cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of Endogenous Prostaglandins on Secretin-Mediated Inhibition of Gastric Acid Secretion in Dogs

Abstract The influence of endogenous prostaglandins on secretin-mediated inhibition of gastric acid secretion was examined in 6 mongrel dogs with Thomas gastric and Herrera pancreatic cannulas. The dogs were given intravenous pentagastrin (1 μg/kg · h) during the 180-min experiment, and graded doses of secretin (0.3–1.5 μ/kg · h) (1–5 CU/kg · h) were infused intravenously between 60 and 120 min. In alternate, otherwise identical experiments, a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, either indomethacin or meclofenamate, was also administered throughout the experiment. Increasing doses of secretin led to increasing inhibition of gastric acid output with the maximum inhibition at 1 μg/kg · h (3.3 CU/kg · h) of secretin. Both indomethacin and meclofenamate abolished the inhibitory effects of secretin on gastric acid secretion. The inhibitors of prostaglandin generation had no effect on the serotonin system. We concluded that secretin mediates its inhibitory action on gastric acid secretion, at least in part, through endogenous prostaglandins.
When is nearest neighbors indexable

In this paper, we consider whether traditional index structures are effective in processing unstable nearest neighbors workloads. It is known that under broad conditions, nearest neighbors workloads become unstable–distances between data points become indistinguishable from each other. We complement this earlier result by showing that if the workload for your application is unstable, you are not likely to be able to index it efficiently using (almost all known) multidimensional index structures. For a broad class of data distributions, we prove that these index structures will do no better than a linear scan of the data as dimensionality increases. Our result has implications for how experiments should be designed on index structures such as R-Trees, X-Trees and SR-Trees: Simply put, experiments trying to establish that these index structures scale with dimensionality should be designed to establish cross-over points, rather than to show that the methods scale to an arbitrary number of dimensions. In other words, experiments should seek to establish the dimensionality of the dataset at which the proposed index structure deteriorates to linear scan, for each data distribution of interest; that linear scan will eventually dominate is a given. An important problem is to analytically characterize the rate at which index structures degrade with increasing dimensionality, because the dimensionality of a real data set may well be in the range that a particular method can handle. The results in this paper can be regarded as a step towards solving this problem. Although we do not characterize the rate at which a structure degrades, our techniques allow us to reason directly about a broad class of index structures, rather than the geometry of the nearest neighbors problem, in contrast to earlier work.
Low cost, wide scanning dual-polarized planar radiating element for weather measurements

We present a novel antenna element design for arrays. The planar radiating element is dual-polarized, probe-fed, with simplified integrated feed layers and a radome layer for environmental protection. A particular characteristic of the proposed design is its low cost approach by employing FR4-only substrates throughout the printed circuit board stack. The radiating antenna element has an active VSWR<1.25 for both horizontal and vertical polarizations, respectively, with better than −22dB isolation between the two polarizations in the 2.7–2.9GHz band at broadside. The radiating element scans up to 45° with an active VSWR<3 for both polarizations. The proposed planar radiating element can provide enhanced capability and low cost advantages to multifunction phased array [1, 2].
Comment on "Valence-bond theory and the evaluation of electronic energy matrix elements between nonorthogonal Slater determinants"

In a recent article [Phys. Rev. A 31, 2107 (1985)] Leasure and Balint-Kurti claim to give a more efficient algorithm than any previously available for determining matrix elements of the Hamiltonian in valence-bond calculations. Actually, an algorithm of no significant difference and the same efficiency has been available since 1972 and has been applied to valence-bond calculations.
Resuscitation of the rare biosphere contributes to pulses of ecosystem activity.

Dormancy is a life history trait that may have important implications for linking microbial communities to the functioning of natural and managed ecosystems. Rapid changes in environmental cues may resuscitate dormant bacteria and create pulses of ecosystem activity. In this study, we used heavy-water (H218O) stable isotope probing (SIP) to identify fast-growing bacteria that were associated with pulses of trace gases (CO2, CH4, and N2O) from different ecosystems (agricultural site, grassland, deciduous forest, and coniferous forest) following a soil-rewetting event. Irrespective of ecosystem type, a large fraction (69 - 74%) of the bacteria that responded to rewetting were below detection limits in the dry soils. Based on the recovery of sequences, in just a few days, hundreds of rare taxa increased in abundance and in some cases became dominant members of the rewetted communities, especially bacteria belonging to the Sphingomonadaceae, Comamonadaceae, and Oxalobacteraceae. Resuscitation led to dynamic shifts in the rank abundance of taxa that caused previously rare bacteria to comprise nearly 60% of the sequences that were recovered in rewetted communities. This rapid turnover of the bacterial community corresponded with a 5 20 fold increase in the net production of CO2 and up to a 150% reduction in the net production of CH4 from rewetted soils. Results from our study demonstrate that the rare biosphere may account for a large and dynamic fraction of a community that is important for the maintenance of bacterial biodiversity. Moreover, our findings suggest that the resuscitation of rare taxa from seed banks contribute to ecosystem functioning.
A Study of the Southern Oscillation and Walker Circulation Phenomenon

