cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The pharmacology of sildenafil, a novel and selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 5

Sildenafil (1-[4-ethoxy-3-(6, 7-dihydro-1-methyl-7-oxo-3-propyl-1H-pyrazolo [4, 3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl) phenylsulphonyl]-4-methylpiperazine) has been shown to be an effective oral treatment for male erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil is a potent competitive inhibitor of PDE5 (IC50 3.5 nM) and is selective over PDEI to 4 (80 to 19, 000-fold) and retinal PDE6 (10-fold). Sildenafil enhanced cGMP accumulation driven with sodium nitroprusside in the corpus cavernosum of rabbits without affecting cAMP formulation. In the absence of nitric oxide drive, sildenafil had no functional effect on the human and rabbit isolated corpus cavernosum, but potently potentiated the relaxant effects of nitric oxide on these tissues. In the anaesthetised dog, sildenafil (ED50: 12 to 16 μg/kg i.v.) enhanced the increase in intracavernosal pressure induced by electrical stimulation of the pelvic nerve or intracavernosal injection of sodium nitroprusside in the absence of meaningful effects on blood pressure. Consistent with its mode of action, sildenafil potentiated the vasorelaxant effects of glyceryl trinitrate on rabbit isolated aortic rings. However, unlike milrinone, sildenafil had no inotropic effects on the dog isolated trabeculae carneae. Thus it is unlikely to have the deleterious effects on cardiac function associated with PDE3 inhibitors. As a consequence of inhibition of PDE6 in the retina, sildenafil (1 to 100 μM) altered the kinetics of the light response of the dog isolated retina. In the anaesthetised dog, sildenafil modified the a and b-wave of the electroretinogram induced by a flash of blue light. These effects were proportional to plasma concentrations, were fully reversible and only occurred following plasma concentrations higher (approximately 30-fold) than those active on intracavernosal pressure. These studies have shown that sildenafil is a potent and selective inhibitor of PDE5. It enhances the effect of nitric oxide on the corpus cavernosum and has been shown to be an effective oral treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Using Standardized Patients to Teach and Evaluate Nurse Practitioner Students on Cultural Competency

With the increasing diversity in the American population, it is imperative that nurse practitioners learn to manage patients with varying healthcare beliefs and needs. In order to develop culturally competent nurse practitioners, a number of methods have been developed. Many of the current methods focus on improving the awareness and knowledge of nurse practitioners regarding diverse populations. However, very few of the current programs focus on improving the skills and increasing the encounters the students have with diverse populations. This paper focuses on providing nurse practitioner students with diverse encounters using culturally enhanced standardized patient scenarios. The standardized patient programs provide nurse practitioner students with the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills related to cultural competency in a safe environment where the students can practice communication and physical assessment skills as they receive feedback from the patients they are seeing.
ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER IN ADULTS

PreviewAttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults has recently received lavish exposure in the mass media. While this scrutiny has heightened the public's awareness of a disorder that often goes undiagnosed, it has also produced overidentification with ADHD among the general population. In some cases, the result has been self-diagnosed patients who present to primary care physicians demanding treatment. Dr Feifel describes how to identify the small proportion of patients whose symptoms are truly attributable to ADHD.
Effect of class size on economies of scale and marginal costs in higher education

The impact of class size on economies of scale and marginal costs in higher education is examined. A multiproduct translog cost function is estimated using data from a single university. The results indicate that failure to control for class size may lead to biased estimates of economies of scale and relative marginal costs. Evidence of constant returns to scale for schools that expand output holding class size constant is found and increasing returns to scale if class size is allowed to expand. The marginal cost of graduate students is found to be 4.3 to 8.98 times that of undergraduates.
Measurement of Spin-Wave Dispersion in NiO by Inelastic Neutron Scattering and Its Relation to Magnetic Properties

Inelastic neutron scattering techniques have been used to measure the spin-wave dispersion relations at 78\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K in the fcc antiferromagnet NiO. The energy dispersion has a steep initial slope (\ensuremath{\sim}250 meV \AA{}) and a high maximum energy (\ensuremath{\sim}117 meV) and is further characterized by a relatively low zone boundary energy in certain directions. The exchange parameters defined by ${\mathcal{H}}^{1,2}={J}_{j}{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{S}}}^{(1)}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{S}}}^{(2)}$ were determined by fitting the theoretical expression for the spin-wave energies to the experimental data corrected for instrumental resolution effects. The predominant interaction is a large antiferromagnetic exchange ${J}_{2}=221\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K (19.01 meV) between next-nearest neighbors, which are linked by a 180\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} superexchange path. The interaction between nearest neighbors, linked by a 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{2+}$---${\mathrm{O}}^{2\ensuremath{-}}$---${\mathrm{Ni}}^{2+}$ configuration, is much smaller and ferromagnetic in sign, ${J}_{1}=\ensuremath{-}15.9\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K (-1.37 meV). A consequence of the relatively small value of ${J}_{1}$ is that the spin waves from the four domains present in the sample can only be resolved in a limited region of reciprocal space. These values of exchange interactions are in accord with simple ideas of covalency and overlap, and the results emphasize the behavior of NiO as a weakly covalent insulator. The density of magnon states, estimates of the transition temperature, and several thermomagnetic properties of NiO have been calculated from the measured exchange parameters using molecular field and random-phase-approximation Green's-function formulas.
Oxidation of ochratoxin A by an Fe-porphyrin system: model for enzymatic activation and DNA cleavage.

