cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cigarette smoking and glaucoma in the United States population.

To evaluate the association between cigarette smoking and glaucoma in the United States population. US civilian, non-institutionalized population from 2005 to 2008 administrations of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that were ≥40 years of age with visual fields and optic disc photographs were included. Diagnosis of glaucoma was based on the Rotterdam criteria. Logistic regression modeling was performed to assess the association between glaucoma and smoking history, while controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, household income, alcohol consumption, diabetes, and hypertension. In 3864 participants, 212 (5.5%) had glaucoma (corresponds to a population weighted glaucoma prevalence of 3.7% in a total of 83 570 127 subjects). Population weighted proportion of current smokers was 20.6% and ex-smokers was 28.3%. Participants with glaucoma were older (63.0±11.6 vs 56.1±11.2, P=0.002), likely to be male (57.1% vs 49.2%, P=0.03), to be Black (36.3% vs 20.7%, P<0.001), and to have diabetes (18.9% vs 12.4%, P=0.006) and hypertension (50.5% vs 39.7%, P=0.003). Current smokers had a lower odds of glaucoma compared to non-smokers (OR=0.61, 95% CI=0.41–0.88, P=0.009), and ex-smokers (OR=0.46, 95% CI=0.28–0.76, P=0.002). The effect estimates were similar in adjusted models, but not statistically significant. Among smokers, greater pack/day of smoking history was associated with statistically significantly higher odds of glaucoma (OR=1.70, 95% CI=1.08–2.67, P=0.02). Among cigarette smokers, heavy smoking defined by greater number of pack of cigarettes smoked per day is associated with higher odds of glaucoma. Health care providers should include this association when counseling patients on their smoking habit.
Caribbean (English-Speaking) Women in the United States: Cooking for Diabetes Prevention and Management.

This study surveyed 152 Caribbean–American women about their acculturation levels; their health behaviors; and their perceptions about a website portal for diabetes prevention and management. Participants followed a study link to documents created via SurveyMonkey. The study link included seven edited videos each fewer than 2 min; the videos included ingredients; preparation/cooking instructions; and plating tips for modifying traditional Caribbean meals for diabetes management and prevention. Overall engagement in six healthy living behaviors was moderate Mean = 2.07; Minimum = 1 (Never); Maximum = 3.0 (Always). Self-efficacy for cooking ‘healthy’ before exploring the website was a mean 3.52 between 40 and 60% confident (SD = 1.509) versus the after Mean of 4.59 closest to 80% confident (SD = 1.154); t = − 10.353, df = 147 (P < 0.001). The results suggest the website did serve as a brief intervention for increasing self-efficacy in cooking meals more consistent with diabetes prevention and management.
Significance of incidental intra-articular and peri-articular FDG avid foci on PET/CT:

BackgroundPositron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is a useful imaging adjunct in patients with sarcoma. Intra-articular and peri-articular 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) avid ...
Tourniquet use in the prehospital setting: Are they being used appropriately?

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate tourniquet use in the Hartford prehospital setting during a 34-month period after the Hartford Consensus was published, which encouraged increasing tourniquet use in light of military research. Design: This was a retrospective review of patients with bleeding from a serious extremity injury to determine appropriateness of tourniquet use or omission. Setting: Level II trauma center between April 2014 and January 2017. Participants: Eighty-four patients met inclusion criteria and were stratified based on tourniquet use during prehospital care. Main Outcome Measures: Five of the 84 patients received a tourniquet. All five of those tourniquets (100 percent of the group, 6.0 percent of the population) were not indicated and deemed inappropriate. Three of the 84 patients did not receive a tourniquet when one was indicated (3.8 percent of the group, 3.6 percent of the population) and these omissions were also deemed inappropriate. Total error rate was 9.5 percent (8 / 84). Results: There was a significant association between Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) and likelihood of requiring a tourniquet (p = 0.0013) but not between MESS and likelihood of receiving a tourniquet (p = 0.1055). There was also a significant association between wrongly placed tourniquets and the type of providers who placed them [first responders, p = 0.0029; Emergency Medicine Technicians (EMTs), p = 0.0001]. Conclusions: Tourniquets are being used inappropriately in the Hartford prehospital setting. Misuse is associated with both EMTs and first responders, highlighting the need for better training and more consistent protocols.
A Brief History of Media Merger Hysteria: From AOL-Time Warner to Comcast-NBC

