cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Iron deficiency anemia in inflammatory bowel disease

Anemia is a common extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is frequently overlooked as a complication. Patients with IBD are commonly found to have iron deficiency anemia (IDA) secondary to chronic blood loss, and impaired iron absorption due to tissue inflammation. Patients with iron deficiency may not always manifest with signs and symptoms; so, hemoglobin levels in patients with IBD must be regularly monitored for earlier detection of anemia. IDA in IBD is associated with poor quality of life, necessitating prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. IDA is often associated with inflammation in patients with IBD. Thus, commonly used laboratory parameters are inadequate to diagnose IDA, and newer iron indices, such as reticulocyte hemoglobin content or percentage of hypochromic red cells or zinc protoporphyrin, are required to differentiate IDA from anemia of chronic disease. Oral iron preparations are available and are used in patients with mild disease activity. These preparations are inexpensive and convenient, but can produce gastrointestinal side effects, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, that limit their use and patient compliance. These preparations are partly absorbed due to inflammation. Non-absorbed iron can be toxic and worsen IBD disease activity. Although cost-effective intravenous iron formulations are widely available and have improved safety profiles, physicians are reluctant to use them. We present a review of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of IDA in IBD, improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, efficacy, and safety of iron replacement in IBD.
Hospital-acquired anemia: prevalence, outcomes, and healthcare implications

BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that patients with normal hemoglobin (Hgb) levels on hospital admission who subsequently develop hospital-acquired anemia (HAA) may be at risk for adverse outcomes. Our objectives were to (1) determine the prevalence of HAA and (2) examine whether HAA is associated with increased mortality, length of stay (LOS), and total hospital charges. METHODS The population consisted of 417,301 adult hospitalizations from January 1, 2009 to August 31, 2011, in an academic medical center and 9 community hospitals. Patients with anemia on admission, and hospitals in the health system without available laboratory data were excluded; 188,447 hospitalizations were included in the analysis. Demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were retrieved from administrative data; Hgb values were taken from the electronic medical record. Regression modeling was used to examine the association between demographics, comorbidity, hospitalization type, and HAA variables (mild: Hgb >11 and 11 and <13 g/dL for men; moderate: Hgb 9.1 to ≤11.0 g/dL; severe: Hgb ≤9.0 g/dL) on mortality, LOS, and hospital charges. RESULTS Among 188,447 hospitalizations, 139,807 patients (74%) developed HAA: mild, 40,828 (29%); moderate, 57,184 (41%); and severe, 41,795 (30%). Risk-adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for in-hospital mortality with HAA were: mild, 1.0 (0.88–1.17; P = 0.8); moderate, 1.51 (1.33–1.71, P < 0.001); and severe, 3.28 (2.90–3.72, P < 0.001). Risk–adjusted relative mean LOS and hospital charges relative to no HAA were higher with HAA: LOS: mild, 1.08 (1.08–1.10, P < 0.001); moderate, 1.28 (1.26–1.29, P < 0.001); severe, 1.88 (1.86–1.89, P < 0.001). Hospital charges: mild, 1.06 (1.06–1.07, P < 0.001); moderate, 1.18 (1.17–1.19, P < 0.001); severe, 1.80 (1.79–1.82, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS HAA is common and associated with increased mortality and resource utilization. Factors related to its development necessitate further study. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:506–512. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Methanol Electro-Oxidation by Meth anol Dehydrogenase Enzymatic Catalysts: A Computational Study

The high-cost of materials and efficiency limitations that chemical fuel cells currently have is a topic of primary concern. For a fuel cell to be effective, strong acidic or alkaline solutions, high temperatures and pressures are needed. Most fuel cells use platinum as catalyst, which is expensive, limited in availability, and easily poisoned by carbon monoxide (CO), a by-product of many hydrogen production reactions in the fuel cell anode chamber. In proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, the type of fuel used dictates the appropriate type of catalyst needed. Within this context, tolerance to CO is an important issue.
Nanocrystal conversion chemistry: A unified and materials-general strategy for the template-based synthesis of nanocrystalline solids

Abstract The concept of nanocrystal conversion chemistry, which involves the use of pre-formed nanoparticles as templates for chemical transformation into derivative solids, has emerged as a powerful approach for designing the synthesis of complex nanocrystalline solids. The general strategy exploits established synthetic capabilities in simple nanocrystal systems and uses these nanocrystals as templates that help to define the composition, crystal structure, and morphology of product nanocrystals. This article highlights key examples of “conversion chemistry” approaches to the synthesis of nanocrystalline solids using a variety of techniques, including galvanic replacement, diffusion, oxidation, and ion exchange. The discussion is organized according to classes of solids, highlighting the diverse target systems that are accessible using similar chemical concepts: metals, oxides, chalcogenides, phosphides, alloys, intermetallic compounds, sulfides, and nitrides.
A heuristic algorithm for the multi-criteria set-covering problems

Abstract A simple greedy heuristic algorithm for the multi-criteria set-covering problem is presented. This result is a multi-criteria generalization of the results established previously by Chvatal.
Effect of Sodium Cyanate upon the Function of Normal Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes

