cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple Chronic Conditions Explain Ethnic Differences in Functional Outcome Among Patients With Ischemic Stroke.

Background and Purpose: Mexican Americans (MAs) have worse stroke outcomes and a different profile of multiple chronic conditions (MCC) compared with non-Hispanic White people. MCC has implications...
Modeling the Effects of Machine Rigidities on Joint Work Strategies

One of the challenges in designing resilient human-machine systems is that machine capabilities are inherently rigid. A resilient joint cognitive system can anticipate and adapt to changing work de...
An Alternative Hemostatic Dressing: Comparison of CELOX, HemCon, and QuikClot

Objectives: Uncontrolled hemorrhage remains a leading cause of traumatic death. Several topical adjunct agents have been shown to be effective in controlling hemorrhage, and two, chitosan wafer dressing (HemCon [HC]) and zeolite powder dressing (QuikClot [QC]), are being utilized regularly on the battlefield. However, recent literature reviews have concluded that no ideal topical agent exists. The authors compared a new chitosan granule dressing (CELOX [CX]) to HC, QC and standard dressing in a lethal hemorrhagic groin injury. Methods: A complex groin injury with transection of the femoral vessels and 3 minutes of uncontrolled hemorrhage was created in 48 swine. The animals were then randomized to four treatment groups (12 animals each). Group 1 included standard gauze dressing (SD); Group 2, CX; Group 3, HC; and Group 4, QC. Each agent was applied with 5 minutes of manual pressure followed by a standard field compression dressing. Hetastarch (500 mL) was infused over 30 minutes. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded over 180 minutes. Primary endpoints included rebleed and death. Results: CX reduced rebleeding to 0% (p < 0.001), HC to 33% (95% CI = 19.7% to 46.3%, p = 0.038), and QC to 8% (95% CI = 3.3% to 15.7%, p = 0.001), compared to 83% (95% CI = 72.4% to 93.6%) for SD. CX improved survival to 100% compared to SD at 50% (95% CI = 35.9% to 64.2%, p = 0.018). Survival for HC (67%) (95% CI = 53.7% to 80.3%) and QC (92%; 95% CI = 84.3% to 99.7%) did not differ from SD. Conclusions: In this porcine model of uncontrolled hemorrhage, CX improved hemorrhage control and survival. CELOX is a viable alternative for the treatment of severe hemorrhage.
FLAT PLATE COLLECTOR DYNAMIC EVALUATION

ABSTRACT Three flat plate collectors were tested over a one year period to quantify the mean collector transmittance-absorptance product and the mean collector heat loss coefficient. These parameters in conjunction with the critical insolation provide a means of evaluating the collector performance over the dynamic range of insolation received. The collector performance is seen to follow the relative values of the transmitter-absorptance product to heat loss coefficient ratio.
Cyclic Response Prediction for Braced Steel Frames

An experimental and analytical investigation of the behavior of structural steel frames with K-braces subjected to severe cyclic loadings simulating seismic effects is described. The hysteretic behavior of a one-half scale three-story test frame is modeled analytically. Good agreement between the experimental and calculated results is shown to be possible provided the cyclic behavior of individual braces is accurately formulated. A development of a refined empirical brace model for this purpose is outlined.
Evolving therapies for multiple sclerosis.

The introduction of immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive agents for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) has forever altered the natural course of this incurable and disabling neurodegenerative disorder. Despite early diagnosis of relapsing‐remitting MS and early initiation of therapy, patients still experience breakthrough relapses and progression of their underlying MS pathology. The imperfect effectiveness, side effects, and toxicity of these agents, emphasize the necessity for development of more effective medications with less adverse events. This chapter presents readers with the most current information on the nature, mechanism(s) of action, and side effects of the most promising experimental agents currently under clinical trials. Some of the agents now at different stages of clinical trial have emerged as both safe and promising. The understanding of MS etiology will lead to the development of increasingly specific, safer, and effective treatments for MS by neuroscientists and neurologists.
Preparation and selective hydrolysis of acetal esters

Medium chain length aldehydic acids and esters (C8-C13) were synthesized by ozonolysis of readily available cyclic and straight chain alkenoate esters followed by rearrangement or reduction of the ozonide. The acetal esters, prepared by reaction of the aldehydic acids with CH3OH-HC1, were characterized by gas liquid chromatography, proton magnetic resonance, carbon magnetic resonance, thin layer chromatography, and infrared analysis. Selective hydrolysis of the acetal esters to aldehyde esters was conveniently accomplished with H2O-HC1-CH3CN to give 95% or higher yields in less than 30 min. Development of this simple and effective hydrolysis procedure allows these medium chain length esters to be safely stored as their acetal esters, which retards their oxidation, trimerization, and decomposition.
Support and alkali promotion effects on the surface chemistry of nickel/silica catalysts

