cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How do healthcare professionals working in accountable care organisations understand patient activation and engagement? Qualitative interviews across two time points.

Objective If patient engagement is the new ‘blockbuster drug’ why are we not seeing spectacular effects? Studies have shown that activated patients have improved health outcomes, and patient engagement has become an integral component of value-based payment and delivery models, including accountable care organisations (ACO). Yet the extent to which clinicians and managers at ACOs understand and reliably execute patient engagement in clinical encounters remains unknown. We assessed the use and understanding of patient engagement approaches among frontline clinicians and managers at ACO-affiliated practices. Design Qualitative study; 103 in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Participants Sixty clinicians and eight managers were interviewed at two established ACOs. Approach We interviewed healthcare professionals about their awareness, attitudes, understanding and experiences of implementing three key approaches to patient engagement and activation: 1) goal-setting, 2) motivational interviewing and 3) shared decision making. Of the 60 clinicians, 33 were interviewed twice leading to 93 clinician interviews. Of the 8 managers, 2 were interviewed twice leading to 10 manager interviews. We used a thematic analysis approach to the data. Key results Interviewees recognised the term ‘patient activation and engagement’ and had favourable attitudes about the utility of the associated skills. However, in-depth probing revealed that although interviewees reported that they used these patient activation and engagement approaches, they have limited understanding of these approaches. Conclusions Without understanding the concept of patient activation and the associated approaches of shared decision making and motivational interviewing, effective implementation in routine care seems like a distant goal. Clinical teams in the ACO model would benefit from specificity defining key terms pertaining to the principles of patient activation and engagement. Measuring the degree of understanding with reward that are better-aligned for behaviour change will minimise the notion that these techniques are already being used and help fulfil the potential of patient-centred care.
Mechanics of the Thoracic Aortic Wall

The study of the mechanical processes that occur within the aorta—both healthy and diseased—from an engineering perspective is rapidly progressing. Understanding the exact biomechanical processes that underlie aortic disease, such as aortic aneurysm, dissection, and rupture, is a critical supplement to clinical studies of the natural history of these diseases. Engineering analysis promises to enhance management and timing of surgical intervention. In this chapter we discuss the current understanding of the mechanics of the thoracic aorta and thoracic aortic aneurysm based on in vivo and ex vivo studies. We address also the clinical application of engineering insights and their significance for surgical decision-making.
Formative assessment practices and children’s singing accuracy: A mixed methods inquiry:

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to determine the effect of formative assessment strategies on second grade students’ singing accuracy and to examine how music educators planned for and ...
Modification of the surface chemistry of activated carbon and its influence on methylene blue adsorption

The adsorption behavior of activated carbons is determined not only by their porous structures but also by the chemical nature of its surface. The surface chemistry of activated carbons can be selectively modified in order to improve their adsorption capacity. In this study, a NORIT granular activated carbon was treated by oxidant (HNO 3 ) and non-oxidant acid (HCI) at different concentrations and temperatures. The surface chemistries of the materials were characterized by Boehm titration method and by the determination of the point of zero charge (pH PZC ).The adsorption properties of the selected samples were studied by adsorption of methylene blue, which is one of the important dyes and found in many textile effluents. In addition, the pore structures of the modified carbons were also studied by argon adsorption at 87.29 K. As results, it was observed that both HN0 3 and HCI treatments could increase the surface acidity of activated carbons. Activated carbons modified by HCI gave the best performance on the adsorption of methylene blue. Keywords: Activated Carbon, Surface Chemistry, Chemical Treatment, Boehm Titration Method, Adsorption Abstrak Kemampuan adsorpsi karbon akti.ftidak hanya ditentukan oleh struktur pori tetapijuga dipengaruhi oleh sifat kimia dari permukaannya. Sifat kimia permukaan karbon aktif dapat secara selektif dimodifikasi dengan tujuan untuk lebih meningkatkan kapasitas adsorpsinya. Pada penelitian ini, karbon aktif NORIT granular ditreatment dengan menggunakan asam oksidator (HNO) dan non-oksidator (HCI) pada berbagai konsentrasi dan suhu. Sifat kimia permukaan karbon aktif dikarakterisasi dengan menggunakan metode titrasi Boehm serta dengan penentuan point of zero charge (pH PZC ). Kemampuan adsorpsinya diuji dengan mengadsorp larutan methylene blue, dimana methylene blue merupakan salah satu komponen dalam limbah tekstil. Sedangkan struktur pori karbon aktif dianalisa dengan adsorpsi Ar pada suhu 87,29 K. Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa baik treatment dengan HNO 3 maupun HCI dapat mengakibatkan terjadinya peningkatan sifat asam pada permukaan karbon aktif. Karbon aktif yang diberi perlalatan dengan HCI memberikan kemampuan adsorpsi yang paling baik dalam adsorpsi larutan methylen biru. Kata Kunci: Karbon Aktif, Sifat Kimia Permukaan, Perlakuan dengan Larutan Kimia, Metode Titrasi Boehm, Adsorpsi
Fluoride Adsorption on Porous Hydroxyapatite Ceramic Filters: A Study of Kinetics

Batch kinetic tests and continuous-flow column experiments were conducted to study fluoride adsorption on porous hydroxyapatite ceramics. Batch tests showed that fluoride uptake occurred faster for...
Impact of sarcopenia on mortality in patients undergoing liver re-transplantation.

