cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Safety and immunogenicity of intranasal murine parainfluenza virus type 1 (Sendai virus) in healthy human adults.

Abstract Human parainfluenza virus-type 1 (hPIV-1) is the most common cause of pediatric laryngotracheobronchitis (croup) and results in close to 30,000 US hospitalizations each year [Ped. Inf. Dis. J. 20 (2001) 646]. No effective vaccine is available. We examined murine PIV-1 (Sendai virus, SeV) as a live, xenotropic vaccine for the closely related human PIV-1 in a phase I, dose escalation study in healthy adults. Intranasal Sendai virus was uniformly well-tolerated and showed evidence of immunogenicity in three of nine vaccinees despite pre-existing, cross-reactive immunity presumably induced by previous exposure to human PIV-1. Results encourage future trials to evaluate the efficacy of Sendai virus in preventing human PIV-1 infection in infants and children.
Note on optimal ordering policy with different lead times and convex ordering costs

This note generalizes Fukuda's two-alternate-lead-times model (1964) with linear ordering costs to the case where the ordering costs are convex. We use lattice programming to show the qualitative properties of an optimal ordering policy if the ordering costs are convex and to further characterize the structure of an optimal ordering policy if the ordering costs are convex and piecewise linear. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electronic band-structure hybridization in the heavy-fermion superconductor UPt 3

Many physical properties, such as electrical resistivity and specific heat, of ${\mathrm{UPt}}_{3}$ are different from the other two heavy-fermion superconductors, ${\mathrm{UBe}}_{13}$ and ${\mathrm{CeCu}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Si}}_{2}$. The electronic structure of ${\mathrm{UPt}}_{3}$ also differs from the other two materials because of the presence of the platinum d band, which is close in energy to the uranium 5f band that is responsible for the exotic heavy-fermion ground state. In this paper various contributions to linear muffin-tin orbital atomic-sphere approximation electronic band-structure calculations are examined to show that platinum p hybridization is the dominant platinum hybridization mediating the formation of the uranium 5f band. The main effect of uranium 5f and platinum 5d hybridization is instead to induce platinum d character at the Fermi energy that would otherwise be absent, while having little effect on the uranium 5f band itself. Any experiment, such as soft-x-ray emission, resonant photoemission, or nuclear magnetic resonance that can probe this platinum d character could yield an important confirmation of itinerant uranium f electrons.
Abstract B46: Fear as a barrier to mammography for African American women

Screening mammography is the single most effective method of early detection of breast cancer however mammography rates in America remain suboptimal among certain groups of women. African American women are one of those groups, experiencing high mortality rates and low rates of screening as compared to other ethnic groups. One of the factors related to inadequate screening is fear. Fear has been associated with participation in screening, however it is a concept that has been poorly explored within the context of culture. This report examined how African American women, who had been seen in the emergency department for non urgent complaints, describe their fear and its impact on their breast cancer screening patterns. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from 35 African American women, both screened and unscreened, between 2008 and 2010. Interview transcripts were analyzed and recurrent themes and patterns were identified. Most women expressed fear regarding cancer screening in some way, either fear of pain, fear of the unknown, or fear of finding out that something is wrong. This fear could be either a motivator or a barrier to mammography. This report illuminates that fear in the context of the other barriers and benefits to mammography experienced by these women. These findings will be important in the design of culturally relevant interventions that address the ongoing issue of inadequate screening mammography among African American women. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B46.
Not Talking past Each Other: Cultural Roles in Education Research.

Les auteurs de cet article soulevent des questions en rapport avec la theorie et la pratique de la recherche en education a travers la retranscription d'un dialogue entre deux chercheurs et ethnographes de l'education et leurs roles respectifs dans les projets de reforme de l'enseignement, et illustrent le potentiel de la complementarite des tâches entre enseignants et chercheurs en education dans la creation de reformes et la reflexion sur le systeme educatif. Il est demontre comment deux cultures, celle de la recherche et celle de la pratique proposent une approche similaire de l'integration des familles de minorites dans les ecoles publiques.
Optimization of array subscript range checks

Compile-time elimination of subscript range checks is performed by some optimizing compilers to reduce the overhead associated with manipulating array data structures. Elimination and propagation, the two methods of subscript range check optimization, are less effective for eliminating global redundancies especially in while-loop structures with nonconstant loop guards. This paper describes a subscript range check optimization procedure that can eliminate more range checks than current methods. Two transformations called inner-loop guard elimination and conservative expression substitution are introduced to enhance propagation of range checks in nested while-loops and to define a partial order on related range checks. Global elimination is improved by considering range checks performed before control reaches a statement and after control leaves a statement. A unique feature of this method is the simplification of the available range-check analysis system for global elimination.
Ischemic preconditioning: Clinical relevance and investigative studies

