cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Newborns Are Hyperfibrinolytic at Physiologic tPA Concentrations and the Increased Fibrinolysis Is Related to Decreased Apparent TAFIa.

INTRODUCTION: Differences in both quantitative and qualitative components of the fibrinolytic system in newborns are well described. The overall impact of these variations in components on actual fibrinolytic capacity in response to various concentrations of tPA has not been assessed. There were two objectives for the current study, To determine the relative clot lysis capacity of the newborn compared to the adult at various rt-PA levels. To determine the effect of endogenous thrombin activated fibrinolytic inhibitor (TAFIa) on clot lysis in newborns compared to adults. METHODS: Plasma from 20 normal adults and 20 normal cords were pooled. Plasma, 2.5 pM tissue factor, 5mM CaCl 2 and 8 concentrations of rt-PA ranging from physiologic levels (0.02nM) to therapeutic levels (3.0 nM) was added to microtitre plates. Plates were sealed and clot turbidity was monitored at 405nm using a SpectraMax Platereader (Molecular Devices, USA) at 37°C over 72 hours. The following parameters of clot lysis were calculated: lag time to clot lysis initiation (lag time), slope/maximum absorbance-minimum absorbance correcting for differences in fibrin clot formed (slope), time at which clot turbidity equals one-half of the full-scale value (t 1/2 ) and iv) end of clot lysis (end time). In some experiments, potato tuber carboxypeptidase inhibitor (PTCI) a specific inhibitor of TAFIa, was added to plasma. RESULTS: Comparison of newborn to adult: for clarity only 2 concentrations of r-tPA are shown (Table I). At therapeutic concentrations of rt-PA (3.0 nM) newborns were comparable to adults on all parameters of clot lysis. In contrast, at physiologic concentrations of rt-PA (0.023nM) when compared to adults, newborns demonstrated decreased lag time more rapid completion of clot lysis more rapid t1/2 clot lysis increased slope of clot lysis. Effect of endogenous TAFI activity: Inhibition of TAFIa had no effect on the slope of lysis in either adult or newborn (data not shown). However, there was a large effect on decreasing lag time to lysis initiation in adults but little effect in newborns (Figure I). The lag time was comparable in adults with PTCI and to newborns. These data show that TAFIa activity has little effect on inhibiting fibrinolysis in newborns. CONCLUSIONS: The concentration of rt-PA has a profound effect on the relative clot lysis in newborns compared to adults. At physiologic rt-PA concentrations the newborn initiates and completes clot lysis earlier and lyses clots at a faster rate than adults. Therefore, the newborn appears hyperfibrinolytic as compared to the adult at endogenous rt-PA concentrations. The hyperfibrinolytic response in the newborn can be explained, in part, by low apparent TAFIa concentrations. In contrast, at therapeutic rt-PA concentrations newborn clot lysis is comparable to the adult.
Health literacy in adolescents with sickle cell disease: The influence of caregiver health literacy

PURPOSE After patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) transfer from pediatric care to adult care, significant morbidity and mortality occurs. There are many possible contributors to the success or failure of this transition. One hypothesis is that health literacy influences this transition from pediatric to adult health care. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to examine the relationship between caregiver and adolescent health literacy levels in adolescents with SCD; and (b) to further describe individual traits contributing to health literacy levels in adolescents with SCD as described by pilot data. DESIGN AND METHODS This cross-sectional, descriptive correlational study included the administration of the newest vital sign (NVS) health literacy instrument to 59 dyads of adolescent patients with SCD and their caregivers in a large, tertiary care center in Dallas, Texas. Convenience sampling was utilized for recruitment. Caregiver health literacy levels, age, current grade level, annual household income, caregiver education level, number of annual healthcare encounters, and adolescent health literacy levels were correlated to determine relationships amongst variables. RESULTS There was no significant relationship between caregiver and adolescent health literacy levels in this population. Adolescent health literacy NVS scores were positively correlated with adolescent age, r(58) = .468, p < .001, caregiver income, r(46) = .293, p = .023, and caregiver highest education level, r(56) = .318, p = .008. Only adolescent age was a significant predictor of adolescent health literacy NVS scores, β = .485 (standard error [SE] = .109), p = .001. None of the other predictors in the model were significant, including the relationship between caregiver and adolescent health literacy NVS scores, β = .065 (SE = .131), p = .633. In addition, although caregiver income and highest education level were positively correlated with adolescent health literacy NVS scores in the bivariate analysis, these relationships were nonsignificant while controlling for each other, adolescent age, and the other variables in the model. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS This study gives insight on potential practice and research initiatives to evaluate the health literacy of adolescents, with and without SCD, both now and in the future.
1 H, 13 C and 15 N resonance assignments of translation initiation factor 3 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Translation initiation factor 3 (IF3) is one of the three protein factors that bind to the small ribosomal subunit and it is required for the initiation of protein biosynthesis in bacteria. IF3 contains two independent domains, N- and C-terminal domains, which are connected by a lysine-rich interdomain linker. IF3 undergoes large-scale movements and conformational changes upon binding to the 30S subunit and also during the functional regulation of initiation. However, the precise dynamic interplay of the two domains and the molecular mechanism of IF3 is not well understood. A high-resolution 3D structure of a complete IF3 in bacteria has not been solved. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a gram-negative opportunistic pathogen, is a primary cause of nosocomial infections in humans. Here we report the NMR chemical shift assignments of IF3 from P. aeruginosa as the first step toward NMR structure determination and interaction studies. Secondary structure analyses deduced from the NMR chemical shift data identified nine β-strands and four α-helices arranged in the sequential order β1-β2-α1-β3-β4-α2-β5-α3-β6-α4-β7-β8-β9.
Long-term clinical and magnetic resonance imaging follow-up of dogs with osseous-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy.

