cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Investigation of the Reliability and Standard Error of Measurement of Words Read Correctly Per Minute Using Curriculum-Based Measurement

Generalizability (G) theory was used with a sample of 37 third-grade students to assess the variability in words correct per minute (WCPM) scores caused by student skill and pas sage variability. Reliability-like coefficients and the SEM based on a specific number of assess ments using different combinations of passages demonstrated how manipulating probe vari ability could reduce measurement error. Results showed that 81 % of the variance was due to student skill, 10% was due to passage or probe variability, and 9% was due to unac counted sources of error. Reliability-like coeffi cients ranged from .81 to .99, and SEMs ranged from 18 to 4 WCPM depending on the number of probes given. When passage vari ability was controlled, SEMs were decreased and ranged from 12 to 4 WCPM. Results indi cated that WCPM scores yield high reliability- like coefficients but also have a large SEM that can be reduced by administering multiple alternate passages. Discussion focuses on con ducting research designed to identify ...
Isospin of the fine structure between 8 and 12 MeV in (208)Pb and its implication for the multipole assignment of the 8.9-MeV resonance

The giant-resonance region between 8 and 12 MeV measured by (e,e') in /sup 208/Pb is disentangled into narrow lines (GAMMA/sub nat/ 1800 keV). The narrow lines at 10.07, 10.60, and 11.37 MeV have an E2 angular distribution, and assumption of ..delta..T = 1 for them explains controversial experimental results of electromagnetic and hadronic experiments. The new analysis makes an assignment for the 8.9-MeV resonance other than monopole difficult to understand.
Rare-gas-cluster explosions under irradiation by intense short XUV pulses

High-intensity, extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) femtosecond interactions with large rare-gas clusters of xenon and argon have been studied at a wavelength of 38 nm. Pulses of XUV radiation with nJ energy are produced by high-order harmonic conversion from a 35-fs, near-infrared, terawatt laser. Mass resolved ion spectra show charge states up to Xe{sup 8+} and Ar{sup 4+}. Kinetic-energy measurements of ions and electrons indicate that a nanoplasma is formed and a hydrodynamic cluster explosion ensues after heating by the short wavelength pulse. It appears that the observed charge states and electron temperatures are consistent with sequential, single-photon ionization and collisional ionization of ions that have had their ionization potential depressed by plasma continuum lowering in the cluster nanoplasma.
Ribosomal RNA synthesis in Volvox.

Abstract Polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and methylated albumin kieselguhr chromatography were used to investigate ribosomal RNA synthesis in the colonial green alga Volvox . In this organism the cytoplasmic ribosomal RNA is synthesized as a transcriptional unit of approximately 2.7 million mol wt. 32 P counts in this precursor molecule can be “chased” into the ribosomal RNA in the presence of actinomycin D. Possible intermediates in the processing of the precursor molecule to the ribosomal RNA are described, and the results are discussed in relation to ribosomal RNA synthesis in other organisms.
An experimental study upon Lepidoptera

The purpose of the present paper is to set forth the results of a large number of experiments, mostly operative, upon the pupm of Lepidoptera. The olojeets in view were 1) to determine the regenerative capacity of different portions of pnpm, 2) to ascertain the characters of graft-unions between different portions of pup,'e, and 3) to inquire into the nature of the internal factors which produce the colors of the imago. The present account is brief, for in spite of the large number of experiments the percentage of sueeessN1 eases was small; and furthermore, even successful eases, as will appear, failed to present many new and interesting facts. The present paper is deemed not untimely, however, on file ground that aside from the positive facts set forth, it emphasizes the limitations rather than the possibilities of the grafting method when applied to highly specialized animals. It may serve, furthermore to point out the direction in which future fruitful experimentation may be extended. Since the appearance of the monographie account of coalescence experiments upon Anura, by Boa~l), in 1896/7, there have appeared several papers dealing with similar experiments upon the same and other animal groups. The Lumbrieidm have been extensively studied
Bandwidth adaptive multimedia streaming for PDA applications over WLAN environment

Network management and bandwidth adaptation are important areas for wireless multimedia streaming applications. We have developed the managed wireless network with bandwidth adaptive media streaming technique for IEEE 802.11x applications. The unique contributions of this project are: (1) a real-time detection of wireless bandwidth change via XML/Java based SNMP system, (2) dynamic adaptation of streaming media to optimize the quality, and (3) coordination and performance optimization among SNMP server, media streaming server, wireless AP points, and wireless clients. Based on this technique, we are able to deliver wireless streaming services adapted to the bandwidth change. The SNMP server, media-streaming server, and wireless AP points are coupled and operated in a well-coordinated fashion. The software implementation was written in the combination of Java, XML and C#. The bandwidth adaptation is user transparent while the media streaming settings are modified on the fly. The experiments are conducted and they confirmed our design.
Acquisition of surgical skills: a randomized trial of didactic, videotape, and computer-based training.