BACKGROUND Sarcopenia, which is a loss of skeletal muscle mass, has been reported to increase post-transplant mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing the first liver transplant. Cross-sectional imaging modalities typically determine sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis by measuring core abdominal musculatures. However, there is limited evidence for sarcopenia related outcomes in patients undergoing liver re-transplantation (re-OLT). AIM To evaluate the risk of mortality in patients with pre-existing sarcopenia following liver re-OLT. METHODS This is a retrospective study of all adult patients who had undergone a liver re-OLT at the University of Nebraska Medical Center from January 1, 2007 to January 1, 2017. We divided patients into sarcopenia and no sarcopenia groups. "TeraRecon AquariusNet 4.4.12.194" software was used to evaluate computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the patients done within one year prior to their re-OLT, to calculate the Psoas muscle area at L3-L4 intervertebral disc. We defined cutoffs for sarcopenia as < 1561 mm2 for males and < 1464 mm2 for females. The primary outcome was to compare 90 d, one, and 5-year survival rates. We also compared complications after re-OLT, length of stay, and re-admission within 30 d. Survival analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Continuous variables were evaluated with Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Categorical variables were evaluated with Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS Fifty-seven patients were included, 32 males: 25 females, median age 50 years. Two patients were excluded due to incomplete information. Overall, 47% (26) of patients who underwent re-OLT had sarcopenia. Females were found to have significantly more sarcopenia than males (73% vs 17%, P < 0.001). Median model for end stage liver disease at re-OLT was 28 in both sarcopenia and no sarcopenia groups. Patients in the no sarcopenia group had a trend of longer median time between the first and second transplant (36.5 mo vs 16.7 mo). Biological markers, outcome parameters, and survival at 90 d, 1 and 5 years, were similar between the two groups. Sarcopenia in re-OLT at our center was noted to be twice as common (47%) as historically reported in patients undergoing primary liver transplantation. CONCLUSION Overall survival and outcome parameters were no different in those with and without the evidence of sarcopenia after re-OLT.
Living Alone During COVID-19: Social Contact and Emotional Well-Being among Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 outbreak and associated physical distancing measures altered the social world for most older adults, but people who live alone may have been disproportionately affected. The current study examined how living alone was associated with daily social contact and emotional well-being among older adults during the pandemic. METHOD: Adults (N = 226) aged 69+ completed a brief survey assessing their living situation, social contact with different social partners (in person, by phone, electronically), and emotions during the morning, afternoon and evening the prior day. RESULTS: Older adults who live alone were less likely to see others in person or to receive or provide help. Living alone was associated with more positive emotions concurrent with in-person contact. In contrast, phone contact was associated with higher levels of negative affect among those living alone, but not among those who live with others. Older adults who live alone were more likely to have contact with friends (rather than family). DISCUSSION: Findings suggest older adults who live alone may be more reactive to social contact during the COVID-19 outbreak than older adults who reside with others. In-person contact may confer distinct benefits not available via telephone contact, suggesting that possible interventions during the pandemic may work best with safe forms of in-person contact, possibly with non-family members.
Letter from the Editors: Special Issue on “Effects of Coronavirus on International Business”

In this article, AIB Insights’ editors introduce their Special Issue focusing on effects of COVID-19 on international business policies and strategies. The seven articles published in this issue provide key insights for navigating international business during this pandemic.
On Contention-based 2-step Random Access Procedure

In wireless communication, random access procedure is initialized before a user equipment(UE) starts a data transmission. The traditional random access procedure, which is called 4-step Random Access channel(RACH), includes two times of interaction between base station(BS) and UE. In this contribution, a simplified random access procedure named 2-step RACH has been introduced, which requires only one interaction between BS and UE, and thus can provide benefits in terms of signaling overhead, power consumption and latency. The basic concept of 2-step RACH, as well as the quantitative analysis compared with 4-step RACH are illustrated in details. In order to alleviate the inter-user interference caused by asynchronous non-orthogonal data transmissions, advanced receiver such as, multi-window Minimum Mean Square Error Successive Interference cancellation(MMSE-SIC) is proposed to achieve better Packet Drop Rate(PDR) performance for multi-user detection.
Earwigs (Labidura riparia) mimic rotting-flesh odor to deceive vertebrate predators.