Abstract A survey of the literature dating back to the early 1920’s along with some appropriate statistical studies delineate an atmospheric-oceanic phenomenon of considerable interest. The Southern Oscillation—an oscillatory exchange of atmospheric mass between the eastern south Pacific and Indonesia—and the Walker Circulation—its counterpart in wind circulation—have a time-scale of years and are manifestations of a near-global variation in circulation, clouds and precipitation, centered in the equatorial eastern Pacific. Ocean surface temperatures in this region are intimately involved; in their warmest phase these variations are known as El Nino events. Some evidence that the strength of the Northern Hemisphere subtropical jet stream varies in conjunction with this phenomenon is given. Since a fully coupled atmosphere-ocean model is presently impractical, a set of general circulation model experiments using altered ocean boundary temperatures has been performed with the NCAR 5° global atmospheric model...
Synthesis of Cyclic Phosphonate Analogues of (Lyso)phosphatidic Acid Using a Ring-Closing Metathesis Reaction

We describe a versatile and efficient method for the preparation of acyloxy-substituted six-membered cyclic phosphonates using the ring-closing metathesis. After closure, the key cyclic phosphonate intermediate was dihydroxylated and converted to a new class of conformationally constrained PA and LPA analogues. The oleoyloxy-substituted cyclic phosphonate 4 had unique receptor-selective properties as a ligand, showing partial activation of the LPA2 GPCR and weak antagonism of the LPA1 GPCR.
Subadditivity, generalized products of random matrices and operations research

An elementary theorem on subadditive sequences provides the key to a far-reaching theory of subadditive processes. One important instance of this theory is the limit theory for products of stationary random matrices. This paper shows that the subadditive inequality that governs the log of the norm of ordinary matrix products also governs other functions of several generalized matrix products. These generalized matrix products are used to calculate minimal cost transportation routes, schedules in manufacturing and minimal and maximal probabilities of multistage processes. The application of subadditive ergodic theory to generalized products of stationary random matrices yields new information about the limiting behavior of generalized products. Exact calculations of the asymptotic behavior are possible in some examples.
Attainability of the Chromatic Number of Functigraphs

Let $G'$ be a copy of a graph $G$ and let $f: V(G) \to V(G')$ be a function. A functigraph, denoted by $C(G,f)$, is a graph with $V(C(G,f)) = V(G)\cup V(G')$ and $E(C(G,f)) = E(G)\cup E(G')\cup \{uv: u\in V(G), v\in V(G'), v=f(u)\}$. Let $\chi(G)$ be the chromatic number of a graph. Recently, \textit{Chen et al.} proved that $\chi(G) \leq \chi(C(G,f)) \leq \left\lceil \frac{3}{2} \chi(G) \right\rceil.$ In this paper we investigate the attainability of the chromatic numbers of functigraphs. We prove that for any two positive integers $a$ and $b$ with $a \leq b \leq \left\lceil \frac{3}{2}a \right\rceil$, there exists a graph $G$ and function $f$ on $V(G)$ such that $\chi(G)=a$ and $\chi(C(G,f))=b$. We also characterize functions to determine the values of $\chi(C(G,f))$ for all bipartite graphs and odd wheels. We finally provide some sufficient conditions on $f$ to have $\chi(C(G, f)) = \chi(G)$.
Chronic ethanol intake decreases vasopressin mRNA content in the rat hypothalamus: a PCR study

Vasopressin mRNA content was studied by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the hypothalami of rats chronically treated with ethanol (EtOH). Quantitative RT-PCR allows for the accurate measurement of peptide mRNA levels in discrete regions of the brain of individual animals. EtOH markedly reduced the level of vasopressin mRNA. Furthermore, salt loading was ineffective in inducing a significant increase in vasopressin mRNA level in EtOH-treated rats, unlike in controls. The present results suggest that EtOH not only decreases vasopressin mRNA content in the rat hypothalamus, but also impairs its capacity to respond to salt loading.
Peptide and protein complexes of transition metals as modulators of cellular replication

Abstract Chelation of transition metal ions with transferrin, siderophore-like growth factor (SGF) and with other potential growth-modulating proteins and peptides appears to provide a mechanism for the regulation of cell duplication by regulation of metal ion availability. Growth-modulating peptides, like SGF, synthesized and secreted by some transformed cells, may be made to take advantage of local conditions, decrease the dependence on serum factors (e.g., transferrin) and to compete with normal cells for specific trace metal ions. Detailed knowledge of transition metal ion metabolism in normal and transformed cells may lead to the development of specific oncophilic radiopharmaceuticals.
Impact of obesity on resource utilization for general surgical procedures.