Sodium cyanate, a drug that prevents sickling of hemoglobin S by virtue of its irreversible carbamylation of the N-terminal amino group of valine, was studied for its effect upon the function of normal human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. In concentrations of 500 and 100 ttg/ml, sodium cyanate was found to inhibit killing by neutrophils of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli but not of Streptococcus faecalis. Viability of cells and phagocytosis were not affected by cyanate; however, production of [14C] carbon dioxide from [1-14C] glucose and the iodination of 125I during phagocytosis were significantly impaired. Cyanate is thought to inhibit the bactericidal activity of neutrophils by interfering with the oxidative metabolism of glucose via the hexose monophosphate shunt (thereby decreasing production of H202) and by inhibiting iodination of ingested bacteria (either by competing with iodide as the oxidizable cofactor or by inhibiting myeloperoxidase). Since these effects of cyanate were all reversible by washing the neutrophils free of the drug, it is unlikely that they are due to amino carbamylation. Cyanate, a drug presently undergoing study in several controlled clinical trials for therapy of
The Interaction of Water Restriction and Pricing Policies: Econometric, Managerial and Distributional Implications

Abstract Price increases and water use restrictions are two common policy instruments used to reduce water demand during drought. Previous studies have either ignored one of the policies or treated each as independent of the other. We show, theoretically and empirically, that these policies interact in a nontrivial way. Ignoring this interaction has implications for both the estimation of programme effectiveness, as well as the use of existing estimates by practitioners. Using 1997–2005 data from roughly 10 000 households, we estimate the impact of both policies on demand accounting for their interaction. The analysis suggests that failure to account for the interaction will result in biased estimates of programme effectiveness; the magnitude and sign differ depending on scale and timing of the policies. Moreover, ignoring the interaction, when applying existing estimates, will result in an overestimate of potential water savings from the policies. Results also provide new insight into “who bears the cons...
Role of nitric oxide signaling components in differentiation of embryonic stem cells into myocardial cells.

Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in number of physiological and pathological events. Our previous studies demonstrated a differential expression of NO signaling components in mouse and human ES cells. Here, we demonstrate the effect of NO donors and soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) activators in differentiation of ES cells into myocardial cells. Our results with mouse and human ES cells demonstrate an increase in Nkx2.5 and myosin light chain (MLC2) mRNA expression on exposure of cells to NO donors and a decrease in mRNA expression of both cardiac-specific genes with nonspecific NOS inhibitor and a concomitant increase and decrease in the mRNA levels of sGC α1 subunit. Although sGC activators alone exhibited an increase in mRNA expression of cardiac genes (MLC2 and Nkx2.5), robust inductions of mRNA and protein expression of marker genes were observed when NO donors and sGC activators were combined. Measurement of NO metabolites revealed an increase in the nitrite levels in the conditioned media and cell lysates on exposure of cells to the different concentrations of NO donors. cGMP analysis in undifferentiated stem cells revealed a lack of stimulation with NO donors. Differentiated cells however, acquired the ability to be stimulated by NO donors. Although, 3-(4-amino-5-cyclopropylpyrimidin-2-yl)-1-(2-fluorobenzyl)-1H-pyrazolo [3,4-b]pyridine (BAY 41-2272) alone was able to stimulate cGMP accumulation, the combination of NO donors and BAY 41-2272 stimulated cGMP levels more than either of the agents separately. These studies demonstrate that cGMP-mediated NO signaling plays an important role in the differentiation of ES cells into myocardial cells.
Electrochemical boriding of nitriding steel in molten salts

Abstract This paper describes a study on the growth of Fe 2 B and FeB layers obtained by the diffusion of boron produced by cathodic reduction of KBF 4 on steel in molten fluorides at 800 °C. The growth rate of boride layers has been studied as a function of time at different constant current densities. The metallographic study and the growth curves obtained indicate that the Fe 2 B layer is probably formed before the FeB layer and that the growth is controlled by diffusion of boron into the Fe 2 B layer. The evaluated diffusion coefficient of boron into Fe 2 B is in good agreement with previous literature data.
Social support as a buffer in the relationship between socioeconomic status and academic performance.

Th e presen t stud y wa s an investigatio n of the potentia l moderatin g effec t of socia lsuppor t on academi c performanc e for students living in poverty . Data wer e col -lecte d in on e urba n middl e schoo l from 164 primaril y Hispani c student s usin g th eChil d an d Adolescen t Socia l Suppor t Scal e (CASSS ; Malecki , Demaray , & Elliott,2000 ) an d students ' cours e grad e poin t average s (GPA) . Regardin g socioeconomi cstatu s (SES), students were classified as lower-SES if they received free or re-duced-cos t lunches or higher-SES if they did not receive free or reduced-costlunches . First , fo r student s wit h highe r SES , correlationa l analyse s reveale d no sig-nifican t association s betwee n socia l suppor t an d academi c performanc e as mea -sure d by GPA . Alternatively, for students of lower SES, significant, moderateassociation s wer e foun d betwee n GP A score s an d socia l suppor t scores . Second , aspredicted , regressio n analyse s provide d evidenc e tha t socia l suppor t ma y moder -at e th e relationshi p betwee n povert y an d academi c performance . Implication s forschoo l psychologist s and suggestion s for future researc h are provided .
A Correlation Study of Large Potassium Neutral Clusters

