cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Macrophage Plasticity in Skin Fibrosis

Macrophages are highly plastic cells of myeloid origin which are causative for several diseases. In the past two decades, macrophages have been studied for their involvement in various forms of skin fibrosis. This includes hypertrophic scarring following burn, radiation and trauma injuries, rare diseases such as scleroderma, and the foreign body response evoked in response to subcutaneously implanted biomaterials. The extent of fibrosis can be correlated with alterations in macrophage number and a deviation in their spatial and temporal function. However, identifying the predominant macrophage function at a given time and determining aberrations have been difficult due to the numerous characteristics acquired by these unique cells, also referred to as macrophage heterogeneity. These functions include but are not limited to phagocytosis, production of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines, deposition of extracellular matrix, lysis of extracellular matrix, production of regenerative cytokines, blood vessel fusion, and macrophage self-fusion to form multinucleated giant cells. By performing these functions, macrophages exert influences on other stromal cells such as fibroblasts and endothelial cells and immune cells such as T-lymphocytes and the ECM itself. Some of the influences are desirable and necessary for healing, which implies that depletion of macrophages cannot be a simple solution to preventing fibrosis. Here, we will address changing macrophage phenotypes in skin fibrosis and the influence that macrophage ontogeny, epigenetic factors, and the microenvironment exert on these phenotypes. A more thorough understanding will aid in the discovery of unique biomarkers for fibrosis and in the development of targeted therapies.
Game of Thrones: The Qatar Crisis and Forced Expulsions on the Arabian Peninsula

In an extraordinary move, reflecting the Arabian Peninsula’s worst diplomatic dispute in decades, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Egypt have expelled Qatari nationals and imposed an air and sea blockade against Qatar because of its alleged support of terrorist organizations. In June 2018, Qatar filed suit against the UAE at the International Court of Justice, alleging discrimination in violation the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. This Article explores the problem of forced expulsion and the utility of formal judicial redress at the level of the ICJ. Borrowing from the frame analysis of Erving Goffman, this clash portrays the dispute in terms of ceremonial performance (dramaturgy) that better suggests its removal to softer, more discursive forums for dispute settlement, such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Although already described as a major victim of this dispute, the GCC may better preserve the dynamics of purposeful negotiation involving a situation that bears resemblance to a family feud as much as a clash of state interests. This dispute highlights the expanding problem of nationality, migration, and human rights in an age of terror, and the limits but need of informal international legal means to best frame meaningful solutions to an expanding problem.
Determination of Vitamin D and Its Metabolites in Human Brain Using an Ultra-Pressure LC-Tandem Mass Spectra Method.

Background Low serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] concentrations have been associated with cognitive impairment. However, it is unclear if serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations are a valid indicator of the concentrations of vitamin D and its metabolites in human brain. Objectives The aim of this study was to develop and validate a method to quantify vitamin D3, 25(OH)D3, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] in human brain. Methods The assay developments were performed using porcine brains. Liquid extraction was used in homogenized samples (∼0.1 g each) prior to analysis by LC-MS/MS with electrospray ionization following derivatization with 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione. This method was then applied to the determination of vitamin D and its metabolites in a whole human brain obtained from the National Development and Research Institutes. Results The method showed good linearity of vitamin D3, 25(OH)D3, and 1,25(OH)2D3 over the physiological range (R 2 = 0.9995, 0.9968, and 0.9970, respectively). The lowest detection limit for vitamin D3, 25(OH)D3, and 1,25(OH)2D3 in porcine brain was 25, 50 and 25 pg/g, respectively. The method was successfully applied to the determination of vitamin D3 and its metabolites in the prefrontal cortex, middle frontal cortex, middle temporal cortex, cerebellum, corpus callosum, medulla, and pons of a human brain. All analyzed human brain regions contained 25(OH)D3, with corpus callosum containing 334 pg/g compared with 158 pg/g in cerebellum. 1,25(OH)2D3 was only detected in prefrontal and middle frontal cortices at a very low level. No vitamin D3 was detected in any examined areas of this single human brain. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report of the measurement of concentrations of vitamin D metabolites in human brain. This validated method can be applied to postmortem studies to obtain accurate information about the presence and role of vitamin D and its metabolites in human brain and neurodegenerative diseases.
P94 A Proof-of-Concept Randomized Controlled Trial Using NOVA to Supplement MyPlate Concepts