According to the 2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of obesity among US adults has doubled since 1990.1 The rate of increase in obese individuals has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Concurrent with the increase in obesity, obesity-related diseases have also increased. In fact, obesity and obesity-related diseases have almost surpassed tobacco as the most significant etiology of preventable death.2 Annual healthcare expenditures for an obese individual are $732 more than for a nonobese individual.3 In fact, healthcare expenditures attributable to obesity accounted for 9.1% of the total US healthcare expenditures for fiscal year 1998.3 The burden of the obesity epidemic on healthcare resource utilization has been demonstrated for multiple aspects of the healthcare delivery system. Increases in physician office visits, hospital admissions and hospital length of stay (LOS), nursing home admission, and prescription drug usage have been described for obese patients.4–6 The obesity epidemic has several implications for the field of general surgery. Much attention has been given to the increased demand for bariatric surgical services; however, the impact of obesity on surgeons’ workload extends well beyond this. Increases in obesity-related diseases such as gallstones, breast cancer, and colon cancer will increase the demand for general surgical services. Obesity has been implicated as a risk factor for postoperative complications. Obesity does not appear to be an independent predictor of severe postoperative complications but does increase the risk for wound complications.7–9 Furthermore, poor long-term functional outcomes following hernia and antireflux surgery have been associated with obesity.10,11 The purpose of this study is to focus on the impact of the obesity epidemic on general surgery workload. Prior studies on surgeon workload, particularly regarding the impact of the aging population, have concluded that there will be an increased demand for surgical services in the future.12,13 There are no studies that specifically address how the increase in the prevalence of obesity will affect surgeon workload. We undertook this study to describe the impact of obesity on acute-care services for 3 surgical procedures; cholecystectomy, unilateral mastectomy, and colectomy. These procedures, which account for approximately 15% of a general surgeon's workload, were chosen because of the fairly uniform nature of the procedure and their use in the treatment of obesity-related diseases.14 We have included procedures done by multiple surgeons over multiple years in our analysis. We specifically focused on the association of obesity on operative time (OT), LOS, and in-hospital complications.
Hospital use and mortality among Medicare beneficiaries in Boston and New Haven.

Abstract We compared rates of hospital use and mortality in fiscal year 1985 among Medicare enrollees in Boston and New Haven, Connecticut. Adjusted rates of discharge, readmission, length of stay,...
Bovine Papillomavirus E1 Protein Is Sumoylated by the Host Cell Ubc9 Protein

Abstract Papillomavirus E1 protein is the replication initiator that recognizes and binds to the viral origin and initiates DNA strand separation through its ATP-dependent helicase activity. The E1 protein also functions in viral DNA replication by recruiting several cellular proteins to the origin, including host DNA polymerase α and replication protein A. To identify other cellular proteins that interact with bovine papillomavirus E1, an HeLa cDNA library was screened using a yeast two-hybrid assay. The host cell sumoylating enzyme, Ubc9, was found to interact specifically with E1 both in vitro and in vivo. Mapping studies localized critical E1 sequences for interaction to amino acids 315–459 and strongly implicated leucine 420 as critical for E1·Ubc9 complex formation. In addition to binding E1, Ubc9 catalyzed the covalent linkage of the ubiquitin-like protein, SUMO-1, to E1. An E1 mutant unable to bind Ubc9 showed normal intracellular stability, but was impaired for intranuclear distribution. Failure to accumulate in appropriate nuclear subdomains may account for the previously demonstrated replication defect of a human papillomavirus 16 E1 protein that was also unable to bind Ubc9 and suggests that sumoylation is a functionally important modification with regulatory implications for papillomavirus replication.
Particulate Matter in California: Part 2—Spatial, Temporal, and Compositional Patterns of PM2.5, PM10–2.5, and PM10

Abstract Geographic and temporal variations in the concentration and composition of particulate matter (PM) provide important insights into particle sources, atmospheric processes that influence particle formation, and PM management strategies. In the nonurban areas of California, annual-average PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations range from 3 to 10 [H9262]g/m3 and from 5 to 18 µg/m3, respectively. In the urban areas of California, annual-averages for PM2.5 range from 7 to 30 [H9262]g/m3, with observed 24-hr peaks reaching levels as high as 160 [H9262]g/m3. Within each air basin, exceedances are a mixture of isolated events as well as periods of elevated PM2.5 concentrations that are more prolonged and regional in nature. PM2.5 concentrations are generally highest during the winter months. The exception is the South Coast Air Basin, where fairly high values occur throughout the year. Annual-average PM2.5 mass, as well as the concentrations of major components, declined from 1988 to 2000. The declines are especi...
Evaluating NEXRAD Multisensor Precipitation Estimates for Operational Hydrologic Forecasting

Abstract Next-Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) multisensor precipitation estimates will be used for a host of applications that include operational streamflow forecasting at the National Weather Service River Forecast Centers (RFCs) and nonoperational purposes such as studies of weather, climate, and hydrology. Given these expanding applications, it is important to understand the quality and error characteristics of NEXRAD multisensor products. In this paper, the issues involved in evaluating these products are examined through an assessment of a 5.5-yr record of multisensor estimates from the Arkansas–Red Basin RFC. The objectives were to examine how known radar biases manifest themselves in the multisensor product and to quantify precipitation estimation errors. Analyses included comparisons of multisensor estimates based on different processing algorithms, comparisons with gauge observations from the Oklahoma Mesonet and the Agricultural Research Service Micronet, and the application of a validation f...
Renal transplant perfusion during aortoiliac aneurysmectomy.

