cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for hardware removal following operative treatment of middle- and distal-third clavicular fractures.

Background The incidence of hardware removal (HWR) after operative fixation of clavicular fractures varies widely. Risk factors related to HWR remain incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of and risk factors for HWR after plate fixation of middle- and distal-third clavicular fractures. We hypothesized that (1) the total HWR incidence would be Methods We performed a multi-hospital retrospective study of skeletally mature patients who underwent plate fixation of middle- and distal-third clavicular fractures from November 2008 to November 2018. Data included patient demographic characteristics, mechanism of injury, operative records, hardware-related symptoms, subsequent HWR, and complications. Results A total of 103 patients (aged 16-75 years, 76.7% male patients) were included. Of the patients, 87 (84.5%) underwent plate fixation for midshaft clavicular fractures and 16 (15.5%) underwent plate fixation for distal-third clavicular fractures. HWR was performed in 13 patients (12.6%). A significantly higher percentage of HWR procedures were performed for distal clavicular fractures (50%) than for middle-third clavicular fractures (4.9%, P Conclusion The overall incidence of clavicular HWR was 12.6%. A distal fracture location was associated with a significantly higher incidence of HWR. An initial high-energy mechanism of injury was a significant risk factor for HWR. The primary indication for HWR was symptomatic hardware.
Correction: Synthesis and structural characterization of CO2-soluble oxidizers [Bu4N]BrO3 and [Bu4N]ClO3 and their dissolution in cosolvent-modified CO2 for reservoir applications

CO2 utilization in upsteam oil and gas applications requires CO2-soluble additives such as polymers, surfactants, and other components. Here we report the facile synthesis of CO2-soluble oxidizers composed of judiciously selected organic cations paired with oxidizing anions. [Bu4N]BrO3 and [Bu4N]ClO3 are prepared using a double displacement synthetic strategy, whereby the crystalline product is readily obtained in high yield and structurally characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The facility of the approach is demonstrated through the preparation of several additional alkylammonium bromate compounds. Static solubility studies using a high-pressure cell with viewing windows showed that tetrabutylammonium compounds could be solubilized using cosolvent-modified CO2. Using 4 mol% ethanol as cosolvent, >3 mM [Bu4N]BrO3 could be dissolved in CO2, while ∼0.75 mM [Bu4N]ClO3 could be dissolved in the same solvent system. The solubility properties of [Bu4N]BrO3 along with its thermal stability up to ∼200 °C suggest that it is a promising oilfield oxidizer that can be utilized in subterranean CO2 applications.
Post-traumatic Growth in Women With Histories of Addiction and Victimization Residing in a Sober Living Home.

Research consistently documents the deleterious sequelae of interpersonal trauma, including domestic and sexual violence (DSV). More recently, however, researchers and practitioners have focused on...
Turnaround Reform Efforts in a Rural Context: How Community and Culture Impart Change

This article furthers research on the necessary components of what supports successful school turnaround, and also explores how and why two rural schools taking part in a Midwest State Turnaround School Project were successful in implementing school turnaround policy. Perceptions of building principals, district administrators, and regional support staff implementing turnaround policy were considered. Data were collected from 13 participants and analyses focused on the culture created and leadership provided by two rural school districts during the State Turnaround Schools Project implementation. Previous research has detailed district communication, district support of the turnaround principal, and shared leadership as important factors. However this article explores how and why the two participating rural school districts were successful implementing school turnaround and identifies the cultural and community conditions that support school turnaround in a rural setting.
Capital Flow Volatility and Contagion: A Focus on Asia

This paper documents four trends in Asia: (1) the increase in the magnitude of gross capital inflows and outflows; (2) the larger magnitude of gross capital inflows relative to outflows in some countries; (3) the increase in the volatility of these capital flows; and (4) the steady increase in the comovement between equity markets over time. It then uses results from recent academic research to evaluate ways in which Asian economies can best mitigate risks from large and volatile capital flows. The analysis suggests that the best approach involves attention to the form of these capital flows and strengthening the domestic financial system rather than directly reducing total capital flows. For example, supporting capital flows in the form of equity, instead of debt, provides natural risk sharing and reduces domestic vulnerabilities. Supporting outward capital flows by domestic investors can provide an important form of stability, as domestic investors often “retrench” and bring money invested abroad home during periods of heightened risk. Finally, one of the most potent methods to stabilize economies against capital flow volatility is to reduce leverage in domestic banking systems. Recent increases in leverage in Asian banking systems suggest that this could be a source of increased vulnerability in the future.
Demand Growth for Animal Products in the BRIIC Countries