Experimental animal studies have shown that repetitive brief coronary occlusions render the heart resistant to myocardial infarction from subsequent, more prolonged, coronary occlusions. This phenomenon in animal models has been called ischemic preconditioning. In a number of clinical scenarios, the second in a series of ischemic episodes appears to be less severe than the first, suggesting that ischemic preconditioning also occurs in humans. If the mediator of preconditioning could be identified, it is conceivable that this agent could be administered to patients with coronary artery disease as a myocardial protectant. However, the definite clinical relevance of this interesting experimental finding remains unknown, Unlike the case in animal models subjected to an abrupt occlusion, preconditioning is difficult to study in the clinical setting. This article reviews the findings and limitations of the relevant clinical studies looking for ischemic preconditioning in humans.
Low temperature (−80°C) thermionic electron emission from alkalides and electrides

Abstract Electrons are emitted thermionically into vacuum at temperatures as low as −80°C from polycrystalline and thin film samples of alkalides and electrides. Saturation currents are reached at cathode-to-collector potentials of only 5–10 V. The emission current versus temperature follows the Richardson equation and yields apparent work functions between 0.2 and 0.5 eV. The emitted electrons apparently originate from trapped electrons in electrides or defect electrons in alkalides.
The effect of magnesium ions on the binding of calcium ions to glycerinated rabbit psoas muscle fibers

The effect of Mg2+ on Ca2+ bound to glycerinated rabbit psoas muscle was studied by means of a double-isotope technique. The troponin-C content of the fibers was analyzed by quantitative sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and found to be 0.5 mumol/g fiber protein. In the absence of Mg2+ the fibers bound a maximum of 3.5 mumol Ca2+/g protein. This value could be readily accounted for in terms of the four Ca2+-binding sites of troponin-C and the two divalent cation-binding sites of myosin. In the presence of 1 mM Mg2+ the entire Ca2+ titration curve was shifted downward with a maximum bound Ca2+ of slightly more than 2 mumol/g, or 4 mol Ca2+/mol troponin-C. Further increase in Mg2+ concentration to 10 mM had little effect on Ca2+ binding when the free Ca2+ concentration was in the upper part of the physiological range (5 . 10(-7)-5 . 10(-6) M) but caused a marked reduction when the Ca2+ concentration was low. The results are consistent with biochemical data showing two groups of (Mg2+/Ca2+)-binding sites. One group, located in myosin, has a high affinity for Mg2+ while the other group, located on troponin-C, has a low affinity for Mg2+. If the free Mg2+ concentration in muscle is in the range of 2--5 mM, as suggested by recent data, it can be inferred that the binding sites on myosin will never be occupied by Ca2+ under physiological conditions.
Redesign of a Large Lecture Course Into a Small-Group Learning Course

Objective. To describe the redesign of a large self-care course previously delivered in a traditional lecture format to a small-group case-based course. Design. Prereadings and study guides were used to facilitate students’ independent learning prior to class. Large lecture classes were replaced with smaller group-based learning classes. This change in delivery format allowed students to spend the majority of class time conducting small-group learning activities, such as case studies to promote communication, problem solving, and interpersonal skills. Assessment. Changes in course delivery were assessed over a 2-year period by comparing students’ grades and satisfaction ratings on course evaluations. A comparison of course evaluations between the class formats revealed that students were provided more opportunities to develop verbal communication skills and tackle and resolve unfamiliar problems in the revised course. The activities resulted in better overall course grades. Conclusions. Redesigning to a small-group discussion format for a self-care course can be accomplished by increasing student accountability for acquiring factual content outside the classroom. Compared with student experiences in the previous large lecture-based class, students in the smaller-class format reported a preference for working in teams and achieved significantly better academic grades with the new course format.
The rationality of terrorism and other forms of political violence: lessons from the Jewish campaign in Palestine, 1939–1947

Does terrorism work? Its targets and victims steadfastly maintain that it does not; its practitioners and apologists that it does. Scholars and analysts are divided. But, if terrorism is as ineffective as many claim, why has it persisted for at least the past two millennia and indeed become an increasingly popular means of violent political expression in the twenty-first century? Using the Jewish terrorist campaign against the British in Palestine during the 1940s, this article attempts to shed light on this question. It concludes that notwithstanding the repeated denials of governments, terrorism can, in the right conditions and with the appropriate strategy and tactics, indeed ‘work’. At minimum, even if terrorism's power to dramatically change the course of history (along the lines of the 11 September 2001 attacks) has been mercifully infrequent; terrorism's ability to act as a catalyst or fulminate for either wider conflagration or systemic political change appears historically undeniable.
Premature Expression of T Cell Receptor (Tcr)αβ Suppresses Tcrγδ Gene Rearrangement but Permits Development of γδ Lineage T Cells

