cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
General Spectral Characteristics of Leaf Reflectance Responses to Plant Stress and Their Manifestation at the Landscape Scale

Remarkably similar results have been reported in a number of studies that evaluated patterns of change in leaf reflectance spectra within the 400–850 nm wavelength range that occur with plant physiological stress. A variety of stressors have been imposed on species ranging from grasses to conifers and deciduous trees. In all cases, the maximum difference between control and stressed states occurred as a reflectance increase near 700 nm. This common response near 700 nm, as well as correspondingly increased reflectance in the green-yellow spectrum, are explained by the tendency of stress to reduce leaf chlorophyll concentration and by the in vivo absorption properties of chlorophyll. To determine the extent to which stress-induced changes in the reflectance of stressed vegetation at the landscape scale may be similar to those observed commonly for individual leaves, a row crop of corn was exposed to various levels of N fertilization, and canopy reflectances were measured using AVIRIS imagery. Changes in corn canopy reflectance with N deficiency were spectrally similar to the commonly observed leaf reflectance responses to stress, with maximum reflectance differences between N-deficient and control plots at 730 nm. Only far-red reflectance increased significantly (P=0.05) with relatively mild N deficiency, but reflectance in the green and far-red spectra correlated equally well with field estimates of leaf chlorophyll and laboratory measurements of leaf N concentration. A complete lack of N fertilizer increased reflectance significantly in both the green and far-red spectra and decreased reflectance in the near-infrared. Additionally, short-term water stress caused changes in corn canopy reflectance that differed from the responses to N deficiency, altering reflectance substantially only in the near-infrared, where it increased by as much as 2.5 percent. Consequently, remote sensing may be used not only to detect plant stress in monoculture stands but also to predict its cause.
An Experimental Study of the Logical Complexity of Data Structures

The logical complexity of a program is a measure of the effort required in order to understand it. Current program complexity metrics do not model the complexity induced by the choice of different data structures. It is proposed that the complexity of a program increases with the increase in the opaqueness of the relationship between abstract data types and the data structures used to implement them. The details of an experiment conducted to investigate this hypothesis are reported. Some documentation techniques which can reduce the difficulty in understanding programs using complex data structures are illustrated for the programs used in the experiment.
'A New You, That’s Who' : an evaluation of short videos on puberty and human reproduction

Learning basic information about puberty and human reproduction can alleviate concerns about the transition to adolescence and provide a foundation for later learning about more advanced reproductive health topics, such as family planning. Parents and children alike believe educational videos make these topics more engaging, and socio-cultural theory suggests such videos can effectively promote learning. To that end, we tested the efficacy of a series of reproductive health education videos called 'A New You, That’s Who', with a sample of 80 11-year-old children in a research laboratory setting. The series was designed with socio-cultural theory learning principles in mind and consisted of three 5-min animated music videos focused on puberty, reproductive anatomy, and menstruation. Children were randomly assigned to watch the 'A New You, That’s Who' videos or a control set of videos on the scientific method. Children who watched the treatment videos out-performed peers in the control group on a measure reproductive health knowledge. However, there were no differences in attitudes towards puberty between conditions. The videos provide effective ways to learn factual information about puberty and human reproduction, and may be valuable tools to supplement social-emotional lessons provided at home, at school, or in other real-world settings.
Impacts of Anisotropic Permittivity on PCB Trace and Via Modeling

The dielectric material properties in multilayered PCBs must be modeled correctly to simulate highspeed signals to produce eye diagrams and ultimately calculate accurate bit-error-rates. Typically, the dielectric properties are modeled as isotropic quantities where the properties are the same in any physical direction. In practice, the materials act differently in different directions and this is known as anisotropic behavior. The anisotropy can come from the dielectric material itself or from the manufacturing process of creating the layered structure of a PCB with a dielectric composed of fiberglass fabric and epoxy resin leading to a difference of the permittivity between the horizontal directions and the vertical direction. PCB traces and vias are analyzed using full-wave simulation in the paper to quantify the impacts of anisotropic dielectrics on the signal performance. It is observed that anisotropy has large influence on loss, impedance, resonances and can increase the far-end cross-talk dramatically.
The heterogeneous spatial impact of foreclosures on nearby property values

Foreclosures have negative impacts not just on homeowners, but also on neighboring properties. Due to the heterogeneous characteristics of the housing market, different neighborhoods can be impacted differently by foreclosures. This study focuses on the varying impacts of foreclosures on nearby property values across space. These results can provide insightful directions for decision makers to identify places in greatest need. A semi-parametric approach is applied to allow estimates varying over space. In Chicago, property values most impacted by foreclosures are in the south where the vacancy rate and crime occurrences are high and incomes are low. The spatial variation in impacts is wider for homes priced at the 10th quantile than at the 90th quantile. Moreover, the impacts are generally larger for home prices at the 10th quantile than at the 90th quantile, but the differences are not uniform across space.
Doppler Detection of Pathogenic Activity in Living Tissue by Biodynamic Imaging