Ochratoxin A (OTA, 1) is a fungal toxin that facilitates single-strand DNA cleavage, DNA adduction, and lipid peroxidation when metabolically activated. To model the enzymatic activation of OTA, we have employed the water-soluble iron(III) meso-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (FeTPPS) oxidation system. In its presence, OTA has been found to facilitate single-strand cleavage of supercoiled plasmid DNA through production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (i.e., the hydroxyl radical, HO(*)). The reaction of OTA with the FeTPPS oxidation system also generated three hydroxylated products (chlorine atom still attached), which was taken as evidence for production of the known hydroxylated metabolites (2-4) of OTA. This result suggested that the FeTPPS system served as a reasonable model for the enzymatic activation of OTA. When the reaction of OTA with FeTPPS was carried out in the presence of excess hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and sodium ascorbate, a hydroquinone species (OTHQ, 5) was detected in which an OH group has replaced the chlorine atom of OTA. The production of OTHQ (5) was dependent on the presence of the reducing agent, sodium ascorbate, which suggested that the oxidation catalyst furnished the quinone derivative OTQ (6) that was subsequently reduced to OTHQ (5) by ascorbate. Utilizing a synthetic sample of OTHQ (5), the hydroquinone was found to undergo autoxidation with a t(1/2) of 11.1 h at pH 7.4, and to possess a pK(a) value of 8.03 for the phenolic oxygen ortho to the carbonyl groups. Our findings imply that the hydroquinone (OTHQ) and quinone (OTQ) metabolites of OTA have the ability to cause alkylation/redox damage and have allowed us to propose a viable pathway for oxidative damage by OTA.
The Operator and Early Promoter Region of the Shiga Toxin Type 2-Encoding Bacteriophage 933W and Control of Toxin Expression

The genes encoding Shiga toxin (Stx), the major virulence factor of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, are carried in the genomes of bacteriophages that belong to the lambdoid family of phages. Previous studies demonstrated that induction of prophages encoding stx significantly enhances the production and/or release of Stx from the bacterium. Therefore, factors that regulate the switch between lysogeny and lytic growth, e.g., repressor, operator sites, and associated phage promoters, play important roles in regulating the production and/or release of Stx. We report the results of genetic and biochemical studies characterizing these elements of the Stx-encoding bacteriophage 933W. Like λ, 933W has three operator repeats in the right operator region (OR), but unlike λ and all other studied lambdoid phages, which have three operator repeats in the left operator region (OL), 933W only has two operator repeats in OL. As was observed with λ, the 933W OR and OL regions regulate transcription from the early PR and PL promoters, respectively. A lysogen carrying a 933W derivative encoding a noncleavable repressor fails to produce Stx, unlike a lysogen carrying a 933W derivative encoding a cleavable repressor. This finding provides direct evidence that measurable expression of the stx genes encoded by a 933W prophage requires induction of that prophage with the concomitant initiation of phage gene expression.
Nucleosome positioning, gene regulation and disease.

Recent applications of genomic approaches to long-standing problems have set the stage for potential breakthroughs in gene regulation, and in providing new insights into disease mechanisms and possible intervention strategies. The details of how DNA is packaged in order to provide a compact organized state in the cell nucleus, while at the same time allowing both constitutive and tissue-specific gene regulation and other cellular functions, have eluded us. This difficulty is not surprising owing to the complexity of the problem. Nevertheless, many chromatin structure and nuclear organization models have been proposed over the years, and models tend to have a large influence on how we think about gene regulation and other cellular mechanisms. Several recent studies have serendipitously revealed some unexpected things about the organization of chromatin in the nucleus. Genome-wide studies on DNA packaging and on how information is encoded in DNA to influence nucleosome arrangements may be beginning to reveal how enhancers function to regulate genes and how epigenetic modifications can bring about change.
Pulse pressure—II. Factors associated with follow-up values in three Chicago epidemiologic studies

