cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fish biorobotics

There are over 28,000 species of fishes, and a key feature of this remarkable evolutionary diversity is a great variety of propulsive systems used by fishes for maneuvering in the aquatic environment. Fishes have numerous control surfaces (fins) which act to transfer momentum to the surrounding fluid. Fishes are unstable and use several control surfaces simultaneously for propulsion and to maintain body position. In this presentation I will discuss the results of recent experimental kinematic and hydrodynamic studies of fish fin function, and their implications for the construction of robotic models of fishes. Recent high-resolution video analyses of fish fin movements during locomotion show that fins undergo much greater deformations than previously suspected. Experimental work on fin mechanics shows that fishes possess a mechanism for actively adjusting fin surface curvature to modulate locomotor force. Fish fin motion results in the formation of vortex rings of various conformations, and quantification of vortex rings shed into the wake by freely-swimming fishes has proven to be useful for understanding the mechanisms of propulsion. Experimental analyses of propulsion in freely-swimming fishes have lead to the development of two self-propelling robotic models: a pectoral fin robotic device and a dual flapping foil model of fish median fin interactions. Data from both will be presented and discussed in terms of the utility of using robotic models for understanding fish locomotor dynamics.
Constant mean curvature surfaces of annular type

We consider large solutions of annular type to the volume constrained Douglas problem. They are conformally immersed H-surfaces. By rescaling we set the volume functional at one while the boundary curves shrink to the origin. We show that the solutions become spherical in a precise manner. Spherical bubbling may fail if the conformality condition is dropped. We also discuss the rotationally symmetric annular solutions to the H-surface equation and consider some illustrative examples.
T cell differentiation stages identified by molecular and immunologic analysis of the T cell receptor complex in childhood lymphoblastic leukemia

T cell differentiation was investigated by determining the relationship of T cell receptor (Ti) gene rearrangement and transcription to the expression of surface and cytoplasmic T3 antigen using blast cells from five children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia of thymic origin. Patterns of monoclonal antibody (MoAb) reactivity indicated that these cases were representative of the three recognized stages (I, II, III) of human thymocyte development. The T3 antigen, which becomes linked to the Ti to form a functional T cell receptor complex on mature thymocytes, was expressed on the cell surface in two cases (stage III). However, in the remaining three cases that were surface T3 negative (stages I and II), large amounts of T3 were identified in the cytoplasm by immunoperoxidase staining and flow cytometry. Leukemic blasts from all five patients showed rearranged genes encoding the beta-chain portion of the Ti heterodimer. RNA transcripts of Ti beta-chain genes were also evident in lymphoblasts from all five cases, but transcripts coding for the alpha-chain portion of Ti were found only in cases that expressed T3 on the cell surface. Thus the absence of surface T3 (and presumably Ti) coincides with the absence of Ti alpha-chain RNA, suggesting that transcription of alpha-chain genes is a critical regulatory event in the surface expression of the Ti-T3 complex. Leukemic T cells that rearrange and express Ti beta-chain genes but lack Ti alpha-chain messenger RNA (mRNA) may represent a stage of differentiation analogous to pre-B cells, where heavy-chain immunoglobulin (Ig) genes are rearranged and expressed but light-chain Ig genes are not expressed.
Sull’economia dello sviluppo: una visione dall’America Latina (On develpment economics: A view from Latin America)

L’articolo ripercorre il percorso di ricerca dell’autore nell’ambito dell’economia dello sviluppo, con particolare riguardo alle esperienze del Brasile e dell’America Latina. Negli anni l’autore ha contribuito al dibattito con articoli accademici, saggi, fiabe economiche, e riflessioni sull’esperienza personale in campo politico. I principali temi affrontati sono la distribuzione dei redditi, le politiche industriali, le crisi debitorie, i prezzi delle materie prime, l’inflazione e le politiche di stabilizzazione, e la crescita in Brasile. This paper surveys my research on development economics, undertaken in the context of the historical experiences of Brazil and Latin America. The research consists of academic papers, essays, economic fables, and reflections on my experiences in policy making. It spans different fields, including income distribution, industrial policies, dollar constraints and debt crises, commodity booms and coffee valorization, high inflation and stabilization policies, and Brazil’s growth record. Jel Codes : F34, N16, O11, O41
Hydrophobic Gas Transfer Membranes for Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery

Gaseous compounds, such as CH4, H2, and O2, are commonly produced or consumed during wastewater treatment. Traditionally, these gases need to be removed or delivered using gas sparging or liquid heating, which can be energy intensive with low efficiency. Hydrophobic membranes are being increasingly investigated in wastewater treatment and resource recovery. This is because these semipermeable barriers repel water and create a three-phase interface that enhances mass transfer and chemical conversions. This Critical Review provides a first comprehensive analysis of different hydrophobic membranes and processes, and identifies the challenges and potential for future system development. The discussions and analyses were grouped based on mechanisms and applications, including membrane gas extraction, membrane gas delivery, and hybrid processes. Major challenges, such as membrane fouling, wetting, and limited selectivity and functionality, are identified, and potential solutions articulated. New opportunities, such as electrochemical coating, integrated membrane electrodes, and membrane functionalization, are also discussed to provide insights for further development of more efficient and low-cost membranes and processes.
The Bermuda Triangle