The effects of mergers on the media marketplace have historically failed to live up to dire predictions. Mergers are often a response to technological upheaval and turbulence in the media industry and firms should be allowed to experiment with such alternative business models with the intent on keeping the companies financially viable.Recent examples of prominent media mergers that failed to create the predicted consumer catastrophe that critics predicted include AOL/Time Warner, News Corp/Direct TV, Sirius-XM, and Rupert Murdoch's purchase of The Wall Street Journal. Instead of being detrimental to the media landscape as some regulators and interest groups forecasted, the deals illustrate why such panic is unwarranted, and why a deal between Comcast and NBC Universal is unlikely to lead to the sort of problems that the pessimists suggest.Also disputable are predictions that a deal between Comcast and NBC Universal will increase vertical integration in the market, as the cable industry control of the video marketplace has actually plummeted to under 15 percent and independent viewing options have exploded. It is difficult to imagine that Comcast would buck these trends and begin restricting independent options on its systems or withhold its content from others. Video distributors don't make money by restricting choice.Policymakers would be wise to avoid micro-managing mergers and instead let things run their course. Sometimes collaboration makes a great deal of sense, especially when the significant costs of providing media services become impossible to provide absent partnership. Healthy media companies certainly must be part of the answer and new ownership arrangements might be part of the solution.
Macroscopic Quantum Electrodynamics

Source theory(1) is an effective, nonspeculative attitude and framework in which to treat the interactions of quantum particles. It is a field theory without operators in which, as in classical field theory, phenomenological fields are defined in terms of the response of the action to probe sources. The transition to classical physics is thus smooth. It is an effective approach in that renormalization, which connects operator fields to their particle content, does not occur. It is effective also in the practical sense: a great variety of calculations in gravitational, weak, electromagnetic, and strong interactions can be carried out simply and with physical clarity.
Transposon-facilitated recombination in Vibrio cholerae

Improved Vibrio cholerae donors were constructed by introducing the ampicillin transposon, Tn1, into both the conjugative plasmid, P, and the bacterial chromosome to provide "portable regions of homology." The resulting Tfr (Transposon-facilitated recombination) donors transferred genes at high frequency from origins specified by the chromosomally inserted Tn1 copies. Tn1 was transposed into the chromosome from a deleted P::Tn1 vector, which was eliminated from the cells by superinfection with a thermosensitive P::Tn9 (chloramphenicol) mutant plasmid. After eliminating the thermosensitive plasmid, the chromosomally resistant isolates were converted into donors with a P::Tn1 conjugative plasmid. Tfr donors were also obtained by isolating Tn1 insertion mutations in a gene for thymine biosynthesis. Chromosomal sites of Tn1 relative to bacterial genes were determined by measuring gene transfer frequencies and genetic linkage. In one case, linkage of the amp gene to the chromosomal genes that defined its location was demonstrated. Chromosomal transfer by Tfr donors was reversed by isolating P::Tn1 plasmids that contained Tn1 inserted in the opposite orientation.
Biophysical basis of subthalamic local field potentials recorded from deep brain stimulation electrodes.

The analysis of deep brain stimulation of local field potential (LFP) data is rapidly expanding from scientific curiosity to the basis for clinical biomarkers capable of improving the therapeutic e...
Decision-making for PCV in adults.

Thirteen-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) was licensed in adults to address the unmet medical need of vaccine-type community acquired pneumonia (CAP) and the limitations of previous plain-polysaccharide vaccines. Since then, some have questioned the utility of adult PCV13 use, arguing that: i) high PCV13 uptake in young children would provide indirect effects that, by themselves, would sufficiently protect unvaccinated adults and ii) no data describing the real-world effectiveness of PCV13 use in adults, especially with immunocompromising conditions, exist. Even in countries like the United States where PCV13 has been routinely recommended for all adults aged ≥ 65 years, the recommendation is contingent on a re-evaluation to determine if continued use is needed in the context of a mature PCV13 pediatric immunization program. Emerging evidence, however, suggests that i) a meaningful burden of PCV13-type pneumococcal pneumonia still persists in adults at increased risk for pneumococcal disease, despite indirect effects from long-standing pediatric PCV13 use, ii) adult PCV13 use is effective and has reduced pneumococcal CAP, even in the elderly and those with chronic medical or immunocompromising conditions - and disease could come back if PCV13 were removed, and iii) ethical and pragmatic vaccine policy considerations support continued adult PCV13 use in countries that have already introduced the vaccine (eg, disparities in adult PCV13 uptake, confusion stemming from removing a previously-recommended vaccine for a non-safety-related concern, and the reality that next-generation PCVs are only a few years away). Together, these findings suggest that continued PCV13 vaccination in adults is needed to control vaccine-type CAP.
Toolkit Use in Health Sciences Libraries

Abstract This paper reviews the toolkit concept in health sciences libraries. A thorough search of existing Web sites and a literature review were conducted to obtain a working definition applicable to the health sciences library. In addition, the Web pages of 142 health sciences libraries in the U.S. and Canada were examined to determine if the toolkit concept is being used with regularity. A questionnaire was sent to three listservs to survey librarians about the use of toolkits at their institutions. Trends in naming, organizing, and presenting online resources in health sciences libraries are identified, and a statistical analysis of the use of toolkits is presented.
Spirits of Earth: The Effigy Mound Landscape of Madison and the Four Lakes

Review of: "Spirits of Earth: The Effigy Mound Landscape of Madison and the Four Lakes," by Robert A. Birmingham.
Long-term aerobic exercise preserves muscle mass and function with age

