cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contribution of infectious disease consultation toward the care of inpatients being considered for community-based parenteral anti-infective therapy

BACKGROUND: In the acute care setting in a multidisciplinary healthcare environment, the contribution of infectious disease (ID) specialists to overall patient care is difficult to measure. This study attempts to quantify the contribution of ID specialists when consulted for an activity specific to ID practice, community-based parenteral anti-infective therapy (CoPAT). METHODS: In February 2010, an electronic form for requesting ID consultations was introduced in the computerized provider order entry (CPOE) system at the Cleveland Clinic. This allowed for easy identification of ID consultations for CoPAT. Hospital records for all patients with CoPAT consultation requests between February 11, 2010 and May 15, 2010 were reviewed for specific defined contributions in the domains of optimization of antimicrobial therapy, significant change in patient assessment, and additional medical care contribution. RESULTS: Over a 3-month period, there were 263 CoPAT consultation requests via CPOE, of which 172 were initial consultations and 91 reconsultations. Antimicrobial treatment was optimized in 84%, a significant change in patient assessment made in 52%, and additional medical care contribution provided in 71% of consultations. In 33% of consultations, there was contribution in all 3 domains. CoPAT was deemed not to be necessary in 27%. For patients requiring CoPAT, effective care transition from the inpatient to outpatient setting was assured at least 86% of the time. CONCLUSION: Infectious disease consultation before discharge on parenteral antibiotics adds value by contributing substantially to inpatient care, and providing antimicrobial stewardship and continuity of care at a critical patient care transition point. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012; © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Effects of ethanol on the secretion of glycoproteins by rat liver slices

Abstract The effects of ethanol on the metabolism of microsomal glycoproteins and the secretion of export glycoproteins by rat liver slices were investigated and compared to the effects of colchicine, a known inhibitor of glycoprotein secretion. Both ethanol (10 mM) and colchicine (50 μM), when present in the incubation medium, markedly decreased the appearance of [ 14 C]glucosamine-labeled proteins in the medium. However, when microsomes were isolated and fractionated into a fraction rich in nonmembranous secretory glycoproteins and another fraction rich in membrane bound glycoproteins, the effects of these agents on the labeling of glycoproteins of these two microsomal fractions differed. Colchicine did not affect the incorporation of glucosamine into the membrane fraction but increased the labeling of the secretory fraction, whereas, ethanol decreased incorporation into the membrane fraction without altering the labeling of the secretory fraction. When protein synthesis was inhibited by cycloheximide, both ethanol and colchicine markedly reduced the appearance of glucosamine-labeled proteins in the medium and concomitantly increased the specific activity of the glycoproteins of the secretory fraction of microsomes without altering the labeling of membrane glycoproteins. When fucose, a terminal sugar whose short-term incorporation into glycoproteins is not dependent on protein synthesis, was used as a label, both agents decreased the appearance of fucose-labeled proteins in the medium while also causing a retention of fucose-labeled glycoproteins in the microsomal secretory fraction. Ethanol did not affect fucose labeling of microsomal membrane glycoproteins; however, colchicine did cause a slight increase. These results indicate that both ethanol and colchicine inhibit hepatic glycoprotein secretion; however, since ethanol inhibits protein synthesis, acute ethanol administration, unlike colchicine, does not result in the intrahepatic accumulation of non-secreted glycoproteins.
Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration

The Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration (VMI), now in its fifth edition, has clearly stood the test of time. Originally developed in 1967 by Beery and Buktenica, its longevity attests to its value to the clinical assessment community. This is not surprising. The VMI is an elegant test that has six critical features whose co-occurrence may be unique in currently available psychological instruments. Its ease of administration minimizes examiner error and maximizes data quality. Its format is enjoyed by (most) children, which promotes rapport and maximizes clinical utility (most children are willing to complete all items—yielding both standard and age-referenced data). It yields qualitative data, in that observation of the child's performance yields insights into psychological processes, deployment of motor skills, and response to increasing load as items increase in complexity. Its quantitative data include standard scores that permit ranking among peers and allow for monitoring of progress over time, and age-referenced achievement levels, provided for each item, that may signal diagnostically relevant within-child discrepancies in capacity when contrasted with standard scores. “Stepping Stones” age norms for tracking the progress of very young children are also provided for gross and fine motor, visual and visual motor development. Last, but by no means least, is an enormously valuable developmental trajectory reference set for each item that allows for evaluation of developmental status. Keywords: VMI; visual motor integration; development; motor coordination; visual perception
Labor and the Bush Administration: “down so long, seem like up to me”