The T cell receptor (TCR)γδ and the pre-TCR promote survival and maturation of early thymocyte precursors. Whether these receptors also influence γδ versus αβ lineage determination is less clear. We show here that TCRγδ gene rearrangements are suppressed in TCRαβ transgenic mice when the TCRαβ is expressed early in T cell development. This situation offers the opportunity to examine the outcome of γδ versus αβ T lineage commitment when only the TCRαβ is expressed. We find that precursor thymocytes expressing TCRαβ not only mature in the αβ pathway as expected, but also as CD4−CD8− T cells with properties of γδ lineage cells. In TCRαβ transgenic mice, in which the transgenic receptor is expressed relatively late, TCRγδ rearrangements occur normally such that TCRαβ+CD4−CD8− cells co-express TCRγδ. The results support the notion that TCRαβ can substitute for TCRγδ to permit a γδ lineage choice and maturation in the γδ lineage. The findings could fit a model in which lineage commitment is determined before or independent of TCR gene rearrangement. However, these results could be compatible with a model in which distinct signals bias lineage choice and these signaling differences are not absolute or intrinsic to the specific TCR structure.
The reactions of singlet oxygen with β-chlorosulfides. The role of hydroperoxy sulfonium ylides in the oxidative destruction of chemical warfare simulants

Abstract The reactions of singlet oxygen with 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide and 3-chlorothiane are reported. In both cases elimination of HCl to produce α,β-unsaturated sulfoxides is observed. The experimental results implicate a hydroperoxy sulfonium ylide as a transition state or intermediate in an E2 or E1 cb elimination, respectively.
Space Station Freedom structure floating potential and the probability of arcing

The interaction between a space system and the space environment has been one of the driving questions for the design of spacecraft since the dawn of the space age. The Space Station Freedom will represent a significant increase in spacecraft size, power, and activity relative to spacecraft that are currently in orbit. The structure floating potential on Space Station Freedom is studied with simple analytical models of the current collection. The probability of arcing due to dielectric breakdown is assessed.
Sensitivity of EVI-based harmonic regression to temporal resolution in the lower Okavango Delta

In this study, we examined how satellite time-series-based characterization of ecological cycles and trends is sensitive to the temporal depth and spacing of the time series and whether the observed sensitivities were cover and/or cycle specific. We fitted a harmonic regression with annual, semi-annual and quasi-decadal cycles to an 85-image Landsat time series 1989–2002 covering the lower Okavango Delta, varying the temporal depth and spacing of time-series vectors following two different but comparable approaches i.e. systematic vs random variation. The results show that as the temporal depth decreases, the sensitivity to both short-and long-term ecological cycles was lost in the seasonally dynamic environment. The degree to which characterization of ecological cycles and trends was influenced by temporal depth and spacing was dependent on the functional type of vegetation and dynamics of the disturbance regimes. Ecological cycles were comparatively better characterized, even at reduced temporal depths, for woodland-dominated areas, riparian vegetation and more frequently flooded areas i.e. less dynamic systems compared with less routinely and non-flooded grasslands, mixed savannas and more frequently burned areas. Detection sensitivity was also found to be cycle specific, as, at reduced temporal depths, the semi-annual cycle was less easily detected than the annual cycle for the majority of the study area. Temporal spacing of time-series vectors was also found to be important: the chances of misinterpreting system variability as a change were much higher when vectors were randomly chosen. Interestingly, at a reduced temporal depth, the harmonic model unexpectedly produced a higher coefficient of determination due to model under-specification for both vector selection approaches. However, randomly selected vectors produced much larger artefacts. These results indicate the need for caution in selecting a time series not only for its temporal depth but also for its temporal spacing, particularly as related to the inherent environmental periodicity of the study area.
Comparison of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions and distortion product otoacoustic emissions when screening hearing in preschool children in a community setting.

Summary Objective The first purpose of this study was to compare transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) with distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) to determine if they resulted in equivalent signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) when used for hearing screening in a preschool population in a community setting. The second purpose was to determine if the OAE methods would result in equivalent pass/refer rates. The third purpose was to determine the agreement between the pass/refer rates from a tympanometric screening and the pass/refer rates from each OAE method. Methods Thirty-three preschool children ages 4 months to 4 years, 4 months were tested using DPOAE and TEOAE. The frequencies 800–4000 Hz were compared. The tympanometric gradient was obtained from a tympanogram done on each ear. A multivariate statistic was used to compare the emission SNR from both methods. A χ 2 statistic was used to compare the pass/refer rates from both methods. The agreement between the pass/refer rates from the OAE screens and from the tympanometric gradient were compared. Results TEOAE and DPOAE SNRs were significantly different in the low frequency however, there were no significant differences found in the high frequencies. There were no significant pass/refer differences found between the methods at any frequency. When comparing the agreement between the OAE methods with the tympanometry, both methods produced nearly equivalent agreement with tympanometric gradient. However, the overall correspondence between OAE findings and tympanometry was not perfect. Conclusions Both methods are effective and especially equivalent in the high frequencies and can be recommended for use in a preschool population in the field. Tympanometric gradient disagreed with both OAE screening results about 25% of the time. Finally, our study also found that higher refer rates can be expected when young (
Costs of dairy cattle diseases to producers in Ohio

