cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reversion of Scenedesmus photosynthetic mutants.

Abstract The chlorophyll-protein complex associated with Photosystem I, CP-I, which is absent in Scenedesmus obliquus mutant 8 grown in the dark, is present in light-grown photosynthetically competent cultures of Scenedesmus 8, contrary to a previously published report (Gee, R., Saltman, P. and Weaver, E. (1969) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 189, 106–115). This change from mutant to wild-type traits is not due to photo-adaptation, but reflects the genetic reversion of some of the cells in the dark-grown population, as shown by the following evidence. (1) Individual cultures take different lengths of time to regain competence, whether started from the same or different dark-grown mutant 8 cultures. (2) Competent cells do not de-adapt when returned to the dark. (3) The appearance of wild-type traits is gradual. (4) A small number of cells in mutant populations are wild-type and are selected for in the light. The reversion rate of mutant 8 to the wild-type is high compared to that of mutant 11.
Measurements of left-to-right intracardiac shunting in adults: Oximetric versus indicator dilution techniques†

Of the various techniques that are available to assess the presence and magnitude of intracardiac shunting, oximetry and indicator dilution are used most frequently. This study was performed to compare these methods in adult patients with pure left-to-right intracardiac shunting. In 27 patients [12 men, 15 women, aged 32 +/- 12 (mean +/- SD) years], shunt magnitude was assessed in close temporal proximity by both techniques. The oximetric percentage left-to-right shunt averaged 55 +/- 16%, whereas the indocyanine green dye percentage shunt was significantly less (36 +/- 14%, p less than 0.001). The oximetric percentage shunt exceeded the indocyanine green dye percentage shunt in 26 and did so by greater than 20% in 23 patients. Thus, there is a substantial difference in shunt magnitude between the oximetric and the indicator dilution techniques. In infants, indicator dilution yields results that are larger than those obtained with the oximetric method. Conversely, in adults, the indicator dilution technique gives results that are consistently smaller than those obtained with oximetry. As a result, the decision regarding therapy of an intracardiac shunt should be made with this in mind.
Phonon density of states in iron at high pressures and high temperatures

The phonon density of states (DOS) in iron has been measured in situ by nuclear resonance inelastic X-ray scattering (NRIXS) at high pressures and high temperatures in a resistively heated diamond anvil cell. The DOS data provide a variety of thermodynamic and elastic parameters essential for characterizing iron at depth in the Earth interior, such as average sound velocity, Debye temperature, atomic mean square displacement, average kinetic energy, vibrational entropy and specific heat. The NRIXS data were collected at 6, 20, and 29 GPa and at temperatures up to 920 K. Temperatures were directly determined from the measured spectra by the ratio of intensities of the phonon creation/annihilation side bands that are determined only by the Boltzmann factor. The change of the DOS caused by the structural transition from α-Fe to ɛ-Fe is small and not resolvable within the experimental precision. However, the phonon energies in γ-Fe are clearly shifted to lower values with respect to α- and ɛ-Fe. The temperature dependence of derived thermodynamic parameters is presented and compared with those obtained by Debye’s model. The Debye temperatures that best describe the data decrease slightly with increasing temperature.
The relationship of thought-action fusion to pathologicial worry and generalized anxiety disorder

Meta-cognitive beliefs associated with pathological worry and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) may encompass the likelihood subtype of thought-action fusion (TAF), the belief that one's thoughts can influence outside events. In the current study of 494 undergraduate college students, positive correlations between scores on the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) and the two Likelihood subscales of the TAF Scale were found, and participants endorsing at least some DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for GAD scored significantly higher on both TAF-Likelihood subscales than participants reporting no GAD symptoms. However, these TAF scales did not predict GAD diagnostic status with PSWQ included as a predictor. In contrast to previous research, the TAF-Moral scale did not correlate with worry. Relationships between TAF, pathological worry, and meta-cognition are discussed in relation to GAD.
Supratentorial ependymomas: computed tomographic and pathologic correlations

Of a total of 52 cases of ependymomas, 38 were intracranial, with 15 being supratentorial and 23 infratentorial. Pre- and postoperative computed tomographic scans were correlated with surgical pathologic findings in four cases of supratentorial ependymomas. Pathologic specimens were analyzed from another four cases for which only postoperative scans were available. Seven cases had no computed tomographic studies, but pathology reports were available. Common computed tomography findings for these tumors included para- or intraventricular location, one or more cystic areas within the tumor, and calcifications within the lesion or around its periphery. Proven subependymal spread of tumor was evident by computed tomography in one case. Mixing of ependymoma with oligodendroglioma was present in four cases and with both oligodendroglioma and astrocytoma in two cases. Microscopic calcifications were more frequently seen in ependymomas that were mixed with oligodendroglioma.
The Challenge of Assessing Cultural Understanding in the Context of Foreign Language Instruction

