cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of productivity-enhancing technologies in radiology.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to describe the prevalence of different operational technologies in radiology practices and to identify which characteristics of radiology practices are plausibly causal factors in a practice's use of a technology.MATERIALS AND METHODS. We analyzed data from the American College of Radiology's 2003 Survey of Radiologists, a stratified random-sample survey that guaranteed respondents' confidentiality and achieved a 63% response rate with a total of 1,924 responses. Responses were weighted to make them representative of all radiologists and radiology practices in the United States. We used univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression.RESULTS. In 2003, PACS, wet-reading telephone lines, film-hanging staff, and templates (standard report language) were each used in practices that encompassed approximately half of U.S. radiologists. In contrast, only 42% of radiologists were in practices that used nurse practitioners or physician assistants for tasks beyond wha...
The influence of temperature on the isometric characteristics of fast and slow muscle in the cat.

The maximum tetanic tension (initial strength) and the length of time, 20, 40 or 60%, of that initial strength could be maintained (endurance) was assessed in 2 fast twitch muscles (the plantaris and the medial gastrocnemius) and a slow twitch muscle (the soleus) of the cat at muscle temperatures ranging between 22 and 38°C. The results of these experiments showed that the strength of the soleus was constant between muscle temperatures of 38 to 28°C, and then gradually decreased as the muscle was cooled further. Plantaris, on the other hand, showed a reduction in strength at all muscle temperatures less than 38°C; the response of the medial gastrocnemius was between these two extremes. The longest endurance for the soleus muscle was found to be at a muscle temperature of 28°C, the endurance being as much as 3 times higher at this temperature than at muscle temperatures of 22 or 38°C. The medial gastrocnemius showed a similar response but the endurance only doubled when comparing the endurance at a muscle temperature of 28 to 38°C. In contrast, the plantaris maintained a constant endurance over the temperature range of 38 ot 28°C; below this muscle temperature the endurance decreased markedly. The mechanism for this response appeared to be related to the effect of temperature on the contractile characteristics of the muscles.
Cerebrovascular effects of ischemic preconditioning: endothelial survivin joins the fray.

the idea that exposure to sublethal ischemia could confer protection against a subsequent ischemic insult goes back at least as far as 1989, when Miyazaki and Zipes ([13][1]) reported that a sequence of four 5-min coronary occlusions reduced the autonomic denervation produced by a subsequent
Understanding the degradation pathway of a poorly water-soluble drug formulated in PEG-400.

Abstract VX-497 is a poorly water-soluble compound. It is formulated in PEG-400 and encapsulated in softgel capsules. Although the drug product is stable at refrigerated conditions, many degradation peaks have been observed at accelerated storage conditions. An investigation utilizing high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS) was conducted to understand the degradation mechanism of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (VX-497) in PEG-400 formulation. Results revealed that the degradation was mainly caused by the reaction between VX-497 with moisture (hydrolysis) and PEG-400 (PEGylation). The numerous degradation peaks observed in the samples stored at accelerated conditions were PEG adducts covalently attached to portions of the VX-497 molecule, which were confirmed by comparison with synthetic markers. Investigation also found that an impurity, which was present in the VX-497 drug substance, reacted with PEG-400 following the same reaction mechanism, and generated additional impurities in the VX-497 drug product. By changing the process for drug substance synthesis, pure batches of VX-497 were obtained. Furthermore, it was found that the reaction between VX-497 and PEG-400 was temperature and time dependent. When the drug product was manufactured at 45 °C and the processing time was controlled, the PEG degradants and by-products were reduced to non-detectable levels, resulting in greatly improved drug product quality. This paper presents an integrated effort among analytical, process, and formulation scientists on how to develop a better drug product by understanding the fundamental issues of the drug product, namely the degradation mechanism.
Transmission of a nuclear polyhedrosis virus in Heliothis zea [Lep.:Noctuidae] larval populations on soybean

Transmission of a nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) inHeliothis zea (Boddie) on soybean was examinated. Artificial infestations ofH. zea were established at densities of 6.5, 19.5 and 58.5 larvae/row-m. Additional larvae infected to die from NPV in the 2nd stage were released into subplots to simulate 5 and 25% mortality levels. Virus transmission from infected to noninfected larvae was correlated with the initial incidence of infection in the population but not the density of larvae/row-m. Deposition of virus on plants from cadavers of larvae that died of virus infection was correlated with the initial incidence of infection in the populations and the density of larvae/row-m.
In Vitro Selection of a Single-Stranded DNA Molecular Recognition Element against Clostridium difficile Toxin B and Sensitive Detection in Human Fecal Matter

