cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High dependency unit (HDU) care offers no survival advantage over ward based care for our hypercapnic COPD patients needing non-invasive ventilation (NIV)

Background NIV in COPD patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure reduces mortality rates1. Patients with a low pH should be managed in a HDU2. However, NIV can be provided on a respiratory ward and bed availability often deems this necessary2. Aims To establish the impact on mortality when COPD patients needing NIV were managed on a respiratory ward compared to a HDU. We also investigated whether being known to our community based Respiratory Care Team (RCT) had an effect on care. Methods Data were prospectively collected from May 2011-May 2012. Outcome measures were change in pH over 4-6 hours, in-hospital mortality and 90 day mortality. Results There were no difference in mean age (75 vs 77) or pH at presentation (7.24 vs 7.26) of the HDU (n=11) compared to the ward cohort (n=19). The HDU cohort had a greater improvement in pH (0.134 vs. 0.051; p<0.05). This did not translate to a survival advantage with no difference between in-hospital (3 vs. 3; p=0.64) or 90 day (5 vs. 5; p=0.43) mortality. 53% (n=16) patients were known to the RCT and while this had no effect on mortality, being known to the team reduced length of stay by a median of 1.5 days. Conclusions We have shown that NIV on the ward is as effective as on HDU. An advantage of our HDU being co-located with our respiratory ward is that patients receive input from respiratory physicians and physiotherapists regardless of their location. Prior knowledge of the patient by the RCT reduced length of stay. 1. Plant PK, et al. Lancet 2000 Jun 3;355(9219):1931-5. 2. British Thoracic Society (BTS), NIV in acute respiratory failure, Thorax 2002;57:192-211.
Isoenergetic Dietary Protein Restriction Decreases Myosin Heavy Chain IIx Fraction and Myosin Heavy Chain Production in Humans

The synthesis of muscle protein is restrained during dietary protein restriction. This is widely understood to vary quantitatively with the degree of nutritional deprivation, but there has been little discussion of qualitative changes in muscle protein deriving from dietary protein restriction. We studied 14 healthy subjects in a 2-sample study. Subjects were randomly assigned to a diet providing an ample, American-style protein intake (1.67 g. kg fat-free mass(-1). d(-1)) or a diet approximating the mean minimum adult protein requirement (0.71 g. kg fat-free mass(-1). d(-1)). We found that consumption of an isoenergetic diet at the mean adult minimum protein requirement for 4 wk produced an 81% lower fractional synthesis rate of myosin heavy chain (MHC) proteins in vastus lateralis muscle than did consumption of an ample protein diet (P = 0.05). Protein deprivation altered the skeletal muscle myosin composition such that the proportion of the total myosin content represented by fast-twitch MHC IIx was 51% lower than with ample intake (P = 0.013). The steady state content of MHC IIx messenger RNA (mRNA) did not differ in subjects consuming the minimum requirement of protein, suggesting that the reduced proportion of MHC IIx arises from posttranscriptional events. A 68% lower rate of 3-methylhistidine excretion with protein restriction (P < 0.01) suggests that myofibrillar protein degradation was lower. We conclude that dietary amino acid scarcity produces a change in myosin isoform distribution via posttranscriptional mechanisms. The relative contribution of inhibited myosin synthesis and inhibited degradation to the altered myosin isoform composition remains unknown. This has implications for the mechanisms by which amino acids govern muscle protein composition in vivo, and further exploration is required.
Behavioral and pharmacological modulation of respiration in Rhesus monkeys

Changes in respiration associated with schedule-controlled behavior were determined in seated rhesus monkeys prepared with a pressure-displacement head plethysmograph for monitoring ventilation continuously during behavioral experiments. Subjects were trained to press a lever under fixed-ratio 40 and fixed-interval 300-s schedules of stimulus termination. Episodic increases in ventilation were closely associated with periods of responding under both schedules. Recurring episodes of increased ventilation occurred during fixed-ratio responding, and were separated by brief 10-s timeouts during which ventilation decreased. Under the fixed-interval schedule, both ventilation and response rate typically increased as the 300-s interval elapsed. The effects of cocaine, caffeine, and two adenosine agonists, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidadenosine (NECA) and 2-(carboxyethylphenylamino)adenosine-5'-carboxamide (CGS 21680), on behavior and respiration were determined using a cumulative-dosing procedure. Drug-induced suppression of behavior eliminated the episodic increases in ventilation during the performance components of both schedules. Schedule-related increases in ventilation were compared to those produced by elevated levels of CO2 in inspired air. Exposure to 4% CO2 mixed in air increased ventilation in all subjects, and the combined effects of CO2 exposure and schedule-controlled responding on respiration appeared to be additive. The results suggest that behavioral activities may increase ventilation through increased metabolic demand and increased CO2 production.
Multicultural Education through Child-Constructed Games.

