cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical Outcomes After Esophagectomy in Patients with Achalasia: a NSQIP Matched Analysis With Non-Achalasia Esophagectomy Patients

The data on surgical outcomes of esophagectomy in patients with achalasia is limited. We sought to evaluate surgical outcomes in achalasia patients after an esophagectomy versus non-achalasia patients to elucidate if the outcomes are affected by the diagnosis. We conducted a retrospective review of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2010–2018). Patients who underwent an esophagectomy (open or laparoscopic approach) were included. Patients were divided into two groups, achalasia vs non-achalasia patients, and matched using propensity match analysis. Of the 10,997 esophagectomy patients who met inclusion criteria, 213 (1.9%) patients had a diagnosis of achalasia. A total of 418 patients were included for the final analysis, with 209 patients in each group (achalasia vs non-achalasia). The overall median age was 57 years (IQR 47–65 years), and 48.6% were female. Most underwent an open (93.1%) vs laparoscopic (6.9%) esophagectomy. Overall complication rate was 40%. No difference was identified on overall complications, readmission, reoperation, or mortality between both groups. Postoperative sepsis was significantly higher in the achalasia group, and organ space SSI was higher in the non-achalasia group. Multivariable analysis showed that a diagnosis (achalasia or non-achalasia) was not predictive of reoperation or overall complications. Esophagectomy outcomes are similar in patients with achalasia vs non-achalasia, and the diagnosis of achalasia does not independently increase the risk of reoperation and overall complications. Finally, regardless of diagnosis, the potential for morbidity following esophagectomy, should to be discussed with patients in the preoperative setting.
Doping-Less SiC p-i-n Diode: Design and Investigation

We introduce a novel high-voltage SiC p-i-n diode considering a charge plasma approach. This technique facilitates the formation of the anode and the cathode regions within the silicon carbide without requiring any impurity doping by taking advantage of the work-function difference between silicon carbide and metal electrodes. Utilizing the 2-D TCAD simulation, we represent the performance of the proposed doping-less silicon carbide p-i-n diode is analogous to the silicon carbide Schottky diode in terms of forward and reverse characteristics as well as temperature dependency. As opposed to the conventional (doped) silicon carbide p-i-n diode, the doping-less silicon carbide p-i-n diode holds a lower ON-state voltage drop and higher reverse saturation current. Although the doping-less silicon carbide p-i-n diode has the merits of the silicon carbide Schottky diode, but it has leverage over the corresponding counterparts by eliminating the doping and the high thermal budget fabrication processes.
The Fictions of James Joyce and Wyndham Lewis: Monsters of Nature and Design

Acknowledgements List of abbreviations Introduction: opposition and representation 1. The tell-tale Eye 2. The mirror and the razor 3. The cracked looking-glass of the master 4. Minds of the anti-collaborators Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index.
Authoritarian Origins of Democratic Party Systems in Africa

Why have seemingly similar African countries developed very different forms of democratic party systems? Despite virtually ubiquitous conditions that are assumed to be challenging to democracy - low levels of economic development, high ethnic heterogeneity, and weak state capacity - nearly two dozen African countries have maintained democratic competition since the early 1990s. Yet the forms of party system competition vary greatly: from highly stable, nationally organized, well-institutionalized party systems to incredibly volatile, particularistic parties in systems with low institutionalization. To explain their divergent development, Rachel Beatty Riedl points to earlier authoritarian strategies to consolidate support and maintain power. The initial stages of democratic opening provide an opportunity for authoritarian incumbents to attempt to shape the rules of the new multiparty system in their own interests, but their power to do so depends on the extent of local support built up over time.
Ion-Selective Electrodes

The role of ion-selective electrodes in the detection and measurement of environmental pollutants is reviewed. The material is intended for the non-specialist in the area. First the theory of ion-selective electrodes is discussed. Included are sections on calibration curves, standard addition, selectivities and Potentiometric titrations. Second a section is included on applications. Included are sections on reference electrodes, instrumentation and specific electrode types. The electrodes discussed are: glass type, silver sulfide type, fluoride, calcium, potassium, gas sensing and enzyme electrodes. They were chosen for their current and potential application to pollution analysis. A section on speculation about future applications of ion-selective electrodes concludes the paper.
UpTempO Buoys for Understanding and Prediction

Abstract : Our long-term goal is to better understand the evolution of heat content in the upper Arctic Ocean within the Seasonal Ice Zone (SIZ), both seasonally during summer warming and fall cooling, and interannually as sea ice retreats and the warming season lengthens. The effort is a contribution to the multi-investigator ONR-sponsored SIZRS project (SIZ Reconnaissance Surveys). Our main objectives are to: (1) Develop the capability to observe upper ocean warming and cooling using air-deployed ocean drifting buoys. (2) Better understand the time and space scales of summer warming in the SIZ. (3) Investigate the relationships between sea ice retreat and upper ocean warming.
Opportunities for optical communications in Petaflops-scale computing