Background The US Dietary Guidelines (USDG) and MyPlate do not reflect the reality of the modern food environment, which is replete with unhealthy ultra-processed food products. These products represent 60% of the calories consumed by Americans, but they are also difficult to categorize using conventional “food group” (i.e. nutrient-based) frameworks. The NOVA food classification system categorizes foods based on level of processing, but its utility in nutrition education has not been widely tested. Objective To assess the impact of a proof-of-concept nutrition education intervention on nutrition knowledge. Study Design, Settings, Participants Two hundred and fifty three university students were invited to participate in this randomized, controlled trial with three arms: MyPlate intervention, combined MyPlate + NOVA intervention, and control group. Intervention groups received one educational flyer via email. Electronic baseline and follow-up surveys assessed nutrition knowledge of 25 common foods. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Outcomes of interest were correct classification of: MyPlate food groups, MyPlate sugar, salt, and fat ‘limit’ status, and NOVA food category. Paired t-test compared pre and post intervention differences and simple linear regression was used to calculate percent change in intervention groups compared to control. Results Data were available for 174 participants (69%). The MyPlate intervention group improved only for the MyPlate limit status question, 3.6%-point increase (95% CI 0.6, 6.7). The MyPlate+NOVA group improved significantly across all three questions, with increases of 4.0 (95% CI 1.0, 7.0), 6.0 (95% CI 3.2, 9.0), and 11.1% points (95% CI 6.8, 15.3) for the three survey questions, respectively. Performance in the control group was mixed. Conclusion This study employed a simple “low-dose” intervention to explore the impact of a novel intervention and generate new hypotheses. Our results suggest that NOVA principles may be more easily understood and applied than those of MyPlate. Education strategies focusing on level of food processing may be more effective in the context of the modern food environment compared to the conventional “food group” approach. Funding None.
Congenital Cardiothoracic Surgeons and Palliative Care: A National Survey Study.

Background:The majority of children with advanced heart disease in the inpatient setting die in an intensive care unit under 1 year of age following multiple interventions. While pediatric cardiolo...
Chapter 18 – Molecular Genetic Testing and the Future of Clinical Genomics1

Central to the precision medicine trend is the ability to test for genomic variation in a given patient and use the variation to offer diagnoses and precision treatment. In most cases, tests for variation involve clinical molecular genetic tests. Genetic tests for germline variation include tests for macro-scale molecular changes, such as cytogenetic differences, and micro-scale variation of differences at the nucleotide level. The recent shift to genome sequence analysis brings with it challenges for interpreting genetic variation, particularly rare differences, that all humans carry.
Duration of therapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer: Does it matter?

INTRODUCTION Evidence-based recommendations on duration of multiagent systemic therapy for LAPC are lacking. Herein, we assess the impact of duration of combination systemic therapy on survival of patients with LAPC. METHODS The National Cancer Database was interrogated to identify patients with untreated LAPC diagnosed from 2004 to 2014. Patients treated with ≥ 1 month of multiagent chemotherapy (MAC) and ≥ 6 months of follow-up were included. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated to examine OS of each MAC duration group. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine the association between OS with demographic and clinical variables. Statistical computations were performed using SAS Software Version 9.4. RESULTS Of the 3410 patients, 1114 met inclusion criteria. Median age was 64 years. Median treatment duration was 3.2 months (range 1-19.8). Median follow-up was 23.5 months (range 3-120). Median OS of all patients was 9.4 months (95% CI: 8.7-10.1). Median OS of patients receiving ≥ 1-4 months, >4-6 months and > 6 months of MAC was 8.4 months (95% CI: 7.7-9), 10.2 months (95% CI: 9-11.8), and 12.8 months (95% CI 11.6-16). Twelve-month survival was 37% for patients receiving ≥ 1-4 months, 43% for > 4-6 months, and 56% for > 6 months. Female sex (P = .02), higher median household income (P = .03), and longer duration of MAC (P < .001) were independently associated with improved OS following multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION This analysis in LAPC patients suggests that combination systemic therapy regimens of 6 months or more may optimize survival outcomes. Further investigation on the duration of systemic therapy question in LAPC is needed.
Protein expression profiling identifies differential modulation of homologous recombination by platinum-based antitumor agents

Oxaliplatin and satraplatin demonstrate activity against cisplatin-resistant tumor cells. Although the two platinum analogs are structurally-related, oxaliplatin is more active. Therefore, studies focusing on protein expression profiling were undertaken to identify the molecular mechanism for the difference in antitumor activity. We included cisplatin as reference and DAP as a Pt(IV)-prodrug of oxaliplatin to offset Pt(IV) status of satraplatin, and utilized A2780, cisplatin-resistant 2780CP/Cl-16, U2OS, and HCT-116 tumor cells in the investigation. Protein expressions following drug exposures were examined by reverse-phase protein array and ingenuity pathway analysis. Cell cycle was assessed by flow cytometry, cytotoxicity by growth inhibition assay, and homologous recombination (HR) by a GFP reporter assay. Clustering analysis paired oxaliplatin with DAP and, surprisingly, satraplatin with cisplatin. This correlated with differential upregulation of p53/p21 pathway, with S and G2/M arrests by cisplatin and satraplatin in contrast to G1 arrest by oxaliplatin and DAP. Moreover, Rad51 and BRCA1 were severely downregulated by oxaliplatin and DAP, but not cisplatin and satraplatin. As a result, HR was inhibited only by oxaliplatin and DAP and this also contributed to their greater drug activity over cisplatin and satraplatin. Oxaliplatin and DAP robustly activate p53 and p21, which downregulate HR proteins to enhance drug activity. More significantly, since oxaliplatin induces a BRCAness state, it may have potential against BRCA-proficient cancers. Satraplatin, on the other hand, resembled cisplatin in its protein expression profile, which indicates that small changes in chemical structure can substantially alter signal transduction pathways to modulate drug activity.
Symptomatic ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): Upstaging risk and predictors.