For a century, scholars and labor movement activists have debated the question of “American Exceptionalism,” or the distinctive nature of the labor movement in the United States. The weakness of American unions, especially their lack of members, has been attributed to distinctive features of American society, notably the hostility of the American government towards unions. Those who accept this Exceptionalist view have urged unions in the United States to become more active politically in order to strengthen their position. Since 1980, unions have followed this advice and have doubled their political spending. Most of the unions’ political activity and spending has been in support of candidates of the Democratic Party; but unions have received little in return from Democrats, even during the Clinton Administration. Indeed, during the administration of George W. Bush, union membership fell at almost exactly the same rate as before notwithstanding the Bush Administration’s open hostility towards unions and its attempt to use state power against unions in both the private and public sectors. In fact, over the last decades, we may be seeing the end of Exceptionalism. Since 1990, union membership decline has been slower in the United States than in most other OECD member states, despite a relatively hostile political and legal regime. Combined with the negligible effect of the Bush Administration on American unions, this suggests that union weakness in the United States is not due to exceptional features of the United States but to characteristics it shares with other countries. Throughout the affluent world, the idea of the labor movement has lost its tie to the broader democratic aspirations. In America and elsewhere, union revival depends on more than some incremental legal changes or political victories. It depends on the revival of the formative ideals of the labor movement, equality, fraternity, and the struggle for free and democratic work.
Heat, Light, and Sound in 4 Year BSAS

Approach or Method: To illustrate design/technology integration by focusing on experiential architecture, total sensory programming, and examples of genius in vernacular architecture. In lighting the method is: To define perception in terms of (a) the luminous background, and (b) detailed visual information. Following this investigation is study and performance of light generation and control. Subject is tied together by means of programming and specification approach followed by alternative solution performance evaluations. Instructor covers 3 areas of heat, light, and sound in 80% of course and in last 20% focuses on problem solving with practicing professional architects presenting approaches and solutions. TECHNOLOGY
African American students' ratings of Caucasian and African American counselors varying in racial consciousness.

African American college students (63 female, 30 male) rated vignettes of counselors varying in racial consciousness (high vs. low) and race (African American vs. Caucasian). Participants then completed a counselor rating scale and the Racial Identity Attitude Scale (Short Form; T. A. Parham & J. E. Helms, 1981). African American counselors were rated more favorably than White counselors, and high racially conscious counselors were rated more favorably than low racially conscious counselors. The African American counselor with high racial consciousness was rated the most favorably. Several significant correlations were found between participants’ racial identity attitudes and their ratings of counselors. Implications for the training of both African American and White counselors are considered.
Long-Term Canine Model for Echocardiography

Abstract A reliable long-term canine model for the echocardiographic evaluation of myocardial dimensions has not been previously described. Because of the configuration of the dog's chest wall, surface echocardiography is difficult to perform. Therefore, a small ultrasound transducer was designed for both short- and long-term experimental studies. In six dogs, a 1.7 by 0.5 cm, 2.25 megahertz lead titanate-zirconate echo transducer was sutured to the anterior epicardial surface of the right ventricle. The transducer was positioned to measure septal thickness, left ventricular posterior wall thickness and left ventricular transverse diameter in a manner similar to that used in clinical echocardiography. The animals were studied 2 weeks to 3 months postoperatively in the closed chest unanesthetized state. Echocardiographic determinations of septal and left ventricular wall thickness were in close agreement with results obtained at necropsy.
Building self-assembled molecular layers with axially substituted titanium phthalocyanines.

Adsorption on graphite (HOPG) by titanium phthalocyanine axially bonded to a catechol ligand (TiPcat), titanylphthalocyanine (TiOPc), and 1:1 mixtures of these are studied at the HOPG−octylbenzene interface. The surface structures of a two-component bilayer, and of the individual monolayers of TiOPc and TiPcat, were determined by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). TiPcat self-segregates onto a monolayer of TiOPc when an equal molar mixture is used. The preferential formation of a TiOPc monolayer from a solution containing both molecules is attributed to the difference in adsorption energies between TiPcat and TiOPc on graphite. The transformation of the hexagonal lattice of the pure TiOPc monolayer into a pseudo-square lattice was induced by the adsorption of TiPcat molecules. DFT calculations of the catechol orientation are presented.
Contextual control of inhibition with reinforcement: adaptation and timing mechanisms.

Four experiments with rats studied the effects of switching the context after Pavlovian conditioning. In three conditioned suppression experiments, a large number of conditioning trials created “inhibition with reinforcement” (IWR), in which fear of the conditional stimulus (CS) reached a maximum and then declined despite continued CS – unconditional stimulus pairings. When IWR occurred, a context switch augmented fear of the CS; IWR and augmentation were highly correlated. Neither IWR nor augmentation resulted from inhibition of delay (IOD): In conditioned suppression, IWR and augmentation occurred without IOD (Experiment 3), and in appetitive conditioning (Experiment 4), IOD occurred without IWR or augmentation. IWR may occur in conditioned suppression because the animal adapts to fear of the CS in a context-specific manner. We discuss several implications.
Toward β-Peptide Tertiary Structure: Self-Association of an Amphiphilic 14-Helix in Aqueous Solution