In 1950 the Sandra, a 350-foot freighter, sailed from Miami for Savannah. There 300 tons of insecticide were loaded on board destined for Puerto Cabello, Venezuela. Pulling out from that Georgia port, the Sandra chunked confidently towards South America. She furrowed the Atlantic waters into rippling channels as she cleared port. It was the last sight of her ever caught by man. Not a trace of her was ever found.
Peculiarities of the crystal packing of n-alkyl side chain ureas—precursors in the synthesis of helical polycarbodiimides

Abstract We report here the single-crystal X-ray diffraction data collected for 10 ureas bearing alkyl side chains—precursors in the synthesis of chiral polycarbodiimides. X-ray data obtained could be used in constructing the model of interacting polymer chains (e.g., n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-nonafluoropentyl, and n-heptadecafluorononyl). TGA/DSC studies confirmed relative stability of the ureas inspected. It seems probable that interdigitation pattern found in a crystal lattice of the aliphatic ureas mimics the organization of polycarbodiimide macromolecules identifiable by microscopy techniques
Guide field dependence of 3-D X-line spreading during collisionless magnetic reconnection

[1] Theoretical arguments and large-scale two-fluid simulations are used to study the spreading of reconnection X-lines localized in the direction of the current as a function of the strength of the out-of-plane (guide) magnetic field. It is found that the mechanism causing the spreading is different for weak and strong guide fields. In the weak guide field limit, spreading is due to the motion of the current carriers, as has been previously established. However, spreading for strong guide fields is bidirectional and is due to the excitation of Alfven waves along the guide field. In general, we suggest that the X-line spreads bidirectionally with a speed governed by the faster of the two mechanisms for each direction. A prediction on the strength of the guide field at which the spreading mechanism changes is formulated and verified with three-dimensional simulations. Solar, magnetospheric, and laboratory applications are discussed.
Sensibility, Parochiality, Spirituality: Toward a Critical Method and Ethic of Response in Woolf, Spivak, and Mahmood

Benjamin Hagen’s essay triangulates the work of Virginia Woolf, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, and Saba Mahmood and explores a critical method and ethic of response that he develops from the conceptual resonances between their thought and writing. More specifically, Hagen elaborates the relevance of three concepts—sensibility, parochiality, spirituality—that frame the method and ethic he maps. Central to his analysis is the problem of how to respond to extreme or overwhelming conditions that seem to beggar one’s capacity to respond at all: to World War II, to terror attacks and the supposed “war on terror,” and to religious violence and moral injury. A common cause that connects Woolf, Spivak, and Mahmood, he shows, involves the problem of imagining the other as a self, a problem that sketches out the precondition for altering how one might come to care about, respond to, and affect the here and now—locally and globally.
Importance of long-term follow-up after endoscopic management for upper tract urothelial carcinoma and factors leading to surgical management

Patients undergoing endoscopic management for upper tract urothelial carcinoma often progress to definitive therapy with radical nephroureterectomy. This study examined the rate of progression as well as risk factors for transitions in treatment over time. Retrospective review at two institutions identified patients undergoing endoscopic management for upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Patients were assessed for progression to radical nephroureterectomy. Baseline characteristics were compared using Chi square analysis. Kaplan–Meier method analyzed the probability of patients not progressing to radical nephroureterectomy. Cox proportional hazards identified factors associated with progression to radical nephroureterectomy. Eighty-one patients had endoscopic management alone and 89 progressed to radical nephroureterectomy. The two groups had similar age, histories of bladder cancer, and Charlson comorbidity index. Positive urinary cytology, ureteroscopic visualization, and biopsy grade were higher in those progressing to RNU (p < 0.001). Hazard modeling demonstrated higher rates of progression to radical nephroureterectomy with positive biopsy (HR 11.8, 95% CI 2.4–59.5, p = 0.003) or visible lesion on ureteroscopy (HR 8.4, 95% CI 3.0–23.9, p < 0.001). Patients with a higher Charlson comorbidity index were less likely to have radical nephroureterectomy. On Kaplan–Meier modeling, the probability of not undergoing radical nephroureterectomy at 2 years and 5 years was 50% and 20%, respectively. Patients who progress to radical nephroureterectomy after endoscopic management have fewer comorbid conditions and changes in disease status including visible lesions on ureteroscopy and positive biopsies. The high rate of progression to radical nephroureterectomy reinforces the need for long-term follow-up of these patients.
A Quality and Policy Focus to Academic Leadership

This chapter focuses on the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) educator as a source of leadership development for students in APN programs. Content relevant to leadership understanding and skills development is presented. Examples of learning experiences throughout the program are explored. In addition, content related to interprofessional education (IPE) is offered along with ideas of teaching throughout the curriculum. The challenges of integrating scholarly activity into a clinical curriculum to foster a lifelong commitment to adding new knowledge are considered. Finally, building alliances with clinical partners, other academic institutions, and professional organizations to enhance the educational experience is explored.
Screening for Gender Identity in Adolescent Well Visits: Is It Feasible and Acceptable?