Accurate ab initio molecular-orbital calculations are performed for the neutral Kn (8 ≦ n ≦ 13) clusters. The effects of electron correlation are studied using many-body perturbation theory. Detailed electronic structures of these clusters are studied. Stabilities from the points of view of binding and fragmentation energies are discussed and, wherever possible, results are compared with published data in the literature. Es werden genaue ab-initio-Molekularbahn-Berechnungen fur die neutralen Kn (8 ≦ n ≦ 13)-Cluster durchgefuhrt. Die Einflusse der Elektronenkorrelation werden mit Vielteilchen-Storungstheorie untersucht. Die ausfuhrlichen Elektronenstrukturen dieser Cluster werden untersucht. Die Stabilitaten werden vom Standpunkt der Bindungs- und Zerkleinerungsenergien diskutiert und - wo moglich - die Ergebnisse mit Werten aus der Literatur verglichen.
Potential roles for cellular cofactors in hepatitis C virus replication complex formation

Over 130 million people world-wide are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). New antiviral treatment strategies are needed due to limitations with current therapy. The identification of cellular cofactors of infection has the potential to broadly expand our therapeutic targets. We recently reported an RNA interference screen of host membrane trafficking genes in HCV infection and replication and identified several cellular co-factors for viral replication. Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase III alpha (PI4K-IIIα) was found to be essential for HCV replication. PI4K-IIIα co-localized with viral replication markers. Silencing of PI4K-IIIα by siRNAs prior to HCV infection prevented rearrangement of intracellular membranes associated with viral replication complexes, termed the membranous web. Our data suggest that PI4K-IIIα is involved in establishing HCV replication complexes, however the mechanism is unknown. From our analysis, along with several other studies that have identified cellular cofactors...
Differential Usefulness of Various Markers in the Flow Cytometric Detection of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria in Blood and Bone Marrow

In this study, we examined the usefulness of various markers on blood cell populations in the diagnosis of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). We also evaluated bone marrow specimens, which generally are considered less suitable than blood owing to variable expression of glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked antigens during hematopoietic cell differentiation. All 15 patients in our cohort had subpopulations of CD16/CD55-deficient granulocytes and CD14/CD55-deficient monocytes ("PNH clones"). The PNH clone size of granulocytes and monocytes was greater than that of erythrocytes or lymphocytes in the majority of the cases. It is interesting that CD59 showed limited usefulness for detecting PNH+ monocytes. Normal monocytes exhibited significantly dimmer CD59 expression than normal granulocytes. PNH-deficient monocytes expressed only marginally lower CD59, making it a less robust marker for highlighting PNH+ monocytes compared with CD14 or CD55. Finally, our study demonstrated the definitive usefulness of a limited combination of markers (CD16/CD55/CD45/CD14) in detecting GPI-deficient monocytes and granulocytes in bone marrow specimens submitted for flow cytometric evaluation of cytopenias.
Spectrophotometric Assay for Processes Involving Changes in Hydrogen Ion Concentration in Aqueous Solution

Abstract A strategy for the design of simple colorimetric assays to follow any process that involves the net generation or consumption of hydrogen ions in aqueous solutions over the pH range of 3–10 is described. This procedure relies upon the measurement of the change in absorption when a weakly or moderately buffered solution of a pH indicator is subjected to a small change in pH. Buffers and indicators are chosen with closely matching p K a values.The versatility of this type of assay technique is illustrated using three examples.
An Effective Mass Trapping Method for the Control of Dacus oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Research efforts during the last decade have culminated in the development of an effective trapping method for the control of the olive fruit fly, Dacus oleae (Gmelin). The method combines a food attractant, a phagostimulant, a male sex pheromone, a female aggregation pheromone with additional arrestant and aphrodisiac properties, and a hygroscopic substance on an insecticide-treated wood board. Pilot studies conducted from 1984 to 1988 have shown the efficacy of the method, as well as its limitations. The method eliminated an average of four (three to five) insecticide sprays required per season for the control of this pest, reduced pesticide use by 99% per treatment, and is being introduced gradually by the Greek Ministry of Agriculture to replace the use of bait or cover sprays that have been used for decades.
Genetic regulatory network identification using multivariate monotone functions