Abstract Purpose To estimate the upstaging risk of symptomatic ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive disease and to identify features related to upstaging risk. Materials and methods This retrospective investigation includes symptomatic women with DCIS at core needle biopsy from January 2007 to December 2016 at a large academic institution. Patient characteristics, findings at imaging, core needle biopsy histopathology results, and final surgical histopathology results were retrieved from the medical records. Using standard statistical tests, patient, imaging, and pathology features were compared between DCIS cases that were upstaged to invasive disease at surgery versus cases that were not upstaged. Results From 2007 to 2016, fewer than 5% (63/1399) of women diagnosed with DCIS presented with symptoms. Therefore, 63 women (mean age, 51; range, 27–88 years) comprised the study cohort. 84.1% (n = 53) presented with an area of clinical concern, and 15.9% (n = 10) presented with pathologic nipple discharge. The most common finding at mammography was calcifications with or without an associated asymmetry or mass (74.1%, 40/54). The upstaging rate of symptomatic DCIS to invasive disease was 34.9% (22/63). Imaging modality used for biopsy was associated with higher upstaging risk, with cases that were biopsied under MRI guidance accounting for 22.7% of upstaged cases versus 4.9% of non-upstaged cases (p = 0.03). Conclusions Women with DCIS uncommonly present with symptoms, and the upstaging rate of symptomatic DCIS is high at nearly 35%. Biopsy modality type of MRI is associated with higher upstaging risk.
360° Switched Beam SIW Horn Arrays at 60 GHz, Phase Centers, and Friis Equation

The link model of switched beam horn arrays at 60 GHz based on the substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology with 360° angular coverage is presented. Each array has eight identical printed horn elements. The elements are oriented 45° relative to one another and can be individually excited to produce eight endfire beams in the horizontal plane. The over-the-air (OTA) transmission coefficients are measured and simulated between two arrays, in the line-of-sight (LoS) and non-LoS (NLoS) directions. The phase centers (PCs) of the excited elements are determined from post-processing optimization of simulated far-fields and incorporated in the Friis equation to accurately model the transmission.
Correlates of COVID-19 vaccination status among college students

Objectives. Despite the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States, vaccine hesitancy remains high among certain groups. This study examined the correlates of being unvaccinated among a sample of university students (N=2900) during the spring and summer of 2021, when the campus had been closed for over a year and students were preparing to return to in-person learning. Methods. Students responded to an email invitation and completed electronic surveys. Results. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, students were more likely to be unvaccinated if they were African American, identified with any political affiliation other than Democrat, were undergraduates or international students, had not traveled outside the Los Angeles during the pandemic, and/or had previously been ill with COVID-19. Conclusion. Findings indicate that culturally resonant educational interventions, and possibly vaccine requirements, are needed to promote vaccination among university students.
Redundant arrays of independent libraries (RAIL): a tertiary storage system

Increased computer networking has sparked a resurgence of the "on-line" revolution of the 1970's, making ever larger amounts of data available on a world wide basis and placing greater demands on the performance and availability of tertiary storage systems. In this paper, we argue for a new approach to tertiary storage system architecture that is obtained by coupling multiple small and inexpensive "building block" libraries (or jukeboxes) together to create larger tertiary storage systems. We call the resulting system a RAIL (Redundant Arrays of Independent Libraries) and show that it has performance and availability characteristics superior to conventional tertiary storage systems, for almost the same dollar/megabyte cost.
Comparing attitudinal and situational measures of self-control among felony offenders.

Background Hirschi recently revised the measurement of self-control to include the number and salience of costs an individual considers in an offending situation. Evidence is mixed on its predictive utility relative to other self-control measures but suffers from different studies operationalising the measure in different ways and mostly examining it with non-offenders. Aims This study aimed to investigate Hirschi's reconceptualisation of self-control. Our research question was whether the number and salience of Hirschi's ‘costs’ are independently related to offending. Methods Data on self-perceptions of likelihood of driving while drunk and various self-control and social control measures were collected by researchers during an orientation class for convicted offenders newly received into correctional facilities – one for men and one for women – during January to May 2011. Results Eight hundred and nineteen men and 194 women completed the ratings. Both attitudinal and situational self-control measures were independently associated with self-rated likelihood of driving while drunk. These findings were confined to the male offenders. Conclusions Findings revealed mixed support for Hirschi's conceptualisation of self-control and its relevance. Situational and attitudinal measures of self-control share some common ground but relate differently to offending according to gender. Further research is needed to find out if these results are generalisable to other crime types and whether race/ethnicity could modify the findings. Even among convicted offenders whose crimes are serious and/or frequent enough to result in imprisonment, high self-control may inhibit offending. This has implications for intervention programmes. This is the first study to compare attitudinal and self-control measures in relation to offending among a sample of incarcerated offenders and across gender. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth and productivity in Brazilian industries