Abstract Aortic surgery in recipients of renal transplants requires a method of maintaining intraoperative graft perfusion. A case is presented in which a temporary shunt from the suprarenal aorta to the ipsilateral common femoral artery was used to perfuse a renal transplant during aortoiliac aneurysmectomy. Other methods of renal graft perfusion are discussed. (J VASC SURG 1985;2:600-2.)
Jupiter’s Synchrotron Radiation Mapped with the Very Large Array from 1981 to 1998

We present Jupiter synchrotron radiation data obtained over a period of 18 yr (1.5 Jovian yr) taken at the VLA at ~20 cm. We look at intensity, polarization, Jovicentric distance, and magnetic latitude and compare the data to a model to distinguish variations over time from variations caused by viewing geometry, i.e., changing DE. No obvious changes in the nature of Jupiter's intrinsic synchrotron radiation were detected other than variations in intensity from year to year. Additionally, a comparison between the data and model at all DE indicate that Jupiter's magnetic field is much more complex than Connerney's O6 magnetic field model we used. Specifically, the intensity and polarization of the main radiation peaks of the model at λCML ~ 275°-360° show the largest deviations from the data in the main radiation peaks. Moreover, the radiation peaks in the model Jovian distances are overall farther away than in the data, which is an effect of various parameters such as the radial diffusion coefficient, the generic loss term in the diffusion coefficient, and the energy spectrum of electrons. Despite the differences between the data and model in intensity, polarization, and Jovian distance, the modeled magnetic latitude provides an excellent fit to the data.
T-cell repertoire: Political correctness in the immune system

Recent studies of T-cell development in various types of mutant mouse shed new light on the relative roles in T-cell selection of antigen versus MHC molecule recognition by T-cell receptors.
Chemical and hormonal determinants of vascular calcification in vitro.

Vascular calcification is a complex process that is dependent not only on the physicochemical effects of Ca, PO 4 , and pH, but also on smooth muscle factors that may be regulated by these ions as well as by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (calcitriol) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). These minerals and hormones were tested in a model of medial calcification in rat aorta maintained in culture for 9 days. Calcification was quantitated as incorporation of 45 Ca, alkaline phosphatase activity was measured in aortic homogenates, and osteopontin production was measured from immunoblots of culture medium. At 1.8 mM Ca (1.46 mM free), calcification occurred at or above 2.8 mM PO 4 . At 3.8 mM PO 4 , calcification occurred at or above 1.10 mM free [Ca]. At a constant [Ca] × [PO 4 ], calcification varied directly with [Ca] and inversely with [PO 4 ]. Calcification was directly related to pH between 7.19 and 7.50 but not altered by PTH or calcitriol. Alkaline phosphatase activity and osteopontin production were increased by Ca, PO 4 , calcitriol, and PTH. We conclude that calcification of rat aorta in vitro requires elevation of both [Ca] and [PO 4 ], and that [Ca] rather than [PO 4 ] or the product of the two is the dominant determinant. The induction of alkaline phosphatase and osteopontin indicates that Ca and PO 4 have effects in addition to simple physicochemical actions. Although PTH and calcitriol did not increase calcification in vivo , they have effects on smooth muscle that could influence calcification in vivo . Calcification is enhanced by alkalinity within the range produced during hemodialysis.
In vitro models for toxicological research and testing

The objective of this report is to discuss some of the issues involved in utilizing in vitro methods in toxicological research and testing. The subject is not new, in vitro methods have been used for many years in this context. However, there has been a significant increase in interest in the topic within the scientific community recently as witnessed by the increase in scientific journals dedicated to the topic, symposia held by scientific societies, and commitment of resources to in vitro toxicological research activities. Toxicologists should be aware of these developments as the future directions of the science will be influenced significantly by in vitro methodology.
Persistence of portosystemic collaterals and splenomegaly on CT after orthotopic liver transplantation.

The appearances of portosystemic collaterals and splenomegaly on CT before and after liver transplantation were evaluated.The records of 54 patients undergoing liver transplantation during a 2.5-year period were reviewed retrospectively. Twenty-five of these patients, in whom both a preoperative abdominal CT scan and a follow-up CT scan at least 1 year after transplantation had been obtained, were clinically well and had had no significant episodes of rejection, severe recurrent hepatitis, or other complication at the time of study. A total of 94 abdominal CT scans in these patients were reviewed to assess changes in portosystemic collaterals and splenic volume.At 6 months after transplantation, portosystemic collaterals at one or more sites were seen in 14 (74%) of the 19 patients scanned at this time in whom collaterals had been seen on CT preoperatively. At 1 year after transplantation, splenic hilar collaterals persisted in 64% of patients, splenocolic ligament collaterals in 50%, retroperitoneal coll...
Contributions of biogenic volatile organic compounds to net ecosystem carbon flux in a ponderosa pine plantation