Toxin B is one of the major virulence factors of Clostridium difficile, a bacterium that is responsible for a significant number of diarrhea cases in acute care settings. Due to the prevalence of C. difficile induced diarrhea, rapid and correct diagnosis is crucial in the disease management. In this study, we have employed a stringent in vitro selection method to identify single-stranded DNA molecular recognition elements (MRE) specific for toxin B. At the end of the 12-round selection, one MRE with high affinity nM) for toxin B was identified. The selected MRE demonstrated low cross binding activities on negative targets: bovine serum albumin, Staphylococcus aureus alpha toxin, Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A, and cholera toxin of Vibrio cholera. A modified sandwich ELISA assay was developed utilizing the selected ssDNA MRE as the antigen capturing element and achieved a sensitive detection of 50 nM of toxin B in human fecal preparations.
Range Improvements in Gliding Reentry Vehicles from Thrust Capability

There are diverse applications in which control of a gliding hypersonic reentry vehicle is needed. Recently, it has become feasible to predict the maximum reachable footprint a vehicle can achieve given a span of boundary conditions and constraints. This capability is being newly incorporated into the vehicle design process. The present work demonstrates a method to quickly approximate a footprint area and how such predictions can be informative to design considerations and trajectory planning. The novel design feature investigated is the presence, or absence, of an engine thrusting axially along the vehicle body. Three pairs of notional vehicles, one designed with an engine and one without, are motivated. Reachable footprint dimensions are presented for each and compared over the constraint space and engine design. It is shown that the performance increase, due to the presence of an engine, is most dramatically seen in a situation where a reentry vehicle must divert from a preplanned trajectory. In such ...
Measuring and building high-quality entrepreneurship: a research prospectus

This article discusses a detailed research design to measure entrepreneurship quality, as opposed to entrepreneurship quantity, and to develop a standard entrepreneurship quality measure focusing on high-growth small and often new businesses, based on critiques of previous entrepreneurship measures. Available longitudinal establishment-level data sources for building up the entrepreneurship quality index are introduced and evaluated and the Longitudinal Business Database of the US Census Bureau emerges as the best candidate because of its coverage and timely update. The creation and development of the entrepreneurship quality measure will enable researchers to empirically identify a wide range of economic, social, policy, and firm factors that may affect the development of high-quality entrepreneurship. The creation and development of the entrepreneurship quality measure will also enable researchers to uncover the critical role of high-quality entrepreneurship in economic growth in general and in rural de...
Assessing the abuse potential of methylphenidate in nonhuman and human subjects: a review.

Methylphenidate (MPH) is widely used for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults. Methylphenidate is clearly effective for the treatment of ADHD, but there is controversy as to whether it has significant abuse potential like other psychostimulants (e.g., D-amphetamine and cocaine). In general, the drug is believed to be abused at rates much lower than those for other stimulants. The present review examines studies that investigated the behavioral pharmacological profile of methylphenidate and discusses how results from these studies address its abuse liability. Using MEDLINE search terms methylphenidate, drug discrimination, reinforcement, self-administration, subjective effects, subject-rated effects, abuse potential, and abuse liability, along with a review of the references from identified articles, 60 studies were located in which the reinforcing, discriminative-stimulus, or subjective effects of methylphenidate were directly assessed in nonhumans or humans. Forty-eight (80.0%) of the studies reviewed indicate that methylphenidate either functions in a manner similar to D-amphetamine or cocaine (e.g., functions as a reinforcer, substitutes fully in drug discrimination experiments), or produces a pattern of subjective effects suggestive of abuse potential. The results are discussed as they pertain to factors that may account for the apparent discrepancy in abuse rates between methylphenidate and other stimulants, including characterization of actual abuse rates, defining abuse and misuse, pharmacokinetic factors, and validity of abuse liability assays.
Transpiration inhibition by stored xylem sap from well‐watered maize plants

There is increasing evidence that a chemical signal exists in xylem sap of plants subjected to water deficits which influences physiological responses in plant shoots. An important method of studying this signal is the transpiration response of excised leaves exposed to xylem sap collected from plants. However, Munns et al. [Plant, Cell & Environment 16, 867-877] cautioned that transpiration inhibition is observed when xylem sap collected from wheat and barley is stored before determining physiological activity. The objective of the study reported here was to determine if transpiration inhibition develops in maize sap collected from well-watered plants when the sap is stored under various conditions. It was found that storage of maize sap collected from well-watered plants for only 1d at -20°C resulted in the development of substantial transpiration inhibition in bioassay leaves. Storage of sap at 4°C resulted in the development of the effect after 2 weeks, while storage at -86°C showed only small transpiration inhibition after 3 weeks. The major source of the transpiration inhibition was the development of a substance in the stored sap that resulted in physical blockage of the transpiration stream in bioassay leaves. However, a small signal component may also have developed in the stored sap. Because of the possibility of ionic activity under freezing conditions at -20°C, calcium was studied for its potential involvement in the transpiration inhibition. However, the calcium concentrations found to inhibit transpiration were nearly an order of magnitude larger than the calcium concentrations observed in xylem sap.
Learning through connections with others: Women's cardiac symptoms