Abstract The text explores the relationship between total factor productivity (TFP) change, output growth and variables related to trade orientation. The results for the Brazilian manufacturing industries indicate that TFP change is positively associated with output growth, the relationship being stronger for the slow-growth period 1980–1985 than for the high-growth quinquennium 1975–1980. In the former period TFP change accounts for nearly all of output change. A multisectoral demand-side decomposition model highlights the role of trade-related variables in accounting for a sizeable proportion of output change. An additional preliminary result is the finding of positive impacts of trade orientation on the pattern of TFP change across industries.
The inducible cAMP early repressor ICERIIγ inhibits CREB and AP-1 transcription but not AT1 receptor gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells

Growth factors and agonists of both Gαs and Gαq-coupled receptor agonists each down regulate angiotensin AT1, receptor gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells. To test whether the transcription factor CREB is in the pathway involved in modulation of AT1-receptor gene expression, AT1 receptor mRNA levels were measured after stimulation with forskolin, angiotensin II and PDGF-BB in VSMC expressing the inducible cAMP early repressor protein, ICERIIγ, fused to the green fluorescent protein (eGFP). This fusion protein inhibits luciferase induction from promoters driven by either CREB response elements (CRE) or, unexpectedly, by tetradecanoylphorbol acetate response elements (TRE), which bind activator protein (AP-1). EGFPICERIIγ expression inhibits occupancy of CRE and TRE elements by endogenous VSMC nuclear proteins. Nevertheless, agonistinduced AT1-receptor mRNA down regulation is unaffected by eGFP-ICERIIγ expression. Although CREB transcription is activated by multiple classes of agonists in VSMC, and ICER can inhibit agonist-induced transcription mediated by both CREB and AP-1 enhancers, these transcription factors are not obligate components of the pathways regulating AT1-R gene expression in rat VSMC. (Mol Cell Biochem 212: 111–119, 2000)
Women and the invention of well child care.

Few rituals better capture the preventive ethos of pediatrics than does the well child examination. In the United States, 25 to 50% of all general pediatric office visits involve the supervision of routine health care. Yet the same cannot be said for many European countries. In Britain, pediatricians function primarily as hospital-based specialists, with general practitioners and public health nurses providing most preventive care and immunizations. Indeed, an American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) study of several European countries and Canada in 1990 noted that only a minority of the nations surveyed relied principally on pediatricians for primary care. In the European paradigm, preventive and therapeutic services are frequently administered in separate spheres.
Clinical Management of Children with Cochlear Implants

Clinical Management of Children with Cochlear Implants by Laurie Eisenberg is an excellent and much-needed addition in the area of pediatric cochlear implantation. I recommend it for speech-patholo...
The Survival of Social Work Units in Host Organizations

Scant attention has been given to theories and research on strategies that can be used to increase the power of social work units in educational, industrial, hospital, public welfare, and other settings that are dominated by other professions. In this article, a variety of strategy options are discussed that offer promise, singly and in in tandem, for increasing the funding and broadening the services of these units.
c-Src mediates mitogenic signals and associates with cytoskeletal proteins upon vascular endothelial growth factor stimulation in Kaposi's sarcoma cells.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) appears to be a critical cytokine modulating the growth and spread of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS). Furthermore, infection with the KS herpes virus results in up-regulation of VEGF and triggering of VEGF receptor activation. The molecular mechanisms regulating such cytokine-driven proliferation of KS cells are not well characterized. We investigated the role of Src-related tyrosine kinases in VEGF-mediated signaling in model KS 38 tumor cells. VEGF stimulation specifically activated c-Src kinase activity but not that of other related Src kinases such as Lyn, Fyn, or Hck in KS cells. Pyrazolopyrimidine, a selective inhibitor of Src family tyrosine kinases, significantly blocked the VEGF-induced growth of KS cells. Further studies using mutants of c-Src kinase revealed that Src mediates mitogen-activated protein kinase activation induced by VEGF. We also observed that VEGF stimulation resulted in increased tyrosine phosphorylation of the focal adhesion components paxillin and p130cas. Furthermore, VEGF induction enhanced the complex formation between Src kinase and paxillin. Src kinase appears to play an important functional role in VEGF-induced signaling in KS cells and may act to link pathways from the VEGF receptor to mitogen-activated protein kinase and cytoskeletal components, thereby effecting tumor proliferation and migration.
A Classification Scheme for Assessing Recanalization and Collateral Formation following Cerebral Venous Thrombosis.

