cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Echogenicity of hepatic versus portal vein walls revisited with histologic correlation

The portal vein wall typically is hyperechoic over a wide range of beam-vessel angles, whereas the hepatic vein wall is hyperechoic only when the incident beam and the vessel are perpendicular. This has been attributed to marked discrepancies in mural thickness, collagen content, or perivascular fat between portal and hepatic veins. We evaluated histologically the walls of portal and hepatic veins using three cadaveric livers. For vessels with luminal diameter above 2 to 3 mm, hepatic vein and portal vein wall thicknesses were similar such that portal vein walls were not more than 50% thicker than those of hepatic veins of comparable size. Hepatic vein walls were mostly composed of parallel, tightly packed collagen fibers. In contrast, portal vein walls were composed of loosely arrayed, nonparallel connective tissue fibers which were separated by multiple intervening spaces and only a minority of which were collagenous. Perivascular fat was not identified adjacent to intrahepatic vessels beyond the liver hilus. The marked differences in echogenicity between portal vein and hepatic vein walls typically observed at ultrasonography thus cannot be attributed to differences in mural thickness, collagen content, or perivascular fat between these vessels. Rather, the distinct composition of the hepatic vein wall renders it a specular reflector, which is hyperechoic only when the angle between the ultrasound beam and the vessel wall is close to 90 degrees, whereas the composition of the portal vein wall enables it to appear hyperechoic at a wide range of beam-vessel angles.
Risk factors in the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Patients with SLE have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease at a much earlier age than the general population1. SLE itself has been shown to be an independent risk factor in the progression of atherosclerosis2. The associated morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease has prompted the study of subclinical atherosclerosis in the SLE population, as measured with imaging studies such as carotid ultrasound and electron beam computed tomography (CT) scans3. Higher aorta calcium scores (AC) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) have been shown to be more prevalent in SLE patients when compared with age- and sex-matched controls4. CAC has also been shown to occur at a younger age in the SLE population4,5 when compared with controls. Similarly, SLE patients appear to have an accelerated rate of atherosclerosis progression when compared with the general population, however the mechanisms or manner underlying this is not clear. Older age and longer disease duration were associated with carotid plaque progression in an early study6, and in another, after controlling for age, traditional factors including higher LDL levels and current smoking status, as well as SLE-related factors, including higher serum C3 level and higher Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM) score, were associated with carotid plaque progression7. Carotid intima media thickness (IMT) progression has been associated also with higher serum creatinine, homocysteine level, and C3 level7,8. Kiani et al further investigated cumulative exposure to risk factors in progression of IMT, carotid plaque, and CAC9. In their multivariate analyses, progression in CAC was associated with age, current smoking, and lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), but not with SLE disease activity measures. There are very few studies that have investigated risk factors in the progression of CAC and none that have explored risk factors for AC progression in those with SLE. We investigated baseline traditional and SLE-related risk factors in the progression of CAC and AC in women with SLE and in comparison with a control population. We hypothesized that not only would the rate of progression in CAC and AC be greater in those with SLE when compared with controls, but also that the risk factors for progression would differ between the groups. This is the first study to explore progression in AC in women with SLE.
Metabolism of Synthetic Surfactants

This article reviews the metabolism of the phospholipid component of lung surfactant including synthesis, secretion, and re-utilization. Also discussed is the disposition of the synthetic surfactant CPHT (colfosceril palmitate [DPPC], hexadecanol, and tyloxapol) as determined in rabbits following intratracheal administration of this surfactant trace-labeled in each of its individual components.
Stereotactic ablative body radiation therapy for tumors in the lung in octogenarians: A retrospective single institution study

Treatment of cancer in the lung in octogenarians is limited by their health and functional status. Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy is an established noninvasive treatment option for medically inoperable patients, with a toxicity profile that may be more tolerable in elderly patients. Patients more than 80 years old treated with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy for malignant tumors in the lung between January 2007 and August 2012 at a single institution were identified and retrospectively analyzed for toxicity and survival. Thirty patients were identified with a total of 32 lesions treated. Patients ranged in age from 80.8 to 90.7 years old (median 84.9) at the time of treatment. Twenty patients had ECOG performance status 0–1, and 10 had performance status 2–3. Stage distribution at treatment was: stage I (20 patients), stage III (1), stage IV (1), and 8 recurrent tumors. Patients were treated to a median total dose of 54 Gy in 3 fractions (range 20–60 Gy in 1 to 5 fractions). Median follow up was 13 months (range 2–60 months). Fifteen patients were still living at last review. There was one failure in field and one failure in the same lobe that was treated. One patient died with progressive regional disease, and four died of progressive metastatic disease. Three patients had late grade 3 pulmonary dyspnea with no grade 4 or 5 toxicities. One patient had late grade 2 pneumonitis, and 3 patients had late grade 1 pneumonitis. Three patients had grade 1 chest wall pain. Octogenarians tolerated ablative treatment with minimal toxicity. Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy is an option to consider in treatment of elderly patients.
Unto Others: Illustrating the Human Capacity for Cooperation