Background Osseous-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (OA-CSM) is a complex disorder with limited long-term survival. The longitudinal progression is currently unknown. Objective To describe changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over a 2-year minimum period. We hypothesized that spinal lesions would progress in the majority of dogs. Animals Eleven dogs previously diagnosed with OA-CSM were prospectively studied. Nine dogs were treated medically, whereas 2 were treated surgically. Methods Clinical and MRI follow-up were performed with a median time between MRI studies of 30 months (range, 24-54). Morphologic assessment evaluated vertebral canal stenosis, spinal cord compression, foraminal stenosis, and articular processes, among other variables. Morphometric assessment included vertebral canal area, spinal cord area, area of the articular processes, and foraminal height. Results On follow-up MRI, the most affected site at the initial examination in medically treated dogs had progressed in 4 of 9 dogs, improved in 4, and was unchanged in 3. Clinically, all dogs except 2 medically treated dogs were unchanged to improve at follow-up. Initially, 50 of 60 (83.3%) intervertebral spaces had vertebral canal stenosis, whereas in the follow-up MRI 82.3% did. Of the sites with stenosis, 45.7% were unchanged, 18.6% improved, and 38.9% worsened. Morphometry identified significant decreases in vertebral canal and spinal cord areas at C4-C5 through C6-C7, and significant progression of articular process irregularities at C3-C4 and C6-C7. Conclusions and clinical importance This long-term follow-up study of dogs with OA-CSM did not identify clinical or MRI progression of lesions in the majority of dogs.
Climate Change Is Already Exacerbating Current Social Inequities

Duringthese disasters, our public health systems were tested and shown to be a "colossal failure,"2 allowing our communities to become vulnerable and suffer health consequences related to climate disasters and COVID-19, with COVID-19 killing more than 240 000 people in the United States Another key feature of this research is the importance of gathering data to track the long-term health consequences of climate change PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE Recently, the 10 essential public health services were updated, and they encapsulate perfectly how we need to respond to the climate crisis 5 In their article, Zacher et al demonstrate the use of longitudinal data to determine the root causes of health disparities and inequities as they relate to long-term physical health symptoms caused by Hurricane Katrina
Low-Thrust Transfers to Southern $$L_2$$ L 2 Near-Rectilinear Halo Orbits Facilitated by Invariant Manifolds

In this paper, we investigate the manifolds of three Near-Rectilinear Halo Orbits (NRHOs) and optimal low-thrust transfer trajectories using a high-fidelity dynamical model. Time- and fuel-optimal low-thrust transfers to (and from) these NRHOs are generated leveraging their ‘invariant’ manifolds, which serve as long terminal coast arcs. Analyses are performed to identify suitable manifold entry/exit conditions based on inclination and minimum distance from the Earth. The relative merits of the stable/unstable manifolds are studied with regard to time- and fuel-optimality criteria, for a set of representative low-thrust family of transfers.
Syndrome of Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Diseases: A Comprehensive Overview of Open Artery Ischemia

Syndromes of cardiac ischemia with nonobstructive coronary arteries have been increasingly recognized as a clinical entity with heterogeneous clinical presentations, commonly encountered in women. Knowledge of pathophysiology and clinical risk factors is key to ensuring appropriate diagnostic evaluation and management for these often-neglected patients. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical presentations of these syndromes. We provide algorithms for diagnosis and management of these entities based on current scientific knowledge and highlight some of the key knowledge gaps and ongoing trials in this emerging field.
Laparoscopy is associated with decreased all-cause mortality in patients undergoing emergency general surgery procedures in a regional health system