A major frontier in foldamer research is creation of unnatural oligomers that adopt discrete tertiary structures; at present, only biopolymers are known to fold into such compact conformations. We report an initial step toward helix-bundle tertiary structure in the β-peptide realm by showing that a 10-residue β-peptide designed to adopt an amphiphilic helical conformation forms small soluble aggregates in water. Sedimentation equilibrium data indicate that the aggregated state falls in the tetramer-hexamer size range.
Behavioral responses of adult female tobacco hornworms, Manduca sexta, to hostplant volatiles change with age and mating status

We present evidence for two behaviors influenced by intact, vegetative plant odor — upwind flight and abdomen curling — in female Manduca sexta and demonstrate the influence of the age and mating status of the moths on these behaviors. We compared the behavioral responses of laboratory-reared M. sexta. of discrete ages and physiological states (2,3, and 4 day old for virgin; 2 and 3 day old for mated) as individual moths flew upwind in a flight tunnel to a source of hostplant volatiles. We monitored odor-modulated flight and abdomen curling in the presence of volatiles released by potted hostplants. Mated 3 day old females exhibited the highest incidence of odor-modulated flight and abdomen curling. Similarly, as virgin moths aged, a greater percentage of the individuals displayed odor-modulated flight patterns and abdomen curling. In contrast, younger virgin moths exhibited high levels of abdomen curling only after contact with the plant.
ISOMETHEPTENE‐A NON‐ERGOT DRUG IN THE TREATMENT OF MIGRAINE

SYNOPSIS Thirty-six patients participated in a double-blind, two-way crossover study of isometheptene (Octin) and placebo. Seventeen had a better response on isometheptene than on placebo. Placebo was superior to isometheptene in eight cases. Of 72 courses of treatment with each drug, isometheptene produced good or complete relief of pain in 30 courses of treatment (42%) while placebo produced a similar response in 21courses of treatment (29%) (p<0.05). When the severity of pain and the degree of relief were considered, the superiority of isometheptene did not reach statistical significance at the 5% level. Side effects due to isometheptene were few and mild or of moderate severity. Isometheptene may be an alternative treatment when ergotamine is contraindicated.
Structural features of the 66-kDa subunit of the energy-transducing NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (NDH-1) of Paracoccus denitrificans☆☆☆

Abstract The structural gene of the Paracoccus denitrificans NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase encoding a homologue of the 75-kDa subunit of bovine complex I ( NQO3 ) has been located and sequenced. It is located approximately 1 kbp downstream of the gene coding for the NADH-binding subunit ( NQO1 ) [Xu, X., Matsuno-Yagi, A., and Yagi, T. (1991) Biochemistry 30, 6422–6428] and is composed of 2019 base pairs and codes for 673 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular weight of 73,159. The M r 66,000 polypeptide of the isolated Paracoccus NADH dehydrogenase complex is assigned the NQO3 designation on the basis of N-terminal protein sequence analysis, amino acid analysis, and immunocross-reactivity. The encoded protein contains a putative tetranuclear iron-sulfur cluster (probably cluster N4) and possibly a binuclear iron-sulfur cluster. An unidentified reading frame (URF3) which is composed of 396 base pairs and possibly codes for 132 amino acid residues was found between the NQO1 and NQO3 genes. When partial DNA sequencing of the regions downstream of the NQO3 gene was performed, sequences homologous to the mitochondrial ND-1, ND-5, and ND-2 gene products of bovine complex I were found, suggesting that the gene cluster carrying the Paracoccus NADH dehydrogenase complex contains not only structural genes encoding water-soluble subunits but also structural genes encoding hydrophobic subunits.
Stability of the adjustment scales for children and adolescents

Investigation of the short-term (90-day) stability of the Adjustment Scales for Children and Adolescents is reported for 124 randomly selected children in grades ranging from kindergarten to grade 12. Significant test-retest stability coefficients were obtained and mean differences across the retest interval did not exceed .8 raw score points. The Solitary Aggressive-Impulsive, Diffident, and Lethargic/Hypoactive syndromes and the global Underactivity scale showed significant raw score and T score changes across the retest interval, but the effect strengths were small. Syndromic Profile Classifications and Discriminant Classifications were also significantly consistent across the retest interval. Results were similar to those obtained in other stability studies of teacher report behavior rating scales. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Electrocardiographic Changes Associated with Smoking and Smoking Cessation: Outcomes from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction Cardiovascular disease (CVD) can be detected and quantified by analysis of the electrocardiogram (ECG); however the effects of smoking and smoking cessation on the ECG have not been characterized. Methods Standard 12-lead ECGs were performed at baseline and 3 years after subjects enrolled in a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of smoking cessation pharmacotherapies. ECGs were interpreted using the Minnesota Code ECG Classification. The effects of (i) smoking burden on the prevalence of ECG findings at baseline, and (ii) smoking and smoking cessation on ECG changes after 3 years were investigated by multivariable and multinomial regression analyses. Results At baseline, 532 smokers were (mean [SD]) 43.3 (11.5) years old, smoked 20.6 (7.9) cigarettes/day, with a smoking burden of 26.7 (18.6) pack-years. Major and minor ECG criteria were identified in 87 (16.4%) and 131 (24.6%) of subjects, respectively. After adjusting for demographic data and known CVD risk factors, higher pack-years was associated with major ECG abnormalities (p = 0.02), but current cigarettes/day (p = 0.23) was not. After 3 years, 42.9% of subjects were abstinent from smoking. New major and minor ECG criteria were observed in 7.2% and 15.6% of subjects respectively, but in similar numbers of abstinent subjects and continuing smokers (p>0.2 for both). Continuing smokers showed significant reduction in current smoking (–8.4 [8.8] cigarettes/day, p<0.001) compared to baseline. Conclusions In conclusion, major ECG abnormalities are independently associated with lifetime smoking burden. After 3 years, smoking cessation was not associated with a decrease in ECG abnormalities, although cigarettes smoked/day decreased among continuing smokers.
On the Use of Ranks in Combined Estimates in Quantal Bioassays