Research in both evolutionary economics and evolutionary psychology provides strong evidence that human behavior can be, and is, a complex mix of hedonism and altruism with a strong inclination toward cooperation under certain conditions. In this article, behavioral assumptions made in mainstream business theory are compared and contrasted with empirical findings generated from evolutionary theory. Drawing from an evolutionary foundation, the current article illustrates three widely available exercises that educators can use to (a) explore the human capacity for cooperation and others-directed behaviors and (b) counter the overreliance on self-interest to explain human behavior at work.
Endothelium Under Stress: Local and Systemic Messages

Summary Endothelial responses to stressors are nonuniform and follow the rules of stress-induced hormesis. Responses to the same stressor, depending on its intensity, can range from pro-regenerative to pro-lethal. Exposure to sublethal stressors induces a programmed response that results in stress resistance, whereas a lethal level of a stressor accelerates cell demise. Diverse stressors turn on several default programs within the cells; such programs tend to induce anti-oxidative defenses and anti-inflammatory and pro-survival systems, whereas others tend to switch on pro-apoptotic systems. The response of the kidney endothelium to various forms of acute kidney injury follows these general principles. It is characterized by a proinflammatory pattern that includes up-regulation of different adhesion molecules promoting endothelial–leukocyte interactions, generation of reactive oxygen species, with formation of oxidative and nitrosative stress and mitochondrial damage. Simultaneously, a series of adaptive mechanisms, both local and systemic, are ignited. Stressed endothelial cells broadcast distress signals systemically; these signals can be directed toward the restoration of homeostasis or aggravation of the original insult.
Copper(II) complexes of 3,3′-annelated 2,2′-bi[1,8]naphthyridine

Abstract Four mononuclear Cu(II) complexes prepared from ligands (L) = 2,2′-bi[1,8]naphthyridine as well as its 3,3′-dimethylene-, 3,3′-trimethylene- and 3,3′-tetramethylene-bridged derivatives were studied by ESR spectroscopy and a single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out on the dimethylene-bridged compound of composition Cu(L)Cl2(H2O). Crystals are monoclinic, space group P21/n, with a = 8.934(3), b = 11.427(4), c, = 17.382(5) A and β = 103.65(3)°; V = 1724.5 A3 and D (cal; z = 4) = 1.68 gm cm−3. Final R and Rw factors were 0.0523 and 0.0497, respectively, for 2260 reflections having I > 3σ(I). The central Cu(II) ion is five-coordinate as a result of its being bound by the two central nitrogens of the heterocyclic ligand, two chlorides and one water in a distorted trigonal bipyramidal arrangement, the nature of whose distortion is principally due to the small bite (77.1°) of the bidentate ligand. Stereochemical features of similar, five-coordinated trigonal bipyramidal Cu(II) compounds are presented, which combined with our results, reveal that for such d9 complexes, the more electronegative substituent prefers the axial position of the trigonal bipyramid. Theoretical predictions made elsewhere are compared against the experimental results described above.
Bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstructions in newborn identical twins

Identical twin black females were born with bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstructions. Dismembered pyeloplasties performed in the neonatal period have apparently been successful. Although a tendency for bilaterality is more frequently reported in early infancy, the authors are unaware of a similar occurrence reported in identical twins.
Fast lipid and water levels by extraction with spatial smoothing (FLAWLESS): three-dimensional volume fat/water separation at 7 Tesla.

Purpose: To quickly and robustly separate fat/water components of 7T MR images in the presence of field inhomogeneity for the study of metabolic disorders in small animals. Materials and Methods: Starting with a Markov random field (MRF) based formulation for the 3-point Dixon separation problem, we incorporated new implementation strategies, including stability tracking, multiresolution image pyramid, and improved initial value generation. We term the new method FLAWLESS (Fast Lipid And Water Levels by Extraction with Spatial Smoothing). Results: Compared with non-MRF techniques, FLAWLESS decreased the fat–water swapping mistakes in all of the three-dimensional (3D) animal volumes that we tested. FLAWLESS converged in approximately 1/60th of the computation time of other MRF approaches. The initial value generation of FLAWLESS further improved robustness to field inhomogeneity in 3D volume data. Conclusion: We have developed a novel 3-point Dixon technique found to be useful for high field small animal imaging. It is being used to assess lipid depots and metabolic disorders as a function of genes, diet, age, and therapy. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;33:1464–1473. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Linking social anxiety and adolescent romantic relationship functioning: indirect effects and the importance of peers.