Abstract When assessing net ecosystem exchange (NEE) and net ecosystem carbon balance (NECB), respiration is generally assumed to be the only significant loss of carbon to the atmosphere. However, carbon is also emitted from ecosystems in the form of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). Here we consider the magnitude of systematic difference caused by omitting this additional carbon loss from the net ecosystem carbon balance, as compared to the NEE term, of the ponderosa pine plantation at Blodgett Forest. We find that 9.4 (range 6.2–12.5) g C m −2 yr −1 were emitted from this ecosystem as BVOCs. This is 4.0 (2.0–7.9) % of annual NEE, and neglecting this additional loss of carbon causes an overestimation of carbon storage for this rapidly growing commercial forest plantation. For ecosystems that are not storing carbon as rapidly, where photosynthesis and respiration are more closely balanced, ignoring BVOC emission may cause a larger error in the estimation of NECB.
Empirical evidence for large nonmarket values for water resources: TCM benefits estimates for Lake Powell

The wide acceptance of travel cost method (TCM) nonmarket benefits estimates rests, in part, on the fact that it deploys data on actual expenditures – as opposed to hypothetical behaviour – to estimate benefits conferred. The data for the current analysis was gathered from a survey that was distributed on-site at Lake Powell in 1997. The Lake Powell survey data indicates that aggregate recreation expenditures for Lake Powell trips were a remarkable $291 million in 1997. Hence, TCM benefits estimates for Lake Powell are also notably high. We explore several policy and management implications of our estimates including the light these high values shed on recent large and highly controversial CVM benefits estimates at water based sites.
Spectrum of ocular toxicities from epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and their intermediate-term follow-up: a five-year review

Purpose Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors and kinases are commonly used in the treatment regimen of various solid tumors including non-small cell lung, colorectal, head and neck, breast, and pancreatic cancers. The aim of this study is to describe common ocular adverse effects associated with EGFR inhibitor treatment, outline successful management options, and provide data on intermediate-term follow-up of these patients.
Initial experimental study of pulsed electron beam fluorescence

The pulsed electron beam fluorescence technique for the measurement of gas specie densities along with rotational and vibrational population distributions is being developed for use in high enthalpy, chemically reacting flows. The fluorescence generated by a very high current, short duration pulse of energetic electrons is spectroscopically analyzed sufficiently early in the excitation-emission sequence to minimize the effects of collisional quenching and to avoid the subsequent large energy deposition in the gas caused by the beam's electrons. We present the results of both rotational temperature and gas density measurements in static, room temperature nitrogen at pressures between 5 and 150 mtorr. Using a pulsed electron gun as a source, 150-A electron beams with durations of tens of nanoseconds were used to excite fluorescence from nitrogen's first negative system (N 2 + B 2 Σ u - →N 2 + X 2 Σ g + ). The (0,0) band near 391 nm was observed with a 0.85-m spectrometer for determination of nitrogen rotational temperature and density. The spectrometer's exit slit was modified to enable simultaneous emission intensity measurements in portions of the (0, 0) band's P and R branches.
Engineering of a stable retroviral gene delivery vector by directed evolution.

The lack of safe and effective delivery vectors continues to be a critical limitation facing human gene therapy. Viruses offer excellent efficiency but can be difficult and expensive to produce and purify. For example, the production and efficiency of murine leukemia virus (MLV) are limited by its inherent instability; the half-life of infectivity is 5–8 hours at 37 °C. In order to generate a stable MLV, we randomly mutated the virus genome and selected for infectivity after prolonged incubation at 37 °C. After seven rounds of incubation and infection, we isolated a pool of MLV variants with double the half-life of wild-type MLV. Remarkably, a single mutation in the viral protease (PR), G119E, was responsible for the enhanced stability. Saturation mutagenesis at residue 119 revealed variants with half-lives of ∼24 hours at 37 °C. Double mutants combining the changes at position 119 of the PR and substitutions in the PR substrate–binding pocket exhibited half-lives of up to ∼40 hours. MLV variants provided two- to fourfold higher viral titers and exhibited increased stability with various wild-type envelope proteins. The improved stability of the variant MLVs will provide more facile virus production and increased transduction efficiency.
Why partisan warriors don't listen: the gendered dynamics of intergroup anxiety and partisan conflict

Talking and listening to political opponents is central to the proper functioning of deliberative democracy. But the social identity dynamics of partisan intergroup conflict make party identifiers in the US – Democrats and Republicans alike – less likely to engage in these activities. We argue that those group dynamics are gendered such that men are more sensitive than women to intergroup conflict and competition. Consequently, men are more likely to experience “intergroup anxiety” at the prospect of political interaction with partisan opponents. Using survey data from the 2010 Cooperative Congressional Election Study and experimental data, we found that men with higher intergroup anxiety were more likely than women to avoid cross-party political discussion, not listen when they did engage in such conversations, and reject information from outparty leaders. These results highlight the critical role that partisan social identities play in everyday democratic citizenship, but also emphasize the important an...
Helping Factors in a Peer-Developed Support Group for Persons With Head Injury, Part 1: Participant Observer Perspective