Many insects repel predators with caustic chemicals, while insects mimicking odors of wastes/dead in- sects to fool predators have not been documented. We found that the shore earwig, Labidura riparia (Dermaptera: Labiduridae) when bitten by anole lizards, Anolis carolinenesus, spits a rotting-flesh odor that deceives these insectivores into rejecting prey. Once a lizard attacked and rejected an earwig, the lizard did not attack another earwig duringseveral weeksdespiteconsuming other prey, indicating associativelearningafteronetrial.Thefetidodorwasfoundin the head-prothorax containing salivary glands of both male and female earwigs and was comprised of ∼100 ng dimethyl disulfide and ∼600 ng dimethyl trisulfide. Nymphs had <5 ng of either compound. Adults also spit odorous sulfides after prolonged attacks by harvester ants, Pogonomyrmex rugosus, who were only deterred by the earwig's forceps. Sulfides re- leased by the earwig are similar to odors of carrion/feces, which may be innately repulsive to some vertebrate predators. The meaninitial dischargepercentage(IDP) ofsulfides froma cohort of earwigs was 62 %; however, IDPs of individuals were highly variable (3-99 %; mean 57 %). The discharge refill time (DRT) to refill 50 % of the earwig' sa llomone res- ervoir was estimated at 13 h. A positive relationship in sulfide amounts with bodyweightwas foundonlyinfemales in2009, suggesting metabolic cost tradeoffs were revealed when sul- fide content was half that in 2010. This is the first report of insects releasing sulfur-containing compounds that may mim- ic carrion-fecal odors asa deceptive defense against vertebrate predators.
Penicillin residues in milk following subconjunctival injection of procaine penicillin G.

Subconjunctival injection of procaine penicillin G is used to treat infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis. The purpose of this project was to find out how long pencillin can be detected in milk after a single 1 ml bulbar subconjunctival injection of procaine penicillin G.
Peroxidase Isozymes from Horseradish Roots II. CATALYTIC PROPERTIES

This report describes the catalytic properties of seven homogeneous peroxidase isozymes. The catalytic properties of each isozyme were determined in a peroxidatic reaction with the use of o-dianisidine as the substrate, and in an oxidatic reaction with the use of oxalacetate as the substrate. Each isozyme was capable of catalyzing the oxidation of both substrates and they exhibited identical cofactor requirements. The time course for each isozyme was identical except for Isozyme A-3, which was inactivated rapidly in the peroxidatic reaction. Isozymes A-1, A-2, and A-3 possessed similar catalytic properties and were classified into one group. The remaining isozymes, B, C, D, and E, also possessed similar catalytic properties and were classified into another group. The two groups of isozymes, however, showed marked differences in pH optima, specific activities, apparent Km values, and affinity toward inhibitors.
Scandal and Silence: Media Responses to Presidential Misconduct, by Robert M. Entman

With all the talk of change in American journalism these days, it is almost comforting to hear that some things remain the same. Robert Entman has been one of the foremost scholars of American news...
Conversion of Wine Strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Heterothallism.

A general method to convert homothallic strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to heterothallism is described which is applicable to genetically well-behaved diploids, as well as to strains that sporulate poorly or produce few viable and mating-competent spores. The heterothallic (ho) allele was introduced into three widely used wine strains through spore × cell hybridization. The resultant hybrids were sporulated, and heterothallic segregants were isolated for use in successive backcrosses. Heterothallic progeny of opposite mating type and monosomic for chromosome III produced by sixth-backcross hybrids or their progeny were mated together to reconstruct heterothallic derivatives of the wine strain parents. A helpful prerequisite to the introduction of ho was genetic purification of the parental strains based on repeated cycles of sporulation, ascus dissection, and clonal selection. A positive selection to isolate laboratory-wine strain hybrids requiring no prior genetic alteration of the industrial strains, coupled with a partial selection to reduce the number of spore progeny needed to be screened to isolate heterothallic segregants of the proper genotype made the procedure valuable for genetically intractable strains. Trial grape juice fermentations indicated that introduction of ho had no deleterious effect on fermentation behavior.
Cultures of Collaboration in Media Research

My goal in this paper is to offer some provisional thoughts on the SSRC’s effort to build a “culture of collaboration” between academic researchers and the media reform/media justice communities. Broadly speaking, our program tried to make the field better at producing and utilizing research in the service of public‐interest policy agendas, and more generally in support of a more diverse and participatory public sphere. The centerpiece of this effort was the “Collaborative Grants in Media and Communications” project, through which we funded some 44 research partnerships between 2006 and 2008.
Human dendritic cells exhibit a pronounced type I IFN signature following Leishmania major infection that is required for IL-12 induction.

Leishmania major–infected human dendritic cells (DCs) exhibit a marked induction of IL-12, ultimately promoting a robust Th1-mediated response associated with parasite killing and protective immunity. The host cell transcription machinery associated with the specific IL-12 induction observed during L. major infection remains to be thoroughly elucidated. In this study, we used Affymetrix GeneChip (Affymetrix) to globally assess the host cell genes and pathways associated with early L. major infection in human myeloid-derived DCs. Our data revealed 728 genes were significantly differentially expressed and molecular signaling pathway revealed that the type I IFN pathway was significantly enriched. Addition of a neutralizing type I IFN decoy receptor blocked the expression of IRF7 and IL-12p40 during DC infection, indicating the L. major–induced expression of IL-12p40 is dependent upon the type I IFN signaling pathway. In stark contrast, IL-12p40 expression is not elicited by L. donovani, the etiological agent of deadly visceral leishmaniasis. Therefore, we examined the gene expression profile for several IFN response genes in L. major versus L. donovani DC infections. Our data revealed that L. major, but not L. donovani, induces expression of IRF2, IRF7, and IFIT5, implicating the regulation of type I IFN–associated signaling pathways as mediating factors toward the production of IL-12.
Role of RAS2 in recovery from chronic stress: effect on yeast life span.