Background: Although computer-based training (CBT) can enhance didactic instruction, few studies have assessed the efficacy of CBT for basic surgical skills training. This study compares CBT with traditional methods of basic surgical skills training. Methods: Sixty-nine naive medical students were randomized into 3 treatment groups for basic surgical skills instruction: didactic, videotape, or CBT. All instructional material contained the same pictures, text, and audio. With use of a multiple-choice question examination and a series of performance stations, students were objectively assessed before, immediately after, and 1 month after skills instruction. Raters were blinded to treatment modality during the follow-up evaluation. Results: There were no significant differences among the groups before treatment. After treatment, the didactic group scored higher on the multiple-choice question examination. In contrast, the videotape and CBT groups demonstrated statistically significant (P < .01) enhancement of technical skills compared with the didactic group. After 1 month, a calculated performance quotient revealed statistically significant (P < .01) improvement only in the CBT group. The amount of time students spent practicing their skills was not significantly different among the groups. Conclusions: CBT is as effective as, and possibly more efficient, than traditional methods of basic surgical skills training for medical students. (Surgery 1999;126:330-6.)
Interoperable Transit Smart Card Systems: Are We Moving Too Slowly or Too Quickly?

The array of institutional factors affecting public transit operators' adoption of interoperable smart cards for regional, multioperator fare collection systems is examined. Although many transit agencies have implemented smart card technologies as stand-alone systems that cannot be used on other systems, others have done so as part of regional partner schemas in which multiple agencies with contiguous or overlapping service areas develop compatible systems. Through a review of the literature and in-depth interviews with industry experts, it was found that whereas interoperable systems have the benefit of allowing riders to use one fare card across multiple operators, such systems have proved difficult to form and coordinate as they require consensus among multiple parties. Four main institutional issues hindering implementation were identified: (a) staff and officials are often hesitant to relinquish local control over fare policies and collection because individual transit agencies are guided by differe...
Proteins binding to duplexed RNA: one motif, multiple functions

Highly structured and double-stranded (ds) RNAs are adaptable and potent biochemical entities. They interact with dsRNA-binding proteins (RBPs), the great majority of which contain a sequence called the dsRNA-binding motif (dsRBM). This ~70-amino-acid sequence motif forms a tertiary structure that interacts with dsRNA, with partially duplexed RNA and, in some cases, with RNA‐DNA hybrids, generally without obvious RNA sequence specificity. At least nine families of functionally diverse proteins contain one or more dsRBMs. The motif also participates in complex formation through protein‐protein interactions.
Constructivism, relativism, and chemical education.

: Whereas most scientists are highly critical of constructivism and relativism in the context of scientific knowledge acquisition, the dominant school of chemical education researchers appears to support a variety of such positions. By reference to the views of Herron, Spencer, and Bodner, I claim that these authors are philosophically confused, and that they are presenting a damaging and anti-scientific message to other unsuspecting educators. Part of the problem, as I argue, is a failure to distinguish between pedagogical constructivism regarding students' understanding of science, and constructivism about the way that scientific knowledge is acquired by expert scientists.
The Comparative Test in Marketing Research and Theory Development

The comparative test has traditionally been viewed as a theoretical and methodological technique that was useful for making rapid advances in the development of marketing as a science. Enthusiasm for the comparative test is rooted in logical empiricism. Unexplored implications for the use of the comparative test in marketing are offered from the sophisticated methodological falsificationist and the social constructionist perspectives. A proposed solution to the problems that are created from using the comparative test in the traditional manner is presented. The solution proposed is relevant to methodology in science in general and should aid research and the development of theory in marketing.
Nonviral Vector Systems

Gene therapy requires efficient vectors for delivering therapeutic genes. Advances in developments of nonviral vectors have been established for improving the efficiency of gene delivery. This chapter describes different nonviral methods as well as their applications. Some new directions in developing nonviral vectors are also discussed.
TM4SF1: a new vascular therapeutic target in cancer

