cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Il-1 Blockade on Inflammatory Manifestations of Acute Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury in a Rabbit Model

Ventilator-induced lung injury in children and adults is characterized by an initial inflammatory phase. To investigate whether the inflammatory cytokine, IL-1, plays a role in this process, a rabbit model of ventilator-induced injury was created. Animals maintained under pentobarbital anesthesia were primed for injury by undergoing lung lavage with 22 mL/kg of saline and then ventilated for 8 h with either FIO2 0.21 and normal pressures or FIO2 1.0 and high ventilator pressures. The animals exposed to hyperoxia/hyperventilation demonstrated a greater increase in lung lavage neutrophil counts and a higher histological injury score, as well as a faster decline in oxygenation compared to the control animals. A third group of rabbits received 800 micrograms of recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist after lung lavage and prior to the exposure to FIO2 1.0 and high ventilator pressures. These animals had significantly lower concentrations of albumin and elastase and lower neutrophil counts in their lungs after the 8-h ventilatory period compared to hyperoxia/hyperventilation rabbits. IL-1 blockade had no effect on the decline in dynamic compliance and oxygenation seen in saline-treated hyperoxic/hyperventilated rabbits. IL-1 is a mediator of acute inflammation due to ventilator-induced lung injury.
Dynamic decision making: a comparison of approaches

This paper is concerned with a specific type of problem, namely dynamic decisions, for which most techniques fail to provide adequate solutions. Here, we present two of the most promising optimization techniques, partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDP) and dynamic decision networks (DDN), while arguing which is the most suitable for this problem domain. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Sentence-Combining on Reading Comprehension When the Criterion Measure is the Test of Reading Comprehension:

Effects on reading comprehension of sentence-combining, which is grounded in psycholinguistic theory, have been ambiguous. Two assessments of the effects of sentence-combining on reading comprehension in which the Test of Reading Comprehension was given resulted in disparate results. This limited meta-analysis is based on the two studies with the goal of an over-all conclusion. The meta-analysis indicated that sentence-combining had no appreciable effect on reading comprehension when the test was used as the criterion measure.
Dialogical rhetoric: An application of martin Buber's philosophy of dialogue

Underlying much twentieth century rhetorical theorizing has been the intuition that functionally and instrumentally, rhetoric requires a complement, for instance, dialectic or “dialogic.” While the work of Maurice Natanson, Richard Weaver, and recent rhetoricians of inquiry provides a dialectical complement to instrumental rhetoric, another tradition in rhetoric represented by the work of Wayne Brockriede and Allen Clark explores dialogue as a complement to instrumental rhetoric. This essay postulates that the philosophy of dialogue developed by Martin Buber provides a coherent grounding for a dialogical/ontological rhetoric. It contrasts, respectively, instrumental and dialogical conceptions of the rhetorical situation and instrumental and dialogical characterizations of the rhetor, the rhetor's purposes and modes of influence. It concludes with a discussion of research issues confronting those interested in further development of a dialogic rhetoric.
Coupling between microtubule sliding, plus-end growth and spindle length revealed by kinesin-8 depletion.

Mitotic spindle length control requires coordination between microtubule (MT) dynamics and motor-generated forces. To investigate how MT plus-end polymerization contributes to spindle length in Drosophila embryos, we studied the dynamics of the MT plus-end depolymerase, kinesin-8, and the effects of kinesin-8 inhibition using mutants and antibody microinjection. As expected, kinesin-8 was found to contribute to anaphase A. Furthermore, kinesin-8 depletion caused: (i) excessive polymerization of interpolar (ip) MT plus ends, which “overgrow” to penetrate distal half spindles; (ii) an increase in the poleward ipMT sliding rate that is coupled to MT plus-end polymerization; (iii) premature spindle elongation during metaphase/anaphase A; and (iv) an increase in the anaphase B spindle elongation rate which correlates linearly with the MT sliding rate. This is best explained by a revised “ipMT sliding/minus-end depolymerization” model for spindle length control which incorporates a coupling between ipMT plus end dynamics and the outward ipMT sliding that drives poleward flux and spindle elongation.
Structural Dynamic Frequency Response Using Combined Direct and Adjoint Reduced-Order Approximations

A second-order combined approximate-direct/approximate-adjoint method for efficient reduced-order calculation of frequency response in structural dynamics is presented. The method is design oriented. It focuses not only on the response itself (in the form of displacements and, especially, stresses) but also on sensitivities of the response with respect to structural design variables. Comparisons of approximate results obtained by mode-displacement order reduction, reduced-order adjoint solutions based on Ritz vectors, and the second-order approximate method demonstrate the accuracy of the second-order method, and provide lessons that suggest directions for future research.
Human CD59 is a receptor for the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin intermedilysin

