cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of a novel T cell epitope of human proteolipid protein (residues 40-60) recognized by proliferative and cytolytic CD4+ T cells from multiple sclerosis patients.

Research into the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) has focused on myelin antigens as potential targets of autoimmune attack. Proteolipid protein (PLP) is the most abundant myelin protein comprising more than 50% of central nervous system myelin. Although PLP is a hydrophobic membrane protein which has made it difficult to study, the use of synthetic peptides based on the PLP sequence provides an alternative method for studying the immunological properties of PLP. Using peripheral blood lymphocytes from MS patients, long-term TCL established in the presence of PLP reacted weakly to PLP in proliferation assays; however, these same lines were much more reactive to synthetic peptides of PLP. Thus, we established short-term T cell lines (TCL) from the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of MS patients in the presence of five separate synthetic PLP peptides. In 6/7 MS patients, proliferative responses were elicited most often to PLP 40-60 compared to four other PLP peptides (PLP 89-106, 103-120, 125-143, and 139-154) (Pelfrey et al., 1993). Interestingly, however, the magnitude of the proliferative response was greatest in response to PLP 89-106. Characterization of PLP 89-106-responsive TCL from several MS patients, indicated that TCL proliferating to the peptide also lysed PLP 89-106 pulsed autologous targets. The majority of cytolytic PLP 89-106 TCL were CD4+ and MHC class II restricted and the predominant restriction elements were those most commonly found in MS patients. These findings suggest that the use of synthetic peptides represents a viable alternative approach to the study of PLP reactivity in humans. We report here that MS PBL recognize several PLP peptides, with the predominant responses to PLP 40-60 and PLP 89-106. Since these cells have both helper (CD4+) and cytolytic capabilities, it is possible that they may play a role in the pathogenesis or progression of MS.
Influence of late-breaking ligaments on crack propagation in compact specimens—A photoelastic study

Dynamic photoelasticity and high-speed photography were utilized to study the influence of tough ligaments on crack propagation in compact specimens. The data obtained during the fracture experiments were analyzed to obtain crack velocity, instantaneous stress-intensity factor and the energy losses away from the crack tip. The results showed that the ligaments can behave as crack arrestors or decelerators. The crack if not arrested at the ligament slowly tunnels in between the ligaments without immediately rupturing them. The ligaments also tend to increase damping losses in the specimens.
Amino group modification inhibits ristocetin cofactor activity of human von Willebrand factor.

Abstract Purified von Willebrand factor rapidly loses activity when treated under mild conditions with the highly specific amino group reagent trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. Greater than 90 percent inhibition of activity is achieved by modification of only 7 percent of the amino groups. Other modifications such as acetylation and succinylation also abolish activity. It is unlikely that the essential rapidly reacting amino groups function simply in an electrostatic manner since modifications such as amidination and methylation which produce derivatives which retain positive charge are also inactive or nearly so.
Information Technologies as Health Management Tools: Urban Elders' Interest and Ability in Using' the Internet

Older adults represent an increasing percentage of both the whole U.S. population and persons living with one or more chronic health conditions. However, extant research has largely overlooked older adults when examining current Internet users and the potential for the Internet as a health management resource. In this study, the researchers conducted focus groups with urban elders in Detroit to elicit, in their own words, their collective perceptions about their interest, current uses, and desired uses for health management via the Internet in tandem with their current abilities and needs for technological training and support. The findings reveal that many urban elders access the Internet, or would like to, and they clearly articulate many ways that management tools on the Internet do/could empower and assist them in actively engaging in their health management and knowledgably interacting with their health care providers. The findings also support the premise that survey measurement instruments need to ...
The Curious and the Confident

Activities that attempt to coordinate the contributions of the general public with the Internet have a way of disciplining work and overcoming gross inefficiencies with mass labor.
Thin films of WO3 for practical electrochromic windows

Abstract It is shown that practical spectrally-selective transmittance modulation can be achieved with thin (50–100 nm) WO3 films, and therefore such films should be useful for fabricating electrochromic windows. The transmittance and reflectance modulation results are compared with theoretical predictions. The results indicate an excess intraband absorbance, which is attributed to free electron scattering arising from extended defects.
A PSYCHOMETRIC INVESTIGATION OF THE STANDARD AND SHORT FORM BECK DEPRESSION INVENTORY

The reliability, validity, and factor structure of the standard 21-item and short 13-item forms of the Beck Depression Inventory were investigated for 42 male and 143 female college students. The internal consistency reliability was .82 for the standard form and .78 for the short form. The correlation between the standard and short form was .94. Both forms also correlated significantly with scores on the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. The results support the use of the short form as a reliable and valid brief screening measure of depression.
Forcible, Drug-Facilitated, and Incapacitated Rape and Sexual Assault among Undergraduate Women.