Abstract The characteristics of the support as well as the method of addition of alkali species were found to affect the adsorptive properties of a series of nickel and nickel-potassium catalysts supported on silica. Strong suppression of hydrogen adsorption at room temperature was observed for catalysts prepared from a non-porous silica. Carbon monoxide adsorption on these same catalysts occurred readily and with multiple CO/Ni at 195 K. IR spectra of carbon monoxide adsorbed at ambient temperature showed a single sharp peak in the linear carbon monoxide region, suggesting that the nickel surface sites were uniform. Promotion with alkali broke up this uniformity only if the promoter and nickel precursor species were decomposed together. These studies point out the need for careful characterization of the adsorptive properties of supported metals as a prerequisite for understanding the surface chemistry of the catalysts.
The economics of student time

Abstract A major feature of almost all of the recent national calls for educational reform has been the recommendation to increase the amount of instructional time through lengthening the school day and school year, assignment of more homework, and expanding the proportion of the school day devoted to instruction. The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the allocation of student time from the perspective of economic theory. Under a reasonable set of assumptions, the economic model that is employed predicts a rather small increase in educational achievement relative to rather substantial increases in instructional time. These predictions are found to comport well with the available empirical evidence. The policy consequences of the analysis are also examined.
Passive optical detection of submillimeter and millimeter size space debris in low Earth orbit

Understanding of the space debris environment and accuracy of its observation-validated models are essential for optimal design and safe operation of satellite systems. Existing ground-based optical telescopes and radars are not capable of observing debris smaller than several millimeters in size. A new experimental and instrumental approach – the space-based Local Orbital Debris Environment (LODE) detector – aims at in situ measuring of debris with sizes from 0.2–10 mm near the satellite orbit. The LODE concept relies on a passive optical photon-counting time-tagging imaging system detecting solar photons (in the visible spectral range) reflected by debris crossing the sensor field of view. In contrast, prior feasibility studies of space-based optical sensors considered frame detectors in the focal plane. The article describes the new experimental concept, discusses top-level system parameters and design tradeoffs, outlines an approach to identifying and extracting rare debris detection events from the background, and presents an example of performance characteristics of a LODE sensor with a 6-cm diameter aperture. The article concludes with a discussion of possible sensor applications on satellites.
Lattice vibrational studies of superconducting Y Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7 by polarized extended x-ray-absorption fine-structure measurements

We report polarization-dependent extended x-ray-absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) measurements of the superconducting Y${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$. Measurements made at the Cu and Y $K$ edges with the x-ray polarization vector oriented perpendicular and parallel to the $c$ axis have enabled us to probe scattering atoms in the horizontal layer plane as well as in the vertical layer plane. Three different Cu-O vibrational modes which are associated with the Cu(1)-O pair and the Cu(2)-O pair along the $c$ axis and the planar Cu-O pair are distinguished. The lowest vibrational frequency of the Cu(2)-O pair along the $c$ axis indicates that its bond strength is much weaker than those of other Cu-O pairs. No anomalies are observed in the temperature dependence of the mean-square relative displacements ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{2}(T)$ for Cu-O and $\mathrm{Y}\ensuremath{-}X$ ($X=\mathrm{O}, \mathrm{Cu}, \mathrm{Ba}, \mathrm{and} \mathrm{Y}$) pairs. There appears to be no significant softening of any phonons which modulate Cu-O bond lengths due to coupling with electrons, thus casting some doubt on the importance of phonons for superconductivity in Y${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$. The relation between EXAFS results and other vibrational investigations is presented. The discrepancy between current data and other EXAFS reports is also discussed. Furthermore, a careful examination of orientation-dependent Y spectra has ruled out the possibility of extensive Cu and Y antisite disorder.
Posttranslationally modified ornithine decarboxylase may regulate RNA polymerase I activity.

Abstract Purified ornithine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.17, ODC) transamidated with four putrescine moieties on four glutamine residues through the action of transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13, TGase) purified from guinea pig liver, when added to isolated rat liver nuclei, stoichiometrically increased the activity of RNA polymerase I (EC 2.7.7.6). Te increase was relative to the pmoles of purified conjugated ODC added to the reaction and could be reinitiated after the reaction had plateaued by the further addition of ODC-putrescine conjugate. The kinetics of the reaction suggest that the ODC-putrescine conjugate was not reused but degraded after each initiation. Otherwise, the rapid plateau would not be observed. The repeated addition of 278 pmoles of purified ODC-putrescine conjugate to rat liver nuclear preparations containing 200 μg total protein consistently stimulated the incorporation of 600–700 pmoles UMP/mg protein. We suggest that ODC transmidated by its product putrescine may be the posttranslationally modified 65,000 M r protein which has been reported by several laboratories to serve as a labile subunit of RNA polymerase I.
Serum D-dimer as a prognostic marker in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation of colorectal liver metastasis.