This talk examines Petaflops scale computing as understood from the HTMT architecture and other design studies with a focus on their implications for optical communications. It is shown that for certain parts of the total communication budget, only optical technologies are likely to serve. The Data Vortex being developed by Princeton University is briefly described as an example of a possible network class that can meet the challenges described for the intra-memory fabric. This talk concludes with a set of near term challenges in the area of practical fabrication and integration of electrooptic technology necessary for meeting to needs of Petaflops scale computing systems.
Genomics and embryology in amphibians

A report on the Eighth Biannual Xenopus Conference, Estes Park, Colorado, August 16-20, 2000.
In atrial fibrillation treated with warfarin, intracranial hemorrhage was associated with ischemic events

Source Citation Bronnum Nielsen P, Larsen TB, Gorst-Rasmussen A, et al.Intracranial hemorrhage and subsequent ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation: a nationwide cohort study. Chest....
Reaction Time and Mental Retardation

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the reaction time (RT) in case of mental retardation. The swiftness, with which an organism perceives and responds to its environment frequently, is taken as an index of adaptability. Individuals, who can process information rapidly and respond appropriately, obviously have a distinct adaptive advantage over slower individuals. In most ways, the RT adjustment of mental retardates to changing environmental exigencies is essentially the same as that of normal individuals. Enough evidence has been presented to lead to the tentative conclusion that retardates suffer a prestimulus arousal deficiency or attentional lag. There are some marked individual differences as a group; however, they appear to function under an impoverished preparatory set, both with respect to the initial levels and in maintaining the set over lengthy warning intervals. Intelligence is functionally related to RT within the defective population. Within the mental age (MA) and chronological age (CA) ranges sampled, the function is best described as approximately linear. The intensity of the reaction signal (RS) influences the retardates' response speed more than that of normals. As the intensity of the signal to respond increases, RT correspondingly decreases. However, at RS values near threshold, normals, and retardates are similarly affected.
Excitation wavelength independent sensitized Er3+ concentration in as-deposited and low temperature annealed Si-rich SiO2 films

Erbium sensitization is observed in as-deposited Er3+ doped Si-rich SiO2, ruling out the involvement of Si nanocrystals in the Er3+ excitation in these samples. The Er3+ excitation cross section in this material is similar within a factor 3 to that of samples annealed at 600 °C under 355 and 532 nm excitation. The density of sensitized Er3+ ions is shown to be excitation wavelength independent, while the shape of the Er3+ excitation spectra is governed by a wavelength dependent Er3+ excitation cross section. These findings enable the use of a broad range of wavelengths for the efficient excitation of this gain medium.
Effect of nitrogen mustard on soluble collagen.

Abstract The effect in vitro of nitrogen mustard (HN2) on physical parameters of rat tail tendon collagen and rabbit skin collagen was studied. Intrinsc viscosities, helix-coil transition temperatures (by viscosimetry and rates of fibril formation (by turbidimetry) of HN2-treated (1 mg/ml HN2, 0·.9% saline, 2 hr at 25°) and control collagens were compared. Helix-coil transition temperatures were not affected by HN 2 treatment. Fibril formation by both collagens was inhibited by HN 2 , but apparently this effect was nonspecific since it was reversible by dialysis. Rat tail tendon collagen aggregates in solution were disaggregated by HN 2 treatment. Only 0·5 per cent of the hydroxyproline of collagen became dialyzable after HN 2 treatment.
The use of flow cytometry for the prognosis of stage II adjuvant treated breast cancer patients.

Characterization of breast cancer cells by histology, flow cytometry, and steroid receptors was performed on 197 Stage I1 breast node positive cancer patients given adjuvant chemotherapy, plus tamoxifen for patients with positive hormone receptors. Histologic and steroid receptor assays were performed using standard techniques; flow cytometric analysis was performed from paraffin-embedded blocks obtained from the primary tumor. Quality control studies on reproducibility, tissue heterogeneity, and analysis procedures have been included. Of the 197 patients studied, aneuploidy was found in 102 (52%); the median %S value was 8% with a range of 0.4% to 38%. Our results demonstrated that number of positive nodes, receptor status, and grade were of prognostic value. Cell cycle kinetic data were not of independent prognostic value in this series. However, ploidy could differentiate in prognosis in the receptor-negative subgroup. Patients with receptor-negative tumors had a significantly better overall survival if the tumor was diploid in nature. Cell kinetics was not significantly prognostic for either receptor subgroup, although patients with higher %S tended to have better relapse-free and overall survival. This is in disagreement with other studies and may demonstrate that treatment has confounded our results and diminished the ability of flow cytometry data to help predict outcome. Cancer 66:1810-1816,1990. INCE ITS DEVELOPMENT, there has been great interest S in using flow cytometry to predict the clinical course of patients with breast cancer.'-3 Several groups have compared ploidy and cell kinetic measurements to other clinical parameters including age, menopausal status, receptor content, tumor size, histologic type and grade, and nodal status. There is general consensus that aneuploid
Anxiety and anger in patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Responses after automatic internal cardioverter defibrillator implantation.