Abstract Objective: To examine the prevalence of drug-related sexual assaults, identify the frequency of assaults that occur following voluntary versus involuntary drug or alcohol consumption, and identify contextual correlates of drug-related assaults. Participants: College-student females (n = 314). Methods: Volunteers reported experiences with forcible and drug-related sexual assaults in the spring semester of 2004. Follow-up queries regarding the most severe drug-related assaults determined whether the assaults followed voluntary or involuntary alcohol or drug consumption. Results: 29.6% (n = 93) of the respondents reported a drug-related sexual assault or rape; 5.4% (n = 17) reported a forcible sexual assault or rape. Voluntary incapacitation preceded 84.6% of drug-related assaults and involuntary incapacitation preceded 15.4% of drug-related assaults. The majority of drug-related assaults (96.1%) involved alcohol consumption prior to assault. Conclusions: Drug-related sexual assaults on college camp...
Chapter revitalization - Lessons from the Oregon chapter [Society news]

The Instrumentation and Measurement (I&M) Society is proud of its many active chapters. 2010 welcomed a number of new chapters to the Society, as well as a multitude of chapter events. Previous issues of the I&M Magazine have highlighted some of these events. 2011 has started strong, with many chapter events taking place around the world, including Distinguished Lecturer visits to the New Zealand and Oregon chapters.
Lamin-A is Mechanosensitive to Matrix Stiffness and Couples to the Retinoic Acid Pathway in Differentiation

Matrix elasticity helps direct lineage specification of human bone marrow-derived MSCs in culture toward bone, fat, or other tissue types with mechanisms based in part on myosin-II generated stresses. We found with both gel systems and nano-collagen films that matrix rigidity leads to higher levels of nucleoskeletal protein lamin-A. Stem cell differentiation into fat on soft matrix was enhanced by low lamin-A levels, while differentiation into bone on stiff matrix was enhanced by high lamin-A levels. Our results show that lamin-A transcription was regulated by the vitamin A/retinoic acid (RA) pathway that plays a role in development and regeneration but lamin-A protein regulates nuclear translocation of the RA receptor gamma isoform (RARG), increasing fourfold from soft to stiff matrix and suppressed by lamin-A knockdown. We also overexpressed the membrane protein SUN2, which shuttles from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the inner nuclear envelope, where it cross-links nesprins and the cytoskeleton to lamin-A (based on co-IP). SUN2 overexpression appears to saturate cross-linking sites, leading to nuclear rounding, decreased lamin-A levels, and higher RARG in the cytoplasm. Based on RA pathway effects on lamin-A expression in cells on stiff matrix, we expected antagonists to RA and specifically RARG to increase osteogenesis, and we confirm this. Moreover, the increased osteogenesis with antagonists was nullified by lamin-A knockdown, consistent with a specific role in stiff tissue differentiation.
Fumonisin-Induced Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Expression in a Porcine Kidney Cell Line Is Independent of Sphingoid Base Accumulation Induced by Ceramide Synthase Inhibition

Previous studies have shown that fumonisin B1 (FB1) inhibits ceramide synthase, resulting in accumulation of free sphinganine and sphingosine. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) plays an important role in FB1 toxicity and the expression of TNFalpha mRNA in liver and kidney is increased following FB1 exposure in mice. The objective of the current study was to investigate whether these two events (sphingoid bases accumulation and TNFalpha induction) are dependent on each other. An increase in expression of TNFalpha mRNA was detected in LLC-PK1 cells as early as 4 h after FB1 treatment but decreased to the control levels after 8 h. A positive linear correlation was observed between the expression of TNFalpha mRNA and FB1 concentration. Increases of intracellular sphingoid bases were also detected after 4 h of FB1 treatment and progressively increased until 24 h. Exposure of the cells to sphinganine or sphingosine did not significantly alter the expression of TNFalpha. Inhibition of sphingoid base biosynthesis by ISP-1, a specific inhibitor of serine palmitoyltransferase, the first enzyme in de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis, efficiently blocked the accumulation of free sphingoid bases in response to FB1, but it did not prevent the induction of TNFalpha expression. Results indicate that FB1-induced increase in TNFalpha expression is independent of sphingoid base accumulation-induced by ceramide synthase inhibition in LLC-PK1 cells.
Prediction of Annulus Pressure Gradients in Pumping Wells

Experimental data on pressure gradients were obtained for gas bubbling through static liquids in various concentric annulus configurations with eight different liquids. Although a definite liquid physical property effect exists, the Gilbert S curve gave an adequate representation of the data. A more accurate correlation was developed, together with a physical model that separates hydrostatic and friction components of the pressure gradient.
PTEN degradation after ischemic stroke: a double-edged sword

Tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is highly expressed in neurons and PTEN inhibition has been reported to be neuroprotective against ischemic stroke in experimental models. On the other hand, PTEN deletion has been shown to lead to cognitive impairment. In the current study, we examined the expression and functions of PTEN in an ischemic stroke rodent model. We found rapid S-nitrosylation and degradation of PTEN after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. PTEN degradation leads to activation of Akt. PTEN partial deletion or PTEN inhibition increased the expression of GABAA receptor (GABAAR) γ2 subunit and enhanced GABAA receptor current. After cerebral ischemia, increased expression of GABAAR γ2 subunit was observed in the ischemia region and the penumbra area. We also observed PTEN loss in astrocytes after cerebral ischemia. Astrocytic PTEN partial knockout increased astrocyte activation and exacerbated ischemic damage. We speculated that ischemic stroke induced neuronal PTEN degradation, hence enhanced GABAA receptor-medicated neuronal activity inhibition which could attenuate excitotoxicity and provide neuroprotection during the acute phase after stroke, while inhibiting long-term functional recovery and contributing to vascular cognitive impairment after stroke. On the other hand, ischemic stroke induced astrocytic PTEN loss and enhanced ischemic damage and astrogliosis. Taken together, our study indicates that ischemic stroke induces rapid PTEN degradation in both neurons and astrocytes which play both protective and detrimental action in a spatiotemporal- and cell-type-dependent manner. Our study provides critical insight for targeting PTEN signaling pathway for stroke treatment.
Inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate increases the duration of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-mediated Ca2+ transient.

Abstract The effect of Ins 1,3,4,5-P4 on the intracellular Ca2+ mobilization produced by Ins 1,4,5-P, has been examined in permeabilized hepatocytes. Ins 1,3,4,5-P4 did not affect the magnitude of the Ins 1,4,5-P3-mediated Ca2+ release but did inhibit re-accumulation of the released Ca2+ back into intracellular stores. This effect was not mimicked by Ins 1,3,4-P3. In hepatocytes, the re-uptake phase of the response results from Ins 1,4,5-P3 hydrolysis. Measurements using labeled substrates indicate that Ins 1,3,4,5-P4 inhibits the hydrolysis of Ins 1,4,5-P3 and vice versa. Since the removal of the 5-phosphate on Ins 1,4,5-P3 and Ins 1,3,4,5-P4 is a common step in the disposal of both compounds, it is suggested that one of the biological effects of Ins 1,3,4,5-P4 may be to slow hydrolysis of Ins 1,4,5-P3 and thereby prolong the duration of a Ca2+ transient.
The relationship between one-dimensional and two-dimensional separation processes

One-dimensional, time dependent separations are analogous to two-dimensional, steady state separations, and the equations for the former can be transformed to the latter by the transform t → θ/w. This analogy is used to develop and provide the solutions for the two-dimensional analogues of several variations of chromatography, parametric pumping, and pressure swing adsorption.
Motor Planning, Imagery, and Execution in the Distributed Motor Network: A Time-Course Study with Functional MRI

Activation of motor-related areas has consistently been found during various motor imagery tasks and is regarded as the central mechanism generating motor imagery. However, the extent to which motor execution and imagery share neural substrates remains controversial. We examined brain activity during preparation for and execution of physical or mental finger tapping. During a functional magnetic resonance imaging at 3 T, 13 healthy volunteers performed an instructed delay finger-tapping task either in a physical mode or mental mode. Number stimuli instructed subjects about a finger-tapping sequence. After an instructed delay period, cue stimuli prompted them either to execute the tapping movement or to imagine it. Two types of planning/preparatory activity common for movement and imagery were found: instruction stimulus-related activity represented widely in multiple motor-related areas and delay period activity in the medial frontal areas. Although brain activity during movement execution and imagery was largely shared in the distributed motor network, imagery-related activity was in general more closely related to instruction-related activity than to the motor execution-related activity. Specifically, activity in the medial superior frontal gyrus, anterior cingulate cortex, precentral sulcus, supramarginal gyrus, fusiform gyrus, and posterolateral cerebellum likely reflects willed generation of virtual motor commands and analysis of virtual sensory signals.
Reintegrating Rebels into Civilian Life: Quasi-Experimental Evidence from Burundi

Considerable resources are devoted to ex-combatant reintegration programs in current peace processes, but evidence on their effectiveness remains thin. We use original survey data to study an ex-combatant reintegration program implemented after Burundi’s 1993-2004 civil war. Previous quantitative studies have found reintegration programs to be ineffective, but only ex-combatants who self-selected into programs were studied. We avoid such selection problems with a quasi-experimental design exploiting an exogenous bureaucratic failure. We find the program resulted in a 20 to 35 percentage point reduction in poverty incidence among ex- combatants and moderate improvement in livelihoods. But this economic boost does not seem to have caused political reintegration: while we find a modest increase in propensities to report civilian life as preferable to combatant life, we find no evidence that the program contributed to either more satisfaction with the peace process or a more positive disposition toward current government institutions.
Infant Sleep Environments Depicted in Magazines Targeted to Women of Childbearing Age