OBJECTIVES: An ethnographic study of a peer-developed support group for persons with head injury was conducted to identify helping factors. These factors are the peer group experiences and processes, established theoretically and empirically, that provide support through self-help. METHOD: The group comprised 13 members who regularly attended sessions for 16 months. In addition to participant observation, the data included audiotapes and videotapes of the group. The data were subjected to thematic analysis to find patterns in the participants' experience with regard to group helping factors. RESULTS: Many of the positive attributes of the group seem similar to processes found in successful peer support groups. These attributes include believing and feeling part of the group because members have a common problem and can validate the effects of the injury by sharing and receiving information in a variety of ways through the group. CONCLUSION: Legitimization, the acceptance of the head injury itself as real, appears to be the fundamental concept that distinguishes this group from other problem-focused self-help groups and professionally led groups. Language: en
Are state mental hospitals dumping aged patients on nursing homes

Twenty-five patients from a large state hospital selected for placement in nursing homes were compared with a matched group of 25 patients residing on the same or similar wards but not selected for placement. Comparisons for 43 measures of disturbed psychiatric behaviors, self-care activities, physical and mental status at time of selection, 30 days later, and 6 months later were made to determine whether there were any initial differences, any overall differences for the entire period, and any differences for comparative change. The 25 mental patients selected for placement in nursing homes were functioning far better from a psychiatric standpoint at the time of selection and during the entire 6-month period. There were no consistent differences between groups for improvement. These findings controvert the view that state hospitals are indiscriminately sending patients to nursing homes.
An on/off resonance rotating frame relaxation experiment to monitor millisecond to microsecond timescale dynamics.

Rotating frame relaxation experiments in proteins are used to study slow motions on the microsecond to millisecond timescale. An on/off resonance rotating frame relaxation experiment (R1ρ) has been developed that incorporates adiabatic rotations into a R1ρ–R1 constant relaxation time experiment with weak radio frequency field strengths in order to effectively lock the magnetization over a wide range of 15N frequencies. The new pulse sequence allows the measurement of a wide range of chemical exchange timescales on the order of 1.0 to 0.05 ms over an asymmetric bandwidth from +1.7ω1 to −0.5ω1 in a single experiment. A total bandwidth of ±1.7ω1 is obtained by performing the experiment a second time with a reversed adiabatic rotation.
The gentle touch receptors of mammalian skin

The skin is our largest sensory organ, transmitting pain, temperature, itch, and touch information to the central nervous system. Touch sensations are conveyed by distinct combinations of mechanosensory end organs and the low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs) that innervate them. Here we explore the various structures underlying the diverse functions of cutaneous LTMR end organs. Beyond anchoring of LTMRs to the surrounding dermis and epidermis, recent evidence suggests that the non-neuronal components of end organs play an active role in signaling to LTMRs and may physically gate force-sensitive channels in these receptors. Combined with LTMR intrinsic properties, the balance of these factors comprises the response properties of mechanosensory neurons and, thus, the neural encoding of touch.
Testing object-oriented software

Object-oriented (OO) software development is now widely practiced because of its potential for improvement in design and maintenance. Several authors, for example [1], [2], [3], and [4], have addressed the testing of OO systems. None of the researchers claim that testing an OO system is easier than testing a procedural system. In this paper, we report on an experiment that compares four testing techniques for four systems from different application areas. The four testing techniques studied are code inspection, structural testing, functional testing, and state-based testing. Code inspection is an organized code-reading approach that draws strength from collaborative, organized questioning. In functional testing, the tester uses the requirements to design test cases which are then submitted to a running copy of the system. In structural testing, the source code (and its structure) is used to design test cases. State-based testing has been recently defined for OO systems [4]. It looks for errors in the state of the system that occur as the system responds to sequences of messages.Student teams in an elective senior/graduate software testing class, after receiving training, applied each method to one of the systems. The testers were divided into teams of two in such a way as to balance experience and ability. This process defined eight teams which were divided into four test groups, again balancing experience and ability. These four test groups were assigned different sequences for testing the systems. No team used a test method more than once or tested the same system twice.
Calibration of Si(Li) detectors for X-ray astronomy

Abstract The characterization of a high performance, energy dispersive Si(Li) solid-state detector is presented. The response of the detector to K and L lines in the energy range 0.7–9.0 keV is obtained by using a Van de Graaff accelerator to bombard selected targets having 12 ⩽ Z ⩽ 50 with a high energy proton beam. In addition to the channel-to-energy calibration and resolution vs energy plot, an empirical relation is presented for line yield as a function of energy for the K lines. Further, spectral data are used to estimate the silicon dead layer thickness. Finally, a detailed characterization of the detector's response function, including deviations from a simple Gaussian form due to effects such as incomplete charge collection, is given. From these results, a procedure is indicated by which X-ray spectrometers used in X-ray astrophysics applications may be calibrated.
Escitalopram in specific phobia: results of a placebo-controlled pilot trial.