In order to assess the psychological profile of patients with malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias, eight patients who underwent implantation of the automatic internal cardioverter defibrillator for refractory arrhythmias were evaluated. Six men and two women with a mean age of 53 years were examined with the Symptom Checklist-90, the State Trait Personality Inventory and a specifically designed questionnaire about the automatic internal cardioverter defibrillator. The group studied manifested high degrees of both anger and anxiety compared to normal controls or to other medically ill populations. The trait scores remained essentially unchanged before and after the AICD implantation. The state of anxiety was markedly reduced by 26 percentage points after implantation (P < 0.01), while the state of anger remained unchanged. In evaluating the number of AICD discharges, it was observed that the number of discharges in the first 6 months was higher than that observed in the subsequent follow-up period (mean 30 months). The reduction in AICD discharges demonstrated a trend (P = 0.094). Patient acceptance of the automatic internal cardioverter defibrillator was high. They became accustomed to the pulse generator after a mean of 3.6 months. The defibrillator permitted resumption of normal activities. If the device became battery depleted, all patients would insist on replacement. The evaluation of this group of patients with malignant ventricular arrhythmias indicates a high degree of anxiety and anger, which potentially may influence outcome. The reduction in defibrillator discharges after the first 6 months in addition to a reduced state of anxiety is a relationship that merits further investigation. (PACE, Vol. 12 February 1989)
An Enterprise Decision Model for a Large Scale Assembly Operation

Abstract Aircraft manufacturing is typically characterized by large, highly complex end items that require a great deal of human assembly resources. For large scale operations producing complex items at high volumes, management oversight is broken down into discrete areas that operate as internal suppliers/customers to each other. While the scale of the production system lends itself to this decomposition, global efficiency can suffer in such a scenario (based on internal managerial and political dynamics). This paper presents an enterprise model for optimizing a large scale, high volume assembly operation based on the minimization of the variability between labour capacity and labour demand.
Socio-economic factors associated with the iron intake of preschoolers in the United States

Abstract This study investigated household income, food program participation, and diet awareness and attitudes of the household meal planner as predictors of dietary iron intake of preschoolers in the United States. Non-breastfeeding children, 1 to 5 years of age, with 3 days of dietary data from the 1989–1991 Continuing Survey of Food Intake of Individuals were included in this sample (N=800). Two measures of intake were analyzed: a nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), defined as iron intake divided by the RDA; and an index of nutritional quality (INQ), or diet density measure, which is the ratio of iron NAR to energy NAR. Data from the concurrent Diet and Health Knowledge Survey were used to create indicator variables for meal planners who were aware of anemia as a health problem related to iron intake and who felt it was important to choose a diet with plenty of grain products. After controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, household size, region, and urbanization, multi-variate regression analyses revealed that household income and participation in the WIC food program were positively associated with both iron intake measures. Participation in the Food Stamp program was positively associated with the iron NAR, but not the INQ. Although anemia awareness was not a significant predictor of intake, children from households whose main meal planners had a positive attitude about the importance of grains, consumed more iron as measured by either index. The findings suggest that dietary iron intakes of preschoolers continue to be affected by economic factors and that food transfer and/or educational interventions may be useful in improving these intakes.
The Impact of CEO Reputation: Negative News and Economic Decisions

In this true experiment the impact of a negative news story about a CEO is measured on the purchasing decisions and potential employment decisions of a college-age demographic. The age group tested is the #1 purchaser of the stimulus product, an MP3 player; additionally, these primarily juniors and seniors are interested in future employment and job searching issues. Findings support that CEO reputation is of critical importance to economic decisions among the age cohort. Negative news has profoundly adverse effect, while positive news, while pleasant to read, has a negligible impact. Public relations implications for managing a CEO's reputation are discussed.
Financial feasibility of using shelterbelts for swine odor mitigation

A farm-level financial feasibility was performed to examine the use of shelterbelts as a swine odor mitigation technology. Shelterbelts are purposefully planted rows of trees and shrubs around the main sources of swine odor—swine buildings, manure storage systems, and crop fields that receive land applied manure. By using a series of model pork finishing farms and a number of differing shelterbelt design scenarios, the shelterbelt establishment and long-term (20 years) maintenance costs were calculated using a discounted cash flow analysis. Total costs for examined pork finishing farms, depending upon the shelterbelt design scenario, and whether or not government cost-share programming was used, ranged from $0.01 to $0.65 per pig produced. Study results emphasized the importance of cost-share programs, particularly Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). In most cases, both with and without cost-share programming, the total costs were well below reported pork producer expenditures for odor management.
The existence of an insoluble Z disc scaffold in chicken skeletal muscle