Cholesterol is believed to serve as the common receptor for the cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs). One member of this toxin family, Streptococcus intermedius intermedilysin (ILY), exhibits a narrow spectrum of cellular specificity that is seemingly inconsistent with this premise. We show here that ILY, via its domain 4 structure, binds to the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-linked membrane protein human CD59 (huCD59). CD59 is an inhibitor of the membrane attack complex of human complement. ILY specifically binds to huCD59 via residues that are the binding site for the C8alpha and C9 complement proteins. These studies provide a new model for the mechanism of cellular recognition by a CDC.
Do Employers Need the Skills They Want? Evidence from technical work

Changes in the modern workplace, brought about by technology and management innovations and by increased global competition, raise many concerns about the adequacy of workforce skills. In the US and elsewhere, these concerns have led to new ideas about skills, in particular the need for ‘generic skills’ like problem solving, teamwork, and communications. Many employers and policymakers in the US believe that these skills are necessary for work across most jobs and support school reforms to teach them. This article presents empirical evidence from a study in technical work which challenges conventional wisdom about skills and skill requirements and has broad implications for school reform.
The C1q binding assay in systemic lupus erythematosus

To investigate the relationship of C1q binding assay (C1qBA) to disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a retrospective study was carried out on 232 C1qBA performed in 33 patients with SLE. When initial values were assessed (33 tests in 33 patients), there was no relationship between positive and negative C1qBA and abnormal renal function (P = 0.482, Fisher exact test). Of 87 tests performed during active renal disease, 34 (39%) were positive; of 48 tests during active non-renal disease, 25 (52%) were positive; of 83 tests when the disease was inactive, 45 (54%) were positive; and of 14 tests during episodes of infection, 10 (71%) were positive. Corresponding means for the C1qBA were follows: renal 65.66, non-renal 78.02, inactive 56.04, infection 135.79 (no significant differences by Student's t-test). There was no significant relationship with the C1qBA when comparing active disease (renal and non-renal) with inactive disease (chi 2 Yates = 1.875, P = 0.171). When renal function abnormalities were analyzed separately, the C1qBA values were independent of azotemia or proteinuria (chi 2 Yates = 1.399, P = 0.237). Patients were seen with progressive renal disease who had consistently negative C1qBA, as well as patients with benign clinical courses despite elevated C1qBA. The discordance of the C1qBA results with disease activity in SLE highlights the limitations of immune complex (IC) determinations by a single technique, and stresses the importance of evaluating such tests in terms of both their specificity and sensitivity. These data further suggest that the relationship of IC to the disease process in SLE may be a complex one.
Operating Experience with a Superconducting Magnet in an Accelerator Experiment

A superconducting solenoid was incorporated into a physics experiment at the LRL 184-inch cyclotron. The magnet was kept superconducting for the entire run of 5? months. The solenoid has a 4-1/4 in. diameter warm bore and an overall length of 3-1/2 ft. The field intensity is 60 kG. The proposed conventional solenoid which it displaced was 11 ft long. Buried in a steel and concrete shielding wall, the solenoid was the least accessible of all components in the experiment. This condition imposed great emphasis on the reliability of the coil and cryostat structure. The cryostat was cooled by direct evaporation of liquid helium (LHe) and liquid nitrogen (LN). The LHe supply Dewar and vacuum pump were located 25 ft from the magnet in a region accessible only with accelerator beam off. Liquidhelium automatic fill controls and LN supply Dewars were located 40 ft from the magnet in a region adjacent to the experiment control room. The solenoid was energized continuously by the power supply--no persistent mode switch was provided.
Vibrational frequencies and structural determinations of tetrachlorobutatriene

Abstract The normal mode frequencies and corresponding vibrational assignments of tetrachlorobutatriene in D2h symmetry are examined theoretically using the Gaussian 98 set of quantum chemistry codes. All normal modes were successfully assigned to one of the six types of motion (CC stretch, CCl2 scissors, CCl2 twist, CCl2 wag, CCl2 rock, and CCC bend) predicted by a group theoretical analysis. By comparing the vibrational frequencies with IR and Raman spectra available in the literature, a set of scaling factors is derived.
Analysis of calcaneonavicular coalitions using multi-planar three-dimensional computed tomography.

Purpose Computed tomography (CT) is the current imaging standard for confirming the diagnosis of a calcaneonavicular coalition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate three-dimensional (3D) multi-planar CT images of calcaneonavicular coalitions and adjacent tarsal relationships, compared to controls, in order to obtain an understanding of the 3D anatomy for classification and as an aid to surgical resection.
Incremental learning of subtasks from unsegmented demonstration

We propose to incrementally learn the segmentation of a demonstrated task into subtasks and the individual subtask policies themselves simultaneously. Previous robot learning from demonstration techniques have either learned the individual subtasks in isolation, combined known subtasks, or used knowledge of the overall task structure to perform segmentation. Our infinite mixture of experts approach instead automatically infers an appropriate partitioning (number of subtasks and assignment of data points to each one) directly from the data. We illustrate the applicability of our technique by learning a suitable set of subtasks from the demonstration of a finite-state machine robot soccer goal scorer.
Relevance of physiological and psychological criteria to man-machine systems: the present state of the art.