Transmembrane-4 L-six family member-1 (TM4SF1) is a small plasma membrane glycoprotein that regulates cell motility and proliferation. TM4SF1 is an attractive cancer target because of its high expression in both tumor cells and on the vascular endothelial cells lining tumor blood vessels. We generated mouse monoclonal antibodies against human TM4SF1 in order to evaluate their therapeutic potential; 13 of the antibodies we generated reacted with extracellular loop-2 (EL2), TM4SF1’s larger extracellular, lumen-facing domain. However, none of these antibodies reacted with mouse TM4SF1, likely because the EL2 of mouse TM4SF1 differs significantly from that of its human counterpart. Therefore, to test our antibodies in vivo, we employed an established model of engineered human vessels in which human endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFC) and human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are incorporated into Matrigel plugs that are implanted subcutaneously in immunodeficient nude mice. We modified the original protocol by (1) preculturing human ECFC on laminin, fibronectin, and collagen-coated plates, and (2) increasing the ECFC/MSC ratio. These modifications significantly increased the human vascular network in Matrigel implants. Two injections of one of our anti-TM4SF1 EL2 monoclonal antibodies, 8G4, effectively eliminated the human vascular component present in these plugs; they also abrogated human PC3 prostate cancer cells that were incorporated into the ECFC/MSC Matrigel mix. Together, these studies provide a mouse model for assessing tumor xenografts that are supplied by a human vascular network and demonstrate that anti-TM4SF1 antibodies such as 8G4 hold promise for cancer therapy.
Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Intraluminal Thrombus From Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Accurate estimation of the wall stress distribution in an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) may prove clinically useful by predicting when a particular aneurysm will rupture. Appropriate constitutive models for both the wall and the intraluminal thrombus (ILT) found in most AAA are necessary for this task. The purpose of this work was to determine the mechanical properties of ILT within AAA and to derive a more suitable constitutive model for this material. Uniaxial tensile testing was carried out on 50 specimens, including 14 longitudinally oriented and 14 circumferentially oriented specimens from the luminal region of the ILT, and 11 longitudinally oriented and 11 circumferentially oriented specimens from the medial region. A two-parameter, large-strain, hyperelastic constitutive model was developed and used to fit the uniaxial tensile testing data for determination of the material parameters. Maximum stiffness and strength were also determined from the data for each specimen, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted to study the regional microstructural difference. Our results indicate that the microstructure of ILT differs between the luminal, medial, and abluminal regions, with the luminal region stronger and stiffer than the medial region. In all cases, the constitutive model fit the experimental data very well (R 2 >0.98). No significant difference was found for either of the two material parameters between longitudinal and circumferential directions, but a significant difference in material parameters, stiffness, and strength between the luminal and medial regions was determined (p<0.01). Therefore, our results suggest that ILT is an inhomogeneous and possibly isotropic material. The two-parameter, hyperelastic, isotropic, incompressible material model derived here for ILT can be easily incorporated into finite element models for simulation of wall stress distribution in AAA.
Description and perspective of an academic learning experience for a pharmacy practice resident

Abstract Introduction An elective academic learning experience was designed for a pharmacy practice resident who was also enrolled in a teaching certificate program. The resident’s responsibilities focused on the three domains of a full-time faculty position. Description As part of a Veterans Affairs Medical Center PGY-1 residency program, a six-week learning experience in academia was incorporated based on the interests and goals of a pharmacy practice resident. The learning experience, first offered in Spring 2010, was modified for a 2011–2012 resident to expand and refine the skills of academia. There were a variety of experiences, including didactic teaching, small group facilitation, service requirements through committees, and scholarship activities for publication. Conclusion This learning experience benefited a pharmacy practice resident through additional skills and knowledge of the three domains of teaching, service, and scholarship while preparing for an academic position.
Examining The Text Demands Of High-interest, Low-Level Books

ABSTRACT This study analyzed the word-, sentence-, and passage-level demands of high-interest, low-level books in a manner consistent with an interactive model of reading comprehension. Cases consisted of three randomly selected passages from sixty different books. Cases were analyzed across five variables: high-frequency words, decodable words, sentences, T-units, and coherence. A cluster analysis was performed on the 180 cases. Resulting clusters were compared to hypothetical cluster profiles that were created a priori. The principal finding was that these books vary in their profiles of characteristics across the five variables in relation to different reading instructional approaches. Two clusters were found to be written in accordance with readability formulas, and three other clusters were found to support differing models of reading instruction. Implications for book selection, materials development, and instruction are discussed.
Acyl glucuronides revisited: is the glucuronidation process a toxification as well as a detoxification mechanism?

(1992). Acyl Glucuronides Revisited: Is the Glucuronidation Proces a Toxification as Well as a Detoxification Mechanism? Drug Metabolism Reviews: Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 5-47.
A mathematical model simulating disease treatment: S.L.E.