We present a method for identification of gene regulatory network topology using a time series of gene expression data. The underlying assumption is that the regulatory effects of a set of regulators to a gene can be described by a multivariate function. The multivariate function is constrained to be continuous, nonnegative and monotonic in each variable. We present necessary and sufficient conditions for the validity of the regulation hypothesis. Checking these conditions can be expressed as a Linear Programming feasibility problem. This paper builds on our previous work, where the regulation is described by a summation of multiple regulator functions, one function for each gene in the regulator set. Our procedure is two phased; the first identifies the correct set of regulators, the second uses the data and the regulator set to generate an appropriate regulator function. This paper focuses on the identification of the correct regulator set. As demonstration, we run our main algorithm on some experimental data from a synthetic gene network in yeast. We are able to show that the correct set of regulators is picked by the algorithm.
Enhanced MRI of tumors utilizing a new nitroxyl spin label contrast agent

Abstract Nitroxyl spin labels have been shown to be effective in vivo contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the central nervous system, myocardium, and urinary tract. A new pyrrolidine nitroxyl contrast agent (PCA) with better resistance to in vivo metabolic inactivation than previously tested agents was studied for its potential to enhance subcutaneous neoplasms in an animal model. Twenty-two contrast enhancement trials were performed on a total of 15 animals 4–6 weeks after implantation with human renal adenocarcinoma. Spin echo imaging was performed using a .35 T animal imager before and after intravenous administration of PCA in doses ranging from 0.5 to 3 mM/kg. The intensity of tumor tissue in the images increased an average of 35% in animals receiving a dose of 3 mM/kg. The average enhancement with smaller doses was proportionately less. Tumor intensity reached a maximum within 15 min of injection. The average intensity difference between tumor and adjacent skeletal muscle more than doubled following administration of 3 mM/kg of PCA. Well-perfused tumor tissue was more intensely enhanced than adjacent poorly perfused and necrotic tissue.
Depression and Suicidal Ideation in African American and Caucasian Students

In a sample of 52 high school students and 81 college students, scores on the Beck Depression Inventory and current suicidal ideation were associated with high school versus college status but not ...
Convenient syntheses of uranyl(VI) cis-dihalide complexes as anhydrous starting materials

Abstract The targeted syntheses of uranyl(VI) complexes UO2X2L (X = Cl, Br) possessing halide ligands exclusively at cis equatorial coordination sites are reported, supported by a neutral tridentate ligand (L), N,N,N′,N′-tetraalkylpyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide (1). A monomeric pentagonal bipyramidal geometry is observed in the solid state for the isostructural chloride (2a) and bromide (3a) derivatives as determined by X-ray crystallography.
Consistency proofs in model theory: A contribution to Jensenlehre

Abstract We prove the two-cardinal principle( κ ++ , κ )→( λ ++ , λ ) consistent for all κ and λ, without the use of Jensen's morasses.
Cauliflower mosaic virus replication intermediates are encapsidated into virion-like particles

We have identified putative cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) replication intermediates of first (minus)-strand DNA synthesis which are associated with particles having properties similar to virions. The virion-like particles containing the putative replication intermediates sediment with CaMV virions on sucrose density gradients (L. Marsh, A. Kuzj, and T. Guilfoyle (1985) Virology 143, 212-223), band close to virions on CsCl density gradients, and are precipitable with antibody raised against the CaMV 42-kDa coat protein. The structures of the presumptive intermediates of DNA synthesis are compatible with a reverse transcription model for CaMV. Most or all of the observed minus-strand replication complexes appear to exist as RNA/DNA hybrids. Following RNase A treatment at low salt concentrations, the putative replication intermediates show characteristics of single-stranded DNA in selectively blotting and hybridizing to minus-strand-specific probes without prior denaturation of the blots.
What knowledge is of most worth to teachers of young children

(1988). What knowledge is of most worth to teachers of young children? Early Child Development and Care: Vol. 38, No. 1, pp. 33-41.
Modeling of I-V characteristics of an MEH-PPV PLED

We present results from a device model in which the characteristics of organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), based upon MEH-PPV [poly (2-methoxy,5-(2 ethyl-hexoxy)-1,4-phenylene-vinylene)], are determined by tunneling the holes and the electrons through interface barriers caused by the band offset between the polymer and the electrodes. It is shown that manipulating these offsets can control the useful operating voltage of the device as well as its efficiency. A model is developed that clearly explains the device characteristics of an indium-tin-oxide / MEH-PPV / Al. If there is a significant difference in the barrier height, the smaller of the two barriers controls the I-V characteristics. In indium-tin-oxide/ MEH-PPV / Al devices, the barrier for hole injection varies between 0.1 eV to 0.6 eV and the barrier for electron injection is about 1.4 eV.
Environmental impacts of divorce

Divorce is increasingly common around the world. Its causes, dynamics, and socioeconomic impacts have been widely studied, but little research has addressed its environmental impacts. We found that average household size (number of people in a household) in divorced households (households with divorced heads) was 27–41% smaller than married households (households with married heads) in 12 countries across the world around the year 2000 (between 1998 and 2002). If divorced households had combined to have the same average household size as married households, there could have been 7.4 million fewer households in these countries. Meanwhile, the number of rooms per person in divorced households was 33–95% greater than in married households. In the United States (U.S.) in 2005, divorced households spent 46% and 56% more on electricity and water per person than married households. Divorced households in the U.S. could have saved more than 38 million rooms, 73 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, and 627 billion gallons of water in 2005 alone if their resource-use efficiency had been comparable to married households. Furthermore, U.S. households that experienced divorce used 42–61% more resources per person than before their dissolution. Remarriage of divorced household heads increased household size and reduced resource use to levels similar to those of married households. The results suggest that mitigating the impacts of resource-inefficient lifestyles such as divorce helps to achieve global environmental sustainability and saves money for households.
To sleep, perchance to learn

The Enchanted World of Sleep. By Peretz Lavle Yale University Press: 1996. Pp. 270. $27.50, £18.95.
Personalized medicine for individuals with Down syndrome.