Abstract Ergonomics seems to be more physiologically-oriented than does human factors engineering, its American counterpart. Quantitative support for this view is provided by content analyses of papers presented at certain meetings of two European and one American professional society, and of papers published in the journals Ergonomics and Human Factors. Several possibilities are adduced to account for this divergent emphasis placed on the use of physiological and psychological criteria. More serious than such differences is that it is not immediately apparent how most criteria used in ergonomic and human factors research relate to the criteria that are used for the design and evaluation of systems. If we are to have a viable technology we need to be able to show the relationship between the criteria used in experimental work and those used in the practical world.
Childhood and adolescent depression: a review of the past 10 years. Part I.

ABSTRACT Objective To qualitatively review the literature of the past decade covering the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, natural course, biology, and other correlates of early-onset major depressive disorder (MDD) and dysthymic disorder (DD). Method A computerized search for articles published during the past 10 years was made and selected studies are presented. Results Early-onset MDD and DD are frequent, recurrent, and familial disorders that tend to continue into adulthood, and they are frequently accompanied by other psychiatric disorders. These disorders are usually associated with poor psychosocial and academic outcome and increased risk for substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and suicide. In addition, DD increases the risk for MDD. There is a secular increase in the prevalence of MDD, and it appears that MDD is occurring at an earlier age in successive cohorts. Several genetic, familial, demographic, psychosocial, cognitive, and biological correlates of onset and course of early-onset depression have been identified. Few studies, however, have examined the combined effects of these correlates. Conclusions Considerable advances have been made in our knowledge of early-onset depression. Nevertheless, further research is needed in understanding the pathogenesis of childhood mood disorders. Toward this end, studies aimed at elucidating mechanisms and interrelationships among the different domains of risk factors are needed.
Leishmania amazonensis: Sensitivity of Different Promastigote Morphotypes to Salivary Gland Homogenates of the Sand Fly Lutzomyia longipalpis

Abstract We have recently demonstrated that Luizomyia longipalpis salivary gland homogenates (SGH) inhibited the multiplication of Leishmania promastigotes in vitro . The present work shows that Leishmania amazonensis sensitivity to SGH is correlated to the phase of promastigote in vitro growth and can be decreased by the addition of hemin to the culture medium. The possible relevance of these in vitro results is discussed in relation to the development of Leishmania parasites within their sand fly vectors.
Variables associated with the winter camping location of elderly recreational vehical owners in southwestern Arizona.

During the winter of 1973-1974, 580 elderly recreational vehicle campers were interviewed in six private trailer parks and four public camping areas in southwestern Arizona and Southern California. The ten sites represented four different types of camping environment: (1) highly developed, relatively expensive urban private trailer parks, (2) moderately developed, relatively inexpensive, rural private trailer parks, (3) authorized, developed, free federal campgrounds, and (4) unauthorized, undeveloped, free public land camping areas. Analysis of variance was utilized to identify those respondent characteristics most strongly associated with the type of site selected for winter residence. The most important of these variables were per person annual income, woman's age, man's education, woman's total preretirement adult camping experience, value of mobile quarters and tow vehicle, and percentage of the year lived in a recreational vehicle. Several financial indicators and certain noneconomic characteristics of females were strongly associated with winter camping location. Language: en
Amorphous hydrogenated carbon films for tribological applications II. Films deposited on aluminium alloys and steel

Abstract This paper describes the methods for the deposition of AHC films on aluminium alloys (2024, 7075 and an additional Al-Si alloy) and AISI 4340 steel. Both unmodified and silicon modified AHC films were deposited. AHC films could be deposited on aluminium alloys without any interlayer. The deposition of AHC films on steel required an interlayer which could be aluminium, silicon or chromium. Thin films (1–2 μm) deposited on aluminium alloys and steel influenced durability of films and friction coefficients in contact with steel. These were believed to be due to plastic deformation of substrates. Deposition of a thicker coating system (interlayer + AHC) reduced friction coefficients and also improved film durability. The durability of films deposited on steel substrates was evaluated under both unlubricated and lubricated conditions for 5.5 million cycles under 4.4 N load and up to 2.5 m/s sliding speed. Although there was wear, the films survived 5.5 million test cycles under unlubricated sliding, but in the presence of two lubricants, the film wear was very small and could not be measured. It was observed that the wear of the steel counterface in contact with silicon-containing AHC films could be higher than that against an uncoated steel in the presence of certain lubricants.
Low-Frequency Regenerative Vibration and the Formation of Lobed Holes in Drilling

Large-amplitude vibrations in drilling often occur at frequencies near multiples of the rotation frequency, even when these are much lower than the system's first natural frequency. These vibrations are responsible for out-of-round, lobed holes. A simplified model of the mechanics of this phenomenon is presented in this paper. The model includes cutting and rubbing forces on the drill, but inertia and damping of the tool are neglected at low speeds. This quasi-static model remains dynamic because of the regenerative nature of cutting; the force on each cutting element depends on both the tool's current position and its position at the time of the previous tooth passage. Characteristic solutions, including unstable retrograde whirling modes, are found in terms of eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a discrete state-transition matrix. These unstable modes correspond closely to behavior observed in drilling tests.
Cancer of unknown primary origin: a decade of experience in a community-based hospital.