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of laparoscopic surgery for common emergency general surgery (EGS) procedures within an integrated Acute Care Surgery (ACS) network. We hypothesized that laparoscopy would be associated with improved outcomes. Our integrated health care system’s EGS registry created from AAST EGS ICD-9 codes was queried from January 2013 to October 2015. Procedures were grouped as laparoscopic or open. Standard descriptive and univariate tests were performed, and a multivariable logistic regression controlling for open status, age, BMI, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), trauma tier, and resuscitation diagnosis was performed. Laparoscopic procedures converted to open were identified and analyzed using concurrent procedure billing codes across episodes of care. Of 60,604 EGS patients identified over the 33-month period, 7280 (12.0%) had an operation and 6914 (11.4%) included AAST-defined EGS procedures. There were 4813 (69.6%) surgeries performed laparoscopically. Patients undergoing a laparoscopic procedure tended to be younger (45.7 ± 18.0 years vs. 57.2 ± 17.6, p < 0.001) with similar BMI (29.7 ± 9.0 kg/m2 vs. 28.8 ± 8.3, p < 0.001). Patients in the laparoscopic group had lower mean CCI score (1.6 ± 2.3 vs. 3.4 ± 3.2, p ≤ 0.0001). On multivariable analysis, open surgery had the highest association with inpatient mortality (OR 8.67, 4.23–17.75, p < 0.0001) and at all time points (30-, 90-day, 1-, 3-year). At all time points, conversion to open was found to be a statistically significant protective factor. Use of laparoscopy in EGS is common and associated with a decreased risk of all-cause mortality at all time points compared to open procedures. Conversion to open was protective at all time points compared to open procedures.
Deep History and the Pitfalls of Periodization

The essay reconceives Deep History as a type of origin myth best understood in the context of its own time, and as an intellectual project with methodological strengths and weaknesses. Drawing on i...
Deepwater methods to address system of system risks

To replace aging and technologically obsolete aircraft, cutters and command and control infrastructure, the Coast Guard conceived and has begun a transformational recapitalization known as Deepwater. Deepwater is an integrated, performance-based, systems of systems acquisition. Costing $17 billion over 20 years, it is the single largest and most complex acquisition in Coast Guard history. It is also the first major federal acquisition program for a broad mission suite using an integrated, systems of systems design. This strategy involves unique technical, operational and political risk factors that Deepwater and other large networked system of systems acquisitions must manage well if they are to be successful. These include devising suitable performance metrics, managing system of systems boundaries, systematically controlling requirements changes, controlling total life cycle costs, gaining stable funding, and clearly communicating program concepts, including evolutionary cost and performance adjustments and baseline tradeoffs.
The association between physical function and lifestyle activity and exercise in the health, aging and body composition study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether older adults who exercise demonstrate higher levels of physical function than those who do not exercise but are physically active throughout the day. DESIGN: Cross-sectional examination of baseline data from the Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) study. SETTING: Health ABC field centers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Memphis, Tennessee. PARTICIPANTS: Three thousand seventy-five well-functioning black and white men and women aged 70 to 79. MEASUREMENTS: Physical activity and exercise were assessed using a modified leisure-time physical activity questionnaire. Participants were classified as inactive (reporting 2,719 kcal/wk of total physical activity), or exerciser (reporting≥ 1,000 kcal/wk of exercise activity). Physical function measures included the Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (EPESE) battery, the Health ABC battery, a 400-m walk test, and isokinetic strength testing of the knee extensors. RESULTS: The lifestyle active and exerciser groups had similar total activity levels (men: 6,135 kcal/wk and 6,734 kcal/wk, respectively; P =.108; women: 5,695 kcal/wk and 5,854 kcal/wk, respectively; P =.335). When examining lower extremity performance in relation to physical activity, a progressive trend was evident, with the inactive individuals most likely to have impaired performance on the EPESE battery (men: 33.7%, 24.3%, and 19.1%, P<.001; women: 49.9%, 37.3%, and 28.4%, P<.001; inactive, lifestyle active, and exerciser, respectively). Progressive trends of similar magnitude were present for the Health ABC battery, time to walk 400 m, and knee extensor strength. In multivariate linear regression, those in the inactive and lifestyle active groups had poorer scores on the Health ABC performance battery than individuals in the exercise group after controlling for demographic factors and prevalent disease (men: inactive β = -0.27, P <.001, lifestyle active β = -0.07, P =.032; women: inactive β = -0.23, P <.001, lifestyle active β = -0.07, P <.059). After controlling for demographic factors and prevalent disease, the lifestyle active and exercisers had similar proportions of functionally limited older persons (scoring < 10 on the EPESE battery). CONCLUSION: Older adults who participate in 20 to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week have better physical function than older persons who are active throughout the day or who are inactive. Any type of physical activity is better than no activity for protection against functional limitations, but exercise confers greater benefit for physical capacity. J Am Geriatr Soc 52:502-509, 2004.
Sp1 activates transcription without enhancing DNA-binding activity of the TATA box factor