Abstract As the cost of whole genome analysis decreases, we have the opportunity to explore the interactions of various gene changes in an individual that lead to their particular phenotype. This will provide the ability to move from the epidemiologic study of groups, in which, the individuals are treated collectively and homogenously, to personalized medicine, and a model in which the individual is recognized and treated as a distinct entity. We will be applying personalized medicine to individuals with Down syndrome in order to understand and develop biomarkers for increased risk of co-morbidities. Personalized medicine will change the “culture of intractability” of Down syndrome.
Public Health Surveillance for Hereditary Hemochromatosis

The recent realization that hemochromatosis is a common condition has created opportunities to develop unified public health surveillance for this disorder and its complications and to design progr...
Mesenteric lymphatic vessels adapt to mesenteric venous hypertension by becoming weaker pumps.

Lymphangions, the segments of lymphatic vessels between two adjacent lymphatic valves, actively pump lymph. Acute changes in transmural pressure and lymph flow have profound effects on lymphatic pu...
Subverting Heteronormativity: Another Look at Alice Walker's By the Light of My Father's Smile

“The right to choose must characterize all sexual interactions between individuals.” —bell hooks Just a little over decade ago, Alice Walker published her sixth novel, By the Light of My Father's S...
Field Cancerization: Something New Under the Sun

Mutations in keratinocyte and melanocyte precursors that are caused by extensive sun exposure are well-established contributors to skin cancer. Now Hu et al. provide evidence that the sun's harmful rays may also cause tumor-promoting epigenetic modifications in dermal fibroblasts, highlighting further the importance of tumor-stroma interactions in cancer.
The Aromatization of 3-Carboxytetrahydroisoquinolines

Abstract 3-carboxytetrahydroisoquinolines are aromatized on reaction with thionyl chloride. An axial carboxy group is lost in this process but one in the equatorial conformation is retained.
ansa-Bis(1-boratabenzene) Zirconium(IV) Complexes with Short Carbon Bridges to Boron

The reaction of 1,1-dibutyl-1-stannacyclohexa-2,5-diene (8) with 1,2-bis(dichloroboryl)benzene 9 affords exchange product 10, which on deprotonation followed by reaction with ZrCl4 gives the very l...
Rational inattention in scalar LQG control

Motivated in part by the “rational inattention” framework of information-constrained decision-making by economic agents, we have recently introduced a general model for average-cost optimal control of Markov processes subject to mutual information constraints [1]. The optimal information-constrained control problem reduces to an infinite-dimensional convex program and admits a decomposition based on the Bellman error, which is the object of study in approximate dynamic programming. In this paper, we apply our general theory to an information-constrained variant of the scalar linear-quadratic-Gaussian (LQG) control problem. We give an upper bound on the optimal steady-state value of the quadratic performance objective and present explicit constructions of controllers that achieve this bound. We show that the obvious certainty-equivalent control policy is suboptimal when the information constraints are very severe, and exhibit another policy that performs better in this low-information regime. In the two extreme cases of no information (open-loop) and perfect information, these two policies coincide with the optimum.
Motorization in developing countries: Causes, consequences, and effectiveness of policy options

Abstract This paper examines the rise in car use and decline in bus use in developing countries using a theoretical, mode choice model and numerical simulations. The empirical literature points to rising per capita income as a primary determinant of rising motor vehicle use, known as motorization. This analysis of commuter car/bus mode choice shows that in addition to rising income, other factors may drive rising car use at the urban level. First, greater income inequality increases car use if car use is still low, and reduces car use if it is already high. Second, traffic congestion hinders buses more than cars, causing positive feedback between car use and travel time that reduces bus use and contributes to its abrupt collapse. Third, policy interventions to reduce congestion in urban areas, such as tolling car use and reserving lanes for buses, increase consumer surplus by maintaining bus service as an alternate travel mode, even as incomes rise. Socially optimal reserved bus lanes may achieve most of the gains from a socially optimal toll on car use.
The reliability coefficient

The reliability coefficient is unlike other measures of correlation in that it is a quantitative statement of an act of judgment,—usually the test maker's, — that the things correlated are similar measures. Attempts to divorce it from this act of judgment are misdirected, just as would be an attempt to eliminate judgment of sameness of function of items when a test is originally drawn up. A “coefficient of cohesion,” entirely devoid of judgment, measuring the singleness of test function is proposed as an essential datum with reference to a test, but not as a substitute for the similar-form reliability co-efficient.
A reduced dimension quantum wave packet study of photodissociation dynamics of diatomic molecules on surfaces