Bacterial infection of living tissue is monitored by biodynamic imaging based on intracellular Doppler fluctuation spectroscopy. The efficacy of pathogen suppression by antibiotics may enable detection of antibiotic resistant strains in vitro. © 2019 The Author(s)
Simulated passage through a modified Kaplan turbine pressure regime: A supplement to "Laboratory Studies of the Effects of Pressure and Dissolved Gas Supersaturation on Turbine-Passed Fish"

A previous test series (Abernethy et al. 2001) evaluated the effects of passage through a Kaplan turbine under the “worst case” pressure conditions. For this series of tests, pressure changes were modified to simulate passage through a Kaplan turbine under a more “fish-friendly” mode of operation. The results were compared to results from Abernethy et al. (2001). These data indicate that altered operating conditions that raise the nadir (low point) of the turbine passage pressure regime could reduce the injury and mortality rates of fish during turbine passage. Fall Chinook salmon were not injured or killed when subjected to the modified pressure scenario. Bluegills were more sensitive to pressure effects than fall Chinook salmon, but injury and mortality rates were lower under the modified Kaplan pressure regime. This improvement was particularly significant among fish that were acclimated to greater water pressures (traveling at greater depth).
Functional Connectivity of the Striatum in Schizophrenia and Psychotic Bipolar Disorder

Abstract Background The striatum is abnormal in schizophrenia and possibly represents a common neurobiological mechanism underlying psychotic disorders. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging studies have not reached a consensus regarding striatal dysconnectivity in schizophrenia, although these studies generally find impaired frontoparietal and salience network connectivity. The goal of the current study was to clarify the pattern of corticostriatal connectivity, including whether corticostriatal dysconnectivity is transdiagnostic and extends into psychotic bipolar disorder. Methods We examined corticostriatal functional connectivity in 60 healthy subjects and 117 individuals with psychosis, including 77 with a schizophrenia spectrum illness and 40 with psychotic bipolar disorder. We conducted a cortical seed–based region-of-interest analysis with follow-up voxelwise analysis for any significant results. Further, a striatum seed–based analysis was conducted to examine group differences in connectivity between the striatum and the whole cortex. Results Cortical region-of-interest analysis indicated that overall connectivity of the salience network with the striatum was reduced in psychotic disorders, which follow-up voxelwise analysis localized to the left putamen. Striatum seed–based analyses showed reduced ventral rostral putamen connectivity with the salience network portion of the medial prefrontal cortex in both schizophrenia and psychotic bipolar disorder. Conclusions The current study found evidence of transdiagnostic corticostriatal dysconnectivity in both schizophrenia and psychotic bipolar disorder, including reduced salience network connectivity, as well as reduced connectivity between the putamen and the medial prefrontal cortex. Overall, the current study points to the relative importance of salience network hypoconnectivity in psychotic disorders.
Behind the Curtain of Early Childhood Coaching: A Multi-Method Analysis of 5,000 Feedback Statements.

In a previously published report, our researcher–practitioner partnership demonstrated the effectiveness of a coursework plus higher-dosage coaching professional development intervention (Expanding...
Refining Your Qualitative Approach in Healthcare Simulation Research

A knowledge of potential research approaches is foundational to the execution of acceptable scholarship within the qualitative domain. The presence or absence of an adequately defined theory based approach within the research can lead to divergent outcomes (i.e. rejection versus acceptance) in publishable academic writing. Therefore, the selection of a quality approach and its subsequent integration throughout the fabric of a research endeavor is critical to the success of any qualitative research process. This process naturally applies to simulation research in its many dimensions. In this chapter, we introduce various theoretical and conceptual perspectives to generate further understanding and preparation for qualitative research. Exploration of a few qualitative research approaches will be presented. The process used to select the qualitative approach will be discussed with a view toward how such an approach can be integrated into a qualitative research study.
Protective Factors and Processes Fostering Resilience and Buffering Psychosocial Distress among Later-Life Egyptian Immigrants.

ABSTRACTThis qualitative study explores and describes the protective factors and processes that foster resilience and buffer psychosocial distress among later-life Egyptian immigrants post immigrat...
Craniofacial Growth: Current Theories and Influence on Management

Craniofacial development is a highly coordinated process under a tight genetic control and environmental influence. Understanding the core concepts of growth and development of the craniofacial skeleton and the impact of treatment on growth potential is vital to successful patient management. To maximize outcomes and minimize iatrogenic consequences, proper sequencing and timing of interventions are critical. The development of the craniofacial skeleton occurs as a result of a sequence of normal developmental events: brain growth and development, optic pathway development, speech and swallowing development, airway and pharyngeal development, muscle development, and tooth development and eruption.
A reliable Q angle measurement using a standardized protocol