We conduct a meta-analysis of studies of consumer demand for animal products in the BRIIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, Indonesia, and China) to gauge how future demands are likely to evolve. The BRIIC countries accounted for more than one-fourth of global GDP in purchasing power parity terms in 2010, and are projected to have high rates of economic growth during the coming decade. Econometric results indicate that demands are likely to become more price-responsive but less income-responsive. These effects will likely become significant over time in countries such as China and India where per capita incomes are projected to grow rapidly. These developments may benefit exporters of animal products to the BRIIC countries if trade agreements are signed that open up the relatively closed markets for animal products in these countries. [EconLit Subject Codes: Q110, Q170].
THYMULIN (FTS) AND THYMOSIN α 1 - DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA FOR AIDS IN CHILDREN

Top of pageAbstract Thymosinα1 levels are markedly elevated in homosexual patients with AIDS or AIDS-related complex (prodrome) at a time when their T-cell function and OKT4/T8 ratios are depressed. On the other hand Thymosinα1 and FTS are significantly reduced in patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases affecting cell mediated immunity. We have studied 14 infants with AIDS or AIDS prodrome with reversed OKT4/T8 ratios. FTS levels were diminished in all patients. Thymosinα1 levels were elevated in 12 infants and normal or low in 2 (both treated with steroids, an agent known to depress thymosinα1 levels). It appears that the FTS/thymosinα1 ratio may serve as a diagnostic parameter to discriminate between congenital primary immunodeficiency and AIDS in infants.
Putative electrocyclic reaction of cyclobutene radical cation : 1,2-Diphenyl-3,3,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutene

Abstract The thermal and photochemical reactions of 1,2-diphenyl-3,3,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutene were investigated. Direct irradiation of this hydrocarbon leads to inefficient cyclization to a dehydrophenanthrene. Irradiation in the presence of diethyl terephthalate gives the cyclobutane radical cation and the ester radical anion. These intermediates were observed by laser flash photolysis. The cyclobutene radical cation does not rearrange rapidly to the radical cation of 3,4-diphenyl-2,5-dimethyl-2,4-hexadiene. This conclusion is supported by analysis of the flash photolysis results, examination of cyclic voltammetric behavior, and by observation of the EPR spectra of these radical cations formed by radiolysis of frozen Freon solutions of the neutral hydrocarbons.
Cutting Edge: Long-Lived CD8 Memory and Protective Immunity in the Absence of CD40 Expression on CD8 T Cells

CD8 T cells need CD4 T cells to develop into long-lived, functional memory cells that provide protection against pathogen rechallenge. We investigated whether signaling via CD40 expressed on the CD8 cells themselves is involved in this cooperation. In murine responses to Listeria monocytogenes and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, we found no evidence of any requirement for CD40-CD40 ligand interaction at this level. No differences were observed between CD40 −/− and CD40 +/+ CD8 T cells that had matured in the same environment when comparing their expansion in a primary or secondary response, their contribution to memory, and their ability to enter nonlymphoid tissues such as the liver. Thus, we find no evidence that CD40 ligand-expressing CD4 T cells are required to activate CD40 on CD8 T cells directly for the full differentiation of the cytotoxic T cell response.
Ten-year clinical survey of breech deliveries.

T H I s project was started with the preconceived idea that the delivery of breech presentations as taught by the late Dr. A. H. Bill should not be abandoned. Second, with the rebirth of conduction anesthesia after World War II and the appointment of Dr. Robert Hingson as Professor of Anesthesiology at University Hospitals, we wanted to evaluate the decomposition of the breech as a procedure and also to evaluate decomposition under conduction anesthesia. Clinical material
Beyond cigarette smoking: smoke-free home rules and use of alternative tobacco products