Conducting group sessions in which women can share experiences, develop connections, and learn from each other may potentially be a powerful health educational tool. In a focus group conducted for evaluative feedback, the authors found that women began spontaneously sharing their experiences and feelings, receiving validation, and learning from each other almost from the start of the group session. The participants who were dissimilar in age, ethnicity/race, and socioeconomic status developed a strong connection based on the common experience of having had a heart attack. Although the participants had received patient education after their heart attack, they learned new information about cardiac symptoms and how to respond to them in the group session. This case example is a compelling reminder that women learn through connections. Therefore, a group approach to health education that acknowledges the salience of personal experiences, the experiences of others, the development of connections, and the exchange of information may provide a meaningful learning environment. Further research needs to be conducted to determine if conducting group appointments for women that fosters the development of connections and the exchange of information enriches the learning environment and enhances patient education.
Low-power multiplierless DCT for image/video coders

A multiplierless discrete cosine transform (DCT) architecture is proposed to improve the power efficiency of image/video coders. Power reduction is achieved by minimizing both the number of arithmetic operations and their bit width. To minimize arithmetic-operation redundancy, our DCT design focuses on Chen's factorization approach and the constant matrix multiplication (CMM) problem. The 8×1 DCT is decomposed using six two-input butterfly networks. Each butterfly is for 2×2 matrix multiplication and requires a maximum of eight adders/subtractors with 13-bit cosine coefficients. Consequently, the proposed 8×1 DCT architecture is composed of 56 adders and subtractors, which represent a reduction of 61.9% and 46.1% in arithmetic operations compared to the conventional NEDA and CORDIC architectures, respectively. To further improve the power efficiency, an adaptive companding scheme is proposed. The proposed DCT architecture was implemented on a Xilinx FPGA. The results from power estimation show that our architecture can reduce the power dissipation by up to 90% compared to conventional multiplierless DCT architectures.
Activity of a bacterial cell envelope stress response is controlled by the interaction of a protein binding domain with different partners.

The bacterial phage shock protein (Psp) system is a highly conserved cell envelope stress response required for virulence in Yersinia enterocolitica and Salmonella enterica. In non-inducing conditions the transcription factor PspF is inhibited by an interaction with PspA. In contrast, PspA associates with the cytoplasmic membrane proteins PspBC during inducing conditions. This has led to the proposal that PspBC exists in an OFF state, which cannot recruit PspA, or an ON state, which can. However, nothing was known about the difference between these two states. Here, we provide evidence that it is the C-terminal domain of Y. enterocolitica PspC (PspCCT) that interacts directly with PspA, both in vivo and in vitro. Site-specific photocross-linking revealed that this interaction occurred only during Psp-inducing conditions in vivo. Importantly, we have also discovered that PspCCT can interact with the C-terminal domain of PspB (PspCCT·PspBCT). However, the PspCCT·PspBCT and PspCCT·PspA interactions were mutually exclusive in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo, PspCCT contacted PspBCT in the OFF state, whereas it contacted PspA in the ON state. These findings provide the first description of the previously proposed PspBC OFF and ON states and reveal that the regulatory switch is centered on a PspCCT partner-switching mechanism. Background: Regulation of the bacterial phage shock protein (Psp) stress response is poorly understood. Results: The C-terminal domain of PspC (PspCCT) can interact with PspA or PspB. Conclusion: Induction of psp gene expression involves a PspCCT binding partner switch from PspB to PspA. Significance: Understanding the activation mechanism is critical because this system is essential for virulence in Yersinia enterocolitica and Salmonella enterica.
Ionic Liquid Conditioning of Poly(vinylferrocene) for the Doping/Undoping of Glycylglycylglycine Tripeptide

Potentiodynamic electrochemical measurements of the redox-driven entry and exit of ionized glycylglycylglycine peptide (GGG−) during polymer oxidation and reduction, respectively, are presented and interpreted for electroactive poly(vinylferrocene) (PVF)-modified electrodes. Frequently, electrochemically controlled redox cycling results in the dramatic alteration in polymer film properties, typically accompanied by loss of redox activity, exemplified in this case by negligible currents associated with repeated exposure to GGG. Notably, we have discovered that preconditioning of PVF films with suitable ionic liquids (ILs) such as the N-alkyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imides allows the electroactive film to relax to a state compatible with reversible GGG− doping/undoping. Our studies substantiate that both the cation and the anion of the IL must be considered as both play important roles in appropriately conditioning the PVF polymer films. Indeed, ILs with structures and properties ...
Monte Carlo study of tricritical dynamics in two dimensions