ABSTRACTBackground: Although traditionally used for coagulation disorders, there has been a recent interest in serum D-dimer as a tumor marker. The aim of this prospective study is to determine its value as a tumor marker in patients with colorectal liver metastasis. Patients and Methods: Between January 2000 and October 2007, 242 patients undergoing laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of colorectal liver metastasis were evaluated prospectively. The relationship of D-dimer levels to pre-ablation parameters, recurrence, and survival was prospectively assessed. All data are expressed as mean ± SEM. Results: Preoperative D-dimer levels correlated with liver tumor volume (p = .04) and CEA (p = .003). D-dimer levels increased by a mean of 11.4 ± 1.5 folds after RFA on POD#7 and returned to preoperative values in three months. The rate of the elevation of D-dimer values after RFA was related to tumor volume ablated. The median overall survival was six months for patients with preoperative D-dimer > 1,000...
Transposition of the great arteries and hypocalcemia in a patient with fetal hydantoin syndrome

We report a patient with fetal hydantoin syndrome (FHS) with associated d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) and persistent hypocalcemia. d-TGA and hypocalcemia have each been individually reported once in association with FHS, but these patients were also prenatally exposed to phenobarbital. To our knowledge, this is the first report of these problems occurring after prenatal exposure to hydantoin alone. The combination of congenital heart disease and hypocalcemia in our patient raises the possibility of a hydantoin effect on neural crest migration.
Entropy-driven polymerization of the protein from the flavum strain of tobacco mosaic virus

Abstract Protein of the flavum mutant of tobacco mosaic virus has the same number of positive groups as vulgare but aspartic acid at position 19 in vulgare is replaced by alanine, yielding the same net charge as E66 protein, that is, one less negative charge near pH 7 than vulgare protein. Comparative temperature-OD measurements of both flavum and vulgare proteins, prepared identically, were made at pH 5.8 to 6.6 at ionic strengths of 0.10 and 0.05. Another set of T-OD experiments was carried out at two pH values, 5.9 and 6.2, with the ionic strength varying from 0.025 to 0.15 in increments of 0.025. Compared to vulgare, flavum protein polymerizes at higher temperatures and exhibits qualitatively similar effects of pH and ionic strength. Hydrogen ion titrations were carried out from pH 8 to pH 5 and back to pH 8 in 0.10 m KCl at three temperatures, 4, 10, and 15 °C. The titration was completely reversible when carried out slowly. The isoionic point is about pH 5; the charge at pH 7.5 is −3. The hydrogen ion binding was correlated with the different aggregates present under different conditions of pH and temperatures as determined from sedimentation velocity measurements. It was found that H+ ion binding correlates with the disappearance of the smallest aggregates present and does not depend on the type of higher polymer formed. From the analysis for the effect of ionic strength and pH on the characteristic temperature, T ∗ , defined as the temperature corresponding to an optical density increment of 0.01, values of Δ H ∗ , Δ S ∗ , K s ′, and Δ W el are obtained. The salting out constant, Ks′, for flavum protein turns out to be considerably higher than for vulgare and E66 proteins. This is to be expected of a protein with a higher content of hydrophobic residues. In contrast, the electrical work term turns out to be close to the value obtained for E66 protein and about one-half of the value for vulgare, consistent with the lower net negative charge.
Mechanics of the Mitral Valve Strut Chordae Insertion Region

Interest in developing durable mitral valve repair methods is growing, underscoring the need to better understand the native mitral valve mechanics. In this study, the authors investigate the dynamic deformation of the mitral valve strut chordae-to-anterior leaflet transition zone using a novel stretch mapping method and report the complex mechanics of this region for the first time. Eight structurally normal porcine mitral valves were studied in a pulsatile left heart simulator under physiological hemodynamic conditions 120 mm peak transvalvular pressure, 5 l/min cardiac output at 70 bpm. The chordal insertion region was marked with a structured array of 31 miniature markers, and their motions throughout the cardiac cycle were tracked using two high speed cameras. 3D marker coordinates were calculated using direct linear transformation, and a second order continuous surface was fit to the marker cloud at each time frame. Average areal stretch, principal stretch magnitudes and directions, and stretch rates were computed, and temporal changes in each parameter were mapped over the insertion region. Stretch distribution was heterogeneous over the entire strut chordae insertion region, with the highest magnitudes along the edges of the chordal insertion region and the least along the axis of the strut chordae. At early systole, radial stretch was predominant, but by mid systole, significant stretch was observed in both radial and circumferential directions. The compressive stretches measured during systole indicate a strong coupling between the two principal directions, explaining the small magnitude of the systolic areal stretch. This study for the first time provides the dynamic kinematics of the strut chordae insertion region in the functioning mitral valve. A heterogeneous stretch pattern was measured, with the mechanics of this region governed by the complex underlying collagen architecture. The insertion region seemed to be under stretch during both systole and diastole, indicating a transfer of forces from the leaflets to the chordae and vice versa throughout the cardiac cycle, and demonstrating its role in optimal valve function. DOI: 10.1115/1.4001682
Author reply: Empathy Does Provide Rational Support for Decisions. But Is It the Right Decision?