Background:A smoke-free home rule has been associated with reduced cigarette consumption; however, it is unknown whether a home rule is associated with the use of alternative tobacco products (ATP) such as smokeless tobacco products, regular and water pipes, and cigars. This study examined the association between the smoke-free home rules and ever and current use of ATP.Method:Data from the 2010–2011 US Tobacco Use Supplements to the Current Population Survey were analysed using multivariable logistic regressions, including variables related to smoke-free home rules.Results:Overall, 83.9% respondents reported a smoke-free home rule inside their homes; 20.6% of respondents had tried at least one type of ATP, and 3.9% were current users in 2010–2011. Having a smoke-free home rule was associated with lower likelihood of current versus never use of any ATP (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.77–0.83). Among ever users of any ATP, the existence of a smoke-free home rule was assoc...
Responsibility Regarding the Unthinkable

Connie is walking down Main Street. From a distance, she sees a young child screaming for help, blood pouring from a gash in his head. There are many other pedestrians on the street but, to Connie's amazement and horror, they ignore the child's pleas and pass him by. She rushes up to the child, seeking to help him. Any other course of action would have been unthinkable to her, for Connie is a compassionate person. Is Connie morally responsible for not ignoring the child's pleas for help? This is the question that I shall explore in this paper. But be forewarned: I shall not try to provide a definitive answer to this question.
The preparation of 3α- and 3β, 17β-dihydroxy-17α-ethynyl-estr-5(10)-ene 1

Abstract Norethynodrel (1, 17β-hydroxy-17α-ethynyl-estr-4-en-3-one) when reduced at -70°C with lithium tri(t-butoxy) hydride yielded predominantly (98%) the equatorial Sec-alcohol II together with 27. of the axial 3β-alcohol III. Reduction of norethynodrel with sodium borohydride resulted in increased yields of the 3β alcohol III, the ratio of the 3α to 3β-alcohols varying from 4:1 to 3:1 depending upon the solvent used. The 3β-aicohol III was obtained in 38% yield following reduction of the ketone I with diisobutylaluminum hydride. The most efficient synthesis of the 3β-alcohol III was by a MeerweinPondorff reduction of ketone I carried out over a very short reaction period (9). In an alternate route the equatorial 3α-alcohol II was converted to the 3β-axial alcohol III via the 3α-mesitylenesulfonyloxy derivatives IVd and the 3β formate V.
Early pregnancy diagnosis by palpation per rectum: influence on embryo/fetal viability in dairy cattle.

The objectivewastoestimate theeffectofpalpationperrectum(forearlypregnancydiagnosis)onembryo/fetal viabilityindairy cattle. A controlled, randomized block-design experiment with two blocks, one by category, and the other by number of embryos, was conducted. Five-hundred-and-twenty pregnant dairy cows and heifers with a viable embryo detected by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) between days 29 and 32 after AI were included. The pregnant females were randomly allocated into two nearly equal groups: palpation per rectum (PAL group; n = 258) and no palpation per rectum (NPAL group; n = 262). The PAL group was submitted to palpation per rectum (PPR) using the fetal membrane slip (FMS) technique once between days 34 and 41 of pregnancy. The fetal membrane slip consisted of compressing the pregnant uterine horn and allowing the chorioallantoic membrane to slip between the fingers. Both groups were submitted to two additional TRUS at days 45 and 60 of pregnancy, to monitor the potential immediate and delayed deleterious effects of PPR on embryo and fetal viability, respectively. A diagnosis of embryo/fetal death was made when there was no embryo/fetal heart beat or the absence of positive signs of pregnancy in an animal previously diagnosed pregnant, or the presence of signs of embryo/fetal degeneration. The overall rate of embryo/fetal death was 14.0% (73/ 520). Embryonic death (10%; 52/520) was higher than fetal death (4.5%; 21/468; P 0.05) between PAL (14.7%; 38/258) and NPAL (13.4%; 35/262). In conclusion, PPR between days 34 and 41 of pregnancy using the fetal membrane slip technique did not affect embryo/fetal viability.
Evaluation of a trawl to estimate the inventory of catfish in commercial ponds