Abstract The replicative life span ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaewas previously shown to be modulated by the homologous signal transducers Ras1p and Ras2p in a reciprocal manner. We have used thermal stress as a life span modulator in order to uncover functional differences between theRASgenes that may contribute to their divergent effects on life span. Chronic exposure of cells throughout life to recurring heat shocks at sublethal temperatures decreased their replicative life span.ras2mutants, however, suffered the largest decrease compared to wild-type andras1mutant cells. The decrease was correlated with a substantial delay in resumption of budding upon recovery from these heat shocks, indicating an impaired renewal of cell cycling. Detailed analysis of gene expression showed that, during recovery,ras2mutants were selectively impaired in down-regulation of stress-responsive genes and up-regulation of growth-promoting genes. Our results suggest that one of the functions ofRAS2in maintaining life span, for whichRAS1does not substitute, is to ensure renewal of growth and cell division after bouts of stress that cells encounter during their life. This activity ofRAS2is effected by the cyclic AMP pathway. Overexpression ofRAS2,but notRAS2ser42which is deficient in the activation of adenylate cyclase, completely reversed the effect of chronic stress on life span. Thus,RAS2is limiting for longevity in the face of chronic stress. SinceRAS2is known to down-regulate stress responses, this demonstrates that for longevity the ability to recover from stress is at least as important as the ability to mount a stress response.
Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice: Examining the Unique Mental Health Needs of Girls

This study investigated the prevalence of mental health problems among girls who are involved in child welfare or juvenile justice systems. The sample consisted of 1,193 girls ranging in age from 4 to 18, the majority (82.3%, n = 982) of which were older than age 12. Differences based on race/ethnicity and developmental age groups were examined. Consistent with other research, this study found that the mental health needs of girls involved in the child welfare or juvenile justice systems are several times higher than in the general population. Intervention approaches must be developed that take into consideration differences in gender, age, and racial and ethnic group.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE DIPLOCOCCI OCCURRING IN EPIDEMIC CEREBRO-SPINAL MENINGITIS AND POSTERIOR BASIC MENINGITIS

The study carried out and recorded in this paper did not lead to the finding of any reliable criteria of difference between strains of Diplococcus intracellularis obtained from typical cases of epidemic meningitis and several cultures obtained from cases of posterior basic meningitis. The successful experiments made with monkeys show that the diplococcus obtained from cases of posterior basic meningitis is capable of setting up rapidly and acutely fatal forms of meningitis and in producing organic lesions of the cerebral tissues of great severity. This study would, therefore, suggest that the antimeningitis serum should be as useful in cases of posterior basic meningitis so-called, as it has been in epidemic meningitis, especially if it were employed early in the disease.
Almost periodic solutions for some higher-order nonautonomous differential equations with operator coefficients

Abstract In this paper, we make extensive use of the well-known Schauder fixed point principle and the exponential stability of the evolution family involved to study and obtain the existence of almost periodic mild solutions to some classes of nonautonomous higher-order differential equations with operator coefficients in a separable infinite dimensional complex Hilbert space. To illustrate our main result, we study and obtain the existence of an almost periodic mild solution to a wave equation with fractional damping.
Reduced Densities of Ectosymbiotic Worms (Annelida: Branchiobdellida) on Reproducing Female Crayfish

Abstract Cleaning symbioses provide net benefits by improving each partner's fitness. Ectosymbiotic Cambarincola spp. (branchiobdellidans) can increase growth and survival of Cambarus chasmodactylus (New River Crayfish), but the nature of the symbiosis might change with female reproductive state because brooding offspring (eggs, young) and worms inhabit the same surfaces. Here, we present the results of field surveys that examined whether the number and location of branchiobdellidans on New River Crayfish varies as a function of female crayfish reproductive state. Reproducing female New River Crayfish had fewer total worms, an absence of cocoons, and a relatively greater proportion of worms on lateral body surfaces than non-reproducing crayfish. The altered distribution and reduced abundance of worms suggest that the symbiosis changes with female reproductive status, but additional experiments will be needed to identify the mechanism responsible.
Facilitating Historical Discussions Using Asynchronous Communication: The Role of the Teacher

This study examines the effectiveness of asynchronous communication in facilitating historical discussions among adolescents, with a specific focus on the ways in which teachers can affect this process. Threaded discussion board posts and teacher-student email correspondence from a five-week American history summer course are analyzed and triangulated with interview and observational data as part of a single case study. Using a social constructivist framework, the results suggest that the students in this particular course did not critically engage in discussions of a historical nature and often relied on unsubstantiated opinions that rarely challenged preexisting or canonical notions of history. The results also suggest that the teacher's actions or lack thereof may have contributed to the perfunctory social experience that students received. Although this study only serves as one example of K-12 e-learning, the findings offer implications for teaching and learning social studies within online environments.
Assessing the Cardiac Toxicity of Chemotherapeutic Agents: Role of Echocardiography