This article examines the relation of empathy and rational judgment. When people observe a conflict most are quick to side with one of the parties. Once a side has been taken, empathy with that party further solidifies this choice. Hence, it will be suggested that empathy is not neutral to judgment and rational decision-making. This does not mean, however, that the one who empathizes will necessarily have made the best choice.
Misidentification of a Variant Biotype of Escherichia coli O157:H7 as Escherichia fergusonii by Vitek 2 Compact

The source of contamination of leafy green produce with Escherichia coli O157:H7 has become a serious national concern. A state and federal collaborative investigation of watershed contamination was conducted in the Salinas Valley of California from October 2005 to September 2006. Surface water from
Inactive GroEL Monomers Can Be Isolated and Reassembled to Functional Tetradecamers That Contain Few Bound Peptides

Abstract For the first time, it has been shown that GroEL can be converted from tetradecamers (14-mers) to monomers under conditions commonly used for the preparation of this chaperonin. The essential requirements are the simultaneous presence of nucleotides such as MgATP or MgADP and a solid-phase anion-exchange medium. The monomers that are formed are metastable in that they only reassemble to a small degree in the absence of additives. These results are in keeping with previous studies on high pressure dissociation that showed the separated monomers display conformational plasticity and can undergo conformational relaxation when relieved of the constraints of the quaternary structure in the oligomer (Gorovits, B., Raman, C. S., and Horowitz, P. M.(1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 2061-2066). The monomers display greatly enhanced hydrophobic exposure to the probe 1,1′-bis(4-anilino)naphthalene-5,5′-disulfonic acid, although they are not active in folding functions, and they are unable to form complexes with partially folded rhodanese. The monomers can be completely reassembled to 14-mers by incubation in 1 M ammonium sulfate. There is no evidence of intermediates in the reassembly process. Compared with the original oligomers, the reassembled 14-mers have (a) very low levels of polypeptide contaminants and tryptophan-like fluorescence, two problems that previously hampered spectroscopic studies of GroEL structure and function; (b) functional properties that are very similar to the original material; (c) considerably decreased hydrophobic exposure in the native state; and (d) a similar triggered exposure of hydrophobic surfaces after treatment with urea or spermidine. This study demonstrates that the quaternary structure of GroEL is more labile than previously thought. These results are consistent with suggestions that nucleotides can loosen subunit interactions and show that changes in quaternary structure can operate under conditions where GroEL function has been demonstrated.
Frozen section analysis for intraoperative margin assessment during breast-conserving surgery results in low rates of re-excision and local recurrence.

Background Negative surgical margins minimize the risk of local recurrence after breast-conserving surgery. Intraoperative frozen section analysis (FSA) is one method for margin evaluation. We retrospectively analyzed records of patients who received breast-conserving therapy with intraoperative FSA of the lumpectomy cavity to assess re-excision rates and local control.
The convexity of the range of three Hermitian forms and of the numerical range of sesquilinear forms

Abstract This note contains a demonstration of the convexity of the joint range of three Hermitian forms, and, as an immediate corollary, of the convexity of the numerical range of arbitrary sesquilinear forms.
Cytochemistry of the skin of patients with mucopolysaccharidoses

The distribution of complex carbohydrates has been investigated at the light and electron microscope levels in sweat glands of normal subjects and patients with Hurler's or Hunter's disease. Normal sweat glands examined with a battery of light microscopic histochemical methods revealed sulphated complex carbohydrate in secretory granules of the dark cells. These granules lacked affinity for dialysed iron (DI) at the light and electron microscope levels. The DI method demonstrated acid complex carbohydrates ultrastructurally on the surface of the intercellular canaliculi and central lumen in normal sweat glands. DI-reactive acidic material, presumably of mucopolysaccharide nature, surrounded and extended between collagen bundles in the stroma of normal skin, but was absent from the band which ensheathed the sweat gland and consisted of individual rather than bundled collagen fibrils. DI-reactive mucopolysaccharide lined and partially filled vacuoles of dark cells showing a laminar distribution in vacuoles of clear cells in sweat glands of a Hunter patient. The DI method also visualized mucopolysaccharide distributed throughout vacuoles in fibroblasts of this patient. DI-reactive acid material covered the luminal surface of the sweat gland, coated collagen bundles in the stroma and spared the periglandular collagenous sheath in skin from Hurler and Hunter patients as in that from normal controls. Acid phosphatase was localized ultrastructurally in vacuoles and nearby cytoplasm and on plasmalemmae of clear cells, dark cells and myoepithelial cells of sweat glands from Hurler and Hunter patients. Vacuoles of dermal fibroblasts and Schwann cells in these specimens also exhibited strong acid phosphatase activity.
Experimental Evidence for Intra- and Inter-Unit-Cell Josephson Junctions in a YBa2Cu3O7- delta Single Crystal.

Modulation of the dynamic resistance versus the magnetic field of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{7\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\delta}}$ single crystal shows two groups of peak structures with nearly uniform magnetic field spacings. The spacings suggest two kinds of Josephson junctions: one formed by the Cu${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$-Y-Cu${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ atomic planes within each unit cell and the other formed by the Cu${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ bilayers between different unit cells. The intra-unit-cell junctions appear first as the temperature is lowered from ${T}_{c}$. The existence of Cu${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$-Y-Cu${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ Josephson junctions implies two-dimensional superconductivity in the Cu${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ atomic planes.
Risk and ethics in biological control