Peer relationships undergo dramatic shifts in form and function during adolescence, at the same time the incidence of socially evaluative fears sharply rises. Despite well-established links between social anxiety and broader interpersonal functioning, there is a dearth of research evaluating the impact of social anxiety on functioning in close relationships during this developmental stage. The present study examines the impact of social anxiety on functioning in close friendships and romantic relationships during adolescence. From a developmental psychopathology perspective, it was expected that social anxiety would influence functioning (quality, length, satisfaction) in romantic relationships through its influence on functioning in same- and other-sex friendships. Participants included 314 adolescents (60.5 % female, 14–19 years of age) with a prior or current history of romantic relationship involvement. Structural equation modeling was used to test a mediation model positing an indirect pathway from social anxiety to romantic relationship functioning through functioning in close same- and other-sex friendships. Given known gender differences in social anxiety and relationship functioning, gender also was explored as a potential moderator. Results supported the hypothesized indirect pathway whereby social anxiety was associated with impairment in same-sex friendships; functioning in same-sex friendships was associated with functioning in other-sex friendships, which was associated, in turn, with functioning in romantic relationships. While the hypothesized indirect pathway was significant among both boys and girls, there was greater continuity of functioning between same- and other-sex friendships for girls. These findings highlight the importance of examining the multiple downstream effects of social anxiety on perceived social functioning in adolescence, and suggest that continuity may exist for maladaptive patterns of socialization, particularly across developmentally salient close relationships.
Aortic valve leaflet motion during systole. Numerical-graphical determination.

An approximate numerical-graphical solution was made for the motion of a human aortic valve leaflet in a meridional plane through the center of the sinus of Valsalva. The observed buckling, whipping action of the leaflet was obtained. Of primary significance in the results was the location and the determination of the maximum curvature of the leaflet in this plane, since this point corresponds to the point of maximum fatigue bending stress. The approximate dimensionless curvature was on the order of 3.5 (referred to the aortic diameter) at a dimensionless radial location of 0.55-0.6. The most important feature determining leaflet curvature and motion was the initial contour shape. The initial shape of a normal human leaflet produces smaller curvatures than the curved shapes usually illustrated for aortic valves.
Algorithms 683: a portable FORTRAN subroutine for exponential integrals of a complex argument

The algorithm computes exponential integrals En(z) for integer orders n ≥ 1 and complex z in -p
A survey of the components of display-measurement standards

Several display standards are reviewed and distinctive elements are compared. With flat panel displays becoming more common and the CRT displays being so well established, the associated standards activities can be somewhat bewildering, even overwhelming. This paper attempts to identify complementary and inconsistent elements of related display standards.
Congenital aneurysm of the common femoral artery A case report

Abstract A rupturing congenital aneurysm of the common femoral artery was successfully treated by primary resection and closure. The possible etiology of these aneurysms is discussed. Restoration of the common femoral artery was accomplished without imposition of either vein or prosthetic graft. Congenital arterial aneurysms differ from acquired arteriosclerotic aneurysms, in that the defect in the elastica involves only the aneurysm proper, leaving a good portion of dilated base with normal elastic layers for closure.
Magnetic and electronic characterization of 2:1 copper(II) complexes of a series of aminocarboxylic acids

Abstract Copper(II) complexes with L-(—)-proline, pipecolinic acid, picolinic acid, anthranilic acid, 4-chloranthranilic acid, 3,5,-dichloroanthranilic acid, 4-nitroanthranilic acid, N-phenyl-anthranilic acid, and flufenamic acid anions were prepared and characterized. The copper complexes of the anions of proline, pipecolinic acid, and picolinic acid are soluble in polar solvents and display frozen solution EPR spectra with axial resonance parameters. The copper complexes of the ring-substituted anthranilates are highly insoluble or only slightly soluble in a few solvents. The EPR spectra of the copper-doped zinc(II) analogues of these complexes display various degrees of rhombicity in their EPR parameters. The N-substituted anthranilates form insoluble complexes in aqueous solution which readily dissolve in organic solvents and undergo dimerization.
Trans-halido, hydrido tetrakis(piperidine) iridium(III) complexes

Abstract It is concluded on the basis of results from chemical synthesis experiments that each of the compounds in the series HIr(C 5 H 10 NH) 4 X 2 ·H 2 O and HIr(C 5 H 10 NH) 4 X ClO 4 , where X = Cl, Br, or I,contains a complex cation consisting of iridium(III) octahedrally coordinated to 4 piperidine molecules, a hydride ligand, and a halide ligand in trans position to the hydride. This configurational assignment is confirmed by both i.r. and NMR studies. The following new compounds have been prepared: [HIr(C 5 H 10 NH) 4 Br]Br·H 2 O, [HIr(C 5 H 10 NH) 4 Br]ClO 4 , [HIr(C 5 H 10 NH) 4 I]ClO 4 , and Ir(C 5 H 10 NH) 4 Cl 2 ClO 4 .
Oxygen stoichiometry in the geochemical standards of the U.S. Geological Survey: A blind study

Abstract A blind study of total O content in nine USGS standard rocks G-2, AGV-1, GSP-1, DTS-1, BCR-1, SCo-1, MAG-1, RGM-1 and QLO-1, Reagent Grade oxalic acid and Specpure SiO 2 was performed using the activation method by 14.3-Me V neutrons and a dedicated dual sample transfer and counting system. Over a composition range varying from 43 to 76% O absolute deviation from stoichiometric O varied from 0.07 to 0.88%. A simple computer program was used to calculate the stoichiometric O from chemical analyses of the rocks and to show summations including the FNAA oxygen. Accurate O data permit the evaluation of overall accuracy of rock analysis and help to detect dificiencies, errors, and incomplete work by enabling the chemist to calculate the analysis unambiguously.
Charge distribution in substituted allyl-alkali metal compounds by 13C NMR

