cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Primary Cesarean Delivery Patterns among Women with Physical, Sensory, or Intellectual Disabilities.

Abstract Background Little is known about the relationship between disability and mode of delivery. Prior research has indicated elevated risk of cesarean delivery among women with certain disabilities, but has not examined patterns across multiple types of disability or by parity. Objective This study sought to determine whether physical, sensory, or intellectual and developmental disabilities are independently associated with primary cesarean delivery. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all deliveries in California from 2000 to 2010 using linked birth certificate and hospital discharge data. We identified physical, sensory, and intellectual and developmental disabilities using International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, clinical modification codes. We used logistic regression to examine the association of these disabilities and primary cesarean delivery, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities, and stratified by parity. Results In our sample, 0.45% of deliveries (20,894/4,610,955) were to women with disabilities. A greater proportion of women with disabilities were nulliparous, had public insurance, and had comorbidities (e.g., gestational diabetes) compared with women without disabilities (p Conclusions Women across disability subgroups have higher odds of cesarean delivery, and there is heterogeneity by disability type. More attention is needed to this population to ensure better understanding of care practices that may impact maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Scaling and Effectiveness of Email Masquerade Attacks: Exploiting Natural Language Generation

We focus on email-based attacks, a rich field with well-publicized consequences. We show how current Natural Language Generation (NLG) technology allows an attacker to generate masquerade attacks on scale, and study their effectiveness with a within-subjects study. We also gather insights on what parts of an email do users focus on and how users identify attacks in this realm, by planting signals and also by asking them for their reasoning. We find that: (i) 17% of participants could not identify any of the signals that were inserted in emails, and (ii) Participants were unable to perform better than random guessing on these attacks. The insights gathered and the tools and techniques employed could help defenders in: (i) implementing new, customized anti-phishing solutions for Internet users including training next-generation email filters that go beyond vanilla spam filters and capable of addressing masquerade, (ii) more effectively training and upgrading the skills of email users, and (iii) understanding the dynamics of this novel attack and its ability of tricking humans.
Coronary artery disease severity modifies associations between glycemic control and both mortality and myocardial infarction.

Abstract Aims This study examined whether the association between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and short-term clinical outcomes is moderated by CAD severity. Methods We studied 17,394 US Veterans with type 2 diabetes who underwent elective cardiac catheterization between 2005 and 2013. CAD severity was categorized as obstructive, non-obstructive, or no CAD. Using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression, we assessed associations between time-varying HbA1c and two-year all-cause mortality and non-fatal MI, with an interaction term between HbA1c and CAD severity. Results 61%, 22%, and 17% of participants had obstructive, non-obstructive, and no CAD, respectively. CAD severity modified the relationship between HbA1c and each outcome (interaction p-value 0.0005 for mortality and Conclusions The associations between HbA1c and mortality and MI were moderated by CAD severity. Measures of cardiovascular disease severity may inform optimal individualized diabetes management.
NKTeeing Up B Cell Responses to Viral Infection.

Activated B cells mature in germinal centers (GCs), but GC initiation during infection is poorly understood. Gaya et al. (2018) show that NKT cells, activated by CD169+ macrophages, produce an early wave of interleukin-4 (IL-4) that promotes GC formation during viral infection.
A new open-source tool for measuring 3D osteocyte lacunar geometries from confocal laser scanning microscopy reveals age-related changes to lacunar size and shape in cortical mouse bone.

Abstract Osteocytes can participate in systemic mineral homeostasis through perilacunar maintenance and remodeling, where changes to osteocyte lacunar morphology may affect bone structural integrity, tissue strains, and osteocyte mechanosensitivity. Though aging is associated with both decreased bone quality and altered mineral metabolism, it is not known if osteocyte lacunae undergo age-related changes in geometry. In order to survey lacunar changes with age, we developed an open-source program whereby 3D osteocyte lacunae are automatically segmented and then subsequently reconstructed from confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) depth stacks for quantitative analysis of geometry and orientation. This approach takes advantage of the availability and speed of CLSM while avoiding time-consuming and bias-prone manual segmentation. Unlike conventional approaches used to quantify osteocyte lacunar morphology, CLSM enables facile analysis in three-dimensions with clear identification of osteocyte lacunae. We report that 3D osteocyte lacunae measured by CLSM become smaller, more spherical, more oblate, more spatially disorganized, and more sparsely populated with increased age in C57Bl/6 mouse cortical bone in groups spanning 6–24 months old. Critically, these age-related changes are in large part not observed in 2D analyses from the same samples. These results (1) demonstrate proof-of-concept of an efficient method to quantitatively assess osteocyte lacunae in 3D for application to a wide range of studies and (2) motivate further inquiry into how changes to osteocyte lacunar geometries and perilacunar material contribute to diminished bone quality in aging.
Examining the Relationship between Job Characteristics and Job Satisfaction among Southern Prison Staff