Children all over the world enjoy learning and playing games. Involving children in the process of creating games from other cultures can increase an authentic interest in learning about other cultures. It also increases cognitive, social, and interpersonal skills. Activities that stress multicultural awareness seem to work best when they are part of the daily routine. Many board games, matching games, and sidewalk games are played in several cultures with slight variations. Stressing commonalities by making games rather than differences can foster sensitivity and a greater understanding of others.
Investigating Initial Disclosures and Reactions to Unexpected, Positive HPV Diagnosis

Initial disclosures of health conditions are critical communication moments. Existing research focuses on disclosers; integrating confidants into studies of initial disclosures is needed. Guided by the disclosure decision-making model (DD-MM; Greene, 2009), this study examined what diagnosed persons and confidants may say when faced with unexpected test results and unexpected disclosures, respectively. Participants (N = 151) recorded an audio-visual message for another person, after imagining that they or the other person had just received unexpected, positive HPV test results. The qualitative analysis revealed four themes: (1) impression management and social distance, (2) invisible symptoms and advice regarding future disclosures, (3) expressing and acknowledging emotional reactions, and (4) misunderstandings and lacking knowledge about HPV. These findings suggested that DD-MM may be a relevant framework for understanding not only when disclosers share, but what disclosers and confidants say in early conversations about new diagnoses. While disclosers' and confidants' messages showed marked similarities, important differences appeared. For example, confidants focused on assuaging disclosers' fear about the consequences, whereas disclosers expressed distress related to their uncertainty about the prognosis of an HPV infection and how to prepare for next steps. The discussion highlighted implications for the DD-MM, HPV disclosures, and future interventions.
Diuretic Drugs and the Treatment of Edema: From Clinic to Bench and Back Again

Despite wide variations in dietary NaCl intake, homeostatic mechanisms ensure that renal NaCl excretion matches intake at steady state. This does not imply, however, that extracellular fluid volume is maintained within narrow limits. In contrast with blood pressure, which appears to be tightly controlled, extracellular fluid volume varies significantly, even in normal individuals, when dietary NaCl intake changes. Cardiac, liver, or renal disease can perturb the relationship between NaCl intake and extracellular fluid volume and lead to symptomatic edema. All major classes of diuretic drugs in use today were developed between 1950 and 1970. These drugs were developed empirically, without knowledge of specific ion transport pathways, but experimental work during the past 15 years has shown that each major class of diuretic inhibits a specific ion transport protein in the kidney. These transport proteins have been characterized physiologically and the mechanisms by which each diuretic drug inhibits ion transport have been defined. Antibodies directed against these transport proteins have localized ion transport pathways to specific cell types along the nephron. Most recently, isoforms of each class of diuretic-sensitive Na transport pathway have been cloned. Ongoing experimental work is aimed at exploring relationships between families of transporters, determining the structural prerequisites for ion transport, and studying molecular mechanisms of transport regulation. Treatment of edema with diuretics is often straightforward, but can lead to adaptive changes in nephron structure and function. These adaptations can limit the effectiveness of diuretic drugs; maneuvers aimed at blocking these processes can be effective approaches to patients who are resistant to diuretic drugs.
Microprogramming a watch: tools for a course in computer organization

This paper describes a software simulator of a digital watch programmable at the microprogram level and used for instructional purposes in a computer organization course. A special editor for writing microcode is also introduced.
Endotoxin inhibits enterocyte migration by increasing integrin function through PI3 kinase

Abstract Purpose: Experimental necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is characterized by circulating endotoxin and impaired enterocyte migration. Because migration requires the detachment of cells from the underlying matrix and the inhibition of surface integrins, we hypothesized that impaired enterocyte migration is due to increased integrin function. Methods: NEC was induced in newborn rats after formula gavage and hypoxia, from which terminal-ileal mucosal scrapings were prepared. IEC-6 cells were treated with LPS (50 ug/ml,12 h) +/− PI3K inhibitor LY(25 uM). Integrin expression was determined by confocal microscopy or SDS-PAGE of cells sub-fractionated by centrifugation at 100,000 g. Integrin activity was determined by adherence of 15um fibronectin coated latex beads to IEC-6 monolayers. Migration was measured by time-lapse microscopy of IEC-6 cells moving into a scraped wound. Results: Expression of α3 and β1 integrins was increased 3-fold in ileal mucosal scrapings from NEC-rats vs. ctrls (n = 3, p Download : Download high-res image (65KB) Download : Download full-size image
Quantitative assays of pharmacologic aerosols used in studying asthma

To more nearly accurately quantitate the dose of pharmacologic agents delivered to human and animal airways via aerosols, we have developed a monodisperse aerosol containing either methacholine or histamine that permits a light scattering device (tyndallometry) to measure accurately the quantity of inspired and expired particles. These aerosols (described in previous studies) are simultaneously tagged with a radioactive label (technetium 99m) to permit the use of external gamma camera imaging. Present work focuses on the development of assay techniques to measure the quantity of methacholine delivered in these aerosols. The lack of specific radioimmune or radioenzyme assays coupled with the cross-reaction of organic contaminants with conventional chemical reagents for measuring methacholine required the development of separative techniques to isolate the methacholine from the organic aerosol contaminants. With aqueous extraction and column separation we have been able to completely isolate the methacholine from these contaminants. This allows the application of standard spectrophotometric assays for methacholine to quantitate the methacholine in the resulting solution. These separative techniques will permit the use of these aerosols in quantitative studies of airway reactivity.
Serial kinematic analysis of the unstable knee after transection of the anterior cruciate ligament: Temporal and angular changes in a canine model of osteoarthritis