Abstract This report, the second in a series on pulse pressure and pure systolic hypertension, examined in prospective analyses the associations between both the initial values of five variables and the changes in these variables and pulse pressure, utilizing data from three Chicago epidemiologic studies, in order to determine whether variables known to be related to blood pressure and hypertension are related to pure systolic hypertension or ‘classical’ hypertension. In these analyses, follow-up pulse pressure, which was measured from 2–5 years after the initial measurement of the other variables, was redefined so that the association between the initial value or change and pulse pressure indicated whether the initial value or change was more strongly related to follow-up systolic or diastolic blood pressure. In these three studies, only the initial value for cigarette use had a consistent positive association with follow-up pulse pressure. Change in heart rate was generally positively related to follow-up pulse pressure, while the initial value was not. For relative weight and serum cholesterol, both the change and the initial value tended to be negatively related. For glucose, the association was not consistent for either the initial value or the change. The results from these prospective analyses thus suggest that cigarette use is related to pure systolic hypertension, rather than ‘classical’ hypertension.
Introduction to the GM crops special issue on biosafety, food and GM regulation.

Food is one of life’s necessities; most of us eat at least once a day, some more than three times. Dining is a pleasant and gregarious activity in virtually all human cultures, often associated with family and friends sharing a healthy, wholesome, nutritious meal together. But food is not always safe. Some foods are intrinsically hazardous, such as cassava, fugu fish or sprouted potatoes. Also, any food can become hazardous when contaminated with toxins (such as cyanide, fumonisin, heavy metals) or pathogens (Such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, etc.).
Ultrasonic communication in concave-eared torrent frogs (Amolops tormotus)

The concave-eared torrent frogs (Amolops tormotus) have highly unusual ear morphology--in males the eardrums are embedded deep inside ear cavities. In collaboration with our colleagues we investigated the functional significance of this morphological feature in hearing. Sound recordings in the field showed that males of A. tormotus produce diverse bird-like melodic calls with pronounced frequency modulations and non-linear phenomena (e.g., frequency jumps, different orders of subharmonics, and chaos) that often contain spectral energy in the ultrasonic range. The audible as well as the ultrasonic components of the species call could effectively evoke males' vocal responses, demonstrating that they can hear and respond to ultrasound. Electrophysiological recordings from the auditory midbrain confirmed the ultrasonic hearing capacity of these frogs. The recessed tympana and extremely thin tympanic membranes are adaptations for hearing ultrasound--this sensitivity may have evolved in response to the intense, predominately low-frequency ambient noise from local streams. Finally, results from the isolated laryngeal preparation in euthanized frogs revealed that the origin of call complexity and diversity lies with having a vocal system with nonlinear properties.
Vomiting as a learned weight-control technique in bulimia

Abstract Twenty-seven consecutive patients presenting with binge eating and vomiting were systematically questionned about the circumstances surrounding the onset of their vomiting habit. Twenty-four were able to specify and describe a particular incident to which they attributed the idea of vomiting as a weight-control method. The nature of the reported incidents supports the hypothesis that vomiting in those patients is a learned maladaptive behavior which is frequently inadvertently taught by well-meaning friends, relatives and professionals. These findings indicate the necessity of evaluating the risks as well as the benefits of public education.
Structure of extrachromosomal circular DNAs containing both the Alu family of dispersed repetitive sequences and other regions of chromosomal DNA

Abstract Small polydisperse circular DNA (spcDNA) isolated from the BSC-1 line of African Green monkey kidney cells was digested with the restriction endonuclease Bam HI and cloned in bacteriophage lambda. The resulting library of 25,000 phage was then screened for the presence of the Alu family of short interspersed nucleotide sequences, and four of the 100 Alu -positive clones were characterized. In summary: (1) all four clones contained regions other than Alu that were homologous to the BSC-1 chromosome. Two contained Alu plus unique chromosomal DNA, one contained Alu plus an uncharacterized repetitive chromosomal DNA, and one contained Alu plus both unique and a specific tandemly repeated chromosomal DNA (α-satellite); (2) all four clones were derived from extrachromosomal circular DNAs and not from the accidental cloning of a very small amount of contaminating chromosomal material assumed to be present in spcDNA preparations; and (3) one clone represented an intact circular DNA with a restriction endonuclease cleavage map that was a circularly permuted version of its chromosomal homologue.
The promotive effects of family educational involvement for low-income children's literacy

Abstract Longitudinal data for 167 low-income children were analyzed to examine associations between family educational involvement during kindergarten, children's feelings about literacy, and children's literacy achievement from kindergarten through fifth grade. The promotive effect of family educational involvement for feelings about literacy and literacy achievement was moderated by maternal education such that involvement was more positively associated with literacy outcomes for children whose mothers were less educated compared with children whose mothers were more educated. In addition, children's feelings about literacy mediated associations between family educational involvement and literacy achievement. Implications for intervention efforts are discussed.
MARKET FRICTIONS, SAVINGS BEHAVIOR, AND PORTFOLIO CHOICE