We have studied the interactions of the Sp1 and IID transcription factors with a simple RNA polymerase II promoter. The adenovirus E1B core promoter consists essentially of a GC box and a TATA box, binding sites for the Sp1 and IID transcription factors, respectively. The E1B promoter is accurately transcribed in vitro using a mammalian transcription system. Sp1 activates E1B transcription in vitro in reactions using IID factor isolated from either human or yeast cells. In DNase I footprinting studies, Sp1 bound rapidly to its recognition sequence even at 0 degrees C (t1/2 less than 1 min). In contrast, yeast IID bound more slowly (t1/2 approximately 6 min at 25 degrees C) and required thermal energy for stable binding to the TATA box sequence. Dissociation rates were measured by the addition of specific oligonucleotide competitors to preformed DNA-protein complexes. Sp1 dissociates rapidly (t1/2 less than 1 min) at 25 degrees C, while yeast IID dissociates with an estimated t1/2 of 1 h at 25 degrees C. Sp1 and yeast IID bound to the E1B promoter simultaneously but independently. The rates of binding and dissociation of these factors were not significantly affected by the presence of the other factor. Bound Sp1 factor did not alter or enhance the yeast IID footprint. Oligonucleotide challenge of in vitro transcription reactions indicated that Sp1 also did not enhance the binding of the human IID factor to the E1B promoter. Thus the Sp1 factor activates transcription of the E1B gene by a mechanism that does not enhance the DNA-binding activity of the IID factor. Sp1 factor activates E1B transcription by 5- to 10-fold in vitro. Under these in vitro transcription conditions, transcripts due to reinitiation from an individual promoter complex contribute only a small portion of the total yield of E1B transcripts. Thus Sp1 cannot activate transcription by increasing the rate of initiation events per complex. Instead it appears that Sp1 acts by increasing the number of productive transcription complexes formed in vitro.
Exploratory evaluation of potential and current consumers of organic cotton in Hawaii

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify attitudes, behaviors, motivations, and consumption patterns of potential and current consumers of organic cotton products in the Hawaii market.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from face‐to‐face structured interviews from an intercept sample of 420 Hawaii consumers. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, chi‐square tests and correlation analysis to provide additional information about the association of variables.Findings – Significant associations were found between gender and knowledge about organic cotton, between cotton preference and ethnicity, and between cotton preference and knowledge of differences among organic and conventional cotton. This study also found that people who preferred organic cotton were more likely to purchase organic products and were more concerned about the environment than people who preferred conventional cotton, and that people who owned organic cotton products were more eco‐literate than people who...
Diagnosis and Management of Urinary Tract Infection and Vesicoureteral Reflux in the Neonate

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infection in febrile newborns, particularly those born prematurely and with a low birth weight. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) predisposes to UTI and renal scarring. Half of neonates with UTI may have only low-grade fever or no fever. Jaundice in the absence of any other symptoms or signs may be the only clinical manifestation of UTI in neonates. The urinalysis may be negative in a significant number of neonates with UTI. Newborns with UTI have a high incidence of congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract anomalies, and hence should undergo renal imaging.
Tumor-on-Chip: Simulation of Complex Transport Around Tumor

Nanoparticles (NP) offer great potential as drug carriers for targeted delivery to tumor by increasing the delivery efficacy and reducing non-specific accumulation at non-targeted sites [1]. Despite these promising early outcomes [2], the NP delivery to target tumor site is still significantly limited due to complex in vivo transport barriers [3–5]. In order to improve the in vivo delivery efficacy, the NPs should be designed considering all these complex transport barriers beyond currently used enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect [6]. However, testing of NP delivery are primarily based on simple 2D or 3D in vitro cell cultures or animal models. However, these static 2D or 3D tumor models oversimplify the actual in vivo tumor environment including the absence of tissue-tissue interactions such as blood-endothelium, endothelium-intersititum, high interstitial fluid pressure, and interstitium-lymphatics [2, 3]. The animal models can provide the testbed with these tissue-tissue interactions, but it is very difficult to establish quantitative understanding of the NP transport at these tissue-tissue interfaces. To address these challenges and bridge the in vitro static models with the animal models, here we developed a 3D multi-layered microfluidic system that mimics the tissue-tissue interactions at tumor microenvironment is developed. The system is then used to investigate the transvascular and interstitial transport of NPs in tumor.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Transport anisotropy and dimensional crossover in Ag/Ge multilayers

Abstract We use magnetoresistance measurements of weak localization to investigate the anisotropy of electron transport in a series of Ag/Ge multilayers. The Ge layer thicknesses in these samples spans the cross-over from three to two dimensions.
Oxidative stress, inflammation and carcinogenesis are controlled through the pentose phosphate pathway by transaldolase

Metabolism of glucose through the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) influences the development of diverse pathologies. Hemolytic anemia due to deficiency of PPP enzyme glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase is the most common genetic disease in humans. Recently, inactivation of another PPP enzyme, transaldolase (TAL), has been implicated in male infertility and fatty liver progressing to steatohepatitis and cancer. Hepatocarcinogenesis was associated with activation of aldose reductase and redox-sensitive transcription factors and prevented by N-acetylcysteine. In this paper, we discuss how alternative formulations of the PPP with and without TAL reflect cell type-specific metabolic control of oxidative stress, a crucial source of inflammation and carcinogenesis. Ongoing studies of TAL deficiency will identify new molecular targets for diagnosis and treatment in clinical practice.
Augmented Heat Transfer in Square Channels With Parallel, Crossed, and V-Shaped Angled Ribs