Abstract Background Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) origin is a very aggressive disease with a poor prognosis. Most of the literature reports of CUP are generated from tertiary cancer centers. Methods A retrospective chart review of all patients with a diagnosis of CUP was performed between January 1995 and January 2005. Age, gender, diagnostic evaluation, histologic diagnosis, location of metastases, treatment, and survival were recorded. Results Ninety-one patients met the inclusion criteria. The pathologic diagnoses included adenocarcinoma (42.8%), undifferentiated carcinoma (34.5%), squamous cell carcinoma (9.8%), neuroendocrine cancer (6.5%), sarcoma (3.2%), and nonspecific malignant neoplasm (3.2%). The overall mean survival was 9.2 months (95% confidence interval, 6.1–12.4 mo), and for squamous cell carcinoma was 26.9 months (standard error, 5.7; P = .007). Conclusions CUP encompasses a variety of different pathologic entities with an overall dismal 5-year survival. Nonetheless, squamous cell and neuroendocrine CUP are associated with a significantly better early prognosis than the other malignancies.
Tetrahedral-symmetry tetrahydrofullerenes

Abstract A proposal is made of a novel class of hydrocarbons CNH4 which may be viewed to extend from methane (N = 1) and tetrahedrane (N = 4) on up in an infinite sequence of tetrahedral-symmetry cages. The structures may typically be viewed to be symmetrically hydrogenated fullerene structures with no small rings (of size ⩽ 5) belonging solely to the π-network. Notably these CNH4 species avoid local antiaromatic structure and exhibit less curvature strain than the corresponding (nonhydrogenated) fullerenes. After a comprehensive structural characterization, a Huckel-theoretical investigation of the orbital structure is reported and analyzed, to suggest necessary and sufficient conditions for these CNH4 structures (and related fullerenes) to be (stable) closed-shell species. Furthermore, the resonance stabilities via Kekule-structure counts and conjugated-circuit calculations both for tetrahedral-symmetry fullerenes CN and their possible (hydrogenated) species CNH4 are presented.
The Small G Protein Rac1 Activates Phospholipase Cδ1 through Phospholipase Cβ2

Rac1, which is associated with cytoskeletal pathways, can activate phospholipase Cβ2 (PLCβ2) to increase intracellular Ca2+ levels. This increased Ca2+ can in turn activate the very robust PLCδ1 to synergize Ca2+ signals. We have previously found that PLCβ2 will bind to and inhibit PLCδ1 in solution by an unknown mechanism and that PLCβ2·PLCδ1 complexes can be disrupted by Gβγ subunits. However, because the major populations of PLCβ2 and PLCδ1 are cytosolic, their regulation by Gβγ subunits is not clear. Here, we have found that the pleckstrin homology (PH) domains of PLCβ2 and PLCβ3 are the regions that result in PLCδ1 binding and inhibition. In cells, PLCβ2·PLCδ1 form complexes as seen by Forster resonance energy transfer and co-immunoprecipitation, and microinjection of PHβ2 dissociates the complex. Using PHβ2 as a tool to assess the contribution of PLCβ inhibition of PLCδ1 to Ca2+ release, we found that, although PHβ2 only results in a 25% inhibition of PLCδ1 in solution, in cells the presence of PHβ2 appears to eliminates Ca2+ release suggesting a large threshold effect. We found that the small plasma membrane population of PLCβ2·PLCδ1 is disrupted by activation of heterotrimeric G proteins, and that the major cytosolic population of the complexes are disrupted by Rac1 activation. Thus, the activity of PLCδ1 is controlled by the amount of bound PLCβ2 that changes with displacement of the enzyme by heterotrimeric or small G proteins. Through PLCβ2, PLCδ1 activation is linked to surface receptors as well as signals that mediate cytoskeletal pathways.
Stereoselectivity of the Arene Epoxide Pathway of Mephenytoin Hydroxylation in Man