The job characteristics model was used to explain job satisfaction at a large southern prison. The effects of job variety, role clarity, views of supervision, views of training, perceived dangerous...
Bronchial Artery Embolization

Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is a minimally invasive image-guided intervention used in the management of massive hemoptysis or of a major hemorrhagic hemoptysis event. Pathologic processes that affect the airways and pulmonary parenchyma are the most common underlying etiologies that result in hemoptysis. Angiography of the bronchial arteries can be diagnostic and also allow for therapeutic transcatheter particulate embolization. Super-selective embolization is performed to safely and effectively stop the bleeding while minimizing the risk of nontarget embolization and the potential associated complications that might occur. The expected outcome of BAE is the control of hemoptysis that is manifested as complete cessation of the expectoration of bloody sputum. Reported recurrence rates at 1 month range from 2% to 27%, and long-term recurrence rates up to 46 months are reported in the range of 10–52%.
DEVELOPING LEGAL TRANSLATION COMPETENCE: AN INTEGRATIVE PROCESS-ORIENTED APPROACH

Building on previous holistic multicomponent paradigms of translation macrocompetence, a legal translation competence model is presented which avoids certain conceptual duplications in the light of professional practice, and incorporates distinctive legal thematic elements. Beyond component description, it is argued that the integral development of legal translation competence requires specific interdisciplinary methodologies for practical problem solving. The integrative approach proposed in this paper is process-oriented, and focuses on the legal translation-specific know-how within the key methodological or strategic subcompetence controlling all other subcompetences. Translation and legal knowledge are inextricably linked throughout the translation process, from the initial skopos analysis and legal macro-contextualization until the final revision stage. This approach, intended as a meta-reflection continuum between competence acquisition and reinforcement, and between formal training and professional practice, has proved effective for the systematization of problem-identification, problem-categorization and problem-solving patterns. Finally, some implications for legal translation training are outlined by way of conclusion.
A Hybrid Trapped Energy Mode Transducer Array

Spatial confinement of the mode shape for thickness-extensional (TE) vibrations of the trapped energy mode is influenced by the form of the dispersion curve for the material in between the electroded elements. In previous treatments the authors have studied trapping in plates of uniform thickness. In this paper the authors examine hybrid devices employing a small amount of plate notching. Provided these notches are not too deep their effect can enhance the trapping resulting from electrode shorting and mass loading. Special problems arise, however, with deep notches due to lateral vibrations within the elements themselves.
Stakeholder Engagement in Tourism Planning and Development

Quality-of-life is at the center of decisions about tourism planning and development for residents of host communities. Stakeholders are affected in different ways by tourism development; as some stakeholders may see an increase in their quality-of-life, others may experience a decrease in quality-of-life, and still others may experience mixed impacts. Understanding diverse perspectives of stakeholders and how they are affected by tourism development is critical for constructively engaging stakeholders in planning, but designing an effective strategy is not straightforward. Several techniques exist to engage stakeholders, ranging from information dissemination to public meetings to task forces. Case studies of participatory modeling workshops, training and technical assistance, and surveys and focus groups illustrate the effectiveness of different techniques applied in different situations. Challenges to constructively engage stakeholders include resistance among stakeholder sets, ensuring equity and fairness, problematic relationships among institutions, communication issues, lack of time and money, and difficulty defining and measuring quality-of-life. To address these challenges, researchers are working closely with practitioners to expand the body of knowledge and practical tools available for engaging stakeholders and assessing quality-of-life indicators for residents of host communities.
International Central Bank Cooperation

The main argument in favor of international economic policy coordination in general is based on the presence of international spillovers of domestic economic policymaking. These external effects may be internalized if optimal cooperative policies are employed. These then allow for the realization of additional welfare gains (see Cooper’s [1985] thorough exposition of the game-theoretic ideas underlying these results, Fischer’s [1988] extensive survey of the literature as well as Frenkel, Goldstein and Masson’s more empirically oriented discussion of the field).
Analysis of Proton Translocation Through Hydrogen-Bonded Chains Using Molecular Orbital Methods

The chemiosmotic hypothesis has come to be one of the most widely accepted and useful concepts in biochemistry [1–5]. A basic tenet of this theory is that energy may be transduced across a biomembrane via a protonmotive force which is capable of pushing protons against a pH gradient and/or electric field. Bacteriorhodopsin, for example, is known to function as a “proton pump” when it is energized by light of the proper frequency [6–9]. The energy stored in a pH gradient may be harnessed for the purpose of biological work when protons are allowed to be transported across the membrane in much the same way that discharge of an electric capacitor is a source of energy. The synthesis of ATP by H+-ATPase is thought to be driven by the passage of protons through the F0 segment of the transmembrane protein [5,10–13].
Recruitment and retention in clinical and experimental bereavement research: Lessons learned from creating a research registry