Abstract The 13 C NMR spectrum of 5,5-dimethylhexen-2-ylmetals and 2,5,5-trimethylhexen-2-ylmetals have been measured where the metal (M) is Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Hg and Si(CH 3 ) 3 . When M  Li, the solvents have been C 6 D 6 , diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, and dimethoxyethane. Substantial changes of the chemical shifts of the α, β and γ carbons occur in the alkali metal compounds as the counter ions vary, and all are changed relative to the parent hydrocarbon. Very small temperature effects are found down to −80°C. If allowance is made for a change in hybridization of the α carbon, the sums of these chemical shift changes from the parent hydrocarbon are similar for all the alkali metals. It is suggested that all these compounds are delocalized ionic compounds, with the charge in the caesium compound favouring slightly the α position over the γ position. But as the counter ion becomes smaller the charge resides more on the α position. In contrast the behaviour of the Si and Hg compounds is more that expected of covalent compounds.
Aerothermodynamics of Vibrationally Nonequilibrium Gases

The aerothermodynamics of gas systems in extreme thermal disequilibrium of molecular energy modes is reviewed. The paper focuses on diatomic gases with vibrational mode disequilibrium, environments commonly encountered in supersonic expansion and shock flows, in electrical discharges, and in laser systems. Theoretical models and experiments of energy transfer and of dissociation and ionization reactions in such systems are discussed. Recent results of primary interest to aerothermodynamicists are reviewed, and areas where the need for further research is especially critical are indicated.
Solid-state tunable lasers based on dye-doped sol-gel materials

The sol-gel process is a solution synthesis technique which provides a low temperature chemical route for the preparation of rigid transparent matrix materials. The luminescent organic dye molecules, rhodamine 6G and coumarin 540A have been incorporated, via the sol-gel method, into aluminosilicate and organically modified silicate host matrices. Synthesis, laser oscillation and photostability for these systems are reported. The improved photostability of these materials with respect to comparable polymeric host materials is discussed.
ST2 in emergency department patients with noncardiac dyspnea.

ST2, a member of the interleukin-1 receptor family, exists in transmembrane (ST2L) and soluble (sST2) isoforms. Originally discovered in fibro-blasts, ST2 expression occurs in cardiomyocytes and pulmonary endothelial cells. The soluble isoform (hereto referred to as ST2) functions as a decoy receptor for interleukin-33, down regulating the inflammatory response.1,2 ST2 has been studied extensively as a cardiac biomarker for heart failure and acute coronary syndrome, as it is released by cardiomyocytes in response to mechanical wall strain.3-5 Elevated levels have also been reported in patients with pulmonary disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary hypertension, asthma, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia, but it is unclear if these are associated with adverse outcomes.6-8 Few biomarkers have prognostic value in diseases with a primarily pulmonary etiology. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate whether ST2 is associated with adverse outcomes outside of cardiac disease in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with dyspnea. We hypothesized that within this patient population, plasma levels of ST2 would be elevated in patients with increased morbidity and mortality.
Effect of airborne contaminants on magnetic head wear

Abstract The present study systematically investigates the effect of airborne contaminants on the magnetic head wear of a helical scan videotape recorder (VTR). Experiments were performed to investigate the internal wear particle generation, and the effect of airborne contaminants on the head wear and signal error rates. The flow field around the scanner was also studied numerically. Particle concentrations were measured at various locations around the scanner. It was found that particle concentrations are highest at the inlet—the interface where the tape first meets the scanner. This indicates that wear particles accumulated at the inlet location. Numerical simulation of the flow field around the rotating scanner shows the air around the scanner enters at the inlet and exits at the outlet—the interface where the tape detaches from the scanner, causing a recirculating region around the scanner. Airborne contaminants in the surrounding air can enter the inlet and cause abrasion wear between the head and the tape. The head wear rate increases with particle size and concentration. Ionic gaseous contaminants such as SO2 and HNO3 also increase the head wear rate. Signal error rate was found to be increased when the VTR operated in a contaminated environment.
Soil removal in relation to total work input: Calorimetric investigation in full-size washers

A simple, straightforward method, utilizing the concepts of classical adiabatic calorimetry, is described for the direct measurement of total energy delivery to a functional wash system. For this work a full-sized vertical axis automatic washer was modified for utilization as a calorimeter. The application of this equipment, and the rationale of this approach in studying the energetics of soil removal are discussed. To illustrate this technique, the effects of agitation frequency and detergent concentration on power consumption by the wash system are considered.
Mappings preserving the area equality of hyperbolic triangles are motions

It is shown that a mapping \({\varphi: \mathfrak{A}\rightarrow \mathfrak{B}}\) between models \({\mathfrak{A}}\) and \({\mathfrak{B}}\) of elementary plane hyperbolic geometry, coordinatized by Euclidean ordered fields, that maps triangles having the same area and sharing a side into triangles that have the same property, must be a hyperbolic motion onto \({\varphi(\mathfrak{A})}\). The relations that Tarski and Szmielew used as primitives for geometry, the equidistance relation ≡ and the betweenness relation B are shown to be positively existentially definable in terms of the quaternary relation Δ, with Δ(abcd) standing for “the triangles abc and abd have the same area.”
Time-course and treatment response with SNX-111, an N-type calcium channel blocker, in a rodent model of focal cerebral ischemia using diffusion-weighted MRI

