cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Poverty predicts amblyopia treatment failure

Abstract Objective: Clinical impressions suggested a hypothesis that poverty is associated with poorer results in amblyopia therapy. To test this hypothesis, we compared patients with amblyopia who had Medicaid assistance with those who did not. Methods: Of 1272 patients recorded to have amblyopia in the eye center computer, 280 met inclusion criteria of first visit under age 10 years and had treatment instituted and visual acuities recorded then and at follow-up visits. Seventy-one had Medicaid assistance, and 209 did not. Age at first visit, age at final visit, severity of amblyopia as measured by visual acuity at the first visit, and number of visits were all statistically indistinguishable. A large difference in final visual acuity, number of missed visits, and the parent's estimate of compliance was found. Results: The likelihood of good final visual acuity of 20 30 or better was 26.8% in the Medicaid group and 58% in the non-Medicaid group. The likelihood of a poor final visual acuity of 20 70 or worse was 33.8% in the Medicaid group versus 11.5% in the non-Medicaid group. Conclusion: These results established socioeconomic status, measured by qualification for Medicaid assistance, to be an important predictor for success for amblyopia therapy. Work is in progress to better understand more specific factors and to meet the therapeutic challenge of amblyopia therapy for children.
Characterization of Near Field Plasma Environment of a Hollow Cathode Assembly

Cathode keeper erosion has been identified as a possible limit to thruster lifetimes. Therefore, it is important to characterize a cathode discharge at various operating conditions in order to identify potential erosion mechanisms. In this investigation the near field plasma environment of a hollow cathode assembly was examined under several operating conditions in the Isp Lab’s Xenon Test Facility (XTF) at Michigan Tech. This examination focused on the region within 3 cm of the cathode keeper orifice. In this paper the results from six operating conditions are summarized giving values of plasma potential, electron temperature and number density. It was found that electron density did not vary significantly with changes in xenon flow rate and discharge current. It was also found that as flow rate increased, electron temperature decreased, resulting in a shorter Debye length and a flatter potential structure near the orifice; as discharge current increased, electron temperature also decreased.
Molded transparent photopolymers and phase shift optics for fabricating three dimensional nanostructures

This paper introduces approaches that combine micro/nanomolding, or nanoimprinting, techniques with proximity optical phase mask lithographic methods to form three dimensional (3D) nanostructures in thick, transparent layers of photopolymers. The results demonstrate three strategies of this type, where molded relief structures in these photopolymers represent (i) fine ( 1 μm) that are used with phase masks to provide access to large structure dimensions, and (iii) fine structures that are used together phase masks to achieve large, multilevel phase modulations. Several examples are provided, together with optical modeling of the fabrication process and the transmission properties of certain of the fabricated structures. These approaches provide capabilities in 3D fabrication that complement those of other techniques, with potential applications in photonics, microfluidics, drug delivery and other areas.
Indicators of hawala operations and criminal abuse

Indicates the importance of the Informal Value Transfer System (IVTS) and hawala in particular as a means whereby immigrant workers can send remittances to their home countries, and the reasons for suspecting that these systems can be used to transfer funds which support terrorist activities. Lists the indicators of IVTS activity. Lists and discusses the possible indicators of criminal abuse: different charging, recording or collection methods for some clients, some large transactions not recorded, large sums transferred daily or from a single customer, unusual or unsound transactions, and transfers to traders or companies engaged in a very different kind of business or in illegal activities. Argues that a large daily turnover may be the most important indicator, since this can indicate that money is going out one door in order to come back through the other, which means money laundering.
Comparison of azithromycin, roxithromycin, and cephalexin penetration kinetics in early and mature abscesses

During the process of abscess formation, a myriad of changes are observed histologically that impede the penetration of antimicrobial agents into infection loci. A Staphylococcus aureus foreign body abscess, developed in rats, was employed to evaluate the penetration kinetics of azithromycin, roxithromycin and cephalexin at various stages of abscess development; the progressive patho-histological changes of abscess formation were also characterized in this model. In an early abscess (18 h post-challenge), azithromycin penetration into inflammatory fluid was enhanced (AUC of 351 vs 130 mg.h/kg) and residence prolonged relative to an inflammation control (half-life of 88 vs 27 h). In contrast, roxithromycin and cephalexin penetration into, and residence in, inflammatory fluid were unaltered in the early abscess. However, penetration into, and egress from, a mature abscess (ten days post-challenge) were impeded for all three antimicrobials (P < or = 0.03). The penetration kinetics of azithromycin into inflammatory fluid in an early abscess were independent of the dose regimen, but dependent on the total dose. The persistently high concentrations of azithromycin in inflammatory fluid within abscess were associated with the infiltration of phagocytic cells and encapsulation by fibrous tissue. These data are consistent with a phagocytic delivery mechanism for azithromycin, whereby the presence of high concentrations of azithromycin in inflammatory fluid are a consequence of augmented drug distribution via the release of accumulated intracellular drug from the infiltrating phagocytic cells and fibroblasts associated with abscess formation.
Gold Sensitization of X-ray Films