OBJECTIVE: The goal was to evaluate pictures in magazines widely read by women of childbearing age, for adherence to American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for safe infant sleep practices. METHODS: Magazines were included in this study if they had an average female readership of >5 million, circulation of >900000, and median age of female readers of 20 to 40 years. Twenty magazines met these criteria. An additional 8 magazines targeted toward expectant parents and parents of young children were included, for a total of 28 magazines. Pictures of infant sleep environments and sleeping infants in articles and advertisements in issues of these 28 magazines were analyzed for adherence to AAP guidelines for decreasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. RESULTS: A total of 391 unique pictures from 34 magazine issues were included in the analysis. Only 57 pictures (64%) portraying sleeping infants not being held by an adult portrayed the infants in the supine position, and 14.8% of sleeping infants were portrayed as sleeping with another person. Only 36 pictures (36.4%) of infant sleep environments portrayed a safe sleep environment, as recommended by the AAP. CONCLUSIONS: More than one third of pictures of sleeping infants in magazines geared toward childbearing women demonstrated infants in an inappropriate sleep position, and two thirds of pictures of infant sleep environments were not consistent with AAP recommendations. Messages in the media that are inconsistent with health care messages create confusion and misinformation about infant sleep safety and may lead inadvertently to unsafe practices.
Transcriptome profiling identified novel genes associated with aluminum toxicity, resistance and tolerance in Medicago truncatula.

Oligonucleotide microarrays corresponding to over 16,000 genes were used to analyze changes in tran- script accumulation in root tips of the Al-sensitive Medi- cago truncatula cultivar Jemalong genotype A17 in response to Al treatment. Out of 2,782 genes with signiW- cant changes in transcript accumulation, 324 genes were up-regulated and 267 genes were down-regulated at least twofold by Al. Up-regulated genes were enriched in tran- scripts involved in cell-wall modiWcation and abiotic and biotic stress responses while down-regulated genes were enriched in transcripts involved in primary metabolism, secondary metabolism, protein synthesis and processing, and the cell cycle. Known markers of Al-induced gene expression including genes associated with oxidative stress and cell wall stiVening were diVerentially regulated in this study. Transcript proWling identiWed novel genes associated with processes involved in Al toxicity including cell wall modiWcation, cell cycle arrest and ethylene production. Novel genes potentially associated with Al resistance and tolerance in M. truncatula including organic acid transport- ers, cell wall loosening enzymes, Ca 2+ homeostasis main- taining genes, and Al-binding were also identiWed. In addition, expression analysis of nine genes in the mature regions of the root revealed that Al-induced gene expres- sion in these regions may play a role in Al tolerance. Finally, interfering RNA-induced silencing of two Al- induced genes, pectin acetylesterase and annexin, in A17 hairy roots slightly increased the sensitivity of A17 to Al suggesting that these genes may play a role in Al resistance.
Thermodynamics and kinetics of sulfide oxidation by oxygen: a look at inorganically controlled reactions and biologically mediated processes in the environment.

The thermodynamics for the first electron transfer step for sulfide and oxygen indicates that the reaction is unfavorable as unstable superoxide and bisulfide radical ions would need to be produced. However, a two electron transfer is favorable as stable S(0) and peroxide would be formed, but the partially filled orbitals in oxygen that accept electrons prevent rapid kinetics. Abiotic sulfide oxidation kinetics improve when reduced iron and/or manganese are oxidized by oxygen to form oxidized metals which in turn oxidize sulfide. Biological sulfur oxidation relies on enzymes that have evolved to overcome these kinetic constraints to affect rapid sulfide oxidation. Here we review the available thermodynamic and kinetic data for H2S and HS• as well as O2, reactive oxygen species, nitrate, nitrite and NOx species. We also present new kinetic data for abiotic sulfide oxidation with oxygen in trace metal clean solutions that constrain abiotic rates of sulfide oxidation in metal free solution and agree with the kinetic and thermodynamic calculations. Moreover, we present experimental data that give insight on rates of chemolithotrophic and photolithotrophic sulfide oxidation in the environment. We demonstrate that both anaerobic photolithotrophic and aerobic chemolithotrophic sulfide oxidation rates are three or more orders of magnitude higher than abiotic rates suggesting that in most environments biotic sulfide oxidation rates will far exceed abiotic rates due to the thermodynamic and kinetic constraints discussed in the first section of the paper. Such data reshape our thinking about the biotic and abiotic contributions to sulfide oxidation in the environment.
Feline Oral Neoplasia: A Ten-Year Survey

A retrospective histological study was conducted on 371 neoplasms of the oral cavity in cats. Oral neoplasia accounted for 10% of feline neoplasms identified during the survey period. Eighty-nine percent of the oral neoplasms were malignant. Twenty different oral neoplasms were found. The most common were squamous cell carcinoma (61.2%), fibrosarcoma (12.9%), and fibromatous epulis of periodontal ligament origin (7.8%).
Coronal Fractures of the Distal Femoral Condyle: A Biomechanical Evaluation of Four Internal Fixation Constructs

This study evaluated different fixation methods in posterior femoral condyle coronal fractures. A standardised osteotomy was created in synthetic composite femurs and fixed with one of four methods (one 3.5 mm diameter screw, two 3.5 mm screws, one 6.5 mm screw, two 6.5 mm screws). The stiffness and mean loads to specified displacements were measured. The stiffness of two 6.5 mm screws was significantly greater than both single 3.5 mm screw (3567 versus 2584N/mm; p=0.0075) and double 3.5 mm screws (3567 versus 2080N/mm; p=0.003). There was no statistical difference in the stiffness of one 6.5 mm screw compared to either the single or double 3.5mm screws. Increasing the screw diameter and using two screws increased the load at 1, 2 and 3 mm of displacement. In the fixation of posterior femoral condyle fractures, two 6.5 mm screws are more rigid than either single or double 3.5 mm screws. The use of a second screw marginally increases the rigidity of fixation. If 3.5 mm screws are used in the fixation of posterior femoral condyle fractures, at least two screws should be used to approximate the biomechanical stability of a single 6.5 mm screw.
Dynamically accumulated dose and 4D accumulated dose for moving tumors.