Abstract Sixteen Ohio dairy operations were surveyed monthly for 12 months to collect economic and epidemiologic data as part of the National Animal Health Monitoring System. The total reported costs of disease prevention and occurrence associated with specific diseases or conditions averaged $172.40 per cow-year, with mastitis accounting for 26%, followed by infertility not otherwise specified 13%, pneumonia 5%, lameness 5%, dystocia 5%, milk fever 4%, left displaced abomasum 4%, and death 3%. Of the total disease cost of $172.40 per cow-year, $20.88 was for disease prevention and $151.52 was for disease occurrence. Most of the $151.52 per cow-year cost of disease occurrence was due to deaths, culling, and stillbirths (56%), followed by milk loss (20%), drugs, biologicals, and veterinary services (17%), body weight loss (4%), and labor and carcass disposal (3%). Most of the $20.88 per cow-year of prevention costs was for drugs and biologicals ($10.93), followed by veterinary services ($6.91), and producer labor ($3.03). Mastitis had the highest annual estimated prevalence (37 cases per 100 cow-years), followed by metritis (32 cases per 100 cow-years), infertility (25 cases per 100 cow-years), pneumonia (19 cases per 100 cow-years), cystic ovaries (8 cases per 100 cow-years), and retained placenta (8 cases per 100 cow-years). When preventive expenditures not attributed to a specific disease were included, the total health-related cost was $188.21 per cow-year. The Ohio survey has provided estimates of the economic impacts of diseases at the producer level, as well as providing base-line data for future studies.
Are the world's oceans optically different?

Regional differences in the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor chlorophyll algorithm uncertainty were observed in a large global data set containing coincident in situ measurements of chlorophyll a concentration (Chla) and spectral radiometry. The uncertainty was found to be systematic when the data were sorted by ocean: Atlantic, Pacific, Southern, and Indian Oceans. Artifacts associated with different instrumentation and analytical methods had been previously ruled out. Given these oceanic biases in the chlorophyll algorithm, we hypothesized that the oceans may be optically different, and their optical differences may be intrinsically related to regional differences in phytoplankton community structure or biogeochemical processes. The oceanic biases, originally observed using radiometric measurements, were independently verified using total absorption measurements in a subset of the data. Moreover, they were explained through oceanic differences in the absorption of colored detrital matter (CDM) and phytoplankton. Both effects were considered together in explaining the ocean biases through a stepwise linear regression analysis. Significant oceanic differences in the amount of CDM and in phytoplankton cell sizes and pigmentation would give rise to optical differences, but we raise a concern for the spatial coverage of the data. We do not suggest the application of ocean-based algorithms but rather emphasize the importance of consolidating regional data sets before reaching this conclusion.
Anion-dependent silver(I) coordination polymers of the tridentate pyridylphosphonite: PPh(3-OCH2C5H4N)2.

Three new multidimensional coordination polymers have been constructed from the reaction of AgX, where X = OTf-, BF 4 - , or tfa-, with the novel phosphonite PhP(3-OCH 2 C 5 H 4 N) 2 , PCP.32, 1. It is seen that regardless of the ratio of reactants mixed, polymeric growth of the compounds always reveals a ligand-to-metal ratio of 1:2 for PCP-32AgOTf, 2, 1:1 for PCP-32AgBF 4 , 3, and 1:2 for PCP-32Ag(tfa), 4. The coordination number, metal environment, ligand conformation, and polymer dimensionality are found to vary greatly from 2 to 4 and are dependent upon the anion present. Coordination numbers from 2 to 4, representing linear, trigonal, and distorted tetrahedral environments are displayed. PCP-32AgOTf polymerizes as a linear chain containing both two- and four-coordinate silvers, PCP-32AgBF 4 repeats a single trigonal motif throughout its structure, and PCP-32Ag(tfa) shows two unique distorted tetrahedral silver centers. Ligand flexibility allows for cross-ligand Ag-Ag distances to range from 3.1918-(8) to 14.015(2) A. The coordination polymers have been characterized by elemental analysis, variable-temperature multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and fluorometric studies.
Salicylic acid: A new inhibitor of ethylene biosynthesis

Salicylic acid and acetylsalicylic acid at concentrations of 10(-6)M to 10(-4)M effectively inhibit ethylene production by pear cell suspension cultures. Results suggest these acids act by blocking the conversion of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid to ethylene.
How Does Helicobacter pylori Cause Mucosal Damage? Direct Mechanisms

Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis is characterized by an abundant inflammatory response and gastric epithelial cell injury. Adherence of H. pylori to gastric epithelial cells seems to be required for bacterial colonization of the gastric mucosa. Attachment of the bacterium to polarized gastric epithelial cells causes damage to microvilli and stimulates actin polymerization, which is associated with adherence pedestal formation. Studies suggest that H. pylori directly contributes to the injury of gastric epithelial cells by the elaboration of cytotoxic factors. The first toxin identified from H. pylori strains, known as vacuolating cytotoxin, induces vacuole formation in eukaryotic cells. Elaborated enzymes by H. pylori may also contribute directly to epithelial cell injury. Ammonia produced through urease activity may be toxic to gastric epithelial cells. H. pylori protease and lipase degrade gastric mucus and disrupt the phospholipid-rich layer at the apical epithelial cell surface, allowing for cell injury from back diffusion of gastric acid. This cell injury may lead to cell death, believed to result from induction of apoptosis. There are sufficient data to suggest that H. pylori, through direct pathogenic mechanisms, contributes significantly to the gastric mucosal injury associated with this infection, and may enhance the susceptibility of gastric epithelial cells to carcinogenic conversion.
Correlation of tissue constituents with the acoustic properties of skin and wound.