A small body of research investigates recruitment and retention of bereaved people in experimental and intervention research. The present study compares the effectiveness of different recruitment s...
The Voice Signal and Its Information Content—1

The voice signal, like all sounds, is a pressure wave. The actions of the speaker’s vocal tract result in continuous variations of pressure in the air surrounding the speaker’s mouth. These pressure waves radiate outward from the speaker’s mouth and are sensed by the listener’s ear. The information in the voice signal is encoded in these time variations of air pressure. Any computer-based analysis of voice must first convert these variations into a sequence of numbers that the computer can operate upon. This requires transduction of the pressure wave into a sequence of numbers in a manner that assuredly retains most of the information in it with minimal distortion. From the perspective of the computer, this sequence of numbers now represents the voice signal. We refer to the sequence of numbers representing the voice signal as a “digital” signal, and the process of converting the pressure wave into it as “digitization.” Subsequent computational procedures must be performed on this digitized signal in order to derive information from it. The sequence of procedures followed for computer analysis of sounds is illustrated in Fig. 4.1a.
Factitious Angiogenesis III: How to Successfully Endothelialize Artificial Cardiovascular Bioprostheses by Employing Natural Angiogenic Mechanisms

In this series of NATO ASI meetings on angiogenesis, we introduced the concept of “factitious angiogenesis” to describe a novel approach in tissue engineering aimed at the generation of permanent, hemocompatible blood conduits (31,32). We define as blood conduits a variety of cardiovascular prostheses, such as artificial vascular grafts, ventricular assist devices and total artificial hearts, and skeletal muscle ventricles. Without belaboring the profound technical and surgical problems associated with their manufacture, implantation, and/or long term use, all of these cardiovascular prostheses share a major, common obstacle: the inadequate hemocompatibility of their blood-contacting surf aces, which are made of various types of biopolymers (23,30,52). We hypothesized that the hemocompatibility in these novel blood conduits can be significantly improved by lining their blood-contacting surfaces with a non-thrombogenic monolayer of autologous endothelial cells (ECs).
Cytopathology of anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas: Review of a rare entity and description of a variant with signet ring cell features

Anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas (ACP) is a rare and aggressive variant of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Several studies have attempted to characterize this subtype through case series or single case reports; however, ACP remains underrecognized by cytopathologists in particular, and often lumped under the umbrella of classic PDAC. Here, we review the most up to date data that literature provides about ACP, to bring familiarity with this entity to the cytopathology practice, and to elucidate the role cytopathologists can play in recognizing and diagnosing this subtype on pancreatic aspiration biopsy, before surgical resection. We also describe a rare case of ACP, demonstrating signet ring cell features, that was diagnosed on fine needle aspiration of a pancreatic mass.
SAIL Based FIB Lookup in a Programmable Pipeline Based Linux Router

This paper presents a programmable pipeline based Linux router. Here Linux kernel works as a control plane and the programmable pipeline works as a data plane. The Forwarding Information Base (FIB) lookup is performed using SAIL algorithm. SAIL consumes very large memory. Here we use population counting that reduces the memory consumption of SAIL by up to 80%. We have implemented SAIL in Linux kernel. We also have implemented SAIL using Domino programming language. Our implementation shows that a programmable pipeline can execute SAIL at line rate. We have evaluated our implementation with FIBs from real backbone routers. Our experimental results show that SAIL with population counting is suitable for implementing both dataplane and control plane of a high-speed router.
On the understanding of the mean radiant temperature within both the indoor and outdoor environment, a critical review

Abstract Mean radiant temperature is central to our understanding of the radiant heat exchange between the human body and surrounding environment. This paper will present a review of the concept's evolution including its qualitative definition, methods of quantitative evaluation and corresponding challenges. In the process, this review suggests that more effort needs to be invested in addressing the geometric complexities of radiant heat transfer in research into MRT; the ASHRAE definition is broad and is liable to simplification, and research which uses the definition relies on a variety of simplifications, often without acknowledging the degree of geometric complexity which exists in reality. Existing means of obtaining an estimate of mean radiant temperature range from direct measurements using globe thermometers or net radiometers, to computational simulations, and are widely used for studies within indoor and outdoor environments. Previous literature studying the correlation between air temperature and MRT has found equivalence ratios, the relative importance of convection to radiation, ranging from 0.71 to 1.4, however, it is often assumed to be 1.0 in current research practices. We also identified a rapid increase in the usage of MRT in biometeorological studies during the last ten years on top of the increased usage in indoor environment sensing and modeling in light of recent developments in heating and cooling systems. Recent efforts to include the short-wave component in indoor MRT characterization have shown an increase in cooling capacity of radiant floors from 32 to 110 W/m2; significantly decreasing peak energy demand.
Data-Driven Game Design: The Case of Difficulty in Educational Games

There is increasing interest in using data to design digital games that serve the purposes of learning and assessment. One game element, difficulty, could benefit vastly from applying data-driven methods as it affects both players’ overall enjoyment and efficiency of learning and qualities of assessment. However, how difficulty is being defined varies across the learning, assessment, and game perspectives, yet little is known about how educational difficulty can be balanced in educational games for each of the potentially conflicting goals. In this paper, we first review varying definitions of difficulty and then we discuss how we came up with a difficulty metric and used it to refine our game-based assessment Shadowspect. The design guidelines, metrics and lessons learned will be useful for designers of learning games and educators interested in balancing difficulty before they implement these tools in the classroom.
Informative Ensemble Kalman Learning for Neural Structure.