Abstract Background Studies have shown that Q angle measurements were unreliable. Imaging studies have largely replaced the Q angle for measuring tibial tubercle lateralization. Creating a standardized protocol to measure the Q angle, with normative values, would provide a reliable reference without expensive imaging techniques. Methods Thirty men and 27 women without history of knee problems or family history of dislocating kneecaps were subjects. Exclusion criteria were: patellofemoral abnormalities upon examination. We measured the Q angles of both knees using a standardized protocol and a long-armed goniometer. These data were analyzed to calculate normative values. Results For all subjects, the mean was 14.8° (≈ 15°), 95% confidence interval (CI): ± 5.4°. The male mean was 13.5°, 95% CI: ± 5.2°. The female mean was 15.9°, 95% CI: ± 4.8°. There was no significant difference between the right and left knees of the males (p = 0.52), nor of the females (p = 0.62), Beta = 0.14. The 2.4° difference between male and female means was due to the average height difference between the men and women. Conclusions This study provides a standardized Q angle measurement protocol to assess tibial tubercle lateralization at a patient's first encounter (and intra-operatively) without resorting to expensive imaging studies. These values provide a reliable reference for clinical comparison, and will allow all clinicians and sports medicine personnel to assess tubercle lateralization with reliability and validity. When using this protocol, the term “Standard Q Angle” (SQA) should be used, to avoid confusion with other measurement protocols.
Longitudinal Disconnection Tractograms to Investigate the Functional Consequences of White Matter Damage: An Automated Pipeline.

Background and purpose Neurosurgical resection is one of the few opportunities researchers have to image the human brain pre- and postfocal damage. A major challenge associated with brains undergoing surgical resection is that they often do not fit brain templates most image-processing methodologies are based on. Manual intervention is required to reconcile the pathology, requiring time investment and introducing reproducibility concerns, and extreme cases must be excluded. Methods We propose an automatic longitudinal pipeline based on High Angular Resolution Diffusion Imaging acquisitions to facilitate a Pathway Lesion Symptom Mapping analysis relating focal white matter injury to functional deficits. This two-part approach includes (i) automatic segmentation of focal white matter injury from anisotropic power differences, and (ii) modeling disconnection using tractography on the single-subject level, which specifically identifies the disconnections associated with focal white matter damage. Results The advantages of this approach stem from (1) objective and automatic lesion segmentation and tractogram generation, (2) objective and precise segmentation of affected tissue likely to be associated with damage to long-range white matter pathways (defined by anisotropic power), (3) good performance even in the cases of anatomical distortions by use of nonlinear tensor-based registration, which aligns images using an approach sensitive to white matter microstructure. Conclusions Mapping a system as variable and complex as the human brain requires sample sizes much larger than the current technology can support. This pipeline can be used to execute large-scale, sufficiently powered analyses by meeting the need for an automatic approach to objectively quantify white matter disconnection.
Genome editing using Cas9-RNA ribonucleoprotein complexes in the high-productivity marine alga Picochlorum celeri

Abstract Cas9-guide RNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes were used to efficiently generate insertions in both alleles of two targeted genes (nitrate reductase and carotenoid isomerase) in the biotechnologically relevant alga Picochlorum celeri. Diploid loss-of-function mutants were present in ~6% of transformants targeting nitrate reductase and in ~50% of transformants targeting carotenoid isomerase. The protocol described here successfully generates mutants within weeks and can be used to mechanistically probe the remarkably fast growth rates and extreme physiological tolerances of this alga.
Substance Use and Mental Health in Homeschooled Adolescents in the United States.

Abstract Purpose U.S. homeschooling increased by 50% over 2007–2016. Homeschooled adolescents may have lower substance use rates, but previous research treated other adolescents as homogeneous despite within-group differences. We used the 2015–2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health to compare adolescent substance use and psychopathology by homeschooled/educational status. Methods Data were from 52,089 adolescents, classified by educational status (i.e., homeschooled; public/private school, low dropout risk; public/private school, at risk for dropout; and not in school) and compared on substance use and psychopathology variables. Results Substance use rates were lowest in adolescents at low dropout risk, with significantly lower past-year prescription opioid misuse, tobacco use, nonmarijuana illicit drug use, and nicotine dependence rates than homeschooled adolescents. Psychopathology treatment prevalence was lowest in homeschooled adolescents. Those at risk for dropout had the highest rates of substance use. Conclusions Although homeschooled adolescents have relatively low substance use rates, they exceed those of low dropout risk adolescents.
Mechanics of nanoscale crumpled graphene measured by Atomic Force Microscopy