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to investigate the relationship between dynamically accumulated dose (dynamic dose) and 4D accumulated dose (4D dose) for irradiation of moving tumors, and to quantify the dose uncertainty induced by tumor motion. Methods: The authors established that regardless of treatment modality and delivery properties, the dynamic dose will converge to the 4D dose, instead of the 3D static dose, after multiple deliveries. The bounds of dynamic dose, or the maximum estimation error using 4D or static dose, were established for the 4D and static doses, respectively. Numerical simulations were performed (1) to prove the principle that for each phase, after multiple deliveries, the average number of deliveries for any given time converges to the total number of fractions (K) over the number of phases (N); (2) to investigate the dose difference between the 4D and dynamic doses as a function of the number of deliveries for deliveries of a “pulsed beam”; and (3) to investigate the dose difference between 4D dose and dynamic doses as a function of delivery time for deliveries of a “continuous beam.” A Poisson model was developed to estimate the mean dose error as a function of number of deliveries or delivered time for both pulsed beam and continuous beam. Results: The numerical simulations confirmed that the number of deliveries for each phase converges to K/N, assuming a random starting phase. Simulations for the pulsed beam and continuous beam also suggested that the dose error is a strong function of the number of deliveries and/or total deliver time and could be a function of the breathing cycle, depending on the mode of delivery. The Poisson model agrees well with the simulation. Conclusions: Dynamically accumulated dose will converge to the 4D accumulated dose after multiple deliveries, regardless of treatment modality. Bounds of the dynamic dose could be determined using quantities derived from 4D doses, and the mean dose difference between the dynamic dose and 4D dose as a function of number of deliveries and/or total deliver time was also established.
Training Residents' Rights Case Advocates in Effective Situational Conflict Skills

Abstract Despite work that is inherently conflictual, very little dispute resolution training is provided to the paid and volunteer ombudsmen who investigate complaints in America's elder care facilities. This article explains how the special conflict dynamics of long-term care support the implementation of a two-phased knowledge- and skills-based training program designed to develop skills in situational conflict. The benefits of situational conflict training are explored in the context of the long-term care system's highly regulated, yet fundamentally unbalanced power structure which promotes inequity and issue rigidity, undermining the advocate's use of collaborative Strategies in favor of adversarial tactics.
Adverse events after smallpox immunizations are associated with alterations in systemic cytokine levels.

The immunization of healthy adults with vaccinia virus (VV) induces a protective response against smallpox in most individuals but is also reactogenic in a significant number of vaccinees. The immunological mechanisms underlying the protective response or adverse events in humans are not well defined. Although cytokines contribute to antiviral immunity and, in some cases, cause systemic adverse effects, their role in the human response to VV is unknown. We investigated the effect of smallpox immunization on systemic cytokine concentrations in a cohort of VV-naive individuals. We found that smallpox immunization induces an interferon (IFN)-γ-dominant response in the systemic compartment 1 week after immunization, with concentrations returning to baseline during convalescence. The level of IFN-γ induced was not affected by the dilution of vaccine used. We also found that particular adverse events correlated with systemic cytokine patterns, which suggests a role for these molecules in the pathogenesis of adverse events.
THE IMPACT OF PARTIAL CRYSTALLIZATION ON THE PERMEATION PROPERTIES BULK AMORPHOUS GLASS HYDROGEN SEPARATION MEMBRANES

It is recognized that hydrogen separation membranes are a key component of the emerging hydrogen economy. A potentially exciting material for membrane separations are bulk metallic glass materials due to their low cost, high elastic toughness and resistance to hydrogen 'embrittlement' as compared to crystalline Pd-based membrane systems. However, at elevated temperatures and extended operation times structural changes including partial crystallinity may appear in these amorphous metallic systems. A systematic evaluation of the impact of partial crystallinity/devitrification on the diffusion and solubility behavior in multi-component Metallic Glass materials would provide great insight into the potential of these materials for hydrogen applications. This study will report on the development of time and temperature crystallization mapping and their use for interpretation of 'in-situ' hydrogen permeation at elevated temperatures.
Is There A Post Listing Anomaly For IPOs Overseas Listing

Both the IPO literature and cross listing literature document that soon after the overseas listing of IPOs, the results are negative abnormal returns, and that phenomenon are “ post listing anomaly”. This paper checks whether there is a post listing anomaly and tries to find reasons for it. The paper concludes that the post listing anomaly does not exist. Further, some companies time the market while others do not when they consider listing their IPOs overseas.
The Rock Island Line Bill Marvell. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2013.