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to pilot systematic gender identity screening during adolescent well checks and examine perceptions of feasibility and acceptability of screening from adolescents, parents/guardians, and clinicians. Methods Adolescents aged 12–18 years with a well visit between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019 (n = 134,114; 817 pilot and 133,297 usual care) in Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) pediatric primary care clinics. “What is your gender?” was added to the previsit questionnaire in pilot clinics; all other KPNC clinics provided usual care. Additional anonymous surveys were administered to adolescents and parents/guardians in the pilot clinics and to all KPNC pediatric clinicians. Multivariable logistic regression examined associations between clinics and patients reporting as transgender and gender diverse (TGD). Descriptive statistics summarized patient, parent/guardian, and clinician perceptions of gender identity screening. Results Adjusting for age and race/ethnicity, adolescents had higher odds of reporting as TGD in pilot clinics than in usual care (odds ratio = 6.91, 95% confidence interval = 3.76–12.74). Two thirds of adolescents, 75.5% of parents/guardians, and 92.5% of clinicians felt it was important to screen for gender identity in primary care. Less than 2% of adolescents found the question confusing, offensive, or uncomfortable, and 2.8% of parents/guardians felt it was offensive. In addition, 36.4% of clinicians and 3.6% of parents/guardians were concerned it would affect visit workflow/time. Conclusions Most adolescents, parents/guardians, and pediatric clinicians viewed systematic gender identity screening as both feasible and acceptable. Standardized gender identity screening during adolescent well checks could facilitate and increase identification of TGD adolescents and the delivery of gender-affirming care for adolescents and families in need.
Revisiting the Recommendation for Contralateral Tonsillectomy in HPV-Associated Tonsillar Carcinoma.

ObjectiveDespite epidemiologic evidence that second primaries occur infrequently in HPV (human papillomavirus)–associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, recent recommendations advocate for ...
Subcellular localization of EZH2 phosphorylated at T367 stratifies metaplastic breast carcinoma subtypes

Metaplastic carcinoma is an aggressive, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with differentiation towards squamous, spindle, or mesenchymal cell types. The molecular underpinnings of the histological subtypes are unclear. Our lab discovered a cytoplasmic function of EZH2, a transcriptional repressor, whereby pEZH2 T367 binds to cytoplasmic proteins in TNBC cells and enhances invasion and metastasis. Here, we investigated the expression and subcellular localization of pEZH2 T367 protein in metaplastic carcinomas. Thirty-five metaplastic carcinomas (17 squamous, 10 mesenchymal, and 8 spindle) were evaluated and immunostained with anti-pEZH2 T367. We analyzed staining intensity (score 1–4), subcellular localization (nuclear/cytoplasmic), and localization within the tumor (center/invasive edge). Protein expression of pEZH2 T367-binding partners was measured from a quantitative multiplex proteomics analysis performed in our lab. Cytoplasmic pEZH2 T367 was significantly upregulated in squamous (14 of 17, 82%) compared to mesenchymal (4 of 10, 40%) and spindle (2 of 6, 33%) subtypes (p = 0.011). Twenty-five of 34 (73%) tumors with available tumor–normal interface showed accentuated cytoplasmic pEZH2 T367 at the infiltrative edge. Cytoplasmic pEZH2 T367 was upregulated in 9 of 10 (90%) tumors with lymph node metastasis (p = 0.05). Bioinformatics analyses identified an EZH2 protein network in metaplastic carcinomas (p value: < 1.0e−16). Using quantitative proteomics, we found significantly increased expression of cytoplasmic EZH2-binding partners in squamous compared to spindle and mesenchymal subtypes. pEZH2 T367 expression and subcellular localization may be useful to distinguish metaplastic carcinoma subtypes. pEZH2 T367 may play a role in the histological diversity and behavior of these tumors.
Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) is the most significant late complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). cGvHD has protean manifestations and impacts long-term mortality, morbidity, disease control, and quality of life. Its worst manifestations may cause irreversible disfigurement, disability, and death. Early recognition and intervention is critical; however, proven treatment options remain limited.
The Blood Line: Racialized Boundary Making and Citizenship among Native Nations:

Blood informs a central racial ideology in the United States that has historically been used to racialize many different groups. American Indians (AIs) are the only population in the United States ...
Disseminated genitourinary histoplasmosis in a patient with AIDS with negative urine antigen testing.