Abstract Crumpling profoundly alters the chemical, electrical, mechanical and tribological properties of 2D materials. Structural deformations at these scales can correlate to the local chemical composition, thereby providing a novel method to tune their properties. In order to leverage the unique characteristics of these compact, high surface area structures, it is crucial to understand the mechanical behavior of crumples at the nanoscale and the effect of chemical composition on the crumpling mechanics. Here, we explore the mechanics of crumpled graphene and graphene oxide nanostructures through force-indentation routines using Atomic Force Microscopy. Crumpled graphene and crumpled graphene oxide show a multi-regime power law force deflection response with exponents ranging between 1.2–2.5. Pushing on the crumpled nano-structures induces both reversible and irreversible energy dissipation, which can be observed through changes in the hysteresis between the loading and unloading curves. Describing folding as a structural transformation passing through a metastable transition state with a finite energy barrier, the total energy imparted during force-indentation routines can be quantitatively related to the energy required to bend monolayer graphene. We also demonstrate that the chemical composition of the crumples can strongly influence the energy dissipation, where crumpled graphene consistently dissipated a smaller amount of energy irreversibly compared to crumpled graphene oxide.
Scalings and limits of Landau-de Gennes models for liquid crystals: a comment on some recent analytical papers

Some recent analytical papers have explored limiting behaviors of Landaude Gennes models for liquid crystals in certain extreme ranges of the model parameters: limits of “vanishing elasticity” (in the language of some of these papers) and “low-temperature limits.” We use simple scaling analysis to show that these limits are properly interpreted as limits in which geometric length scales (such as the size of the domain containing the liquid crystal material) become large compared to intrinsic length scales (such as correlation lengths or coherence lengths, which determine defect core sizes). This represents the natural passage from a mesoscopic model to a macroscopic model and is analogous to a “London limit” in the Ginzburg-Landau theory of superconductivity or a “large-body limit” in the Landau-Lifshitz theory of ferromagnetism. Known relevant length scales in these parameter regimes (nematic correlation length, biaxial coherence length) can be seen to emerge via balances in equilibrium Euler-Lagrange equations associated with well-scaled Landau-de Gennes free-energy functionals.
What do gynecologic cancer survivors desire in a survivorship program

Objectives: This study aims to assess the concerns and quality of life (QOL) of women treated for gynecologic cancers who were invited to participate in a survivorship program. The primary objective is to identify components of a survivorship program that would be most useful for survivors of gynecologic malignancies. Methods: This is a quality improvement initiative. Women diagnosed and treated for a gynecologic malignancy at our cancer center in 2018 were asked to participate in a survivorship survey by mail between 1/2019 and 3/2019. Additionally, women attending an inperson survivorship visit between 12/2019 and 10/2020 were asked to participate at their first visit. All data was self-reported including cross-sectional data on demographics, treatment and current symptoms. Patients’ concerns and desires for assistance were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale with 0=not helpful/no concern to 4=extremely helpful/very concerning. QOL was assessed with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-G). Descriptive statistics were performed. Results: A total of 92 women completed the survey, representing a 57% response rate. A total of 41 (45.5%) patients had uterine cancer, 40 (44.4%) had ovarian/fallopian tube/primary peritoneal cancer, and 10 (11.1%) had a lower genital tract cancer (cervical, vulvar, vaginal). A total of 83 (95.4%) of patients received initial surgery and 61 (67.8%) received adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy with a mean time from treatment completion to survey administration of 6.0 + 7.6 months. The mean age was 61 years old + 11 years. Women with lower genital tract cancers were significantly younger than the women with uterine and ovarian cancer, respectively (50y + 10y vs. 64y + 10y vs. 61y + 12y, p 60 years old. The top 5 most-desired survivorship components included: instruction in nutrition (35%), assistance with weight loss (30%), stress reduction (27%), fatigue reduction (27%), and improved long-term side effects (24%). A total of 15% of respondents desired components focused on anxiety treatment, and less than 10% desired help with sleep, relationships, sex life, and finances. Uterine cancer survivors were more likely to desire weight loss assistance versus non-uterine survivors (37% vs 24%, p=0.05). Patients with lower genital tract cancers desired assistance with relationships more frequently when compared to uterine and ovarian groups, respectively (11% vs 5% vs 3%, p Download : Download high-res image (130KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions: Survivors of gynecologic cancer desire nutrition, weight loss, and stress reduction as part of their survivorship programs. Further research should be done to assess patient preferences for survivorship program content and consider age and disease type preferences to optimize personalized participation.
Context-Specific Regulation of VEGF Receptor Signaling

Our objective is to build an integrated model of ligand-receptor interactions, receptor trafficking, and site-specific phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors; the mo...
Chemical Shift Correlations

The chemical shift has proved to be the most useful characteristic of the hydrogen resonance spectrum for indicating features of molecular structure. This is because, first, the chemical shift is sensitively and reliably related to major and minor aspects of structure. If solvent, concentration, and temperature are held constant, the chemical shifts measured on a stable spectrometer are reproducible to about one part per billion for samples of high purity. For ordinary work, where concentration and temperature are controlled only approximately, the shifts are usually reproducible to 0.02 to 0.05 ppm. This is sufficient precision to show the small variations in shift caused by differences in steric arrangement or differences in the lengths of short chains. These small variations show up as perturbations on the larger variations caused by differences in electronegativity of substituents, degree of saturation, “resonance interaction” of neighboring groups, or the size of small rings.
The Corner of the Living: Ayacucho on the Eve of the Shining Path Insurgency.