Abstract All introduced natural enemies present a degree of risk to nontarget species. Since most biological control programs use relatively host-specific natural enemies, the risk to nontarget species is generally very low, particularly from biological control of weeds, which uses extensively tested and validated host-specificity testing procedures to predict risk. However, many of the published comments about risks of biological control are superficial or misleading, often inappropriately lumping risk from all taxa of agents as “the risk of biological control,” and ignore the potential benefits, rather than dealing with species-by-species risk and benefits. Particularly confounding accurate predictions is the common mixing of parameters of hazard and exposure in discussions of risk. In this paper, traditional risk analysis techniques are discussed and adapted for biological control. How people perceive risk is the key to understanding their attitude to risk. Some of the criticisms of biological control relating to inadequate post-release monitoring are valid and the ethical responsibilities of biological control scientists in this area are also discussed. Biological control scientists should address objectively the criticisms of biological control, continue to review and adjust current host-specificity testing procedures and make appropriate changes. This process will result in better science, ultimately delivering more focused programs, and altering the perception of risk from biological control agents by objective observers.
Mixed Mode Thiol−Acrylate Photopolymerizations for the Synthesis of PEG−Peptide Hydrogels

Thiol−acrylate mixed mode photopolymerizations provide an easy, robust, cost-efficient, and cytocompatible reaction scheme for the incorporation of cysteine-containing peptide sequences into PEG hydrogels. With an acrylate:cysteine ratio of 4:1, ∼95% of the peptide is incorporated after 10 min of reaction with ∼5 mW/cm2 of 365 nm light. Specifically, thiol monomers, with thiol-presenting peptide groups in the form of CGGGGG, CRGGGG, CWGGGG, CDGGGG, CSGGGG, and CGGGGC, copolymerized with PEG4600 diacrylate were characterized. The chain transfer constant of acrylates to thiols was determined to range from 1.5 to 2, depending on the amino acid sequence. Complete conversion of the functional groups occurred after ∼40 s for all systems, excluding the tryptophan-containing peptide sequence which had a retarded polymerization, taking ∼60 s. The cross-linking densities of the final gels ranged from 1.5 × 10−2 to 2.0 × 10−2 mol/L when 10 mM of peptide was reacted with 40 mM of acrylate groups. Efficient incorporat...
Diabetes and diabetes risk factors in second- and third-generation Japanese Americans in Seattle, Washington

In Seattle, Washington, the prevalence of diabetes was 20% in second-generation (Nisei) Japanese-American men and 16% in Nisei women 45-74 years old, while the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was 36% in Nisei men and 40% in Nisei women. Hyperglycemia was less and duration of diabetes shorter in women. Related to diabetes and IGT in Nisei were higher fasting plasma insulin levels and central (visceral) adiposity. Prevalence of diabetes was low among the younger (34-53 years old) third-generation (Sansei) men and women. Among self-reported non-diabetic Sansei, however, prevalence of IGT was 19% in men and 29% in women, and IGT was associated with both increased fasting plasma insulin levels and more visceral fat, suggesting that many Sansei are at risk of future diabetes. An important lifestyle factor in the development of NIDD in Japanese Americans appeared to be dietary saturated (animal) fat. Another factor may be physical inactivity. In Japanese-American women, menopause also appeared to be an important risk factor. These risk factors may be related to fostering the accumulation of visceral fat and the development of insulin resistance. Five-year follow-up examinations performed in non-diabetic Nisei men and women have yielded additional information concerning the prognosis of IGT. Of those women who were IGT at baseline, 34% were diabetic at follow-up while 17% returned to normal. In men who had been IGT at baseline, 18% were diabetic at follow-up while 36% returned to normal. Over the 5-yr follow-up interval, proportionally more women progressed from normal to IGT (54%) then went from IGT to normal (17%). For men, roughly equal proportions went from normal to IGT (37%) as from IGT to normal (36%). It would therefore appear that greater proportions of Nisei women are progressing to IGT and to NIDD than are Nisei men. This observation may be related to the increased risk of developing central obesity and insulin resistance following menopause. Prevalence of cardiovascular disease (hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, and/or coronary heart disease) was increased in Japanese Americans with IGT and NIDD. Neuropathy and retinopathy were associated only with NIDD.
THE CLINICAL EVALUATION OF MEDICAID'S PATIENTS IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK*

Dr. Cons now is reporting his experience with the evaluation of quality of services through Medicaid in the State of New York. An earlier report describes the methods and the forms to be used.
Stroke and visual loss

Visual loss secondary to stroke results in significant disability. This review covers the mechanisms of visual pathway ischemia, as well as the current evidence for acute and preventive treatments. We discuss the current literature regarding acute treatment for retinal artery occlusion and also review the evidence for secondary prevention of ischemic stroke after central retinal artery occlusion. There are numerous studies addressing acute treatment and secondary prevention of hemispheric stroke (involving the visual pathways) and we review the evidence supporting such therapy. Ischemic optic neuropathy differs in terms of mechanism and treatment from retinal and cerebral stroke, and this topic is also covered from an evidence-based perspective. Finally, we discuss various modalities for visual rehabilitation after stroke in the visual pathways.
Lethal Injection as a Component of a Therapeutics Toxicology Module