Disseminated histoplasmosis is a life-threatening condition in immunocompromised patients. The majority of healthy persons have benign disease not requiring treatment. However, in persons living with HIV, mortality is high and accurate diagnosis is paramount. We present a case of a 48-year-old HIV-positive woman who presented with haematuria and flank pain. She had a history of recurrent urinary tract infection and nephrolithiasis with obstructive hydronephrosis. During cystoscopy, a bladder lesion was found. Pathological evaluation demonstrated abundant intracellular organisms with apparent budding. Subsequent urine histoplasma antigen was negative. Given the high index of suspicion for histoplasmosis based on the surgical pathology findings and epidemiological history, the patient was started immediately on antifungal therapy. One week later, PCR results of the bladder lesion confirmed the presence of Histoplasma capsulatum. This case highlights a rare presentation of genitourinary histoplasmosis and the utility of surgical pathology evaluation and PCR for diagnosis.
Staying Calm and Well in the Midst of the COVID-19 Storm: One University's Longitudinal Outcomes Evaluation of a Mental Health and Well-Being Webinar Series

Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic began, wellness leadership at a large Mid-west public university anticipated an increase in mental health problems among faculty and staff. A two-part weekly webinar series entitled "Staying Calm and Well in the Midst of the COVID-19 Storm" was launched to assist faculty and staff in coping with stressful issues related to the pandemic and enhancing their well-being. This series provided the university community with evidence-based knowledge, skills, and resources to enhance their ability in taking good self-care. Aim: To assess participant mental health outcomes during the two-part mental health and well-being educational webinar series over time. Methods: A longitudinal outcomes evaluation was conducted. Evaluation data was obtained from the participants via an anonymous post-webinar survey, which included questions from the Patient-Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression. The first series was conducted over the course of 8 weeks and the second series took place over 7 weeks. Descriptive statistics were used to assess responses to the PHQ-4 over time to evaluate outcomes of the webinar series. An open-ended question also asked participants about the 2 to 3 biggest concerns and worries they had at that moment. Results: The average amount of survey responses received were 1,470.25 (SD = ± 240.3) for Series One and 926.4 (SD = ± 164.3) for Series Two. Ninety-five percent of participants put the skills they learned during both series into practice. When participants reported experiencing anxiety or depressive symptoms, they most frequently reported experiencing them several days a week. The number of participants reporting no depressive or anxiety symptoms increased as the webinar series progressed over time. The types of concerns and worries reported varied across time. Conclusion: The Staying Calm and Well During the COVID-19 Pandemic webinar participants had a reduction in symptoms associated with anxiety and depression after completing the series.
The Organization and Expression of Photosynthetic and Non-Photosynthetic Operons of Euglena gracilis Chloroplast DNA

Euglena chloroplast DNA is a 145 kbp circular duplex genome that is very similar in gene content and gene order within transcription units to chloroplast genomes from many sources. By contrast, Euglena chloroplast DNA differs in the arrangement of operons around the circular genome, and in the number, location, and types of introns within operons for both photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic genes. The structure, coding capacity, and organization of the Euglena gracilis chloroplast DNA was recently reviewed by Hallick and Buetow (1). In the present overview, we will update this review, and describe some new results on the identification and structural analysis of Euglena chloroplast genes, including several genes for components of the photosynthetic membranes. We will describe the identification of a new category of cell organelle intron that is to date unique to Euglena chlroroplast genes. We will also describe features of some mRNA transcription and maturation pathways.
TH-AB-304-08: Computational Modeling of Risk of Radiation Pneumonitis

Purpose: Current normal tissue complication probability models estimate incidence of radiation pneumonitis (RP) in the treatment of lung cancer based on single parameters, e.g. mean lung dose or V20, and therefore do not capture specific variations contained in dose volume histograms (DVHs). We therefore developed an RP-risk model which utilizes the entire DVH reasoning that such a model would be more robust for predicating radiation-induced lung disease (RILD). Methods: A logistic regression model was developed to predict RP-risk on each point of the cumulative DVH utilizing >1200 patient outcomes summarized in the Quantitative Analysis of Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic (QUANTEC) lung study. Stepwise regression including linear, quadratic, and mixed terms in dose and volume was applied to the single dose-volume parameter-versus-outcome data. The model computes a relative importance at each dose-volume point and these values were linearly combined to estimate an overall RP-risk. A set of 80 DVHs were used to validate the algorithm prediction by comparison with an independent predictor of RP-risk using mean lung dose. Results: The logistic regression coefficients were all statistically significant (p 70%) of the model variability occurs at doses <30 Gy for DVH levels ranging from 30%-100%. The model is most sensitive to DVH variations in the V5-V30 range. Conclusion: The model’s predictive power is comparable to estimates from QUANTEC which use mean dose as input. Since the model conveys the relative importance of each dose-volume level it has the potential to better predict RILD than currently available models. In order to determine if our hypothesis is correct we will compare the model to established methods including complete DVH data and clinical outcomes. This abstract was supported by the George Amorino Pilot Grants in Radiation Oncology from the Department of Radiation Oncology, Univeristy of Virginia.
8 Seks en commercie

Seks en commercie gaan hand in hand. De seksuele praktijk genereert een vraag naar allerlei producten en diensten die, bijvoorbeeld, ongewenste gevolgen van seks helpen voorkomen, lust helpen opwekken, seksuele prestaties helpen verbeteren of seksuele behoeften helpen bevredigen.
Arduino based projects in the computer science capstone course