Abstract: Numerous publications, including the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century (National Standards, 1999), emphasize the importance of cultural understanding in the development of intercultural competence in foreign language learning. However, there is no agreement on how culture should be defined operationally in the context of the foreign language curriculum in terms of concrete instructional objectives, and there is even less consensus on whether or how it should be formally assessed. This article reviews the literature relating to goals and objectives for the teaching of culture and suggests five fundamental objectives to serve as a foundation for the development of cross-cultural understanding and intercultural competence. Portfolio assessment is proposed to evaluate students' emerging awareness, and a template for such a portfolio is provided.
Penalty-Based Solution for the Interval Finite-Element Methods

A new approach for achieving guaranteed reliable results within the context of finite-element approximation of mechanical systems is developed. A reliable analysis requires that all the sources of uncertainty and errors be accommodated. The appropriateness of a partial differential equation to a given physical problem is beyond the scope of this work. Parameter uncertainty is treated as intervals in this work and guaranteed bounds on the “unknown” true solutions are obtained. In this paper an element-by-element penalty-based interval finite-element analysis of linear elastic structural mechanics and solid mechanics problem is introduced. Material and load uncertainties are handled simultaneously. Presented numerical examples illustrate the ability of the method to maintain very sharp solution enclosures even when the number of the interval parameters or the size of the problems is increased.
Minimal zero -dimensional extensions

Abstract The structure of minimal zero-dimensional extensions of one-dimensional rings with Noetherian spectrum in which zero is a primary ideal is determined. Those rings include Dedekind domains but need not be Noetherian nor integrally closed. A subsidiary result is the structure of minimal zero-dimensional extensions of a general ZPI-ring.
Thermodynamic constitutive model for gradual phase transformation of SMA materials

A thermally induced phase transformation in a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) polycrystal occurs gradually over a range of temperatures unlike the first-order transition (at a single temperature) of a SMA monocrystal. This spread in transformation temperatures is believed to be caused by such factors as material inhomogeneities and internal stresses in the polycrystal. Taking a recently proposed thermodynamic model by Bo and Lagoudas for the Two-Way Memory Effect of SMA materials as a starting point, we extend it to account for the presence of initial heterogeneities, by introducing a statistical distribution in the Gibbs free energy function. The extended theory is then used as a basis to correlate strain recovery vs. temperature measurements from thermally induced cyclic phase transformation in untrained polycrystalline wires.
Symmetrized Multivariate k-NN Estimators

In this article, we propose a symmetrized multivariate k-NN estimator for the conditional mean and for the conditional distribution function. We establish consistency and asymptotic normality of each estimator. For the estimator of the conditional distribution function, we also establish the weak convergence of the conditional empirical process to a Gaussian process. Compared with the corresponding kernel estimators, the asymptotic distributions of our k-NN estimators do not depend on the existence of the marginal probability density functions of the covariate vector. A small simulation study compares the finite sample performance of our symmetrized multivariate k-NN estimator with the Nadaraya–Watson kernel estimator for the conditional mean.
Certain Attitudes Toward Occupational Status Held by Music Education Majors

Educators today often receive mixed messages about their occupational status. The purposes of this study were (a) to identify sources of negative messages aimed at music education undergraduates, a...
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: DEATH RECEPTOR EXPRESSION AND OLIGODENDROCYTE APOPTOSIS IN ESTABLISHED LESIONS

To determine whether TNF and TRAIL death receptors (DR), and decoy receptors (DcR), play a role in oligodendrocyte depletion in the lesions of chronic multiple sclerosis (MS), we investigated the presence and functionality of these molecules on oligodendrocytes in MS and non-MS brain tissue and on human oligodendrocytes in vitro. For this, we performed immunocytochemistry, Western blotting, TUNEL and FACS analysis for the presence of DR and apoptosis in sections of fresh frozen CNS tissue from cases of chronic MS, other neurologic diseases and normals, and in fetal human oligodendrocytes in vitro. The results showed that although oligodendrocytes demonstrated both DR and DcR, particularly in vitro, there was no predilection of the phenomenon for MS and apoptosis of oligodendrocytes, common in cultures after ligation with TRAIL, was negligible in CNS tissue in situ. Thus, death of oligodendrocytes by apoptosis was an infrequent event in all human CNS samples examined. We postulate that while oligodendrocyte apoptosis might prevail during the initial stages of MS, from our findings other mechanisms probably account for their loss in the established lesion and decoy receptors may play a protective role in oligodendrocyte survival.
A half century of parole rules: Conditions of parole in the United States, 2008

Abstract There is growing concern about revocations of parole for technical violations of parole conditions. This article represents a fifth survey of standard conditions of parole in the United States. In 2008 all fifty-two parole jurisdictions were surveyed and the standard conditions of supervision identified. The results indicate that the number and types of standard conditions of parole have increased in the recent past, but that over the past half century, parole rules have retained a focus on criminal behavior and enabling post release supervision. It is more likely that our conceptions about how best to respond to rule violations have undergone change.
Class-Selective Extraction of Polar, Moderately Polar, and Nonpolar Organics from Hydrocarbon Wastes Using Subcritical Water