A model of B-lymphocyte stimulation and associated antibody production is used to simulate treatment and the course of Systematic lupus erythematosis (SLE). Some of the most severe symptoms of the disease are thought to be consequences of the production of antibody against our own DNA(SLE is an "autoimmune" disease). Treatment consists of minimizing organ damage by suppressing the production of antibody (by suppressing all the components of the immune response) and maintaining the patient in a stable condition. The effect of treatment in use and the existence of a stable equilibrium is demonstrated in the model.
Near-tip fields and intensity factors for interfacial cracks in dissimilar anisotropic piezoelectric media

A complete form of stress and electric displacement fields in the vicinity of the tip of an interfacial crack, between two dissimilar anisotropic piezoelectric media, is derived by using the complex function theory. New definitions of real-valued stress and electric displacement intensity factors for the interfacial crack are proposed. These definitions are extensions of those for cracks in homogeneous piezoelectric media. Closed form solutions of the stress and electric displacement intensity factors for a semi-infinite crack as well as for a finite crack at the interface between two dissimilar piezoelectric media are also obtained by using the mutual integral.
Chronic gynecological conditions reported by US women: findings from the National Health Interview Survey, 1984 to 1992.

OBJECTIVES. This study sought to describe prevalence rates of chronic gynecological conditions and correlates of these conditions in a representative sample of US women. METHODS. National Health Interview Survey data from 1984 through 1992 for women aged 18 to 50 were used. RESULTS. The estimated annual prevalence rate for the reported presence of one or more gynecological conditions was 97.1 per 1,000 women. Menstrual disorders were most common, with an annual prevalence rate of 53.0 per 1,000 women. Adnexal conditions and fibroids were the next most common conditions, with rates per 1,000 women of 16.6 and 9.2, respectively. Prolapse, endometriosis, and fibroids were the conditions most likely to lead to hysterectomy within the year prior to the interview. More than three quarters (77.1%) of women with gynecological conditions had talked with a doctor in the previous year concerning their condition, and 28.8% reported spending 1 or more days in bed in the previous year because of their condition. CONCLU...
Encoding and recall of texts: The importance of material appropriate processing

Abstract A consistent recent finding in the memory literature is that processing activities have different effects across different types of texts. The present research attempted to substantiate and explore a material appropriate processing framework ( McDaniel, Einstein, Dunay, & Cobb, 1986 ) for understanding these effects. The central features of this framework are: (a) high recall occurs when subjects encode both relational and individual-item information and (b) different types of materials and processing activities encourage encoding of different types of information. Consequently, a processing activity should be effective to the extent that it encourages processing of the type of information that is not sufficiently invited by the stimulus material. Past tests of this framework were limited to one instance of a relational task and one instance of an individual-item task. The first experiment demonstrated that the framework applies to other tasks—ones that bear little surface relationship to previously used tasks. The second experiment showed that the mnemonic benefits of material appropriate processing activities persist over a one-week delay and indicated that relational processing may be especially beneficial for long-term retention. The third experiment examined the relation between degree of difficulty of a material appropriate task and memory. The results indicated that increases in difficulty beyond some moderate level have no, and possibly even negative, effects on memory. Taken together, the results support and clarify a material appropriate processing perspective.
Acetazolamide impairment of the transfer of infused K from extracellular to intracellular fluid.

Abstract In intact dogs K loaded by infusion with 2 mEq KC1/kg/hr, treatment with acetazolamide produces both a profound kaluresis and a marked impairment of the animal's ability to transfer the infused K to intracellular fluid. The impairment is unrelated to kaluresis, since it is substantially the same in nephrectomized animals. Neither does the impairment stem fromacetazolamide induced acid- osis - there is a similar fall of blood pH in untreated control animals in which there is brisk transmembrane K transfer of infused K; and the ability to transfer K is relatively unimpaired in nephrectomized dogs rendered acidotic by HCl administration. Acetazolamide is an effective therapeutic and prophylactic agent in the treatment of hypokalemic periodic paralysis; the results of the present investigation suggest a possible explanation of its therapeutic efficacy.
Classes and mixins

While class-based object-oriented programming languages provide a flexible mechanism for re-using and managing related pieces of code, they typically lack linguistic facilities for specifying a uniform extension of many classes with one set of fields and methods. As a result, programmers are unable to express certain abstractions over classes.In this paper we develop a model of class-to-class functions that we refer to as mixins. A mixin function maps a class to an extended class by adding or overriding fields and methods. Programming with mixins is similar to programming with single inheritance classes, but mixins more directly encourage programming to interfaces.The paper develops these ideas within the context of Java. The results are 1. an intuitive model of an essential Java subset; 2. an extension that explains and models mixins; and 3. type soundness theorems for these languages.
Effects of alloxan induced diabetes on the feeding patterns of rats.