The Rock Island Line Bill Marvell. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2013.A newspaper journalist and freelance writer for almost fifty years, Marvel has written the story of the legendary railroad, the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad Company, whose tracks spanned the Midwest, serving farms and small-town America for almost 140 years. The Rock Island, which was one of the earliest railroads to build westward from Chicago, started in 1847 and was the first to span the Mississippi, advancing the frontier, bringing settlers to the West, and hauling their crops to market. By 1854, the line connected the Mississippi River to Chicago and then with the East Coast. By 1856, the line crossed the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi, connecting farms in Iowa and beyond to Chicago. When it finally succumbed in the early 1980s, the result was one of the biggest business bankruptcies ever, one of the longest and most complicated in US railroad history.Part of the "Railroads Past and Present" Series, The Rock Island Line is a labor of love for the author and his enthusiasm for his subject shines through in the lavishness of the photographs he has selected. The book will appeal to both the train enthusiast and to pop culture fans. It is quite readable, with six chapters and an epilogue. The well-captioned photographs tell their own story although they also supplement the text.Chapter One, "The Bridge," is one of the most interesting as it details the beginnings of the Rock Island Line, the problems of the early railroads as they replaced the much slower steamboats in transporting goods and passengers, and contains a sidebar about Abraham Lincoln (22). In May 1856, the steamboat Effie Afton, which usually plied the New OrleansLouisville run, rammed a bridge, then suddenly burst into flames. The railroad's case was argued by Abraham Lincoln who stated that not only was the steamboat at fault in striking the bridge but that bridges across navigable rivers were to the advantage of the country. The case went one way and then another in successive courts, but in 1866 the US Supreme Court held for the railroad.Another informative chapter, "The Road to Ruin" (Six), emphasizes the problems the Rock Island Line and other trains encountered in the late 1950s as the prosperity that had returned with World War Two largely dissipated. Jet airliners, which were replacing trains in popularity as a faster form of passenger travel, soon competed with a growing interstate highway system while freight moved in trucks and on barges. …
Treatment Of Atopic Dermatitis With Antihistamines: Lessons From A Single-Patient, Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Single-patient randomized clinical trials (RCTs) can be utilized to maintain methodologic precision in the analysis of treatment effect in individual patients. We describe the results of a single-patient RCT in a patient with atopic dermatitis and review practical considerations regarding the use of antihistamines. Methods: Using double-blind, crossover techniques, the patient was randomly allocated to four 2-week treatment periods with the following regimens: chlorpheniramine, 8 mg twice daily; chlorpheniramine, 12 mg twice daily; terfenadine, 120 mg twice daily; and placebo (phase 1). The drug that produced superior results from phase 1 (chlorpheniramine, 8 mg) was subsequently compared with astemizole, 10 mg/d, during phase 2, consisting of four 4-week, double-blind, crossover trial periods with random allocation of study drugs. Daily symptom scores, as well as end of treatment period summary impressions by patient and investigator, were analyzed. Results: In both phases, chlorpheniramine produced the most noticeable positive therapeutic effect on the patient’s mild but most disturbing symptoms (pruritus and eye irritation) associated with atopic dermatitis. Drowsiness was reported with chlorpheniramine. Tolerance to this side effect, however, developed quickly. Conclusions: A single-patient RCT with different antihistamines in a patient with chronic atopic dermatitis was a useful tool in achieving a favorable balance among efficacy, toxicity, and cost of therapy.
“A Still-Life Watercolor”: Frye v. United States

A review is made of documentary material in Frye v. Unites States, the case that set the precedent for the Frye test for the admissibility of scientific evidence. The author concludes that the facts of the original case have become seriously distorted with the passage of time.
Carbon Control of Injection Molded Body of Structural Alloy Steel Powder

Control of carbon content in sintering process was studied in order to get the efficiency and the utility in the the metal injection molding process of structural alloy steel.After debinding the injection molded bodies of chromium molybdenum steel(SCM440) powder, the carbon content of the specimens was controlled by flowing hydrogen or hydrogenmethane mixture in the sintering process where the flow rate of gasses was regulated by mass flow and program controllers.As a result, the carbon content of the sintered bodies was almost proportional to the ratio of methane to hydrogen gas in the carburization at 1000°C, and the carbon distribution in the sintered bodies could be also controlled by adequate selection of conditions(time, flowing rate etc.)of flowing methane.
Potential of Ice-Nucleating Active Bacteria for Management of the Red Imported Fire Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Overwintering strategies are important in the survival of insects, and one such strategy involves the regulation of temperatures at which they freeze. Although all insects exhibit some degree of cold tolerance, they can generally be classified as either freeze tolerant or intolerant. Many freeze-intolerant insects seasonally depress their supercooling points, thereby increasing their cold-hardiness in preparation for winter. This study was conducted to assess the influence of cold acclimation on the supercooling ability of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren. Colonies were consecutively exposed for 7 d each to decreasing temperatures of 10, 5, and 0°C. At the end of each 7-d interval, a thermocouple probe was used to determine whole body supercooling points of randomly selected worker ants from each colony. Analysis of variance indicated a significant difference among supercooling points and acclimation temperatures. In the 1970s, ice-nucleating active bacteria, a new category of biological ice-nucleators, were discovered among other epiphytic bacteria living on the surface of plants. These ice-nucleating bacteria have the capacity to catalyze ice formation at −1 to −2°C. We investigated the effects of topical mist application of the ice-nucleating active bacteria Pseudomonas syringae on the freezing point of minor and media worker ants. Treatment with P. syringae increased the temperature at which the red imported fire ant froze, thus decreasing its supercooling ability.
Will the real objects of politics please stand up