The Corner of the Living: Ayacucho on the Eve of the Shining Path Insurgency . La Serna, M. (2012). Chapel Hill, NC. University of North Carolina Press. 286 pp. ISBN: 978-0-80787-219-2
The Coastal Ocean Imaging Spectrometer (COIS) and Coastal Ocean Remote Sensing

Abstract : LONG-TERM GOALS. The Navy has a requirement to rapidly and covertly characterize the coastal environment in support of Joint Strike Initiatives. Over the past decade we have demonstrated that spaceborne hyperspectral remote sensing is the best approach to covertly acquire data on shallow water bathymetry, bottom types, hazards to navigation, water clarity and beach and shore trafficability to meet those requirements. The long term goal of this work is to put a hyperspectral imager capable of making the appropriate measurements in space to demonstrate this capability. OBJECTIVES. The proposed activities are designed to move us closer to flying a hyperspectral imager similar to the Coastal Ocean Imaging Spectrometer (COIS; Davis and Carder, 1997; Wilson and Davis, 1999) in space to demonstrate the spaceborne capability to covertly characterize the coastal ocean. Specific activities are to document the history and development of hyperspectral imaging for the coastal ocean, to advance methods of processing and analyzing hyperspectral data of the coastal ocean and to enhance community awareness of the need for hyperspectral imaging of the coastal ocean. This includes continued analysis of data and publication of results from the NRL Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Technology (HRST) program and the ONR Hyperspectral Coastal Ocean Dynamics Experiment (HyCODE).
THE PDX EXPERIMENT

The poloidal divertor experiment (PDX) is now under construction and is scheduled for plasma operation in mid-1978. This report summarizes the objectives of PDX.
Some Guidelines for Uses of Hypnotherapy in Pediatrics

Hypnotherapy has many uses in pediatrics, and its value, not only as a adjunct but also as a primary therapy for certain conditions, justifies its inclusion in pediatric training programs. Suggestion and expectation have long been related to therapeutic outcomes in medicine, but not all physicians know how to apply them constructively and systematically in communication with patients. In pediatrics there is a tendency to overlook opportunities in which hypnosis might be the treatment of choice. Because children engage in imagination and fantasy easily without the cognitive inhibitions of adults, they are able to use hypnosis more readily than adults. More research into the imaginative skills of children may facilitate understanding of learning mechanisms and make it possible for professionals to prevent the loss of the natural imaginative capacities in children and, therefore, enhance the ability of mature members of society to use these skills. In addition to reduction of specific symptoms through hypnotherapy, children benefit by the sense of mastery which they acquire, a sense which is surely needed to overcome the feelings of hopelessness, loss of control, and depression induced by many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in medicine.
Demonstration of a Transcellular Vesicle Pathway for Biliary Excretion of Inulin in Rat Liver

We tested the hypothesis that the blood to bile transport of hydrophilic inert nonelectrolytes such as inulin is mediated in part by a transcellular pathway involving endosomelike vesicles (transcytosis). Forty minutes after intravenous injection of [ 3 H]methoxyinulin into renal pedicle ligated rats, 0.8% of the radioactivity was recovered in liver homogenate and 85% ± 3.6% of this radioactivity was associated with membrane bound vesicles. Subcellular fractionation studies and electron microscopy confirmed this association. If rats were treated with taurochenodeoxycholic acid, 5 μmol/100 g body wt, the hepatocellular uptake of [ 3 H]methoxyinulin increased approximately twofold and [ 3 H]methoxyinulin was again recovered in small subcellular vesicles. Furthermore, taurochenodeoxycholic acid also stimulated the biliary excretion of [3H]methoxyinulin, which peaked in bile at 20 min. Taurochenodeoxycholic acid had similar effects on the biliary excretion of horseradish peroxidase, a protein known to be transported from blood to bile by membrane vesicles. Thus under the conditions of these experiments, the dihydroxy bile acid taurochenodeoxycholic acid can stimulate the rate of vesicle-dependent transcellular transport into bile. If inulin clearance represents a maximal estimate of this process, only 6%–8% of total bile production in the rat under basal conditions would be mediated by vesicle-mediated transcytosis.
Observational study of prolonged times to tracheal extubation.