Abstract Extraction of glycerinated chicken skeletal muscle with 0.6 M potassium iodide leaves a framework of insoluble components within each muscle fiber. This framework is composed primarily of planes of in-register Z discs that have been thickened by the accumulation of material on both sides of each disc during extraction. Membrane vesicles, presumably remnants of the T system, remain surrounding the Z discs. When the framework is sheared in a blender, it is preferentially cleaved between Z planes, resulting in the formation of large sheets of interconnected, closely packed Z discs in a honeycomb-like array. Cleavage occurs in regions formerly occupied by the A bands, which have been weakened by the removal of myosin. The existence and stability of these planar Z disc arrays demonstrate the presence and strength of connections between adjacent myofibrils. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis reveals that this framework consists primarily of actin and desmin, with lesser amounts of a few proteins including α-actinin, myosin and tropomyosin. Z disc sheets and KI-extracted myofibrils provide a distinct face-on view and side view, respectively, of the Z disc. In indirect immunofluorescence, these two views have revealed that desmin is present at the periphery of each Z disc, forming a network of proteinaceous collars within the Z plane. α-Actinin is localized within each disc, giving a face-on fluorescence pattern that is complementary to that of desmin. Actin is present throughout the thickened Z plane, while myosin and tropomyosin exist only in the insoluble residue that coalesces on both faces of each disc. We conclude that desmin, perhaps in conjunction with actin, is responsible for interlinking Z discs of adjacent myofibrils, and may thus serve as a mechanical and structural integrator of muscle fibers. Its hydrophobic nature and coincident distribution with the T system suggest that it may also be responsible for mediating filament-membrane interactions and anchoring the triad to the Z disc. Its collar-like distribution suggests that it may aid in maintaining the structural integrity of the Z disc and the actin filaments inserted into it.
Steroid and gonadotropin levels in women during the peri-menopausal years

We obtained blood samples from 88 women 45-58 yr old who were having cyclic menses every 1-2 mth (37 women, 133 samples) or were amenorrheic for greater than 3 mth (51 women, 310 samples). Samples were obtained at intervals of 3-4 mth and analyzed for estrogens, androgens and gonadotropins using radioimmunoassay techniques. There was a gradual decline in the concentrations of estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estrone sulfate (E1SO4) and progesterone (P) as the time from the last menses increased. A relatively stable concentration was reached in 12 mth for E1, E2, and E1SO4 and in 2 mth for P. The concentrations of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate remained relatively constant as the time from the last menses increased. There was no apparent difference in the mean values of any of these hormones for any time interval from the last menses. The concentrations of both luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating (FSH) were noted to increase initially but they appeared to become stable after 12 mth for FSH and after only 6 mth for LH. Using only the measurements made on the initial blood samples obtained in all patients, we found significant correlations between FSH concentrations and the concentrations of E1, E2 and E1SO4 for women who were less than 3 mth from a menses as well as those whose last menses had occurred 3 or more mth previously. The correlations were generally not significant for LH in either groups of women.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Enhanced Reduction of Fe2O3 Caused by Migration of TM Ions out of Zeolite Channels

Theoretical models do not predict significant hydrogen spillover from metal particles to the surface of a nonconducting oxide in the absence of a high concentration of OH groups. This is confirmed by measuring the reduction enhancement of hematite powder that is intimately mixed with H-zeolite-supported Pt, Pd, Rh, or Co. For Pt, Pd, or Rh in various zeolites, marked shifts of the H2 TPR peak to lower temperature are found compared to the same peak for pure Fe2O3. Such reduction enhancement is, however, only observed with precalcined mixtures, never with mixtures that were only reduced after grinding. This eliminates H spillover along zeolite walls as an effective mechanism. Instead, transition metals (TMs) in zeolite cavities form oxide particles which react with the protons to form TM ions during calcination. These ions migrate out of the zeolite to the iron oxide, where they can be reduced to TM metals, now positioned directly on the Fe2O3. This thermodynamically permitted type of H spillover to the oxide thus requires direct contact between the metal and the reducible oxide. The mechanism has general validity; however, marked differences between metals and different zeolites illustrate which factors are crucial for TM ion mobility through zeolite channels and over hematite particles. While migration of TM oxide clusters through zeolite channels is faster than migration of TM ions, ligated ions move faster than naked ions, and their migration can be accelerated by exposure to water vapor.
Cold room air inhalation to abort cluster headaches: an exploratory study

Research has shown that inhalation of pure oxygen is effective in aborting cluster headache. This article advances the hypothesis that cooling is the critical ingredient behind the effectiveness of oxygen inhalation, rather than the oxygen concentration. To test this hypothesis, eight cluster headache participants used a device that delivered cooled room air as a means to abort headache attacks. Additionally, six of the subjects administered pure oxygen so that comparisons could be made to the air-cooling device. The proportion of cases in which subjects attained effective relief from cluster headache pain by use of the air-cooling device was significantly higher than the proportion of cases in which subjects did not attain effective relief from headache pain. There was no significant difference between the proportion of headaches relieved by oxygen and the proportion of headaches relieved by the air-cooling device. This study raises questions about the mechanisms of action of oxygen inhalation for treating cluster headache, and indicates that future clinical investigations into the use of cold room air for treating cluster headache pain are warranted.
Locally supersymmetric cosmology and the gauge hierarchy