Adrian IvakhivBruno Latour: Reassembling the Political continues Graham Harman’s project, begun with Prince of Networks (2009), to present anthropologist of science Latour as an important philosoph...
Voice perturbations of children with perceived nasality and hoarseness.

Cycle-to—cycle variations in voice fundamental frequency (jitter) and amplitude (shimmer) were derived by electroglottography for 10 children with velo-pharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). Jitter was found to be positively correlated with ratings of perceived nasality, whereas shimmer was found to be positively correlated with ratings of perceived hoarseness. Theoretic implications for a regulatory model of speech aerodynamics are discussed. Additionally, clinical applications, in terms of using electroglottography as a supplemental assessment procedure, are suggested. Marks et al, 1971; D'Antonio et al, 1988). Vocal problems such as hoarseness (both with and without vocal cord pathology), breathiness, reduced loudness, deviant pitch, restricted pitch range, and tense-strained vocal quality have been observed. D'Antonio et al (1988) reported that 41 percent of a group of individuals with velopharyngeal insufficiency exhibited " laryngeal abnormalities " and/or abnormal vocal quality. Their sample (n=85) consisted of 42 individuals with cleft palate (49 percent), 10 with submucous cleft palate (12 percent), and 33 without clefts (39 percent). The prevalence of voice disorders was not significantly different between individuals with clefts and those without clefts. D'Antonio et al (1988) did note a significant relationship between the presence of vocal findings and increased sub-glottal pressure, although a cause-and-effect relationship was not established. McWilliams et a1 (1969) reported that bilateral vocal cord nodules occurred in 72 percent of a group of 32 children with both cleft palate and chronic hoarseness. The majority of these children were found to have " borderline " velopha-ryngeal competence. McWilliams et a1 (1969) suggested that the children may have had laryngeal compensations other than glottal stops that contributed to the development of their vocal pathology. McWilliams et al (
Marshfield Clinic, physician networks, and the exercise of monopoly power.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Antitrust enforcement can improve the performance of large, vertically integrated physician-hospital organizations (PHOs). Objective: To examine the recent court decisions in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield United of Wisconsin v. Marshfield Clinic antitrust case to understand better the benefits and costs of vertical integration in healthcare. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: Vertical integration in the Marshfield Clinic may have had the benefits of reducing transactions and uncertainty costs while improving the coordination between ambulatory and inpatient visits, but at the cost of Marshfield Clinic's monopolizing of physician services and foreclosing of HMO entry in northwest Wisconsin. The denial of hospital staff privileges to non-Marshfield Clinic physicians combined with certificate-of-need regulations impeded physician entry and solidified Marshfield Clinic's monopoly position. Enforcement efforts of recent antitrust guidelines by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission will need to address carefully the benefits and costs of vertically integrated systems.
Hemorrhagic Cystitis Requiring Bladder Irrigation is Associated with Poor Mortality in Hospitalized Stem Cell Transplant Patients

Purpose: To evaluate the overall prognosis of post-stem cell transplant inpatients who required continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) for hematuria. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of adult stem cell transplant recipients who received CBI for de novo hemorrhagic cystitis as inpatients on the bone marrow transplant service at Washington University from 2011-2013. Patients who had a history of genitourinary malignancy and/or recent surgical urologic intervention were excluded. Multiple variables were examined for association with death. Results: Thirty-three patients met our inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 48 years (23-65). Common malignancies included acute myelogenous leukemia (17/33, 57%), acute lymphocytic leukemia (3/33, 10%), and peripheral T cell lymphoma (3/33, 10%). Median time from stem cell transplant to need for CBI was 2.5 months (0 days-6.6 years). All patients had previously undergone chemotherapy (33/33, 100%) and 14 had undergone prior radiation therapy (14/33, 42%). Twenty-eight patients had an infectious disease (28/33, 85%), most commonly BK viremia (19/33, 58%), cytomegalovirus viremia (17/33, 51%), and bacterial urinary tract infection (8/33, 24%). Twenty-two patients expired during the same admission as CBI treatment (22/33 or 67% of total patients, 22/28 or 79% of deaths), with a 30-day mortality of 52% and a 90-day mortality of 73% from the start of CBI. Conclusions: Hemorrhagic cystitis requiring CBI is a symptom of severe systemic disease in stem cell transplant patients. The need for CBI administration may be a marker for mortality risk from a variety of systemic insults, rather than directly attributable to the hematuria.
ELDERCARE AND THE WORKPLACE: SHORT‐TERM TRAINING PREFERENCES OF EMPLOYEES.