We characterize the stochastic dynamics of Neural Learning to develop Informative Ensemble Kalman Learning. Specifically, an adaptive Ensemble Kalman Filter replaces backpropagation to quantify uncertainty and maximize information gain during Learning. Demonstrating competitive performance on standard datasets, we show Structure Learning using the Informative Ensemble Kalman Learner quickly recovers the dynamical equations of the Lorenz-63 system ab initio from data. Results indicate that extending DDDAS key informative paradigm to optimize Learning Systems is promising.
The Implications of Contemporary Research on COVID-19 for Volatility and Portfolio Management

This article synthesizes recent and ongoing finance and economics research on pandemic and disaster risk related to COVID-19. Characterized by pronounced market movements and extreme volatility, the unprecedented disruption to the economy in early 2020 has inspired a rich, burgeoning literature on the financial and economic ramifications of pandemic risk. Financial economists have cultivated fresh perspectives regarding the transmission of pandemic-induced uncertainty to financial markets via channels related to the beliefs and behaviors of investors as well as corporate strategies and outcomes. These findings also highlight the imperative role of government policy responses in regulating the market volatility triggered by large-scale disasters such as the pandemic. In this article, the authors take stock of this emerging literature, focusing on the implications for volatility and risk management. In doing so, they discuss the unique nature of the uncertainty induced by COVID-19 relative to that of past crises. They also review cutting-edge studies that use innovative analytical approaches and novel sources of data, offering fruitful avenues for future research. TOPICS:Tail risks, financial crises and financial market history, big data/machine learning Key Findings ▪ We synthesize recent and ongoing research in the finance and economics literature on pandemic and disaster risk related to COVID-19 and discuss the implications for asset pricing, volatility, and risk management. ▪ Pandemic-induced uncertainty led to extreme market movements in early 2020. We explore possible channels, such as investor beliefs and behaviors and corporate strategies, through which this risk was transmitted to the financial markets. ▪ Lessons learned from the recent pandemic will continue to have implications for volatility and risk management, even after the pandemic ends.
Separation of Ultra-High-Density Cell Suspension via Elasto-Inertial Microfluidics

Separation of high-density suspension particles at high throughput is crucial for many chemical, biomedical, and environmental applications. In this study, elasto-inertial microfluidics is used to manipulate ultra-high-density cells to achieve stable equilibrium positions in microchannels, aided by the inherent viscoelasticity of high-density cell suspension. It is demonstrated that ultra-high-density Chinese hamster ovary cell suspension (>26 packed cell volume% (PCV%), >95 million cells mL-1 ) can be focused at distinct lateral equilibrium positions under high-flow-rate conditions (up to 10 mL min-1 ). The effect of flow rates, channel dimensions, and cell densities on this unique focusing behavior is studied. Cell clarification is further demonstrated using this phenomenon, from 29.7 PCV% (108.1 million cells mL-1 ) to 8.3 PCV% (33.2 million cells mL-1 ) with overall 72.1% reduction efficiency and 10 mL min-1 processing rate. This work explores an extreme case of elasto-inertial particle focusing where ultra-high-density culture suspension is efficiently manipulated at high throughput. This result opens up new opportunities for practical applications of high-particle-density suspension manipulation.
Mississippi v. Tennessee: A Groundwater Case that Mistakenly Relies on Surface Water Doctrines

As surface water resources continue to be further stressed due to changing climates, we are going to increasingly need to depend on groundwater, especially within large interstate aquifers. This paper will first provide a brief overview of water law, including the frameworks governing surface water, groundwater, and interstate disputes. Next, the paper will examine the management of water in both Mississippi and Tennessee, as well as give the history of the Mississippi v. Tennessee lawsuit. The paper then discusses the problem with Mississippi relying on surface water doctrines to make ownership claims over groundwater. Finally, the paper considers why Mississippi may not have pursued equitable apportionment.
Hypovolemia Resulting in Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome

Abstract Background Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome is a rare disease entity that is characterized by dyspnea and desaturation in the upright position that resolves when the patient is in the supine position. Case Report An 80-year-old man presented with epistaxis but was noted to be hypoxic and was unresponsive to supplemental oxygenation. His oxygen saturation improved with supine positioning, however, which is consistent with platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome. This improved with overnight intravenous hydration. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? In patients with hypoxia and paradoxical improvement in oxygen saturation with supine positioning, consider platypnea-orthodeoxia as a potential cause.
Incorporation of Isotopically Enriched Amino Acids