We motivate and present a locally supersymmetric theory that satisfies all the constraints for a successful, new inflationary-universe scenario, and has a naturally light gravitino. The reheating temperature is sufficiently high to explain the observed baryon asymmetry.
HapCompass: A Fast Cycle Basis Algorithm for Accurate Haplotype Assembly of Sequence Data

Abstract Genome assembly methods produce haplotype phase ambiguous assemblies due to limitations in current sequencing technologies. Determining the haplotype phase of an individual is computationally challenging and experimentally expensive. However, haplotype phase information is crucial in many bioinformatics workflows such as genetic association studies and genomic imputation. Current computational methods of determining haplotype phase from sequence data—known as haplotype assembly—have difficulties producing accurate results for large (1000 Genomes-type) data or operate on restricted optimizations that are unrealistic considering modern high-throughput sequencing technologies. We present a novel algorithm, HapCompass, for haplotype assembly of densely sequenced human genome data. The HapCompass algorithm operates on a graph where single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are nodes and edges are defined by sequence reads and viewed as supporting evidence of co-occurring SNP alleles in a haplotype. In ou...
The capacity to oxidize carbohydrate as determined by the respiratory quotient

The capacity of an organism to oxidize carbohydrate may be measured by the level of the respiratory quotient at a time when the patient is excreting sugar in the urine.
Soaking and cooking parameters of tepary beans: effects of cooking time and cooking temperature on hardness and activity of nutritional antagonists

Tepary samples were examined for patterns of hydration, dry matter losses during the processes of soaking and cooking, residual hardness in partially cooked samples and heat lability of endogenous proteinaceous antinutritional factors. At 24 °C, teparies imbibed water equivalent to their weight (100% hydration) in 4 h and continued to absorb water rapidly for an additional 4 h before reaching an equilibrium hydration. During the processes of soaking and cooking, materials leached from raw beans represented 7.3 and 13.5% of their dry weight, 4.3 and 12.4% of their protein content, 7.1 and 12.2% of their stored carbohydrate and 22.4 and 33.4% of their mineral levels, respectively. In samples prepared at different cooking times (60, 90, 120, 150, 180 min) and cooking temperatures (80, 85, 90, 95°C), longer times and higher temperatures resulted in greater reductions in residual bean hardness; interactive effects of time and temperature treatments were significant. Residual activity of trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors in partially-cooked samples appeared to be negligible. In addition, at least 80% of the original hemaglutinating activity of lectins in raw beans was lost during partial-cooking of samples under all cooking regimes.
EFFECT OF WORD FREQUENCY AND WORD LENGTH ON APHASIC SPELLING ERRORS.

The Wide Range Achievement Spelling Test was administered to 64 aphasic subjects. Total errors on each of the 100 test words and errors made by subjects in each quartile were analyzed in relation t...
Some applications of the gel fluorescence test for alkali-aggregate reaction in concrete

Abstract The gel fluorescence test has been used to determine the presence of alkali-silica reaction products from two field structures and laboratory mortar bars made with reactive opaline aggregate. It is shown that the fluorescence test identifies clearly the products of the reaction between alkalis and reactive silica. A comparison of the expansions of the mortar bars and the amount of gel products in the bars suggests that the fluorescence test cannot be used as an indicator of potential expansion; however, it can be used successfully to determine the presence or absence of products of alkali-silica reaction and thus provide clues to the probable causes of deterioration observed in concrete.
Mutation of inhibitory helix-loop-helix protein Id3 causes γδ T-cell lymphoma in mice

Human γδ T-cell lymphoma is a rare clinicopathologic entity with aggressive course and poor prognosis. The etiology and pathogenesis of γδ T-cell lymphoma is unknown. We show here that mice with deficiency in inhibitory helix-loop-helix protein Id3 (Id3−/−) developed γδ T-cell lymphoma that resembled human γδ T-cell lymphoma. The Id3−/− mice with lymphoma showed splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and lymphadenopathy with involvement of bone marrow, thymus, kidney, and lungs between 6 and 15 months of age. Phenotypic analysis revealed that lymphomatous cells were cluster of differentiation (CD)3+, γδ T-cell receptor (TCR)+, and αβ TCR−, and expressed CD8+CD4−, CD4+CD8−, or a mixture of the two. Id3−/− γδ T-cell lymphoma used predominantly Vγ1.1, some Vγ3, yet no Vγ2 TCR, and some showed increased levels of the oncogene c-Myc. Strikingly, adoptive transfer of the γδ T-cell lymphoma into syngeneic Rag1−/− mice resulted in aggressive γδ T-cell lymphoma, identical to the Id3−/− donor. Thus, our data demonstrate that Id3 regulates the development of γδ T-cell lymphoma in mice, raising a possibility of Id3 gene mutation in human γδ T-cell lymphoma. Our model will provide a tool for studying the molecular mechanisms and development of human γδ T-cell lymphoma.
Emotional expressiveness during worship services and life satisfaction: assessing the influence of race and religious affiliation