Sensitization of non-screen type x-ray emulsions with aqueous solutions of ammonium or alkali aurous thiocyanates leads to a wave-length dependent increase of their x-ray and gamma-ray sensitivities. For a particular fine-grain emulsion the gain in photographic speed is shown to increase from a factor of 1.5 at 1.3A to a factor of 10 at 0.011A. This wave-length dependence of the sensitizing effect is governed by the range—energy relationship of electrons, by the shape of the energy loss curve of electrons, and the threshold sensitivity of the average grain. The sensitivity of the average grain in an unsensitized and a gold-sensitized emulsion was derived from the number of quanta required to produce the same photographic effects at different wave-lengths. Gold sensitization caused an increase in threshold sensitivity from (6 kev)−1 to (1.2 kev)−1 for the average grain of the emulsion under investigation. A comparison of the quantities of latent image silver formed by light exposure on one hand, and by electrons on the other, indicates that gold sensitization increases the effective radius of action of the sensitivity centers and also the number of active centers at the grain surface.
Pathogenesis of sodium and water retention in high-output and low-output cardiac failure, nephrotic syndrome, cirrhosis, and pregnancy (2)

This article has analyzed the pathogenesis of sodium and water retention in several circumstances. The initiator of retention has been proposed to be either a fall in cardiac output (e.g., low-output cardiac failure and vasoconstrictor hypovolemic nephrotic syndrome) or peripheral arterial vasodilatation (e.g., high-output cardiac failure, cirrhosis, arteriovenous fistula, and pregnancy). In the only state discussed, in which the kidney is diseased and not merely responding to extrarenal reflexes--i.e., nephrotic syndrome--intrarenal mechanisms may predominate and lead to expansion of the arterial vascular tree and suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (i.e., hypervolemic nephrotic syndrome). Otherwise, when kidneys are healthy, either a fall in cardiac output or peripheral arterial vasodilatation may diminish arterial vascular filling and thereby initiate a series of hemodynamic and hormonal events that result in renal sodium and water retention (Fig. 7). Finally, the approach presented in this article should be considered to be a vantage point from which to evaluate states of sodium and water retention, but not to be an exclusive position.
Extraction Theory and Form of the Extraction Complex for the Metals Dysprosium, Holmium, Thulium, and Curium in the Synergistic System Kerosene/HTTA/TBP/Dilute HNO3

Abstract Data were taken for the distribution of HTTA and the metals Dy, Ho, Tm, and Cm in the system kerosene/thenoyltrifluoroacetone (HTTA)/tributylphosphate (TBP)/dilute HNO3. The theory first proposed by Tournier (1) and Tournier and Davis (2) for the HTTA distribution was modified and new values of the equilibrium constants resulting from the theory were determined by a least squares fit of the HTTA distribution data. The new values are K 1 = 14 and K 2 = 3.45. An analysis of the HTTA distribution data indicates that one molecule of TBP associates with one molecule of (HTTA·H2O) to form a complex. Analysis of distribution data for the metals, Dy, Ho, Tm. and Cm using the modified theory indicates that the form of the metal complex is M+3(TTA)3(TBP)2 reported by most investigators. A log-log plot of q o/a as a function of [H+] under conditions of constant free TBP and HTTA and constant ionic strength indicates an inverse squared effect of [H+] on the metal distribution ration, q o/a. This in turn supp...
An assessment of oceanic variability in the NCEP climate forecast system reanalysis

At the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), a reanalysis of the atmosphere, ocean, sea ice and land over the period 1979–2009, referred to as the climate forecast system reanalysis (CFSR), was recently completed. The oceanic component of CFSR includes many advances: (a) the MOM4 ocean model with an interactive sea-ice, (b) the 6 h coupled model forecast as the first guess, (c) inclusion of the mean climatological river runoff, and (d) high spatial (0.5° × 0.5°) and temporal (hourly) model outputs. Since the CFSR will be used by many in initializing/validating ocean models and climate research, the primary motivation of the paper is to inform the user community about the saline features in the CFSR ocean component, and how the ocean reanalysis compares with in situ observations and previous reanalysis. The net ocean surface heat flux of the CFSR has smaller biases compared to the sum of the latent and sensible heat fluxes from the objectively analyzed air-sea fluxes (OAFlux) and the shortwave and longwave radiation fluxes from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP-FD) than the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis (R1) and NCEP/DOE reanalysis (R2) in both the tropics and extratropics. The ocean surface wind stress of the CFSR has smaller biases and higher correlation with the ERA40 produced by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts than the R1 and R2, particularly in the tropical Indian and Pacific Ocean. The CFSR also has smaller errors compared to the QuickSCAT climatology for September 1999 to October 2009 than the R1 and R2. However, the trade winds of the CFSR in the central equatorial Pacific are too strong prior to 1999, and become close to observations once the ATOVS radiance data are assimilated in late 1998. A sudden reduction of easterly wind bias is related to the sudden onset of a warm bias in the eastern equatorial Pacific temperature around 1998/1999. The sea surface height and top 300 m heat content (HC300) of the CFSR compare with observations better than the GODAS in the tropical Indian Ocean and extratropics, but much worse in the tropical Atlantic, probably due to discontinuity in the deep ocean temperature and salinity caused by the six data streams of the CFSR. In terms of climate variability, the CFSR provides a good simulation of tropical instability waves and oceanic Kelvin waves in the tropical Pacific, and the dominant modes of HC300 that are associated with El Nino and Southern Oscillation, Indian Ocean Dipole, Pacific Decadal Oscillation and Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation.
Spatial and temporal aspects of cAMP signalling in cardiac myocytes.