We examine a decision theoretic model of portfolio choice in which investors face income risk that is not directly insurable. We consider the sensitivity of savings and portfolio allocation rules to different assumptions about utility, the stochastic process for income and asset returns, and market frictions (transactions costs and short-sale constraints). Under CRRA time additive utility, habit persistence utility, and for a broad range of parameterizations, the model predicts that investors wish to borrow and invest all of their savings in stocks. This qualitative implication is robust to the introduction of significant transaction costs in the stock market, and contrasts sharply with portfolio allocation models in which there is no labor income.
Acute Sinusitis Resulting in a Craniotomy: An Uncommon Complication of a Common Infection

Acute bacterial sinusitis is a common infectious condition. Patients may initially present with an uncomplicated infection and later, despite appropriate initial antibiotic therapy, develop a potentially life-threatening complication. Interventions aimed at alleviating such unexpected events need be prompt and adequate. We describe a case of a patient who initially presented with signs and symptoms of acute sinusitis later to be diagnosed with a frontal epidural abscess.
CAUSALITY, ECONOMIC CONDITIONS, AND BURGLARY*

This study examines the extent to which the symmetry-asymmetry distinction and offense aggregation bias obfuscate the relationship between economic conditions and crime. Specifically, we use ARIMA techniques to assess the impact of incremental and abrupt changes in oil prices on counts of total, commercial and residential burglaries in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Taken together, the bivariate and interrupted time series analyses indicate that the causal impact of oil prices on burglary is asymmetrical and varies across the two subcategories of breaking and entering. (Abstract Adapted from Source: Criminology, 1998. Copyright © 1998 by the American Society of Criminology) Crime Causes Burglary Offender Adult Crime Adult Offender Socioeconomic Factors Property Crime 06-06
An honest man has nothing to fear: user perceptions on web-based information disclosure

In today's era of the global ubiquitous use of free online tools and business models that depend on data retention and customized advertising, we face a growing tension between the privacy concerns of individuals and the financial motivations of organizations. As a critical foundation step to address this problem, we must first understand the attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and expectations of web users in order to create an environment where user privacy needs are met while still allowing online companies to innovate and provide functionality that users desire. As security and usability professionals we must identify areas where misperceptions exist and seek solutions, either by raising awareness, changing policy, or through technical means. In this paper, we explore these issues and report the results from a survey of 352 college undergraduates and a comparison group of 25 middle aged adults The results were at times surprising and even contradictory to the views held by security professionals. To summarize our findings, the students we surveyed believe that "an honest man has nothing to fear."
Sediment Accretion in Tidal Freshwater Forests and Oligohaline Marshes of the Waccamaw and Savannah Rivers, USA

Sediment accretion was measured at four sites in varying stages of forest-to-marsh succession along a fresh-to-oligohaline gradient on the Waccamaw River and its tributary Turkey Creek (Coastal Plain watersheds, South Carolina) and the Savannah River (Piedmont watershed, South Carolina and Georgia). Sites included tidal freshwater forests, moderately salt-impacted forests at the freshwater–oligohaline transition, highly salt-impacted forests, and oligohaline marshes. Sediment accretion was measured by use of feldspar marker pads for 2.5 year; accessory information on wetland inundation, canopy litterfall, herbaceous production, and soil characteristics were also collected. Sediment accretion ranged from 4.5 mm year−1 at moderately salt-impacted forest on the Savannah River to 19.1 mm year−1 at its relict, highly salt-impacted forest downstream. Oligohaline marsh sediment accretion was 1.5–2.5 times greater than in tidal freshwater forests. Overall, there was no significant difference in accretion rate between rivers with contrasting sediment loads. Accretion was significantly higher in hollows than on hummocks in tidal freshwater forests. Organic sediment accretion was similar to autochthonous litter production at all sites, but inorganic sediment constituted the majority of accretion at both marshes and the Savannah River highly salt-impacted forest. A strong correlation between inorganic sediment accumulation and autochthonous litter production indicated a positive feedback between herbaceous plant production and allochthonous sediment deposition. The similarity in rates of sediment accretion and sea level rise in tidal freshwater forests indicates that these habitats may become permanently inundated if the rate of sea level rise increases.
Collective photonic-plasmonic resonances in noble metal - dielectric nanoparticle hybrid arrays

Coherent scattering of gold and silver nanoparticles (NPs) in regular arrays can generate Surface Lattice Resonances (SLRs) with characteristically sharp spectral features. Herein, we investigate collective resonances in compositionally more complex arrays comprising NP clusters and NPs with different chemical compositions at pre-defined lattice sites. We first characterize the impact of NP clustering by exchanging individual gold NPs in the array through dimers of electromagnetically strongly coupled gold NPs. Then, we analyze hybrid arrays that contain both gold metal NP dimers and high refractive index dielectric NPs as building blocks. We demonstrate that the integration of gold NP clusters and dielectric NPs into one array enhances E-field intensities not only in the vicinity of the NPs but also in the ambient medium of the entire array. In addition, this work shows vividly that the ability to integrate multiple building blocks with different resonance conditions in one array provides new degrees of freedom for engineering optical fields in the array plane with variable amplitude and phase.
Development of faculty mentor teams in a pharmacy practice department