To the Editor, Tabing et al. studied changes in costs and workflow at Vanderbilt University Medical Center when desflurane vaporizers were removed from anesthesia machines in the operating rooms (ORs). They studied cases that took C 15 min from the end of the case until the OR exit. In contrast, observational and randomized studies of prolonged times to tracheal extubation have used C 15 min from the time of finishing applying the surgical dressing on the patient (or its functional equivalent) to tracheal extubation. There is excellent reliability for the dressing on until extubation period (Krippendorff’s alpha = 0.989). Furthermore, prolonged (C 15 min) times for that period are associated with longer times to OR exit. From Table 4 of reference , among cases with prolonged times to tracheal extubation, the mean time from end of surgery to OR exit was 28 min. Therefore, among the authors’ cases with tracheal intubation and extubation in the OR, what percentage of cases in the before and after periods had times C 28 min from the end of surgery to OR exit (i.e., as previously studied) or, alternatively, C 30 min (i.e., what an organization might monitor), and what was the corresponding relative risk and confidence interval? For sevoflurane, using an approximate Canadian acquisition price ($200/250 mL), fresh gas flow (2 L min), average vaporizer concentration (2%), and OR temperature (20 C) and pressure (760 mmHg), administration costs are approximately $11.05 per hour during anesthesia maintenance. Even though, in the US, sevoflurane acquisition costs are about half of that in Canada, the authors report in their Table 5 that the cost of sevoflurane was $0.63 per case. This apparent discrepancy would require explanation and redo of the cost analysis, as necessary. In comparison, the authors’ values in Table 5 for isoflurane and desflurane seem reasonable based on typical fresh gas flows (i.e., without feedback to providers).
Risk Evaluation of Immediate Surgical Failure During Thigh Hemodialysis Graft Placement by Sonographic Screening.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine whether preoperative sonographic evaluation of vascular diameters and calcification identifies patients at risk for immediate technical failure of thigh hemodialysis grafts. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 143 chronic hemodialysis patients who underwent thigh graft placement was performed. All patients underwent preoperative sonography to assess arterial and venous waveforms and vascular diameters. The degree of arterial calcification was assessed retrospectively. Patient characteristics and graft outcomes were examined. Statistical analyses were performed, with P< .05 considered clinically significant. RESULTS Sonography identified no or mild arterial calcification in 113 of 143 patients (79%) and moderate to severe calcification in 30 of 143 patients (21%). Primary surgical technical failure occurred in 23% of patients (7 of 30) with moderate to severe calcification, compared to 3.5% (4 of 113) of those with no or mild calcification (hazard ratio, 6.59; 95% confidence interval, 2.06-21.05; P = .002). Cumulative graft survival (time to permanent failure) was shorter in patients with moderate to severe arterial calcification (3-year graft survival, 37% versus 56%; hazard ratio, 2.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-6.69; P= .003) but was not significantly associated with venous (P= .82) or arterial (P = .43) diameters. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative sonographic assessment of thigh vessel diameters and calcification can identify patients who may be at risk for immediate technical graft failure and decreased cumulative graft survival. The use of sonography as a screening examination may improve preoperative assessment and surgical planning of hemodialysis thigh grafts.
Evidence for a Gas Phase in Liquid Prebreakdown

Experimental studies are reviewed to understand the very earliest prebreakdown events in liquids. Emphasis is on cathode events that begin at lower voltages than anode events1. Other events such as anode events or those with pulsed voltages much greater than the DC or 60 Hz breakdown voltages are found in the literature as well. Photographs of stressed plane cathodes have shown events similar to those at points.2
The Effects of Industrial Clusters on the Poverty Rate

AbstractIndustrial clusters are widely understood as a worthwhile target of local economic development resources. Nevertheless, most of the work on cluster development has asserted benefits that accrue to a regional economy as a whole, with little or no focus on specific links between clusters and poverty alleviation. This article seeks to understand the degree to which economic clusters are associated with lower poverty rates. Specifically, using spatial regression analysis techniques, we examine patterns that link clusters to poverty rates while controlling for the presence of other factors that shape the distribution of poverty in the United States. When controlling for other economic and demographic factors in a multivariate framework, the presence of industrial clusters is associated with lower poverty rates. Moreover, regions with a higher share of employment in clusters, and with that employment dispersed across many industries within the same cluster, fare even better than those where employment i...
Gastroesophageal sphincteric pressures before and after oral anticholinergic drug and placebo administration.