SUMMARY 1 β1-Adrenoceptor and M2 muscarinic receptor regulation of cAMP production plays a pivotal role in autonomic regulation of cardiac myocyte function. However, not all responses are easily explained by a uniform increase or decrease in cAMP activity throughout the entire cell. 2 Adenovirus expression of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors can be used to monitor cAMP activity in protein kinase A (PKA) signalling domains, as well as the bulk cytoplasmic domain of intact adult cardiac myocytes. 3 Data obtained using FRET-based biosensors expressed in different cellular microdomains have been used to develop a computational model of compartmentalized cAMP signalling. 4 A systems biology approach that uses quantitative computational modelling together with experimental data obtained using FRET-based biosensors has been used to provide evidence for the idea that compartmentation of cAMP signalling is necessary to explain the stimulatory responses to β1-adrenoceptor activation as well as the complex temporal responses to M2 muscarinic receptor activation.
Superconductivity of ternary rare-earth compounds

A theoretical discussion of ternary rare-earth compounds which enter the superconducting state at a temperature T c 1, then ferromagnetically order at T M < T c1,is given. The local moments of the rare-earth elements couple to the superconducting electrons so that as T M is approached from above, the growth of spin fluctuations suppresses the superconductivity, then completely destroys it at T c2(>T M ).Expressions for the phase diagram, several thermodynamic quantities, the upper critical field, and the dilution effect are derived.
Amounts of fixation and discovery in maze learning behavior

The proposed quantitative description of maze learning rests on the assumption that two independent processes are involved: (i) a discovery process based on trial-and-error search for the correct response, (ii) a fixation process equivalent to that observed in serial learning. The model leads to predictions that are consistent with the available experimental data. In particular, the number of trials required for fixation is independent of the number of alternatives at each choice point (and hence independent of the number of bits of information contained in each correct response).
A hyperthermophilic plant-type [2Fe-2S] ferredoxin from Aquifex aeolicus is stabilized by a disulfide bond.

A [2Fe-2S] ferredoxin (Fd1) from the hyperthermophilic bacterium Aquifex aeolicus has been obtained by heterologous expression of the encoding gene in Escherichia coli. Sequence comparisons show that this protein belongs to the extended family of plant- and mammalian-type [2Fe-2S] ferredoxins but also indicate that it is not closely similar to either the plant-type or mammalian-type subfamilies. Instead, it appears to bear some similarity to novel members of this family, in particular the Isc-type ferredoxins involved in the assembly of iron−sulfur clusters in vivo. The two redox levels of the [2Fe-2S]2+/+ metal site of A. aeolicus ferredoxin have been studied by UV−visible, resonance Raman, EPR, variable temperature magnetic circular dichroism, and Mossbauer spectroscopies. A full-spin Hamiltonian analysis is given for the Mossbauer spectra. In aggregate, the spectroscopic data reveal differences with both the plant-type and mammalian-type ferredoxins, in keeping with the sequence comparisons. The midpoi...
Properties of Ovalbumin, Conalbumin, and Lysozyme at an Oil-Water Interface and in an Emulsion System

Abstract The interfacial adsorption properties of lysozyme, conalbumin, and ovalbumin at pH 6.5 were measured, using linear regression analyses of the interfacial tension responses with respect to protein concentration. After preparation of the oil-in-water emulsions, analyses were conducted to determine emulsion stabilities, mean dispersed globule diameters, and the concentration of irreversibly adsorbed protein per unit area of the dispersed phase. Lysozyme showed less total interfacial surface adsorption (1.94 mg per m2) than conalbumin (7.28 mg per m2) or ovalbumin (9.37 mg per m2) when the interface was at saturation. However, both conalbumin and ovalbumin had less irreversibly adsorbed protein in the interfacial films of the emulsions (.74 mg per m2 and. 11 mg per m2, respectively) compared to lysozyme (1.15 mg per m2). A lower emulsion stability was provided by lysozyme than by the other proteins. The lower stability provided by lysozyme was related to its adsorption characteristics and the higher mean diameter of dispersed globules (34μ) within the emulsion, compared with the respective data for conalbumin and ovalbumin. Overall, the results obtained supported the concept that lysozyme possesses more surface hydrophobicity and less molecular flexibility for conformational alteration at the oil-water interface than conalbumin or ovalbumin.
You Moved Up, Did You Forget Us?: The Influence of African American Intra-familial Social Mobility on Extended Family Relationships