Computing systems which investigate and interact with the physical world are an interesting topic which few computer science programs have the time or ability to explore. Our senior level capstone course provides students with an opportunity to explore topics that are of interest to the student, but have not been covered elsewhere. In this paper, we describe the capstone projects of three students who incorporated the Arduino platform to construct autonomous robots, and the contribution of these projects to faculty research. Additionally, we describe the efforts the department is undertaking to incorporate the Arduino platform into existing coursework.
The Response of an Airplane to Random Atmospheric Disturbances

The statistical approach to the gust-load problem which consists in considering flight through turbulent air to be a stationary random process is extended by including the effect of lateral variation of the instantaneous gust intensity on the aerodynamic forces. The forces obtained in this manner are used in dynamic analyses of rigid and flexible airplanes free to move vertically, in pitch, and in roll. The effect of the interaction of longitudinal, vertical, and lateral gusts on the wing stresses is also considered.
Hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Iatrogenic hypoglycemia is a major problem for patients with IDDM. The principles of glucose counterregulation, the physiological mechanisms that normally prevent or correct hypoglycemia, are now known. In concert with decrements in insulin, increments in glucagon, and in the absence of the latter increments in epinephrine, stand high in the hierarchy of redundant glucose counterregulatory factors. In IDDM, iatrogenic hypoglycemia is the result of the interplay of absolute or relative insulin excess and compromised glucose counterregulation. Syndromes of compromised glucose counterregulation include hypoglycemia unawareness (loss of the warning, neurogenic symptoms of developing hypoglycemia), defective glucose counterregulation (the result of combined deficiencies of the glucagon and epinephrine responses to falling glucose levels), and elevated glycemic thresholds (lower glucose levels required) for autonomic activation and symptoms during effective intensive therapy. These have been conceptualized as examples of hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure. Hypoglycemia unawareness, but not defective glucose counterregulation, is reversible during scrupulous avoidance of iatrogenic hypoglycemia. Clearly, we need to learn to replace insulin in a much more physiological fashion, or to prevent, correct, or compensate for compromised glucose counterregulation, or both, if we are to eliminate hypoglycemia from the lives of people with IDDM without compromising glycemia control. In the meantime we must practice hypoglycemia risk factor reduction with our patients, continue to seek better insight into the fundamental mechanisms of compromised glucose counterregulation, and develop practical preventive clinical strategies.
Routing in Optical and Wireless Networks

The problem of efficiently routing information through communication networks is more important then ever. Much work has been done on routing problems in the store-and-forward and wormhole routing models, but emerging technologies are motivating new routing models to be considered. In this paper, we discuss problems of routing messages in optical networks, where signals are carried by light rather than by electrical impulses, and in wireless networks, where radio-wave interconnections are used for communication. For each model, we present background information and previous results, and also suggest several open problems whose solution would help us to better understand the capabilities and limitations of these classes of communication networks.
Cosmic Dusty Plasmas: Some Recent Results

Dust is an ubiquitous component of the cosmic plasma environment. It exists in the interstellar, circumstellar, interplanetary, circumplanetary and cometary environments. In each case it is immersed in a magnetized plasma and ultraviolet radiation environment. This leads the dust to be electrically charged and consequently coupled to the plasma by means of electrical and magnetic forces. Since this coupling becomes stronger as the grain size decreases, other things being equal, the recent in-situ detection of very small grains (VSGs with dimensions ≤ 100 A) in the environment of Halley’s comet and the inference of their existence in the interstellar medium2 provide further impetus to the study of dustplasma interactions in space.
Center-Based Quality Initiative Targets Youth Preparedness for Medical Independence: HEMO-Milestones Tool in a Comprehensive Hemophilia Clinic Setting

Background Patient transition readiness self-assessment tools and investigation into patient and parent perceptions of the transition process from pediatric to adult care models have informed recognition of gaps in care, particularly for those with chronic disease. Implementation of a longitudinal transition process with patient tracking provides the opportunity for individualized education and skill building and fosters a patient-centered model. Procedure Quality improvement intervention was used to assess and improve our transition process at annual comprehensive clinic visits for patients with bleeding disorders at our tertiary care pediatric center. Results Thirty-one patients with rare bleeding disorders received an introduction to the transition process using the HEMO-milestones tool in our hemophilia comprehensive clinic from September to December 2014. The percentage of patients with documented, age-specific hemophilia knowledge/skill assessment increased from 21% to 97%. The percentage of patients with documented skill building or adult care transfer plan increased from 55% to 93%. Designated postclinic team debriefings facilitated the creation of collaborative documentation summarizing each patient's transition readiness and plan for continued skill building. Conclusions The HEMO-milestones tool promotes a standardized approach to evaluation of self-management competency. When combined with a collaborative multidisciplinary effort, it increases plans for skill building in patients with hemophilia. This tool is easily modifiable for alternate subspecialty use and does not require extensive training for implementation.
The role of venture capital in the creation of public companies: Evidence from the going-public process