The dynamical tricritical behavior for the spin-1 Ising model with single-ion interaction is investigated in two dimensions using Monte Carlo simulations. The nonlinear dynamical tricritical exponent z/sub t/ is determined from the asymptotic power-law relaxation of the magnetization. The value z/sub t/ = 1.99 +/- 0.04 reported here is the first estimate of the dynamical exponent at a multicritical point, in two dimensions.
Use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Therapy of Cardiac Disease

Despite substantial clinical advances over the past 65 years, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in America. The past 15 years has witnessed major basic and translational interest in the use of stem and precursor cells as a therapeutic agent for chronically injured organs. Among the cell types under investigation, adult mesenchymal stem cells are widely studied, and in early stage, clinical studies show promise for repair and regeneration of cardiac tissues. The ability of mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into mesoderm- and nonmesoderm-derived tissues, their immunomodulatory effects, their availability, and their key role in maintaining and replenishing endogenous stem cell niches have rendered them one of the most heavily investigated and clinically tested type of stem cell. Accumulating data from preclinical and early phase clinical trials document their safety when delivered as either autologous or allogeneic forms in a range of cardiovascular diseases, but also importantly define parameters of clinical efficacy that justify further investigation in larger clinical trials. Here, we review the biology of mesenchymal stem cells, their interaction with endogenous molecular and cellular pathways, and their modulation of immune responses. Additionally, we discuss factors that enhance their proliferative and regenerative ability and factors that may hinder their effectiveness in the clinical setting.
Luxe for Less: How Do Consumers React to Luxury Hotel Price Promotions? The Moderating Role of Consumers’ Need for Status

As an emerging distribution channel, online discount websites are gaining popularity among luxury hotels. However, little guidance on the effectiveness of such price promotions in luxury hotels is provided in the extant literature. Building on the status consumption theories, we examine the joint effects of price promotions and need for status (NFS) on consumers’ attitudes toward the hotel as well as their intentions to return. Our results indicate that consumers who are high in NFS exhibit less favorable attitudes toward the luxury hotel and a lower likelihood to return on having learned that the hotel plans to implement price promotions through discount websites. On the contrary, customers who are low in NFS are unaffected by the presence of price promotions via discount websites. Therefore, luxury hotels that traditionally attract consumers high in NFS need to be aware that using price promotions via discount websites might have a detrimental effect on consumers’ perceptions of the hotel.
Photologging - The West Virginia Experience

The West Virginia Department of Highways is responsible for the maintenance and control of traffic on some 30,000 miles of public roads, including almost 6,000 miles of Expressway, Trunkline and Feeder highways. For the most part,'this highway system traverses rugged, constantly changing terrain in rural, lightly populated areas. Due to the vast amount of data required per mile of highway, we have for several years sought methods to automatically record road inventory data. In 1966 we first used a camera mounted inside a survey vehicle to record grade and curvature information from an instrument panel. No roadway photos were taken, only the data display on the instrument panel was filmed. The panel was aircraft surplus and included a ball-bank indicator, gyroscopic compass and altimeter, with an odometer added to provide mile post reference. The recording camera was 16mm and triggered manually one frame at a time. Instrument readings were normally recorded only at intersections and points of horizontal or vertical alignment change. Information from this first "photo-log" was then transferred to straight-line diagrams in the Central Office. Once the State was covered, perpetuation was accomplished by referring to construction plans and use of the camera technique was discontinued.© (1973) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The andalusian stage (late miocene): Biostratigraphy, biochronology and paleoecology

Abstract The foraminiferal and calcareous nannoplankton biostratigraphy and paleoecology of the Andalusian stratotype section, western Guadalquivir Basin, SW Spain, have been studied. About 125 foraminiferal (95 benthonic, 30 planktonic) and 29 calcareous nannoplankton taxa are recorded from the section which spans the Late Miocene to the earliest Pliocene. The base of the Andalusian coincides with the calcareous nannoplankton Discoaster calcaris/Discoaster quinqueramus (NN10/NN11) Zone boundary and is within the planktonic foraminiferal Globorotalia plesiotumida (N17) Zone. The Andalusian spans the time interval of approximately 9 to 5 m.y. and is correlative with the mid-Tortonian through Messinian stages. The Tortonian/Messinian boundary, denoted by the first indication of a marked faunal change due to eustatic sea level occurs about 50 m below the Caliza Tosca and is dated here at about 6.5 m.y. The base of the Caliza Tosca is correlated with the base of the main evaporitic sequence of the upper Messinian Stage in the Mediterranean and dated at about 5.5 m.y. here. Analysis of the benthonic foraminiferal fauna and the P/B ratio reveal a distinct decrease in bathymetry between the bottom and top of the section. The basal part of the sequence was deposited in a middle bathyal environment (water depths of 600–1000 m), the middle part of the section in upper bathyal depths (200–600 m), with a distinct tendency towards sequential shallowing in the upper part, immediately below the Caliza Tosca, from about 300 m to less than 100 m. The Caliza Tosca, a detrital calcarenite, was probably deposited in water depths no greater than 20–30 m. Within a short distance (40 m) above the top of the Caliza Tosca the basal Pliocene fauna indicates that water depth was similar to that somewhat below the Caliza Tosca, i.e., about 175–200 m. The estimated change in water depths from about 70–100 m to about 20–30 m within the upper part of the Andalusian indicate that a significant eustatic fall in sea level (estimated on the basis of oxygen isotope data in SW Pacific cores to have been about 40 m) may have occurred rather abruptly about 5.5 m.y. ago. The base of the Caliza Tosca in SW Spain and the base of the main evaporite sequence in the Mediterranean are probably reflections of a sudden eustatic sea-level fall, the former in a basin which maintained open connections with the Atlantic, the latter in a basin which temporarily lost connection with the Atlantic and became a basin of interior drainage and evaporation. The implications of this data from the Andalusian stratotype section are significant for understanding Late Miocene historical geology.
Early complications following Q-switched neodymium: YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.