There has been substantial emphasis placed on categorizing recanalization and collateral formation in patients with acute arterial occlusion resulting in ischemic stroke. Such methods of semi-quantitatively classifying the severity of arterial occlusion for prognostic purposes and assessing the response to treatment have become an integral part of clinical studies. However, no such method exists for classifying either recanalization or collateral formation in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis. A method with two components is described that can be used to classify recanalization and collateral formation in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis using serial magnetic resonance (MR) or computed tomographic (CT) venography or catheter based angiography with venous phase imaging. The recanalization is classified as follows (see Figure): grade I, partial recanalization of one or more occluded dural sinus with improved collateral flow; grade II, complete recanalization of one sinus but persistent occlusion of the other sinuses [A-no residual flow, B-non occlusive flow]; and grade III, complete recanalization. The collateral formation is classified as follows: grade I, collaterals-bypass occluded segment of dural venous sinus but connect within the same sinus; grade II, collaterals bypass occluded segment but connect with a different sinus; and grade III, collaterals bypass the occluded segment and connect with different circulation. The classification recognizes the superficial and deep venous circulation as distinct pathways with different prognostic implications that can be linked through collateral pathways. Further studies are required to assess the inter-observer reliability of the proposed classification and assess the ease of use in clinical studies and practice. Identification of patterns of recanalization and/or collateral formation associated with minimal residual deficits may assist in selecting patients with cerebral venous thrombosis who can benefit from early trans-venous thrombolysis.
Performance of five 30 GHz satellite receivers

Five 30-GHz satellite receivers of various design have been developed for future satellite communication systems. The authors present and discuss the results of tests performed to determine the operating characteristics of the receivers and their ability to perform in a digital satellite link. Two hybrid, one hybrid MIC (microwave integrated circuit) and two MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuit) receivers were tested. In general, digital satellite communication systems are required to provide a maximum bit error rate of 10/sup -6/. One MMIC receiver did not meet this criterion at the power levels tested; the others met this criterion with a maximum E/sub b//N/sub o/ degradation of 2.6 dB for an input power of -30 dBm. System performance degradation is observed when the receiver input power is reduced to the noise figure limit of the receiver. Thus, the receiver noise figure is a limiting factor in system performance. The three hybrid receivers performed well for input powers as low as -50 dBmm, whereas the MMIC receivers performed poorly relative to the hybrid receivers. >
Nucleotide sequence analysis of genes essential for capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis in Streptococcus pneumoniae type 19F.

Previous studies have shown that the capsular polysaccharide synthesis (cps) locus of the type 19F Streptococcus pneumoniae strain SSZ was closely linked to a copy of the insertion sequence IS1202 (J.K. Morona, A. Guidolin, R. Morona, D. Hansman, and J.C. Paton, J. Bacteriol. 176:4437-4443, 1994). In the present study, we used plasmid insertion and rescue and inverse PCR to clone 6,322 bp of flanking DNA upstream of IS1202. Sequence analysis indicated that this region contains six complete open reading frames (ORFs) and one partial ORF that are arranged as a single transcriptional unit. Chromosomal disruption of any of these ORFs in a smooth-type 19F strain leads to a rough (unencapsulated) phenotype, indicating that this operon is essential for capsule production. The ORFs have therefore been designated cps19fA to cps19fG, where cps19fA is the first gene of the type 19F cps locus. Furthermore, many of the gene products from this incomplete operon exhibit strong similarities to proteins known to be involved in the production of capsular polysaccharide, exopolysaccharide, teichoic acid, enterobacterial common antigen, and lipopolysaccharide from numerous other bacterial species. This has allowed us to propose functions for many of the type 19F cps gene products. Southern hybridization studies reveal that cps19fA and cps19fB are conserved among all 12 pneumococcal serotypes tested, whereas genes downstream of cps19fB are conserved among some, but not all, of the serotypes tested.
On the continuum emissions observed upon oxidation of aluminum and its compounds

Abstract The reactions of aluminum with H 2 O, H 2 O 2 , N 2 O, and O 3 have been studied under “single-collision” conditions. We have also examined the reactions of aluminum with moist laboratory air, water, ozone, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide under “multiple-collision” rotationally relaxed conditions. Under multiple-collision conditions, the aluminum-ozone and aluminum-nitric oxide reactions are found to yield resolvable vibronic levels in the spectrum of AlO, whereas reactions with water and moist laboratory air yield a broad emission continuum that must be assigned to a polyatomic emitter. No emission is observed for aluminum oxidation with hydrogen peroxide, this result indicating the unlikely assignment of the continuum emitter to a metal monohydroxide. The combination of single- and multiple-collision studies is used to demonstrate that the continuous emission results from the formation of a metal hydrate. Mechanisms are proposed for this hydration. The current studies are correlated with recent matrix-isolation spectroscopic studies of metal atom-water interactions and theoretical studies of the binding of aluminum-water adducts, both of which corroborate the current analysis. Quenching of the continuous aluminum hydrate emission by H 2 O, CO 2 , and O 2 has been examined and found to be efficient. It appears that the continuous aluminum hydrate emission may represent a portion of the optical signature of the nighttime and twilight glows observed when trimethyl aluminum is released or aluminum grenades are exploded into the upper atmosphere (90–200 km). This possibility is supported by comparison of upper-atmospheric chemiluminescent intensity distributions observed for the NO + O and aluminum oxidation systems.
Short and efficient total synthesis of fraxinellone limonoids using the stereoselective Oshima-Utimoto reaction.