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) is capable of noninvasively imaging acute cerebral ischemia. We demonstrate the utility of this technique by evaluating SNX-111, a novel N-type calcium channel blocker with potential neuroprotective properties, in a rodent model of transient focal ischemia. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 310–350 g underwent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO) for 105 min followed by 22.5 h of reperfusion. Thirty minutes following MCAO, animals were randomized to receive SNX-111 5 mg/kg intravenously over 1 h vs. placebo. DWI and T2-weighted MRIs (T2W) were performed at 0.5, 1.5 and 24 h after the onset of ischemia. Area fractions of increased signal intensity on the DWI and T2W images were measured. DWI area fractions at 1.5 and 24 h were also normalized to the initial, pre-treatment scans. Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) were calculated from fitted maps. Tri-phenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was performed on brains at 24 h and infarct area fractions were measured. SNX-111 treated animals showed significantly improved 1.5-h DWI scan ratios compared to controls (ratios of 1.06 ± 0.25 vs. 2.98 ± 0.78 SNX vs. controls respectively, P < 0.05). A trend toward improved DWI ratios was seen by 24 h in the SNX-111 group (2.5 ± 0.75 vs. 4.12 ± 1.6, N.S.) DWI, T2W and TTC area fractions at 24 h also showed trends favoring a neuroprotective effect of SNX-111. Bright areas on DWI corresponded to ADC decreases of about 30% compared to the non-ischemic hemisphere. These decreases were the same in both treatment groups and at each time point. DWI, T2W and TTC area fractions at 24 h were strongly correlated (r = 0.98, DWI and TTC; r = 0.99, T2W and TTC; r = 0.97, T2W and DWI, P < 0.0001). We conclude that in this ischemic model, SNX-111 provides early neuroprotection and that serial DWI is a useful way of demonstrating this.
Au103(SR)45, Au104(SR)45, Au104(SR)46 and Au105(SR)46 nanoclusters

High resolution ESI mass spectrometry of the “22 kDa” nanocluster reveals the presence of a mixture containing Au103(SR)45, Au104(SR)45, Au104(SR)46, and Au105(SR)46 nanoclusters, where R = –CH2CH2Ph. MALDI TOF MS data confirm the purity of the sample and a UV-vis spectrum shows minor features. Au102(SC6H5COOH)44, whose XRD crystal structure was recently reported, is not observed. This is due to ligand effects, because the 102:44 composition is produced using aromatic ligands. However, the 103-, 104- and 105-atom nanoclusters, protected by –SCH2CH2Ph and –SC6H13 ligands, are at or near 58 electron shell closing.
Effects of Cognitive-Communication Stimulation for Alzheimer’s Disease Patients Treated With Donepezil

This randomized study evaluated the combined effect of a cognitive-communication program plus an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (donepezil; donepezil-plus-stimulation group; n = 26), as compared wi...
mSlo, a Complex Mouse Gene Encoding "Maxi" Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels

Complementary DNAs (cDNAs) from mSlo, a gene encoding calcium-activated potassium channels, were isolated from mouse brain and skeletal muscle, sequenced, and expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The mSlo-encoded channel resembled "maxi" or BK (high conductance) channel types; single channel conductance was 272 picosiemens with symmetrical potassium concentrations. Whole cell and single channel currents were blocked by charybdotoxin, iberiotoxin, and tetraethylammonium ion. A large number of variant mSlo cDNAs were isolated, indicating that several diverse mammalian BK channel types are produced by a single gene.
Hope, false hope, and self-fulfilling prophecy

Abstract Hope, false hope, and self-fulfilling prophecy are important aspects in the practice of medicine for all practitioners but are especially important in the field of neurosurgery, which deals with devastating, terrifying, and often fatal illnesses. The American Board of Medical Specialties and the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education have jointly defined 6 “general competencies” that define a competent physician and should be part of the curriculum of all residency programs. One of these 6 is interpersonal and communication skills. A true test of this competence is the ability to harness the powerfully beneficial forces of hope and motivation and to avoid the destructiveness of false hope and self-fulfilling prophecy.
Consumer bankruptcy in Utah (USA): who files and why?

This study examined consumer debtors who filed for bankruptcy and their reasons for filing in Utah, the U.S. state that ranked first in household filing rate in 2002–2004 and consistently ranks in the top ten of the 50 states. The purpose of the study was to determine the demographic characteristics of debtors and reasons for filing. Data were collected during 2004–2005 via survey from 508 debtors. The debtors reported employment problems, medical expenses, divorce or other family problems, as well as trouble managing their finances and overuse of credit cards. More than half of the debtors owed medical providers. Debtors were more likely to report a reduction in income than job loss. Self-employed persons were over represented. Respondent debtors are less educated, less likely to be married and less likely to own a home compared with Utahns and other Americans. Contrary to expectations, debtor households were smaller than the state average, which may be due to the young age of debtors. Results suggest that in order to reduce the bankruptcy rate in Utah, consumer educators should target renters, adults with less than a college education, divorcing persons and small business owners. Utah's mandate for a personal finance graduation requirement should be implemented early in the secondary school curriculum.
Effects of age and estrogen status on the skeletal IGF regulatory system. Studies with human marrow.