Research in the prevention of muscle loss and function with age has focused on resistance training as an exercise intervention. Considerably less attention has been paid to aerobic/endurance exercise and the potential benefits of lifelong aerobic exercise. We focus this review on new evidence that supports the benefits of aerobic exercise on muscle mass and function. Recent data support that aerobic exercise, especially long-term, preserves the neuromuscular junction and motor unit, mitochondrial function, and proteostasis. Although more studies are needed on exact mechanisms, it is our contention that aerobic exercise, like resistance exercise, can help prevent the decline in muscle mass and function with age.
Mitigating Communication Delay Impact on Microgrid Stability Using a Compensator Based on Smith Predictor

In this study, a control approach based on the model predictive control and Smith Predictor is proposed to compensate the effect of communication delay, and keep the stability of the Microgrid (MG) system. A cyber-physical model for the MG system is introduced to define and test the control and communication functions. The MG system consists of two distributed natural gas generators, an energy storage device, a PV system and a wind turbine with constant power. The Smith Predictor based delay compensator approach is applied to the defined MG based system. In addition, the impact of communication delay on MG is simulated and the behavior of the system with and without compensator is compared. The obtained simulation results show that the proposed approach can significantly decrease the impact of communication latency on frequency deviation and the response of the MG system.
Thermic effect of food and resting energy expenditure after sleeve gastrectomy for weight loss in adolescent females.

Abstract Background Few studies have addressed the effect of bariatric surgery on factors related to energy balance, including resting energy expenditure (REE) and thermic effect of food (TEF). To our knowledge, very few studies have examined changes in REE and none have investigated modifications in TEF after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) performed in adolescents. Objective To assess energy expenditure in females who underwent SG as adolescents and matched-control participants as preliminary data about the potential of SG to confer differences in postprandial energy expenditure. Setting Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. Methods In this observational study, REE and respiratory quotient (RQ) were measured via indirect calorimetry, followed by a standardized meal and assessment of TEF and postprandial RQ. Plasma drawn before and every 15 minutes after the meal was assayed for insulin, glucose, and C-peptide. Usual dietary intake was estimated using 24-hour recall interviews. Results Fasting REE and RQ were similar between surgical and control groups. Postmeal TEF also did not differ between groups. The surgical group had higher RQ early in the postprandial period, whereas the control group RQ was higher after 125 minutes post meal. Compared with the control group, the surgical group had lower postprandial glucose, higher insulin and C-peptide, and consumed less daily energy during usual intake. Conclusions Postprandial RQ was consistent with the rapid gastric emptying typical of SG, yet we observed no group differences in REE or TEF. These findings may have been due to limited statistical power. More comprehensive studies of EE after SG are warranted.
Bone health assessment using synthetic aperture ultrasound reflectometry

Stress fracture is a common condition in athletes and military personnel yet objective methods for detection and tracking of stress fractures (e.g., MR and scintigraphy) remain complex and expensive. Methods involving ultrasound are in common use; however, they are thus far subjective (relying on patient report of pain). The goal of this work is to develop quantitative and sensitive ultrasonic evaluation methods that could be deployed broadly in smaller clinical setting for use by a wide range of medical professionals. Such methods would complement beam-formed images of the bone surface by adding information about even sub-wavelength features. We have demonstrated that small imperfections on the bone surface significantly alter the characteristics of the reflectivity as made evident in the relative magnitude of the specular vs. diffuse scatter. In this paper we will present our work toward developing methods for acquiring, enhancing, visualizing, and evaluating such effects. We will present results from measurements with ex vivo bone samples and phantoms, and discuss the ultimate applicability of our methods to in vivo diagnosis.
Pattern of cervical biopsy results in cases with cervical cytology interpreted as higher than low grade in the background with atrophic cellular changes.

Objective The cytomorphological changes associated with atrophic cellular pattern (ACP) in cervical cytology smears may mimic high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). Due to this, there may be higher chances of cytomorphological overinterpretation in cases with ACP. Estrogen therapy (ET) (topical or systemic) would reverse the changes related to atrophy and repeat Pap smear after ET should correct the false positives. This approach would minimize the unindicated invasive interventions. However, performing immediate biopsies following "higher than low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) (atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude HSIL, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions-cannot exclude HSIL, and HSIL) interpretations" in such cases, is a general trend. Pap smears with "higher than LSIL interpretations" in association with ACP over a period of 10 years were selected. Materials and methods A total of 657,871 cases over 10 years were reviewed, of which 188 Pap smears interpreted as higher than LSIL interpretations with ACP were selected randomly for this study. Result Of these 188 cases, 67 underwent biopsies which were reviewed and compared with 67 biopsies performed for "higher than LSIL interpretation" cases without ACP. The follow-up biopsy material was reviewed including elective p16 immunohistochemistry with other clinical details including high-risk HPV test results as indicated. Conclusion The findings demonstrated that Pap smears with ACP have higher false positives due to tendency for cytomorphologic overinterpretation as compared to non-ACP group.
Pediatric Hypertension: Parent Perspectives:

Clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis and management of pediatric hypertension have been available for decades. Yet, most cases of hypertension in children are undiagnosed. Provider and system-based factors, such as the complexity of diagnostic standards, and a failure among physicians to recognize the importance of hypertension in children, play a role in underdiagnosis. It is unclear, however, how patient and family behaviors impact the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric hypertension. We aimed to explore the perspectives of parents whose children have had multiple high blood pressure readings or have been diagnosed with hypertension to inform clinicians with areas for practice improvement. In a 2 site qualitative study, we interviewed parents of 15 children diagnosed with hypertension. Results from semi-structured interviews with parents revealed barriers to the diagnosis of pediatric hypertension, including uncertainty about the diagnosis and concerns around the accuracy of blood pressure measurements. Delay in diagnosis and lack of child engagement emerged as obstacles to the treatment of pediatric hypertension.
Predictors of hospital transfer and associated risks of mortality in acute pancreatitis

Abstract Background There is limited research in prognosticators of hospital transfer in acute pancreatitis (AP). Hence, we sought to determine the predictors of hospital transfer from small/medium-sized hospitals and outcomes following transfer to large acute-care hospitals. Methods Using the 2010–2013 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), patients ≥18 years of age with a primary diagnosis of AP were identified. Hospital size was classified using standard NIS Definitions. Multivariable analyses were performed for predictors of “transfer-out” from small/medium-sized hospitals and mortality in large acute-care hospitals. Results Among 381,818 patients admitted with AP to small/medium-sized hospitals, 13,947 (4%) were transferred out to another acute-care hospital. Multivariable analysis revealed that older patients (OR = 1.04; 95%CI 1.03–1.06), men (OR = 1.15; 95%CI 1.06–1.24), lower income quartiles (OR = 1.54; 95%CI 1.35–1.76), admission to a non-teaching hospital (OR = 3.38; 95%CI 3.00–3.80), gallstone pancreatitis (OR = 3.32; 95%CI 2.90–3.79), pancreatic surgery (OR = 3.14; 95%CI 1.76–5.58), and severe AP (OR = 3.07; 95%CI 2.78–3.38) were predictors of “transfer-out”. ERCP (OR = 0.53; 95%CI 0.43–0.66) and cholecystectomy (OR = 0.14; 95%CI 0.12–0.18) were associated with decreased odds of “transfer-out”. Among 507,619 patients admitted with AP to large hospitals, 31,058 (6.1%) were “transferred-in” from other hospitals. The mortality rate for patients “transferred-in” was higher than those directly admitted (2.54% vs. 0.91%, p Conclusions Patients with AP transferred into large acute-care hospitals had a higher mortality than those directly admitted likely secondary to more severe disease. Early implementation of published clinical guidelines, triage, and prompt transfer of high-risk patients may potentially offset these negative outcomes.
An examination of the dynamics of operating efficiency of wholesale and retail firms

This study investigates whether a firm's competitive advantage, measured by its relative operating efficiency, can be maintained in the long run. Based on a sample of US listing firms in the wholesale and the retail industries from 1995 to 2015, we examine the dynamics of the trend and stability of firms' operating efficiency in the long run. We find that companies that are moving ahead in the short run cannot guarantee their operating efficiency status in the long run. In the long run, operating efficiency can trend upwards, downwards, fluctuate, or remain flat. The findings are consistent to both industries, except that in the retail industry, there are more firms that consistently fall behind than firms that are in other categories of efficiency. This study provides implications for firms to measure and improve their operating efficiency dynamically over the short and long horizons to win the competitive market.
Normal and Abnormal Sleep in the Elderly

Sleep-related complaints are so common in older adults that it may be difficult to distinguish whether the complaint is a consequence of normal aging or a disease process. The elderly are more likely to have common medical problems that affect sleep, and the most common sleep problems, including sleep apnea and insomnia, are more prevalent in this demographic. This article briefly describes normal sleep in general, the clinical assessment of sleep complaints, and expected changes with aging, with an overview of the epidemiology of insomnia and sleep apnea in this age group.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DROP-WEIGHT TEAR TEST AND CHARPY V-NOTCH IMPACT TEST RESULTS

The impact tests employed in the research work were the Charpy V-notch impact test and the drop-weight tear test (DWTT). The impact tests have been correlated with full-size cylindrical vessel tests in which the initiation and propagation characteristics have been determined under controlled conditions. The results of the research indicate that, for the materials studied, the impact test fracture appearances relate to the structural fracture appearance with certain limitations. Specifically, the DWTT when conducted on material of the same thickness as the structure will predict directly the fracture propagation transition temperature. The Charpy V-notch test fracture appearance can be correlated to the structural fracture propagation transition temperature but is offset generally on the temperature scale because of the difference in thickness between the Charpy specimen and the structure.
Self-determination: The Democratization Test

AbstractSelf-determination is the process by which people, who are governed by a foreign power, gain self-government. Often the people first form a sense of community—a sense of a shared identity, destiny, and core values—and then seek to invest those in a state, forming a nation (defined as a community invested in a state). The term self-determination is also used to refer to the normative principle that is evoked to justify breaking away from the old regime to form a new one.
Adaptive Divergence in Sunflowers