Stereoselective metabolism of mephenytoin has been investigated in four normal subjects by comparing urinary recoveries of hydroxylated metabolites after administration of racemic RS-mephenytoin (1.4 mmol/day) and R-mephenytoin (0.7 mmol/day) on separate occasions. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to measure the urinary recovery of 3-methyl-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-ethylhydantoin (4-OH-M) and mephenytoin catechol, methylcatechol, and dihydrodiol metabolites. Following a single oral dose of racemic mephenytoin, 4-OH-M, mephenytoin catechol, and methylcatechol metabolites were identified in urine mainly as conjugates, whereas the dihydrodiol metabolite was recovered mainly in its unconjugated form. Urinary elimination of each metabolite was similar on days 1 and 10 of chronic racemic mephenytoin administration. Following R-mephenytoin administration, urinary recoveries of hydroxylated metabolites were five to 10 times smaller than after administration of the racemic drug. This implies substrate-stereoselective hydroxylation of the S-enantiomer of mephenytoin. In one subject with a genetic deficiency of aromatic mephenytoin hydroxylation deficiency, the excretion of each hydroxylated mephenytoin metabolite after RS-mephenytoin administration was decreased to 5-15% of the values found in the four extensively hydroxylating study volunteers. The impaired formation of hydroxylated mephenytoin metabolites in genetic hydroxylation deficiency, in conjunction with stereoselective hydroxylation of S-mephenytoin via an extensive NIH shift in normal man, is consistent with the hypothesis that the formation of the S-mephenytoin arene oxide is under genetic control and represents the initial enzymatic reaction of stereoselective aromatic mephenytoin hydroxylation. The formation of this potentially reactive metabolite of S-mephenytoin may have implications in mephenytoin-induced toxicity.
Bone loss in the oral cavity

Bone loss in the oral cavity may occur due to many causes, including infection, systemic or local alterations in the host response, or multifactorial causes. The purpose of this article is to review our present understanding of the major causes of oral bone loss in adults, with special emphasis on two major oral diseases: periodontitis and residual ridge resorption. Periodontitis is characterized by resorption of the alveolar bone as well as loss of the soft tissue attachment to the tooth. Progressive periodontitis will result in continued alveolar bone loss and may result in tooth mobility, abscesses, and ultimately tooth loss. Although the reported prevalence may vary according to the epidemiologic study design, the 1985 National Survey of Oral Health of United States Adults indicated that 94% of female senior citizens examined demonstrated at least one site with at least 2 mm loss of attachment. Resorption of alveolar bone that occurs following tooth extraction is termed residual ridge resorption. In many cases, the denture will loosen because of the inability of the resorbed ridge to stabilize the prosthesis. In the most severe cases, the denture may impinge on the exposed mandibular nerve, resulting in pain or total inability to tolerate the prostheses. Although clear statistics on the prevalence of residual ridge resorption are not available, this boss loss may result in the need for new dentures to replace ill-fitting prostheses.
Lean premixed recirculating flow combustion for control of oxides of nitrogen

The objectives of the reported investigation included the demonstration of a system in which combustion can be maintained under very lean conditions. Aspects of pollutant formation and the stability characteristics of the system were studied. An opposed reacting jet model laboratory combustor was employed in the experiments. Results obtained with the aid of an analytical modeling technique based on the computational scheme reported by Gosman et al. (1969) are also presented. The investigation indicates that fuel lean combustion might provide an effective means of achieving low pollutant emission levels.
Race versus social class: Social orientation and cognitive play in black and white middle SES preschool children

Abstract Black and white middle socioeconomic status (SES) preschool boys and girls were compared on the frequency with which they interacted socially with peers (people orientation) and on the frequency with which they engaged in nonsocial activity which involved being occupied with some material or task (object orientation). They also were compared on the frequency with which they engaged in the cognitive play types: functional, constructive, and dramatic. No race differences were found for people and object orientation. Sex, but not race, differences were found for level of social interaction. Boys engaged more frequently than girls in the highest level of social interaction. On frequency of the cognitive play types, neither race differences, nor sex differences, nor a race by sex interaction occurred. These findings raise questions about other assumed differences between black and white children. This study underscores the necessity not to treat black children as a monolithic group, but to recognize that sex, SES, and possibly other psychological and sociological characteristics influence their social and cognitive behaviors.
Diagnosis of ectopic ureter as a cause of urinary incontinence.

Abstract Introduction and objective Female pediatric patients with continuous drip incontinence present a diagnostic challenge. At times, these symptoms may be due to an ectopic ureter inserting below the external sphincter. The evaluation may consist an ultrasound and voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), but these may not be diagnostic and further evaluation may be necessary. We reviewed our experience with imaging modalities used to make the diagnosis of ureteral ectopia. Methods We reviewed the records of 24 female patients with incontinence after toilet training or other symptoms caused by ureteral ectopia. We focused on the initial imaging methods, the modality providing the definitive diagnosis, and outcome. Results Twenty-four patients were identified with an ectopic ureter. Two patients had bilateral ectopia for a total of 26 ectopic ureters. Of the 24 patients, 19 initially had negative diagnostic tests. These combined tests consisted of 15 intravenous pyelograms (IVPs), 18 VCUGs, 14 ultrasound, five cystoscopies, one nuclear VCUG and one MRI. Two patients underwent computed tomography (CT) as the primary test revealing an ectopic system. Of the 26 ectopic ureters, the diagnosis was made by CT scan in 13, IVP in five, cystoscopy in six, and ultrasound in one. One ectopic ureter was identified by exploration. In no cases did a CT scan fail to identify an ectopic system. Conclusion Patients with an ectopic ureter often will have no abnormality on initial imaging studies. Our experience has shown that a CT scan with delayed contrast is the most sensitive, economic and readily available test for diagnosing ecoptic ureters and renal systems.
Molecular conformation of guanosine 3,'5-cyclic monophosphate.