This study explored the extent to which changes in socioeconomic status influenced the willingness or ability of extended family members to adhere to family scripts regarding interaction and resource sharing. Ethnographic methodology was utilized to examine the lived experience of the members of one large, extended African American family with its roots in a rural area of North Carolina. The results suggest that interaction is maintained despite changes in socioeconomic status among family members but that the interaction is transformed as one rises in socioeconomic status. The results also suggest that certain levels of ambiguous loss may occur as a result of the changing family relationships.
Foreign Born Status and HIV/AIDS: A Comparative Analysis of HIV/AIDS Characteristics Among Foreign and U.S. Born Individuals

The purpose of this study was to observe differences in HIV characteristics between the foreign and U.S. born HIV population. The study sample consisted of individuals, ≥13 years of age, who have been diagnosed with HIV and are patients of the Lexington Bluegrass Care Clinic. For the comparison analysis, the sample was divided into two groups (n = 1070), foreign born and U.S. born. Compared to U.S. born patients, foreign born patients were younger at the time of their HIV diagnosis (31 years vs. 36 years, P = 0.005), of Hispanic origin (63.1% vs. 1.1%, P < 0.001), and reported heterosexual contact as their mode of transmission (67.7% vs. 33.9% P < 0.001). Foreign born patients enrolled into care at a much lower CD4+ count and compared to the U.S. born, they were more likely to be classified as late testers (53.9% vs. 32.8%, P = 0.006). There were many differences found between foreign born and U.S. born HIV patients. Upon enrolling into care, foreign born individuals were more likely to have multiple OI's and have an AIDS diagnosis. In regards to testing, foreign born individuals were more likely to have tested late for HIV compared to their U.S. born counterparts.
Teaching Conflict Management Using a Scenario-Based Approach

In this article, the authors present a framework for the teaching of conflict management in college courses. The framework describes an experiential learning approach for helping individuals understand the influence of contextual factors in the selection of conflict handling strategy. It also includes a comparison of participants' choice of style, as based on contextual factors, versus their expected choice of conflict handling approach, as based on their primary orientation, as given by a standardized self-report instrument. Under this format, participants were asked to analyze a set of five conflict episodes with differing situational contingencies and to choose action courses from among alternatives for handling the conflict. Group discussion then focused on a comparison of participants' choices of the situationally appropriate or optimal response and their personal conflict-handling orientations. The authors also discuss the conceptual framework guiding the development of the conflict scenarios.
The geochronology of foraminiferal ooze deposits in the "Southern Ocean"

Abstract Many cores raised from the Drake Passage are characterized by alternating zones of foraminiferal ooze and sandysilt. Cores raised from the East Pacific Rise are foraminiferal ooze or alternating siliceous and carbonate ooze. The uranium and thorium concentrations and isotopic ratios in foraminifers separated from these cores were measured by alpha-spectroscopy. 230 Th in foraminiferal tests is found to be out of equilibrium with its parent ( 234 U), enabling the “excess 230 Th” method to be used in estimating sedimentation rates. The uranium concentration of the tests is constant, suggesting constant uranium concentrations in the sea and thus constant production of 230 Th during periods of foraminiferal production. 232 Th concentration is 2.1 ± 0.7 ppm in the Drake Passage and below the level of detection in tests from the East Pacific Rise. Within each core the 232 Th is constant, varying closely with distance from the source. Based on the degree of disequilibrium of 230 Th, correlations between cores can be made. Age estimates of the foraminiferal zones indicate deposition occurred between 8 000 and 120 000 and between 190 000 and 280 000 years before present. Reported dates of high stands of the sea fall between the ages estimated for the foraminiferal zones, suggesting these zones were deposited during northern hemisphere glacial maxima.
Wing/vortex interactions and wing rock

Abstract Separated flow and vortex induced rotary motion of various wings and airplane configurations is discussed with emphasis on the limit cycle roll oscillations, commonly referred to as `wing-rock'. Description of this phenomenon, based on numerous experimental observations, demonstrates the role of the leading edge vortices in driving the motion. An effort is made to group results of previous experimental and theoretical work in order to provide a `possible wing rock envelope’ in terms of flight conditions and vehicle geometry. In the case of slender airplanes with highly swept wings, naturally prone to limit cycle oscillations, control methods are surveyed demonstrating the potential to reduce or even eliminate the wing rock motion.
The troublesome transition from a partial lower to a complete lower denture

Summary The transition from a partial lower to a complete lower denture was considered in the light of everyday clinical experience. It was concluded that this transition is a very painful one. In weighing the evidence for and against the removal of the few remaining teeth under these circumstances, one cannot be too careful before arriving at a definite diagnosis. The removal of a tooth should be resorted to only when the latter is judged to be adefinite liability to the patient's health. It was further concluded that in setting the teeth for complete dentures each artificial tooth should take the exact or nearly exact place of its natural predecessor. In this way, the tongue, lips, and cheeks will preserve their freedom of movement and physiologic function. The patient is also to be prepared psychologically for the transition from a partial lower to a complete lower denture. This will make the patient more cooperative and receptive in his efforts to overcome the difficulties that this transitional period is frought with. Proper patient management frequently constitutes the difference between success and failure.
920-49 Analysis of the Culprit Lesion and Clinical Events in Post-CABG Patients: Interim Angiographic Results from the Post-CABG Trial