If {Ui} i = 1, …, k is a sequence of binary responses of ni subjects at each of k successive dose levels xi, there is the problem of the statistical treatment of the observed proportions Pi = Ui/ni when neither the probit nor the logit transformation may be assumed. This paper considers the use of the midranks of the responses for point and interval estimation of relative potency in the case of parallel line assay in particular. More generally the problem of combining the results of several independent estimates using ranks is discussed. Several examples illustrate the method.
Strategies of Discourse and Knowledge Use in the Practice of Bureaucratic Research

In certain settings, social research becomes embedded in a form of bureaucratic politics that revolves around contests for status, power, and autonomy among participants in the research process. Written and verbal discourse are key resources in such contests. This paper develops a conceptual framework for analyzing their uses and employs this framework in a case study analysis of bureaucratic politics on a large federally funded educational research project. The study suggests that much of the political activity in such situations revolves around attempts to manipulate "stocks" of knowledge (objectified, institutionally sanctioned bodies of knowledge) by reinterpreting them, reconfiguring their elements, and detaching them and reattaching them to different realms of practical activity. The study explores some of the ways these ends are accomplished, and looks in particular at tactics used by subordinate members of the research staff to gain and maintain autonomy vis-a-vis project administrators: The redef...
Improving Outcomes After Stroke By LEAPS (Locomotor Experience Applied Post-Stroke) and Bounds

Stroke is a chronic, lasting condition. Over 795 000 persons have a new stroke each year.1 The vast majority survive, with those in the seventh decade living an average of 7 years thereafter,1 most with some form of loss of function and limitation of activity.2 Increasing evidence suggests that these deficits are not fixed, but instead that the brain is plastic, that a number of different therapies have the potential to improve brain structure and function once the acute stroke period passes and stroke injury is fixed, and that this plasticity can reduce poststroke disability. Brain plasticity is facilitated by repeated practice. This is true during development, during learning, in times of health, and after brain injury such as stroke. This principle is the foundation of poststroke treatments applied across behavioral modalities such as neglect, aphasia, or weakness. Evidence suggests that the responsiveness of the brain to such intervention declines with time poststroke.3 However, many patients long past stroke can nonetheless benefit from repeated practice such as with an activity-based regimen that is initiated even months after stroke onset. For example, the Extremity Constraint Induced Therapy Evaluation (EXCITE) trial was a landmark study that found that constraint-induced therapy improved upper extremity motor function when initiated 3 to 9 months after stroke onset.4 It is in this context that the Locomotor Experience Applied Post-Stroke (LEAPS) trial was initiated. The LEAPS trial focused on improving gait after stroke by comparing 2 different activity-based therapies and 2 different time points. Gait is a priority because it is commonly affected by stroke, gait improvements after stroke are linked to better quality of life,5 and hemiplegic patients rank recovery of gait as their top priority.6 Importantly, gait velocity is linked to level of social participation.7 A typical …
Energy Harvesting Systems to Power Onboard Railroad Equipment

A practical and innovative solution to answer the need for power in freight cars is presented. The lack of available electric power in the vast majority of freight cars limits the use of electronic devices such as measuring (sensor) systems, GPS tracking devices or active RFID tags. An energy harvesting system has been developed to keep a battery charged and electric equipment running. The basic idea is to generate power using the relative motion of the car suspension as an input, scavenging energy that is normally wasted as heat in the damping system. Based on a promising first generation unit used as a proof of concept, the current prototype is designed to fit inside a typical suspension spring (D5) and so, can easily be implemented in virtually any rail car. During laboratory tests, the system is capable of efficiently generating up to 80W of power, on quasi-continuous basis, with a sinusoidal input of 3/8 inch at 2Hz. Durability tests have also been conducted to ensure that the system can withstand the harsh railroad environment. Additionally, actual suspension displacement measurements have been used to replicate real conditions and forge a more precise idea of the behavior that can be expected once implemented in a rail car. With encouraging laboratory tests, the next steps are to further validate the system and to confirm the obtained results with field testing.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Temperature Selection by Striped Bass in a Gulf of Mexico Coastal River System