The catalytic diastereoselective Oshima−Utimoto reaction was employed for the construction of fraxinellone and related members of this limonoid family of natural products. After formation of the five-membered lactone, a stereoselective aldol reaction and olefin metathesis established the bicyclic ring system in the natural products.
A prototype network embedded in textile fabric

A digital network between active components or "buttons" atop an e-textile fabric must handle the inexact placement of wires in the fabric both for signal distribution and for power distribution. We approach the problem of signal distribution by making the pin logic of the buttons reconfigurable and by providing enough local state to allow an external agent to discover and to reconfigure the buttons into a working network. We describe a prototype system of a 2x2 array of FPGA-and-microcontroller buttons atop a fabric with 0.100"-pitch wiring including architecture decisions, circuits and software algorithms.
Nuclear Radiation Detection for the Natural Environment

Liquid scintillators, proportional counters, nuclear emulsions, etched track detectors, and thermoluminescent crystals have been used to measure the enviromental neutron flux from thermal to 10 MeV energies, below ground, at ground level, at an air-water interface, on a tower, and at an airborne altitude of 20,000 feet. Results are compared with calculations based on a modified program for reactor computations.
Occlusal force and craniofacial biomechanics during growth in rhesus monkeys

The masticatory muscles in 132 anesthetized male and female rhesus monkeys ranging in age from juvenile to adult were unilaterally stimulated. Muscle forces and speeds were measured with a bite force transducer positioned at the incisors, premolars, and molars during twitch and tetanic contractions. Lateral cephalographs of all animals were used to estimate the orientation and mechanical advantage of the masticatory muscles. Results showed that maximal occlusal forces increased at a greater rate than body weight during growth. However, maximal occlusal forces increased isometrically relative to mandibular length. Mean forces at the incisors ranged from 70.3 newtons (n) in juveniles up to 139.9 n in adult males. Forces at the molars were 2-2.5 times greater than at the incisors. Time-to-peak tension decreased with increasing body size from 44.1 msec in juveniles to 37.4 msec in adult females to 31.0 msec in adult males. Regression analysis showed that adult males have faster muscles than adult females or juveniles even when corrected for body size. Temporalis and masseter orientation was found to change little throughout growth. The mechanical advantage of the masseter and temporalis muscles for producing occlusal forces on the distal molars improved between juveniles and adults, which is contrary to findings of Oyen et al. (Growth 43:174-187, 1979). Among adults, females had a greater mechanical advantage of the masseter muscles than males.
Optimal common currency basket in East Asia

This article employs the currency invariant index due to Hovanov et al. (2004) to construct an optimal or stable common G-3 currency basket across different groups of countries in East Asia. Calculated optimal weights show a larger weight for the US dollar but a nonnegligible role for the Japanese yen. The volatility of the optimal common G-3 currency basket is several times smaller than that of a similarly proposed common G-3 currency basket in East Asia.
Positive definite symmetric functions on finite-dimensional spaces II

Abstract Integral representations for the density functions of absolutely continuous α-symmetric random vectors are derived, and general methods for constructing new α-symmetric distributions are presented. An explicit formula, for determining the spectral measure of a symmetric stable random vector from its characteristic function, is obtained.
Conformational energetics in hydrogen-bonded dimers. The unobserved COHF complex

Abstract Ab initio electronic-structure calculations with large basis sets and extensive treatment of electron correlation have been carried out for the COHF complex. The potential surface exhibits a local minimum for linear COHF that is over 400 cm −1 above the absolute minimum that corresponds to the OCHF structure. The main reason for the difference in the stabilities of the two conformers is the difference in their electron-correlation energies. The interconversion of COHF to OCHF follows a minimum-energy path that takes the complex through a structure where the fluorine end of HF points into the middle regions of CO.
Fever in children with sickle cell disease: are all fevers equal?

