reviewed for history, physical examination findings, lameness evaluation, radiographic evaluation, surgical techniques, postoperative complications, and outcome. A 10- or 11-hole, 4.5-mm narrow dynamic compression plate and 4.5-mm cortical screws were applied to the cranial surface of the scapula and cranial surface of the humerus after osteotomy of the intermediate tubercle. In most horses, 1 or 2 screws were inserted in lag fashion across the joint, through holes in the plate. Results— Scapulohumeral osteoarthritis was diagnosed radiographically in 4 horses, and 3 horses had concurrent shoulder luxation or subluxation. All horses had grade 3 or 4 lameness before surgery, and most improved by 1 to 2 grades after surgery. Despite complications of implant failure (2 horses), infection (2 horses), scapular fracture (1 horse), and atrophy of the shoulder muscles (1 horse), functional arthrodesis reduced morbidity in all horses. Conclusions— Scapulohumeral arthrodesis facilitates early return to weight bearing in miniature horses with severe scapulohumeral joint osteoarthrosis. Despite functional gait abnormality, the horses ambulated quite well after surgery. Clinical Relevance— Scapulohumeral arthrodesis should be considered for debilitating conditions of the shoulder joint in miniature horses, especially when the intended outcome is breeding or pasture soundness.
The energy level structure of 45Sc from the (n, n′γ) reaction

Abstract The level structure of 45 Sc has been examined by studying the spectra and excitation functions of gamma rays from the (n, n'γ) reaction for primary neutrons between the energies of 0.45 and 1.79 MeV. A time gated Ge(Li) spectrometer was used to detect the gamma rays. Spin and parity assignments consistent with the present experiment are made for levels from which gamma rays were observed.
Evidence for a dual functional role of a conserved histidine in RNA·DNA heteroduplex cleavage by human RNase H1

Ribonuclease H1 is a conserved enzyme that cleaves the RNA strand of RNA·DNA heteroduplexes and has important functions in the nuclear and mitochondrial compartments. The therapeutic action of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides involves the recruitment of RNase H1 to cleave disease-relevant RNA targets. Recombinant human (Hs) RNase H1 was purified from a bacterial expression host, and conditions were identified that provided optimal oligonucleotide-directed RNA cleavage in vitro. Hs-RNase H1 exhibits optimal catalytic activity in pH 7.5 HEPES buffer and a salt (KCl) concentration of ~ 100–150 mm. Mg2+ best supports Hs-RNase H1 with an optimal concentration of 10 mm, but at higher concentrations inhibits enzyme activity. Mn2+ and Co2+ also support catalytic activity, while Ni2+ and Zn2+ exhibit only modest activities as cofactors. The optimized assay was used to show that an antisense oligonucleotide, added in substoichiometric amounts to initiate RNA cleavage, supports up to 30 rounds of reaction in 30 min. Mutation to alanine of the conserved histidine at position 264 causes an ~ 100-fold decrease in kcat under multiple-turnover conditions, but does not alter Km. Under single-turnover conditions, the H264A mutant exhibits a 12-fold higher exponential time constant for substrate cleavage. The defective activity of the H264A mutant is not rescued in either assay condition by higher Mg2+ concentrations. These data implicate the H264 side chain in phosphodiester hydrolysis as well as in product release, and are consistent with a proposed model in which the H264 side chain interacts with a divalent metal ion to support catalysis.
Barriers to Providing Nutrition Counseling by Physicians: A Survey of Primary Care Practitioners

Abstract Background . Previous surveys have shown that there is a disparity between physicians′ beliefs about the importance of diet and nutrition in health maintenance and disease prevention and the actual delivery of nutrition counseling. The primary objective of this study was to assess the current attitudes, practice behavior, and barriers to the delivery of nutrition counseling by primary care physicians. Methods . A random-sample-mailed questionnaire was sent to 2,250 primary care physicians selected from the AMA masterfile from general practice, internal medicine, and pediatrics, representing self-employed, group, hospital, and HMO practices. Participants were stratified by age, gender, geographical region, and present employment. The main outcome measures were to determine time spent by physicians providing and percentage of patients receiving dietary counseling and to identify barriers to the delivery of nutrition counseling. Results . A 49% response rate ( n = 1,103) was obtained. Results are presented for the 1,030 physicians (70% private practice) with complete data. Over two-thirds of physicians provide dietary counseling to 40% or less of patients and spend 5 or fewer min discussing dietary changes. Despite this pattern, nearly three-quarters of respondents feel that dietary counseling is important and is the responsibility of the physician. Ranking of perceived barriers to delivery of dietary counseling were lack of time, patient noncompliance, inadequate teaching materials, lack of counseling training, lack of knowledge, inadequate reimbursement, and low physician confidence. Conclusions . This survey suggests that multiple barriers exist that prevent the primary care practitioner from providing dietary counseling. A multifaceted approach will be needed to change physician counseling behavior.
Mechanism of cationization of sucrose by sodium in laser desorption: A study by fourier transform mass spectrometry

A double-substrate, split probe was used in conjunction with Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) to study the mechanism of cationization of sucrose during laser desorption (LD). The split probe serves to separate spatially the NaCl and sucrose while maintaining coincidence with the laser beam. Gas-phase cationization is found to occur at laser powers of 106 W cm−2, whereas little evidence for this mechanism is found at higher laser powers of 1010 W cm−2. Lower power LD is apparently sufficiently long-lived and the selvedge regions sufficiently overlapped that gas-phase cationization can occur. Under high power LD conditions, cationized molecules emerge directly from the surface or possibly from clusters desorbed from the surface. The selvedge region associated with the organic surface is short-lived and of insufficient dimension that cationization does not occur or the plasma generated is too hot to provide sufficient stabilizing collisions for the ion/molecule reaction products.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss as presenting symptom of multiple sclerosis in a 15-year-old girl

Summary Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system results in damage to axons and their surrounding myelin sheath. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is an uncommon symptom of MS. We describe the case of a 15-year-old girl with unilateral sudden hearing loss as presenting symptom of multiple sclerosis.