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of escitalopram in treating specific phobia. Method: The study was performed in an academic medical center. Adults meeting DSM-IV criteria for specific ...
Flame propagation and counterflow nonpremixed ignition of mixtures of methane and ethylene

The ignition temperature of nitrogen-diluted mixtures of methane and ethylene counterflowing against heated air was measured up to five atmospheres. In addition, the stretch-corrected laminar flame speeds of mixtures of air, methane and ethylene were determined from outwardly-propagating spherical flames up to 10 atmospheres, for extensive range of the lean-to-rich equivalence ratio. These experimental data, relevant to low- to moderately-high-temperature ignition chemistry and high-temperature flame chemistry, respectively, were subsequently compared with calculations using two detailed kinetic mechanisms. A chemical explosive mode analysis (CEMA) was then conducted to identify the dominant ignition chemistry and the role of ethylene addition in facilitating nonpremixed ignition. Furthermore, the hierarchical structure of the associated oxidation kinetics was examined by comparing the sizes and constituents of the skeletal mechanisms of the pure fuels and their mixtures, derived using the method of directed relation graph (DRG). The skeletal mechanism was further reduced by time-scale analysis, leading to a 24-species reduced mechanism from the detailed mechanism of USC Mech II, validated within the parameter space of the conducted experiments.
Crystallization and structure of a binuclear species containing the CoC(OH)OCo moiety

Abstract A binuclear species containing the CoC(OH)OCo moiety, [(CoL)2(COOH)](ClO4)3(NCCH3)2 (L=5,7,7,12,14,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradeca-4,11-diene) was isolated from a CO2 saturated acetonitrile/diethyl ether solution of [CoL(CO2)](ClO4) and its structure was determined. The complex consists of two [CoL]+ units connected by a bridging COOH+ in which the carbon is coordinated to one CoL+ and the non-protonated oxygen to the other CoL+ unit.
Reduced Equations of Motion for Molecular Multiphoton Processes

I derive reduced equations of motion for molecular multiphoton processes by constructing a set of relevant operators and adopting the Mori projection-operator technique. The intramolecular dephasing processes which play a dominant role in the quasicontinuum are properly incorporated by utilizing the representation of exact molecular states. The resulting equations include dephasing operators expressed in terms of intramolecular dipole correlation functions, and interpolate between the coherent and incoherent driving limits.
Relational wealth and the quality of life

Abstract This article introduces a new concept, relational wealth, which is derived from and deeply rooted in family and community values. The concept offers: (a) a mechanism for consciousness raising, (b) a basis for dialogue, and (c) a foundation for policy making. The basic thesis of this article is based on three propositions: 1) our human and national welfare depends on both material and relational wealth. Material wealth, made up of commodities, provides us physical comforts and defines our standard of living. Relational wealth emanates from our interconnections with other human beings. It gives us inner strength and emotional security and defines our quality of life. 2) There is a tension between material and relational wealth. As material wealth increases beyond a certain level, it impinges on relational wealth. 3) Our current economic practices and policies concentrate on the maximization of material wealth only with minimal concern for its negative effects. Yet the objective of a meaningful economic practice and policy is to maximize material and relational wealth jointly. The article provides suggestive economic policies and ideas regarding family, community and overconsumption.
Weather satellite deactivated

NOAA 8, the polar-orbiting weather satellite that was revived last May after tumbling in its orbit for 11 months (Eos, July 2, 1985, p. 527), recently suffered additional setbacks and has been “deactivated” by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The satellite's only working oscillator faltered and caused episodes of tumbling in September, November, and December 1985, according to Gary K. Davis, manager of NOAA's satellite operations control center in Suitland, Md. In addition, the episode that began December 30 apparently was accompanied by the rupture of a damaged battery, sending what seem to be pieces of the battery's thermal blankets and shields into orbits near the satellite.
Internal tides observed to be coherent in shelf sea

Internal tides, waves with tidal frequencies below the ocean's surface, contribute to ocean mixing. They are common in shelf seas, shallow marginal seas located on the continental shelf. These tides are believed to be coherent over hundreds of kilometers before they decay, but spatial coherence of internal tides had not been observationally confirmed in shelf seas. Inall et al. conducted in situ observations of internal tides over the continental shelf of the Celtic Sea. They found that the internal tide was coherent over more than 170 kilometers, about five wavelengths. The observations, which provide the first in situ evidence of internal tide coherence over multiple wavelengths in a shelf sea, could be useful for improving models of mixing in shelf seas. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2011GL049943, 2011)
Effect of processing parameters on the earing and mechanical properties of strip cast type 3004 Al alloy