Background Sepsis is the most common cause of mortality in sickle cell disease (SCD). Empiric antibiotic administration after obtaining blood cultures in febrile children with SCD has been a standard practice parameter. Objective Our primary objective was to calculate the rate of bacteremia in febrile pediatric patients with SCD. Our secondary objective was to establish whether vital signs or diagnostics predict bacteremia in these patients. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with SCD who presented to an urban pediatric emergency department in Newark, NJ between January 1, 2001 and June 30, 2011 with the chief complaint of fever. Patients between the ages of 0 and 20 years with SCD who presented with the chief complaint of fever and who had a blood culture performed were included. Descriptive data, visit-specific data, and diagnostic data were collected. Results Charts of 307 patients were included. Six patients had a positive blood culture, one of which was considered a true pathogen (Streptococcus pneumoniae) (0.33%; 95% confidence interval 0.06%-1.86%). There was no statistical significance between the means of visit-specific and diagnostic data of patients with positive blood cultures and those with negative blood cultures. Conclusions The incidence of bacteremia in febrile children with SCD presenting to the emergency department is low. Close follow-up within 24 hours and delayed antibiotic administration can be a plausible alternative treatment option in this population.
Evaluating environmental plan quality: the case of planning for sustainable development in New Zealand

Abstract This study examines the quality of local and regional environmental plans produced under New Zealand's Resource Management Act (RMA) of 1991, which sets forth a national sustainable development strategy. Plan quality characteristics are defined and used as criteria for plan evaluation. A key finding is that planning programmes have significantly advanced since passage of the RMA, but that high quality plans are not necessarily produced by simply passing mandate legislation. Implications of study findings for sustainable development initiatives in other countries and for future research are presented.
On the dispersion forces between molecules in an active medium

Abstract The theoretical analysis by Frohlich and by Genzel of a medium's influence on the dispersion forces between molecules is criticized. A corrected treatment is given for some model systems. No anomalies are apparent.
Communicating about quantity without a language model: number devices in homesign grammar.

All natural languages have formal devices for communicating about number, be they lexical (e.g., two, many) or grammatical (e.g., plural markings on nouns and/or verbs). Here we ask whether linguistic devices for number arise in communication systems that have not been handed down from generation to generation. We examined deaf individuals who had not been exposed to a usable model of conventional language (signed or spoken), but had nevertheless developed their own gestures, called homesigns, to communicate. Study 1 examined four adult homesigners and a hearing communication partner for each homesigner. The adult homesigners produced two main types of number gestures: gestures that enumerated sets (cardinal number marking), and gestures that signaled one vs. more than one (non-cardinal number marking). Both types of gestures resembled, in form and function, number signs in established sign languages and, as such, were fully integrated into each homesigner’s gesture system and, in this sense, linguistic. The number gestures produced by the homesigners’ hearing communication partners displayed some, but not all, of the homesigners’ linguistic patterns. To better understand the origins of the patterns displayed by the adult homesigners, Study 2 examined a child homesigner and his hearing mother, and found that the child’s number gestures displayed all of the properties found in the adult homesigners’ gestures, but his mother’s gestures did not. The findings suggest that number gestures and their linguistic use can appear relatively early in homesign development, and that hearing communication partners are not likely to be the source of
Nitrogen fixation by lightning activity in a thunderstorm

Abstract NO and NO2 produced in the atmosphere by lightning have been observed and measured. Detailed observations of NOx concentrations and storm activity have been recorded. In the presence of ozone at ≈ 30–50 ppb, the NO produced is rapidly oxidized to NO2. The NOx resulting from an individual flash of lightning, as well as from numerous area-wide lightning flashes have been measured. It is estimated that, at least in the observed storm, a flash of lightning produced 4 × 1026 molecules of NOx, with an uncertainty of from one-fourth to twice that amount.
Application of Computational Fluid Dynamics in Building Design: Aspects and Trends

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD), as the most sophisticated airflow modelling method, can simultaneously predict airflow, heat transfer and contaminant transportation in and around buildings. This paper introduces the roles of CFD in building design, demonstrating its typical application in designing a thermally conformable, healthy and energy-efficient building. The paper discusses the primary challenges of using CFD in the building modelling and design practice. Furthermore, it analyses the developing trends in applying CFD to building design, by thoroughly reviewing the literatures in all the proceedings of the International Conference on Building Simulation, one of the most influential symposiums in the building simulation field.
Recent Rebatron Studies

The rebatron is a high-current compact accelerator concept which differs from the modified betatron and the stellatron. In the latter devices, the acceleration mechanism is the relatively slow betatron mechanism. In the rebatron, there is rapid acceleration of the electrons as the beam repeatedly passes through a small (few centimeters long) high-gradient accelerating gap, the beam being recirculated through the gap in a single toroidal beam line of major radius about 1m). Whereas the betatron acceleration typically boosts the electron energy by 2 MeV per pass so that the beam attains a given final energy rapidly (in a few ..mu..sec) in a few revolutions, as compared to thousands of revolutions needed in a 50 MeV betatron. Hence the name REBATRON (Rapid Electron Beam Acceleration device). The rapid acceleration eases the problem of growth of beam instabilities and makes fractional synchrotron losses small.
Benzo[a]pyrene antibody inhibition of benzo[a]pyrene-induced mutagenesis