Transection of the anterior cruciate ligament in the dog leads to osteoarthritis. This study defines the kinematic changes in the unstable knee after transection of the cruciate ligament (six dogs) and after a sham operation (four dogs). In the dogs that were anterior cruciate ligament-deficient (ACL-D), the duration of stance 1 week postoperatively decreased 38% from the preoperative value, but only a 4% decrease was seen at 6 weeks. The duration of double hindlimb support increased from 6 to 19% of the entire cycle 1 week after surgery but returned to the baseline value by 18 weeks. As the unstable limb contacted the treadmill belt, the initial flexion (yield) and subsequent extension (propulsive) phases were not evident or were markedly attenuated in every ACL-D dog throughout the 26-week period of observation. The angular velocity patterns were characterized by a slight extension velocity at touchdown (compared with a zero value preoperatively) and a decrease in the peak velocities (both flexion and extension) during the remainder of the stance phase. None of these changes was observed in the animals that had a sham operation. These data indicate that, in the dog, the nervous system compensates for instability of the knee by altering angular, but not temporal, parameters. The extension velocity at touchdown and the reduction in peak flexion velocity during the yield component of the stance phase may reduce the ability of the limb to absorb impact forces and lead to the development of osteoarthritis of the knee. Alternatively, the reductions in flexion and extension of the knee during the stance phase and in the values for peak velocity presumably reflect protective muscular reflexes that may slow the rate of progression of joint breakdown.
TIMP-2 is released as an intact molecule following binding to MT1-MMP on the cell surface☆

Binding of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) to pro-MMP-2 and mature membrane type-1 MMP (MT1-MMP) on the cell surface is required for activation of MMP-2. It has been reported that following binding to cell surface receptors, TIMP-2 undergoes endocytosis and extensive degradation in lysosomes. The purpose of this study was to reexamine the fate of TIMP-2 following binding to transfected HT1080 cell surface MT1-MMP at 4°C. Following 37°C incubation, 125I-TIMP-2 release, endocytosis, and degradation were characterized under varying conditions. More than 85% of the total 125I-TIMP-2 bound to cells was released as intact functional molecules; <15% was degraded. Transfection of HT1080 cells with dominant negative mutant dynamin cDNA resulted in delayed endocytosis and release of 125I-TIMP-2 from cells. Pharmacologic agents that induce clustering of cell surface receptors (concanavalin A) and interfere with endosomal/lysosomal function (bafilomycin A1) resulted in enhanced binding of 125I-TIMP-2 to cell surface receptors. Abrogation of activation of proMT1-MMP with a furin inhibitor prevented binding and endocytosis of 125I-TIMP-2. Biotinylation of cell surface MT1-MMP followed by Western blotting confirmed the presence of mature MT1-MMP on the cell surface and degraded MT1-MMP in the intracellular compartment. In conclusion, these studies demonstrate that TIMP-2 is released from cells primarily as an intact functional molecule following binding to MT1-MMP on the cell surface.
Increased trophoblast expression of NFAT5/TonEBP in pre-eclamptic placentas and hyperosmolar-treated BeWo cells

Abstract Objectives To assess the concentrations of inositol and sorbitol, and determine the expression of related osmolyte factors [nuclear factor of activated T cells 5, also known as tonicity responsive binding protein (NFAT5/TonEBP); sodium myo-inositol transporter (SLC5A3); and aldose reductase] in placentas of pre-eclamptic (PE) patients and trophoblast BeWo cells subjected to hypertonic stress in vitro. Study design Control and PE placentas were collected. BeWo cells were cultured and subjected to a hyperosmolar solution for 4 h. Western blot analysis was performed on NFAT5, SLC5A3, aldose reductase and ERK proteins. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the levels of inositol and sorbitol in cell lysates. Results Compared with control placentas, PE placentas showed higher levels of inositol and NFAT5, and lower levels of SLC5A3. Treated BeWo cells showed higher levels of inositol, sorbitol, NFAT5 total protein, SLC5A3 and aldose reductase, and increased ERK activation compared with control BeWo cells. Conclusions Hyperosmolar conditions increase the expression of NFAT5 in PE placentas and BeWo cells, and may account for the increased osmolyte levels. NFAT5 may accomplish this through aldose reductase and SLC5A3 in trophoblast cells.
Catholic Bioethics for a New Millennium