A survey was conducted to assess employee interest in and need for eldercare training. A significant number of caregivers (74) and non‐caregivers (175) indicated interest and identified topic preferences which provided a basis for informational program development. The non‐caregiver response suggests that workplace programs may provide opportunities for anticipatory socialization experiences for the caregiving role. Information programs support offers employers an easily administered, low cost option for addressing the caregiver of their employees, and may stimulate employee demand for support beyond informational programs.
Examining the Reasons and Relationships Between Why Youth Join, Stay in, and Leave 4-H

While the Minnesota 4-H Club program has grown over 29% in the last six years, annually over 25% of youth do not re-enroll. The Minnesota 4-H Retention Study asked youth who left the program why they decided to join, stay and ultimately leave 4-H. Data from 220 youth were examined to better understand the reasons for and relationship between youth joining and staying in 4-H and their reasons for leaving 4-H. Youth joined 4-H because they wanted to have fun, try new things, and participate in projects and fairs. Top reasons they stayed in 4-H were they liked being with other kids, had fun, and learned new things. Primary reasons youth left were they lost interest in 4-H or became involved in other activities. Examining the relationships revealed that paying particular attention to youth experiences in project learning and teaching, relationships with adults, and youth having fun will increase retention.
Implications of the FMR1 Premutation for Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Their Families.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Given the nature of FMR1 gene expansions, most biological mothers, and often multiple other family members of children with fragile X syndrome (FXS), will have a premutation, which may increase individual and family vulnerabilities. This article summarizes important gaps in knowledge and notes potential implications for pediatric providers with regard to developmental and medical risks for children and adolescents with an FMR1 premutation, including possible implications into adulthood. METHODS: A structured electronic literature search was conducted on FMR1 pre- and full mutations, yielding a total of 306 articles examined. Of these, 116 focused primarily on the premutation and are included in this review. RESULTS: Based on the literature review, 5 topic areas are discussed: genetics and epidemiology; phenotypic characteristics of individuals with the premutation; implications for carrier parents of children with FXS; implications for the extended family; and implications for pediatricians. CONCLUSIONS: Although the premutation phenotype is typically less severe in clinical presentation than in FXS, premutation carriers are much more common and are therefore more likely to be seen in a typical pediatric practice. In addition, there is a wide range of medical, cognitive/developmental, and psychiatric associated features that individuals with a premutation are at increased risk for having, which underscores the importance of awareness on the part of pediatricians in identifying and monitoring premutation carriers and recognizing the impact this identification may have on family members.
Tuning static and dynamic properties of FeGa/NiFe heterostructures

In this work, the frequency-dependent magnetic properties of sputtered Galfenol/Permalloy (Fe85Ga15/Ni81Fe19 or FeGa/NiFe) magnetic multilayers were examined to tailor their magnetic softness, loss at microwave frequencies, permeability, and magnetoelasticity, leveraging the magnetic softness and low loss of NiFe and the high saturation magnetostriction (λs) and magnetization (MS) of FeGa. The total volume of each material and their ratio were kept constant, and the number of alternating layers was increased (with decreasing individual layer thickness) to assess the role of increasing interfaces in these magnetic heterostructures. A systematic change was observed as the number of bilayers or interfaces increases: a seven-bilayer structure results in an 88% reduction in coercivity and a 55% reduction in ferromagnetic resonance linewidth at the X-band compared to a single phase FeGa film, while maintaining a high relative permeability of 700. The magnetostriction was slightly reduced by the addition of NiFe...
Laparoscopic colectomy reduces complications and hospital length of stay in colon cancer patients with liver disease and ascites.

Ascites increases perioperative complications and risk of death, but is not an absolute contraindication for colectomy in patients with colon cancer. It remains unclear whether postoperative risks can be minimized using a laparoscopic versus open approach. Data were retrospectively analyzed from 2152 patients with ascites who underwent laparoscopic or open partial colectomy with diagnosis of colon cancer from 2005 to 2013 using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Postoperative outcomes were analyzed using two-sample tests of proportions and two-sample T tests. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) or β coefficients for postoperative complications, hospital length of stay, and 30-day mortality were calculated using multivariable logistic or linear regression. P values <0.05 two-tailed were considered statistically significant. 205 patients (9.53%) with ascites underwent laparoscopic colectomy (LC). There was no significant difference in operative time between laparoscopic versus open surgery (145 vs. 146 min, P = 0.69). LC was associated with decreased likelihood of overall complications (adjusted OR 0.7 95% CI 0.4–1.0, P = 0.046) and shorter hospital length of stay (9 days vs. 15 days, adjusted β = −4.2, 95% CI −7.7 to −0.7, P = 0.018). There was no difference in 30-day mortality (adjusted OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.50–1.35, P = 0.429). Laparoscopic colectomy decreases postoperative complications and hospital length of stay in patients with colon cancer and ascites. Laparoscopic approach should be considered for patients in this high-risk population.