The effect of the rib angle orientation on the local heat transfer distributions and pressure drop in a square channel with two opposite in-line ribbed walls was investigated for Reynolds numbers from 15,000 to 90,000. The square channel composed of ten isolated copper sections has a length-to-hydraulic diameter ratio of 20; the rib height-to-hydraulic diameter ratio is 0.0625; the rib pitch-to-height ratio equals 10. Nine rib configurations were studied: 90 deg rib, 60 and 45 deg parallel ribs, 60 and 45 deg crossed ribs, 60 and 45 deg V-shaped ribs, and 60 and 45 deg {Lambda}-shaped ribs. The results show that the 60 deg (or 45 deg) V-shaped rib performs better than the 60 deg (or 45 deg) parallel rib and, subsequently, better than the 60 deg (or 45 deg) crossed rib and the 90 deg rib. The V-shaped rib produces the highest heat transfer augmentation, while the {Lambda}-shaped rib generates the greatest pressure drop. The crossed rib has the lowest heat transfer enhancement and the smallest pressure drop penalty.
Spin-current-induced high-frequency magnetisation rotations and microwave oscillations in magnetic nanodevices

In the paper, the authors first review the structural and functional characteristics of magnetic nanodevices where magnetisation rotations and microwave oscillations are induced by DC electrical currents due to the spin-transfer torque effect. A comparison is made between devices with different structures. Micromagnetic simulations based on the modified Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation are carried out in detail on one of the structures. The study shows that the spin-polarised direct current drives the inhomogeneous magnetisation configuration to rotate in the constrained square magnet structure. Magnetisation configurations and dynamics depend on the input current density and the structure dimension.
“What and whither? The undergraduate course in business and professional speaking”

Business Speaking courses differ from courses in Professional Speaking and both courses should have academically viable and departmentally unique content and organization.
Organometallic chemical vapor deposition of epitaxial ZnGeP2 films on (001) GaP substrates

Abstract In this paper, the organometallic chemical vapor deposition of epitaxial layers of the II-IV-V2 semiconductor ZnGeP2 and its alloys with Ge on (001) GaP substrates is reported. Mirror smooth epitaxial surface morphology is obtained at Zn(CH3)2 to GeH4 flow rate ratios larger than 1:3. In the range of Zn(CH3)2 and PH3 flow rates studied, the growth rate is determined by the flow rate of GeH4. Secondary ion mass spectra, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy have been utilized for the characterization of these thin films and correlated to the growth conditions. Also, bulk single crystals of ZnGeP2 have been grown from the melt to provide a standard for comparison with the epitaxial layers. Generally, the epitaxial films are purer than the bulk single crystals. Solid solutions (ZnGeP2)1-xGex can be grown with excellent surface morphology in the range x
The audiogyral illusion and the mechanism of spatial representation

An hypothesis regarding the mechanism of spatial representation in the neural centers is formulated in order to explain the audiogyral illusion. Using this hypothesis and experimental data (Clark and Graybiel, 1949) the time constant of the semicircular canals is calculated. The value obtained in this manner agrees with that previously calculated (Mayne, 1950) using results from experiments on the nystagmic latency of pigeons.
Hepatocellular toxicity during the treatment of refractory acute leukemia with indicine N-oxide

Indicine N-oxide is the first member of the large class of compounds comprised of pyrrolizidine alkaloids and their N-oxides to be studied in the treatment of cancer in humans. Twenty-two patients with refractory acute leukemia received indicine N-oxide daily for 5 consecutive days in a dose-seeking study. Of eight patients with refractory acute lymphocytic leukemia, one had a complete remission, and one had a partial remission. Of 11 patients with refractory acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, 2 patients had complete remissions. Of three patients with blast crisis of chronic granulocytic leukemia, one patient had a partial remission. Five patients had severe hepatic toxicity, probably due to veno-occlusive disease induced by the drug. Whether hepatotoxicity and antileukemic activity are a result of the same mechanism of action of indicine N-oxide is not known.
Feedback as a source of control in decision support systems: an experiment with the feedback specificity

Abstract Well-designed feedback can improve decision-making, but to date, there has been no comprehensive study of feedback in decision support systems that could guide developers in its design. This work examines the opportunities and means to enhance the user's consistency in implementing a decision strategy (a plan for making the decision) by providing appropriate feedback. It concentrates on the specificity of feedback. Feedback is said to be specific if it provides details about the decision-making process that help correct the process; feedback is non-specific if it merely reports outcome without indicating what caused it. The paper builds on concepts from cognitive engineering, behavioural decision-making, and systems design to examine how computer-generated feedback enhances the user's decision consistency, and reports on a laboratory experiment. Specific feedback is found to be effective in enhancing decision consistency, but its impact its compromised by the presence of additional non-specific f...
Specific heat of A 15 Nb/sub 3/Sn in fields to 18 tesla