The incorporation of isotope labels into proteins is extremely useful for the application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray or neutron-diffraction crystallography, and mass spectrometry (MS) methodologies to investigate the structure and dynamics of proteins. This unit presents methods for incorporating isotopic labels into proteins via expression in E. coli and baculovirus transfected Sf9 insect cells or through cell-free means. The unit also presents methods for introducing isotopic labels by chemical means into synthetic peptides by solid phase peptide synthesis or into isolated proteins by chemical modification of labile protein groups. Keywords: ??
Anti-thrombin therapy

This chapter reviews the anti-thrombin agents (also known as anti-coagulants), which include the heparins (unfractionated heparin and low-molecular heparin [i.e., enoxaparin]), direct thrombin inhibitors (i.e., bivalirudin), and factor Xa inhibitors (i.e., fondaparinux). The interest behind the use of anti-thrombin agents stems from the fact that ACS patients who are only treated with anti-platelet agents are still at risk of significant ischemic events. The clinical trial experience with these agents crosses several decades. This span includes an early era with relatively nonaggressive antiplatelet therapies (i.e., infrequent or no aspirin, thienopyridines, glycoprotein IIb/ IIIa inhibitors), or adjuvant therapies (i.e., statins). This earlier time period was also largely characterized by noninvasive therapy, which is not currently considered the standard of care for ACS patients. Accordingly, the substantial improvement in medical therapy and invasive management of patients with ACS makes interpretation of the early trial experience relatively difficult, compared with the newer cardiovascular agents. Our discussion will start with heparin, which is the oldest anti-thrombin agent in the care of ACS patients.
Harmful Error: How the Courts' Failure to Apply the Harmless Error Doctrine Has Obstructed the ADA's Standing Spectators Rule

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) explicitly applies to public accommodations, including sports arenas. What is significantly less clear, as evidenced by a split in courts' opinions, is the validity of the Department of Justice's (DOJ) standing spectator rule. This article will highlight a unique administrative law argument that would resolve the rift in favor of enforcing this important access rule. Standard 4.33.3 requires that individuals seated in wheelchairs in stadiums and other assembly areas have lines of sight comparable to those of the general public. Three years later, and without following the Administrative Procedure Act's (APA) notice and comment procedures, the DOJ issued a supplement to the Title III Technical Assistance Manual (TAM). In the TAM supplement, the DOJ stated explicitly that the lines of sight referred to in Standard 4.33.3 included lines of sight over standing spectators. Some courts have refused to enforce the standing spectator rule, finding it substantive rulemaking in violation of the APA's notice and comment requirements. Others concluded that the standing spectator rule was entitled to deference because it simply interpreted Standard 4.33.3, and therefore did not violate the APA. This article will discuss how every court to consider the standing spectator question has failed to complete the analysis. Rather than stop after answering the deference question, courts should have applied the harmless error rule. Had they done so, each would have reached the same conclusion: even if the TAM supplement were substantive rulemaking, the lack of notice and comment was harmless error; because the very same question was noticed and commented upon when the initial standard was issued, the DOJ did not have to repeat the process before issuing the TAM supplement.
Effects of ACEA-1328, a NMDA receptor/glycine site antagonist, on U50,488H-induced antinociception and tolerance

Abstract Previously, we have shown that inhibition of the glycine site associated with the N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor is another viable approach to blocking morphine tolerance. In the present study, we sought to investigate the involvement of the NMDA receptor/glycine site in κ-opioid receptor-mediated antinociception and tolerance in CD-1 mice. In antinociception studies, mice were injected with 5-nitro-6,7-dimethyl-1,4-dihydro-2,3-quinoxalinedione (ACEA-1328), a systemically bioavailable NMDA receptor/glycine site antagonist, or the vehicle (Bis-Tris, 0.2 M) and then immediately with trans-(±)-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetamide methanesulfonate (U50,488H), a κ-opioid receptor agonist. Thirty minutes later, mice were tested for changes in nociceptive responses in the tail flick assay. ACEA-1328, per se, prolonged tail flick latencies with an ED50 of approximately 50 mg/kg. Concurrent administration of ACEA-1328, at doses that did not produce antinociception, with U50,488H increased the potency of U50,488H in a dose-dependent manner. In tolerance studies, mice were treated, either once a day for 9 days or twice daily for 4 days, with the vehicle or ACEA-1328. Immediately after the initial injection, mice then received an injection of saline or U50,488H. On the test day, mice were injected with U50,488H alone and tested for antinociception 30 min later. Chronic treatment with U50,488H by either method produced tolerance. Unlike the acute effect of the drug, chronic treatment with ACEA-1328 decreased the antinociceptive potency of U50,488H. Taken together, the data suggest that acute and chronic administration of ACEA-1328 differentially affected the antinociceptive effect of U50,488H. Furthermore, the decreased in the potency of U50,488H induced by chronic treatment with ACEA-1328 also confounded the interpretation of the tolerance data.
Quantitative transient voltage dip assessment of contingencies using trajectory sensitivities