Can the Hippocratic and Judeo-Christian traditions be synthesized with contemporary thought about practical reason, virtue and community to provide real-life answers to the dilemmas of healthcare today? Bishop Anthony Fisher discusses conscience, relationships and law in relation to the modern-day controversies surrounding stem cell research, abortion, transplants, artificial feeding and euthanasia, using case studies to offer insight and illumination. What emerges is a reason-based bioethics for the twenty-first century; a bioethics that treats faith and reason with equal seriousness, that shows the relevance of ancient wisdom to the complexities of modern healthcare scenarios and that offers new suggestions for social policy and regulation. Philosophical argument is complemented by Catholic theology and analysis of social and biomedical trends, to make this an auspicious example of a new generation of Catholic bioethical writing which has relevance for people of all faiths and none.
Lorentz violation and the Yukawa potential

Abstract We analyze Lorentz violations in the bosonic sector of a Yukawa-type quantum field theory. The nonrelativistic potential may be determined to all orders in the Lorentz violation, and we find that only specific types of modifications to the normal Yukawa potential can be generated. The influence of this modified potential on scattering and bounds states is calculated. These results could be relevant to the search for new macroscopic forces, which may not necessarily be Lorentz invariant.
Elevated Substance Use Among Lesbian and Bisexual Women: Possible Explanations and Intervention Implications for an Urgent Public Health Concern

Potential explanations for the elevated rates of substance use among lesbian and bisexual women relative to heterosexual women are provided by focusing on substance use differences among lesbian and bisexual women. The three explanations include butch versus femme (i.e., gender atypicality) differences in substance use, lesbian versus bisexual disparities in substance use, and disparities associated with socializing in substance-using settings, such as bars. Implications for interventions to reduce substance use and abuse among lesbian and bisexual women are addressed.
A Technology for Developing Synbodies with Antibacterial Activity

The rise in antibiotic resistance has led to an increased research focus on discovery of new antibacterial candidates. While broad-spectrum antibiotics are widely pursued, there is evidence that resistance arises in part from the wide spread use of these antibiotics. Our group has developed a system to produce protein affinity agents, called synbodies, which have high affinity and specificity for their target. In this report, we describe the adaptation of this system to produce new antibacterial candidates towards a target bacterium. The system functions by screening target bacteria against an array of 10,000 random sequence peptides and, using a combination of membrane labeling and intracellular dyes, we identified peptides with target specific binding or killing functions. Binding and lytic peptides were identified in this manner and in vitro tests confirmed the activity of the lead peptides. A peptide with antibacterial activity was linked to a peptide specifically binding Staphylococcus aureus to create a synbody with increased antibacterial activity. Subsequent tests showed that this peptide could block S. aureus induced killing of HEK293 cells in a co-culture experiment. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using the synbody system to discover new antibacterial candidate agents.
Convulsant activity of a non-peptidic δ-opioid receptor agonist is not required for its antidepressant-like effects in Sprague-Dawley rats

Abstract Rationale. Non-peptidic δ-opioid receptor agonists possess antidepressant-like activity in the forced swim assay in the rat. These compounds have also previously been shown to possess convulsant properties in mice. Objective. The aim of the present study was to examine whether such convulsions occurred in rats and to investigate if δ-mediated convulsant activity was necessary for the mediation of δ-opioid agonist-induced antidepressant-like activity. Methods. The peripheral administration of δ-opioid receptor agonists to male Sprague-Dawley rats was followed by a period of observation for convulsant activity. Following this period and 60 min after δ-opioid agonist administration, rats were tested in the forced swim assay. Results. The non-peptidic δ-opioid receptor agonists (+)-4-[(R)-[(2S,5R)-2,5-dimethyl-4-(2-propenyl)-1-piperazinyl]-(3-methoxyphenyl)methyl]-N,N-diethylbenzamide (SNC80) and (+)-4-[(R)-[(2S,5R)-2,5-dimethyl-4-(2-propenyl)-1-piperazinyl]-(3-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-N,N-diethylbenzamide dihydrochloride [(+)BW373U86] both produced dose-dependent convulsant activity in rats and decreased immobility in the forced swim assay. The δ-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole prevented the convulsant activity of (+)BW373U86 and its effects in the forced swim assay. This suggested a δ-opioid mechanism for both effects. Midazolam prevented convulsions but did not prevent activity in the forced swim assay. Rats tolerant to the convulsive effects of (+)BW373U86 still displayed antidepressant-like effects. Conclusion. δ-Mediated convulsions do occur in rats and can be prevented without affecting the δ-mediated effects in the forced swim assay. Therefore the convulsant activity of (+)BW373U86 and possibly other non-peptidic δ-agonists is not required for activity in the forced swim assay.
Comparison of three concomitant boost techniques for early-stage breast cancer.