The purpose of this study is to see if an emotional expressive worship style is associated with life satisfaction. Our study model contains the following core relationships: (1) blacks are more likely than whites to worship in conservative Protestant congregations; (2) members of conservative congregations and blacks will attend church services more often; (3) blacks and conservative Protestants are more likely than either whites or members of other congregations to openly express their emotions during worship services; (4) individuals who express their emotions during church services will be more likely say they worship in a highly cohesive congregation; (5) people who worship in highly cohesive congregations will generalise this sense of connectedness to people outside their place of worship; and (6) those who feel closely connected with all people will experience a greater sense of life satisfaction. Finding from a nationwide survey provide support for each of these relationships.
Effects of nifedipine on phasic and tonic vasoconstrictor responses to Sgd 101/75 in the isolated perfused rabbit ear artery.

Abstract The relative importance of extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release for the vasoconstrictor response to Sgd 101/75 (4(2-imidazoline-amino)-2-methyl-indazol-chlorhydrate), an α1-adrenoceptor agonist, was examined in perfused rabbit ear arteries. Sdg 101/75 induced a phasic and a tonic vasoconstrictor response in a concentration-dependent manner. It is a full agonist on the tonic response but a partial agonist on the phasic response. Nifedipine preferentially inhibited the tonic but not the phasic response to Sgd 101/75. Therefore, Sgd 101/75 appears to require both the intracellular Ca2+ release and extracellular Ca2+ influx for its phasic and tonic responses in rabbit ear arteries, respectively.
Photosensitized destruction of human bladder carcinoma cells treated with chlorin e6-conjugated microspheres.

Abstract A photosensitizer conjugate, chlorin e6 (Ce6) covalently bound to 1-micron-diameter polystyrene microspheres, has been investigated in the photodynamic destruction of MGH-U1 human bladder carcinoma cells in vitro. The microspheres were taken up avidly by the carcinoma cells; confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy showed them to be localized in the cytoplasm, apparently within lysosomes, visualized by labeling with acridine orange. In contrast, fluorescence of unconjugated Ce6 was present within most cellular membranes. Use of Ce6-microsphere conjugates led to a 20-fold-higher mean intracellular concentration, compared with unconjugated Ce6. Cells incubated in the presence of Ce6-microsphere conjugates (0.43 microM equivalent) and subsequently irradiated at 659 nm with a dye laser pumped by an argon-ion laser showed dose-dependent phototoxicity, leading to total inhibition of colony formation at a radiant exposure of 5J/cm2; in contrast, cells incubated with either unconjugated Ce6 (0.43 microM) or unconjugated microspheres before laser irradiation were unaffected. Cells pretreated with Ce6-microsphere conjugates and irradiated in the presence of 90% 2H2O showed significantly increased phototoxicity, an effect consistent with an important role for excited-state singlet oxygen in the mechanism of injury. In solution, however, photosensitized generation of singlet oxygen with Ce6-microsphere conjugates was 9 times less efficient than with unconjugated Ce6. The markedly greater phototoxicity of Ce6-microsphere conjugates compared to unconjugated Ce6 was therefore a consequence of the high intracellular Ce6 concentration attained by phagocytosis of the conjugates and their particular sites of intracellular localization. Thus, these conjugates are an efficient system for the delivery of photosensitizing drugs to carcinoma cells.
Time demands in online instruction1

This article reports findings from a Mellon Foundation research project at Syracuse University with regard to the time demands placed on teachers and learners in online courses. This exploratory re...
Effect of autocorrelated training samples on Bayes' probabilities of misclassification☆

Basu and Odell2 investigated the effect of intraclass correlation among training samples upon the misclassification probabilities of Bayes' procedure. This paper investigates a similar effect whenever the training samples are assumed to be serially correlated.
Differential control of short latency cutaneous excitation in cat FDL motoneurons during fictive locomotion.