Advancements in cancer treatment have resulted in sufficient survival length for patients to experience treatment-related cardiac complications. In particular, chemotherapy-induced cardiac dysfunction significantly impacts morbidity and mortality rates in cancer patients. The presence of cardiotoxicity from chemotherapy has been traditionally assessed using clinical symptoms and decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, in this indication, LVEF lacks accuracy as a measure of subclinical cardiotoxicity and its prognostic value is controversial. There is an emphasis to identify subclinical and left ventric- ular dysfunction early, in order to allow cancer patients and their physicians to make informed decisions about therapeu- tic options. Echocardiography is a readily available non- invasive tool to measure cardiac function and plays a major role in the diagnosis of cardiotoxicity. This review focuses on the role of echocardiography in detecting cardiotoxicity, and will discuss conventional and more recent echocardio- graphic approaches for assessing subclinical cardiotoxicity.
Sample Mass Effects on Thermal Field-Flow Fractionation Retention and Universal Calibration

Abstract The effect of sample mass on retention in thermal field-flow fractionation (FFF) can be large, becoming more important as the molecular weight increases. Greater retention with increased sample mass is observed beginning at the detection limit of 0.1 μg of polystyrene in tetrahydrofuran (THF) with higher molecular weight material. Empirical equations have been developed to correct for changes in calibration parameters for the thermal FFF universal calibration curves due to the sample mass effect on polymer retention for polystyrene, polymethylmethacrylate, and polyisoprene in THF.
Fluxon Coupling in Dual Thin Films

The coupling force for an isolated fluxon which extends through two thin films is calculated in the thin-film approximation. When the distance between centers of the fluxon in the two films is $R$, the force of attraction is ${F}_{c}=(\frac{{\ensuremath{\varphi}}_{0}}{{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{0}})[\frac{{d}_{1}{d}_{2}}{({d}_{1}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{2}^{2}+{d}_{2}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{1}^{2})}]{A}_{\frac{d}{{\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{2}}}(R)$; ${A}_{\frac{d}{{\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{2}}}(R)$ is the vector potential describing the magnetic field distribution of a fluxon in a film for which $\frac{d}{{\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{2}}$ has the effective value $\frac{({d}_{1}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{2}^{2}+{d}_{2}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{1}^{2})}{{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{1}^{2}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{2}^{2}}$. The film thicknesses are ${d}_{1}$ and ${d}_{2}$, the penetration depths are ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{1}$ and ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{2}$, and ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}_{0}$ is the flux quantum. The result is obtained by using a simple superposition principle, and is valid when ${d}_{1}\ensuremath{\ll}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{1}$, ${d}_{2}\ensuremath{\ll}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{2}$, the fluxon core radii are much less than $\frac{2{\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{2}}{d}$, and the separation between the films is small compared to ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{1}$ or ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{2}$.
Cytoskeletal protein immunoexpression in fetal neural grafts: Distribution of phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated neurofilament protein and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2)

The present study examined the immunocytochemical expression of important cytoskeletal proteins within the neurons of an extended series of neocortical grafts and smaller group of ventral mesencephalic (nigral) grafts. Using antibodies that were directed at all three neurofilament (NF) epitopes, NF-L, NF-M, and NF-H, we attempted to determine whether these neurons would have an altered cytoskeletal profile following the stress of transplantation, because previous studies have shown such changes following ischemia or direct brain injury. We studied phosphorylated NF protein, which is found predominantly in axons, nonphosphorylated NF protein, which is found predominantly in the somata-dendritic compartment, and MAP-2, a specific microtubule marker that is localized exclusively in the somato-dendritic compartment. The results show that in all neocortical grafts examined, both phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated NF immunoexpression was significantly downregulated and appeared only in relatively few axons and somatic profiles, respectively, even though there were numerous Nissl-stained neuronal profiles in the grafts. There was no particular pattern to the immunopositive profiles. At later times occasional neuronal profiles were positive for phosphorylated NF protein, suggesting a reaction to cellular injury. In contrast to neocortical grafts, the cytoskeletal profiles of MAP-2 and phosphorylated NF protein in nigral grafts appeared very similar to age-matched control although the nonphosphorylated NF protein expression did appear somewhat lessened at 1–2 mo postoperative. Because cytoskeletal proteins play important roles in neuronal size, shape, and structural stability, they may subserve key cellular issues in neural grafting. These results show a significant loss of cytoskeletal protein expression in neocortical grafts that does not occur in nigral grafts. These results suggest that fetal neurons from different brain regions (i.e., graft source) may respond differently to the grafting procedure insofar as their cytoskeletal makeup is concerned. In addition, a potential lack of appropriate growth substrates or synaptic contacts may also produce cytoskeletal alterations. As such, the cytoskeletal protein profiles in central nervous system (CNS) grafts may be useful markers for functional performance, perhaps reflecting a degree of cellular injury.
Electroanalgesia in urologic surgery