Abstract Behavior of adult striped bass Morone saxatilis in the Flint River-Lake Seminole portion of the Apalachicola River system was evaluated to determine if temperature preferences differed from those of striped bass from Atlantic coast stocks. Previous research has shown that striped bass native to this Gulf of Mexico river system had higher condition factors, greater longevity, and less weight loss in summer than did introduced Atlantic fish, presumably because the native fish were better adapted to the higher temperatures prevalent in waters of the Gulf region. Radiotelemetry was used to monitor fish distribution and temperature selection from March 1984 to November 1985. Seasonal distribution patterns and influences of water temperature on striped bass behavior were similar to those reported elsewhere for Atlantic striped bass. The fish ranged widely and occurred throughout the 166-km-long study area during fall, winter, and spring. During summer, however, they inhabited spring-fed areas almost ex...
Adaptive Regulation for a Class of Non-Affine Systems using Neural Network Backstepping with Tuning Functions

A backstepping based neural synthesis method is proposed to stabilize a class of non-affine systems, that include non-minimum phase systems as well. The method describes the class of systems in normal form, and uses two neural networks, while previous backstepping methods introduce a neural networks at each backward step. The neural weights are updated using tuning functions, and nonlinear damping terms prevent the functional reconstruction error from propagating to the next backward step. The method does not rely on a fixed-point assumption, nor does it assume that the time derivative of the control effectiveness is bounded (an assumption that is commonly employed when using the mean value theorem). All the signals of the closed-loop system are shown to be uniformly ultimately bounded. Simulation results illustrate the approach.
Importance of aortic baroreflex in regulation of sympathetic responses during hypotension. Evidence from direct sympathetic nerve recordings in humans

Arterial baroreceptors in the carotid sinus and aortic arch regions reflexly regulate heart rate and peripheral vascular responses during changes in arterial pressure. The relative influence of these two arterial baroreflex pathways on the control of these autonomic responses is debatable. Recent studies in our laboratory demonstrate that the aortic baroreflex produces substantial and sustained inhibition of efferent sympathetic nerve activity to muscle (MSNA) during increases in arterial pressure. The regulation of MSNA by these two baroreflexes in humans during hypotension, and particularly the role of the aortic baroreflex, remains undefined. We therefore performed a new series of studies to assess the relative influence of the aortic and carotid baroreflexes on MSNA responses during sustained decreases in arterial pressure. In eight normal male subjects, aged 23 +/- 1 years (mean +/- SEM), we directly measured mean arterial pressure, heart rate, central venous pressure, and MSNA (microneurography) during hypotension (combined aortic and carotid baroreceptor deactivation) produced by intravenous infusion of sodium nitroprusside and during nitroprusside infusion with superimposed application of external neck suction. Neck suction was applied at levels sufficient to maintain transmural carotid sinus pressure above control levels (carotid baroreceptor activation) while the aortic baroreflexes remained deactivated. Central venous pressure was maintained constant with volume infusion. We also studied responses of these same subjects to direct carotid baroreceptor deactivation with the application of external neck pressure. During neck pressure alone, there was a reflex increase in mean arterial pressure; thus, during this portion of the protocol, we achieved carotid baroreceptor deactivation with some aortic baroreceptor activation. Nitroprusside infusion (combined aortic and carotid deactivation) decreased mean arterial pressure from 90.8 +/- 3.1 to 77.8 +/- 1.1 mm Hg (p less than 0.01) with concomitant increases in heart rate from 62.6 +/- 3.0 to 89.7 +/- 6.1 beats/min (p less than 0.001) and in MSNA from 273.8 +/- 43.0 to 950.6 +/- 133.5 units (p less than 0.001). During continued nitroprusside infusion with superimposed neck suction (aortic baroreceptor deactivation and carotid baroreceptor activation), mean arterial pressure decreased to 70.3 +/- 1.9 mm Hg (p less than 0.001 vs. control), heart rate decreased to 82.5 +/- 6.5 beats/min (p less than 0.01 vs. control or vs. nitroprusside alone), but MSNA remained markedly increased at 889.7 +/- 105.1 units (p less than 0.001 vs. control; p = NS vs. nitroprusside alone).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Hartmannella culbertsoni: enzymatic, ultrastructural, and cytochemical characteristics of peroxisomes in a density gradient.