The purpose of this study was to compare measurements of ultrasound properties of skin and wound tissue with measurements of material properties such as total collagen concentration, acetic acid soluble collagen concentration, water concentration, and morphologic properties. Using a scanning laser acoustic microscope (SLAM), both ultrasonic speed and attenuation coefficient values were obtained for control skin (2–3 cm from the wound), for skin immediately adjacent to wounds (within 0.3 mm), as well as for wound tissue itself. The attenuation coefficient and speed measurements were lowest for wound tissue followed by adjacent skin and then control skin. As the wounds healed there appeared to be an increase in both speed and attenuation coefficient although the wound age at which these increases started and the length of time for which they continued varied from one dog to the next. The precision of duplicate sample measurement of wave speed was ±1.7% for control skin, whereas that for attenuation coefficient it was ±16%. Both ultrasonic speed and attenuation coefficient were directly correlated with tissue collagen concentration and inversely correlated with tissue water concentration (p < 0.001). Attenuation coefficient correlated best (r = 0.73) with acetic acid soluble collagen concentration which reflects the changes in collagen taking place during the repair process. These attenuation measurements made at 100 MHz using the SLAM were compared for control skin and wound samples with measurements made at 10–40 MHz using backscatter acoustic techniques (BAT). The tissue samples analyzed by each ultrasound technique were from adjacent locations on the animals.
Cromolyn in extrinsic and intrinsic asthma

Abstract Cromolyn sodium was evaluated in 30 patients with intrinsic bronchial asthma and in 29 patients with extrinsic bronchial asthma using a double-blind crossover method. Each patient was studied during a base line, placebo, and cromolyn period. Daily evaluation was performed with regard to upper respiratory tract symptoms, lower respiratory tract symptoms, oral medication scores, use of sympathomimetic agents by aerosolization and peak expiratory flow rates measured 5 times a day. Weekly evaluation consisted of a physician's evaluation and a timed vital capacity. At the end of each test period spirometry, airway resistance and an exercise tolerance test were performed. Evaluation of the intrinsic asthmatic patients revealed significant improvement during the cromolyn period as compared to the placebo and base line periods with regard to the daily recorded variables and the physician's evaluation. Study of the other parameters showed no significant trend. Evaluation of the use of cromolyn in extrinsic bronchial asthma revealed no general trends for any of the parameters measured.
Relationship between Serum Gold Content and Distribution to Serum Immunoglobulins and Complement

ALTHOUGH gold salts have been recognized since the 1930s as effective in the therapy of rheumatoid arthritis1, there have only recently been attempts to administer this potentially hazardous agent on a pharmacological basis instead of the fixed-dose administration currently in use2, 3. By monitoring serum gold and making appropriate weekly dosage adjustment we have been able to administer significantly greater cumulative dosage and avoid excessively high serum gold values while maintaining concentrations within the range of 300–500 µg 100 ml.−1 for more than 3 yr without serious adverse effects. Conversely we have noted the prevailing serum gold levels in patients maintained on the fixed dosage schedule in current use to be significantly lower, usually less than 200 µg 100 ml.−1 (ref. 4).
Workplace learning in rural contexts

Rural workplace learning presents the challenge of reduced resources and increased distance from training providers. The authors looked at five workplace segments and found that each of these has unique needs and barriers to learning.
Update on use of instrumentation in lumbar spine disorders

The past 20 years have witnessed significant changes in the indications for and use of instrumentation in lumbar spine surgery. Absolute indications for surgical instrumentation include cases of clearly defined instability that commonly occur in the setting of trauma, tumour and infection. Relative indications for instrumentation must consider the clinical context and individual patient characteristics but may include cases of spondylolisthesis, junctional stenosis and pseudarthrosis. The use of instrumentation in the surgical treatment of degenerative disc disease is prevalent but remains highly controversial. Pedicle screws and interbody cages represent alternative forms of instrumentation with substantial clinical evidence supporting their safety and efficacy when applied in the correct clinical settings. Minimally invasive and computer-assisted surgical techniques have shown promising early results but must be subject to longer-term scrutiny. The development of prosthetic disc replacements is an exciting area of research, but clinical results have not approached the success currently enjoyed by hip and knee prostheses, and these devices should be considered experimental. One of the goals of instrumentation is to enhance the rate of spinal fusion. However, achievement of solid radiographic fusion does not guarantee a clinically successful outcome and, conversely, excellent results can be obtained in the setting of radiographic pseudarthrosis. The most important determinant of favourable surgical outcome is appropriate patient selection through a sound understanding of surgical indications.
The dark side of evidence-based wound management.