Abstract A prospective evaluation was conducted of Q-switched neodymium:YAG laser capsulotomy in 53 eyes followed for one postoperative month. The first 31 eyes were seen at two-hour intervals for the first eight hours, and the remaining eyes were checked only at the second postoperative hour during that day. Eighty-nine percent of eyes required a pulse setting of less than 1.7 mJ to successfully penetrate the posterior capsule. Visual acuity was improved in 91% of eyes. A transient immediate postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation was seen in over 75% of treated eyes, and one-third had an IOP elevation greater than 10 mmHg over the preoperative IOP. This elevation was most common in glaucomatous eyes and occurred in almost one-half of the treated eyes by the second postoperative hour. This IOP change did not correlate with the degree of inflammation, bleeding, anterior chamber debris, or total energy delivered. Minimal iris bleeding occurred in 9% of treated eyes and was associated with iridocapsular adhesions. Eighty-one percent of eyes with posterior chamber implants developed some degree of lens damage.
What's the 'fracking' problem? One word can't say it all

“Fracking” has received substantial attention in scientific, mass media, and public discourse. This word originally referred to the process of hydraulic fracturing, but recently it has taken on a wider range of meanings in many fora. It now denotes one or more of several processes and impacts related to gas/oil exploration, extraction, and development; confusion can arise when it is unclear which processes or impacts are included in a particular use of this term. “Fracking” also carries negative and lewd connotations that shape public representations of the processes and impacts associated with it. By causing confusion and evoking bias, the word “fracking” can constrain meaningful policy conversation about the underlying issues and concerns. We offer recommendations for how to discuss this controversial topic while at best avoiding, or at least supplementing, the term “fracking”.
STRATEGIES TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN OLDER FILIPINO–AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS FOR A CANCER SCREENING STUDY

Recruitment and retention of subjects in cancer prevention, screening, and treatment trials is challenging, especially if subjects are low-income, from minority groups or immigrants with limited English fluency. This article describes our experiences in recruiting 530 female Filipino–American immigrants at community based organizations and churches for a randomized trial that assessed the effect of a small group educational session on breast and cervical cancer screening. We found that a personal invitation from either a female project liaison, a friend, or the Filipino project director were all successful strategies that resulted in over 80% attendance at an educational session that was offered as part of the study. Although non-attendees did not differ from attendees in demographic characteristics, they expressed significantly more barriers to participating in a health study. Attendance at the group session was a significant predictor of retention in the study. We were able to conduct telephone follow-up surveys among 88% of enrollees at 12 month follow-up and 76% at 24 month follow-up. Results and implications are discussed in the hope that they may facilitate future participation of Filipinos and other Asian immigrants in research.
Increases in P‐Wave Duration and Dispersion After Hemodialysis Are Totally (or Partially) Due to the Procedure‐Induced Alleviation of the Body Fluid Overload: A Hypothesis with Strong Experimental Support

Increases in the P-wave duration (P-du) and P-wave dispersion (P-d) following hemodialysis (HD) are attributed to changes in the electrolytic milieu with HD, or are considered to be due to an unknown mechanism. Such changes are thought to be proarrhythmic, and thus have potential clinical implications. Increase in the amplitude of QRS complexes following HD has been amply documented in the literature. Also, recent work linking attenuation/augmentation of amplitude of QRS and P-wave complexes in patients with increase/subsequent decrease weights due to anasarca peripheral edema/and its alleviation, or before/after hemodialysis (HD) suggests that the increase in the P-du and P-d after HD may be totally (or partially) mediated by the alleviation of the fluid overload by the procedure. This is supported by the decrease/increase in the QRS duration noted with anasarca/and its alleviation. To further clarify this issue, and prove or refute the above hypothesis, it is recommended that correlations of changes in the P-du and P-d with the loss of weight or net fluid dialyzed are carried out, in addition to the traditional considerations of electrolytic alterations after HD.
Combined Spinal–Epidural versus Epidural Labor Analgesia