Abstract Isopycnic density gradient centrifugation techniques demonstrated that catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) and urate oxidase (EC 1.7.3.3) had similar distribution patterns with a peak at equilibrium density 1.22 suggesting that both enzymes were associated with a single population of subcellular particles. Catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) was shown cytochemically to be associated with peroxisomes in the sediment of the catalase-rich fractions. Protein showed a bimodal distribution with a soluble peak at density 1.10 and a particulate peak at density 1.20. The particulate protein peak corresponded to the mitochondrial peak. Acid phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2) had an equilibrium density of 1.10. Acid phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2) localization and ultrastructural examination of the acid phosphatase-rich fraction revealed that activity was associated with vacuoles. No primary lysosomes were identified.
Reactive polar precipitation via ether cross-linkage: A new mechanism for solid bitumen formation

Analysis of solid bitumens from the Tengiz Field, Kazakhstan by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy provides evidence for a new reservoir alteration process – reactive polar precipitation via the formation of ether cross-linkages. Solid bitumens, which may occupy >30% of the pore space, were analyzed in situ and as isolated concentrates of the material in vein/fracture-fills or encapsulated within micropores. Their compositions were found to vary greatly, particularly in the amounts of aromatic carbon and in the organic oxygen mostly present in C–O single bond environments. While most solid bitumen in Tengiz reservoir rocks arose from asphaltene precipitates, surfaces are coated with a relatively aliphatic- and oxygen-rich material. Organic sulfur occurs exclusively in aromatic sulfur environments in most samples, while nitrogen is in pyrrolic and pyridinic environments. To account for the average organic composition of solid bitumen, we propose that the coatings are formed by condensation of low-molecular weight polar compounds that are normally soluble in most oils. A likely reaction mechanism involves free radicals, produced by thermally labile non-aromatic sulfur (–SH) forms, reacting with hydroxyls. This reaction results in a release of H2S and the formation of compounds with at least one ether-linkage and multiple heteroatoms within the aromatic cores. Similar reactions are believed to convert the reactive polar precipitate and previously precipitated asphaltenes into toluene-insoluble bitumens. This hypothesis explains the chemical nature of the solid bitumens, accounts for previously reported anomalies in reflectance, and is fully consistent with current geohistory models. Whether this reservoir alteration process occurs outside of the North Caspian Basin is not known, but we suspect that the process occurs elsewhere. Thin coatings of polar precipitates, which may be undetectable by conventional optical microscopy, could have significant impact on reservoir properties, such as surface wetability or mineral diagenesis.
OH, HO2, and ozone gaseous diffusion coefficients.

The diffusion of OH, HO2, and O3 in He, and of OH in air, has been investigated using a coated-wall flow tube reactor coupled to a chemical ionization mass spectrometry. The diffusion coefficients were determined from measurements of the loss of the reactive species to the flow tube wall as a function of pressure. On the basis of the experimental results, DOH−He = 662 ± 33 Torr cm2 s-1, DOH-air = 165 ± 20 Torr cm2 s-1, DHO2-He = 430 ± 30 Torr cm2 s-1, and DO3-He = 410 ± 25 Torr cm2 s-1 at 296 K. We show that the measured values for OH and HO2 are in better agreement with measured values of their polar analogues (H2O and H2O2) compared with measured values of their nonpolar analogues (O and O2). The measured value for OH in air is 25% smaller than that for O (the nonpolar analogue). The difference between the measured value for HO2 and O2 (the nonpolar analogue) in air is expected to be even larger. Also we show that calculations of the diffusion coefficients based on Lennard−Jones potentials are in excell...
Radioactivity of People and Milk: 1957: Measurements of 2200 samples for cesium-137 and potassium-40 levels reveal interesting correlations.

The routine determination of cesium-137 and potassium-40 content of over 2200 samples was accomplished through utilization of one-fifth of the potential capacity of the Los Alamos human counter. Little change in the cesium-137 concentration in people was observed from 1956 to 1957, in spite of the increase in both the rate and the integrated levels of fallout. The correlation of levels in human beings with cesium levels in milk indicates a discrimination factor of 1.8 in this step of the ecological transfer. Precipitation is shown to be an important factor determining the cesium content of milk, but the lack of complete correlation indicates that a more detailed analysis is necessary. Contamination of the troposphere during periods of weapon testing complicates the interpretation, as do seasonal variations.
Interprofessional education accreditation standards in the USA: A comparative analysis

Interprofessional education (IPE) and interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) will play a prominent role in the future of health professions' education and healthcare delivery in the USA and internationally. To assess the accreditation mandate for IPE in the USA, content analysis of IPE-related accreditation statements for all practice-level degrees in dentistry, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, psychology, public health and social work was performed. Eighteen keywords were used to locate potentially relevant IPE statements within each accreditation document. Identified statements were independently categorized by each author into one of three mutually exclusive categories: accountable, non-accountable or non-applicable (κ = 0.79; 95% CI 0.69-0.89). Eighteen of 21 accreditation documents analyzed contained applicable IPE statements. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education documents contained 77% (46/60) of accountable IPE statements. Two-thirds (14/21) of documents contained two or fewer accountable IPE statements. Statement categorization using inductive methodology identified four IPE student competency and organizational structure/process domains, respectively. Collectively, US health professions' graduates are not required to complete IPE and, therefore, may not be prepared for IPCP. US accrediting bodies are encouraged to collaborate to create a common IPE accreditation standard.
Trimethylene isomers and propene: structural and vibrational properties from density functional theory

We present density functional based calculations of the structure and vibrational spectra of cyclopropane, propene and C3H6 diradicals, in singlet and triplet spin configurations. We use the pseudopotential scheme and different approximations for the exchange and correlation functionals, namely local spin density, local spin density plus Becke-Perdew gradient corrections and the gradient-corrected Becke-Lee-Yang-Parr with spin polarization. A critical comparison with first-principles self-consistent field and configuration interaction calculations, when available, as well as with experiment, allows us to establish the good performance of the density functional approaches in describing theme systems and, in particular, the destabilization of the ring structure of cyclopropane.
In vitro culture and maintenance of trophoblastic vesicles: Observations on the development of contractile structures with concurrent vessel development.