Abstract Chronic diabetes was induced in albino rats through the injection of alloxan. After an initial decline in food intake lasting a few days, meal size increased steadily for 2–3 weeks, while meal frequency remained very near to preinjection levels. When food intake again stabilized, rats were eating meals 2–3 times as large as those they ate prior to injection. Similarities to the feeding patterns of hypothalamic hyperphagic rats are discussed.
Gendered Racial Socialization of African American Mothers and Daughters

African American girls face unique challenges in identity development, and African American mothers have the unique task of preparing them to face racism and sexism. This study examines specific so...
High‐pressure phase transition in Mn2O3: Application for the crystal structure and preferred orientation of the CaIrO3 type

[1] Our X-ray diffraction measurements reveal that Mn2O3 undergoes a phase transition to the CaIrO3 type, which is proposed for the post-perovskite in MgSiO3, at 27–38 GPa and 300 K, bypassing the other phase transitions observed in sesquioxides. Small distortions in the polyhedra after the transition indicate that the Jahn-Teller effect, which is strong at ambient conditions, is suppressed during the transition. The CaIrO3-type phase exhibits strong preferred orientation of the (010) plane perpendicular to the loading axis before annealing whereas preferred orientation of the (100) and (110) planes was observed after annealing. The pre-annealing texture may result from either the deformation under strong differential stresses or the phase transition. The post-annealing texture may be related to either lower differential stresses or thermal annealing. Our result shows that the texture of the CaIrO3 type can be sensitive to phase transition and annealing as well as differential stresses.
Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and quantitative cell biology

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) analyzes fluctuations in fluorescence within a small observation volume. Autocorrelation analysis of FCS fluctuation data can be used to measure concentrations, diffusion properties, and kinetic constants for individual fluorescent molecules. Photon count histogram analysis of fluorescence fluctuation data can be used to study oligomerization of individual fluorescent molecules. If the FCS observation volume is positioned inside a living cell, these parameters can be measured in vivo. FCS can provide the requisite quantitative data for analysis of molecular interaction networks underlying complex cell biological processes.
Physicians’ attitudes and reported practices toward smoking intervention

The objective of this study was to examine differences in the attitudes and reported practices toward smoking intervention of 224 internal medicine, family practice, and surgical physicians from one medical school faculty. Most internists and family practice physicians reported intervening with their patients who smoke, whereas only 50% of surgeons reported intervening with their patients who smoke. Each of the physician groups attached a high degree of importance to smoking cessation in patients with various chronic diseases. Physicians reported that they were most likely to intervene in the smoking habits of young patients, those with reversible disease, those who were receptive to intervention, and with those who had made previous quit attempts. The three obstacles identified by the various physician groups most related to the delivery of quit smoking intervention included the amount of time involved, patient receptivity, and associated lifestyle problems. The results of this study suggest differences among physician specialties in their intervention efforts with smokers and those factors related to the delivery of stop smoking advice. Further reinforcement of specific physician specialty groups for the important role of physicians in assisting their patients to stop smoking remains.
The efficacy of divalproex sodium in the prophylactic treatment of children with migraine.

Objective.—To determine the beneficial use of divalproex sodium as a prophylactic treatment for migraine in children. Background.—Previous studies for treatment of migraine in adults have shown a greater than 50% reduction in migraine attack frequencies. Few data exist, however, regarding the efficacy and safety of divalproex sodium use in children with migraine. Methods.—We studied the incidence of headache relief in our patients with migraine aged 16 years and younger treated with divalproex sodium prophylactically at our institution from July 1996 to December 1998 to determine medication dosage used, concomitant headache medications, and possible adverse effects. Results.—A total of 42 patients, ranging in age from 7 to 16 years (mean age, 11.3 years), were treated with divalproex sodium for headache. All had a history of migraine with or without aura. Baseline headache frequency during a minimum 6-month period was one to four headaches per month. Divalproex sodium dosage ranged from 15 mg/kg/day to 45 mg/kg/day. Of the 42 patients, 34 (80.9%) successfully discontinued their abortive medications. After 4 months' treatment, 50% headache reduction was seen in 78.5% of patients, 75% reduction in 14.2% of patients, and 9.5% of patients became headache-free. Conclusion.—These results indicate divalproex sodium to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for the prophylaxis of migraine in children.
The contribution of osteoarthritis to functional limitations and disability

This article uses the Disablement Model conceptual framework to guide an analysis of the importance of osteoarthritis (OA) in the development of disability. The Disablement Model describes the development and progression of disablement from impairments to specific functional limitations and disability, and the hypothesized role of predisposing risk factors, extra-individual factors, and intra-individual factors. A wide range of population and clinical studies have characterized the unequivocal contribution of arthritis to the development of functional limitations and disability. Evidence overwhelmingly supports a significant, moderate independent contribution of arthritis to the onset and progression of functional limitations and disability. With respect to important risk factors for the development of functional limitations and disability among those with OA, the evidence provides strong support for the role of physical impairments along with other predisposing and intra-individual factors such as age, body mass index, obesity, lack of exercise, comorbid conditions, depression, and depressive symptoms. Extra-individual factors included need for aids and assistance, and lack of access to public or private transportation. Future disablement research must clarify the causal mechanisms behind a potential risk factor's impact on disability and delineate the interplay between and among the various hypothesized steps in the disablement process.
Letter by Raikhelkar and Scurlock Regarding Article, “Determinants of Surgical Outcome in Patients With Isolated Tricuspid Regurgitation”