Low threshold (≤2×T) cutaneous afferents in the superficial peroneal (SP) and medial plantar (PLNT) nerves both produce short-latency excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in flexor digitorum longus (FDL) α-motoneurons, with minimum central latencies (≤1.8 ms) that indicate a disynaptic connection. However, SP and PLNT EPSPs in FDL motoneurons are differentially modulated during fictive stepping in decerebrate cats. The early components in SP EPSPs are systematically enhanced during the early flexion phase of fictive stepping (Schmidt et al. 1988) while those in PLNT EPSPs are markedly depressed during flexion. In addition, transmission in the PLNT→FDL pathway is enhanced during occasional step cycles in which the FDL displays firing during the extension phase. This enhancement affects only the trisynaptic components of PLNT EPSPs, is simultaneous with the extension FDL burst, and is not found in SP EPSPs. These results indicate that the SP→FDL and PLNT→FDL pathways are composed of entirely different sets of segmental last-order interneurons, each of which receives sensory information from contiguous, relatively limited regions of skin on the most distal parts of the hindpaw. Possible functional consequences of these interneuronal organizations are discussed.
Discontinuous metallic-glass ribbon reinforced glass-ceramic matrix composites

Discontinuous metallic-glass ribbons of varying lengths and widths were used to reinforce a brittle glass-ceramic matrix. The fracture strength and toughness of such composites as a function of ribbon volume fraction and geometry were measured by three-point bending. The mechanical properties were found to be relatively isotropic in the plane of compaction (without significant loss of strengthening achieved with unidirectional reinforcement). The higher composite strength exhibited in a direction perpendicular to the plane of compaction was attributed to the higher percentage of ribbons oriented with their short transverse faces perpendicular to the opening crack front.
Blood pressure goal in chronic kidney disease: what is the evidence?

Purpose of review Most guidelines recommend that seated clinic blood pressure (BP) be targeted to less than 130/80 mmHg in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The evidence underlying these recommendations is the subject of this review. Recent findings The best evidence to target a certain level of BP in patients with CKD comes from randomized trials. Only three trials have prospectively examined the level to which BP should be lowered. These trials conducted exclusively among patients with CKD have demonstrated that compared to a less aggressive BP goal, a BP goal of less than 130/80 mmHg neither saves lives nor protects the kidney or the cardiovascular system. Summary It is reasonable to achieve a goal of less than 140/90 mmHg in most patients with CKD. More aggressive lowering is not firmly supported by current data. Since BP control is important, hypertension therapy should be individualized. Individualization through home BP measurements to diagnose, monitor and treat hypertension appears to be an attractive option.
Recovery from Paralysis with Succinylcholine Increased Response Entropy and Emg but not State Entropy

Objective. It is reported that the electromyogram is an indicator of patient arousal during pain stimulation if anesthesia is inadequate. This may not be true during recovery from succinylcholine induced paralysis. We evaluated State entropy of the electroencephalogram (EEG, 0.8–32 Hz) and Response entropy, a combined measure of the electromyogram (EMG) and EEG (0.8–47 Hz), during recovery from paralysis with succinylcholine. Methods. Twenty patients were randomized to receive either 0.8% (n = 10) or 1.4% isoflurane (n = 10), with 2 mg/kg succinylcholine administered for paralysis in all patients. State entropy and Response entropy were evaluated using a Datex-Ohmeda Entropy module. Frontal EMG was measured separately by an EEG module. State entropy, Response entropy, and EMG were measured in awake patients, during isoflurane anesthesia and paralysis, and after 100% recovery to train of four stimulation. Results. Response entropy and State entropy decreased from awake levels in a dose related manner during 0.8% or 1.4% isoflurane and succinylcholine. Recovery from succinylcholine significantly increased Response entropy and EMG in 5 of 10 patients with 0.8% isoflurane and 8 of 10 with 1.4% isoflurane without a change in State entropy. Conclusion. Although RE and EMG increased during recovery from paralysis with succinylcholine, SE, an indicator of EEG, was not stimulated. EMG activity may not be an indicator of patient arousal after succinylcholine treatment.
Chronic Intrathecal Baclofen Treatment and Withdrawal: I. Changes in Ankle Torque and Hind Limb Posture in Normal Rats

This study evaluated reflex excitability and locomotor changes during chronic intrathecal infusion of the GABAb agonist baclofen (ITB) and its withdrawal, in the rat. We observed sustained velocity dependent decreases in ankle torque during four weeks of ITB treatment. These changes were correlated with a significant reduction of the EMG burst magnitude time locked to the dynamic phase of ankle dorsiflexion during the first ITB treatment week. However, a considerable recovery of EMG magnitude was observed during the third and fourth weeks of treatment. During baclofen withdrawal, significantly increased velocity dependent ankle torque was observed for 4 weeks. These increases in ankle torque were correlated with increased magnitudes of EMG time locked to the dynamic phase of ankle rotation. Measures of hind limb axis and base of support were obtained using analysis of footprints on a treadmill during ITB treatment and withdrawal periods. During ITB treatment and for up to 7 weeks of withdrawal, hindlimb axis and base of support were significantly altered compared with vehicle controls. These studies were performed to provide a foundation for evaluation of treatment and withdrawal in the setting of experimental chronic contusion spinal cord injury.
Dose-dependent thresholds of 10-ns electric pulse induced plasma membrane disruption and cytotoxicity in multiple cell lines.