BackgroundDespite the growing popularity of combined spinal–epidural analgesia in laboring women, the exact role of intrathecal opioids and the needle-through-needle technique remains to be determined. The authors hypothesized that anesthetic technique would have little effect on obstetric outcome o
Is there still a place for vasopressors in the treatment of cardiac arrest

Around 300,000 people in the United States experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year, and less than 10 % of them survive to hospital discharge [1]. Survival is only slightly better for in-hospital cardiac arrest [2]. While provision of basic measures like bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or early defibrillation is consistently associated with better survival [3], the benefit of advanced life support (ALS) measures, such as ventilation with advanced airway and administration of drugs, has not been clearly demonstrated [4].
Kupffer Cells Protect Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells from Fas-Dependent Apoptosis in Sepsis by Down-Regulating gp130

Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction is a key feature of multiple organ injury, the primary cause of fatality seen in critically ill patients. Although the development of EC dysfunction in the heart and lung is well studied in sepsis, it remains unclear in the liver. Herein, we report that liver sinusoidal ECs (LSECs; defined as CD146+CD45−) exhibit increased intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (CD54) and Fas in response to sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). By using magnetically enriched LSEC (CD146+) populations, we show evidence of marked apoptosis, with a twofold decline in viable LSECs in CLP animals compared with sham controls. These changes and increased serum alanine aminotransferase levels were all mitigated in septic Fas−/− and Fas ligand−/− animals. Although we previously reported increased numbers of Fas ligand expressing CD8+ T lymphocytes in the septic liver, CD8+ T-cell deficiency did not reverse the onset of LSEC apoptosis/damage. However, Kupffer cell depletion with clodronate liposomes resulted in greater apoptosis and Fas expression after CLP and a decrease in glycoprotein 130 expression on LSECs, suggesting that STAT3 activation may protect these cells from injury. Our results document a critical role for death receptor–mediated LSEC injury and show the first evidence that Kupffer cells are essential to the viability of LSECs, which appears to be mediated through glycoprotein 130 expression in sepsis.
Homodyne detection in magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic detection of complex images in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is immune to the effects of incidental phase variations, although in some applications information is lost or images are degraded. It is suggested that synchronous detection or demodulation can be used in MRI systems in place of magnitude detection to provide complete suppression of undesired quadrature components, to preserve polarity and phase information, and to eliminate the biases and reduction in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast in low SNR images. The incidental phase variations in an image are removed through the use of a homodyne demodulation reference, which is derived from the image or the object itself. Synchronous homodyne detection has been applied to the detection of low SNR images, the reconstruction of partial k-space images, the simultaneous detection of water and lipid signals in quadrature, and the preservation of polarity in inversion-recovery images. >
Interannual Variability in Tropical Tropospheric Ozone and OH: The Role of Lightning

[1] Nitrogen oxide radicals (NOx) produced by lightning are natural precursors for the production of the dominant tropospheric oxidants, OH and ozone. Observations of the interannual variability (IAV) of tropical ozone and of global mean OH (from the methyl chloroform proxy) offer a window for understanding the sensitivity of ozone and OH to environmental factors. We present the results of simulations for 1998–2006 using the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model (CTM) with IAV in tropical lightning constrained by satellite observations from the Lightning Imaging Sensor. We find that this imposed IAV in lightning NOx improves the ability of the model to reproduce observed IAV in tropical ozone and OH. Lightning is far more important than biomass burning in driving the IAV of tropical ozone, even though the IAV of NOx emissions from fires is greater than that from lightning. Our results indicate that the IAV in tropospheric OH is highly sensitive to lightning relative to other emissions and suggest that lightning contributes an important fraction of the observed IAV in OH inferred from the methyl chloroform proxy. Lightning affects OH through the HO2+ NO reaction, an effect compounded by positive feedback from the resulting increase in ozone production and in CO loss. We can account in the model for the observed increase in OH in 1998–2004 and for its IAV, but the model fails to explain the OH decrease in 2004–2006. We find that stratospheric ozone plays little role in driving IAV in OH during 1998–2006, in contrast to previous studies that examined earlier periods.
Evidence that androgens modulate human thymic T cell output.