To the Editor: We applaud Kim et al1 for addressing the importance of determining the preoperative risk factors of clinical outcomes in patients after isolated tricuspid valve surgery. The authors concluded that the preoperative hemoglobin level and right-ventricular end-diastolic area were independent determinants of clinical outcomes. This …
Myocardial apoptosis and ischemic preconditioning.

Necrosis and apoptosis are two forms of cell death in the myocardium that have been associated with ischemia and reperfusion. Although it has been well documented that necrosis, as a major form of myocyte cell death, rapidly leads to a destruction of a large group of cells after myocardial ischemia and reperfusion, the induction of apoptosis in myocardium, primarily triggered during reperfusion, may independently contribute to the extension of cell death (i.e. infarction) in a dynamic manner. Ischemic preconditioning (IP), an endogenous protective mechanism rapidly evoked by a brief period of ischemia, is recognized for its protection in limiting myocardial necrosis, but has also shown a profound inhibition in apoptosis. While much research has been done on the reduction of necrosis by IP, there remains no clear understanding of the time course of inhibition of apoptosis by IP after long-term reperfusion. In this review, we will show the time course of necrosis and apoptosis during reperfusion, focus on the role of apoptosis in the extension of lethal myocyte injury, and summarize the potential mechanisms involved in reducing apoptosis by IP. 'Classic' or 'early' IP has been shown to reduce apoptosis in part by inhibiting inflammatory cell activation and altering the expression of anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins as well as protein kinase C activity. It remains unknown, however, whether delayed IP participates in the attenuation of apoptosis in addition to necrosis. The demonstration of a 'window of opportunity' in inhibiting apoptosis by IP will provide new directions in research investigating mechanisms underlying myocyte cell death during reperfusion, and translate this information into new treatment approaches for reducing the extent of ischemia/reperfusion injury.
E-government: key success factors for value discovery and realisation

As many public sector organisations are either planning for or implementing major e-government projects, there is a growing need to understand how these projects can be successfully managed for maximum realisation of their potential benefits. This paper proposes that the value of e-government needs to be managed by increasing the potential value and reducing the associated risks with public sector nuances in mind. We identify and discuss six reusable key success factors that can help maximise the e-government value by studying successful local, state and federal e-government solutions in the USA. We explain why these key success factors are appropriate for e-government initiatives in light of the specific needs of government organisations and summarise the results with a framework for e-government value discovery and realisation.
The place of Intal in paediatric practice.

Correct diagnosis of childhood asthma is essential for appropriate management. Precipitating factors, such as exercise or allergens, should be identified, and drugs prescribed as appropriate. β-agonists are employed in children with mild episodic asthma. In children with moderate asthma, sodium cromoglycate is the first-line agent. Ketotifen and other antihistamines appear to have only a very weak antiasthmatic effect. Theophyllines are sometimes useful, but must be used with care because of side-effects. Inhaled corticosteroids are effective and necessary in those with severe disease. Successful management also depends on good compliance and appropriate patient monitoring.
How Not to Lie with Statistics: Avoiding Common Mistakes in Quantitative Political Science

This article identifies a set of serious theoretical mistakes appearing with troublingly high frequency throughout the quantitative political science literature. These mistakes are all based on faulty statistical theory or on erroneous statistical analysis. Through algebraic and interpretive proofs, some of the most commonly made mistakes are explicated and illustrated. The theoretical problem underlying each is highlighted, and suggested solutions are provided throughout. It is argued that closer attention to these problems and solutions will result in more reliable quantitative analyses and more useful theoretical contributions.
An editing method for computer-assisted ambulatory ECG review systems

Abstract Editing of computer-assisted ambutatory ECG reviews is critical for accuracy and quantification of the arrhythmias present. This may be time consuming for high arrhythmia content types or tapes with noise interference. A system that combines probit analysis and principle components transformation coupled with maximum likelihood decision theory, through identification of the complexes most subject to classification error in the initial review process and by correcting residual errors automatically, can decrease the number of complexes which need to be overread by a human editor. Probit analysis assigns a statistically derived value, a z value, to complexes classified as normal sinus or ventricular premature complexes. This permits the grouping of complexes for which the likelihood of being normal sinus or ventricular premature is high and a group which has a greater likelihood of being incorrectly classified. This latter group can be shown to the human editor for verification or correction of classification. The complexes undergo principle components transformation which describes the QRS by a set of derived components. When a classification is approved or changed by the human editor, the computer, utilizing maximum likelihood decision rules, moves ahead in the tape to correct the classification of the remaining unedited complexes on the basis of the similarity of their principle components profile to the edited ones. The system reduced total errors, false positive or false negative, to less than one percent in all of the high arrhythmia and noise content tapes used for this study.
Gabapentin suppresses spasticity in the spinal cord-injured rat.