Abstract Objective This article will describe the implementation, development, and success of mentor teams for junior pharmacy practice faculty over a three-year period in a large, multi-site pharmacy practice department. Methods Overall, 19 mentor teams consisting of one junior faculty member, two senior faculty members, and the junior faculty member's supervisor were implemented in 2010. Assignments were made based upon survey results from all department members inquiring about mentoring needs and requests. In 2011, faculty members were asked about changing their mentor teams and for general feedback regarding the program. In 2012, faculty mentors completed a detailed survey questioning the mentor team process, activities, and outcomes. Results Survey response rates were 93.9% or higher. Overall, 15 (94%) mentees stated the teams were helpful and 90% of faculty members requested no change to the mentor team. The teams were described as "somewhat successful" or "very successful" by 87% of faculty members. The top areas in which junior faculty stated they improved upon with assistance from the mentor teams were APPEs, promotion, and scholarship. Six (75%) faculty members stated the mentor team approach helped them achieve a successful promotion. Conclusion The implementation of multi-member, peer mentor teams have provided success for junior faculty members of a pharmacy practice department dispersed throughout a state. Surveys inquiring about mentees' mentor needs and mentors' strengths are essential in forming well-matched teams.
Headlamp Parameters and Glare

This paper discusses a field study which examines headlamp glare. It investigates the role of spectrum, size and illuminance. It ascertains the relative magnitude of each of these variables and its impact on glare from oncoming vehicles. Results of the study indicate that illuminance at eye level is the main factor that influences glare produced by the headlamp of an oncoming vehicle.
Can Culture Affect Prices? A Cross-Cultural Study of Shopping and Retail Prices

This study examines whether there are differences in consumers' shopping behavior and product prices in grocery stores due to cultural orientation. The study uses a field setting in Southern California, comparing samples of American and Chinese culture on two occasions, each five years apart. Theory suggests that price sensitivity and the importance of the status of buyers differ substantially between Chinese and American cultures. Consistent with these differences, the study finds that these two cultural groups have dramatically different shopping practices. Chinese use multiple senses when examining unpackaged food, and do so far more than American shoppers. They also inspect many more items and take much more time to shop. The differences in shopping behavior correspond to clear differences in prices between grocery stores serving the two cultural groups. Chinese supermarkets have substantially lower prices across a range of food products than mainstream American supermarkets. These differences ranged from 37% for packaged goods of the same brand and size to more than 100% for meats and seafood of the same type and description. These differences are similar across a span of five years. We argue that differences in culture provide the most likely explanation for the differences in prices between the two types of super markets.
Evolution of a particulate cloud in an RF plasma

Video images of a cloud of carbon particulates grown in an RF sputtering plasma show a cyclic process of cloud growth, instability, and collapse.
On the incorporation of adversarial reasoning in course of action analysis and resource allocation

Course of Action analysis and Resource Management are concerned with the allocation of resources over time to effect desired actions as a result of the perceived situation awareness. Decision Support Systems provide automated recommended courses of action to decision makers, considering relevant resource capabilities and constraints. Incorporating potential adversary actions and reactions to the current course of action decision (and the resources effecting the actions) in the decision making process will make the decision support system more robust and increase confidence that the recommended decisions are appropriate responses to the unfolding situations. We discuss research results from the inclusion of possible adversary actions and reactions into the course of action/resource allocation decision making framework. The overall decision problem is formulated as a multi-stage mathematical program. As the problem is NP-hard, an heuristic is developed through a natural problem decomposition. Simulated results show the effectiveness of the heuristic in producing good-quality solutions in an efficient manner.
The importance of orientation: implications of professional identity on classroom practice and for professional learning

Previous work on new teacher professional identity has focused on identity as a process of negotiation between individual and contextual factors. These negotiations are often filled with a struggle between personal agency and structures that prevent the enactment of an ideal professional self. This study introduces and discusses three teacher professional identity orientations (self, classroom, and dialogic) and the implications of each orientation on a teacher’s professional identity and classroom practice. While each focal teacher featured in the study drew from similar sources of professional identity (experiences as students, classroom practical experience, and theory/research), the teachers varied in the degree of importance accorded to each identity source. This variation led to differences in approach to their roles as teachers as well as differences in their work with students. Using a qualitative, comparative case study methodology to highlight features of each professional identity orientation, ...
Sleep and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Exploring the Relationship Between Sleep Disturbances and Inflammation