Abstract Most commercial catfish farms use multiple-batch production systems that contain fish sizes ranging from recently stocked fingerlings to fish weighing more than 1.5 kg. Currently, there are no accurate and cost-effective techniques to estimate pond inventories of catfish. Three trials were conducted in earthen catfish ponds with a 12 m × 8 m trawl (bar mesh at mouth of 3.8-cm; 2.54-cm at cod end). The first two trials included trawling with and without feed as bait in 4-ha commercial catfish ponds (Trial 1) and in 1.6-ha experimental ponds (Trial 2). In Trial 3, the trawl was pulled three times without feeding in 1.6-ha experimental ponds. Mean individual weights and size distributions of catfish caught by the trawl were statistically similar to those of catfish caught by the seine (Trial 1) and to stocking data (Trial 2). Single pulls with the trawl resulted in 73% error in estimated fish inventories in Trial 3. However, if pulled two times, the estimated catfish inventory error dropped to 7%, more accurate than other inventory methods, but was variable (coefficient of variation = 186%). The trawl appears to have potential as a means to sample commercial catfish ponds to estimate means and frequency distributions of fish size, but additional refinement and correction would be needed for it to be used reliably to estimate total pond inventory.
Visualizing interaction patterns in online discussions and indices of cognitive presence

THIS PAPER discusses Mapping Temporal Relations of Discussions Software (MTRDS), a Web-based application that visually represents the temporal relations of online discussions. MTRDS was used to observe interaction characteristics of three online discussions. In addition, the research employed the Practical Inquiry Model to identify indices of cognitive presence in discussions. MTRDS made the topology of discussions apparent as well as individual user communication patterns. The results of this inquiry appear encouraging in terms of the software’s utility. The three discussions analyzed did not exhibit the four phases of the Practical Inquiry Model. Most discussion occurred at a questioning or elaboration level. However, two discussions showed evidence of higher cognitive processing in terms of students synthesizing and integrating ideas.
Reconsideration of two infraspecific taxa of the fullmoon maple Acer japonicum (Aceraceae).

Comparison of several critical morphological characters inAcer japonicum microphyllum Siesmayer andA. shirasawanum Koidzumi, show that the two taxa are identical; the former is synonymous withA. shirasawanum. Similarly, morphological data, supported by the chemical dichotomy of flavonols vs. glycoflavones withinAcer sectionPalmata, indicate thatA. japonicum aureum Siesmayer is in fact a form ofA. shirasawanum. The combinationAcer shirasawanum formaaureum (Siesmayer) Delendick is proposed for the golden fullmoon maple.
Adaptive Backstepping Cancelation of Unmatched Unknown Sinusoidal Disturbances for LTI Systems by State Derivative Feedback

Solutions already exist for the problem of canceling sinusoidal disturbances by measurement of the state or by measurement of an output for linear and nonlinear systems. In this paper, we design an adaptive backstepping controller to cancel unmatched sinusoidal disturbances forcing a linear time-invariant system which is augmented by a linear input subsystem by using only measurement of state-derivatives of the original subsystem and state of the input subsystem. Our design is based on four steps, 1) parametrization of the sinusoidal disturbance as the output of a known feedback system with an unknown output vector that depends on unknown disturbance parameters, 2) design of an adaptive disturbance observer for both disturbance and its derivative, 3) design of an adaptive controller for virtual control input, and 4) design final controller by defining error system and using backstepping procedure. We prove that the equilibrium of the closed-loop adaptive system is stable and state of the considered error system goes to zero as t → ∞ with perfect disturbance estimation. The effectiveness of the controller is illustrated with a simulation example of a third order system.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Fredholm pseudo-gradients for the action functional on a sub-manifold of dual Legendrian curves of a three dimensional contact manifold (M3, α)

We prove in this paper that the intersection numbers between periodic orbits have an intrinsic meaning for the variational problem (J,Cβ) {Bahri (Pseudo-Orbits of Contact Forms Pitman Research Notes in Mathematics Series No. 173, 1984), Bahri (C R Acad Sci Paris 299, Serie I 15:757–760, 1984), Bahri (Classical and Quantic periodic motions of multiply polarized spin-manifolds. Pitman Research Notes in Mathematics Series No. 378, 1998)}, corresponding to the periodic orbit problem on a sub-manifold of the loop space of a three dimensional compact contact manifold (M, α). Open image in new window
Gastrointestinal hemorrhage: is the surgeon obsolete?