The polarity of water drops dramatically when heated under enough pressure to maintain the liquid state. For example, the dielectric constant (e) of water is 80 at ambient temperature, but drops to ∼30 at 250 °C. Thus, low tem perature water can be used to extract polar organics, while higher temperature water will extract moderately polar and nonpolar organics. Four samples (a soil, a catalyst, and two sludges) were extracted by subcritical water at dif ferent temperatures and pressures. At lower temperatures (50−150 °C), phenols and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) were quantitatively extracted by liquid water, while PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and alkanes were not extracted. At 250 or 300 °C, liquid water effectively extracted PAHs, but the high mo lecular weight alkanes (e.g., >C20) were still not extracted. The quantitative extraction of the high molecular weight alkanes was achieved only by super-heated steam (250 and 300 °C at 5 atm) extractions. Class-selective extrac...
Growth of Sn-Doped β-Ga2O3 Nanowires and Ga2O3−SnO2 Heterostructures for Gas Sensing Applications

Although β-Ga2O3 thin films and nanowires (NWs) show promise as very stable and reliable active components for high temperature gas sensors, their use at room temperatures is limited due to poor electrical conductivity. To address this problem, we grew Sn-doped β-Ga2O3 nanowires by the vapor−liquid−solid (VLS) approach. Sn-doped β-Ga2O3 NWs with diameters of 100−250 nm retained the monoclinic β-Ga2O3 structure, though photoluminescence (PL) emission was red-shifted by up to 50 nm relative to the deep defect band typically observed for pure β-Ga2O3 NWs. When higher amounts of Sn were introduced, individual Ga2O3−SnO2 heterostructures (HS) self-assembled, to form three distinctive parts: monocrystalline Sn-doped β-Ga2O3, poorly crystalline Sn-doped β-Ga2O3, and polycrystalline Ga-doped SnO2, thus realizing a p-n junction within a single HS. Factors responsible for the self-assembly of Ga2O3−SnO2 HS are the different vapor pressures of Sn and Ga and different growth kinetics of Ga2O3 and SnO2. Inhomogeneity ...
Update on human health concerns of recombinant bovine somatotropin use in dairy cows.

The 20 yr of commercial use of recom- binant bovine somatotropin (rbST) in the United States provide the backdrop for reviewing the outcome of use on human health issues by the upcoming 78th meet- ing of the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Food Additives. These results and further advancements in scientific knowl- edge indicate there are no new human health issues related to the use of rbST by the dairy industry. Use of rbST has no effect on the micro- and macrocompo- sition of milk. Also, no evidence exists that rbST use has increased human exposure to antibiotic residues in milk. Concerns that IGF-I present in milk could have biological effects on humans have been allayed by stud- ies showing that oral consumption of IGF-I by humans has little or no biological activity. Additionally, con- centrations of IGF-I in digestive tract fluids of humans far exceed any IGF-I consumed when drinking milk. Furthermore, chronic supplementation of cows with rbST does not increase concentrations of milk IGF-I outside the range typically observed for effects of farm, parity, or stage of lactation. Use of rbST has not affected expression of retroviruses in cattle or posed an increased risk to human health from retroviruses in cattle. Furthermore, risk for development of type 1 or type 2 diabetes has not increased in children or adults consuming milk and dairy products from rbST-supple- mented cows. Overall, milk and dairy products provide essential nutrients and related benefits in health mainte- nance and the prevention of chronic diseases.
Transnational Lives, Travelling Emotions and Idioms of Distress Among Bolivian Migrants in Spain

This article examines the emotional and health impacts that immigration to Spain has on Bolivian families. We explore transnational preventive and healing activities deployed in Spain and Bolivia to allay emergent anxieties, frustrations and illnesses. Although undocumented migrants have access to a universal public health system, they adopt pluralistic approaches to healing, combining traditional and biomedical treatments. An understanding of these healing strategies requires attention to how emotions and their embodiment are experienced in the context of immigration. We propose a theoretical framework which draws upon a constructivist approach to emotions and expand its potential by linking it to influences of transnational lifestyles and bifocality. Preoccupation and sorrow are considered key etiological agents for many illnesses in the Andes and therefore migrants are particularly mindful about how their own suffering abroad affects vulnerable relatives in Bolivia. Communication between migrants and r...
Numerical dynamo models of Uranus' and Neptune's magnetic fields