Annual sunflowers have been developed into a model system for the study of adaptation, hybridisation and speciation. Various species and populations have adapted to a wide range of extreme habitats, including salt marshes, sand dunes, desert floor and agricultural environments. In many cases, the process of adaptation has been facilitated by hybridisation between distinct species. Population genetic analyses of several species have revealed evidence of natural selection at loci potentially associated with adaptation to different environments, and genomic analyses indicate that the signature of adaptive divergence is found throughout the genomes of these species. In some cases, the genetic architecture of reproductive isolation and species differences may facilitate adaptive introgression and the formation of new hybrid species through adaptive ecological divergence. Key Concepts: Hybridisation has played an important role in adaptation in sunflowers, both through adaptive introgression and through the formation of adaptively divergent hybrid species. Evidence for adaptive divergence in sunflowers comes from a number of sources, including field experiments, genetic mapping of adaptive traits and DNA sequence analyses. The early morphological and ecological divergence of hybrid species can be experimentally replicated under environmental conditions similar to those encountered by the hybrid species in nature, providing strong evidence that it is adaptive. Data from a number of sunflower species support the hypothesis that adaptive divergence is associated with large population size. Keywords: sunflowers; Helianthus; hybridisation; homoploid hybrid speciation; adaptation; adaptive divergence; chromosomal rearrangements; positive selection; selective sweeps
Finite Plastic Deformation of Crystalline Solids

Preface 1. A historical introduction 2. The kinematics of double slip 3. A general theory of elastoplastic crystals 4. Axial-load experiments and latent hardening in single crystals 5. Analysis of crystals in channel die compression 6. Theoretical connections between crystal and aggregate behaviour 7. Approximate polycrystal models Appendix: the general theory of work-conjugate stress and strain References Index.
Groundwater flow and the metal content of peat

Abstract Variations in the concentrations of metals in three peat profiles from the Lost River Peatland, Minnesota are related to the degree of groundwater discharge into the peat, rather than the metal content of the peat when it was originally deposited. Elevated concentrations of metals in the peat profile, particularly from a spring-fen, identify where the greatest volume of groundwater discharge occurs in the peatland. In each profile, the metal content of the peat corroborates previous hydrologic and geochemical sutdies showing active groundwater flow in the humified peat, which must have substantial permeability. Consequently, metal profiles in peat may be used as indicators of the condition of groundwater flow in peatlands where other hydrologic or geochemical information is lacking.
Propagation of a Finite Beam in a Random Medium

In this paper a determinate equation is derived for the propagation of a finite beam of radiation in a random medium. The radiation is described by a mutual coherence function. The analysis is restricted to beam diameters that are large compared to the characteristic correlation lengths in the random medium. A scalar theory is used and the characteristic wavelength is assumed to be very small compared to the smallest correlation length. The method used is an iteration procedure similar to that considered in the propagation of a plane wave. The resulting equation is suitable for numerical integration.
Spin-forbidden deprotonation of aqueous nitroxyl (HNO).

The first mechanistic study of a spin-forbidden proton-transfer reaction in aqueous solution is reported. Laser flash photolysis of alkaline trioxodinitrate (N2O32-, Angeli's anion) is used to generate a nitroxyl anion in its excited singlet state (1NO-). Through rapid partitioning between protonation by water and electronic relaxation, 1NO- produces 1HNO (ground state, yield 96%) and 3NO- (ground state, yield 4%), which comprise a unique conjugate acid−base couple with different ground-state multiplicities. Using the large difference between reactivities of 1HNO and 3NO- in the peroxynitrite-forming reaction with 3O2, the kinetics of spin-forbidden deprotonation reaction 1HNO + OH- → 3NO- + H2O is investigated in H2O and D2O. Consistent with proton transfer, this reaction exhibits primary kinetic hydrogen isotope effect k(H)/k(D) = 3.1 at 298 K, which is found to be temperature-dependent. Arrhenius pre-exponential factors and activation energies of the second-order rate constant are found to be: log(A, ...
Absolute spectroscopic determination of solar rotation

We have made absolute measurements at Kitt Peak of the dependence of solar rotation rate upon latitude during the period 17–20 June 1977. We observed the solar potassium line at 7699 A using an atomic-beam resonance scattering apparatus. The measured sidereal equatorial rotation rate is 13.5±0.5 deg day−1. Our results are in agreement with those of Howard and Harvey from 1966–68. We intend to use this technique in a long-term program at Oberlin to monitor the equatorial rotation rate.
Excited state proton-transfer spectroscopy of 3-hydroxyflavone and quercetin

Abstract The yellow-green luminescence of 3-hydroxyflavone and quercetin at room temperature in solution arises from a tautomer of the molecules produced by excited state proton-transfer across a barrier in the double-minimum hydrogen-bonding potential. At 77 K in 2-methylbutane rigid matrix, a normal UV-violet fluorescence is observed in correspondence with the UV absorption. Excitation spectra and deuteration effects confirm the mechanism.
Nicastrin Is Required for γ-Secretase Cleavage of the Drosophila Notch Receptor