The management of gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage has undergone tremendous evolution in recent decades. Once commonly managed by surgeons, the almost continuous introduction of new technologies and pharmacotherapies has dramatically improved clinicians' ability to identify and control sources of bleeding without surgery. Although a gastroenterologist can successfully manage most cases of GI hemorrhage endoscopically, surgical consultation remains an important consideration for the emergency physician in selected cases.
Shorebird fauna changes of a small tropical estuary following habitat alteration: Biological and political impacts of environmental restoration

Numbers of shorebirds visiting the Paiko Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary, a small tropical estuary located on Oahu, Hawaii, are compared before and after environmental restoration of the lagoon. An attempt is made to examine both the biological impacts and policy implications of the project. The biological results indicate that shorebird abundance did not increase following restoration. On the other hand, public perceptions regarding the ecological value of the lagoon suggest that in spite of a lack of biological benefit to shorebirds, the lagoon was perceived by the public, particularly local residents, as being more ecologically valuable because it had been aesthetically improved. The discussion focuses on the interplay between scientific and non-scientific factors in natural resource decision making.
Electron-phonon interaction near a normal metal-superconductor boundary

Abstract Electron tunneling has been used to study the electron-phonon interaction in PbCd proximity effect samples by injecting electrons into Pb side. For Pb thicknesses ranging from 950 to 330 A, the phonon structure occurs at the same energy as bulk Pb and the magnitude of the structure scales as Tc2. The shape of the phonon spectral function, α2F(ω), remains essentially unchanged even though Tc has been depressed by 35%.
Ebolavirus VP35 Coats the Backbone of Double-Stranded RNA for Interferon Antagonism

Recognition of viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) activates interferon production and immune signaling in host cells. Crystal structures of ebolavirus VP35 show that it caps dsRNA ends to prevent sensing by pattern recognition receptors such as RIG-I. In contrast, structures of marburgvirus VP35 show that it primarily coats the dsRNA backbone. Here, we demonstrate that ebolavirus VP35 also coats the dsRNA backbone in solution, although binding to the dsRNA ends probably constitutes the initial binding event.
Laboratory Evaluation of Underground Coal Mine Trailing Cable Splices

Laboratory tests were developed for evaluating portable cable splices prior to their use in underground coal mines. The tests simulate mechanical and electrical destructive effects on cables supplying power to shuttle cars. Tests for splice tension, conductivity, flexibility, dielectric withstand, abrasion, and workmanship qualities are explained.
EXPERIMENTAL NEPHRITIS IN RATS INDUCED BY INJECTION OF ANTI-KIDNEY SERUM : III. PATHOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE ACUTE AND CHRONIC DISEASE.

Administration of the relatively organ specific antibody, so called nephrotoxin, present in anti-kidney serum, is followed by a diffuse glomerulonephritis. This is characterized early by swelling of the intercapillary substance of the glomerular tuft and by tubular degeneration. Fibrin thrombi are only present in the glomerular capillaries when the injection of anti-kidney serum results in a severe anaphylactoid reaction, and are due to factors other than nephrotoxin. The urinary abnormalities which develop in all rats after a suitable injection of nephrotoxin usually continue until the animal dies or is sacrificed. Microscopic renal lesions of the early phase merge into scarring of the glomeruli and tubules. Histological study of those animals which die from 3 to 11 months after treatment reveals a chronic progressive glomerulonephritis with generalized vascular lesions.
Enhanced Resolution for Aquarius Salinity Retrieval near Land-Water Boundaries

A numerical reconstruction of the brightness temperature is examined as a potential way to improve the retrieval of salinity from Aquarius measurements closer to landwater boundaries. A test case using simulated ocean-land scenes suggest promise for the technique.
Differentiation of Self and Well-being: The Moderating Effect of Self-construal