Abstract The non-axisymmetric, non-dipolar magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune are markedly different from the axially-dipolar dominated fields of the other planets in our Solar System with active dynamos. Stanley and Bloxham [Stanley, S., Bloxham, J., 2004. Nature 428, 151–153] used numerical modeling to demonstrate that Uranus' and Neptune's unusual fields could be the result of a different convective region geometry in these planets. They found that a numerical dynamo operating in a thin shell surrounding a stably-stratified fluid interior produces magnetic field morphologies similar to those of Uranus and Neptune. This geometry for the convective region was initially proposed by Hubbard et al. [Hubbard, W.B., Podolak, M., Stevenson, D.J., 1995. In: Cruickshank, D. (Ed.), Neptune and Triton. Univ. of Arizona Press, Tucson, pp. 109–138] to explain both the magnetic field morphology as well as the low intrinsic heat flows from these planets. Here we examine the influence of varying the stable layer radius in numerical models and compare the results to thin shell models surrounding solid inner cores. We find that a limited range of stable-layer shell thicknesses exist in which Uranus/Neptune-like field morphologies result. This allows us to put constraints on the size of the convective layers in Uranus and Neptune.
NANOCRYSTALLINE GROWTH AND GRAIN-SIZE EFFECTS IN AU-CU ELECTRODEPOSITS

The processing-structure-property relationship is investigated for electrodeposited foils of the gold-copper alloy system. A model is presented that relates the deposition process parameters to the nanocrystalline grain size. An activation energy of 1.52 eV {center_dot} atom{sup -1} for growth is determined for a long pulse (>10 msec) mode, and is 0.16 eV {center_dot} atom{sup -1} for short pulses ( 6 nm) is observed for Au-Cu samples with 1-12 wt.% Cu as tested in cross-section. The hardness increases three-fold from a rule-of-mixtures value <1 GPa to a maximum of 2.9 GPa.
A History of the Barrow Neurological Institute

The Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI), founded in 1961, is in partnership with St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center and part of the Catholic Healthcare West system. The BNI is a relative newcomer to academic neuroscience. However, since its inception it has grown to become an international destination for neurologic disease. This article describes the history of the institute as it has grown over the years in its commitment to excellence in patient care, education, and research.
Enhanced cytopathic effect of human cytomegalovirus on a retinal pigment epithelium cell line, K-1034, by serum-free medium

Although human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) predominantly infects epithelial cells in vivo, the majority of studies of HCMV gene expression and replication have been conducted using non-epithelial cell lines in part because of the absence of a good experimental system using epithelial cells. To address the nature of epithelial cell infection, we investigated the susceptibility of an epithelial cell line (K-1034) established from the retinal pigment epithelium to HCMV infection. This cell line exhibited high susceptibility to HCMV, as evidenced by detection of one of the immediate early antigens, IE2, in the nuclei of more than 80% of K-1034 cells at 24 h following inoculation at a multiplicity of infection of 3 plaque forming units per cell. However, the yield after one-step growth of HCMV in K-1034 cells was about twenty-fold less than that in human embryonic lung fibroblast cells. Cytopathic effect (CPE) on K-1034 cells was not prominent in medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and viral late antigens were detected in less than 5% of K-1034 cells. Interestingly, infected cells expressing late antigens and exhibiting CPE were markedly increased in serum-free medium, even though the yield of infectious HCMV and viral genome copy numbers were almost the same in the different serum concentrations, due to viral instability in the absence of serum. Thus, the progression of late antigens expression and the induction of CPE in infected epithelial cells is influenced by physiological conditions, and are negatively regulated by some serum factor.
Incision of recurrent distal esophageal (Schatzki) ring after dilation.

Background: Distal esophageal (Schatzki) ring is a frequent cause of dysphagia. Bougienage is generally effective but relapse is common. Outcomes for patients treated by endoscopic incision of distal esophageal rings after symptomatic relapses after bougienage are described. Methods: Eleven patients (2 women, 9 men; median age 61 years; range 24 to 81 years) with recurrent dysphagia after bougienage with large caliber bougies underwent 17 sessions of endoscopic incision of the rings. Follow-up was by standardized interview at a median of 55 months (range, 7 to 84 months) after the initial incision procedure. Results: A median of 3 dilation sessions (range, 1 to >25) were performed prior to incision. All patients noted complete resolution of dysphagia immediately thereafter. Seven required subsequent incision or dilation and 4 did not. The mean dysphagia score was significantly improved from that before incision to that during follow-up. There was a significant increase in the mean duration of improvement in dysphagia after the initial incision compared with that after preincision dilation (respectively, 17 months [range, 2 to 72 months] vs. 5 months [range, 0.5 to 28 months]; p = 0.034). Conclusions: Endoscopic incision of distal esophageal rings that cause recurrent dysphagia after bougienage improves dysphagia and provides a longer dysphagia-free interval compared with repeated bougienage. (Gastrointest Endosc 2002;56:244-8.)
The quantitative recovery and purification of spallogenic43K for nuclear medicine: A radiochemical procedure for V targets bombarded with medium-energy protons

43K is used in diagnostic nuclear medicine for body electrolyte and cardiovascular investigations. This nuclide is produced at LAMPF by the spallation of V targets with medium-energy protons, and a chemical procedure has been developed for the isolation of radiopotassium from the bulk target material and various spallogenic impurities.43K is thus recovered with a 91% chemical yield and is sufficiently decontaminated for radiologic applications.
Microsurgical management of extremity wounds in diabetics with peripheral vascular disease