Abstract A new index, voltage critical clearing time (V-CCT), is presented for quantitative assessment of transient voltage dips subject to various contingencies. Calculation of V-CCT needs estimation using trajectory sensitivities of voltages with respect to fault clearing time. The V-CCT indices indicate the severity of fault-initiated contingencies by comprehensively evaluating transient voltage dips according to dynamic performance criteria. Using trajectory sensitivities to obtain V-CCT minimizes the computational effort by avoiding repetitive trial-and-error time-domain simulations. Performance of the proposed transient voltage dips assessment method has been tested on a 9-bus system, the New England 39-bus system and a 13,000-bus system. For the small test systems, some selected contingencies are compared to verify the consistency of ranking using V-CCT with time-domain simulation analysis. The computational efficiency of the proposed assessment method is analyzed. Then the case studies on the large system build up the relation between analysis results and system operating condition. The results show that the assessment using V-CCT reflects the contingency severity in scope of transient voltage dips.
Destabilization of lens protein conformation by glutathione mixed disulfide

Mixed disulfide between lens crystallin and glutathione has been observed in human cataracts and could be formed in vitro by thiol-disulfide exchange reaction. The glutathionyl crystallins have been reported to become partially unfolded. The present paper reports the conformational destabilization by the mixed disulfide formation in calf α- and γ-II crystallin. The conformational stability was studied by the denaturants urea and guanidine hydrochloride (Gdn-HCl), and by proteolytic degradation. The denaturation curves of both urea and Gdn-HCl shift to lower denaturant concentration for crystallins of glutathione mixed disulfide. The decrease in conformational stability is estimated to be 0·22- and 0·92 kcal mol−1 for modified α- and γ-II crystallin, respectively. Proteolytic digestion also shows a faster rate of degradation for the modified crystallins. These results indicate that mixed disulfide destabilizes the crystallin conformation. The destabilization may make crystallins more susceptible to changes as observed in aging lenses.
Adenylyl cyclase type 6 overexpression selectively enhances β-adrenergic and prostacyclin receptor-mediated inhibition of cardiac fibroblast function because of colocalization in lipid rafts

Cardiac fibroblasts produce and degrade extracellular matrix and are critical in regulating cardiac remodeling and hypertrophy. Fibroblasts are activated by factors such as transforming growth factor β and inhibited by agents that elevate 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. cAMP signal generation and response is known to be compartmentalized in many cell types in part through the colocalization of receptors and specific adenylyl cyclase isoforms in lipid rafts and caveolae. The present study sought to define the localization of key G protein-coupled receptors with adenylyl cyclase type 6 (AC6) in lipid rafts of rat cardiac fibroblasts and to determine if this colocalization was functionally relevant. We found that cardiac fibroblasts produce cAMP in response to agonists for β-adrenergic (isoproterenol), prostaglandin EP2 (butaprost), adenosine (adenosine-5′-N-ethylcarboxamide, NECA), and prostacyclin (beraprost) receptors. Overexpression of AC6 increased cAMP production stimulated by isoproterenol and beraprost but not by butaprost or NECA. A key function of fibroblasts is the production of collagen. Isoproterenol- and beraprostmediated inhibition of collagen synthesis was also enhanced by AC6 overexpression, while inhibition by butaprost and NECA were unaltered. Lipid raft fractions from cardiac fibroblasts contain the preponderance of β-adrenergic receptors and AC6 but exclude EP2 receptors. While we could not determine the localization of native prostacyclin receptors, we were able to determine that epitope-tagged prostanoid IP receptors (IPR) expressed in COS7 cells did localize, in part, in lipid raft fractions. These findings indicate that IP receptors are expressed in lipid rafts and can activate raft-localized AC isoforms. AC6 is completely compartmentized in lipid raft domains where it is activated solely by coresident G protein-coupled receptors to regulate cardiac fibroblast function.
Atherogenesis and its relationship to coronary risk factors.

Abstract A new model for the development of atherosclerosis is emerging (1,2). The development process, called atherogenesis, is now thought to begin with metabolic dysfunction of the endothelial cells that line the innermost portion of the arterial wall. Endothelial dysfunction precedes visible changes in endothelial structure. Dysfunctional endothelium loses its ability to maintain vascular smooth muscle relaxation and instead promotes vasospasm, chemotaxis and inflammation, platelet aggregation, and diminished clot lysis. Endothelial dysfunction appears to occur di, ffusely, rather than discretely, in affected vessels. Accordingly, local anatomical interventions, such as bypass surgery or angioplasty, can be expected to have only limited success in the treatment of patients with atherosclerotic disease. More definitive treatments must be directed at the risk factors initiating or enhancing atherogenesis. Such interventions are more likely to be medical than surgical or mechanical. With appropriate understanding of the underlying process of atherogenesis and its clinical manifestations, such medical interventions can be carried out within the boundaries of everyday practice.
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in the setting of large intracoronary thrombi.