Differentiation of self is defined at the interpersonal level as the ability to achieve emotional autonomy from the family of origin while maintaining a degree of connectedness and at the intrapsychic level as the capacity to distinguish thoughts from feelings (Kerr and Bowen (1988) Family evaluation. W. W. Norton and Company, New York). Research indicates that differentiation of self is positively related to well-being (Skowron et al. (2009) Contemp Fam Ther 31:3–18. doi:10.1007/s10591-008-9075-1; Murdock and Gore (2004) Contemp Fam Ther 26(3):319–335. doi:10.1023/B:COFT.0000037918.53929.18), and that cultural forces of individualism and collectivism may affect this relationship (Chung and Gale (2006) Contemp Fam Ther 28:367–381. doi:10.1007/s10591-006-9013-z). However, no previous studies have looked at the impact of self-construal, or how one views the self in relation to others, on the relationship between differentiation of self and well-being at the individual level. The purpose of this study was to determine if self-construal moderates the relationship between differentiation of self and well-being among US college students, with a focus on within-culture variation. The results indicated that differentiation of self is positively correlated with independent self-construal and negatively correlated with interdependent self-construal. In addition, independent self-construal moderates the relationship between differentiation of self and well-being such that high levels of independent self-construal serve as a buffer to psychological symptoms for those with low levels of differentiation of self. We also found that fusion and emotional reactivity, aspects of differentiation of self, mediate the relationship between interdependent self-construal and well-being.
Polymorphism at the P450IIE1 Locus Is Not Associated with Alcoholic Liver Disease in Caucasian Men

Because alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis, well-known complications of alcohol abuse, do not occur in all alcoholics, genetic factors such as differences in alcohol-metabolizing enzymes may play a role in the development of alcoholic liver disease. Cytochrome P450IIE1 catalyzes the oxidation of ethanol, producing acetaldehyde and free radicals capable of reacting with and peroxidizing cell membranes. Polymorphisms have been identified in the 5'-flanking region of the P450IIE1 gene that may alter the transcriptional activity of the gene. In this study, we analyzed the P450IIE1 genotypes at the polymorphic PstI and RsaI restriction enzyme sites in 53 Caucasians with severe alcoholic liver disease to determine if there is an association between these polymorphisms and alcoholic liver disease. Subjects that tested positive for the hepatitis C virus were eliminated from the study. To identify the type A (homozygous for the c1 gene), type B (heterozygous for the c1 and c2 genes), and type C (homozygous for the c2 gene) genotypes at the P450IIE1 locus, DNA encompassing the polymorphisms was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, slot-blotted, and probed with allele-specific oligonucleotides. Allele frequencies for the c1 allele were 0.95 for alcoholics with severe liver disease, 0.95 for alcoholics without liver disease, and 0.98 for the general population. No differences in allele frequencies between alcoholic patients with severe liver disease and alcoholics without liver disease were observed.
Estimating formation properties from early-time recovery in wells subject to turbulent head losses

Abstract A mathematical model is developed to interpret the early-time recovering water level following the termination of pumping in wells subject to turbulent head losses. The model assumes that turbulent head losses dissipate immediately when pumping ends. In wells subject to both borehole storage and turbulent head losses, the early-time recovery exhibits a slope equal to 1/2 on log–log plots of the recovery versus time. This half-slope response should not be confused with the half-slope response associated with a linear flow regime during aquifer tests. The presence of a borehole skin due to formation damage or stimulation around the pumped well alters the early-time recovery in wells subject to turbulent head losses and gives the appearance of borehole storage, where the recovery exhibits a unit slope on log–log plots of recovery versus time. Type curves can be used to estimate the formation storativity from the early-time recovery data. In wells that are suspected of having formation damage or stimulation, the type curves can be used to estimate the `effective' radius of the pumped well, if an estimate of the formation storativity is available from observation wells or other information. Type curves for a homogeneous and isotropic dual-porosity aquifer are developed and applied to estimate formation properties and the effect of formation stimulation from a single-well test conducted in the Madison limestone near Rapid City, South Dakota.
Recanalization and Stroke Outcome

Since work in the early 1980s suggested that acute recanalization of an occluded brain-supplying artery was feasible, a series of small uncontrolled and controlled studies supported the notion that recanalization could improve the outcome of ischemic stroke.1 That early work paralleled similar successful efforts to achieve recanalization of occluded coronary arteries with plasminogen activators in patients presenting acutely with myocardial ischemia. The very nature of the outcomes of ischemic cerebrovascular disease, that demise does not reflect the evolution of brain injury, different from myocardial ischemia, has required rapid, readily applicable reproducible assessments that include neurological deficits and types and grades of disability. These reflect the arterial supply of the brain and its regional specialization of function: motor skills, sensory perception, speech, association areas (mostly silent), cognition, autonomic function, and countless others. This complexity of functions vulnerable to focal ischemia, the variations in arterial supply from patient to patient, and differences in occlusion location within a single brain-supplying artery ensure that outcomes can be quite heterogeneous. From the outset, it has been recognized that instruments for outcome measures must capture these variables. To date, the most versatile instruments reflect functions that can be readily detected by the neurological examination. But, obtaining information regarding arterial supply and occlusion location together in the acute setting requires formal imaging techniques. This information cannot be exactly deduced by the neurological examination alone. Article p 2660 The hypothesis that recanalization of an occluding thrombus in the symptom-producing cerebral artery could improve neurological function (reduce disability) became testable when the fibrinolytic approach was applied early enough to allow restoration of flow but not substantially increase the risk of hemorrhagic transformation.2,3 Mori et al4 and Yamaguchi et al5 both demonstrated a relationship between acute recanalization documented by cerebral angiography and neurological outcome. In those …
Effect of Lane Width on Speeds of Cars and Heavy Vehicles in Work Zones