Photodissociation dynamics of a model diatomic molecule adsorbed on an MgO (001) surface is studied using Hamiltonians having two actively treated mathematical dimensions. Dissociation/desorption at three orientations, i.e., θ=0°, 90°, and 180° (where θ is the angle between the molecular axis and the surface normal), is investigated. The dynamics is represented by quantum wave packets which provide detailed information about the time evolution of the system. Trapping of one or two dissociated atoms is observed and the trapped vibrational state distributions are calculated. When the light atom is between the surface and the heavy one, oscillation of this atom between the two heavy partners can cause energy transfer to the outer atom. This results in a broadened and upward shifted translational energy distribution of the desorbed heavy atom, compared to the gas phase result.
Investigation of microcantilever array with ordered nanoporous coatings for selective chemical detection

In this paper we demonstrate the potential for novel nanoporous framework materials (NFM) such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to provide selectivity and sensitivity to a broad range of analytes including explosives, nerve agents, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). NFM are highly ordered, crystalline materials with considerable synthetic flexibility resulting from the presence of both organic and inorganic components within their structure. Detection of chemical weapons of mass destruction (CWMD), explosives, toxic industrial chemicals (TICs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) devices, such as microcantilevers and surface acoustic wave sensors, requires the use of recognition layers to impart selectivity. Traditional organic polymers are dense, impeding analyte uptake and slowing sensor response. The nanoporosity and ultrahigh surface areas of NFM enhance transport into and out of the NFM layer, improving response times, and their ordered structure enables structural tuning to impart selectivity. Here we describe experiments and modeling aimed at creating NFM layers tailored to the detection of water vapor, explosives, CWMD, and VOCs, and their integration with the surfaces of MEMS devices. Force field models show that a high degree of chemical selectivity is feasible. For example, using a suite of MOFs it should be possible to select for explosives vs. CWMD, VM vs. GA (nerve agents), and anthracene vs. naphthalene (VOCs). We will also demonstrate the integration of various NFM with the surfaces of MEMS devices and describe new synthetic methods developed to improve the quality of VFM coatings. Finally, MOF-coated MEMS devices show how temperature changes can be tuned to improve response times, selectivity, and sensitivity.
Aprotinin and preservation of myocardial function after ischemia-reperfusion injury

Abstract Ischemia-reperfusion injury, a complex process involving the generation and release of inflammatory cytokines, accumulation and infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages, release of oxygen free radicals, activation of proteases, and generation of nitric oxide (NO), may result in myocardial dysfunction and possible injury to other major organs. Aprotinin, a nonspecific serine protease inhibitor used to reduce the blood loss and transfusion requirements accompanying cardiac surgery, has dose-dependent effects on coagulation, fibrinolytic, and inflammatory variables. Data indicate that aprotinin may provide protection from ischemia-reperfusion injury. In myocardial tissue models of ischemia and reperfusion, aprotinin has been shown to reduce uptake of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), generation of NO, and accumulation of leukocytes. Improved myocardial function has been observed with aprotinin treatment in animal models of ischemia-reperfusion injury. In humans, data indicate that integrin expression associated with leukocyte transmigration as well as markers of myocardial damage are reduced in patients receiving aprotinin. Further, data suggest that patients who receive aprotinin may have a reduced need for inotropic support and a decreased incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation. In all, review of this topic indicates that aprotinin may reduce aspects of ischemia-reperfusion injury and prospective clinical studies are needed to evaluate the impact of aprotinin on associated patient outcomes.
Rituximab in the management of refractory myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an immune-mediated disorder with a variable response to treatment. In this study, patients with refractory MG who were treated with rituximab were identified. A review of patients referred to the Yale Neuromuscular Clinic was performed. Patients with refractory MG who were treated with rituximab were reviewed for response to treatment. Patients who had muscle-specific kinase (MuSK(+)) or acetylcholine receptor (AChR(+)) antibodies were included. Six patients were identified who met the criteria described. All patients tolerated rituximab without side effects and had a reduced need for immunosuppressants and/or improvement in clinical function. Patients with refractory MG appeared to respond to rituximab in this small, retrospective study. This result suggests that a larger, prospective trial is indicated.
Conversation or Intellectual Imperialism in Comparing Communication (Theories)

A proposal for a recursive understanding of Practice Comrnunication Understanding Perturbations (noise) enter a process from its embodyment or the movement to a subordinate order of recursion The unfolding of understanding into its embodym~nt in pr~ctic~ or mo~ing to a superordinate order of recursion -L Two constructions A and B interacting or comparing the~elves ~r: t~e medi~m of th-eir embodyment. Understanding and practice exemplify such constructions 上( ν and what happens if understanding does not enter comparisons of human communication
Combination of tubularized island flap and ventral skin flap techniques in single-stage correction of severe proximal hypospadias.