For the first time, the low-temperature specific heat of A 15 Nb/sub 3/Sn has been measured in a magnetic field (18 T) high enough to significantly suppress the superconducting transition temperature, T/sub c/. All previous extrapolations to T = 0 of the normal-state specific heat, C/sub n/, to determine ..gamma.. and N(0) are shown by the measured C/sub n/ data to be incorrect. The Debye temperature, O/sub D/, has previously been assumed to vary smoothly with temperature from its low-temperature value (theta/sub D/ (T T/sub c/) = 270 K). The high-field measurement of theta/sub D/(T) shows that it remains constant upon cooling until 11 K, where it abruptly changes to its low-temperature value. The rather short extrapolation of the high-field normal-state data to T = 0 from T>T/sub c/(18 T) yields a ..gamma.. of 35 +- 3 mJ/mole K/sup 2/ compared to the previously accepted value of 52 mJ/mole K/sup 2/. Using this lower value for ..gamma.., and taking lambda = 1.75 from tunneling results, implies N(0) = 1.35 +- 0.1 states/eV atom in excellent agreement with recent band-structure calculations of Klein et al. who obtained 1.46 states/eV atom for A15more » Nb/sub 3/Sn. The present work calls into question all other extrapolations of C/sub n/ data in high-T/sub c/ materials where THETA/sub D/ is known to change significantly between T/sub c/ and 0 K, e.g., A15 V/sub 3/Si.« less
Understanding consistency maintenance in service discovery architectures during communication failure

Current trends suggest future software systems will comprise collections of components that combine and recombine dynamically in reaction to changing conditions. Service-discovery protocols, which enable software components to locate available software services and to adapt to changing system topology, provide one foundation for such dynamic behavior. Emerging discovery protocols specify alternative architectures and behaviors, which motivate a rigorous investigation of the properties underlying their designs. Here, we assess the ability of selected designs for service-discovery protocols to maintain consistency in a distributed system during catastrophic communication failure. We use an architecture description language, called Rapide, to model two different architectures (two-party and three-party) and two different consistency-maintenance mechanisms (polling and notification). We use our models to investigate performance differences among combinations of architecture and consistency-maintenance mechanism as interface-failure rate increases. We measure system performance along three dimensions: (1) update responsiveness (How much latency is required to propagate changes?), (2) update effectiveness (What is the probability that a node receives a change?), and (3) update efficiency (How many messages must be sent to propagate a change throughout the topology?). We use Rapide to understand how failure-recovery strategies contribute to differences in performance. We also recommend improvements to architecture description languages.
Can Prunus serotina be genetically engineered for reproductive sterility and insect pest resistance

Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is a valuable hardwood timber species, and its value highly depends on the wood quality which is often threatened by insect pests. Transgenic black cherry plants that are more resistant to cambial-mining insects may reduce the occurrence of gummosis and have great economic benefits to landowners and the forest products industries utilizing black cherry lumber and logs. In this review, general information about black cherry and the problem of gummosis are introduced. The various strategies for gene containment, the possibility of using cyanogenesis to enhance host resistance, and the current status of micropropagation, adventitious shoot regeneration, rooting, and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation in P. serotina and several other Prunus species are briefly discussed.
Branching Ratios in the Fission of Uranium (235)

A survey has been made of the percentages of slow neutron-induced uranium fissions that give rise to the formation of various radioactive series. These percentages were obtained by measuring the number of $\ensuremath{\beta}$-disintegrations of a suitable member of the series after an irradiation under specified geometrical conditions and a quantitative chemical separation. The percentages found for the series thus far investigated vary from about 0.1 percent to 10 percent.
The role of plant hormones in higher plant cellular differentiation. I. A critique

Primary growth and morphogenesis in higher plants can be explained mechanistically in terms of primary types of cellular differentiation, namely, phenomena of cell division, primary wall growth, intercellular bonding and polarity. Plant hormones fulfil essential roles in regulating these types of differentiation, and it is well established that plant hormones can initiate primary growth and morphogenesis. Secondary and terminal types of cellular differentiation largely determine the usefulness of plants to man; however, regulators of these types remain poorly characterized. Secondary and terminal types need not differentiate in order for primary growth and morphogenesis to occur, and there is no conclusive evidence that factors regulating primary growth and morphogenesis also initiate subsequent types of differentiation.
Evaluation of a microkeratome-based limbal harvester device for limbal stem cell transplantation.

Purpose To assess the cut quality and reproducibility using a novel microkeratome-based limbal harvester. Methods An enlarged microkeratome head and stainless steel blades were coupled with a nitrogen gas-driven turbine (15,000 blade oscillations/min) of a microkeratome. A large, 16-mm-diameter suction ring was attached to the globe. A lamellar sclerokeratectomy using head depths of 170 and 200 microm was performed in human donor research eyes. Obtained lenticule thickness was measured by ultrasound pachymetry and the bed size by planimetry. Histologic and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses of the samples were performed. Results Central lenticule thickness was 294 microm (standard deviation [SD] 37) for the 170 head and 277 microm (SD 91) for the 200 head (p = 0.720). Lenticule diameter was larger in the horizontal meridian using the 170 head (12.8 mm [SD 0.8] vs. 11.9 mm [SD 0.7], p = 0.028), but similar in vertical meridian (12.0 [SD 0.6] versus 11.4 mm [SD 0.6], p = 0.093). Histology showed a multilayer epithelial cell pattern at the lenticule periphery. The SEM showed a smooth cut surface in both the stromal bed and the lenticule. Conclusion Cut reproducibility and quality are similar to those found using standard microkeratomes for corneal lamellar cuts. This system ensures, in a straightforward way, the presence of epithelial cells in the edges of a mechanical sclerokeratectomy for limbal stem cell transplantation.
Discontinuity limits for the generation of visual motion aftereffects with sine- and square-wave gratings