Sleep disturbances are associated with a greater risk of serious adverse health events, economic consequences, and, most importantly, increased all-cause mortality. Several studies support the associations among sleep, immune function, and inflammation. The relationship between sleep disturbances and inflammatory conditions is complex and not completely understood. Sleep deprivation can lead to increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and C-reactive protein, which can lead to further activation of the inflammatory cascade. The relevance of sleep in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, has recently received more attention. Several studies have shown that patients with both inactive and active IBD have self-reported sleep disturbances. Here, we present a concise review of sleep and its association with the immune system and the process of inflammation. We discuss the studies that have evaluated sleep in patients with IBD as well as possible treatment options for those patients with sleep disturbances. An algorithm for evaluating sleep disturbances in the IBD population is also proposed. Further research is still needed to better characterize sleep disturbances in the IBD population as well as to assess the effects of various therapeutic interventions to improve sleep quality. It is possible that the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disturbances in this population may provide an opportunity to alter disease outcomes.
A Primer Staffing the ICU for Performance, Part 2—Refining the Process With Staff

In this the second part of a 2-part ICU staffing series, we enjoin the reader to enter the multidisciplinary discussion over the broad issue of ICU staffing. Part 1 (vol. 1 no. 2, March 2010) empha...
Response of understory species to gap formation and soil disturbance in Lonicera maackii thickets.

We studied the utility of gap formation and soil disturbance as methods to enhance establishment of plant species in the understory of a northern Kentucky forest where Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle) produced dense thickets. In May 1994, gaps (5 m diameter) were cut in the shrub thicket. In adjacent areas, the shrub canopy remained intact. Subplots were established where soil was either turned with a spade to a depth of 15 cm or not disturbed. We monitored plant establishment for three growing seasons (1994, 1995, and 1996). Shrub removal increased light availability to about 10% of full sun. Gap formation had a significant (p 0.05). After three growing seasons, the most important species were L. maackii, Alliaria petiolata, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Vitis vulpina, and Acer negundo. Of these species, only V. vulpina showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher densities in gaps. Other less important species such as Phytolacca americana, Campsis radicans, and Eupatorium rugosum occurred almost exclusively in gaps. Of the 44 taxa observed in this study, most were generalist species that also occur in early successional habitats. Long-term dominance of the understory by L. maackii has likely modified system attributes with corresponding effects on community development. Shrub removal provides a window of establishment for various plant species, but successful restoration may require further management species availability and to control new invaders.
Improving self-timed pipeline ring performance through the addition of buffer loops

While self-timed pipelines have overcome the problem of clock skew which degrades the performance of synchronous pipelines, the improvement is not without its cost; self-timed pipelines are forced to spend a larger amount of time on communication than their synchronous counterparts. This has led researchers to search for ways to improve the performance of self-timed pipelines by changing the communication scheme in an effort to reduce the communication delay. Our approach divides the total communication time into two parts: data communication delay and pace handshaking overhead. By adding buffer loops to each stage of a self-timed pipeline, we can reduce the pace handshaking overhead; thus decreasing the total time spent on communication. One important result of this design innovation has been the simplification of analysis needed to find the best initial system configuration. With our design, the same initial system configuration may be chosen regardless of computation time and variations in computation time. In addition, our design has a lower average cycle time than the traditional self-timed pipeline, which leads to an increase in performance.
Upregulation of Twist-1 by NF-κB Blocks Cytotoxicity Induced by Chemotherapeutic Drugs

NF-kappaB/Rel transcription factors are central to controlling programmed cell death (PCD). Activation of NF-kappaB blocks PCD induced by numerous triggers, including ligand engagement of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R) family receptors. The protective activity of NF-kappaB is also crucial for oncogenesis and cancer chemoresistance. Downstream of TNF-Rs, this activity of NF-kappaB has been linked to the suppression of reactive oxygen species and the c-Jun-N-terminal-kinase (JNK) cascade. The mechanism by which NF-kappaB inhibits PCD triggered by chemotherapeutic drugs, however, remains poorly understood. To understand this mechanism, we sought to identify unrecognized protective genes that are regulated by NF-kappaB. Using an unbiased screen, we identified the basic-helix-loop-helix factor Twist-1 as a new mediator of the protective function of NF-kappaB. Twist-1 is an evolutionarily conserved target of NF-kappaB, blocks PCD induced by chemotherapeutic drugs and TNF-alpha in NF-kappaB-deficient cells, and is essential to counter this PCD in cancer cells. The protective activity of Twist-1 seemingly halts PCD independently of interference with cytotoxic JNK, p53, and p19(ARF) signaling, suggesting that it mediates a novel protective mechanism activated by NF-kappaB. Indeed, our data indicate that this activity involves a control of inhibitory Bcl-2 phosphorylation. The data also suggest that Twist-1 and -2 play an important role in NF-kappaB-dependent chemoresistance.
Factors Influencing the Stream‐Aquifer Flow Exchange Coefficient