Objective. To create and implement a required module that addresses both the clinical and ethical issues surrounding the use of lethal injection as a means of capital punishment. Design. As a component of a pharmacotherapeutics module in toxicology, pharmacy students were introduced to ethical and clinical considerations and controversies with the use of drugs as a means of capital punishment. Basic information was provided on the history of capital punishment and the origins of lethal injection. Pharmacotherapeutic limitations and challenges were presented in the context of clinical and ethical dilemmas. Assessment. Instructed material was assessed using block course examinations that had both objective and subjective components. Students were asked to synthesize information by both purposing a lethal injection reversal protocol and by acting as consults in the fictional design of more effective lethal injection protocols. Students provided formative and summative evaluations of the instruction through regular student liaison meetings and summative course evaluations. Conclusion. Lethal injection as a means of capital punishment in the United States is a controversial and ethically challenging topic on which pharmacists may be consulted and therefore should be knowledgeable about. Students positively evaluated this lethal injection module, which covered multiple clinical and ethical issues.
Energy metabolism in the mantle muscle of the squid,Loligo pealeii

1. The concentrations of glycolytic and Krebs cycle intermediates, α-glycerophosphate, the adenylates, and free amino acids were determined in the mantle muscle of the squid,Loligo pealeii, at rest and after 10 s of vigorous swimming. 2. Exercise resulted in significant increases in the levels of glucose-6-phosphate, fructose-1,6-diphosphate, and pyruvate. Phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase were identified as control points of glycolysis. In the Krebs cycle, changes in the levels of isocitrate and α-ketoglutarate suggested a facilitation of the isocitrate dehydrogenase reaction. 3. The products of anaerobic metabolism in mantle muscle, in particular α-glycerophosphate and octopine, did not accumulate during exercise indicating the aerobic nature of “burst” swimming in these animals. 4. Exercise resulted in a drop in muscle proline concentrations of approximately 2 μmol/g wet wt. which was accompanied by an almost stoichiometric increase in alanine levels. 5. The changes in adenylate concentrations with exercise were dramatic: ATP fell to 39% of the value in resting muscle while ADP and AMP rose 3- and 6-fold, respectively. Arginine phosphate concentrations fell from 10 μmol/g wet wt. in resting to 1 μmol/g wet wt. in exercised muscle. 6. Muscular work in this squid appears to be accompanied by an activation of aerobic carbohydrate metabolism, the α-glycerophosphate cycle functioning to maintain cytoplasmic redox balance. During metabolic activation, the carbon skeleton of proline may be used to augment the pool size of Krebs cycle intermediates. The observed changes in arginine phosphate and AMP levels could be key in the activation of the reactions of glycolysis.
Peripartum changes of plasma and milk vitamin A and beta-carotene among dairy cows with or without mastitis

Over 12 mo we studied the relationship between peripartum concentrations of vitamin A and beta-carotene in blood plasma and milk of 93 Holsteins with or without subsequent mastitis. Blood was sampled daily from 7 days prepartum through 7 days postpartum and on alternate weeks through wk 10 of lactation. Milk samples were collected daily for 7 days postpartum and then biweekly for 10 wk. Somatic cell counts were on biweekly milk samples. Vitamin A and beta-carotene of blood plasma decreased rapidly prepartum to reach minimum concentrations at calving (vitamin A) or on day 4 to 6 postpartum (beta-carotene). Thereafter, both vitamin A and beta-carotene increased rapidly through 10 wk postpartum. Concentrations of vitamin A and beta-carotene in colostrum were higher than concentrations in milk. Cows with mastitis (somatic cells greater than 500,000 cells/ml milk) had lower vitamin A in blood plasma during days 0 to 7 and wk 2 and 4 postpartum than cows without mastitis. When data were analyzed with loge of somatic cell count as an independent regression variable, results were similar. In contrast to vitamin A, peripartum beta-carotene in blood plasma was higher among mastitic cows and was related to higher loge of somatic cell count. No significant difference was observed between mastitic and non-mastitic cows for vitamin A and beta-carotene in milk. Lower concentrations of plasma vitamin A and higher concentrations of beta-carotene during the immediate postpartum period were associated with higher milk somatic cell counts among dairy cows during lactation.
Organizational and Leadership Status

Sociological research on voluntary associations seldom has dealt with the characteristics of these organizations as emergent properties. Generally associational elements are conceived of as mere configurations of aggregate member qualities. Thus, the status accorded voluntary groups at any given time is thought to be the sum total of member and leader prestige. Although a high correlation exists between organizational rank and leader-member status, the relationship remains unexplained. Focusing on three organizational properties as determinants of associational rank, a tentative explanation is offered. It is maintained that as organizations mature their emergent properties become crucial considerations in the selection of their leaders, one consideration being who will best symbolize the organizations' rank in the community.
FUNCTIONAL RESTRICTION AND EFFICIENCY IN CAUSAL INFERENCE