Abstract The use of trophoblastic vesicles as a model for the study of maternal recognition of pregnancy, embryo development and cell to cell interaction has increased in recent years. In this report, we describe the long-term culture of trophoblastic vesicles derived from enzymatically dispersed porcine blastocysts. Day 12 to 14 porcine embryos were enzymatically dispersed to form single cell suspensions, then allowed to plate in 25 cm 3 tissue-culture flasks. Vesicles formed 3 to 14 d following plating and ranged in size from 0.1 to 4.0mm in diameter. Vesicles larger than 1.5 mm at formation were able to float free in the medium for up to 65 days, at which time vesicles were histologically sectioned. Contractile elements formed in association with dense cell areas, and were found with tubular vascular vessels. Movement of cells that resembled eosinophilic cells was observed in the vessels and pulsed in synchrony with contractions of the primitive heart. Histological examination gave evidence of primitive blood cells and cardiac tissue, and no evidence of neural tissue was found, indicating the probability that the contractions were induced by permeable membrane depolarization. It is hypothesized from the observations reported in this paper that the cell differentiation required to form the contractile region and the vessel are under the control of the dense cell area. This indicates that trophoblastic vesicles fromed by the enzymatic dispersal of porcine blastocysts is a possible model for the study of induced cell differentiation and formation of the cardiac organ system in vitro.
Examining the impacts of changing land use on biological integrity in streams using Geographical Information Systems and statistical modeling

Land-use activities and land cover of a watershed influence chemical and physical properties of streams which may impact the biota of the aquatic ecosystem. This study was designed to investigate the impacts of the conversion of forests to urbanized land, including construction and development impacts of land use conversion on water quality and biological integrity of streams. Land use and land cover changes, habitat conditions, water quality, and sediment loadings were studied in eleven subwatersheds of the Reedy River Watershed in the South Carolina Piedmont Ecoregion. Physical and chemical datasets and land use data were used as inputs to build a multivariate model using stepwise multiple regression to predict two instream biological dependant metrics, including Biotic Index, Final Bioclassification, and two biotic metrics that measure richness and species composition. Univariate statistical analysis among 25 environmental variables and biological indices indicated that watersheds of stable land use di...
Immunoglobulin G directed against toxins A and B of Clostridium difficile in the general population and patients with antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Abstract Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) class antibodies directed against toxins A and B of Clostridium difficile were studied using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a serum-neutralizing assay based on the MRC-5 tissue cytotoxicity assay. Of 185 individuals, 46 sera (24%) in the general population demonstrated IgG antibody, 36 (19.4%) against toxin A and 15 (8.1%) against toxin B. Antibody titer in the general population did not correlate with serum-neutralizing activity. Antibody prevalence fell with age ( P = 0.58) over 50 years. Six of ten patients with acute primary episodes of C. difficile -associated diarrhea demonstrated antibody in convalescentphase sera, predominantly directed against toxin B. Only two (28%) of seven patients with a history of relapsing C. difficile disease had demonstrable antibody.
Federal Budgeting and Finance in 1991: The Future is Now

The large federal deficits run throughout the 1980s generated concern that we were mortgaging our future. In 1991, the note came due. The potential for aggravating the long-run deficit problem constrained fiscal policy from reacting to the recession. Institutional and partisan conflict and the controls established by the Budget Enforcement Act (BEA) limited responses to a remarkable budgetary opportunity—the dissolution of the Soviet Union—and to a serious budgetary threat—exploding health care costs. The BEA controls were applied rigidly with a few minor exceptions, and credit reform was implemented successfully; on the other hand, Congress and the president made no headway on further deficit reductions even though long-run projections worsened. The agenda-setting role of the president's budget for the fiscal year 1993 diminished, as the document's format was heavily influenced by the upcoming presidential election. In contrast to this mixed record for federal budgeting, progress was made in building a financial management structure and developing accounting standards.
Extrusion and extrudate properties of rice flour

Abstract Rice flour was extruded with a fully intermeshing, corotating twin-screw extruder (APV Baker MPF 50/25). Rice bran was added at levels of 10, 20 and 30%. All treatments were run at screw speeds of 200 and 300 rpm. Both specific energy and product temperature in the metering section decreased with the addition of rice bran and increased at the higher screw speed. Both radial and axial expansion increased at 10% rice bran and decreased at higher levels. Shear strength increased with bran levels over 10% and with the increase in screw speed: Extrudates that contained bran were darker than those that did not. An examination of the puff microstructure showed an increase in structural organization at 10% rice bran and decreased cell size and incomplete cells at higher levels.
Group 10 and Group 12 One-Dimensional Selenodiphosphates: A2MP2Se6(A=K, Rb, Cs;M=Pd, Zn, Cd, Hg)