Human marrow was obtained as material discarded during total hip replacement and was established in culture with phenol red-free α-MEM with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and antibiotics. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and its binding proteins were secreted by human marrow cells, in amounts that increased with time in culture. Western ligand blotting showed that insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) accounted for the majority (∼75%) of the secreted binding proteins. Evidence for marrow secretion of BP-3 protease was found by electrophoretic analysis of mixtures of radiolabeled IGFBP-3 and marrow-conditioned media. The amount of constitutive secretion of IGFBP-3 increased with age of the subject (r=0.97,p=0.0058). A notable exception was marrow from a postmenopausal women on estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) at the time of surgery; her marrow secreted 89.3 ng/mL after 14 d in vitro, only 38% of the IGFBP-3 that was secreted by cultures from two age-matched peers (208.8 and 285.2 ng/mL). This in vivo effect of estrogen was matched by an in vitro experiment in which 10−8 M 17-β estradiol suppressed IGFBP-3 to 60% of the constitutive level. In all cultures of marrow from postmenopausal women, IL-1β suppressed IGFBP-3 secretion to either undetectable levels or levels between 11% and 35% of control. Thus, human bone marrow cultures demonstrate components of the skeletal IGF regulatory system: IGF-I, IGF-binding proteins, and evidence of IGFBP-3 proteolysis. These results provide evidence of regulation by both systemic (age, estrogen status) and cytokine (IL-1β) factors.
Strategies for RNA folding

RNAs are surprisingly adept at folding into specific shapes capable of ligand recognition and catalysis. Thermodynamic analysis of the unfolding of several different RNAs suggests that there are at least three strategies an RNA might use to achieve a very stable and compactly folded structure: hydrogen bonding between irregular complementary surfaces (as in transfer RNA tertiary structure); monovalent and divalent ions bound to specific sites (as found in a ribosomal RNA fragment) and pseudoknot folds (exemplified by a messenger RNA fragment with extensive noncanonical structure).
A Test of the Construct Validity of Health Locus of Control: Effects on Self-Reported Compliance for Hypertensive Patients

A test of the construct validity of the Health Locus of Control (HLC) scale is presented within the larger framework of Rotter's social learning theory. Self-reported compliance behavior was predicted to relate to the subject's HLC orientation, value toward health, and level of perceived home assistance. In a sample of ambulatory hypertensive patients, a significant two-way interaction effect was calculated between the perceived level of home assistance and the patient's HLC orientation (p = .02). The more internally oriented the patient and the higher the level of perceived home assistance in complying with the prescribed medical regimen, the greater the level of self-reported compliance behavior.
Oxide film formation on aluminium nitride substrates covered with thin aluminium layers

The growth of oxide films on aluminium nitride substrates covered by vapour-deposited aluminium films of 1.5 and 4 μm thickness has been studied in air at atmospheric pressure as a function of temperature. Oxide films were grown by oxidation in air at temperatures between 800 and 1300°C. The kinetics of the growth of oxide films on such substrates was observed to be complex. In particular, there are three subsequent periods of observed oxide growth: (1) an initial period of rapid oxide growth, (2) an incubation period with very slow oxide growth, and (3) a second period of relatively fast oxide growth.
Silica-Polymer Dual Layer-Encapsulated Quantum Dots with Remarkable Stability

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are important fluorescent probes due to their high brightness, multiplexing capability, and photostability. However, applications in quantitative and in vivo imaging are hampered by their sensitivity to chemical environments and potential toxicity. Here we report a surprising finding that the combination of silica and amphiphilic polymer can stabilize CdSe/ZnS QDs in a broad range of chemical conditions including strong acidic solutions, which is unavailable for any of the current encapsulation technologies (e.g., mercapto compounds, silica, and amphiphilic polymers) used alone. We further demonstrate the use of these ultrastable QDs as internal references in pH sensing applications. We expect this work will open exciting opportunities for in vivo and quantitative applications, and may help solve the toxicity problem of QDs.
Extended Culture of Mouse Embryo Cells without Senescence: Inhibition by Serum

Mouse embryo cells cultured in vitro in serum-supplemented media undergo growth crisis, resulting in the loss of genomically normal cells prior to the appearance of established, aneuploid cell lines. Mouse embryo cells established and maintained for multiple passages in the absence of serum did not exhibit growth crisis or gross chromosomal aberration. Cells cultured under these conditions were dependent on epidermal growth factor for survival. Proliferation was reversibly inhibited by serum or platelet-free plasma, suggesting that mouse embryo cultures maintained by conventional procedures are under the influence of inhibitory factors.
Regulation of Fas-Dependent Activation-Induced T cell Apoptosis by cAMP Signaling: A Potential Role for Transcription Factor NF-κB