Abstract Nicastrin is genetically linked to Notch/lin-12 signaling in C. elegans and is part of a large multiprotein complex along with Presenilin. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of Drosophila Nicastrin ( Nic ) mutants. Nic mutants and tissue clones display characteristic Notch -like phenotypes. Genetic and inhibitor studies indicate a function for Nicastrin in the γ-secretase step of Notch processing, similar to Presenilin. Further, Nicastrin is genetically required for signaling from membrane-anchored activated Notch. In the absence of Nicastrin, Presenilin is destabilized and mature C-terminal subunits are absent. Nicastrin might recruit γ-secretase substrates into the proteolytic complex as a prerequisite for Presenilin maturation and active complex assembly.
Spiritual well-being as a dimension of quality of life for patients with advanced cancer and AIDS and their family caregivers: Results of a longitudinal study:

Based on a longitudinal, quality-of-life study, this article presents pilot data regarding the spiritual well-being of patients with advanced cancer or AIDS and their family caregivers. Data include similarities and differences between the patient and caregiver populations and patient/family caregiver dyads as well as trends with regard to changes in spiritual well-being during the illness and dying process. The reliability of the Spiritual Well-Being Scale1was examined for patient and caregiver groups, as was the relationship between selected demographic variables and spiritual well-being. Implications for practice are discussed.
Splitting as a Focus of Couples Treatment

Current developments in neurophysiology and trauma have re-awakened interest in the reciprocal influences of the interpersonal and intrapsychic domains. Although object relations theory continues to guide clinical practice, its integration into models of best practice has been limited by a lack of empirical study. This paper examines the defense mechanism of splitting in couples from the theoretical, empirical and clinical perspectives in ways that allow for integration with research findings. It is proposed that splitting operates on a continuum from a specific response that is stimulated by anxiety, to a fundamental style of relating that is marked by emotional reactivity, impaired problem solving and relationship instability. Specific treatment interventions that integrate object relations and cognitive perspectives are summarized.
Role of leptin in orexigenic neuropeptide expression during lactation in rats.

The expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP), both of which are important neuropeptides involved in regulation of energy balance and hormone secretion, is up-regulated in the arcuate nucleus during lactation in rodents. The present study tested whether reductions in circulating insulin and/or leptin that occur in lactation provide the critical signals to these systems. Lactating female rats received 3-day infusions of either bovine insulin or recombinant rat leptin via Alzet Osmotic minipumps® implanted subcutaneously in regimens designed to restore serum concentrations of these hormones to the higher non-lactating level. Compared to non-lactating rats in diestrus, lactating rats displayed significantly lower serum concentrations of insulin and leptin, and significantly increased NPY peptide concentrations in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and median eminence, and AgRP mRNA in the arcuate nucleus. Infusion of leptin in lactating females significantly increased serum concentrations of leptin and significantly reduced NPY concentrations in the PVN and median eminence, and decreased NPY and AgRP mRNAs in the arcuate nucleus. The same effects were produced by infusion of insulin in lactating rats, which restored both insulin and leptin concentrations in serum. The levels of pro-opiomelanocortin mRNA in the arcuate nucleus were not different in non-lactating and lactating females, and were not altered by leptin or insulin treatment. These findings support the hypothesis that the reduction in circulating leptin during lactation contributes to increased expression of NPY and AgRP in hypothalamic systems involved in the behavioural and neuro-endocrine adaptations to lactation.
Dobutamine stress echocardiography for the detection of significant coronary artery disease in renal transplant candidates

Prophylactic coronary revascularization may reduce the risk for cardiac events in diabetic renal transplant candidates. No published data exist on the accuracy of dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) for the diagnosis of angiographically defined coronary artery disease (CAD) in renal transplant candidates. The purpose of this study is to examine the accuracy of DSE for the detection of CAD in high-risk renal transplant candidates compared with coronary angiography. Fifty renal transplant candidates with diabetic nephropathy (39 patients) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) from other causes (11 patients) underwent prospectively performed DSE, followed by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and qualitative visual assessment of CAD severity. Twenty of 50 DSE tests were positive for inducible ischemia. Twenty-seven patients (54%) had a stenosis of 50% or greater by QCA, 12 patients (24%) had a stenosis of greater than 70% by QCA, and 16 patients (32%) had a stenosis greater than 75% by visual estimation. The sensitivity and specificity of DSE for CAD diagnosis were respectively 52% and 74% compared with QCA stenosis of 50% or greater, 75% and 71% compared with QCA stenosis greater than 70%, and 75% and 76% for stenosis greater than 75% by visual estimate. On long-term follow-up (22.5 +/- 10.1 months), 6 of 30 patients (20%) with negative DSE results and 11 of 20 patients (55%) with positive DSE results had a cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), or coronary revascularization. Six of 27 patients (22%) with a QCA stenosis of 50% or greater had a cardiac death or MI compared with none of the 23 patients (0%) with QCA stenosis less than 50% (P = 0.025). We conclude that DSE is a useful but imperfect screening test for angiographically defined CAD in renal transplant candidates.
Echocardiography in infants with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery

Echocardiograms were performed on four infants with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery. Common features included (1) a large, dilated, poorly contractile left ventricle, (2) posterior position of the mitral valve, (3) an abnormal pattern of septal motion with exaggerated septal excursion, (4) decreased excursion and delayed onset of posterior left ventricular wall contraction, and (5) an enlarged left atrium. These findings in infants are similar to those seen in adult patients with coronary artery disease. Septal motion was similar to the pattern described in adults with left bundle branch block. The characteristic echocardiographic features described are useful in both the diagnosis and the follow-up of left ventricular function of patients with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery.
Lipogenic activity of catfish liver. Lack of response to dietary changes and insulin administration.

Abstract 1. 1. Some of the physical, chemical and kinetic properties of catfish liver lipogenic enzymes (acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthetase) were investigated. 2. 2. The liver lipogenic enzymes of catfish exhibited maximal activity at 37°C, even though these fish usually live at temperatures not above 24°C. 3. 3. The activity of the lipogenic enzymes of catfish liver was always low, regardless of the proportions of lipids or carbohydrates in the diet and could not be raised by insulin administration. 4. 4. Under the conditions of the experiments, catfish liver fatty acid synthetase produced more stearate than palmitate and no myristate.
Revisions in the International System for Staging Lung Cancer

Revisions in stage grouping of the TNM subsets (T=primary tumor, N=regional lymph nodes, M=distant metastasis) in the International System for Staging Lung Cancer have been adopted by the American Joint Committee on Cancer and the Union Internationale Contre le Cancer. These revisions were made to provide greater specificity for identifying patient groups with similar prognoses and treatment options with the least disruption of the present classification: T1N0M0, stage IA; T2N0M0, stage IB; T1N1M0, stage IIA; T2N1M0 and T3N0M0, stage IIB; and T3N1M0, T1N2M0, T2N2M0, T3N2M0, stage IIIA. The TNM subsets in stage IIIB—T4 any N M0, any T N3M0, and in stage IV—any T any N Ml, remain the same. Analysis of a collected database representing all clinical, surgical-pathologic, and follow-up information for 5,319 patients treated for primary lung cancer confirmed the validity of the TNM and stage grouping classification schema.
Reduced peak aerobic capacity in asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction. A substudy of the studies of left ventricular dysfunction (SOLVD). SOLVD Investigator. Studies of Left Ventricular Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND Peak oxygen consumption is reduced in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure, but functional capacity of patients with asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction has not been assessed by measurement of peak oxygen consumption attained during graded exercise testing. METHODS AND RESULTS Peak oxygen consumption, that is, aerobic capacity (VO2, mL/kg per minute), was determined during graded treadmill exercise using the modified Naughton protocol in 40 patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (mean ejection fraction ranging from 14% to 35%; mean, 29%) who, while not receiving any cardiac medications, were totally asymptomatic, and in 41 age-matched normal subjects. Peak exercise duration and VO2 were significantly lower in patients with asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction than in normal subjects (948 +/- 273 versus 1239 +/- 372 seconds, P < .001, and 22.1 +/- 5.9 versus 29.8 +/- 7.7 mL/kg per minute, respectively, P < .001), while asymptomatic patients and normal subjects reached similar respiratory equivalents (1.14 +/- 0.11 versus 1.11 +/- 0.11 [NS]) and level of perceived exertion, using the modified Borg scale (7.4 +/- 2.6 versus 8.1 +/- 1.5 [NS]). Heart rate, systemic blood pressure, and oxygen pulse response to peak exercise were significantly lower in asymptomatic patients than in normal subjects. CONCLUSIONS Although patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction can be totally asymptomatic in their daily activities, they have experienced a substantial reduction in peak aerobic capacity when compared with normal subjects of similar age.
Percutaneous management of perianastomotic stenosis in arteriovenous fistulae: Results of a prospective study

Surgical creation of new anastomosis has been proposed as the preferred treatment for perianastomotic stenoses of fistulae. However, disadvantages of surgical approach have included (1) frequent conversion of fistula to a graft by using synthetic graft material to create a new anastomosis, (2) shortening the length of the cannulation segment by proximal autologous arteriovenous neoanastomosis, and (3) abandoning the fistula altogether in favor of a synthetic graft. We report the results of a prospective study using percutaneous balloon angioplasty (PTA) to treat fistulae with perianastomotic lesions. Seventy-three consecutive patients undergoing 112 PTA procedures for the treatment of perianastomotic lesions were studied. Primary and secondary patency rates were calculated. Procedure success, procedure-related complications, and conversion of fistulae to grafts were recorded. The initial success rate was 97%. The degree of stenosis before and after PTA was 81±9 and 11±11%, respectively. Primary patency rates at 6, 12, and 18 months were 75, 51, and 41%, respectively. Secondary patency rates at 6, 12, and 18 months were 94, 90, and 90%, respectively. Grade I hematoma occurred in three and vein rupture in two cases. No grafts were inserted. These outcomes are superior to those that have been reported for surgery. The outpatient PTA is safe and effective for the management of perianastomotic stenosis. Because of its advantage of fistula preservation, the percutaneous approach should be considered as the preferred first-line therapy for the management of perianastomotic fistula lesions.
Emotional intelligence in relation to nursing leadership: does it matter?