Background The thymus has long been recognized as a target for the actions of androgenic hormones, but it has only been recently recognized that alterations in circulating levels of gonadal steroids might affect thymic output of T cells. We had the opportunity to examine parameters of thymic cellular output in several hypogonadal men undergoing androgen replacement therapy. Methods Circulating naive (CD4+CD45RA+) T cells were quantitated by flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Cells bearing T-cell receptor excision circles were quantitated using real-time polymerase chain reaction amplification of DNA isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy men and from hypogonadal men before and after testosterone replacement therapy. Results CD4+CD45+ (naive) T cells comprised 10.5% of lymphocytes in healthy males; this proportion was greatly increased in 2 hypogonadal men (35.5% and 44.4%). One man was studied sequentially during treatment with physiologic doses of testosterone. CD4+CD45RA+ cells fell from 37.36% to 20.05% after 1 month and to 12.51% after 7 months of normalized androgen levels. In 2 hypogonadal patients, T-cell receptor excision circle levels fell by 83% and 78% after androgen replacement therapy. Conclusions Our observations indicate that the hypogonadal state is associated with increased thymic output of T cells and that this increase in recent thymic emigrants in peripheral blood is reversed by androgen replacement.
First Slip Times Versus Static Phase Error Offset for the First- and Passive Second-Order Phase-Locked Loop

Static phase error offsets occur in first-order and passive second-order phase-locked loops, whenever the rest frequency of the local oscillator and the carrier are different prior to acquisition. The effect of the offset is to degrade performance and in particular to decrease the mean time to first slip. This paper studies first slip times via computer simulation. The mean time to first slip is displayed graphically as a function of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for various static phase error offsets and values of the damping parameter.
A Testbed for Multilumen Steerable Needle Experiments

Steerable needles offer the potential to turn corners during insertion, thereby avoiding obstacles, reducing tip placement error and enabling a less invasive access to challenging anatomical locations. In this paper, we describe an experimental testbed designed to facilitate experiments with several popular steering mechanisms. One such mechanism makes use of asymmetric forces generated by a bevel tip for actuating steerable needles, and another uses multiple concentric precurved tubes that can change the needle shaft shape by rotating within one another and extending telescopically. The experimental testbed consists of a new robotic actuation unit for controlling axial rotation and linear translation of multiple tubes. It also includes stereo-optical cameras and a magnetic tracking system for the feedback of needle shape and tip location. The setup can be used in future work for model validation and closed-loop feedback control of steerable needles and cannulae.
Analysis and active control of pressure-drop flow instabilities in boiling microchannel systems

Pressure-drop oscillations are one of the most severe dynamic instabilities for boiling flow especially in microchannel systems. This paper presents a systematic framework for the transient analysis and active control of microchannel flow oscillations at a system-level view. To quantify the upstream compressibility and the associated oscillatory transients in an experimental microchannel boiling system, a lumped oscillator model is derived from the momentum balance equation, and both analytical and numerical nonlinear parameter identification methods are proposed. The predictions from the flow oscillation model agree well with the experimental pressure-drop observations across a flow meter and a microchannel heat sink. Based on the identified nonlinear oscillator model, a virtual state observer is designed to estimate the mass flow acceleration from the mass flowrate measurement in the boiling channel. Then a family of state and dynamic output-feedback active flow controllers is developed and evaluated for the dynamic pressure-drop instability suppression. Further analysis and simulations show the flow oscillation amplitude can be regulated to whatever level is desired under certain conditions.
Characterization of Continuous Symmetric Distributions Based on Families of Skewed Distributions

A characterization of a symmetric probability density function based on certain properties of its associated skewed family is presented. This characterization is then applied to various well-known distributions.
Tactual Strip Maps as Navigational Aids

This article reviews the history of and the theories behind the use of tactual maps by blind and visually impaired travelers. It discusses textual patterns, symbols, and graphics and the difference...
Institutional Racism and the American Psychological Association

Institutional racism—institutional practice that perpetuates racial inequality—does not require individual prejudice or institutional intent, but is a by-product of business as usual. Psychologists for Social Action showed how APA practices institutional racism by condoning employment practices of Lancaster Press, APA's major printer. In May 1969, the Press employed one black person (“wash-up man”) out of 300 employees, though Lancaster's 63,000 population included over 15% blacks and Puerto Ricans. Both the Press and the APA Central Office attributed this to low educational level. The authors met with representatives of Lancaster minority communities and together with them influenced the Press to hire 9 black persons out of 18 new employees between October 1, 1969 and September 30, 1970. A May 1973 postscript documents APA's continued hesitancy to influence its suppliers toward equal employment practices.
ON THE EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL ABRASION ON NUCLEATION AND GROWTH OF DIAMOND ON SILICON USING HOT FILAMENT CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION

Abstract Hot-filament Chemical Vapor Deposition is a simple and widely used technique for synthesis of diamond films on silicon substrates. Scratching or abrasion of the substrate surface with either diamond particles or diamond paste is a common practice, but often escapes mention in the reported literature. In such instances it is not clear whether the diamond film being grown is done so on diamond or tetrahedrally co-ordinated carbon nuclei left behind on the substrate. Attempts to address this issue must be made in order to facilitate a better understanding of the nucleation and growth processes. In this paper, various methods of physical abrasion, average size of scratch sites, as well as totally unscratched surfaces are examined both before and after growth of diamond using Raman spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). These studies suggest that scratching of the surface with diamond particles is not strictly necessary, but does hasten nucleation. High scratch densities yield the most r...
Low energy argon ion-enhanced removal of carbon from silicon dioxide surfaces with atomic deuterium