Visual motion aftereffects (MAE’s) were produced with adapting gratings that underwent repeated, abrupt displacements in a uniform direction. MAE’s could be generated with sine-wave gratings even when the magnitude of each displacement approached a phase angle as large as ½ cycle. The maximum spatial step for generating a MAE with a square-wave grating was less than ¼ cycle. If a dark pause was introduced between the successive positions (phases) of the adapting grating, MAE’s disappeared when the pause was longer than 60–70 msec. The results can be used to define the spatiotemporal-response limits of a short-range motion process (or system of directionally selective motion sensors), and the results also suggest that the individual Fourier components of complex spatial patterns are capable of producing independent signals for direction of motion.
Reattachment of the endopelvic fascia to the apex during anterior colporrhaphy: does the type of suture matter?

We aimed to determine if the use of permanent suture for the apical fixation during traditional anterior colporrhaphy results in improved outcomes compared to delayed absorbable suture. A retrospective case-control study was performed in patients who underwent traditional non-grafted anterior colporrhaphy with reattachment of the anterior endopelvic fascia to the apex/cervix comparing permanent (group 1) or absorbable suture (group 2). Patients were matched based on age, body mass index, and presenting stage of prolapse. The primary outcome assessed was anterior wall vaginal prolapse recurrence defined as Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) points Aa or Ba ≥ −1 cm. Secondary outcome measures included overall prolapse stage, subjective reporting of satisfaction, and any healing abnormalities or complications resulting from suture type. A total of 230 patients were reviewed (80 in group 1 and 150 in group 2) and median follow-up was 52 (24–174) weeks. A statistically significant improvement in anterior wall anatomy was seen in group 1 compared to group 2 [(Aa −2.70 ± 0.6 cm vs −2.5 ± 0.75 cm, p = 0.02) and Ba (−2.68 ± 0.65 cm vs −2.51 ± 0.73 cm, p = 0.03), respectively]. Comparing prolapse stage, there were no observed differences between the groups. Exposure of the permanent suture occurred in 12 patients (15 %) and 5 (6.5 %) required suture trimming to treat the exposure. Reattachment of endopelvic fascia to the apex at the time of anterior colporrhaphy results in low recurrence rates. Use of permanent suture for apical fixation is associated with improved anatomic correction at the expense of increased suture exposures.
The learning curve for robotic distal pancreatectomy: an analysis of outcomes of the first 100 consecutive cases at a high‐volume pancreatic centre

Abstract Background Robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) is performed increasingly, but knowledge of the number of cases required to attain procedural proficiency is lacking. The aim of this study was to identify the learning curve associated with RDP at a high‐volume pancreatic centre. Methods Metrics of perioperative safety and efficiency for all consecutive RDPs were evaluated. Outcomes were followed to 90 days. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis was used to identify inflexion points corresponding to the learning curve. Results Between 2008 and 2013, 100 patients underwent RDP. There was no 90‐day mortality. In two patients (2.0%), surgery was converted to laparotomy. Thirty procedures were performed for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Precipitous operative time reductions from an initial operative time of 331 min were observed after the first 20 and 40 cases to 266 min and 210 min, respectively ( P P = 0.04), and non‐significant reductions were observed in incidences of major (Clavien–Dindo Grade II or higher) morbidity and Grade B and C leaks, and length of stay. Conclusions In this experience, RDP outcomes were optimized after 40 cases. Familiarity with the platform and dedicated training are likely to contribute to significantly shorter learning curves in future adopters.
Bootstrapping forecast intervals: An application to AR(p) models

Forecast intervals typically depend upon an assumption of normal forecast errors due to lack of information concerning the distribution of the forecast. This article applies the bootstrap to the problem of estimating forecast intervals for an AR(p) model. Box-Jenkins intervals are compared to intervals produced from a naive bootstrap and a bias-correction bootstrap. Substantial differences between the three methods are found. Bootstrapping an AR(p) model requires use of the backward residuals which typically are not i.i.d. and hence inappropriate for bootstrap resampling. A recently developed method of obtaining i.i.d. backward residuals is employed and was found to affect the bootstrap prediction intervals.
The incidence of import liberalization with and without a value added tax: an application to bangladesh

This paper examines the impact of import tariffs and tariff-replacing indirect taxes on the welfare of households grouped by the size distribution of income. A computable general equilibrium model for Bangladesh is simulated to examine the removal of quantitative restrictions and tariffs as well as the replacement of trade taxes with a value added tax (VAT). Import liberalization alone expands the manufacturing sector and increases the welfare of lower income households. If a uniform VAT is placed on both imports and all non-agricultural production in order to replace the lost tariff revenue for the government, some of the gains from import liberalization are diminished. If exports are exempted from the VAT, the gains are sustained to a greater degree. With a combination of tariff liberalization, quota markups, and the VAT, the economy goes through a contraction and the welfare of all households is reduced.
Do Time Press, Stimulus, and Creative Prompt Influence the Divergent Production of Undergraduate Students? Yes, Yes, and No, Not Very Much.