Aim Discuss the importance of studying emotional intelligence (EI) of nursing leaders and the job satisfaction of nursing staff. Background The nursing shortage and issues with retention signifies the importance of assessing the influence nurse managers have on staff job satisfaction. Evaluation A review of the literature on the development of EI and the level of study involving nursing leadership was conducted to determine the need for further research in this area. Key issues Neurobehavioural research involving the limbic system has indicated that EI can be learned through educational programmes. Conclusion There is a need for further research in the area of EI of nurse managers in their role as leaders and the impact they have on the job satisfaction level of their nursing staff. Implications for nursing management The increasing nursing shortage and turnover rates signify the importance of research in the EI level of nursing leaders. Future research may include implementing educational programmes in the area of EI for nursing leaders resulting in a more positive work environment. Determining if EI influences nursing job satisfaction will provide a foundation for ongoing programme implementation to support and develop our nursing leaders.
Experimental modification of photocarcinogenesis. I. Fluorescent whitening agents and short-wave UVR

Erythema was produced on the skin of hairless mutant mice by a single exposure to lowpressure mercury-vapour (germicidal) ultraviolet lamps. The acute reaction was not affected by pretreatment of the skin with 20 μg of a fluorescent whitening agent (FWA), disodium 4,4-bis-(4,6-dianilino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-aminostiIbene-2,2′-disulphonate, applied topically in 20 μl methanol. Skin tumours were produced in hairless mice during several months of daily exposure to the same lamps. Slightly fewer tumours, with a slightly longer latent period, were produced in mice similarly irradiated but pretreated daily with FWA as above. Thus, under the test conditions used, the FWA was not phototoxic, nor did it enhance photocarcinogenesis.
Inferring 2D spatio-temporal properties of irregularities from a closely-spaced sub-auroral scintillation array

Auroral zone irregularities affect a broad swath of radio frequencies through rapid phase fluctuations in the received signal experienced by the receiver, known as scintillation. Scintillation can lead to loss of HF communications and L-band satellite-based navigation through receiver loss of lock. For this reason, the ability to quantify the severity and predict the occurrence of high-latitude scintillation continues to be a major goal in upper atmospheric science and applied research. Some scintillation models characterize scintillations by phase and/or amplitude variance indices sigma-phi and S4, while others parameterize the power spectral density of the phase scintillations observed, but these apply for single station observations. Often it is useful for applications as well as scientifically to understand how the scintillation parameters measured at one location may be correlated with scintillation occurrence and severity at another nearby location. In other words, we would like to know the spatial and temporal variation of the phase fluctuations themselves. Since the fluctuations at Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) L-band corresponds to scale sizes on the order of 100 m, it is useful to know about spatial variations at the 100 m to 1 km scale range. Advances in GNSS scintillation monitoring technologies and reduction in instrumentation cost have enabled the ability to establish arrays of ground-based arrays with km and sub-km baselines in two dimensions.
Substitution of the autophosphorylation site Thr516 with a negatively charged residue confers constitutive activity to mouse 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 in cells.

3-Phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK-1)is a serine/threonine kinase that has been found to phosphorylate and activate several members of the AGC protein kinase family including protein kinase B (Akt), p70 S6 kinase, and protein kinase Cζ. However, the mechanism(s) by which PDK-1 is regulated remains unclear. Here we show that mouse PDK-1 (mPDK-1) undergoes autophosphorylation in vitro on both serine and threonine residues. In addition, we have identified Ser399and Thr516 as the major mPDK-1 autophosphorylation sitesin vitro. Furthermore, we have found that these two residues, as well as Ser244 in the activation loop, are phosphorylated in cells and demonstrated that Ser244 is a major in vivo phosphorylation site. Abolishment of phosphorylation at Ser244, but not at Ser399 or Thr516, led to a significant decrease of mPDK-1 autophosphorylation and kinase activity in vitro, indicating that autophosphorylation at Ser399 or Thr516 is not essential for mPDK-1 autokinase activity. However, overexpression of mPDK-1T516E, but not of mPDK-1S244E or mPDK-1S399D, in Chinese hamster ovary and HEK293 cells was sufficient to induce Akt phosphorylation at Thr308 to a level similar to that of insulin stimulation. Furthermore, this increase in phosphorylation was independent of the Pleckstrin homology domain of Akt. Taken together, our results suggest that mPDK-1 undergoes autophosphorylation at multiple sites and that this phosphorylation may be essential for PDK-1 to interact with and phosphorylate its downstream substrates in vivo.