THE molecular structure of 5′-methylene adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphonate (cyclic AMP analogue), a synthetic cyclic nucleotide, has been reported1,2. Here we report the molecular structure of the naturally occurring cyclic nucleotide guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP). It has been known for some time that the adenine base counterpart of the cyclic nucleotide (cyclic AMP) mediates a large number of hormonal and regulatory control mechanisms3,4, but only recently that cyclic GMP is important in metabolic control and regulatory functions5. Its role is suggested to be different from that of cyclic AMP, in its action as a “messenger” between different hormones and the regulatory mechanism (ref. 5 and refs cited therein). Our work on cyclic GMP, together with the structures of the cyclic AMP analogue1,2 and cyclic AMP6, has enabled us to make some generalizations regarding the preferred conformations of cyclic purine nucleotides and to compare them with those of the mononucleotides.
A Cbed Procedure for Determining Local Residual Stresses from Nanoscale Areas in Cermets

A convergent beam electron diffraction method was used in a transmission electron microscope to determine residual thermal stresses from nanometer-scale areas in a ceramic-metal (cermet) composite material. It is demonstrated that the method is simple, but requires a standard sample for each of the phases in the composite. The principle of the technique is that the stresses are determined by comparing higher order Laue zone line shifts, due to lattice strain, in high-symmetry zone-axis electron diffraction patterns recorded under the same experimental conditions from the unknown phases and the standards. The application of the method to composite systems containing dissimilar phases, such as ceramic-metal composite systems, demonstrates the universality of the technique in obtaining local structural information of anisotropic strain unambiguously with a high accuracy. The procedure involved is described in detail with application to B4C-AI, a three-dimensional intertwined ceramic-metal composite.
Abstract: Assessing the Reliability of Within-Person Change Over Time: A Dynamic Factor Analysis Approach.

Researchers have long been interested in the reliability of change, but to date there have been few methods for assessing reliability of change in the context of daily diary designs. Cranford and colleagues (2006) proposed a method to estimate the reliability of change using Generalizability Theory (GT), but their approach assumes that the loadings and error variances of individual items are constant across both individuals and items. We present a new method for assessing reliability in the daily diary context that does not make such assumptions. Our method uses results from dynamic factor analysis (DFA) to compute McDonald’s (1999) omega for each subject. A simulation study indicated that the proposed method provides accurate estimates of the reliability of within-person change across a range of loading/error combinations. When the equal item loadings assumption of GT was violated, the DFA method provided accurate estimates whereas the GT method underestimated the true reliability. We illustrated the methods with empirical data from a daily diary study of 221 individuals who were preparing for a stressful examination. Individuals rated their moods twice a day on 5 subscales over 44 days. In this case the DFA method and the GT method yielded similar estimates; however, the estimates from the DFA method were slightly larger. A further advantage of the DFA method is that it revealed the autoregressive nature of the repeated measurements, which in the empirical example involved lag-1 and lag-2 effects. The autoregressive component of the latent factor variance was substantial, ranging from 21% of the variability in anger ratings to 50% of the variability in anxiety ratings. On the individual level, persons who had larger systematic autoregressive variability over time were those with higher reliability estimates.
Epidemiologic Study of Dental Caries Experience and Between-Meal Eating Patterns

The relationship between dental caries and between-meal snacks was investigated in a study of 1,486 high school students. The participants completed a questionnaire on between-meal habits and then were given dental examinations. The lack of differences in dental caries between racial and geographic groups was not related to the frequency of sucrose-containing, between-meal snacks.
Eosinophil Function Related to Cutaneous Disorder

A concise review of the ultrastructural features and physiological properties of eosinophils is presented with the aim of delineating those properties of eosinophils that set them apart from other granulocytes. It has become clear that eosinophils are subject to chemotaxis by attractants that do not affect other cells (e.g., histamine, ECF-A, ESP) and that they contain antiflogistic agents (arysulfatase 118, peroxidase) that neutralize specific substances known to elicit the inflammatory response. The mechanisms underlying eosinophilia in a variety of cutaneous disorders are analyzed in the light of this information.
Influence of composite electrical properties on the VHF–UHF electromagnetic shielding characteristics of polyethylene–carbon nanoparticle composites

The influence of composite electrical properties on the plane-wave electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EM SE) of carbon nanoparticle/polyethylene nanocomposites is reported in the VHF and UHF bands (30. MHz-1.5. GHz). Two highly graphitic carbon nanoparticles (heat-treated Pyrograf® III PR-19 carbon nanofibers and CheapTubes® multi-walled carbon nanotubes) were dispersed in a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) matrix to produce a nominally random in-plane particle orientation. For a concentration of 10. vol% nanoparticles and a sample thickness of 2.5. mm, EM SE values of 24. dB and 22. dB were obtained for MWNT HT and PR-19 HT nanocomposites, respectively. At a high concentration of 40. vol%, EM SE values as high as 68. dB and 55. dB were obtained for the PR-19 HT and MWNT HT nanocomposites, respectively. Because such nanocomposites possess only moderate electrical conductivity, the composite permittivity was also used to predict the plane wave EM SE and its components. Based on the material properties of the nanocomposites, the predicted values of EM SE were found to be consistent with the experimental values.
Rapid detection of significant spatial clusters