The drive towards evidence-based practice is not without its risks. It may reduce access to some treatments and discourage innovation, says Vincent Falanga.
Repression of Primordial Germ Cell Differentiation Parallels Germ Line Stem Cell Maintenance

Abstract In Drosophila , primordial germ cells (PGCs) are set aside from somatic cells and subsequently migrate through the embryo and associate with somatic gonadal cells to form the embryonic gonad [1]. During larval stages, PGCs proliferate in the female gonad, and a subset of PGCs are selected at late larval stages to become germ line stem cells (GSCs), the source of continuous egg production throughout adulthood [2–5]. However, the degree of similarity between PGCs and the self-renewing GSCs is unclear. Here we show that many of the genes that are required for GSC maintenance in adults are also required to prevent precocious differentiation of PGCs within the larval ovary. We show that following overexpression of the GSC-differentiation gene bag of marbles ( bam ), PGCs differentiate to form cysts without becoming GSCs. Furthermore, PGCs that are mutant for nanos (nos) , pumilio (pum) or for signaling components of the decapentaplegic (dpp) pathway also differentiate. The similarity in the genes necessary for GSC maintenance and the repression of PGC differentiation suggest that PGCs and GSCs may be functionally equivalent and that the larval gonad functions as a "PGC niche".
Collective edge modes in fractional quantum Hall systems

Over the past few years one of us (Murthy) in collaboration with Shankar has developed an extended Hamiltonian formalism capable of describing the ground-state and low-energy excitations in the fractional quantum Hall regime. The Hamiltonian, expressed in terms of composite fermion operators, incorporates all the nonperturbative features of the fractional Hall regime, so that conventional many-body approximations such as Hartree-Fock and time-dependent Hartree-Fock are applicable. We apply this formalism to develop a microscopic theory of the collective edge modes in fractional quantum Hall regime. We present the results for edge mode dispersions at principal filling factors $\ensuremath{\nu}=1∕3$, $1∕5$, and $2∕5$ for systems with unreconstructed edges. The primary advantage of the method is that one works in the thermodynamic limit right from the beginning, thus avoiding the finite-size effects which ultimately limit exact diagonalization studies.
Fast Collision Detection Algorithms with Applications to Particle Flow

In this paper, we present efficient algorithms for collision detection of arbitrarily shaped rigid moving objects in a variety of interactive as well as non-interactive environments. The algorithms primarily consist of two stages. The first stage involves finding candidate objects for possible collisions. The second stage involves detecting exact (within a prespecified tolerance) collision between these candidates. The primary data structure used in the algorithms is an octree. In the first stage, we build an octree for the enclosure containing the objects, which is used to detect possible collisions. Assuming spatial/temporal coherence i.e., that the particles move slowly or that the time sampling is fast enough, the average time complexity of this stage can be shown to be O(n) (excluding the time complexity for a one time octree construction), where n is the number of particles. In the second stage, we build a surface-octree for each object. If the objects are convex and assuming coherence, the expected time complexity to detect precise (within a prespecified tolerance) collision for each pair is a constant (excluding the time complexity for a one time surface-octree construction). Therefore, the overall expected time complexity for convex object collision detection is linear with respect to n. For the concave objects, complexity analysis is nontrivial to perform and instead we provide a very practical (almost linear time) algorithm. We apply our algorithms to particle flow simulations by simulating flow density conditions often arising in granular flows.
Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation following exercise with augmented oscillatory and retrograde shear rate

Acute doses of elevated retrograde shear rate (SR) appear to be detrimental to endothelial function in resting humans. However, retrograde shear increases during moderate intensity exercise which also enhances post-exercise endothelial function. Since SR patterns differ with the modality of exercise, it is important to determine if augmented retrograde SR during exercise influences post-exercise endothelial function. This study tested the hypothesis that (1) increased doses of retrograde SR in the brachial artery during lower body supine cycle ergometer exercise would attenuate post-exercise flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in a dose-dependent manner, and (2) antioxidant vitamin C supplementation would prevent the attenuated post-exercise FMD response. Twelve men participated in four randomized exercise sessions (90 W for 20 minutes) on separate days. During three of the sessions, one arm was subjected to increased oscillatory and retrograde SR using three different forearm cuff pressures (20, 40, 60 mmHg) (contralateral arm served as the control) and subjects ingested placebo capsules prior to exercise. A fourth session with 60 mmHg cuff pressure was performed with 1 g of vitamin C ingested prior to the session. Post-exercise FMD following the placebo conditions were lower in the cuffed arm versus the control arm (arm main effect: P 0.05). Following vitamin C treatment, post-exercise FMD in the cuffed and control arm increased from baseline (P 0.05). These results indicate that augmented oscillatory and retrograde SR in non-working limbs during lower body exercise attenuates post-exercise FMD without an evident dose–response in the range of cuff pressures evaluated. Vitamin C supplementation prevented the attenuation of FMD following exercise with augmented oscillatory and retrograde SR suggesting that oxidative stress contributes to the adverse effects of oscillatory and retrograde shear during exercise on FMD.
Effect of L-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-Dopa), Anesthesia and Surgical Stress on the Secretion of Growth Hormone in the Dog