Plastic surgeons are frequently called upon to evaluate wounds in diabetic patients with compromised vascular inflow. Although a few authors have reported success in coverage of such wounds with microsurgical techniques, enthusiasm for this procedure has remained low due to concerns about flap viability, occlusion of flow to the distal limb, and the usually poor systemic status of such patients. We report here on our experience with 19 diabetic patients with peripheral vascular disease and a nonhealing wound of the lower extremity treated over the last 4 years with microvascular tissue transfer. Two patients (10.5 percent) suffered anastomotic difficulties and there was one flap loss (5 percent). Major morbidity rates were acceptable, with only one perioperative death (5 percent) and three cases of nonfatal major systemic difficulties in the immediate postoperative period (16 percent). Despite the importation of well-vascularized tissue, local morbidity at the recipient site was seen in nine patients (47 percent). The overall limb salvage rate was 72 percent during the period of follow-up, which averaged 22 months. Despite this loss of five limbs, all but three of the patients eventually returned to ambulation. The overall death rate in our series was only 2/19 (10.5 percent) over the period of follow-up. Although further work needs to be done in this difficult group of patients to ascertain the long-term benefit (especially relative to the cost/benefit ratio), we feel that this series confirms the safety and short-term efficacy of microsurgical treatment of such individuals.
Local sequential ensemble Kalman filter for simultaneously tracking states and parameters

Accurate information about dynamic states and parameters is important for efficient control and operation of a power system. To improve the estimation accuracy of states and parameters, this paper applies a local sequential ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) method to simultaneously estimate dynamic states and parameters using phasor-measurement-unit (PMU) data. Based on simulation studies using multi-machine systems, the proposed method performed favorably in tracking both states and parameters in real time.
Molecular Simulations and Experimental Studies of CO2, CO, and N2 Adsorption in Metal−Organic Frameworks

Atomistic grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations were performed to understand the interplay of factors (pore size, heat of adsorption, open metal sites, electrostatics, and ligand functionalization) contributing to adsorption of CO2, CO, and N2 in MOFs. Four MOFs—IRMOF-1, IRMOF-3, Cu-BTC, and Zn2[bdc]2[dabco]—were chosen for comparison. Binary mixtures (CO2/CO) and (CO2/N2) containing 5%, 50%, and 95% CO2 were examined. CO2 is preferentially adsorbed over CO and N2 in all MOFs. Cu-BTC displays higher selectivities for CO2 over CO at lower pressures and CO2 over N2 at all pressures for all mixtures due to the increase in electrostatic interactions of CO2 with the exposed copper sites. However, IRMOF-3 shows surprisingly high selectivities for CO2 over CO for 50% and 95% mixtures at higher pressures due to the presence of amine-functionalized groups and high pore volume. CO2 selectivities increase with increasing CO2 concentration in the gas mixtures at total pressures above 5 bar. On the basis of the resu...
Intermolecular basis of odour

THREE quite different theories of odour discrimination are in favour at present. The ‘site filling theory’ of Amoore1 relates molecular shapes to odour types and identifies some classifications as primary. The penetration and puncture theory of Davies2 develops a physical model for impulse transmission. The key physical properties involved are the molecular size and the adsorption coefficient between air and a lipid–water interface. Wright3 has correlated vibrational frequencies in the far infrared with the quality of odour.
Don’t just blame the system

The problem with the systems based approach to medical error is that it suggests that no one is or can be responsible
Self-assembling phospholipid tubules

Lipid-based tubules serve as models for the development of advanced materials based upon molecular self-assembly. The processes by which tubules are formed and how they are coated with metals (nickel in the Figure) or used as templates in order to increase the strength of the final material are described. Their electrical and magnetic properties are discussed.
Cerebral palsy: A reconceptualization of the spectrum

Approximately 50 years ago, interest in cerebral palsy increased, and the current definitions and classification were developed. The interplay among the dimensions of significant impairment, nonprogressive lesions, and persistence defines a group of children who were of interest to the researchers who developed the definition. Cerebral palsy as a definition does not attend to the broader issues of neurodevelopmental dysfunction. It isolates a portion of the spectrum of motor dysfunction and creates a category whose bounds are defined by a range of motor capability. The classifications of cerebral palsy that require revision are discussed. Some classifications should be discarded. Others should be brought in line with current knowledge and approaches. Still others should be modified to encompass the broader views of function and therapy that reflect the current expectations for persons with disabilities.
Add-on angiotensin II receptor blockade lowers urinary transforming growth factor-β levels****