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was employed to reduce postoperative pain in 40 patients who had either radical nephrectomy, radical prostatectomy, or implantation of an inflatable penile prosthesis. These patients used 68 per cent less pain medication and made 84 per cent fewer requests for meperidine hydrochloride (Demerol) injections than did 40 control patients who had similar surgical procedures. The TENS units were easy to use, and there were no complications to electroanalgesia. The TENS program also was costeffective. TENS provided a simple, safe method of reducing postoperative pain in the three surgical procedures tested. Electroanalgesia may have application in other types of urologic surgery, and TENS should be particularly useful in patients who have outpatient surgery.
Ring location in cyclopropane fatty acid esters by a mass spectrometric method

Ring location in cyclopropane fatty acid esters is accomplished simply and unequivocally with submilligram samples. The technique involves reductive ring opening with platinum catalyst and hydrogen in glacial acetic acid, to give a mixture of branched-chain and straight-chain acid esters. The sample is analyzed with a combination gas chrmatograph-mass spectrometer. Examination of the spectra obtained from the mixture of branched-chain acid esters permits assignment of the position of the methyl groups, and hence of the ring in the parent compound.
Synthesis of cyclic oligomers from histidine-derived building blocks using dynamic combinatorial chemistry.

Histidine-derived hydrazide acetal monomers (3-dimethoxymethylbenzoyl)-l-histidine methyl ester 1 and (3-dimethoxymethylbenzoyl)-τ-benzyl-l-histidine methyl ester 2 were prepared from a histidine methyl ester and a τ-benzyl-histidine methyl ester by N-acylation with 3-(dimethoxymethyl)benzoic acid (3) followed by hydrazinolysis. Acid-promoted hydrolysis of each acetal hydrazide initially produced a library of cyclic oligomers that eventually converted to a cyclic dimer. The cyclic dimers 12 and 22 were spectroscopically characterized and found to direct their imidazole-bearing sidechains outward (exo). No evidence for templating the cyclic oligomers was observed using various metal ions and anionic substrates. The average of pKa1 and pKa2 of dimer 12 was determined by potentiometric titration to be 6.6. Dimer 12 was found to catalyze the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenylacetate 10 times faster than 4-methyl imidazole.
Effect of epidermal growth factor on expression of transforming growth factor-β1 mRNA in stellate reticulum cells of rat mandibular molars

Cultured stellate reticulum cells isolated from rat mandibular molars respond to incubation in EGF by increasing their level of expression of TGF-beta 1 mRNA. Northern blots showed that incubation in EGF for 6 hours stimulated over a two-fold increase in TGF-beta 1 mRNA in the cells. In contrast, incubating the cells in TGF-beta 1 did not enhance the expression of TGF-beta 1 mRNA in the cells, indicating that TGF-beta 1 does not have an autocrine effect on these cells. Immunocytochemistry showed that EGF receptor was present on the surface of many but not all of the cultured stellate reticulum cells. Because EGF does stimulate premature eruption of teeth, it is possible that its effect on the stellate reticulum region of the enamel organ would be to stimulate synthesis of TGF-beta 1 mRNA which, in turn, could lead to increased synthesis of TGF-beta 1 by these cells. The cells do contain the TGF-beta 1 protein as revealed by immunocytostaining. The newly synthesized TGF-beta 1 may exert its effect on the adjacent dental follicle to either initiate the onset of the cellular events of tooth eruption or to increase the secretion of extracellular matrix proteins by the follicle for formation of the periodontal ligament.
Neutron star disk formation from supernova fall-back and possible observational consequences

We have examined a simple model for gravitational fall-back of supernova ejecta to estimate the effect of delayed fall-back on pulsar activity from the central neutron star. Direct dimensional arguments suggest that a Kepler disk will be created with a mass of the order of 10−5 M⊙ for the probable initial magnetic fields and rotation rates. It has already been argued that such a disk would be required for pulsar action. The disk expected to be formed by fall-back is, at first, too distant to favour pulsar action. We therefore predict a neutron star disk that may be detectable when the nebula around SN1987A clears, although the same model also suggests that the pulsar action might not at first be taking place. Because this disk should be composed of the same sort of shocked and highly processed matter that presently maintains the supernova light curve through radioactive heating, the disk should be hot and luminous, thereby providing a point power-law optical source in the nebula. Thus, observational possibilities include: (1) observation of thermal radiation from the disk, (2) observation of X-rays from a transient episode of accretion on to the neutron star, and (3) a delayed turn-on of the pulsar.
Schoolyard Geology as a Bridge between Urban Thinkers and the Natural World.