Objectives: To evaluate the success of the combined tubularized island flap (Duckett technique) and Thiersch-Duplay techniques in one-stage correction of proximal hypospadias. Methods: Thirty-four patients underwent surgical treatment for penoscrotal hypospadias in the last 9 years. Combined tubularized island flap (Duckett technique) and tubularized ventral skin (Thiersch-Duplay) procedures were performed in each case. The proximal urethra was repaired by the Thiersch-Duplay technique through the base of the phallus, and distal urethral repair was conducted via the tubularized island flap procedure. Results: The follow-up lasted from 5 months to 6 years (mean 4.1 years). The overall complication rate was 26%, but no recurrent chordee was detected. Recurrent fistulae were noted in 7 patients (20.5%). Anastomatic stricture was noted in 3 patients (8.8%). Conclusion: A combination of Duckett’s preputial tube and the Thiersch-Duplay procedure was employed to treat 34 cases of severe hypospadias, with a success rate of 74%. In our procedure, the island flap tube is relatively short. Oblique anastomoses of proximal and distal tubes were made, and the pedicule of the flap supported the neourethra following successful interventions. Because of the low complication and high success rates, this combination of two procedures is recommended for repair of severe proximal hypospadias.
Differential Thermolability of Exonuclease and Endonuclease Activities of the recBC Nuclease Isolated from Thermosensitive recB and recC Mutants

Abstract The recBC nuclease (also called exonuclease V) has been partially purified from Escherichia coli K-12 strains carrying the thermosensitive recB270, recC271, and recB270 recC271 mutations. Of the multiple activities associated with the enzyme, only the adenosine 5′-triphosphate-dependent exonucleolytic hydrolysis of duplex deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is abnormally thermolabile. The exo- and endonucleolytic degradation of single-stranded DNA is no more thermosensitive than that catalyzed by the wild-type enzyme. These results suggest that the defects in genetic recombination, DNA repair, and the maintenance of cell viability observed in recBC mutants in vivo result primarily from the specific loss of adenosine 5′-triphosphate-dependent exonuclease active on duplex DNA.
NMR studies of retinal proteins

A review is given of the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to study bacteriorhodopsin and bovine rhodopsin. Solution and solid-state approaches are included. The studies of the bacterial proton pump examine the chromophore, the peptide backbone, and the protein side chains. The studies of the bovine visual pigment are limited to the chromophore. Various forms of each pigment are considered. Both structural and dynamic features are addressed.
Immunostimulatory function of herpes simplex virus isolates from patients with frequent herpes labialis and a deficiency in immunespecific interferon production

Approximately 30% of persons with frequent episodes of herpes labialis are deficient in the production of HSV-induced immune-specific interferon (IFN) (Green, 1985). Herpes simplex virus (HSV) strains isolated from persons who make immune-specific IFN and from persons who do not make it were examined for their immunostimulatory capabilities. HSV isolated from the primary oral lesions of two patients deficient in immune-specific IFN production, one person with an intact immune-specific IFN response, HSV types 1 and 2 laboratory strains, and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were added to cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBML) from HSV seropositive donors. All HSV-isolates induced comparable titers of immune-specific IFN. These studies suggest that failure of some patients to develop an immune-specific IFN response is determined by the host, not the virus.
Prenatal Testosterone Exposure Induces Hypertension in Adult Females via Androgen Receptor–Dependent Protein Kinase Cδ–Mediated Mechanism

Prenatal exposure to excess testosterone induces hyperandrogenism in adult females and predisposes them to hypertension. We tested whether androgens induce hypertension through transcriptional regulation and signaling of protein kinase C (PKC) in the mesenteric arteries. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were injected with vehicle or testosterone propionate (0.5 mg/kg per day from gestation days 15 to 19, SC) and their 6-month-old adult female offspring were examined. Plasma testosterone levels (0.84±0.04 versus 0.42±0.09 ng/mL) and blood pressures (111.6±1.3 versus 104.5±2.4 mm Hg) were significantly higher in prenatal testosterone–exposed rats compared with controls. This was accompanied with enhanced expression of PKCδ mRNA (1.5-fold) and protein (1.7-fold) in the mesenteric arteries of prenatal testosterone–exposed rats. In addition, mesenteric artery contractile responses to PKC activator, phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate, was significantly greater in prenatal testosterone–exposed rats. Treatment with androgen receptor antagonist flutamide (10 mg/kg, SC, BID for 10 days) significantly attenuated hypertension, PKCδ expression, and the exaggerated vasoconstriction in prenatal testosterone–exposed rats. In vitro exposure of testosterone to cultured mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells dose dependently upregulated PKCδ expression. Analysis of PKCδ gene revealed a putative androgen responsive element in the promoter upstream to the transcription start site and an enhancer element in intron-1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that androgen receptors bind to these elements in response to testosterone stimulation. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assays showed that the enhancer element is highly responsive to androgens and treatment with flutamide reverses reporter activity. Our studies identified a novel androgen-mediated mechanism for the control of PKCδ expression via transcriptional regulation that controls vasoconstriction and blood pressure.
A stochastic model of professional accountant turnover