Abstract A cohort of 112 consecutive patients with angio-graphically defined intracoronary thrombi was treated with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and followed prospectively to determine early and late outcomes. Coronary angioplasty using a treatment modality of intravenous and intracoronary heparin, antiplatelet agents and prolonged inflations with oversized balloons (balloon:vessel ratio, 1.2:1) resulted in clinical success in 103 patients (92%) at hospital discharge. No periprocedural thrombolytic therapy was used and prolonged pretreatment with heparin was not routinely used. Four patients (3.5%) required elective coronary bypass surgery, and 4 patients (3.5%) required emergency coronary artery bypass grafting because of abrupt closure. Late clinical follow-up (mean 7 months) was available in 99 of the 103 successfully treated patients (96%). Seventy-three percent of patients were asymptomatic at follow-up, and 27% had class I or II angina. No patients had a late myocardial infarction. Elective coronary artery bypass surgery was required in 3 patients (3%) and repeat coronary angioplasty in 17 patients (17%). There were 2 late cardiac deaths at 7 months. Ninety-four patients (95%) had an event free follow-up defined as absence of coronary artery bypass surgery, myocardial infarction or death. In conclusion, coronary angioplasty alone, using intracoronary heparin and prolonged balloon inflations with relatively oversized balloons may be helpful to achieve a high initial success rate, low incidence of in-hospital complications and excellent long-term results in patients with intracoronary thrombus.
Morphological Development of the Opercular Apparatus in Kneria wittei(Ostariophysi: Gonorynchiformes) with Comments on its Possible Function

The structure, development and function of the male opercular apparatus were examined in the freshwater ostariophysan Kneria witteiusing a combination of techniques (i.e. histology, SEM, skeletal clearing and staining). Specimens ranged in standard length from 10 to 65 mm. Morphological comparisons were also made between males and females, as well as comparisons with closely related taxa. Our study shows that the Kneriaopercular apparatus consists of two structures: an opercular cup and a posteriorly positioned opercular flange, each of which is composed largely of connective tissue with keratinized papillae and ridges positioned on the surface. Our results further show that the development of the opercular apparatus is linked directly to the development of the anterior vertebral elements (i.e. epicentral intermuscular bones and neural arches). Understanding the function of the opercular apparatus must therefore include an understanding of its associated skeletal elements. As a result of our morphological observations two hypotheses for the function of the opercular unit are addressed; as an auditory specialization, and as an adhesive device. Copyright
The relationship between adolescents’ news media use and civic engagement: The indirect effect of interpersonal communication with parents

Using data from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, a longitudinal study involving U.S. adolescents, multi-group structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to evaluate whether news media use is predictive of a set of civic indicators (civic duty, civic efficacy, neighborhood social connection, and civic participation) for youth in Grades 8, 9, and 10, via an indirect effect of interpersonal communication about politics with parents. The proposed model had a good fit within each grade. News media use was predictive of interpersonal communication with parents and in turn, interpersonal communication was predictive of civic duty, civic efficacy, neighborhood social connection, and civic participation. The cross-group comparison of the structural model suggests that the predictive qualities of news media use and interpersonal communication are comparable across grades. The role of media use and interpersonal communication in fostering civic development and socialization as well as implications for future research are discussed.
Pleural Puncture that Excludes the Ablation Zone Decreases the Risk of Pneumothorax after Percutaneous Microwave Ablation in Porcine Lung

Abstract Purpose To test the hypothesis that the geometry of probe placement with respect to the pleural puncture site affects the risk of pneumothorax after microwave (MW) ablation in the lung. Materials and Methods Computed tomography–guided MW ablation of the lung was performed in 8 swine under general anesthesia and mechanical ventilation. The orientation of the 17-gauge probe was either perpendicular (90°) or parallel ( Results Among 62 lung MW ablations, 13 (21%) pneumothoraces occurred. No statistically significant difference was noted in the rate of pneumothorax between the perpendicular and the parallel orientations of the probe (31% vs 14%; odds ratio [OR], 2.8; P = .11). The pneumothorax rate was equal for 65-W and 30-W ablation powers (21% and 21%; OR, 1.0; P = .94). Under multivariate analysis, 2 factors were independent positive predictors of pneumothorax: ablation zone inclusive of pleural insertion point (OR, 7.7; P = .02) and time since intubation (hours) (OR, 2.7; P = .02). Conclusions Geometries where the pleural puncture site excluded the ablation zone decreased pneumothorax in swine undergoing MW ablation in the lung. Treatment planning to ensure that the pleural puncture site excludes the subsequent ablation zone may reduce the rate of pneumothorax in patients undergoing MW ablation in the lung.
Nanosensor electrical immunoassay for quantitative detection of NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide.