Purpose: Whole breast radiotherapy (RT) followed by a tumor bed boost typically spans 5–6 weeks of treatment. Interest is growing in RT regimens, such as concomitant boost, that decrease overall treatment time, lessening the time/cost burden to patients and facilities. Methods and Materials: Computed tomography (CT) scans from 20 cases were selected for this retrospective, dosimetric study to compare three different techniques of concomitant boost delivery: (1) standard tangents plus an electron boost, (2) intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) tangents using custom compensators plus an electron boost, and (3) IMRT tangents plus a conformal photon boost. The equivalent uniform dose model was used to compare the plans. Results: The average breast equivalent uniform dose value for the three techniques (standard, IMRT plus electrons, and IMRT plus photons) was 48.6, 47.9, and 48.3, respectively. The plans using IMRT more closely approximated the prescribed dose of 46 Gy to the whole breast. The breast volume receiving >110% of the dose was less with the IMRT tangents than with standard RT ( p = 0.037), but no significant difference in the maximal dose or other evaluated parameters was noted. Conclusion: Although the IMRT techniques delivered the prescribed dose with better dose uniformity, the small improvement seen did not support a goal of improved resource use.
THE ORIGIN OF "ZORN'S LEMMA"

Abstract The paper investigates the claim that “Zorn's Lemma” is not named after its first discoverer, by carefully tracing the origins of several related maximal principles and of the name “Zorn's Lemma.” Previously unpublished information supplied by Zorn is included.
Formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their growth to soot—a review of chemical reaction pathways

Abstract The generation by combustion processes of airborne species of current health concern such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and soot particles necessitates a detailed understanding of chemical reaction pathways responsible for their formation. The present review discusses a general scheme of PAH formation and sequential growth of PAH by reactions with stable and radical species, including single-ring aromatics, other PAH and acetylene, followed by the nucleation or inception of small soot particles, soot growth by coagulation and mass addition from gas phase species, and carbonization of the particulate material. Experimental and theoretical tools which have allowed the achievement of deeper insight into the corresponding chemical processes are presented. The significant roles of propargyl (C3H3) and cyclopentadienyl (C5H5) radicals in the formation of first aromatic rings in combustion of aliphatic fuels are discussed. Detailed kinetic modeling of well-defined combustion systems, such as premixed flames, for which sufficient experimental data for a quantitative understanding are available, is of increasing importance. Reliable thermodynamic and kinetic property data are also required for meaningful conclusions, and computational techniques for their determination are presented. Routes of ongoing and future research leading to more detailed experimental data as well as computational approaches for the exploration of elementary reaction steps and the description of systems of increasing complexity are discussed.
The emergence of alternative Jewish tourism

This article explores the emergence of ‘alternative Jewish travel’ to the West Bank and within Israel. One programme, aimed at diaspora Jews, reframes religious, cultural, and ethnic Jewish identity to include non-violence and solidarity with Palestinians as part of what it means to be Jewish. Another programme, aimed at Israeli citizens (both Jews and non-Jews), reframes Israeli national identity to include post-Zionist solidarity with Palestinians, but is not necessarily Jewish in any religious or ethnic sense. Alternative Jewish travel programme tours explore complicated questions of justice and nationalism in different ways that reflect their simultaneously local and global positions, who organises them, and how they define Jewishness differently.
Abscisic acid and osmotic induction of synchronous somatic embryo development of sweet potato

Somatic embryos of sweet potato have potential as synthetic seeds. The effects of abscisic acid (ABA) (0,0,0.1, 1.0, 10.0 and 50.0 μM) were examined to improve synchrony and proliferation of somatic embryos. Transferring embryos compared to those cultures transferred at day 0. The development of embryos in suspension culture supplemented with ABA was poor. However, when calli proliferation cultures were in gelled medium and pulsed with 0.1 μM ABA for 14 d, the number of somatic embryos increased. Proembryonic masses cultured in mannitol-containing medium (Y=−1.5 MPa) increased embryo development and synchrony of embryo development. Thus, in this work ABA and mannitol have been shown to improve both the total number and the synchrony of sweet potato somatic embryos.
Lattice vibrational spectrum of germanium

Abstract The Born-von Karman theory of crystal dynamics has been applied to the diamond structure, and the most general force system involving interactions between each atom and its first through sixth order neighbors has been derived. The macroscopic elastic constants and the frequencies of selected lattice vibrational modes have been expressed in terms of the 21 independent parameters entering into this force system. It will be shown that the experimental elastic constants and lattice frequencies along the [100] and [111] axes cannot be fitted to force models based only on general 1° and 2° neighbor interactions. The addition of general 3° and 4° neighbor interactions does not improve the situation, but the further addition of 5° (and higher order) neighbor interactions does. It is possible to obtain physically plausible force models which fit all the data considered within experimental error by the use of onlv general 1° throueh 5° interactions. The nature and the limitations of the derived force models Gili be discussed.
NMR Assignments of Regioregular Poly(propylene oxide) at the Triad and Tetrad Level

Regioregular poly(propylene oxide), PPO, formed by simple base (KOH) and coordinate base (TPP)AlCl, (tetraphenylporphinato)aluminum chloride, ring-opening polymerization of propylene oxide, PO, has been studied by high field 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy at various concentrations in CDCl3 and C6D6. The original assignments of Tonelli and Schilling [Macromolecules 1986, 19, 1337−1343] at the triad and diad sensitivity level have been extended to tetrad sensitivity.
Texture analysis with the new HIPPO TOF diffractometer