Given an N x N grid of squares, where each square has a count cij and an underlying population pij, our goal is to find the rectangular region with the highest density, and to calculate its significance by randomization. An arbitrary density function D, dependent on a region's total count C and total population P, can be used. For example, if each count represents the number of disease cases occurring in that square, we can use Kulldorff's spatial scan statistic DK to find the most significant spatial disease cluster. A naive approach to finding the maximum density region requires O(N4) time, and is generally computationally infeasible. We present a multiresolution algorithm which partitions the grid into overlapping regions using a novel overlap-kd tree data structure, bounds the maximum score of subregions contained in each region, and prunes regions which cannot contain the maximum density region. For sufficiently dense regions, this method finds the maximum density region in O((N log N)2) time, in practice resulting in significant (20-2000x) speedups on both real and simulated datasets.
Employee performance management in MNCs: reconciling the need for global integration and local responsiveness

I explore how the global integration versus local responsiveness dilemma can be reconciled in employee performance management (PM) systems of multinational companies (MNCs). Firstly, I define the concept of employee PM. Then I review the international PM literature and its predominant focus on cultural fit and discuss the various elements in the design, implementation, and evaluation of PM, in terms of standardisation and localisation. Finally, I propose ways for MNCs to reconcile the seemingly opposing needs of a global PM and offer process recommendations for practitioners and further research. A global employee PM system requires knowledge of how the various components of a PM system are influenced by the global context of the MNC, as well as change management competencies, to successfully realign the existing PM system. Academic research on the international perspective of PM is still in its infancy and empirical research is needed on PM in a MNC.
RESPONSIBILITY AND SURVIVAL: FREE EXPRESSION AND POLITICAL BROADCASTING ON PUBLIC RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS

(1973). RESPONSIBILITY AND SURVIVAL: FREE EXPRESSION AND POLITICAL BROADCASTING ON PUBLIC RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS. Free Speech Yearbook: Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 38-50.
Effects of ventilation on pulmonary arterial flow and vascular conductance

Abstract The effects of the direction and of the rate of change of lung volume on the pulmonary vascular conductance were examined in the isolated lung lobe of the dog. The lobe was suspended in, filled with, and perfused with Ringer-Locke solution at selected constant pressures. Ventilation was produced by displacement of fluid into and out of the “pleural” space surrounding the lobe. During inflation of the lobe, the inflow rate decreased. The magnitude of the changes in the pulmonary arterial flow varied directly with the rate of change of volume of the lobe, and inversely with the conductance of the airways. For a given airway conductance or rate of change of lobar volume, the magnitude of the change in pulmonary arterial flow during deflation was greater than the magnitude of the change during inflation. These effects were augmented by the administration of acetylcholine or histamine. The results show that airway conductance and the rate of lobar volume change can significantly affect flow into the pulmonary artery and the mean pulmonary vascular conductance. These effects apparently result from changes in alveolar and transmural capillary pressures. The results also suggest that acetylcholine and histamine act directly on the bronchial smooth muscle, and thereby indirectly on the pulmonary vessels by raising alveolar pressure during deflation of the lung. The elevated alveolar pressure tends to collapse the pulmonary capillaries and thereby to reduce the pulmonary vascular conductance.
Cytotoxic T lymphocytes specific for vesicular stomatitis virus recognize the major surface glycoprotein of VSV

Abstract The major surface glycoprotein (G) of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) was purified and incorporated into lipid vesicles containing the purified hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and fusion (F) glycoproteins of Sendai virus. These lipid vesicles were then used to modify and render target cells susceptible to lysis by anti-VSV cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). This result provides direct evidence that the G protein is a target antigen of anti-VSV CTLs.
Internal Medicine Residents’ Perception of Nursing Home Demographics and Regulations: A Pilot Study

Objectives Internal medicine residents often provide hospital care for patients who are admitted from and discharged to nursing homes. This pilot study surveyed internal medicine residents for their assumptions and perceptions about demographics and regulations in the nursing home setting. Design/Setting/Participants Internal medicine residents at Winthrop University Hospital in Long Island, New York, were asked to participate in this anonymous, voluntary, and self-administered written survey during October 2006. Measurements Survey answers were collected and analyzed using SAS 9.1 (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC). Results The mean responses were very close to the actual data; however, the range and standard deviations (SD) of responses revealed a wide variation in perceptions about nursing home demographics and regulations. For example, the internal medicine residents estimated that 60% of nursing home beds are for long-term care but the responses ranged from 20% to 90%, with an SD of 21. Awareness about regulations such as payment sources and the role of the medical director was poor. Fifty-two percent of respondents stated that Medicare is the primary source of payment for long-term care. Eighty-five percent of the respondents believed that the medical director of a nursing home could be a physician, nurse, social worker, or nursing home administrator. Conclusion Although internal medicine residents have high exposure to nursing home patients, many of those surveyed have incorrect perceptions about nursing home demographics and requirements. Further research is required to demonstrate the impact of formal geriatric medicine education on internal medicine residents’ knowledge regarding nursing home demographics and regulations.
Imaging in pancreatic transplants