Abstract This work examines the interacting roles of Ar ions and D atoms in the removal of carbon from silicon dioxide surfaces. Auger electron spectroscopy is used to measure the relative amounts of carbon on the surface following exposure to either Ar ions, D atoms, or simultaneous Ar ions and D atoms at room temperature, with ion and atom fluxes on the order of 10 13 cm −2 s −1 . D atoms alone are unable to remove carbon. Low energy Ar ions, 140 eV, remove carbon at a rate linearly dependent on the ion flux. Compared to Ar ions alone, simultaneous bombardment with Ar ions and D atoms increases the removal rate by a factor of ∼2.5. The removal rate is independent of ion energy (in the range 80–140 eV) and temperature (300–500 K). The enhancement in the removal rate for simultaneous ion and atom exposure is attributed the breaking of C-surface bonds by Ar ions and the simultaneous hydrogenation by D atoms. Multiple steps produce CD x species that can desorb upon subsequent ion collision and CD 4 , which will desorb spontaneously upon formation.
Foraging Area Size and Habitat Use by Red Bats (Lasiurus borealis) in an Intensively Managed Pine Landscape in Mississippi

Forest managers are increasingly expected to incorporate biodiversity objectives within forest landscapes devoted to timber production. However, reliable data on which to base management recommendations for bats within these systems are extremely limited. Although the red bat (Lasiurus borealis) is a widespread common species in temperate forests of North America, little is known of its ecology within intensively managed pine (Pinus spp.) forests of the southeastern United States. Therefore, we investigated size of foraging areas and habitat use by red bats during summer 2000 and 2001 in an intensively managed pine landscape in east-central Mississippi, USA. We captured bats using four-tier mist nets placed over water and attached radiotransmitters to red bats. Radiotagged red bats (n = 16) used habitat types randomly at the study area and foraging area scale. Mean size of foraging areas and mean maximum distance traveled between diurnal roosts and foraging locations were not different (P < 0.05) among adult male, adult female, juvenile male or juvenile females (n = 18). Most foraging areas contained a reliable source of water and all but one diurnal roost was located within foraging areas. Location of diurnal roosts may dictate location of foraging areas. Open canopy conditions in intensively managed pine stands (young, open canopy stands, thinned stands and riparian hardwood stands) likely provide appropriate foraging habitat for red bats. Landscape context may influence size of foraging areas and commuting distances of red bats. Provision of appropriate aged forest stands for diurnal roosts may be the best management action for red bats within intensively managed pine landscapes.
Expediting Danger-Coefficient Measurements by Measuring Two Samples at Once

(1964). Expediting Danger-Coefficient Measurements by Measuring Two Samples at Once. Nuclear Science and Engineering: Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 140-142.
Safety Concerns Surrounding Quinolone Use in Children

Fluoroquinolones are highly effective antibiotics with many desirable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties including high bioavailability, large volume of distribution, and a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Despite their attractive profile as anti-infective agents, their use in children is limited, primarily due to safety concerns. In this review we highlight the pharmacological properties of fluoroquinolones and describe their current use in pediatrics. In addition, we provide a comprehensive assessment of the safety data associated with fluoroquinolone use in children. Although permanent or destructive arthropathy remains a significant concern, currently available data demonstrate that arthralgia and arthropathy are relatively uncommon in children and resolve following cessation of fluoroquinolone exposure without resulting in long-term sequelae. The concern for safety and risk of adverse events associated with pediatric fluoroquinolone use is likely driving the limited prescribing of this drug class in pediatrics. However, in adults, fluoroquinolones are the most commonly prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics, resulting in the development of drug-resistant bacteria that can be challenging to treat effectively. The consequence of misuse and overuse of fluoroquinolones leading to drug resistance is a greater, but frequently overlooked, safety concern that applies to both children and adults and one that should be considered at the point of prescribing.
Effects of Enzymatic Digests of DNA on Staphylococci.

SummaryThe multiplication of coagulase-positive staphylococci was found to be stimulated by a factor present in enzymatic digests of DNA, which previously had been shown to stimulate DNA synthesis and multiplication rates of other gram-positive bacteria, regardless of the source of DNA used. Coagulase-negative variants do not respond and the presence of the DNA digest factor therefore enhances population changes favoring rapid establishment of coagulase-positive organisms in initially predominantly coagulase-negative populations. On the basis of studies with chelated media it was concluded that, by virtue of cell lysis and nuclease production, a DNA digest factor can accumulate naturally in non-chelated, aging staphylococcal cultures containing at least a few coagulase-positive cells. An enhancement by DNA digest of localized lesions that develop following subcutaneous injection of staphylococci into mice also was noted. The implications of these findings for understanding the unusual direction of populat...