Abstract We examine an exhaustive set of initial public offerings (IPOs) by venture-capital-backed companies between 1978 and 1987. We find that venture capitalists specialize their investments in firms to provide intensive monitoring services. Consistent with their monitoring role, the venture capitalists take concentrated equity positions, maintain their investment beyond the IPO, and serve on the boards of their portfolio firms. The quality of their monitoring services appears to be recognized by capital markets through lower underpricing for IPOs with better monitors.
Isoforms of the Polarity Protein Par6 Have Distinct Functions

PAR-6 is essential for asymmetric division of the Caenorhabditis elegans zygote. It is also critical for cell polarization in many other contexts throughout the Metazoa. The Par6 protein contains a PDZ domain and a partial CRIB (Cdc42/Rac interactive binding) domain, which mediate interactions with other polarity proteins such as Par3, Cdc42, Pals1, and Lgl. A family of mammalian Par6 isoforms (Par6A–D) has been described, but the significance of this diversification has been unclear. Here we demonstrate that Par6 family members localize differently when expressed in Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cells and have distinct effects on tight junction (TJ) assembly. Par6B localizes to the cytosol and inhibits TJ formation, but Par6A co-localizes predominantly with the TJ marker ZO-1 at cell-cell contacts and does not affect junctions. These functional differences correlate with differences in Pals1 binding; Par6B interacts strongly with Pals1, whereas Par6A binds weakly to Pals1 even in the presence of active Cdc42. Pals1 has a low affinity for the isolated CRIB-PDZ domain of Par6A, but analysis of chimeras showed that in addition Pals1 binding is blocked by an inhibitory property of the N terminus of Par6A. Unexpectedly, the localization of Par6A to cell-cell contacts is Cdc42-independent.
Recent insights into regeneration of auditory and vestibular hair cells

Advances in hair cell regeneration are progressing at a rapid rate. This review will highlight and critique recent attempts to understand some of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying hair cell regeneration in non‐mammalian vertebrates and efforts to induce regeneration in the mammalian inner ear sensory epithelium. Curr Opin Neurol 11:17–24. © 1998 Rapid Science Ltd
The Space Charge That Surrounds a Conductor in Corona

A qualitative analysis of the nature of the space charge created about a conductor in corona, particularly with respect to relative magnitudes and polarities, rather than actual quantitative measurement, is described here. This work was the principal work on corona during the past year in the Ryan High-Voltage Laboratory. In tests with the arrangements of a wire and a plane, and of a wire and a cylinder, a decided rectifying effect was discernible in the space about the conductor in corona, in that that region was built up to a unidirectional potential above ground, the magnitude and polarity of this potential depending on the voltage applied. In both of these set-ups, this net rectification, which is evidently caused by some differential action entering into the ionization process, was of a positive sign at the start of corona, but changed over to negative as the voltage was raised. In a test made on two 1.1-in. diameter, parallel concentric strand copper conductors, 1O ft. apart, the space between them was found to have assumed a potential above ground when the conductors were in corona, the sign of this charge being negative at first, and then positive as the voltage increased. Tests were also carried out on a single brush, and on a rod fitted with ``artificial'' brushes.
Fatal and near-fatal anaphylaxis: factors that can worsen or contribute to fatal outcomes.

Anaphylaxis implies a risk of death even in patients whose prior episodes have been considered mild and managed easily. Anaphylaxis occurs in all age groups, from infants to the elderly, but most deaths occur in adults. Factors or circumstances associated with near-fatal or fatal anaphylaxis are reviewed from the following 10 perspectives: accidents and mishaps, adulterated products, age, allergens, atopy, comorbidities, Munchausen syndrome or contrived anaphylaxis, patient factors, route of administration, and treatment-related issues. There are no absolute contraindications to self-injectable epinephrine, and epinephrine can be administered for anaphylaxis to elderly patients or to those patients receiving beta-adrenergic blockers. Language: en
Using a highly portable computer to gather qualitative social network data

We report on the use of a highly portable computer for collecting precise and accurate data concerning specific social network ties. Our experience confirmed that a highly portable computer, when loaded with a flexible database management program, is a useful tool for such a task. Data entry can be done during the interview and information retrieval can provide immediate and useful information for the respondents. The use of the computer with semistructured interviews changes the dynamics of the interview situation. A three-way interaction is created between the interviewers, the respondents and the information in the database. We found that there were great benefits from having two or three respondents in the session, and that it was desirable to have two interviewers.
An evaluation of the Quay-Peterson revised behavior problem checklist

Abstract The RBPC is perhaps the most valid of all currently available teacher rating scales in terms of factor structure and related measures of validity. Clearly, however, additional research on the concurrent and predictive validity of this instrument is needed. The RBPC is adequately reliable in terms of test-retest reliability and interrater reliability when comparing two teachers and two parents. The lack of representative national norms creates a serious problem for the use of the RBPC by school psychologists, but some useful normative information is available and it would be a relatively easy task to develop local norms.
Differential Functional Requirements at the Binding Site Between Serotonin and the Partial Agonist M-Chlorophenylbiguanide in Serotonin 3A Receptors