Spasticity poses a major detrimental impact on the quality of life in a significant number of people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Recent observations in our laboratory sug- gest that spinal transection at the sacral S2 level induces a significant increase in glutamatergic input to sacrocaudal motoneurons during the time spasticity is present in the tail muscles. The present study examined the efficacy of gaba- pentin, an agent that has been shown to reduce glutamate release, in managing spasticity within the tail musculature. Method: In this blinded, crossover study adult Sprague- Dawley rats with S2spinal transections were tested behaviorally for the progression of spasticity in the tail musculature using our established system. When the animals demonstrated a sig- nificant level of spastic behavior (e.g. increased response to quick stretch, noxious and non-noxious cutaneous stimuli), they received either saline or the antiepileptic agent gabapentin (GBP; 50 mg/kg i.p.) and were assessed behaviorally and elec- trophysiologically at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h post-injection. Results: Both spastic behavior and electromyography (EMG) activity were significantly decreased at 1 and 3 h post- GBP injection when compared with the activity level following administration of saline. Spastic behavior and EMG activity gradually increased over time and returned to baseline activity by 24 h post-injection. Conclusion: Gabapentin diminishes both the behavioral and electrophysiological manifestation of SCI-induced spastic- ity, in the tail musculature, in a time dependent manner. © 2007 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Microstructure of Agglomerates of Nanometer Particles

The microstructure of an agglomerate can be characterized by the coordination number. The relationship between the fractal dimension and the coordination number of agglomerates of nanometer particles was investigated in experiments and computer simulations. The results for silver agglomerates formed by laser ablation agreed well with the simulations. The coordination number is low for low density fractals because of the large fraction of surface particles which have fewer bonds. The sensitivity of the coordination number to the fractal dimension increases with increasing fractal dimension.
Percutaneous Lavage as Primary Treatment for Infected Pancreatic Necrosis

Background The classic treatment of infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is surgical debridement and drainage. This study reviews our experience with nonoperative percutaneous catheter drainage and serial lavage as primary treatment in patients with IPN. Study Design Between 1993 and 2009, a prospective nonselected series of 63 consecutive patients with microbiologically confirmed IPN were enrolled with the intent of treating them nonoperatively, and they were retrospectively analyzed. Catheters were placed percutaneously in the interventional radiology (IR) suite, and were used to lavage and debride the necrosis 1-3 times per week. The lavages continued on an outpatient basis by IR, and the catheters were removed with disease resolution. Results One patient rapidly became unstable and had to be taken primarily for open debridement. In the remaining 62 patients, 57 survived, for an overall mortality rate of 8%. Fifty patients were treated solely with percutaneous lavage, and 47 survived. Mean hospital length of stay was 61 days, ranging from 6 to 190 days. Mean length of outpatient treatment was 42 days, ranging from 3 to 180 days. Mean number of lavages was 21, ranging from 11 to 75. Eleven patients (18%) deteriorated during percutaneous treatment and required laparotomy, and 9 of these survived. One patient treated percutaneously resolved his sepsis but had a persistent pancreatic fistula and was managed with pancreaticojejunostomy. Conclusions Percutaneous catheter drainage and serial lavage are an effective alternative to open surgical debridement in patients with IPN. Overall survival is excellent, and most patients avoid the morbidity of open debridement. A minority of patients deteriorate, but most of those can be salvaged with open drainage.
Activated mutants of SHP-2 preferentially induce elongation of Xenopus animal caps.

In Xenopus ectodermal explants (animal caps), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) evokes two major events: induction of ventrolateral mesodermal tissues and elongation. The Xenopus FGF receptor (XFGFR) and certain downstream components of the XFGFR signal transduction pathway (e.g., members of the Ras/Raf/MEK/mitogen-activated protein kinase [MAPK] cascade) are required for both of these processes. Likewise, activated versions of these signaling components induce mesoderm and promote animal cap elongation. Previously, using a dominant negative mutant approach, we showed that the protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 is necessary for FGF-induced MAPK activation, mesoderm induction, and elongation of animal caps. Taking advantage of recent structural information, we now have generated novel, activated mutants of SHP-2. Here, we show that expression of these mutants induces animal cap elongation to an extent comparable to that evoked by FGF. Surprisingly, however, activated mutant-induced elongation can occur without mesodermal cytodifferentiation and is accompanied by minimal activation of the MAPK pathway and mesodermal marker expression. Our results implicate SHP-2 in a pathway(s) directing cell movements in vivo and identify potential downstream components of this pathway. Our activated mutants also may be useful for determining the specific functions of SHP-2 in other signaling systems.
Characterizing environmental impact statements for road projects in North Carolina, USA