Summary An antibody to benzo[ a ]pyrene (BP) was prepared. The isolated antibody showed a specificity for BP and a low reactivity with another carcinogenic hydrocarbon, 7,12-dimethylbenz[ a ] anthracene (DMBA). The BP-antibody inhibited the in vitro cytotoxic and mutagenic activity of BP in both a rat embryo fibroblast- and a rat lung cell-mediated mutagenesis system. A possible correlation of these in vitro findings to the in vivo carcinogenesis situation is discussed.
Freedom of Conscience and Illiberal Socialization: The Congruence Argument

This paper addresses the question of whether the interest liberal societies have in producing liberal citizens gives liberal societies the right to regulate the affairs of illiberal groups. It claims that attempts by Rawls and Galston to make liberalism more “pluralism friendly” by reducing the demands for liberal citizenship fail, and it explores arguments by Amy Gutmann, Susan Moller Okin, Eamonn Callan and Will Kymlicka that support a stronger interest in regulating the socialization practices of illiberal groups. The main conclusion of the article is that we must seek for a context-sensitive balance between the need to produce liberal citizens and other liberal values such as freedom of conscience.
A useful consistency condition on liquid-structure factors applied to liquid helium

Data for the liquid-structure factor, if it is sufficiently extensive and accurate, can be improved by making it consistent with the requirement that the radial distribution function vanish inside a hardcore radius. Such an analysis suggests that the structure-factor data of Achter and Meyer for liquid4He is 2% too small at higher momentum transfers.
Hemodialysis in management of hypothermia.

Abstract Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature of less than 35[deg ]C and is divided further into mild, moderate, and severe depending on the temperature level. Several active internal rewarming modalities have been described in the management of moderate-to-severe accidental hypothermia. We report a 73-year-old black man with underlying end-stage renal failure and ischemic cardiomyopathy who was admitted with severe accidental hypothermia (core body temperature, 24.9[deg ]C) secondary to environmental cold exposure. The patient was resuscitated initially with warm intravenous fluids and peritoneal dialysis with warm fluids with an average temperature rise of 1[deg ]C. The patient was switched to hemodialysis that brought his temperature from 30.2[deg ]C to 36.7[deg ]C during a 3.5-hour dialysis with an average rise of 1.9[deg ]C/h. Hemodialysis is a rapid and efficient modality of rapid internal rewarming for moderate-to-severe accidental hypothermia. [copy ] 2001 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.
The consumption function and the precautionary demand for savings

Abstract Under the assumptions of constant absolute risk aversion and serially correlated, normally distributed, income shocks, an explicit solution to the consumer's intertemporal optimization problem is derived which parameterizes the precautionary demand for savings.
Locality preserving projections as a new manifold analysis approach for robust face super-resolution

In this paper, we propose a novel method for performing robust super-resolution of face images by solving the practical problems of the traditional manifold analysis. Face super-resolution is to recover a high-resolution face image from a given low-resolution face image by modeling the face image space in view of multiple resolutions. In particular, face super-resolution is useful to enhance face images captured from surveillance footage. Face super-resolution should be preceded by analyzing the characteristics of the face image distribution. In literature, it has been shown that face images lie on a nonlinear manifold by various manifold learning algorithms, so if the manifold structure is taken into consideration for modeling the face image space, the results of face super-resolution can be improved. However, there are some practical problems which prevent the manifold analysis from being applied to super-resolution. Almost all of the manifold learning methods cannot generate mapping functions for new test images which are absent from a training set. Also, there exists another significant problem when applying the manifold analysis to super-resolution; superresolution seeks to recover a high-dimensional image from a low-dimensional one while manifold learning methods perform the exact opposite for dimensionality reduction. To break those limitations of applying the manifold analysis to super-resolution, we propose a novel face superresolution method using Locality Preserving Projections (LPP). LPP gives an advantage over other manifold learning methods in that it has well-defined linear projections which allow us to formulate well-defined mappings between highdimensional data and low-dimensional data. Moreover, we show that LPP coefficients of an unknown high-resolution image can be inferred from a given low-resolution image using a MAP estimator.
Molecular organization of the class I genes of human major histocompatibility complex

In this brief review, our main emphasis has been on the analysis of the sequence diversity among various class I genes and their functional implications. The availability of complete nucleotide sequences of 7 different genes representing different loci allowed us to derive a consensus sequence. One mouse MHC Class I gene was included in these comparisons as a representative of H2 genes Evolutionary patterns can be seen on the basis of divergence of various genes from the derived consensus sequence. At least 1 human gene which has a promoter similar to that of H2 genes and which contains a single initiation codon following this promoter (unlike all other human genes and like all the H2 genes) has been identified. Both variable and homology regions can be identified in the entire length of the gene. While exons show relatively strong conservation of sequences, the introns have many variable regions, introns 6 and 7 being the most heterogeneous. Stretches of conserved nucleotide sequences are noticed at the 3' regions of most introns. Estimation of total number of class I genes is presented on the basis of cloning experiments, and the abundance of 1 particular pseudogene is discussed.