TCR-mediated activation of T cell hybridomas induces programmed cell death by a Fas-dependent pathway. We now show that costimulation of 2B4 cells, in the absence or presence of transgenic Bcl-2, with anti-CD3 epsilon and forskolin, an activator of cAMP signaling, resulted in antagonism of Fas-dependent activation-induced cell death that was always accompanied by selective downregulation of the nuclear levels of NF-kappa B p65-p50 (RelA-p50) transcription factor. Forskolin not only inhibited activation-induced cell death and NF-kappa B activation, but also suppressed expression of Fas and Fas ligand (Fas-L). Furthermore, NF-kappa B p65 antisense oligonucleotide down-regulated nuclear levels of NF-kappa B, inhibited cell surface expression of Fas-L and apoptosis of 2B4. Collectively, these finding demonstrate a potential role of NF-kappa B in the regulation of activation-induced apoptosis in T lymphocytes.
Relative Food Prices and Obesity in U.S. Metropolitan Areas: 1976-2001

This study investigates the impact of food price on obesity, by exploring the co-occurrence of obesity growth with relative food price reduction between 1976 and 2001. Analyses control for female labor participation and metropolitan outlet densities that might affect body weight. Both the first-difference and fixed effects approaches provide consistent evidence suggesting that relative food prices have substantial impacts on obesity and such impacts were more pronounced among the low-educated. These findings imply that relative food price reductions during the time period could plausibly explain about 18% of the increase in obesity among the U.S. adults in metropolitan areas.
Validation of Annulus Formation in Gizzard Shad Otoliths

Abstract We used sagittal otoliths from gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum collected every other month during a 1-year period from two Tennessee River impoundments to validate the formation of annuli. Marginal increment analysis of opaque bands formed on sectioned and whole-view otoliths verified annulus formation was completed in Aug. However, deposition of opaque bands was evident in Jun. For fish with three or less annuli visible in whole view, annuli counts on sectioned and whole-view otoliths were identical. However, otoliths with four or more annuli in whole view required sectioning to accurately age fish. The body length–otolith radius relation was highly variable, particularly for sectioned otoliths. Thus, caution should be used when interpreting back-calculated lengths from gizzard shad annuli.
Annular arrays for quantitative pulsed doppler ultrasonic flowmeters

A theory, based on the Fourier-Bessel series expansion, is developed to synthesize circularly symmetric field patterns by means of concentric annular arrays. The application of this theory to the formation of variable-width uniform sector beams is studied in detail and results in a canonical design procedure. Calculated beam patterns are compared to the actual measured patterns obtained from a prototype array suitable for transcutaneous investigation of the central blood-flow system and are observed to be in good agreement. The implementation of such arrays in the compensated-first-moment flowmeter is described. Methods of beam-pattern improvement are also discussed.
Improving the Performance of a Hybrid Inorganic–Organic Light-Emitting Diode Through Structure Optimization

Significant performance enhancement of a green hybrid inorganic-organic light-emitting diode (HyLED) based on a simplified WO3/organic layer structure has been achieved through structure optimization. A 20-50 nm as-deposited WO3 layer allowed for facile hole injection and transport. In the meantime, it had high transparency and good robustness required for efficient and reliable operation of the HyLED. Inserting a 30 nm undoped 4,4 '-N,N '-dicarbazolebiphenyl (CBP) layer between the WO3 and emitting layer resulted in a broadened exciton generation zone and improved the brightness by 87.4% at 20 mA/cm2. At this injection level, the optimized HyLED reached a luminance of 11642 cd/m2 and a current efficiency of 58.2 cd/A, and exhibited good reliability under constant-current stressing.
A convenient synthesis of copper(I) carboxylates

Abstract A simple procedure is described for the synthesis of aliphatic and aromatic copper(I) carboxylates by the reduction of copper(II) carboxylates with commercially available tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate. In this way copper(I) acetate, benzoate and stearate have been prepared in good yield and purity from the corresponding copper(II) carboxylates.
Multiscale modeling of materials based on force and charge density fidelity.

The approximate representation of a quantum solid as an equivalent composite semiclassical solid is considered for insulating materials. The composite is comprised of point ions moving on a potential energy surface. In the classical bulk domain this potential energy is represented by potentials constructed to give the same structure and elastic properties as the underlying quantum solid. In a small local quantum domain the potential is determined from a detailed quantum calculation of the electronic structure. The new features of this well-studied problem are (1) a clearly stated theoretical context in which approximations leading to the model are introduced, (2) the representation of the classical domain by potentials focused on reproducing the specific quantum response being studied, (3) development of “pseudoatoms” for a realistic treatment of charge densities where bonds have been broken to define the environment of the quantum domain, and (4) inclusion of polarization effects on the quantum domain du...
Dynamic nature of the aortic regurgitant orifice area during diastole in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation.