Abstract The new neutron time-of-flight (TOF) diffractometer HIPPO (High-Pressure-Preferred Orientation) at LANSCE (Los Alamos Neutron Science Center) is described and results for quantitative texture analysis of a standard sample are discussed. HIPPO overcomes the problem of weak neutron scattering intensities by taking advantage of the improved source at LANSCE, a short flight path (9 m) and a novel three-dimensional arrangement of detector banks with 1360 3He tubes, on five conical rings with scattering angles ranging from 2θ=10° to 150°. Flux at the sample is on the order of 107 neutrons cm−2 s−1. A large sample chamber (75 cm diameter well) can accommodate ancillary equipment such as an automatic sample changer/goniometer used in this study. This instrument was used to measure the texture of a round-robin limestone standard and extract orientation distribution data from TOF diffraction spectra with different methods (Rietveld harmonic method, Rietveld direct method, automatic fitting of individual peak intensities), and the results compare favorably. Also, there is good agreement with results obtained on the same sample measured at other facilities, but with greatly reduced measuring time for HIPPO.
Coarctectomy combined with an interdigitating arch reconstruction results in a lower incidence of recurrent arch obstruction after the Norwood procedure than coarctectomy alone

Objective Recurrent aortic arch obstruction after the Norwood procedure continues to be a source of morbidity. We sought to determine if a modified interdigitating technique for aortic arch reconstruction during the Norwood procedure decreased recurrent arch obstruction. Methods A total of 142 consecutive infants undergoing the Norwood procedure were divided into groups according to surgical technique: Group 1 (n = 79, January 1999 to May 2003) underwent arch reconstruction with complete coarctectomy followed by anastomosis of the descending aorta to the transverse arch. Group 2 (n = 63, June 2003 to September 2006) underwent complete coarctectomy plus a modified interdigitating technique. Catheterization before stage 2 palliation was reviewed for hemodynamics and angiographic arch dimensions, and a coarctation index was calculated. Results Reintervention for recurrent coarctation occurred in 28% (22/79) of group 1 patients compared with 2% (1/63) of group 2 patients ( P = .001). Aortic pressures, gradients, dimensions, and coarctation index were consistently more favorable for group 2. Conclusions Coarctectomy plus an interdigitating arch anastomosis was superior to coarctectomy alone and resulted in a dramatically decreased incidence of recurrent arch obstruction.
To Maximize the Creation of A.V. Fistulas: The Kaiser Way

First described by Brescia and Cimino in 1961 the A.V. fistula remains the best form of permanent vascular access. 24 to 27% of A.V fistulas thrombose within the first few postoperative weeks or fail to achieve sufficient caliber to permit cannulation. Most mature between two to six months. Once mature native fistulas have excellent long-term patency rates and rarely become infected. A.V. fistulas can provide adequate vascular access for over 20 years. The importance of careful preparation for A.V. fistula placement months before the need for hemodialysis cannot be overemphasized. Planning the Kaiser way: Planning starts with the primary physician, screening the patients at risk: over 60 years old, diabetes mellitus, hypertension. The primary physician refers the patient to the nephrologist and renal team if the Cr. is 1.5 or higher for a female or 2.0 or higher for a male. During the early stages of the kidney disease, pre-ESRD, the patient will be referred to the Choices Class to learn the different modalities (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and transplant issues). Once the nephrologist makes the decision that the patient will be on hemodialysis in the future, the patient is referred to the Renal Case Manager (RCM); he/she will initiate a referral to vascular surgery for evaluation of access placement. The RCM explains to the patient about the first surgical visit with the vascular surgeon, follows with surgery to be sure the appointment is made. When the access is placed, the RCM will do post surgical teaching on how to care for the new fistula. The patient will be followed, including the A.V. fistula, until the patient needs dialysis. If the fistula is not developing well, the RCM will notify the vascular surgeon for evaluation. Once the patient is ready for dialysis the patient is referred to the dialysis center. The RCM will follow up with the dialysis center and see how the access is working. If the fistula is questionable to use, the patient is first dialyzed as in-patient to evaluate the access.
The structure of the 9 + 1 axonemal core as revealed by treatment with trypsin.