Clinical events prompting angiography occur in patients post bypass surgery, and often necessitate repeat revascularization procedures. In these patients the culprit lesion may occur in either the native vessel or the graft. The Post CABG study, a 5 year trial aimed at reducing SVG closure in minimally symptomatic patients 1–11 years Post-CABG, offers a unique view into this problem, since this study requires an initial angiogram to document baseline graft patency. In a subgroup of Post-CABG patients in whom symptoms prompted an interim “clinically driven” angiogram, we compared the baseline and interim angiograms for the presence or absence of a culprit lesion defined as total occlusion, angiographic clot, lesion change ≥ 50% or lesion g 75% diameter stenosis. Of 1253 enrolled patients with at least one SVG patent, 127 patients with clinical events and analyzable interim angiograms were evaluated. Results Culprit Lesion None Graft Native Vessel n (pts.) 15 (11.8%) 66 (52.0%) 46 (36.2%) Age [baseline angio] (yrs) 65.5 (53-76) * 59.8 (45-73) † 60.4 (36-74) Male gender (%) 80 90.9 86.9 Time CABG-interim angio (mo) 77.1 ± 10 102.6 ± 3.2 † 90.3±5.1 ** Resultant PTCA/CABG (1%) 0/0 33.3/31.8 30.4/4.3 * none vs native vessel † none vs graft ** graft vs native vessel, p l 0.05 Clinical indications for angiography differed depending on the anatomic site of the culprit lesio R. Patients with graft culprit lesions more frequently had MI (30.8%) than patients with culprit native vessel lesions (11.1%) P l 0.05, or with no lesions (0%) Conclusions In Post-CABG patients with clinical events that necessitated repeat angiography, only one-half had graft disease as the identifiable cause. No responsible lesion was found in 12%. Treatment for symptomatic patients following coronary artery bypass surgery may differ substantially depending on the anatomic cause of symptoms.
Perspectives from the Boulding files

This paper draws upon research for my dissertation, which is a history of the general systems movement, focusing specifically on the Society for General Systems Research. In the dissertation I examine the backgrounds of the individual founders of the Society in order to understand the influences that led them to establish the Society and to clarify their intentions in doing so. In this paper I discuss Kenneth Boulding's interdisciplinary social science seminars at the University of Michigan as background for his work at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford during its opening year (1954–55), where the idea for the Society was developed and realized. I also discuss the role of the Ford Foundation in establishing the Center and promoting interdisciplinary work in the behavioral sciences during the postwar era. An understanding of this context may enhance appreciation for the significance of Boulding's contribution to the systems movement.
Dementia in community-dwelling elderly patients: A comparison of survey data, medicare claims, cognitive screening, reported symptoms, and activity limitations

Abstract Background and objective Population-based estimates of dementia can vary widely depending on the data source and methodology used to assess cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to assess individual and composite measures of dementia constructed using survey and administratively collected medical data for the purpose of improving insight into inherent and avoidable biases and the interpretation of these measures. Methods A national survey of 5089 community-dwelling elderly persons was linked to 5 years of Medicare claims. Kappa coefficients were used to assess dementia agreement between survey, cognitive screen, and claims. Odds ratios (ORs), adjusted for age, gender, and education, were computed to assess the relation of single- and multi-source dementia variables to cognitive symptoms and activity limitations. Results Dementia prevalence among persons aged 65 and over ranged from 4.5% to 16.8% across sources. Agreement in case identification between data sources was low, ranging from 0.15 to 0.41. Despite low agreement, ORs were consistently increased for limitations in cognitively related activities/symptoms and non-overlapping dementia sources. Conclusion The finding that non-overlapping dementia data sources are associated with significantly increased limitations in cognitive activities suggests that forecasts of national dementia-related resource use based on single-source data could produce serious underestimates of future need.
Can Psychologists Measure Driving Attitudes

It has been mentioned frequently by traffic authorities and other interested individuals that driving attitudes are often associated with driving behavior which leads to traffic violations or accidents. Faulty, incorrect, and unsafe attitudes have been held primarily responsible for many hazardous situations which arise in traffic. Some public officials and others believe that perhaps most accidents would be prevented if individual drivers would consistently display this so-called proper and safe driving attitude toward other drivers, the traffic situation, law enforcement officers and agencies, and themselves while driving their cars. Other people may express a more conservative view that certain driving attitudes sometimes produce or directly preceed driving behavior which causes accidents. Keywords: Driver distraction; Language: en
952-28 Monomorphic versus Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