Progression of renal failure, despite renoprotection with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in patients with proteinuric nephropathies, may be caused by persistent renal production of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) through the angiotensin II subtype 1 (AT1) receptors. We tested the hypothesis that AT1-receptor blocker therapy added to a background of chronic maximal ACE inhibitor therapy will result in a reduction in urinary TGF-beta1 levels in such patients. Sixteen patients completed a two-period, crossover, randomized, controlled trial, details of which have been previously reported. All patients were administered lisinopril, 40 mg/d, with either losartan, 50 mg/d, or placebo. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using a 24-hour ambulatory BP monitor. Overnight specimens of urine were analyzed for urine TGF-beta1, protein, and creatinine concentrations. Mean age of the study population was 53 +/- 9 (SD) years; body mass index, 38 +/- 5.7 kg/m2; seated BP, 156 +/- 18/88 +/- 12 mm Hg; and urine protein excretion, 3.6 +/- 0.71 g/g of creatinine. Twelve patients had diabetic nephropathy, and the remainder had chronic glomerulonephritis. At baseline, urinary TGF-beta1 levels were significantly increased in the study population compared with healthy controls (13.2 +/- 1.2 versus 1.7 +/- 1.1 ng/g creatinine; P < 0.001). There was a strong correlation between baseline urine protein excretion and urinary TGF-beta1 level (r2 = 0.53; P = 0.001), as well as systolic BP and urinary TGF-beta1 level (r2 = 0.57; P < 0.001). After 4 weeks of add-on losartan therapy, there was a 38% (95% confidence interval [CI], 16% to 55%) decline in urinary TGF-beta1 levels (13.3 [95% CI, 11.4 to 15.5] to 8.2 pg/mg creatinine [95% CI, 6.2 to 10.7]). The reduction in urinary TGF-beta1 levels occurred independent of changes in mean urinary protein excretion or BP. Thus, proteinuric patients with renal failure, despite maximal ACE inhibition, had increased urinary levels of TGF-beta1 that improved over 1 month of add-on therapy with losartan. We speculate that dual blockade with losartan and an ACE inhibitor may provide additional renoprotection by decreasing renal production of TGF-beta1.
Effect of the “Half-Full Aging Simulation Experience” on Medical Students' Attitudes

Abstract Forty-nine third-year medical students participated in the “Half-Full Aging Simulation Experience.” The purpose of this program was to allow students to experience the functional decline that may occur with normal aging, while learning how function can be improved by simple environmental adaptations. Student attitudes were measured before and after the simulation experience. A significant change was detected on the instrumental sub-scale of the Aging Semantic Differential Scale. This sub-scale measures attitudes related to the older adult's ability to improve, change, and pursue goals.
Investigation of interpenetrating polymer networks for self-healing applications

Abstract Self-healing techniques can enhance the durability and reliability of thermosetting polymer systems. This research discusses thermally induced healing of Interpenetrating Polymer Networks (IPNs) with varying percentages of linear polymer. An in situ sequential IPN system was developed using diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) cured with 4,4′-methylene biscyclohexanamine as the cross-linked phase and poly(methacrylated phenyl glycidyl ether) (pMPGE) as the linear polymer phase. It was hypothesized that upon healing, diffusion of linear polymer to the crack interface could aid in crack healing. The polymer network without linear polymer had a healing efficiency of 52% after the first healing cycle, dropping to 25% after the fourth healing cycle. IPNs with varying amounts of pMPGE had healing efficiencies ranging from 40% to 52% after the first healing cycle. Healing efficiencies dropped to 27–39% after the fourth healing cycle. The incorporation of linear polymer allowed for greater retention of healing efficiency over consecutive healing cycles.
In-situ coherent lidar (ISICL): sensitivity, sampling rate, and practical considerations for using a particle mapper in plasma chambers and other inhospitable places

The ISICL sensor is a recently described measurement device for sensing and mapping the temporal and spatial distribution of isolated submicron particles in semiconductor processing plasma chambers, fluid tanks, and other inaccessible or hostile places. It requires no modifications to the chamber, and senses the volume directly over the wafer, while the process is running. Its detection sensitivity is extremely high: even in a very bright plasma, it requires only 50 scattered photons to detect a particle at a false alarm rate of 10-5 Hz. Here we present theoretical and experimental results for the sensitivity and volumetric sampling rate of the sensor, as well as a method of using the measured pulse height histogram to obtain particle size information, and some practical tests of performance versus window quality and back wall material.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Hygiene in the Prevention of Udder Infections. IV. Evaluation of Teat Dips with Excised Cows’ Teats

Suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used to contaminate teats excised from cows. Commercially available teat dips were applied for evaluation of comparative germicidal activity. Iodophors, sodium hypochlorite, and sodium dichloro-s-triazenetrione were highly effective against all four test organisms. Quarternary ammonium, chlorhexidine, and cetylpyridinium chloride were effective against Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus agalactiae but not Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bronopol and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate were marginally effective on the two Gram positive organisms and ineffective on the two Gram negatives. Three of the dips were ineffective against all four pathogens; two were in nonaqueous bases, and the other was a blend of pine oil and antibodies with udder origin. In other trials, iodophor at .3% titratable iodine was highly effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae. Products containing .5 and 1% iodophor maintained effectiveness after each was used to dip 140 teats under conditions of commercial dairying. Logarithmic reduction in the geometric mean number of organisms recovered from teats was more meaningful for evaluating data than percent reduction.
Special Populations Critical Care Considerations of the Morbidly Obese Pregnant Patient

The critically ill pregnant patient poses a unique challenge to the clinician, requiring a thorough understanding of normal and abnormal maternal and fetal physiology associated with pregnancy. The morbidly obese patient presents even greater challenges to the clinician, and morbidity and mortality are proportionately increased. Because increased numbers of obese pregnant women are now admitted to intensive care units, practitioners must be aware of the physiology associated with both pregnancy and obesity. A multidisciplinary approach is imperative to prevent both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality for these very complex patients, especially when they are admitted to the ICU with critical illness.
Spinal MR findings in neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2.