Traffic data were collected from 11 work zones on Interstate highways in Illinois in which one of the two lanes was open. The reductions in free-flow speed (FFS) due to narrow lanes and lateral clearances in work zones were studied. It was found that the reductions in FFSs of vehicles in work zones because of narrow lanes were higher than the reductions given in the Highway Capacity Manual for basic freeway sections. The data also showed that the narrower the lane was, the greater the speed reduction was. The data showed that the FFSs of heavy vehicles were statistically lower than the FFSs of passenger cars, even though the speed limit was the same for both types of vehicles. In addition, the reduction in the FFSs of heavy vehicles was greater than the reduction in the FFSs of passenger cars. This greater reduction in the speed of heavy vehicles affected the performance of the traffic stream in work zones. Thus, it should be considered in the computation of the passenger car equivalence for heavy vehicle...
Adsorption of Co and selected actinides by Mn and Fe oxides in soils and sediments

Abstract Iron and Mn oxides and associated radionuclides in soils and sediments from the radioactive waste burial grounds at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have been selectively extracted using wet chemical techniques. Product-moment-correlation analyses have demonstrated that 60 Co and various actinides, principally 244 Cm, 241 Am and 238 Pu are dominantly associated with Mn oxides. Correlation coefficients between these radionuclides and Fe oxides and organic C are generally very low. The important role of Mn oxides in radionuclide adsorption is attributed to their unique surface and colloidal properties. The data illustrate the importance of the Mn oxide component of soils and sediments in controlling transition metal and actinide solubility. These results suggest two major implications for the disposal of radioactive waste. First, in order to minimize future 60 Co and actinide mobilization from disposal sites, a chemical environment in which Mn oxides are least soluble should be maintained. Second, the liberal use of Mn oxides in waste management operations might improve long-term retention of these radionuclides. Deep-sea Mn modules, which may in the future be mined for their trace metal contents, could serve as a ready supply of Mn oxide for waste disposal applications.
A Methodology for simplification and interpretation of backpropagation-based neural network models

Abstract A new methodology for building inductive expert systems known as neural networks has emerged as one of the most promising applications of artificial intelligence in the 1990s. The primary advantages of a neural network approach for modeling expert decision processes are: (1) the ability of the network to learn from examples of experts' decisions that avoids the costly, time consuming, and error prone task of trying to directly extract knowledge of a problem domain from an expert and (2) the ability of the network to handle noisy, incomplete, and distorted data that are typically found in decision making under conditions of uncertainty. Unfortunately, a major limitation of neural network-based models has been the opacity of the inference process. Unlike conventional expert system decision support tools, decision makers are generally unable to understand the basis of neural network decisions. This problem often makes such systems undesirable for decision support applications. A new methodology is presented that allows the development of highly simplified backpropagation neural network models. This methodology simplifies netw variables that are not contributing to the networks ability to produce accurate predictions. Elimination of unnecessary input variables directly reduces the number of network parameters that must be estimated and consequently the complexity of the network structure. A primary benefit of this development methodology is that it is based on a variable importance measure that addresses the problem of producing an interpretation of a neural network's functioning. Decision makers may easily understand the resulting networks in terms of the proportional contribution each input variable is making in the production of accurate predictions. Furthermore, in actual application the accuracy of these simplified models should be comparable to or better than the more complex models developed with the standard approach. This new methodology is demonstrated by two classification problems based on sets of actual data.
26. Lentiviral Vector Delivery of vMIP-II Using Both Transplanted Endothelial and Progenitor Cells Enhances a Robust and Functional Angiogenesis In Vivo