Resting pressures in each 0.5-cm. segment of the gastroesophageal sphincter were measured in 24 presumably healthy persons before and following 1 week's oral administration of an anticholinergic drug, valethamate bromide, 20 mg. q.i.d. or a placebo of identical appearance. The double-blind technic was used with 12 subjects in each group. Pressures were detected by a 5- × 5-mm. water-filled balloon and laterally notched, water-filled polyethylene tubes attached to extracorporeal transducers and measured at end inspiration and end expiration. No significant pressure alterations in either the open-tip or balloon tracings were recorded in the subjects who ingested valethamate bromide.
Decentralized capacity management and internal pricing

This paper studies the acquisition and subsequent utilization of production capacity in a multidivisional firm. In a setting where an upstream division provides capacity services for itself and a downstream division, our analysis explores whether the divisions should be structured as investment or profit centers. The choice of responsibility centers is naturally linked to the internal pricing rules for capacity services. As a benchmark, we establish the efficiency of an arrangement in which the upstream division is organized as an investment center, and capacity services to the downstream division are priced at full historical cost. Such responsibility center arrangements may, however, be vulnerable to dynamic hold-up problems whenever the divisional capacity assignments are fungible in the short-run, and therefore, it is essential to let divisional managers negotiate over their actual capacity assignments. The dynamic hold-up problem can be alleviated with more symmetric choice of responsibility centers. The firm can centralize ownership of capacity assets with the provision that both divisions rent capacity on a periodic basis from a central unit. An alternative and more decentralized solution is obtained by a system of bilateral capacity ownership in which both divisions become investment centers.
Solvent induced phase separation in a nylon 6-b-polyimide-b-nylon 6 triblock copolymer

A series of new nylon 6-b-polyimide-b-nylon 6 (triblock) copolymers have been synthesized via condensation polymerization of the polyimide component and anionic polymerization of the nylon 6 component. The polyimide component is prepared from bisphenol-A dianhydride (BisA-DA) and bisaniline-P diamine (BisP) with end-capped functional groups. After the polyimides are dissolved in caprolactam, the nylon 6 anionic polymerization is initiated by the functional groups of the polyimides. The triblock copolymers can be dissolved in both m-cresol and 1,6-hexanediol. Of the two components present in the copolymers, nylon 6 crystallizes partially and BisA-DA/BisP is amorphous. Based on differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, wide angle X-ray diffraction, small angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy experiments, the copolymer films prepared from the 1,6-hexanediol solution are phase separated. The BisA-DA/Bis P and the nylon 6 components show little miscibility in the inter-lamellar amorphous region. However, in the films prepared from the m-cresol solution both components are largely miscible in the inter-lamellar amorphous region. This is due to the different solvation power of the two solvents with respect to the polyimide and nylon 6.
Complex management of a patient with a contiguous Xp11.4 gene deletion involving ornithine transcarbamylase : A role for detailed molecular analysis in complex presentations of classical diseases

A male infant was diagnosed prenatally with a partial ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) gene deletion and managed from birth. However, he displayed neurological abnormalities and developed pleural effusions, ascites and anasarca not solely explained by OTC deficiency (OTCD). Further evaluation of the gene locus using exon-specific PCR and high-density SNP array copy number analysis revealed a 3.9-Mb deletion from Xp11.4 to Xp21.1 including five additional gene deletions, three causing the known genetic diseases: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP3), X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) and McLeod syndrome. The case illustrates (1) the complexities of managing a patient with neonatal onset OTCD, CGD, RP3 and McLeod syndrome, (2) the need for detailed evaluation in seemingly "isolated" gene deletions and (3) the clinical utility of high-density copy number analysis for rapidly characterizing chromosomal lesions.
Colchicine blocks neurotrophic regulation of the resting membrane potential in reinnervating skeletal muscle.

Abstract The extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDL) of the rat was denervated bilaterally by crushing the right and left deep peroneal nerves. Five days later, a Silastic cuff containing 0.1% colchicine was implanted around the left sciatic nerve (experimental EDL) in the midthigh region, and a drug-free cuff was similarly implanted in the right side (control EDL) to provide control muscles. Miniature end-plate potentials (mepps) were found in the experimental EDL and control EDL within 10 days after nerve crush. At 15 days after nerve crush the experimental EDL and control EDL had similar mepp frequencies of 0.16 s−1 and 0.21 s−1, respectively. However, the resting membrane potential (RMP) of the experimental EDL (−59.3 mV) was significantly (P
Statistical-model analyses of heavy-ion-induced fusion reaction products

Results are presented of statistical/rotating liquid drop model ayalyses of fusion reaction products produced by heavy-ion reactions of medium mass target nuclei. Statistical fission parameters a/sub f//a/sub v/ and B/sub f/ are deduced from analyses of fission and evaporation residue excitation functions. The validity of approximations often made in fusion reaction product analyses regarding the treatment of multiple-change fission and of angular momentum coupling is examined. Predicted limits of survivial of multiple-chance fission competition by evaporation residues in reactions at high bombarding energies are compared with experimental results. The experimental limits of evaporation residue survival are found to be adequately reproduced by the statistical/rotating liquid drop model using the statistical fission parametts deduced from the excitation function analyses. Using these parameters, calculations are performed of evaporation residue angyular momentum distributions and their moments. The influence upon these distributions of fission competition, particle emission, and the moment of inertia (yrast slope) is illustrated, and calculated results are compared with those inferred from ..gamma..-ray multiplicity measurements. The statistical fission parameters required to reproduce the fission and evaporation residue excitation functions are given a/sub f//a/sub v/ = 1.00 to 1.04 and B/sub f/ = 0.51 to 0.65. The expected existence of thermal andmore » deformation effects, as well as other reaction processes which could affect the parameters, it discussed. Since these aspect have not been incorporated that the formulation of the present model, it is emphasized that the deduced a/sub f//a/sub v/ and B/sub f/ values should be regarded as effective statistical fission parameters.« less
Nanolithography Using High Transmission Nanoscale Ridge Apertures