Possible homology between the central singlets of the 9 + 2 axoneme, characteristic of flagella of spermatozoa of certain acoel turbellarians ( 2, 7,8 ), and two tubular helical elements described as possible components of the central core of the “9 + 1” axoneme of spermatozoa of other platyhelminths ( 11 ) is of interest in understanding evolutionary relationships among the turbellarians ( 8 ). Although examination of both sectioned and negatively stained preparations of 9 + 1 axonemes has failed to elucidate the structural basis for the appearance of the helical elements, trypsin has a differential effect on the components of the core, allowing examination of its substructure. After internal components have been digested, and only the peripheral sheath remains, the double helical pattern is retained, suggesting that the tubular helical elements in question do not exist; instead, the image results from the structure of the overlying sheath. It is therefore doubtful that homologies exist between the central regions of the 9 + 2 and 9 + 1 axonemes.
Comparison of solid‐phase extraction and supercritical fluid extraction for extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from drinking water

This work compares four different extraction techniques [solid-phase extraction (SPE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), solid-phase extraction followed by supercritical fluid extraction (SPE/SFE), and liquid–liquid extraction (LLE)] for the extraction of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from both fortified and drinking water. For SPE, the analytes were trapped on three different solid phases (octadecyl, cyanopropyl, and phenyl) and eluted with methylene chloride or acetonitrile. The SFE parameters were optimized by introducing the spiked water directly into the extraction cell and extracting with CO2 modified with methylene chloride. These studies showed that for SPE, the octadecyl phase had the best recoveries for volatile PAHs, and methylene chloride was the better solvent. SPE/SFE had good recoveries for all compounds; SFE had less steps, less exposure to solvents, and less extraction time when placing the matrix directly into the extraction cell; however, recovery was less than SPE/SFE. LLE had the worst reproducibility and recovery. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep10: 125–131, 1998
SU‐E‐J‐82: Intra‐Fraction Proton Beam‐Range Verification with PET Imaging: Feasibility Studies with Monte Carlo Simulations and Statistical Modeling

Purpose: To study the feasibility of intra-fraction proton beam-range verification with PET imaging. Methods: Two phantoms homogeneous cylindrical PMMA phantoms (290 mm axial length, 38 mm and 200 mm diameter respectively) were studied using PET imaging: a small phantom using a mouse-sized PET (61 mm diameter field of view (FOV)) and a larger phantom using a human brain-sized PET (300 mm FOV). Monte Carlo (MC) simulations (MCNPX and GATE) were used to simulate 179.2 MeV proton pencil beams irradiating the two phantoms and be imaged by the two PET systems. A total of 50 simulations were conducted to generate 50 positron activity distributions and correspondingly 50 measured activity-ranges. The accuracy and precision of these activity-ranges were calculated under different conditions (including count statistics and other factors, such as crystal cross-section). Separate from the MC simulations, an activity distribution measured from a simulated PET image was modeled as a noiseless positron activity distribution corrupted by Poisson counting noise. The results from these two approaches were compared to assess the impact of count statistics on the accuracy and precision of activity-range calculations. Results: MC Simulations show that the accuracy and precision of an activity-range are dominated by the number (N) of coincidencemore » events of the reconstructed image. They are improved in a manner that is inversely proportional to 1/sqrt(N), which can be understood from the statistical modeling. MC simulations also indicate that the coincidence events acquired within the first 60 seconds with 10{sup 9} protons (small phantom) and 10{sup 10} protons (large phantom) are sufficient to achieve both sub-millimeter accuracy and precision. Conclusion: Under the current MC simulation conditions, the initial study indicates that the accuracy and precision of beam-range verification are dominated by count statistics, and intra-fraction PET image-based beam-range verification is feasible. This work was supported by a research award RP120326 from Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.« less
Relativistic configuration-interaction perturbation-theory method with application to intercombination and allowed transitions of light Be-like ions

We have improved our previous mixed configuration-interaction and perturbation-theory $(\mathrm{CI}+\mathrm{MBPT})$ methods by including all second-order Coulomb and lowest-order Breit terms. The method is applied in calculations of $E1$ matrix elements for the two $2{s}^{2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2s2p$ transitions of light Be-like ions. The results are in good agreement with experiments and other precise calculations. The length and velocity transition amplitudes are also more consistent.
Intermetallic layer formation and its effect on the mechanical behavior of laminated Ta-Au composites

Abstract The tensile properties and deformation behavior of Ta–Au laminated composites processed by diffusion bonding are presented. The formation of the Ta–Au interface region was characterized using XRD, SEM and nanoindentation in order to identify the phases present. Tensile test results showed that the composition of the interface region strongly affects the overall sample behavior. The data indicates that the interface region tends to form into a stable AuTa phase. The overall material strength and ductility are then related to the composition of the intermediate interface layer.
Knowledge about condoms among low-income pregnant Latina adolescents in relation to explicit maternal discussion of contraceptives.