We hypothesized that 1) ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation (VT/VF) developing after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are due to either restoration of perfusion to a chronic infarction or to peri-operative ischemia/infarction and 2) that VT morphologic and electrophysiologic characteristics would depend upon which mechanism was causal. Records of 17 pts referred for electrophysiologic studies (EPS) whose first episode of VT/VF ocurred peri-operatively were compared to a control group of 119 consecutive CABG pts without VT/VF. Results Pts with VT/VF had more depressed pre-operative ejection fraction (0.32 vs 0.49, p = 0.0001) and a higher incidence of peri-operative myocardial infarction (MI) (47% vs 8%, p = 0.0001) compared to control pts. The majority of VT/VF pts (88%) had a zone of prior infarction and placement of a bypass graft to an occluded vessel occurred more frequently in these Subjects compared to controls (p = 0,03). The majority of pts having monomorphic VT (64%) did not suffer a peri-operative MI and 80% had inducible monomorphic VT at EPS. Only 37% of pts having polymorphic VT were inducible and 67% had a peri-operative MI. Conclusion New onset monomorphic VT after bypass surgery is associated with an old infarct scar and may, in some cases, be due to revascularization of an area of prior infarction. Polymorphic VT/VF is usually associated with acute ischemia/infarction.
A Departmental Approach to Professional Growth for Faculty Members

Faculty development in the fullest sense depends largely on the faculty member's learning environment. This article suggests ways in which departments can provide a context for professional growth through management of faculty assignments, professional rewards, departmental activities, and internal support. Leadership, consistency, and patience are discussed as the keys to a departmental approach to faculty development. The professional growth and productivity of its faculty members are obviously important determinants of a department's stature and hence its ability to remain viable in a period of academic retrenchment. Other elements of departmental policy that affect a unit's survival capabilities will be the subject of another article by these same authors to appear in the February issue.
Miscarriage Experiences of Lesbian Couples

This was a descriptive phenomenological study of 10 self-identified lesbian couples who had experienced miscarriage in the context of a committed relationship. Analysis of individual and joint open-ended interviews revealed that the experience of miscarriage for lesbian couples must be viewed from the perspective of the difficulties surrounding conception as well as the actual pregnancy loss. The overarching theme, “We are not in control,” captures the struggles lesbian couples faced in conceiving their pregnancies and the sense of loss that accompanied miscarrying. These experiences constituted two sub-themes: “We work so hard to get a baby” and “It hurts so bad: The sorrow of miscarriage.” Our results indicate that the experience of miscarriage is compounded by the complexities of planning and achieving pregnancy. Practitioners need to be aware of the unique perspectives lesbian couples have on pregnancy and miscarriage and remain sensitive to their unique needs. Findings may serve as an intervention framework for nurse midwives and others caring for lesbian couples after miscarriage.
Gender differences in the prognostic value of exercise treadmill test characteristics.

Background Although exercise treadmill testing (ETT) is less sensitive and specific for diagnosis of coronary disease in women, little is known about gender differences in the prognostic importance of ETT variables. Methods We studied 9,569 consecutive patients (46.8% women) referred for ETT between July 2001 and June 2004 in a community-based system. We assessed the association between ETT variables (exercise capacity, symptoms, ST-segment deviations, heart rate recovery, and chronotropic response) and time to all-cause death and myocardial infarction (MI), adjusting for patient and stress test characteristics. Models were stratified by gender to determine the relationship between ETT variables and outcomes. Results In the entire population, exercise capacity and heart rate recovery were significantly associated with all-cause death, whereas exercise capacity, chest pain, and ST-segment deviations were significantly associated with subsequent MI. The relationship between ETT variables and outcomes were similar between men and women, except for abnormal exercise capacity, which had a significantly stronger association with death in men (men: hazard ratio [HR] 2.89 and 95% CI 1.89-4.44, women: HR 0.99 and 95% CI 0.52-1.93, and interaction P = .01), and chronotropic incompetence, which had a significantly stronger relationship with MI in women (men: HR 1.29 and 95% CI 0.74-2.20, women: HR 2.79 and 95% CI 0.94-8.27, and interaction P = .04). Conclusions Although many traditional ETT variables had similar prognostic value in both men and women, exercise capacity was more prognostically important in men, and chronotropic incompetence was more important in women. Future studies should confirm these findings in additional populations.
A Scaleable Synthesis of Dutasteride: A Selective 5α-Reductase Inhibitor†

An improved and scaleable process for Dutasteride (1), a synthetic 4-azasteroid derivative essentially used for the treatment of prostate diseases, is described.
Significant reduction in minute ventilation and peak inspiratory pressures with arteriovenous CO2 removal during severe respiratory failure

Objectives To quantify CO2 removal using an extracorporeal low-resistance membrane gas exchanger placed in an arteriovenous shunt and evaluate its effects on the reduction of ventilatory volumes and airway pressures during severe respiratory failure induced by smoke inhalation injury.Design Prospect
RR21. Early (30 Day) Vein Remodeling is Predictive of Mid-Term Graft PatencY Following Lower Extremity Bypass