In this paper, we describe using high transmission nanoscale apertures of C and H shapes for nanolithography applications. We demonstrate that these ridge apertures provide a highly localized and intense light spot that can be used in lithography experiments.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Recording of mouse ventral tegmental area dopamine-containing neurons.

We examined the electrophysiologic and pharmacologic properties of dopamine-containing ventral tegmental area neurons in the mouse using extracellular single-unit recording techniques in both chloral hydrate-anesthetized mice and in vitro mouse midbrain slices. In vivo the ventral tegmental area neurons had long-duration action potentials (2 to 5 ms) and discharged at 1 to 9 spikes/s with either a decremental burst pattern or a regular pattern. Systemic administration of the dopamine agonist, apomorphine, decreased their firing rate, and the dopamine receptor blocker, haloperidol, reversed this effect. Similarly, systemic administration of the dopamine-releasing agent, d-amphetamine, suppressed their discharge rate, an effect blocked by pretreatment of the animals with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine. When recorded in vitro from midbrain slices, ventral tegmental area neurons showed electrophysiologic properties similar to those found in vivo; however, the neurons recorded in vitro fired at a significantly faster rate and their firing pattern tended to be more pacemaker-like, especially when recordings were made in an incubation medium that blocked synaptic transmission (i.e., low calcium/high magnesium). The activity of most of these neurons was suppressed by addition of apomorphine to the incubation medium, an effect reversed by haloperidol. Pretreatment with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine produced no significant change in the discharge pattern or rate for cells recorded in vitro. These data indicate that mouse ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons in vivo exhibit the same electrophysiologic and pharmacologic properties as do rat and cat dopamine-containing neurons and that in vitro they fire with pacemaker regularity in a low-calcium/high-magnesium medium. The in vitro preparation offers an approach to examining the fundamental properties of ventral tegmental area dopamine-containing neurons in the absence of afferent inputs.
FGF21 and the Second Coming of PPARγ

Peptide hormone fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) has insulin-mimetic properties. Dutchak et al. now suggest that FGF21 also acts in an autocrine fashion in adipocytes and is required to mediate effects of the PPARγ agonist class of antidiabetic drugs. Does this new property improve FGF21's fledgling clinical prospects or endorse a clinical resuscitation of PPARγ agonists?
Suppression of the codling moth (Lepidoptera: Olethreutidae) with the entomogenous nematode, Steinernema feltiae (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae).

The entomogenous nematode, Steinernema feltiae Filipjev, was applied to overwintering codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.) prepupae that occurred in corrugated paper bands placed around apple tree trunks. Nematode applications made in October resulted in a total codling moth mortality of 80% (62% infected with nematodes) whereas July applications resulted in a total mortality of 32% (23% infected with nematodes). February applications provided the best results with 95% total mortality (58–73% infected with nematodes). The bands remained moist from rainfall during February, which enhanced nematode survival. Although the average daily low temperature was 4.8°C and the average daily high was 18.0°C during the February treatments, these temperatures did not affect prepupal infection by the nematode. A comparison of nematode survival in corrugated cardboard bands, burlap lined with Pelion fleece, and nylon pack cloth lined with Pelion fleece showed that survival in corrugated cardboard bands was less than 4 days, in nylon pack cloth lined with Pelion fleece 23 days, and in burlap lined with Pelion fleece, 21 days.
The heartland turns red: The Bolshevik seizure of power in Tver

On the basis of newspaper accounts, memoirs and previously closed archives, this article describes and analyses the Bolshevik rise to power in the provincial capital of Tver, with some remarks on B...
Locus of Control among Anglo-Americans and Cuban-Americans

Summary This study compared the perception of locus of control of 150 adult males from two different ethnic populations, Cuban-American and Anglo-American, assigned to three different groups. Rotter's I-E scale was administered to all Ss and analyzed in terms of age and cultural background according to Mirels' Factors I and II items. No significant differences were found between the scores of the two Cuban-American groups combined and the Anglo-American group on items loading high on Factors I and II. However, when the older Cuban-American group was compared against the two groups of younger Ss of both cultural backgrounds, these two latter groups scored significantly higher on externality than the older Cuban-American groups on Factor I and Factor II items of the I-E scale. A low but significant negative correlation was found between all Ss' ages and their total I-E scores. Results of this study appear to support previous findings suggesting that age, and not necessarily ethnicity, is a deciding factor o...