1 2 X p 2 pU 2 0 X p 2 1 pU U 2 pU p 2 X U 2 pU 2 p 2 , respectively, where 0(X) E(Y0X), 1(X) E(Y1X), (X) 1(X) 0(X), (U) E((X)U), 1 (X) E({Y1 1(X)} 2 X), 0 (X) E({Y0 0(X)} 2 X), and p Pr(Di 1). PROOF. See Appendix, sections 1 and 2. These bounds can be compared with the asymptotic variance bounds computed without imposing the exclusion restriction on the propensity score:
Associations between Relationship Satisfaction and Drinking Urges for Women in Alcohol Behavioral Couples and Individual Therapy

This study examined the association between relationship satisfaction and drinking urges among women who participated in alcohol behavioral individual therapy (ABIT) and Alcohol Behavioral Couples Therapy (ABCT). Relationship satisfaction and drinking urges were not related on a daily level, but urges were related to mean levels of relationship satisfaction, and this association was moderated by treatment condition and time in treatment. Women with higher relationship satisfaction had fewer drinking urges, and women in ABCT with higher relationship satisfaction experienced greater reductions in urges during treatment. These findings suggest that ABCT may target the association between relationship satisfaction and drinking urges.
A Psychometric Analysis of the Chemical Concepts Inventory

The Chemical Concepts Inventory (CCI) is a multiple-choice instrument designed to assess the alternate conceptions of students in high school or first-semester college chemistry. The instrument was published in 2002 along with an analysis of its data from a test population. This study supports the initial analysis and expands on the psychometric data available. The CCI was given to over 2500 students from four universities. Data were analyzed using classical test theory and Rasch model methods. The classical test theory analysis found the CCI to have acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.73, pretest, and 0.76, posttest) and good test–retest reproducibility (Pearson correlation = 0.79, posttest). Most items were found to have good difficulty and discrimination values; however, a few had values that may warrant further evaluation. The Rasch analysis showed that the instrument and the items nicely fit the Rasch model. The data showed good separation reliability and that the instrument overall is ...
Satiation of a verbal cue in problem solving in French speaking children

Forty French speaking fourth grade children were randomly assigned to groups and repeated either a relevant cue, the word “corde” (string), or an irrelevant cue, the word “porte” (door) for 1, 15, 30 or 60 repetitions prior to attempting to solve a measurement of circumference problem. The solution of the problem involved the use of a string. Latency to solution of the problem was statistically greater for the groups who continually repeated the relevant cue as compared to those who continually repeated the irrelevant cue.
Photosensitive 2,5-distyrylpyrazine particles produced from rapid expansion of supercritical solutions

Solvent-free, photoreactive particles of 2,5-distyrylpyrazine (DSP) monomer were developed by rapid precipitation from an expanding supercritical chlorodifluoromethane solution. DSP polymer particles were produced by solid-state photopolymerization. DSP particles below a critical diameter of about 0.5 μm were found to be mechanically stable and did not fragment upon photopolymerization. The rate of DSP photopolymerization was shown to be size-sensitive. Nano-scale particles demonstrated superior photoreactivity in the solid state in comparison to micro-scale crystals. UV spectra of DSP at different degrees of conversion were investigated and the extinction coefficients were calculated for the DSP monomer and polymer in sulfuric acid.
Small intestinal submucosa for vascular reconstruction in the presence of gastrointestinal contamination.

Surgical options for vascular reconstruction in a contaminated field are limited. If primary repair is not possible, the choices include autogenous or prosthetic reconstruction or vessel ligation with extra-anatomic bypass. Autogenous vein is not always available or may be of poor quality. In addition, it is not completely resistant to infection and is associated with pseudoaneurysm formation and rupture when used in contaminated fields.1–3 Prosthetic insertion in the face of bacterial contamination is associated with high rates of graft infection, leading to pseudoaneurysm formation, graft thrombosis, or disruption with catastrophic hemorrhage.3–5 Clinical scenarios that may require emergent vascular reconstruction in the presence of bacterial contamination include graft infections with false aneurysms, arterioenteric fistulae, and traumatic vascular wounds with associated hollow organ injuries. The trauma patient with penetrating colon injury, massive fecal contamination, hemorrhagic shock, and major vascular injury is perhaps the most difficult to manage with a good functional outcome. A prosthetic material that is resistant to infection, readily available, and reliable would be ideal in this situation. Biologic products for vascular repair may provide a viable alternative to prosthetics or extra-anatomic bypass. Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) is a cell-free collagen matrix that is harvested from porcine small intestine. It provides a scaffolding for cellular migration and early capillary ingrowth. Preliminary studies have demonstrated that SIS is remodeled into host tissue.6,7 It has been used in humans for various indications, including hernia repair and urologic reconstruction procedures. In addition, initial studies using SIS as a vascular conduit have shown early endothelialization and high patency rates.7,8 However, there are scant data regarding its utility for vascular reconstruction in contaminated fields. The purpose of this study is to compare SIS to a standard vascular prosthetic—expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)—as a vascular patch for arterial repair in the presence of gastrointestinal contamination. To accomplish this, we conducted an animal study designed to mimic the most severe conditions of massive gastrointestinal contamination and hemorrhagic shock.
Fitting range data to primitives for rapid local 3D modeling using sparse range point clouds

Techniques to rapidly model local spaces, using 3D range data, can enable implementation of: (1) real-time obstacle avoidance for improved safety, (2) advanced automated equipment control modes, and (3) as-built data acquisition for improved quantity tracking, engineering, and project control systems. The objective of the research reported here was to develop rapid local spatial modeling tools. Algorithms for fitting sparse range point clouds to geometric primitives such as spheres, cylinders, and cuboids have been developed as well as methods for merging primitives into assemblies. Results of experiments are presented and practical usage and limitations are discussed.
Reflections on Adult Learning in Cultural Institutions.