Knowledge of river gain from or loss to a hydraulically connected water table aquifer is crucial in issues of water rights and also when attempting to optimize conjunctive use of surface and ground waters. Typically in groundwater models this exchange flow is related to a difference in head between the river and some point in the aquifer, through a "coefficient." This coefficient has been defined differently as well as the location for the head in the aquifer. This paper proposes a new coefficient, analytically derived, and a specific location for the point where the aquifer head is used in the difference. The dimensionless part of the coefficient is referred to as the SAFE (stream-aquifer flow exchange) dimensionless conductance. The paper investigates the factors that influence the value of this new conductance. Among these factors are (1) the wetted perimeter of the cross-section, (2) the degree of penetration of the cross-section, and (3) the shape of the cross-section. The study shows that these factors just listed are indeed ordered in their respective level of importance. In addition the study verifies that the analytical correct value of the coefficient is matched by finite difference simulation only if the grid system is sufficiently fine. Thus the use of the analytical value of the coefficient is an accurate and efficient alternative to ad hoc estimates for the coefficient typically used in finite difference and finite element methods.
When does grouping happen

Recent research on perceptual grouping is described with particular emphasis on identifying the level(s) at which grouping factors operate. Contrary to the classical view of grouping as an early, two-dimensional, image-based process, recent experimental results show that it is strongly influenced by phenomena related to perceptual constancy, such as binocular depth perception, lightness constancy, amodal completion, and illusory contours. These findings imply that at least some grouping processes operate at the level of phenomenal perception rather than at the level of the retinal image. Preliminary evidence is reported showing that grouping can affect perceptual constancy, suggesting that grouping processes must also operate at an early, preconstancy level. If so, grouping may be a ubiquitous, ongoing aspect of visual organization that occurs for each level of representation rather than as a single stage that can be definitively localized relative to other perceptual processes.
Collaborative approach for modeling and performing mobile software process components

Despite rapid changes in the modernization and evolution of software development processes, many organizations continue to work in a monolithic and isolated way. This article describes the concepts that constitute a viable foundation for mobile and geographically distributed software development: (1) process components that can travel in a network of companies: (2) development organizations that involve several teams; and (3) model of virtual companies that can support the modeling and performance of process components
Fossils and fossil climate: the case for equable continental interiors in the Eocene

There are many methods for inferring terrestrial palaeoclimates from palaeontological data, including the size and species diversity of ectothermic vertebrates, the locomotor and dental adaptations of mammals, characteristics of leaf shape, size, and epidermis, wood anatomy, and the climatic preferences of nearest living relatives of fossil taxa. Estimates of palaeotemperature have also been based on stable oxygen isotope ratios in shells and bones. Interpretation of any of these data relies in some way on uniformitarian assumptions, although at different levels depending on the method.
Assessment of a vertical high-resolution distributed-temperature-sensing system in a shallow thermohaline environment

Abstract. In shallow thermohaline-driven lakes it is important to measure temperature on fine spatial and temporal scales to detect stratification or different hydrodynamic regimes. Raman spectra distributed temperature sensing (DTS) is an approach available to provide high spatial and temporal temperature resolution. A vertical high-resolution DTS system was constructed to overcome the problems of typical methods used in the past, i.e., without disturbing the water column, and with resistance to corrosive environments. This paper describes a method to quantitatively assess accuracy, precision and other limitations of DTS systems to fully utilize the capacity of this technology, with a focus on vertical high-resolution to measure temperatures in shallow thermohaline environments. It also presents a new method to manually calibrate temperatures along the optical fiber achieving significant improved resolution. The vertical high-resolution DTS system is used to monitor the thermal behavior of a salt-gradient solar pond, which is an engineered shallow thermohaline system that allows collection and storage of solar energy for a long period of time. The vertical high-resolution DTS system monitors the temperature profile each 1.1 cm vertically and in time averages as small as 10 s. Temperature resolution as low as 0.035 °C is obtained when the data are collected at 5-min intervals.
Adopting Cleanroom software engineering with a phased approach

Cleanroom software engineering is a theory-based, team-oriented engineering process for developing very high quality software under statistical quality control. The Cleanroom process combines formal methods of object-based box structure specification and design, function-theoretic correctness verification, and statistical usage testing for reliability certification to produce software approaching zero defects. Management of the Cleanroom process is based on a life cycle of development and certification of a pipeline of user-function increments that accumulate into the final product. Teams in IBM and other organizations that use the process are achieving remarkable quality results with high productivity. A phased implementation of the Cleanroom process enables quality and productivity improvements with an increased control of change. An introductory implementation involves the application of Cleanroom principles without the full formality of the process; full implementation involves the comprehensive use of formal Cleanroom methods; and advanced implementation optimizes the process through additional formal methods, reuse, and continual improvement. The AOEXPERT/MVS™ project, the largest IBM Cleanroom effort to date, successfully applied an introductory level of implementation. This paper presents both the implementation strategy and the project results.
Effect of shock-induced changes in transmembrane potential on reentrant waves and outcome during cardioversion of isolated rabbit hearts