We evaluate consistency and patterns among a 20-year sample of EISs for road projects in North Carolina, USA. Applying multivariate statistical methods, we find substantial variation in reporting of project and site characteristics, the EIS process itself, and types and definitions of impacts. We find a relationship between environmental impacts and bio-physical or geographic factors. The relationship between predicted environmental impacts and economic factors suggests more environmental impacts occur, or are identified, in high-income counties. Variables describing public involvement and completeness are associated mainly with the number of residential relocations required. Farmlands potentially impacted are reported inconsistently and are not reliable for comparison, so rural environmental impacts may be seriously underestimated.
Dietary protein influences acid-base balance in sedentary horses

Summary The objective of this study was to evaluate acid-base balance of sedentary horses fed 2 levels of dietary protein to determine if protein intake influences acid-base balance. Ten horses of Thoroughbred type were randomly assigned to 2 daily rations with different overall protein concentrations (7.5% low protein [LP] and 12% high protein [HP]). Their rations consisted of 3 meals of a LP or HP concentrate along with grass hay (timothy/orchard grass). Horses were fed to maintain body weight and condition. They were housed in box stalls during the day and turned out in a dry lot at night over an 8-week period. Body weights, body condition score, and venous blood samples were taken every 2 weeks. Plasma was analyzed for total protein, albumin, creatinine, urea-N, pH, lactate, potassium (K+), sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl−), and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2). Bicarbonate, strong ion difference (SID), and total weak acids (Atot) were calculated. Diets did not have differences in dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD); however, protein intake was different. Horses fed the LP diet had lower urea-N (P = .001), higher blood pH (P = .037), and higher HCO3− (P = .011) compared with the HP group. The LP group had higher SID at the last sampling period (P = .029) and higher K+ at day 42 (P = 0.011). No difference was found for body weight or body condition score. No differences due to diet were found for plasma total protein, albumin, creatinine, lactate, Na+, Cl−, pCO2, and Atot. The difference in pH appeared dependent on SID, with no effect of pCO2 or Atot on pH; however, this may not completely explain the lower pH in the HP group. Since there was no difference in DCAD between the diets, the effect on acid base may be due to dietary protein intake. Excess intake of protein results in oxidation of amino acids and an overall amino acid imbalance that contributes to the acid load and lowering of blood pH as observed in this study.
Measurements of enhanced film condensation utilizing a porous metallic coating

Condensation experiments are performed on vertical isothermal porous metallic-coated plates which are immersed in saturated steam containing noncondensable gas at atmospheric pressure. The experimental results of a porous-coated plate system demonstrate as much as a 200% increase in heat flux (represented by an average Nusselt number) as compared to the experimental data of a plain copper surface. A comparison of the experiments with a theoretical model based on porous/fluid composite condensation that has been previously published shows relative agreement. The results of this investigation highlight the potential that exists for enhanced condensation when a porous metallic coating is utilized.
The Overlapping angB and angG Genes Are Encoded within the trans-Acting Factor Region of the Virulence Plasmid in Vibrio anguillarum: Essential Role in Siderophore Biosynthesis

Products encoded in the trans-acting factor (TAF) region are necessary for the biosynthesis of anguibactin and for maximal expression of iron transport and biosynthesis genes in the plasmid-encoded iron-scavenging system of Vibrio anguillarum. Here we identify angB, a locus located in the TAF region, which encodes products essential for anguibactin biosynthesis. We demonstrate that a 287-amino-acid polypeptide, encoded by angB and designated AngB, has an isochorismate lyase activity necessary for the synthesis of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, an anguibactin biosynthesis intermediate. Complementation of various angB mutations provided evidence that an additional, overlapping gene exists at this locus. This second gene, designated angG, also has an essential biosynthetic function. The angG gene directs the expression of three polypeptides when overexpressed in Escherichia coli, all of which are translated in the same frame as AngB. The results of site-directed mutagenesis and in vivo phosphorylation experiments suggest that the carboxy-terminal end of AngB and the AngG polypeptide(s) function as aryl carrier proteins involved in the assembly of the anguibactin molecule. Our results also show that the regulatory functions of the TAF are encoded in a region, TAFr, which is distinct from and independent of the angB and angG genes.