This chapter reviews the themes that have emerged throughout the volume, including the role of the learner and the role of the educator within these settings, the importance of context, and cultural institutions as sites that engage the emotions and that can foster social change.
Superconductivity, hole motion, and spin-charge correlations in the t-J model in two dimensions.

We study the {ital t}-{ital J}'' model with strongly correlated electrons (infinite-{ital U} Hubbard-model kinetic energy plus superexchange {ital J}) by exact diagonalization on small two-dimensional clusters of six, eight, and twelve sites on a square lattice with periodic boundary conditions. We find an attractive pairing potential for two holes when {ital J}/{ital t}{ge}({ital J}/{ital t}){sub {ital c}}{congruent}0.2, with {ital t} the hopping matrix element. Ground-state calculations show that extended {ital s}-wave and {ital d}-wave pairing susceptibilities and equal-time pairing correlations grow weakly with increasing {ital J} and system size at fixed filling {ital n}. Pairing correlations may be enhanced for ({ital J}/{ital t}){gt}({ital J}/{ital t}){sub {ital c}}{approx}0.2. We compare equal-time pairing correlations to a mean-field theory for {ital J}=0 and note potential difficulties with interpreting numerical results for such small systems. The widths of one- and two-hole energy bands in low-spin states are of order {ital J}; the one-hole effective mass is larger than the two-hole effective mass in such states. Spin-charge correlation functions for a single hole in the eight- and twelve-site lattices are consistent with the spin-charge decoupling scenario for resonating-valence-bond states.
Justice, Social Studies, and the Subjectivity/Structure Problem.

Abstract The claim that social studies education ought to promote justice is not uncommon in social studies curriculum materials, plans, and commentary. With few exceptions, however, justice is treated without attention to theory, history, or social context. Lacking this foundation, its promotion has tended to be hollow and innocent. This paper engages that problem at the point where justice, ontogeny, and ideology intersect. Justice is analyzed from two theoretical traditions: cognitive developmentalism and historical materialism. The viability of the developmental conception of justice when located in historical-materialist theory is then assessed. Finally, the tension between the subjectivism of the former and the structural determination of the latter is examined.
Optimal Grid Based Sensor Deployment for Real time Sensor Network

Sensor Deployment which covers region of interest optimally is critical for timely event detection and action in Real Time Wireless Sensor Network. Existing Algorithms where carrier deploys sensor in region of interest (ROI) either don't guarantee full coverage or are too complex in time or space complexity. Proposed scheme utilizes simplicity of Snake Like Deployment (SLD) and ROI coverage completeness of Back-Tracking Deployment (BTD). Instead of maintaining control information at each sensor node, it is suggested to rather maintain a stack of back-pointers. Suggested algorithm maintains virtual grid to figure out ROI boundaries. Whenever an obstacle or dead-end is reached, the corresponding location is added to backtracking stack. After all directions are explored in forward moving direction, robot backtracks to other location using backtracking stack. Movement of robot is minimized as lastly stacked location will be most near to current location of robot. Main advantage for this approach is its simplicity, less control and communication overhead, space conservation, less complexity and robot movement minimization.
Spurious serotonin dimer formation using electrokinetic injection in capillary electrophoresis from small volume biological samples

One normally assumes that the analytical measurement process does not introduce spurious compounds. Capillary electrophoresis is a separation method frequently used for small-volume biological measurements. We demonstrate the potential for creating new peaks in a capillary electropherogram when using electrokinetic injections and illustrate the potential deleterious effects with biological samples involving serotonin and nitric oxide measurements. Specifically, when measuring the serotonin content from individual neurons using electrokinetic injections from 360 nL stainless steel vials, we detect a new peak that we identify as a serotonin dimer. We do not observe this peak when using hydrodynamic injections.
Distributed Synchronization Control of Multiagent Systems With Unknown Nonlinearities

This paper revisits the distributed adaptive control problem for synchronization of multiagent systems where the dynamics of the agents are nonlinear, nonidentical, unknown, and subject to external disturbances. Two communication topologies, represented, respectively, by a fixed strongly-connected directed graph and by a switching connected undirected graph, are considered. Under both of these communication topologies, we use distributed neural networks to approximate the uncertain dynamics. Decentralized adaptive control protocols are then constructed to solve the cooperative tracker problem, the problem of synchronization of all follower agents to a leader agent. In particular, we show that, under the proposed decentralized control protocols, the synchronization errors are ultimately bounded, and their ultimate bounds can be reduced arbitrarily by choosing the control parameter appropriately. Simulation study verifies the effectiveness of our proposed protocols.