A radioimmunoassay for canine growth hormone (cGH) is described utilizing a sensitive and specific 125I-double antibody system. The assay is capable of detecting concentrations of GH as low as 0.7 ng/ml. Resting venous concentrations were 3.8 ± 0.3 ng/ml. Pentobarbital anesthesia and surgical stress failed to cause a significant increase in these values. However, the administration of L-dopa in a dose of 50 mg/kg iv caused a rapid rise in plasma GH from 1.2 to 21.6 ng/ml within 10 min, with a peak of 25.7 ng/ml at 20 min, and a slow decrease to base line values by 90 min. Continuous administration of L-dopa (a stat intravenous dose of 50 mg/kg followed by a constant infusion of 1 mg/kg/min for 2 hr) resulted in a transient rise in plasma GH concentration. After hypophysectomy, plasma GH concentration fell to less than 2 ng/ml. Thus, L-dopa is a potent stimulus for the secretion of GH in the dog, as it is in man. (Endocrinology 95: 1317, 1974)
Approximate variable-length time series motif discovery using grammar inference

The problem of identifying frequently occurring patterns, or motifs, in time series data has received a lot of attention in the past few years. Most existing work on finding time series motifs require that the length of the patterns be known in advance. However, such information is not always available. In addition, motifs of different lengths may co-exist in a time series dataset. In this work, we propose a novel approach, based on grammar induction, for approximate variable-length time series motif discovery. Our algorithm offers the advantage of discovering hierarchical structure, regularity and grammar from the data. The preliminary results are promising. They show that the grammar-based approach is able to find some important motifs, and suggest that the new direction of using grammar-based algorithms for time series pattern discovery might be worth exploring.
Effects of processing on the electronic defect levels in CuInSe/sub 2/

The effects of CuInSe/sub 2/ preparation and processing on the electronic defect levels are investigated. Heat treatments in selenium are correlated with the electro-optical and structural characteristics of single-crystal and polycrystalline material properties and device parameters. High-resolution photoluminescence and deep-level transient spectroscopy studies are used to identify the energy levels associated with the chemical defect states dominating the CuInSe/sub 2/. The effects of Se heat treatments on existing and process-generated defect states (deep and shallow) are identified and correlated with the junction characteristics. Atomic force microscopy provides information on the nanoscale and microscale structural differences among the films as a function of the processing procedures. >
Presence and Quality of Touch Influence Coregulation in Mother–Infant Dyads

The first major goal of this study was to determine whether touch would enhance mother-infant coregulation in ordinary, nonstressful face-to-face interactions. In an experimental manipulation of presence versus absence of touch in face-to-face interactions between 79 mothers and their 3.5-month-old infants, results indicated that when touch is prohibited, relaxed and mutually attuned coregulation (asymmetrical coregulation) decreases. Contrary to expectations, coactive and mutually attuned coregulation (symmetrical coregulation) increased during prohibited touch, but this finding was qualified by a significant interaction between touch and order. The second major goal of this study was to question the assumption that the presence of touch should exert uniform effects on mother–infant interactions despite likely individual differences in the way touch is practiced. We assessed affectionate touch and stimulating touch in the touch condition of the experiment. Results indicated that the decrease in symmetric...
Industrial Recreation, the Second World War, and the Revival of Welfare Capitalism, 1934–1960

Welfare capitalism has been perceived by many historians as succumbing to the stresses of the Depression. The work of recent scholars has contributed to an understanding of welfarism's continued existence through the 1930s and beyond, but little attention has been given to the process by which employers revitalized welfare work after the 1920s. In this article, Ms. Fones-Wolf explores the key role the Second World War played in helping to expand and legitimize corporate-sponsored welfarism, particularly in the area of recreational activity. With union resistance to welfare plans diminished, employers were able to extend their experimentation with this managerial device, thereby helping to defuse a postwar resurgence of militant unionism.
Cardiac Myxomas: A 50-Year Experience With Resection and Analysis of Risk Factors for Recurrence