Pancreatic transplantation, performed alone or in conjunction with kidney transplantation, is an effective treatment for advanced type I diabetes mellitus and select patients with type II diabetes mellitus. Following advancements in surgical technique, postoperative management, and immunosuppression, pancreatic transplantation has significantly improved the length and quality of life for patients suffering from pancreatic dysfunction. While computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have more limited utility, ultrasound is the preferred initial imaging modality to evaluate the transplanted pancreas; gray-scale assesses the parenchyma and fluid collections, while Doppler interrogation assesses vascular flow and viability. Ultrasound is also useful to guide percutaneous interventions for the transplanted pancreas. With knowledge of the surgical anatomy and common complications, the abdominal radiologist plays a central role in the perioperative and postoperative evaluation of the transplanted pancreas.
On the Robustness to Gene Tree Estimation Error (or lack thereof) of Coalescent-Based Species Tree Methods.

The estimation of species trees using multiple loci has become increasingly common. Because dierent loci can have dierent phylogenetic histories (reected in dierent gene tree topologies) for multiple biological causes, new approaches to species tree
A Scrolled Sheet Precursor Route to Niobium Oxide Nanotubes

Potassium hexaniobate (K4Nb6O17) is one of the few relatively well-studied oxides which, upon exfoliation, rolls up into scrolls almost quantitatively with monodisperse length (∼300 nm) and diameter (30 nm). The tubes have high surface area (250-300 m2/g) and a wall thickness of 2-3 nm. These H4Nb6O17 scrolls were converted to Nb2O5 via a thermal dehydration process, yielding high surface area (150-200 m2/g) Nb2O5 nanotubes. Despite extensive atomic rearrangement during dehydration at 400-450 °C, little sintering is occurs, and so the tubular morphology is retained. Attempts to conduct further reactions to obtain LiNbO3 and KNbO3 nanotubes from reaction with molten alkali salts failed to yield the intended nanotubular oxides.
Design for ESD protection at its limits

While CMOS downscaling approaches its limits, ESD protection design is facing significant challenges. Technology measures which facilitate further technology scaling enhance the sensitivity of the devices against ESD stress. At the same time demanding performance requirements more and more limit the options of circuit solutions for ESD protection. In consequence ESD qualification goals for ICs had to be reviewed and adjusted. However, the need of ESD robust systems cannot be compromised. To balance and match IC level protection and PCB protection measures the concept of system efficient ESD design (SEED) has recently been introduced.
Temporal Changes in Survival after Cardiac Surgery Are Associated with the Thirty‐Day Mortality Benchmark

Despite substantial improvements in outcomes over the past decades (Hickey et al. 2013), cardiac surgery remains a field with comparatively high postoperative mortality. As with many areas in medicine, 30-day mortality is one of the most common outcome measures used to describe and assess the postoperative course of cardiac surgical patients. The premise behind the use of this metric is that it provides a uniform way of evaluating the aggregate outcomes that result from the performance of surgeons, hospitals, and perioperative surgical care teams (including anesthesiologists, intensivists, nurses, and consulting and supporting services). In addition to its use as a standard clinical endpoint for research, 30-day mortality has become a benchmark for quality assurance and improvement used by hospitals, professional groups, and patient safety organizations (Vaduganathan, Bonow, and Gheorghiade 2013), a metric for publicly available interhospital comparisons (for instance, by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services [QualityNet 2013]), and it has been suggested for use in individual-level physician comparisons and pay-for-performance schema (Werner 2012). Most discussions focus on the observational function of quality measures. Little attention has been paid to the possibility that use of a quality benchmark may exert feedback effects on the phenomenon being observed—for instance, that the act of measuring 30-day mortality may alter patterns of mortality. Some or all of the actors who play a role in the care of cardiac surgical patients have the potential to exhibit different behavior in response to the use of a quality benchmark. Physician decisions about the use of aggressive interventions for critically ill patients, the timing of family meetings and shifts in treatment priorities, and hospital decisions about the design and coordination of systems for caring for these patients (e.g., inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, hospice, and palliative care services) may interact with the implicit incentives created by the use of a short-term survival outcome as a quality metric. We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample to examine survival patterns after major cardiac surgery and assess the hypothesis that postoperative survival exhibits a heterogeneous temporal pattern with shifts that may be associated with the timing of assessments used as quality metrics, such as 30-day mortality.