Abstract Purpose To examine pregnant adolescents' conceptual knowledge about condom use and its relation to maternal implicit and explicit communication about contraceptives. Methods Forty-five pregnant Latina adolescents (aged 14 to 18 years) were interviewed regarding their knowledge about how condoms prevent pregnancy. In addition, the adolescents were videotaped having a conversation with their mothers (23 English-speaking, 22 Spanish-speaking) about dating and sexuality, which was coded for maternal explicit and implicit messages about contraception. Results A more detailed, accurate understanding of how condoms work, and the ability to explicitly describe that knowledge, was associated with adolescents reporting higher levels of confidence about using condoms, and increased comfort talking to partners about condoms. Mothers' explicit mention of contraception was related to their adolescents having detailed, accurate information about condoms. Among Spanish-speaking dyads only, maternal explicit messages were associated with adolescents using more explicit terminology in describing their knowledge. Conclusions Study results have implications for intervention with a high-risk population of Latina mothers and adolescents. The study also highlights the importance of examining specific aspects of knowledge, namely conceptual, biological knowledge.
A Comparison of Conditional and Unconditional Randomization Tests for Highly Stratified Designs

An unconditional randomization procedure is proposed for use in highly stratified randomized experiments where the sample size assigned to each treatment cannot be fixed in advance. This procedure is contrasted to the usual conditional randomization procedure in which sample sizes assigned within randomization units are treated as fixed and randomization units without both treatments assigned are deleted. The unconditional procedure is shown to have superior power for the populations studied.
Creative Self-Efficacy: Its Potential Antecedents and Relationship to Creative Performance

Using data from two different firms, this study tested a new construct, creative self-efficacy, tapping employees' belief) that they can be creative in their work roles. Results support the discriminant validity of the construct and indicate that job tenure, job self-efficacy, supervisor behavior, and job complexity contribute to creative efficacy beliefs. Creative self-efficacy also predicted creative performance beyond the predictive effects of job self-efficacy. Differences in results between white-collar and blue-collar samples suggest considerations for both theory and practice.
Lesions of the brachial plexus

Abstract Tumors of the brachial plexus frequently are not readily apparent and may masquerade as proximal or distal neurologic lesions. Potential pitfalls in diagnosing occult plexal lesions are numerous. Findings of severe pain, proximal and multiple peripheral nerve abnormalities, masses, or an atypical response to management should lead to imaging and electrodiagnostic evaluation of the brachial plexus.
School counselors as social-emotional learning consultants: Where do we begin?

School counselors promote student social and emotional learning (SEL), which is fundamental to a school's academic mission. However, while recognizing the importance of SEL, many school stakeholders view it as secondary and/or important for only some students. To ensure delivery of SEL to all students, school counselors must embrace a service model based on prevention and reposition themselves as SEL consultants. This calls for advocacy, collaboration, and leadership, focused on systemic change in the schools.
Fully-gated ground 10T-SRAM bitcell in 45 nm SOI technology

A novel 10T-SRAM employing a fully-gated grounding scheme (10T-RGND) to limit a memory bitcell (MC) subthreshold leakage current (IOFF) in a 45 nm SOI technology is presented. The source voltage of the read-port of 10T-RGND is selectively grounded by a row decoder only when it is accessed, while those of inactive MCs are forced to a supply voltage (VDD). The number of stackable MCs per bitline (BL) of 10-RGND is increased by 10×, 40%, and 3.5× compared to the conventional 6T, the leakage current-compensating 8T (8T-LC), and the conventional 10T, respectively, at 1.0 V, 125°C, and fast corner process. The total leakage current of 10T-RGND is 6% less than 8T-LC, 17% less than 10T, but 22% larger than 6T in simulation.
Economic socialization in children in a midwestern American community

Abstract This study is part of an international program of research involving fifteen countries. The goal of the research program is to advance international understanding of economic socialization in children. This study attempts to describe and understand this process in American children aged 8, 11 and 14. In-depth interviews were used to learn about economic understanding, economic reasoning and economic attitudes in 87 children living in a midwestern town. Analysis of the interview data indicated that economic socialization is indeed a reality in that sophistication increased with age.
WE-D-I-6B-07: Human and System Error Analysis of a 3D Optical Laser Scanning System for Image-Guided Patient Positioning

Purpose: The final goal of this research is to develop a patient repositioning system using a 3D optical laser scanner. We investigated the magnitude of human and system errors, which determines the accuracy of the patient repositioning system. We also scanned four breast patients to test the efficacy of this system.Method and Materials: A handheld 3D surface scanning system acquires patient surface images, which are registered to a reference image using a rigid body transformation. The resultant image registration generates the patient position adjustment to match the images. We evaluated human and system error associated with this positioning technique. To measure human error, ten operators performed ten experiments to acquire the same reference point. To evaluate the system error, we attached the receiver (serving as the origin of the surface image data) to the X‐Y‐Z positioning system and measured the discrepancy between the measured physical position and the scanner reported distance in three axes. We also scanned four breast patients and analyzed the repositioning errors. Results: The mean human error and standard deviation were evaluated to be 1.86mm and 0.66mm, respectively. The system mean error and standard deviation were found to be 0.4mm and 0.32mm (n=45), respectively. Image translation and rotational shifts from the patient study ranged from 5mm to 15mm and −6° to 11°, respectively. Conclusion: We have experimentally evaluated human and system error associated with a new 3D hand‐held laser scanner positioning system. As shown in the result, human error was much more significant than system error. This handheld 3D optical scanning system has proved its capability as a tool for patient repositioning between fractions. Future investigations will examine the relation between surface images and internal target localization.