OBJECTIVES Successful adaptation of a vein graft to an arterial environment is incompletely understood. We sought to investigate whether early vein graft remodeling is predictive of subsequent patency.
Combining software engineering education and empirical research via instrumented real-client team project courses

Real-client, team project courses provide excellent opportunities for performing empirical research in software engineering (SE). Compared to empirical research on large, multi-year SE projects, a course with several team projects per year is the SE research equivalent of the fruit fly in species evolution research. Although their predictive power for large-project SE is more suggestive than definitive, the research results generally provide useful contributions to human knowledge in the SE area.
Introducing a multifaceted exercise intervention particular to older adults diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease: a preliminary study

Background and aim With a substantial increase in diagnosed Parkinson’s disease, it is of great importance to examine tolerance and physical measures of evolving exercise interventions. Of particular importance, a multifaceted exercise intervention combining active-assisted cycling and resistance training to older adults diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease is being assessed.
Pilot Evaluation of Aprepitant for the Treatment of Hot Flashes

Abstract Background Hot flashes are a major cause of morbidity among postmenopausal women, including many survivors of breast cancer. Hormone therapy decreases hot flashes but is not used as much as is has been because of toxicity concerns. Various new centrally acting agents have also been shown to decrease hot flashes. Aprepitan, a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, is a centrally active agent that might have the ability to decrease hot flashes. The objective of this pilot trial was to assess the potential efficacy and safety of aprepitant for the treatment of hot flashes in this patient population. Patients and Methods Twenty-five postmenopausal women, aged ≥ 45 years, who were experiencing bothersome hot flashes (≥ 14 times per week) for ≥ 1 month, were included. During the baseline week, general demographic characteristics and hot flash and quality of life data were obtained. At the beginning of the second week, patients were given aprepitant 80 mg per day for 4 weeks. Information about hot flashes, quality of life, and toxicity was collected during these 4 weeks and compared with week 1. Results After treatment with aprepitant for 4 weeks (n = 21), mean hot flash scores (frequency times mean severity) were reduced by 17%, and mean hot flash frequencies were decreased by 15% (from the baseline week 1). There were no statistically significant differences from week 1 to week 5 for any of the patient-reported side effects or quality of life. Conclusion The decrease of hot flashes seen with aprepitant in this trial is less than what would be expected from the 20%–25% decrease often seen with a placebo. Thus, aprepitant does not appear to be an effective treatment for hot flashes. This study suggests that neurokinin receptors do not play a major role in mediating hot flashes.
Serial conditioning as a function of parametric variations of an interfood clock

Two experiments examined the effects of differences in the parameters of a clocked interfood interval on the obtained distribution of responding to the stimuli in that interval. In the first experiment, a 3×3 factorial design assessed the effects of the number of components and the durations of those components. Food was presented irrespective of behavior following 5, 10, or 20 discrete stimuli across durations of 3, 6, or 12 sec each. Responding began at the approximate midpoint of the interval. More responding occurred in earlier portions of the last half of the interval as the number and the durations of individual stimuli decreased or as the overall interfood interval decreased. The second experiment, also a 3×3 factorial design, manipulated the probability and duration of food presentation following a 60-sec trial containing 10 discrete stimuli. A 2.0-, 3.5-, or 5.0-sec food presentation followed 100%, 25%, or 10% of the trials. Responding again began at the approximate midpoint of the interval. More responding occurred in earlier portions of the last half of the interval only when both food duration and the proportion of reinforced trials increased. Both experiments therefore showed that the onset of responding occurs at the approximate midpoint of clocked interfood intervals in spite of a wide variety of CS and US manipulations.
Does the methyl group form a hydrogen bond? Ab initio post-Hartree–Fock study on ethane–hydrogen cyanide complex

Abstract Ab initio LCAO-MO methods at the second- and fourth-order Moller–Plesset levels and coupled cluster CCSD and CCSD(T) approximations have been applied to investigate a formation of a hydrogen bond by a methyl group in the ethane–hydrogen cyanide complex. Geometrical parameters obtained from an MP2/6-311++G ∗∗ optimization are reported. The optimized geometry characterizes a minimum energy structure. Stability of the complex is evaluated using both the supermolecular counterpoise approach and the symmetry-adapted perturbation theory. The depth of the minimum is about 0.6 kcal/mol. Thus, one may consider this dimer as an example of a very weak hydrogen-bonded system.
Understanding ASTM Turbine Fuel Standard Specifications

An overview is presented of the three primary ASTM International standards regarding aviation turbine fuels: D1655 Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuels, D4054 Standard Practice for Qualification and Approval of New Aviation Turbine Fuels and Fuel Additives, and D7566 Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons. Emphasis is on how the three standards relate to and interact with each other. The discussion draws out some less obvious implications of these documents and addresses the question whether the focus on source and manufacturing process rather than composition is still appropriate.
'How you gonna see me now': Recontextualizing metal artists and moral panics