In this study, we determined the LD50 (50% lethal dose) for cell death, and the ED50 (50% of cell population staining positive) for propidium (Pr) iodide uptake, and phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization for several commonly studied cell lines (HeLa, Jurkat, U937, CHO-K1, and GH3) exposed to 10-ns electric pulses (EP). We found that the LD50 varied substantially across the cell lines studied, increasing from 51 J/g for Jurkat to 1861 J/g for HeLa. PS externalized at doses equal or lower than that required for death in all cell lines ranging from 51 J/g in Jurkat, to 199 J/g in CHO-K1. Pr uptake occurred at doses lower than required for death in three of the cell lines: 656 J/g for CHO-K1, 634 J/g for HeLa, and 142 J/g for GH3. Both Jurkat and U937 had a LD50 lower than the ED50 for Pr uptake at 780 J/g and 1274 J/g, respectively. The mechanism responsible for these differences was explored by evaluating cell size, calcium concentration in the exposure medium, and effect of trypsin treatment prior to exposure. None of the studied parameters correlated with the observed results suggesting that cellular susceptibility to injury and death by 10-ns EP was largely determined by cell physiology. In contrast to previous studies, our findings suggest that permeabilization of internal membranes may not necessarily be responsible for cell death by 10-ns EP. Additionally, a mixture of Jurkat and HeLa cells was exposed to 10-ns EP at a dose of 280 J/g. Death was observed only in Jurkat cells suggesting that 10-ns EP may selectively kill cells within a heterogeneous tissue.
Control of tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression in chromaffin and PC12 cells

Chromaffin and PC12 cells were used to elucidate mechanisms of stimulation of gene expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the pivotal enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis. A plethora of treatments elevate TH gene expression. Elevated cAMP triggers increased TH gene expression, primarily by an increase in mRNA transcription. Although a variety of treatments that elevate [Ca2+]i, increase TH transcription, there are important differences among them, indicating different calcium signalling pathways in regulating TH gene expression acting at the CRE/CaRE (cyclic AMP/calcium response element). Several complexes, such as ATF-1/jun and CREB/AT-1 heterodimers bind this element. Activation of protein kinase C by phorbol esters, NGF and EGF activate TH transcription through the AP-1 site. TH transcription is also stimulated by glucocorticoids, increased cell density, hypoxia, and several other treatments. In some instances, post-transcriptional mechanisms also contribute to the intricate fine tuning of regulation of TH gene expression.
The Effect of Microstructure on the Galvanostatic Discharge of Graphite Anode Electrodes in LiCoO2-Based Rocking-Chair Rechargeable Batteries

By starting from experimentally determined cross sections of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, the effect of microstructure on the galvanostatic discharge of a LiCoO 2 |LiC 6 cell was numerically modeled. Results demonstrate that when small graphite particles are part of a population with large particle sizes, diminished macroscopic power densities develop and limit the response of the entirety of the cell. Small particle-size populations electrochemically interact with large particle-size populations and lead to a macroscopic capacity loss, compared to cells with uniform particle size. Such capacity loss is a result of the lithium exchange between small and large anode particle-size populations, instead of the lithium exchange between electrode particles of opposite polarity. The analysis suggests that graphite particles of size smaller than the average value dominate the macroscopic electrical response of the device, for the induced localized lithium depletion leads to an increase in the polarization losses of the anode. Lithium depletion in the anode starts in the small particles, is followed by particles of complex morphology and rough surfaces, .
A review of some uses of remote sensing in fishery oceanography and management

The general need for environmental information to manage a fishery is reviewed. For marine fisheries of regional extent such as the tropical tunas and Peruvian anchoveta, measurements of environmental parameters such as sea surface temperature and the location of surface oceanic fronts tax the sampling capabilities of research vessels that are usually available for this purpose. The inclusion of additional data from commercial and fishing vessels, while greatly improving the spatial density of data, still may not be adequate to produce maps of surface properties on a daily or weekly basis. The various types of parameters that can be measured or derived from remote sensors (aircraft and spacecraft) are reviewed and some benefits and limitations of each are noted. Much of the processing of remotely sensed data requires access to computers, particularly data from spacecraft. Some new instrumental techniques are discussed including the use of Low Light Level camera systems from aircraft and Very High Resolution Radiometers (VHRR) from polar orbiting NOAA spacecraft.
Susto: the anthropological study of diseases of adaptation.

Abstract Susto, a Latin-American syndrome related to acute fright, is viewed as a disease of adaptation as defined by Selye. The physiological, psychological, cultural, and social aspects of this disease are examined, as are the interactions of these various dimensions. Healing rituals for the effective cure of susto are examined, and a basis for their efficacy is established by reference to Selye's theory. Other culturally-specific, fright-related diseases of adaptation in Western and non-Western cultures are examined and compared to susto. Diseases of adaptation cannot be fully understood without reference to cultural, social, anti psychological factors.