PURPOSE To evaluate the frequency and nature of spinal pathology, the frequency of clinically silent lesions, and the potential benefit of screening spinal MR in neurofibromatosis patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS 28 neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF-1) patients and nine neurofibromatosis type-2 (NF-2) patients were studied with postcontrast spinal MR imaging. RESULTS NF-1: One patient had a biopsy-proven low-grade glioma; five patients, intradural, extramedullary masses (N = 23); one patient, extradural masses (N = 2) (neurofibromas); 16 patients had bony abnormalities; and three patients thecal sac abnormalities. NF-2: Five patients demonstrated intramedullary masses (five/eight ependymomas); nine patients, intradural, extramedullary masses (meningiomas, schwannomas); and four patients, bony abnormalities. Eight/10 NF-1 and four/nine NF-2 patients had asymptomatic masses. CONCLUSION Intradural disease is common, often asymptomatic, and often presents at a young age in NF-1 and NF-2 patients. Because of the propensity to develop significant asymptomatic as well as symptomatic intradural disease, screening of the entire spine with MR is recommended in both NF-1 and NF-2 patients.
Caching support for push-pull data dissemination using data-snooping routers

Internet applications such as the HTTP-Web, audio-video streaming and file sharing depend on wide-area data dissemination. Clients of these applications suffer from long delays due to network queuing, bandwidth limitations and adverse effects of bandwidth sharing between different traffic. Caching reduces delays and saves network bandwidth by holding the fetched data and responding to the subsequent requests locally. Existing distributed caching solutions are application-specific and do not support delivery in the push-pull directions at the same time. Our proposed architecture, called storage embedded networks, gives application-and direction-independent caching support by using memory-embedded, data-snooping routers. These router caches can act both as a client proxy and a server accelerator. We compare our architecture to the Web caches operating in forward proxy mode. We report additional reductions in client response times and server loads over proxies using the same cache sizes.
Postreplication Labeling of E-Leaflet Molecules: Membrane Immunoglobulins Localized in Sectioned, Labeled Replicas Examined by TEM and HVEM

Conventional freeze-fracture techniques were combined with immunogold labeling and with plastic embedding and sectioning to analyze the distribution of membrane immunoglobulins (mIgs) and their associated intramembrane particles (IMPS) in E-face replicas of murine B-lymphocyte plasma membranes. Immunogold labels were applied to cells after the process of freeze-fracture and replication. Conventional stereoscopic transmission elec- tron microscopic examination of sectioned, labeled replicas (SLRs) revealed that the gold-labeled mIgs were bound to and localized on the outer leaflets of split and replicated membranes. The gold labels were attached to the external determinants of the mIg molecules, which were retained beneath and contig- uous with the replicated E-faces. The mIgs were also localized on the external surface of unreplicated microvilli. In addition, thick sections examined by high- voltage transmission electron microscopy (HVEM) revealed large expanses of replica with well-resolved IMPS. mIgs colocalized with small-diameter (< 60 A) IMPs in E-face replicas of B-lymphocytes whose mIgs were patched by anti- immunoglobulin. Thus, postreplication E-surface labeling of split and repli- cated membranes is a high-resolution technique that is suitable for the study of membrane protein distribution in E-face replicas and contiguous nonrepli- cated tissue.
Dihydrotropones from Dictyopteris

(+)-(R)-4-Butylcyclohepta-2,6-dienone and (+)-6-butylcyclohepta-2,4-dienone are minor constituents of the essential oil of two species of Hawaiian Dictyopteris.
Differential prevalence of alcohol use among 2-year and 4-year college students.