ABSTRACT Students who have a strong urban place-identity may perceive the natural world differently from many geoscience instructors. These urban thinkers have less experience in the natural world and are more comfortable in built environments. They may have subtle differences in cognitive and spatial skill development, interest level in the natural environment, comfort with field experiences, and possible fears of outdoor settings. Curriculum is more effective at reaching urban thinkers when it accounts for these differences. Since urban thinkers are more comfortable in the built environment, short excursions on campus or in the schoolyard can be a bridge between settings familiar to urban thinkers and geologic processes important for the study of geosciences. These mini–field experiences provide opportunities for students to ask questions about the world around them, especially if emphasis is placed on the physical processes that shape the urban landscape. Once students are familiar with the observation...
Early to late switch in bacteriophage T7 development: No translational discrimination between T7 early messenger RNA and late messenger RNA

Cell-free protein-synthesizing systems from uninfected and bacteriophage T7 infected Escherichia coli F− cells synthesized T7 early proteins, T7-specific RNA polymerase and T7 ligase, as well as one of the late proteins, T7 lysozyme, when directed by T7 early mRNA and late mRNA, respectively. In addition to the fact that the cell-free system from uninfected cells synthesized late proteins, no translational discrimination against early mRNA in favor of late mRNA was detected in the cell-free systems from T7 infected cells taken late in T7 infection. Therefore, the functional decay of T7 early mRNA occurring after the shut-off of its synthesis, as reported by us previously, seems sufficient to explain the preferential synthesis of late proteins late in T7 infection in the presence of both chemically stable early mRNA and newly-synthesized late mRNA without necessitating translational control.
How attributes of the feedback message affect subsequent feedback seeking: The interactive effects of feedback sign and type.

In the current study, we examined the interactive effects of feedback type and sign on feedback-seeking behaviour, as well as the moderating role of regulatory focus. Using a behavioural measure of feedback seeking, we demonstrated a strong interaction between feedback type and sign, such that individuals subsequently sought the most feedback after they were provided with negative process feedback. Additionally, results suggested that an individual's chronic regulatory focus has implications for his or her feedback seeking behaviour. Overall, our results emphasised the value of negative process feedback, which arguably provides the most diagnostic information for behaviour adjustment and performance improvement.
Scattering automorphisms of the Dirac field

The principal mathematical problem considered is the unitary implementability of the scattering automorphisms of the field algebra for time-dependent external field perturbations of the quantum Dirac field. An alternative notion of particle excitations in perturbed Fock representations is also presented; it is quite generally applicable. The particle excitations proposed clearly separate the problem of the evolution of the vacuum state from the problem of determining how particles scatter in the presence of a time-dependent external field. The new particle excitations make definite predictions for scattering amplitudes. (RWR)
Moral Emotions & Unethical Bargaining: The Differential Effects of Empathy and Perspective Taking in Deterring Deceitful Negotiation

Two correlational studies tested whether personality differences in empathy and perspective taking differentially relate to disapproval of unethical negotiation strategies, such as lies and bribes. Across both studies, empathy, but not perspective taking, discouraged attacking opponents’ networks, misrepresentation, inappropriate information gathering, and feigning emotions to manipulate opponents. These results suggest that unethical bargaining is more likely to be deterred by empathy than by perspective taking. Study 2 also tested whether individual differences in guilt proneness and shame proneness inhibited the endorsement of unethical bargaining tactics. Guilt proneness predicted disapproval of false promises and misrepresentation. Empathy did not predict disapproval of false promises when guilt proneness was included in the analysis. The comparatively private nature of the sin of false promises suggests that private ethical breaches are more likely to be deterred by anticipated guilt, while ethical breaches with clear interpersonal consequences are more likely to be deterred by empathy.
Consummate solution to the problem of classical electromagnetic scattering by an ensemble of spheres. II: Clusters of arbitrary configuration

The order-of-scattering approach developed earlier [Opt. Lett. 13, 90 (1988)] and applied there to the case of linear chains of spheres is extended to the more difficult problem of scattering by clusters of spheres, the centers of which no longer need lie on a common axis. To help establish the validity of this most general calculation, comparisons are made between theoretical and experimental results for triangular and tetrahedral arrays of spheres. We also perform calculations based on an older method that requires the inversion of matrices, and we find that for the cases considered here the order-of-scattering method is substantially faster.
The Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act and supplements: dietary and nutritional supplements need no more regulations.

The Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 was intended to ensure consumer access to safe dietary supplements, e.g., herbs, minerals, and vitamins. It granted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considerable enforcement authority to regulate dietary supplement industry. This article discusses relevant components of the DSHEA, explains the division of regulatory responsibilities between the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and refutes the often cited allegation that the herb and dietary supplement industry are unregulated.
Using modified soy protein to enhance foaming of egg white protein.