Abstract High turnover rates have tended to characterize the public accounting profession. Probabilistic estimates that generate duration models have been often used in engineering and to a lesser extent in business fields. This study suggests a stochastic model and methodology to be used in professional accountants' turnover analysis. The model is simple, can help evaluate numerous policy implications and allows for future turnover prediction. A set of published data is utilized to illustrate the use of the model. This illustration describes turnover patterns for accounting staff broken down by admission year and sex. The stochastic model also predicts the number of accountants that will quit in 5 yr.
Sediment and organic carbon focusing in the Shelikof Strait, Alaska

Abstract Profiles of excess 210 Pb and 137 Cs in sediment cores were used to determine sediment accumulation rates in Outer Cook Inlet and the Shelikof Strait, Alaska. In Outer Cook Inlet and the northern Shelikof Strait, sediment accumulation rates averaged 0.16 cm yr − 1 and ranged from 0.10 to 0.21 cm yr − 1 . In contrast, sediment accumulation rates were > 4 times higher in the central and southern Shelikof Strait where the average was 0.68 cm yr − 1 with a range of 0.46 to 0.94 cm yr − 1 . In addition to higher rates of sedimentation, higher activities of excess 210 Pb and higher levels of silt + clay, total organic carbon, Pb and Mn also were found in surface sediments from the central and southern Shelikof Strait relative to Outer Cook Inlet and the northern Shelikof Strait. These trends are directly related to the progressive sorting and focusing of sediments along the transport pathway from Cook Inlet to the Shelikof Strait. The flux of excess 210 Pb and organic carbon to the sediments increased by > 2- and 4.8-fold, respectively, from Outer Cook Inlet and the northern Shelikof Strait to the central and southern Shelikof Strait. Based on δ 13 C values for surface sediments, the amount of carbon derived from marine sources increased from ∼30% in Outer Cook Inlet and the northern Shelikof Strait to ∼60% in the central and southern Shelikof Strait. The good correlation between the accumulation rate of sediment organic carbon and excess 210 Pb fluxes ( r = 0.93) suggests that scavenging of excess 210 Pb by organic carbon is an important process in this region. Modern sediment budgets for Outer Cook Inlet and the Shelikof Strait indicate that > 70% of the total sediment accumulation of 61 × 10 6 tons yr − 1 is deposited in the central and southern Shelikof Strait. These sediment budgets are in good agreement with the calculated value of 70 × 10 6 tons yr − 1 of riverine and erosional sediment transported into Outer Cook Inlet and the Shelikof Strait. Collectively, the data support focusing of fine-grained sediments and organic carbon to the central and southern Shelikof Strait.
Refractive Error, Axial Length, and Relative Peripheral Refractive Error before and after the Onset of Myopia

Purpose To evaluate refractive error, axial length, and relative peripheral refractive error before, during the year of, and after the onset of myopia in children who became myopic compared with emmetropes.
Maintenance of Attention: Leveling-Sharpening Differences in a Randomization Task

In a task requiring the random generation of binary digits, Accuracy sharpening Ss were superior to Accuracy leveling Ss in sustaining the randomness of longer binary words across time. These results were interpreted as stemming from stylistic differences in the maintenance of attention during tedious and monotonous tasks. The results also supported the prediction that levelers and sharpeners as measured by the lag score would be less differentiated on the randomization task than accuracy levelers and sharpeners since the lag score involves a kind of attention, that is, to context and long-term change, which is largely irrelevant to the randomization task.
Perception does not equal reality for resident vascular trauma skills.

Abstract Background Experience with the management of vascular trauma by senior surgical residents is increasingly limited. When queried about their understanding of anatomy and ability to perform specific vascular exposures, residents express a moderately high level of confidence. We hypothesized that this perception does not equal reality. Methods A total of 42 senior surgical residents participating in an ongoing validation study of the Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposures in Trauma course were asked to self-assess their baseline (precourse) confidence of their understanding of the anatomy required to perform and their ability to perform exposure and control of the axillary, brachial, and femoral arteries, as well as lower extremity fasciotomy using a 5-point Likert scale. Residents then performed the four procedures on a fresh cadaver model and were scored in real time by experts using a global assessment of anatomic knowledge and readiness to perform.” The Student t-test was used with α set at P Results Residents consistently rated their understanding of anatomy and their ability to perform the procedures significantly higher than expert evaluator ultimately scored them. Evaluators also deemed that residents would be unable to perform without help 65%–86% of the time. Conclusions Senior residents are ill-prepared to perform the procedures studied and have an unwarranted confidence in their knowledge and abilities. Perception clearly does not equal reality in preparing these trainees to perform as advertized. The low global scores for anatomy and performance should be a wake-up call for surgical educators prompting curricular reform and evaluation.
CCR9 expression defines tolerogenic plasmacytoid dendritic cells able to suppress acute graft-versus-host disease

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells are best known as potent producers of type I interferon. Butcher and colleagues identify a subset of these cells, characterized by CCR9 expression, that can elicit tolerance in the gut.