Purpose To determine whether alcohol use behaviors and alcohol-related consequences differed among students attending two-year versus four-year colleges.
Endometrial collection and interpretation using the Tao brush and the CytoRich fixative system: A feasibility study

Background The cytological assessment of endometrium entails: (1) a collection device that is easy to use, collects material only from the endometrium, and obtains adequate samples; (2) a fixation process that ensures the preservation of individual cells, maintains cell polarity, and allows the recognition of three-dimensional tissue structures (microbiopsies); and, (3) interpretative algorithms that translate histopathologic to cytopathologic diagnoses. The purpose of this study is to show that it is feasible to achieve these ends when endometrial brush sampling is coupled with suspension fixation. Methods Obtain endometrium from 100 consecutive hysterectomy uteri using an Indiana University Medical Center sampler (Tao Brush), suspension-fix it in CytoRich fixative, prepare it with a cytocentrifuge using large diameter sample chambers, and compare the cytologic diagnosis to the histologic diagnosis of the hysterectomy specimen. Results There were no inadequate collections. Cytology regularly separated (1) benign endometrium, (2) low-grade (non-atypical) hyperplasia, (3) high-grade (atypical) hyperplasia/FIGO Grade I adenocarcinoma, and (4) higher-grade carcinomas from one another. Endometrial atrophy was diagnosed in three patients whose histology showed clinically asymptomatic, benign fibrous endometrial polyps. A low volume of abnormal cell aggregates interpreted as endometrial intraepithelial carcinoma was detected in one patient whose initial histology was reported as simple hyperplasia, but whose histology on review after p53 staining revealed intraepithelial surface cancer. In the remaining 96 cases, the cytologic diagnosis consistently represented the histologic diagnosis of the hysterectomy specimen. On a case-by-case basis, any one cytology slide accurately represented the diagnosis of the other cytology slides. Conclusion Endometrial brushing with suspension-fixation is advocated for the detection of endometrial lesions because (1) fixation is uniform, (2) there is substantial preservation of three-dimensional structures among cell aggregates, which allows pattern-based histologic diagnostic criteria to be applied to cytologic samples, and (3) only a limited number of slides need to be examined. Diagn. Cytopathol. 1997;17:339–346. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Spectrum of Histological Features in Infantile Digital Fibromatosis

Infantile digital fibromatosis (IDF), also called Reye tumor or inclusion body fibromatosis, is a benign proliferation of myofibroblasts, with characteristic perinuclear eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusion bodies. The inclusions stain pink with hematoxylin-eosin, red with Masson’s trichrome, and purple with phosphotungstic acid-hematoxylin. This intradermal neoplasm is formed by interlacing bundles of collagen and spindle cells. Positive immunohistochemical staining with vimentin, cytokeratin, desmin, and actin indicate myofibroblastic cell origin. Clinically, patients present at birth or infancy with asymptomatic smooth, flesh colored nodules, typically on lateral or dorsal digits. IDF is a benign neoplasm that may spontaneously regress and treatment is observation. Lesions recur in 60% of excisions; surgery is only recommended in cases of functional impairment or aggressive growth. We report three cases of IDF. The patients, ranging 8 months to 8 years old, presented with pink to flesh colored nodules on the feet and fingers. A spectrum of histological features was observed. All cases revealed dermal proliferation of spindle cells with blunt nuclei and eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions. Pattern of spindle cells ranged from loose haphazard arrangement to well-organized interlacing bundles. The quantity of eosinophilic inclusions varied. For diagnostic and treatment purposes, all three patients underwent excision, with subsequent recurrence in two cases.
Nursing Home Culture Change and Social Work Practice

The role of the social worker in the nursing home is vital in providing psychosocial services in a medical arena, yet experience, training, and education vary widely in the United States, and within the state of Louisiana. Workers are called to do more through rigorous behavioral and intentional documentation paired with advocacy recommendations to infuse higher attention to resident-centered care through federal changes in documentation and in the nursing home culture change movement. This multidimensional movement that aims to improve all aspects of life within the nursing facility, such as standards as care quality, satisfaction, and staff retention and commitment calls for a holistic method of practice. The purpose of this paper is to assess Louisiana’s nursing homes in term of implementation of culture change and to assess if there is a relationship between implementation and social work education. The relationship between implementation with the level of training and education of social workers/social service designees is explored and descriptive statistics are provided related to level of implementation in the sample. Facilities with higher implementation rates in three of the six of the culture change categories were significantly related to social work education level: Staffing, Homelike Environment, and Activities.
Perfused Microreactors for Liver Tissue Engineering

We developed scalable microreactors that foster the development of 3D microscopic pieces of tissue. By integrating microreactors, reservoirs, and pumps in the multiwell cell culture plate format, we created a high throughput cell culture system. However, in contrast to commonly used 2D static cell culture in multiwell plates, our new system allows 3D perfused cell culture. The system provides a means to conduct assays for toxicology and metabolism and can be used as a model for human diseases such as hepatic diseases, exposure-related pathologies, and cancer
Measuring the effectiveness of US official state tourism websites

This study attempts to apply the ICTRT (information, communication, transaction, relationship and technical merit) model to assess the effectiveness of US official state tourism websites through content analysis by expert evaluators. The results demonstrated that US State Tourism Offices (STOs) were not able to effectively adopt and manage information technology to support more sophisticated business operations. Most STOs focused mainly on basic website functions, such as information and communication. Applications supporting more advanced functions, such as transaction and relationship building were not being widely deployed. In addition, an inverse, curvilinear relationship was found between website complexity and website performance. Suggestions and implications were provided and discussed based on the research findings.