Aim: To demonstrate a label-free electrical immunoassay for profiling vascular biomarker N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) associated with improved cardiac risk prediction. Materials & methods: A high-density nanowell-based electrical immunoassay has been designed by integrating nanoporous aluminum oxide onto printed circuit board chips for the detection of NT-proBNP. The concentration of the biomarker is quantitatively determined by measuring impedance changes to the electrical double layer within the nanowells using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Detection sensitivity in the fg/ml range was obtained due to spatial confinement of the target biomarkers in size-matched nanowells. Results & discussion: Electrical immunoassay performance was determined for the detection of NT-proBNP in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and human serum (HS). The lower limit of detection for the sensor was observed to be 10 fg/ml in PBS and 500 fg/ml in HS. The upper limit of detection was observed to...
The Influence of Orifice Size on the Mass Flow During Flash Boiling of HCFC-22 From a Small Vessel

An experimental investigation was conducted to study the flash boiling process and the influence of the exiting restriction (orifice) size on the mass flow during flash boiling ofHCFC-22 in a glass pressure vessel. An apparatus was built and a combination of tests were run with three interchangeable exiting orifices (1.59, 3.18, and 5.56 mm diameters). The flashed vapor was vented from a 1110-mL vessel to a large semi-infinite tank initially set at 120 kPa. Calculations revealed that the refrigerant flow exiting the vessel was choked, depending on the orifice size. Smaller orifices were choked longer, had slower depressurization rates, and reduced mass flow rates. The depressurization rates were greater for tests using larger orifices which enabled the liquid to become more highly superheated, up to 41°C for one test case, and ultimately vaporize more refrigerant.
Factor Analysis of Perceptual and Cognitive Abilities Tested by Different Methods

A battery of visual, perceptual, and cognitive tests, believed to be important for operation of visual sonar displays, was administered to 100 sonar technicians. The measures varied from standard paper-and-pencil tests to computer-administered perceptual tasks. The results of 33 different measures on these men were compiled and subjected to a factor analysis. The factors extracted represent cohesive and reasonable groups which cut, to some extent, across testing techniques. However, all of the paper-and-pencil, perceptual-cognitive tests had high loadings on the same common factor, a result with general implications for occupational testing.
Modernization, colonialism, dependency: How appropriate are these models for providing an explanation of North American Indian ‘underdevelopment'?

Abstract This article analyses the relevance of contemporary literature in comparative politics to the problem of North American tribal underdevelopment. Its major objective is to evaluate the utility of several of the most prominent Third World models in comparative analysis ‐ modernization, colonialism (and its variants, internal and neo) and the related perspective, dependency ‐ and gauge their success rate in explaining tribal underdevelopment. We begin by providing a brief but crucial overview of the distinctive political/ legal status of tribes and their relationship with the United States. Next we summarize the basic frameworks of each model before moving on to evaluate the literature with respect to Native American underdevelopment. Each section concludes with an evaluation of the relative strengths and weaknesses of each approach as they have been applied to tribes. We end by arguing, first, that what is needed to discern more fully the tribal quandary are, in Lakatos's words (1970), ‘series of t...
The effect of salts on the micellization temperature of aqueous poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly(propylene oxide)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) solutions and the dissolution rate and water diffusion coefficient in their corresponding gels

Abstract Studies were performed to examine the effect of ionic salts on phase transitions, dissolution rates, and diffusion coefficients of water in gels of poly(ethylene oxide)‐ b ‐poly(propylene oxide)‐ b ‐poly(ethylene oxide) with polymer concentrations ranging from 22 to 32% w/w and salt concentrations ranging from 0 to 1.5% w/w. Salts tested include Na 3 PO 4 , Na 2 SO 4 , Na 2 HPO 4 , NaH 2 PO 4 , NaCH 3 CO 2 , NaCl, and KI. Micellization transition temperatures were obtained using differential scanning calorimetry. The dissolution rates were obtained by measurement of the surface erosion rates, and diffusion coefficients were obtained by using a method to analyze the intrusion of water into the aqueous gels. It was found that salts had no effect on the dissolution rate of the polymer gels into deionized water. However, when the salt concentration in the aqueous dissolution media was adjusted to match the concentration in the gels, the dissolution rate of the polymer gel decreased with increasing salt concentration. The salts also had a profound effect on the critical micellization temperature (CMT) and the diffusion coefficient of water within the gel. The diffusion coefficient and CMT decreased in the presence of salts. The magnitude of these effects was comparable to their placement on the Hofmeister, or lyotropic series for salts. The effects of polymer and salt concentrations on the CMT were quantified, and a single correlation was proposed to predict the micellization temperatures for a wide range of salt and polymer concentrations. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 91:180–188, 2002