Abstract The reaction ofM(M=Pd, Zn, Cd, Hg) with a molten mixture ofA2Se/P2Se5/Se produced the quaternary compoundsA2MP2Se6(A=K, Rb, Cs;M=Pd, Zn, Cd, Hg). The crystals ofA2MP2Se6are air- and water-stable. For Cs2PdP2Se6(1): monoclinicC2/c (No. 15) witha=12.9750(4) A,b=8.3282(2) A,c=13.0568(1) A,β=102.940(2)°,Z=4, andR/Rw=6.7/7.5%. K2ZnP2Se6(2), K2CdP2Se6(3), Rb2CdP2Se6(4), and Cs2CdP2Se6(5) are isostructural. Rb2CdP2Se6(4): monoclinicP21/n(No. 14) witha=6.640(1) A,b=12.729(2) A,c=7.778(1) A,β=98.24(1)°,Z=2, andR/Rw=3.7/4.9%. K2HgP2Se6(6) and Rb2HgP2Se6(7), are isostructural. K2HgP2Se6(6): monoclinicP21/c(No. 14) witha=13.031(2) A,b=7.308(2) A,c=14.167(2) A,β=110.63(1)°,Z=4, andR/Rw=5.6/7.1%. Compounds 1–7 contain the ethane-like [P2Se6]4−group. Compound 1 has a one-dimensional structure with Pd2+in square-planar coordination. Compounds 2–5 also have one-dimensional structures related to the TiI3structure type. TheM2+ions and the P–P pairs reside in Se octahedra that share opposite faces in the chain direction. Compounds 6 and 7 have a related one-dimensional structure but with Hg2+in tetrahedral coordination. The solid state single-crystal optical absorption and far-IR spectra of the compounds are reported. Compounds 2–7 melt congruently in the 540–773°C region, whereas 1 melts incongruently.
Energetics of mantle convection and the fate of fossil heat

[1] Reconstructing the thermal history of the Earth, consistent with the low concentration of heat-producing elements in convecting mantle as well as with modest secular cooling required by geological records, has been a major challenge in geophysics and geochemistry. By developing the self-consistent energetics of plate-tectonic mantle convection, we show that the low Urey ratio of convecting mantle can yield a geologically reasonable solution in the thermal evolution model of the Earth. The effect of dehydration on mantle rheology during plate formation with mantle melting results in more sluggish plate tectonics (i.e., lower heat flow) for hotter mantle. This inverse relationship between mantle temperature and surface heat flux leads to the efficient storage of fossil heat, preventing the drastic secular cooling of the Earth.
Time course of auxin stimulations of growth.

Measurements of the time course of growth responses of corn coleoptile sections to pulses of auxin (10−5m indoleacetic acid) establish that the growth rate changes in a regular pattern around the auxin pulse: a latent phase of 12 to 15 minutes is followed by an acceleration of growth rate lasting 15 to 20 minutes, after which a fairly steady rate is maintained. When the auxin source is withdrawn, there is an after-effect of about 15 minutes followed by a decay of growth rate, which reaches 50% decay after a further 15 to 40 minutes. The decay phase appears to be a function of the transport of auxin out of the sections. The 50% decay of growth for single cells is estimated at 30 minutes from the time of withdrawal of an exogenous supply of auxin. The regulation of growth by auxin is rapidly imposed or dissipated as auxin enters and exits, respectively, suggesting a facile association and disassociation of auxin with a growth-limiting site in the cell. It is proposed that the growth-stimulated state is dissipated at once when the transportable auxin has passed out of the cell.
Theory of the angular dependence of light scattered by bacteria and similar-sized biological objects.

Abstract For suspension of randomly oriented, asymmetric particles of slightly irregular shape, reasonably accurate estimates of the light scattering can be computed from simple Rayleigh-Gans theory, even when applied to large objects such as mammalian mitochondria or the most-studied bacteria, Escherichia coli . The calculations apply for elongated particles of diameter less than 1 μ, ranging from two to four times as long with an index of refraction averaging less than 5% greater than the surrounding medium. The simple Rayleigh-Gans approximation works quite well for these large particles because in computing the light scatter it is necessary to average over orientation, asymmetry, heterogeneity in shape, and variations in the minor dimension. These averages tend to minimize the detailed discrepancies that would be found if all particles were perfectly spherical and of the same volume. An order of magnitude discrepancy between the theory and our experimental measurement at high angles is interpreted as resulting from the light scattering from the high index of refraction of the walls of the particles or from the irregular distribution of cell materials. But for these types of biological materials, most of the light is scatttered in nearly the forward direction; and low angle light scattering measurements should yield quite accurately the average volume of the particles.