The Serotonin 3a Receptor (5HT3aR) is a pentameric ligand gated ion channel found in the central and peripheral nervous systems and implicated in numerous diseases. In previous studies with the endogenous agonist serotonin, we have identified two interactions critical for receptor function: a cation-π interaction at W183 in loop B and a hydrogen bond at E129 in loop A. Here we employ mutant cycle analyses utilizing conventional and unnatural amino acid mutagenesis to investigate how a third residue, D124 of loop A, orients the aforementioned residues for proper receptor function. We also identify differences in receptor binding and the initiation of channel gating between serotonin and the competitive partial agonist m-chlorophenylbiguanide (mCPBG) at these and adjacent residues.
Banking, incentive constraints, and demand deposit contracts with nonlinear returns

This paper presents two results regarding banking theory: (1) demand deposit contracts are essential in providing insurance against preferences shocks, as in Diamond and Dybvig (1983), if and only if the incentive compatibility conditions bind at the social optimum; and (2) for additively separable preferences with random discount factors, demand deposit contracts have the realistic feature that the interest rate paid is an increasing function of deposit balance.
Deuterium transport and trapping in aluminum alloys

A simple model of diffusion and evolution of the density of deuterium in metals is presented. A model of the deuterium evolution in the presence of uniform and nonuniform distributions of traps, as well as perfectly reflecting and partially permeable boundary conditions, is discussed. The computer simulated deuterium distributions after some diffusion time are qualitatively compared with experimentally obtained results. Experimental results describe the deuterium distribution after fatigue crack growth of 2219 and 7075 aluminum alloys in a D2O water vapor environment and after deuteriumion implantation.
A brief history of the classification of the finite simple groups

First published in Bulletin of the American Mathematical Society in volume 38, issue 3, published by the American Mathematical Society.
Projectile Roll Dynamics and Control with a Low-Cost Maneuver System

T HE overarchingmotivation for this work is to provide capability for gun-launched munitions to engage targets that require high maneuverability. Past efforts resulted in precision indirect fire for stationary targets [1,2]. This Note represents a component of a program focused on general development of this enhanced maneuverability for application to relevant systems such as artillery, mortars, and shoulder-launched munitions. The approach to achieve a low-cost gun-hard skid-to-turn maneuver control system outlined in this Note is to leverage commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology for the high-levels-ofacceleration (high-G) environment and develop control algorithms that rely on a high-fidelity characterization of the aerodynamics and flight mechanics. Servomechanisms used by remotecontrolled aircraft hobbyists feature low costs due to high-volume manufacturing; however, components must withstand the high structural loadings during gun launch [3]. A canted fin-stabilized canard-controlled projectile flying in a skid-to-turn configuration was selected. This configuration complicates the aerodynamic characterization due to flow interactions; however, mature computational [4] and experimental [5] methods may be applied. Vortices generated by canard deflections are swept downstream and impact the stabilizing fins, sometimes reversing the fin roll moment [6–8]. Packaging constraints for gun tube launch require deploying stabilizing and control surfaces. The skid-to-turn configuration was chosen for the high bandwidth since the time of flight for some applications of interest may only be 1 s. Classical and modern control techniques have been applied to the roll control problem for missiles [9,10]. The approach herein is to formulate these techniques in the simplest manner possible for the unique projectile environment by including effects like fin cant and canard–fin interactions. The goal of this Note is to develop and demonstrate roll control performance of a low-cost gun-hard skid-to-turn maneuver system. The contribution of this work lies in leveraging COTS devices to reduce cost, ensuring structural integrity, and using high-fidelity flight characterization methods in the control strategy for the gun launch environment. A wide variety of technical disciplines have been successfully synthesized to develop this technology using theory, nonlinear simulation, and experiments.
Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) attenuates morphine-induced inhibition of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in opioid-responsive SK-N-SH cells.

Abstract SK-N-SH cells were used to assess the effects of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) on opioid receptor-mediated changes in cyclic AMP (cAMP). Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1, 1 μM) caused a dramatic increase in cAMP levels. Treatment with 10 μM morphine (MOR) significantly inhibited the stimulatory effect of PGE1. LHRH (0.8 μM) caused an increase in the basal level of intracellular cAMP and potentiated the stimulatory effect of PGE1 on cAMP accumulation. In cells pretreated with LHRH the inhibitory effect of MOR on cAMP accumulation was significantly attenuated. An LHRH antagonist had no effect on cAMP. The involvement of pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G proteins in the actions of LHRH was studied. PTX increased the stimulatory effect of PGE1 on cAMP and attenuated the inhibitory effect of MOR. However, PTX pretreatment prevented the effects of LHRH on the intracellular actions of PGE1 but exerted an additive effect with LHRH in blocking the MOR-induced decrease in cAMP levels. We conclude that LHRH attenuates the inhibitory, opioid receptor-mediated effect of MOR on intracellular cAMP accumulation in SK-N-SH cells, and that the G protein-independent mechanism may be involved in LHRH-induced attenuation of the inhibitory effect of MOR on neuronal cAMP.
Electron injection in thin films of copper phtalocyanine