Background Myxomas are the most common cardiac tumors, but there are insufficient data regarding long-term survival and recurrence rates. Our objective was to examine late results and attempt to determine a strategy for recurrence monitoring, as there are no recommended guidelines at present. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 194 patients (mean age 57.2 ± 15.6 years; 62.4% female) undergoing resection of cardiac myxoma from June 1955 to June 2011. The left atrium (n = 155, 80%) was the most common location, and the mean tumor size was 4.3 ± 2.1 cm by 3.2 ± 1.6 cm by 2.1 ± 1.3 cm. Dyspnea (n = 68) and palpitations (n = 57) were the most common complaints, and 28 patients (14.4%) were asymptomatic. Results The tumor was exposed through the respective atria in the majority of patients (n = 187). Bypass and cross-clamp times were 59.1 ± 33.4 minutes and 35.2 ± 21.7 minutes, respectively. Two thirds of the tumors were excised with an endocardial button, and the rest were resected at the base of the stalk. Operative mortality was 0.5%. Ten, 20 and 30-year survival was 77%, 52% and 34%, respectively, which was comparable to an age-matched general population ( p = 0.191). Older age at operation was the only significant predictor of subsequent mortality ( p p = 0.784), location of tumor ( p = 0.087), the largest tumor dimension ( p = 0.257) or surgical technique (endocardial button versus base of the stalk, p = 0.502). Tumors recurred in 11 patients; freedom from tumor recurrence was 92%, 91%, and 86% at 10, 20, and 30 years, respectively. Younger age at surgery (hazard ratio 0.94, p = 0.002), smaller tumor dimension (hazard ratio 0.58, p = 0.011), and tumor localized to the ventricles (hazard ratio 7.29, p = 0.013) were predictors of recurrence. Conclusions Cardiac myxomas can be resected with low early mortality and excellent late survival. Tumor recurrence is more likely to occur in the first 10 postoperative years, especially in younger patients, patients with a smaller tumor mass, or tumor location in the ventricle. Patients with these findings require closer imaging surveillance in the first decade after resection.
Letrozole Significantly Improves Growth Potential in a Pubertal Boy With Growth Hormone Deficiency

Clinical experience with using an aromatase inhibitor to suppress estrogen production during puberty for improvement of growth potential in adolescents with short stature is limited. This report documents treatment of such a patient with a combination of growth hormone and letrozole, a third-generation aromatase inhibitor. Our case demonstrates a favorable outcome on a short-term basis.
Resiliency: A shift in our perception?

Abstract As our clients often underestimate their own resources and potential, do helpers fall victim to the same phenomena? This article contends that helpers are often overly attentive to client deficits and pathology to the detriment of acknowledging family and other client strengths and resources brought into the therapeutic arena. Much of our professional training results in an overreliance upon pathological lenses which is to the disadvantage of both client and helper. Family therapists must remain vigilant to not becoming seduced into the attractive web of “pathologizing.” Experiences that heightened this awareness for the author are described, followed by illustration of the importance and benefit of therapists becoming more sensitive to the study of human resiliency.
Aortic Arch Replacement With a Trifurcated Graft

Background The purpose of this study was to review the results of aortic arch replacement using a trifurcated arch graft in conjunction with hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) and selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SCP). Methods One hundred fifty consecutive patients (91 male; mean age, 63 ± 14 years; range, 20 to 87) had aortic arch replacement using a trifurcated arch graft and HCA/SCP from September 1999 to December 2005. The axillary artery was used for cannulation; a trifurcated graft was sewn to the arch vessels during a short interval of HCA; SCP was utilized through the trifurcation graft during the proximal and distal arch repair, and then the trifurcation graft was sewn to the arch graft. Fifty-five patients had chronic dissection; 48 had atherosclerotic and 29 had degenerative aneurysms; 74 had undergone previous cardiac surgery. Isolated arch reconstruction was undertaken in 38 patients: concomitant procedures included ascending aortic replacement in 74; ascending aorta and root replacement in 21; descending replacement in 4, and coronary artery bypass grafting in 36. An elephant trunk was used in 144, but distal to the left subclavian artery in only 87; in 34, it was distal to the left carotid, in 9, it was between the brachiocephalic and left carotid, and in 18, it was proximal to all arch branches. Mean HCA duration was 31.1 ± 6.5 minutes; SCP lasted 66.6 ± 21.0 minutes, at a mean temperature of 15.8 ± 2.1°C. Results Adverse outcome occurred in 13 of 150 patients (8.7%): there were 7 hospital deaths and 6 permanent strokes. Temporary neurologic dysfunction was seen in only 7 patients, and renal failure was transient in 9 patients requiring dialysis. Conclusions The use of a trifurcated arch graft with HCA and SCP is a safe and versatile technique for repair of arch aneurysms.
The Effects of Pharmacological Manipulations That Influence Vagal Control of the Heart on Heart Period, Heart Period Variability and Respiration in Rats

Changes in heart period (HP), heart-period variance (HPV), and the respiratory component of HPV in freely moving rats were examined following pharmacological manipulations known to influence vagal control of the heart. Spectral analysis was used to quantify the component of HPV associated with respiration which is proposed to be sensitive to vagal influences on the heart. The respiratory component of HPV is described by a statistic, V, which is the sum of the spectral densities of the heart period spectrum across the band of frequencies associated with normal respiration. Vagal tone was reflexively enhanced by phenylephrine or peripherally blocked by atropine. Phenylephrine produced biphasic changes in HP and V, with the increases lasting from 0.5 to 2 hrs. Atropine resulted in significant decreases in HP, HPV and V. These decreases were immediate and sustained throughout the experiment, although there were signiflcant linear increases in HP and HPV from their initial post-injection values. In the saline condition, HP increased linearly across time. Results were discussed in terms of vagal and non-vagal control of the heart. It was suggested that, while all three variables are altered by manipulations of vagal influences on the heart, V seems to be influenced less by non-vagal control than HP and HPV.