Electrical resistivity, superficial hardness, tensile testing, and quantitative metallography techniques were used in this study. The strip cast type 3004 aluminum alloy received sixteen different thermomechanical treatments before cups were drawn. The top edges of the drawn cups were not flat. Rather, there were high points or ears with valleys between them. The homogenization temperature varied from 510 to 621 °C at 24 h. Some samples received an additional 426 °C/24 h homogenization anneal. Most specimens were rolled along the longitudinal direction of the as-cast material, and some were rolled in the transverse direction. Most samples were recrystallized at 454 °C for 24 h in addition to the homogenization treatment. Some were recrystallized for 168 h. All samples were subsequently rolled to 0.33 mm for cup drawing and percent earing determination. The percent earing results of some samples were less than 1.5%, but the mechanical strength was also lowered. The high-temperature recrystallization anneal of 454 °C was the controlling factor in determining the earing and mechanical strength of the final rolled sheet.
A rhenium carbonyl bonded to highly dealuminated zeolite Y: structure determination by infrared and X-ray absorption spectroscopies

Rhenium carbonyls bonded to dealuminated Y zeolite (DAY) were synthesized from HRe(CO)5 and characterized by infrared and extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopies. In the zeolite calcined at 573 K, a mixture of rhenium carbonyls was formed, but in the zeolite calcined at 773 K, a nearly unique rhenium carbonyl characterized by narrow infrared bands in the νCO region was formed, represented as Re(CO)3{OR42−}2{OR62−}, with rhenium bonded to three surface oxygen atoms at a T5 site located at an aluminum center in the zeolite (the braces signify sites on the zeolite surface and the subscript R4 refers to a surface oxygen atom bridging two four-ring sites and R6 refers to a surface oxygen atom bridging a four-ring and a six-ring site). The three surface oxygen atoms in the complex are not all equivalent, giving rise to a slightly distorted C3v symmetry, consistent with the observed infrared spectra. Two Re-support oxygen distances were found by EXAFS spectroscopy, 2.09 and 2.47 A. The Re–C and Re–carbonyl–oxygen distances were found to be 1.96 and 3.14 A, respectively. The data show that rhenium carbonyls are good probes of three-fold surface sites of zeolites and oxides.
A preliminary investigation of ROI-image reconstruction with the rebinned BPF algorithm

The back-projection filtration (BPF)algorithm is capable of reconstructing ROI images from truncated data acquired with a wide class of general trajectories. However, it has been observed that, similar to other algorithms for convergent beam geometries, the BPF algorithm involves a spatially varying weighting factor in the backprojection step. This weighting factor can not only increase the computation load, but also amplify the noise in reconstructed images The weighting factor can be eliminated by appropriately rebinning the measured cone-beam data into fan-parallel-beam data. Such an appropriate data rebinning not only removes the weighting factor, but also retain other favorable properties of the BPF algorithm. In this work, we conduct a preliminary study of the rebinned BPF algorithm and its noise property. Specifically, we consider an application in which the detector and source can move in several directions for achieving ROI data acquisition. The combined motion of the detector and source generally forms a complex trajectory. We investigate in this work image reconstruction within an ROI from data acquired in this kind of applications.
Application of Cognitive Measures and Models in Predicting Point-of-Sale Terminal Performance

This study examined the effectiveness of different models in predicting performance in retail point-of-sale terminal operation. Newly trained participants performed nine different transactions on a retail point-of-sale terminal. We used a similarity rating task to measure participants' conceptual representation of the domain. Predicted performance times based on physical actions were developed from a Keystroke-Level Model (KLM) analysis, while predicted times based on number of cognitive steps were developed from GOMS models of the transactions (Card, Moran, & Newell, 1983). A measure reflecting the similarity of participants' conceptual representation of the task to that of experts did not predict performance. The KLM-based predictions did significantly predict performance times for both groups, though they somewhat underpredicted them. The GOMS-based predictions of cognitive steps did not substantially add to the predictions based on the KLM analysis.
Queen Pheromone Production and Its Physiological Correlates in Fire Ant Queens (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Treated with Fenoxycarb

Biological assays were used to evaluate the effect of the insect growth regulator fenoxycarb (ethyl (2- p -phenoxyphenoxy) ethyl carbamate) on production of queen-derived dealation inhibitory pheromone and the queen recognition pheromone of Solenopsis invicta Buren. Treated virgin and mated queens weighed less and were less capable of inhibiting dealation by female alates than were nontreated controls. Virgin queens that gained weight during the experimental trials produced more dealation inhibitory pheromone and more queen recognition pheromone than virgin queens that lost weight. Treated virgin queens with fenoxycarb-induced ovary dysfunction inhibited dealation in proportionally fewer alates than treated virgin queens of similar weight that possessed functional ovaries. However, complete ovarian dysfunction in fenoxycarb-treated virgin queens was not associated with reduced quantities of queen recognition pheromone in queen poison sacs. These data support the views that nutritional as well as endocrine factors regulate queen pheromone release and that dissemination of both queen pheromone components is a function of oviposition rate.
Passive micromixer with obstructions for lab-on-a-chip applications

A new passive micromixer has been developed with a low dependence on Reynolds number. The mixer design contains obstructions inside the mixing microchannels to breakup the flow resulting in chaotic mixing. Using CFDRC ACE+ software the mixer was modeled and was shown to completely mix water and glycerin in less than 1 cm. The micromixer was fabricated in cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) using hot embossing with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) tools and evaluated using epifluorescence microcopy.