Abstract J - V curves on thin sandwich Au-copper phtalocyanine-Au exhibit three kinds of dependence: first ohmic, then exponential and, for the highest voltages a square law. Pulse measurements fit the high voltage steady-state trap filled space-charge-limited currents. Rose's theory, assuming a homogeneous distribution of traps within a given energy range, accounts for the exponential part and it's dependence upon thickness. Values of N't = 1.5 1016 traps /cm3 eV, of traps energy range above the Fermi level = 0.23 eV, of the height of the conduction band above the Fermi level = 0.72 eV and of electron mobility = 10-4 cm2/Vs are reported.
Biotic turnover in benthic foraminifera across the cretaceous/tertiary boundary at El Kef, Tunisia

Abstract The Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary section exposed near El Kef, Tunisia is the most complete boundary sequence known to date. It contains nearly 1 m of black and gray boundary clay containing planktic foraminiferal Zone POa, b, 2 m of clayey shales of P1a (Globigerina eugubina) Zone and 4 m of shales and marls of P1b (G. taurica) Zone. Quantitative analysis of the benthic foraminiferal fauna suggests that deposition during the latest Cretaceous occurred in an upper slope to outer shelf environment which shallowed at the K/T boundary to an outer to middle shelf depth and shallowed further by P1b time to mid-shelf depth. A major reduction in benthic diversity occurred near the K/T boundary with about 50% of the fauna disappearing. Diversity remained an average of 37% lower during deposition of the first 3 m of sediment above the boundary (POa, b-P1a) and productivity was very low. Surviving and thriving foraminifers during this interval were primarily low oxygen tolerant epifaunal and infaunal species. A sharp decrease in the low oxygen tolerant fauna and appearance of a shallow mid-shelf fauna at about 4 m above the boundary (P1b Zone) signals a second regression, return to higher oxygen levels and higher productivity. Although the environmental effects of the K/T boundary event can be inferred from benthic faunas, the ultimate cause remains elusive. Faunal changes prior to and the long recovery period after the K/T boundary are difficult to explain by a single impact hypothesis.
Atheism, Morality and Meaning

Book reviewed: Michael Martin, Atheism, Morality and Meaning, 2002, Prometheus Books, 330pp, price £21.00 pb.
Effects of instructions, orienting task, and memory tests on memory for words and word frequency

Common words were presented to subjects who either rated them for pleasantness or estimated letter frequency. Words were presented with frequencies of 0, 1, 3, or 6; half of the subjects were instructed to attend to frequency, half were not. Frequency and memory tests were then given, with half of the subjects receiving each test type first. Memory was improved by semantic processing, greater presentation frequency, and additional exposure during frequency tests. Frequency judgments were accurate when tested first, but frequency discrimination declined drastically when frequency was tested second. Semantic processing produced more accurate relative frequency judgments. Data are discussed in terms of models of frequency judgment, and artifacts of different kinds of data analysis are noted.
Cerebrospinal fluid pressure in mannitol-treated rabbits

Abstract Equations describing the response of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure to a rapid intravenous injection of mannitol were developed by combining equations of membrane transport with equations of CSF hydrodynamics. The physiologic variables appearing in these equations were measured in anesthetized rabbits as brain water volume = 7.9 cm 3 , plasma osmolality = 308 mol/kg, fractional total body water content = 0.62, time constant of blood-brain osmotic flow = 32 min, resistance to CSF absorption = 1.92 TPa · s/m 3 and brain compliance = 0.173 mm 3 /Pa. Mannitol (5.5–27.5 mmol/kg) was administered intravenously to anesthetized rabbits while Elliott's B solution was infused (0.13–1.27 mm 3 /sec) into a lateral ventricle to simulate formation of CSF. Measured CSF pressure changes corresponded closely with those predicted by theory.
Evolution of Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Historical Perspective and The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Experience

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death in most industrialized nations, including the United States. Frequently, patients with unresectable disease are treated with symptomatic care alone or, in the case of locally advanced, unresectable lesions, with radiotherapy alone. In general, chemotherapy is viewed as ineffective, and therefore rarely recommended except by medical oncologists. Over the past 2 decades, however, it has become clear that chemotherapy, and in particular cisplatin-based chemotherapy, provides a modest survival advantage. In addition, recent studies indicate that chemotherapy can improve tumor-related symptoms and quality of life. With modern chemotherapy, median survival averages around 9 to 10 months in advanced NSCLC, a figure comparable to that achieved with treatment of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, a malignancy generally viewed as chemotherapy sensitive. Importantly, existing data indicate that chemotherapy is also cost-effective. Given these observations, it is appropriate today for patients with advanced NSCLC to receive chemotherapy.