BACKGROUND The effective aortic regurgitant orifice area varies with aortic pressure in animal models of acute aortic regurgitation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the aortic regurgitant orifice area changes during diastole in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation. METHODS AND RESULTS Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography were performed immediately before and after magnetic resonance velocity mapping using a cine phase contrast sequence in 17 patients with chronic aortic regurgitation. ECG-gated continuous-wave Doppler velocity time integrals and magnetic resonance flow rates were measured 16 times per cardiac cycle. The mean aortic regurgitant orifice area (centimeters squared) was calculated by the continuity equation. The regurgitant orifice area was also determined for each diastolic acquisition interval. Changes in the regurgitant orifice area during diastole were modeled using an asymptotic exponential decay model to determine the static and dynamic components of the orifice. The regurgitant orifice area increased directly with regurgitant fraction (y[cm2] = 0.0072[cm2/%]*x[%]-0.0409[cm2]; r = .86, P < .0001). In 15 of 17 (88%) patients, the regurgitant orifice area decreased during diastole. The dynamic component of the regurgitant orifice area decreased with increasing regurgitant fraction (y[%] = -0.98x[%]+96.9[%]; r = -.90, P < .0001). There were no significant differences in heart rate, systolic or diastolic blood pressures, or continuous-wave Doppler velocity time integrals measured before or after the magnetic resonance examination. CONCLUSIONS The effective regurgitant orifice area decreases during diastole in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation. This phenomenon should be considered when evaluating aortic regurgitant severity.
A note on welfare-improving ignorance about quality

Consider a monopolist that is selling a high quality product when the quality is unknown to a fraction of the consumers. If the quality cannot be signaled and the fraction is sufficiently large, then the monopolist will offer a low price to induce uninformed consumers to buy. If the fraction is sufficiently small, then uninformed consumers are irrelevant to its optimal price. If the uninformed consumers are priced out of the market as a result, then welfare can decrease.
A graph isomorphism algorithm for object recognition

We present an algorithm to solve the graph isomorphism problem for the purpose of object recognition. Objects, such as those which exist in a robot workspace, may be represented by labelled graphs (graphs with attributes on their nodes and/or edges). Thereafter, object recognition is achieved by matching pairs of these graphs. Assuming that all objects are sufficiently different so that their corresponding representative graphs are distinct, then given a new graph, the algorthm efficiently finds the isomorphic stored graph (if it exists). The algorithm consists of three phases: preprocessing, link construction, and ambiguity resolution. Results from experiments on a wide variety and sizes of graphs are reported. Results are also reported for experiments on recognising graphs that represent protein molecules. The algorithm works for all types of graphs except for a class of highly ambiguous graphs which includes strongly regular graphs. However, members of this class are detected in polynomial time, which leaves the option of switching to a higher complexity algorithm if desired.
Growth and microstructure of epitaxial 45°-rotated bcc W layers on NaCl-structure MgO(001) substrates and TiN(001) buffer layers

Single-crystal W films, with thicknesses of 0.12 to 1.2 μm, were grown on MgO(001) substrates by ultra-high vacuum magnetron sputter deposition at temperatures Ts between 400 and 800°C. Room-temperature resistivities were found to decrease from 7.0 μΩ cm for films grown at Ts=400°C to 5.3 μΩ cm (equal to the resistivity of “bulk” W) at 700°C. Double-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) together with plan-view and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM and XTEM) were used to determine the epitaxial relationship W(001)∥MgO(001) and W[110]∥MgO[100]. The strain-driven 45° rotation of the bcc W lattice about the [100] growth direction, with respect to the NaCl-structure MgO substrate lattice, reduced the in-plane lattice mismatch from 24.9% tension to 5.9% compression. XRD rocking curves and TEM analyses showed an increase in the structural quality of W(001) films on MgO with increasing Ts. At Ts=800°C, however, the full-width at half-maximum intensity of the W (002) reflection from 1.2 μm thick films increased dramatically due, as shown by TEM, XTEM, and scanning TEM (STEM), to strain and misorientation introduced by the formation of a MgWOx reaction product at the W/MgO interface. This was eliminated by the use of a 0.1 μm thick epitaxial Tin buffer layer and the best XRD rocking curve widths were obtained from W films grown at 800°C on TiN/MgO.
Impact of a desalination plant on the physical and chemical properties of seawater, Bahrain

Abstract The impact of effluent from the Sitra power and desalination plant (SPDP), Bahrain, on the physical and chemical properties of the receiving water was investigated. Two distinguished zones of the receiving water were recognized. These zones resulted from the presence of the jetty. The length of the first zone is about the same length as the jetty, 70 m. The length of the second zone extends to about 150 m. Seventy five case stations were selected on the receiving water. On the intake side, fifteen stations were considered as control stations. The SPDP effluent significantly changed the temperature and salinity of the receiving water of the first zone. The dissolved oxygen levels vary slightly from the control stations. The jetty was found to restrict the water circulation of the first zone. This restriction caused a delay in the temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen dispersion. Beyond the first zone, this restriction is removed and the dispersion processes affected the control stations.
Wave angle for oblique detonation waves

The flow field associated with a steady, planar, oblique detonation wave is discussed. A revision is provided forβ-θ diagrams, whereβ is the wave angle andθ is the ramp angle. A new solution is proposed for weak underdriven detonation waves that does not violate the second law. A Taylor wave, encountered in unsteady detonation waves, is required. Uniqueness and hysteresis effects are also discussed.