This study examined the influence of time press, specific stimulus, and type of creativity prompt on fluency and flexibility scores of 75 undergraduates randomly assigned to condition. Three stimuli were administered, in three time allotments (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 min), counterbalanced with three types of prompt intended to elicit higher fluency, flexibility, or originality scores. Dependent variables were fluency and flexibility scores. The results suggest that time press has a strong, and typically linear influence on both fluency and flexibility scores. When scores were adjusted by time allowed, a significant difference across stimuli was observed for flexibility, but not for fluency scores. Prompts had very small and nonsignificant effects. Performance did not differ for groups exposed to longer/shorter vs. shorter/longer time patterns on successive tasks.
CHD1 Remodels Chromatin and Influences Transient DNA Methylation at the Clock Gene frequency

Circadian-regulated gene expression is predominantly controlled by a transcriptional negative feedback loop, and it is evident that chromatin modifications and chromatin remodeling are integral to this process in eukaryotes. We previously determined that multiple ATP–dependent chromatin-remodeling enzymes function at frequency (frq). In this report, we demonstrate that the Neurospora homologue of chd1 is required for normal remodeling of chromatin at frq and is required for normal frq expression and sustained rhythmicity. Surprisingly, our studies of CHD1 also revealed that DNA sequences within the frq promoter are methylated, and deletion of chd1 results in expansion of this methylated domain. DNA methylation of the frq locus is altered in strains bearing mutations in a variety of circadian clock genes, including frq, frh, wc-1, and the gene encoding the frq antisense transcript (qrf). Furthermore, frq methylation depends on the DNA methyltransferase, DIM-2. Phenotypic characterization of Δdim-2 strains revealed an approximate WT period length and a phase advance of approximately 2 hours, indicating that methylation plays only an ancillary role in clock-regulated gene expression. This suggests that DNA methylation, like the antisense transcript, is necessary to establish proper clock phasing but does not control overt rhythmicity. These data demonstrate that the epigenetic state of clock genes is dependent on normal regulation of clock components.
Dynamics of adsorption, exchange reactions, and defect formation at solid surfaces

Abstract In real time computer simulations of reactive atoms incident on solid surfaces, several interesting fundamental processes have been observed. These include (1) a cascade of inelastic collisions between incident atom and substrate atoms that eventually results in equilibration and adsorption; (2) for sufficiently reactive atoms, and sufficiently high substrate temperatures, an exchange reaction in which the adsorbed atom replaces a substrate atom; and (3) the formation of defects as a result of adsorption or exchange events.
Empowering teams: what, why, and how

Discusses what are empowering teams, why they are important to employees, customers, and organizations, and how to go about empowering them. Presents a model of empowerment, arguing that empowerment means: authority to make decisions, accountability, alignment of direction, and ableness. Discusses ways to develop each of these, including information, supportive functions and systems, and leadership at four levels.
Quantum Theory of Fluctuations

An operator is constructed for the spectral density of a fluctuating dynamical variable. The formulation is based on an analysis of method of measurement. An essential feature of the operator is the replacement of classical dynamical variables by time-dependent Heisenberg operators. The expectation value of the spectral density includes fluctuations of statistical origin, as well as fluctuations of quantum mechanical origin. It can be computed for any physical system when the initial state has been specified. Two applications are given: Nyquist's law is rigorously deduced for a physical system that is similar to the one discussed by Callen and Welton, and the shot effect is calculated for free uncorrelated electrons. A quantum correction is obtained whose origin lies in the wavelike character of the electron.
Increasing frequency of staphylococcal infective endocarditis. Experience at a university hospital, 1981 through 1988

• To determine the characteristics of infective endocarditis in our hospital, we reviewed all patients with that diagnosis at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, between 1981 and 1988. Of 113 patients with infective endocarditis, 56 (50%) had staphylococcal endocarditis. Despite aggressive medical and surgical therapy, in-hospital mortality was 25%. Forty-five (80%) of the 56 cases of staphylococcal endocarditis involved Staphylococcus aureus with a mortality of 28% vs 9% in the non–S aureus group. Mortality was higher in patients with congestive heart failure (35%), atrioventricular block (45%), atrial fibrillation (42%), and prosthetic valve endocarditis (50%). Seventy-six percent of the patients with congestive heart failure required surgery. Patients with congestive heart failure and S aureus infection had a mortality of 45%. Thirty-six patients (64%) were alive at late follow-up (mean, 28.6 months). Mortality was highest (23%) during the first 3 months following diagnosis of staphylococcal endocarditis. Staphylococcal endocarditis represents an increasingly large proportion of patients with infectious endocarditis. Mortality rates remain high despite aggressive management of the patient's condition. ( Arch Intern Med . 1990;150:1305-1309)