BACKGROUND: It is well known that the foaming properties of egg white protein are significantly reduced when a small amount of yolk is mixed in the white. To improve foaming properties of yolk-contaminated egg white protein, soy protein isolate (SPI) and egg proteins were modified to make basic proteins, and effects of these modified proteins on egg white foaming were evaluated in a model and an angel cake system. RESULTS: SPI and egg yolk proteins were modified to have an isoelectric point of 10, and sonication was used to increase protein dispersibility after the ethyl esterification reaction. However, only the addition of sonicated and modified SPI (SMSPI) showed improvement of foaming in the 5% egg protein model system with 0.4% yolk addition. SMSPI was then used in making angel food cake to examine whether the cake performance reduction due to yolk contamination of the white would be restored by such alkaline protein. Cake performance was improved when cream of tartar was used together with SMSPI. CONCLUSION: Basic soy protein can be made and used to improve egg white foaming properties and cake performance. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Interfaces between alumina and platinum: Structure, bonding and fracture resistance

Abstract Various diffusion bonded interfaces have been produced between Pt and either sapphire or polycrystalline Al 2 O 3 . The structure, bonding and fracture resistance of these interfaces have been examined, as well as the influence of intervening silicate phases, both amorphous and crystalline. It is found that the intrinsic fracture resistance Γ i of the Pt/sapphire interface is high, especially when Pt has an epitaxial orientation with respect to the sapphire. The fracture resistance is substantially degraded by amorphous silicate phases at the interface, even when discontinous, but is not adversely influenced by crystalline silicates. By contrast, the silicate phase enhances the diffusion bonding and facilitates formation of void-free bonds. This duality ih the role of silicates is a major feature of this article.
Comparison of three methods for estimating the sea level rise effect on storm surge flooding

Two linear methods, including the simple linear addition and linear addition by expansion, and numerical simulations were employed to estimate storm surges and associated flooding caused by Hurricane Andrew for scenarios of sea level rise (SLR) from 0.15 m to 1.05 m with an interval of 0.15 m. The interaction between storm surge and SLR is almost linear at the open Atlantic Ocean outside Biscayne Bay, with slight reduction in peak storm surge heights as sea level rises. The nonlinear interaction between storm surges and SLR is weak in Biscayne Bay, leading to small differences in peak storm surge heights estimated by three methods. Therefore, it is appropriate to estimate elevated storm surges caused by SLR in these areas by adding the SLR magnitude to storm surge heights. However, the magnitude and extent of inundation at the mainland area by Biscayne Bay estimated by numerical simulations are, respectively, 22–24 % and 16–30 % larger on average than those generated by the linear addition by expansion and the simple linear addition methods, indicating a strong nonlinear interaction between storm surge and SLR. The population and property affected by the storm surge inundation estimated by numerical simulations differ up to 50–140 % from that estimated by two linear addition methods. Therefore, it is inappropriate to estimate the exacerbated magnitude and extent of storm surge flooding and affected population and property caused by SLR by using the linear addition methods. The strong nonlinear interaction between surge flooding and SLR at a specific location occurs at the initial stage of SLR when the water depth under an elevated sea level is less than 0.7 m, while the interaction becomes linear as the depth exceeds 0.7 m.
Probing the mechanistic and energetic basis for the Weak-Link approach to supramolecular coordination complexes

Through the Weak-Link Synthetic Approach, the unsymmetric hemilabile ligand, 1,4-bis(2-diphenylphosphinoethoxy)naphthalene (7), has been used to prepare binuclear Rh(I) macrocycles in a two-step fashion. The intermediate structure, [(μ2,η1:η4:η1-(1,4-bis(2-(diphenylphosphino)ethoxy)naphthalene))2Rh2][BF4]2 (8), and several macrocyclic complexes, [(μ2-1,4-bis(2-(diphenylphosphino)ethoxy)naphthalene)2Rh2(CH3CN)4][BF4]2 (9), [(μ2-1,4-bis(2-(diphenylphosphino)ethoxy)naphthalene)2Rh2(CO)6][BF4]2 (10), and [(μ2-1,4-bis(2-(diphenylphosphino)ethoxy)naphthalene)2(CO)2Rh2(CH3CN)2][BF4]2 (11), are reported herein. Additionally, the mononuclear Rh(I) complexes, [(η1:η4:η1-1,4-bis(2-(diphenylphosphino)ethoxy)naphthalene)Rh][BF4] (12) and [(η1:η1-1,4-bis(2-(diphenylphosphino)ethoxy)naphthalene)(CO)Rh(CH3CN)][BF4] (13), were isolated and fully characterized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction structures of 8, 9 (cis-, anti-), 11, and 12 were determined. 2-D solution NMR studies and the solid-state crystal structures of 8 ...
An unlikely sugar substrate site in the 1.65 Å structure of the human aldose reductase holoenzyme implicated in diabetic complications

Aldose reductase, which catalyzes the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-dependent reduction of a wide variety of aromatic and aliphatic carbonyl compounds, is implicated in the development of diabetic and galactosemic complications involving the lens, retina, nerves, and kidney. A 1.65 angstrom refined structure of a recombinant human placenta aldose reductase reveals that the enzyme contains a parallel beta 8/alpha 8-barrel motif and establishes a new motif for NADP-binding oxidoreductases. The substrate-binding site is located in a large, deep elliptical pocket at the COOH-terminal end of the beta barrel with a bound NADPH in an extended conformation. The highly hydrophobic nature of the active site pocket greatly favors aromatic and apolar substrates over highly polar monosaccharides. The structure should allow for the rational design of specific inhibitors that might provide molecular understanding of the catalytic mechanism, as well as possible therapeutic agents.