Three acts, Black Sabbath, KISS, and Alice Cooper, are unquestionably influential in terms of their respective impacts on the history of heavy metal as a musical form, its subcultural development, and its extended reach into the consciousness of larger popular culture practices. In particular, each act pushed the bounds of perceived social propriety, sparking controversy and a series of conservative protests reflective of moral panic. Now, decades later, the same artists are no longer threatening. Rather, they are welcomed into mainstream popular culture, despite maintaining many of the very actions deemed offensive or profane years ago. In the article, it is argued that through conscious acts of reversion, each artist has recontextualized the meanings loaded onto their past careers while subsequently adding new layers of discursive considerations to heavy metal’s own conceptualization of rebellion and resistance as well as its ongoing historic legacy.
Localization of glutamate, glutaminase, aspartate and aspartate aminotransferase in the rat midbrain periaqueductal gray

Glutamate and aspartate are putative excitatory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. The present study utilized novel monoclonal antibodies against fixative-modified glutamate and aspartate and polyclonal antisera against the amino acid synthesizing enzymes, glutaminase and aspartate aminotransferase, to analyze the distribution of these amino acids in the rodent midbrain periaqueductal gray. Glutamate-, aspartate-, glutaminase- and aspartate aminotransferase-like immunoreactive neurons, fibers and processes are present throughout the rostrocaudal length of the periaqueductal gray. Glutamate- and glutaminase-like immunoreactive neurons displayed a similar homogeneous pattern of distribution, being localized predominantly to the lateral and dorsal subdivisions of the periaqueductal gray. Co-localization experiments suggest that glutamate and glutaminase are in fact co-contained within the same PAG neurons. Aspartate aminotransferase-like immunoreactive neurons were distributed in a pattern similar to glutamate and glutaminase with the exception that fewer cells were stained in the dorsocaudal and the rostral third of the PAG. Aspartate-like immunoreactive neurons were less numerous than glutamate-like immunoreactive cells and were located in the lateral aspect of the PAG. These results demonstrate a specific and distinct distribution of glutamate and aspartate immunoreactive neurons and support recent data suggesting that glutamate and aspartate serve as excitatory neurotransmitters in the PAG.
Connectin: A homophilic cell adhesion molecule expressed on a subset of muscles and the motoneurons that innervate them in Drosophila

Each abdominal hemisegment in the Drosophila embryo contains a stereotyped array of 30 muscles, each specifically innervated by one or a few motoneurons. We screened 11,000 enhancer trap lines, isolated several expressing beta-galactosidase in small subsets of muscle fibers prior to innervation, and identified two of these as inserts in connectin and Toll, members of the leucine-rich repeat gene family. Connectin contains a signal sequence, ten leucine-rich repeats, and a putative phosphatidylinositol membrane linkage; in S2 cells, connectin can mediate homophilic cell adhesion. Connectin is expressed on the surface of eight muscles, the motoneurons that innervate them, and several glial cells along the pathways leading to them. During synapse formation, the protein localizes to synaptic sites; afterward, it largely disappears. Thus, connectin is a novel cell adhesion molecule whose expression suggests a role in target recognition.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Nonsteroidal Androgen Receptor Ligands

Testosterone and structurally related anabolic steroids have been used to treat hypogonadism, muscle wasting, osteoporosis, male contraception, cancer cachexia, anemia, and hormone replacement therapy in aging men or age-related frailty; while antiandrogens may be useful for treatment of conditions like acne, alopecia (male-pattern baldness), hirsutism, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. However, the undesirable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of steroidal androgen receptor (AR) ligands limited their clinical use. Nonsteroidal AR ligands with improved pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties have been developed to overcome these problems. This review focuses on the pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and pharmacology of clinically used and emerging nonsteroidal AR ligands, including antagonists, agonists, and selective androgen receptor modulators.
Global Knowledge Management: Exploring A Framework For Research

AbstractDramatic advances in Information Technology (IT), telecommunications and transportation have made it possible for organizations to more effectively manage their globally dispersed assets. One such organizational asset that has emerged as vital to success in today's global economy is knowledge. Global knowledge management has emerged as a discipline that focuses on the study of managing this organizational asset from a global perspective. In this paper, a process oriented conceptual framework for studying factors that influence knowledge management processes that impact the successful outcome of global knowledge management programs is presented. This framework is intended to present an agenda for and to suggest avenues for conducting further research in global knowledge management.
Temperance and the origins of the new penology

Abstract This article discusses the nineteenth century origins of indeterminate sentencing and discretionary penology. Was this idea an offshoot of contemporary positivist criminology, emanating from Europe, or was it a separate development in the United States? It is argued that although European influences were felt, the “new penology” was clearly an American product. However, it did not derive either from new insights in social science, or from simple reforming zeal. Rather, the new penology is seen here as an outgrowth of the contemporaneous temperance movement, which in turn resulted from social and ethnic conflict. The article suggests that the temperance movement was central to the evolution of discretionary penology, and crucial in keeping these ideas alive until the new positivism made itself felt. In summary, the temperance movement is seen as a vital, through understudied, force in the evolution of the twentieth century justice system in the United States.