Shock Effects on Reentry.Introduction: Although numerous theories exist for the mechanisms of defibrillation, experimental data directly relating these mechanisms to the termination of reentry in whole hearts are lacking. Methods and Results: Using video imaging technology, we recorded ~5,000 optical action potentials simultaneously from the anterior and posterior ventricular epicardium of rabbit hearts during cardioversion of stable reentrant arrhythmias. Monophasic shocks at three strengths for each polarity were delivered between electrodes inside the right ventricle (RV) and above the left atrium. Cardioversion efficacy at the three strengths was 21%, 42%, and 92% for RV+ shocks, which primarily depolarized the epicardium, and 10%, 15%, and 33% for RV– shocks, which primarily hyperpolarized the epicardium. The mechanism of cardioversion for RV+ shocks was elimination of excitable gaps and reentry via excitation ahead of wavefronts and action potential prolongation at wavetails, both of which increased with shock strength. Partial elimination of these gaps resulted in resetting of preshock reentry and/or induction of new reentry. RV– shocks cardioverted primarily via deexcitation, which terminated reentry by creating new postshock wavefronts via break excitation that rapidly activated excitable gaps. Outcome was dependent on the preshock state for both polarities at strengths near the 50% success level. Before successful shocks, more epicardium was recovered, resulting in more excitation and longer postshock depolarization (RV+ shocks) and faster postshock elimination of excitable gaps (RV– shocks). Conclusion: These findings provide a direct mechanistic link between shock-induced changes in Vm and the effect of polarity, strength, and timing on cardioversion efficacy.
Quitters Never Win: The (Adverse) Incentive Effects of Competing with Superstars

Internal competition may motivate worker effort, yet the benefits of competition may depend critically on workers’ relative abilities: large skill differences may reduce efforts. I use panel data from professional golf tournaments and find that the presence of a superstar is associated with lower performance. On average, golfers’ first-round scores are approximately 0.2 strokes worse when Tiger Woods participates relative to when Woods is absent. The overall tournament effect is 0.8 strokes. The adverse superstar effect varies with the quality of Woods’s play. There is no evidence that reduced performance is attributable to media attention intensity or risky strategy adoption.
Frequency of anesthesia-related complications in children with Down syndrome under general anesthesia for noncardiac procedures.

Summary Background : Craniofacial and cardiac anomalies of Down syndrome (DS; trisomy 21) would seem to place these patients at higher risk of anesthesia-related complications (ARCs), but to date no comprehensive large-scale study has quantified this risk. Methods : A retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients with DS undergoing anesthesia between April 1, 1988, and May 31, 1995, at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. In addition, the Anesthesiology Department Quality Assurance (QA) System database of concurrently collected anesthesia information on all patients undergoing anesthesia at the hospital since 1985 was analyzed. Results : Of the total 74 021 anesthetic encounters during the study period, 930 anesthetic encounters in 488 patients with DS undergoing noncardiac procedures were analyzed. The most frequent ARCs were bradycardia (severe) (3.66%), natural airway obstruction (1.83%), difficult intubation (0.54%), postintubation croup (1.83%), and bronchospasm (0.43%). Conclusions : Comprehensive reporting is needed to capture all significant adverse events. The incidences of bradycardia on induction, natural airway obstruction, and postintubation (or instrumentation) croup were significantly higher in the DS noncardiac group compared with the remaining population. Current anesthesia techniques and agents must be compared using quantitative QA data to ensure use of the safest options for each patient.
Interdependence of Radiation and Microphysics in Cirrus Clouds

Abstract The important microphysical relationships determining the radiative properties and growth of ice crystals in stratiform cirrus clouds are investigated. A horizontally infinite cloud layer is modeled in the midlatitude upper troposphere. Optical properties of spheres of equal surface area are assumed to represent the scattering characteristics of nonspherical crystals, while the delta-Eddington approximation is used to solve the radiative transfer equations. Classical expressions for ice particle growth and sublimation are coupled to those for radiative energy exchange in order to follow ice particle evolution within the cloud. The radiative properties of the clouds influence the balance among the cloud physical processes within the cloud. In the top 5 percent of optically thin clouds, the ice particle energy balance is essentially between latent and heat diffusion. In the case of clouds with large optical depths, the energy balance is between latent heat and radiation, i.e., radiative cooling enh...