Top of pageAbstract Therapies that stimulate angiogenesis are promising for revascularization of transplanted or ischemic tissues. Viral macrophage inflammatory protein-II (vMIP-II) is encoded by human herpesvirus 8 and may be both immunosuppressive and proangiogenic, though the latter is poorly characterized and only in vitro. We engineered a vMIP-II lentiviral gene vector, transduced both primary mature endothelial cells and progenitors, and transplanted these in Matrigel templates as an in vivo angiogenesis model. Fifteen days later, the templates were explanted and analyzed by quantification of blood vessels using two different methods. Half of each Matrigel template was collagenase digested to release the cells, which were then analyzed by flow cytometry after CD31 staining. The second half was analyzed by histology with von Willebrand factor antibody. Positive fluorescence was quantified using ImageJ and IMARIS software that also determined blood vessel length and morphology. We also checked the vessels for their association with vascular smooth muscle using anti-|[alpha]| actin antibody and for functionality by injecting an endothelial-specific lectin in the tail veins of the mice before sacrifice. We compared empty templates to those seeded with endothelial cells or progenitors as well as these same cells expressing vMIP-II. vMIP-II significantly increases the level of angiogenesis in the templates and this involves both host cells and the transplanted vMIP-producing endothelial cells. vMIP also promotes vascular branching, length and segmentation. These new vessels are closely associated with smooth muscle cells and functionally connected with host vasculature. As a proof of concept for tissue revascularization, we showed that co-transplantation of pancreatic islets and endothelial cells expressing vMIP-II led to revascularization of the islet transplants. These results are the first demonstration that vMIP-II enhances angiogenesis in vivo and can deliver this function via vector-mediated gene delivery by both mature endothelial cells and progenitors. One hypothesis is that the relative failure of proangiogenic clinical interventions to date is the result of only delivering a single factor (i.e. VEGF or bFGF) and in an unregulated fashion. Thus, we used gene expression profiling to investigate the mechanisms of vMIP-driven angiogenesis. vMIP-II up-regulates expression of multiple proangiogenic factors that can synergize. Among these genes, we identified VEGF, KDR, neuropilin 2, CEACAM1, IL1|[alpha]|, fibronectin and integrins |[alpha]|3, |[alpha]|4 and |[alpha]|5 as well as the chemokines, CCL5 and CXCL3. Therefore, the enhanced and functional angiogenesis obtained with vMIP-II appears to be the result of a complex and regulated proangiogenic network.
Opening a Japanese Saturday School in a Small Town in the United States: Community Collaboration to Teach Japanese as a Heritage Language

Abstract This article addresses the problem of how immigrant parents from Japan can pass on their native language, Japanese, to their children in a location where ethnolinguistic vitality (EV) is low. The case study is an overview of an opening of a Saturday school to teach Japanese as a heritage language. The school is located in a small town in the northeastern region of the United States. Its background, curriculum, and community support, as well as parents' efforts, are described. It is obvious that Saturday schools are one of the most effective ways to teach children a heritage language, since parents' efforts, patience, and resources are limited. Cooperation among parents and community support are essential. The school became not only a place to teach the language, but also a center for the ethnic group to share their values and identity, which were passed on to the next generation in the small community. Factors that contributed to the success of the Saturday school are also discussed.
Evaluation of the interim analysis from the PATRICIA study group: efficacy of a vaccine against HPV 16 and 18

Cervarix™ is a recombinant cervical cancer vaccine recently developed by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals (Rixensart, Belgium). This vaccine is a prophylactic AS04 adjuvanted bivalent L1 virus-like-particle vaccine against human papillomavirus types 16 and 18, which together account for approximately 70% of cervical cancers worldwide. An interim analysis of a large, multicenter, Phase III trial being conducted by the Papilloma Trial against Cancer In young Adults (PATRICIA) study group to assess the efficacy of this vaccine was recently published in The Lancet. The purpose of this review is to summarize PATRICIA, with a specific focus on the results of the interim analysis, and discuss the impact and implications of the findings.
Mono- through hexanucleotide composition of the sense strand of yeast DNA: a Markov chain analysis

Here we compare several methods for predicting oligonucleotide frequencies in 392 kb of yeast DNA. As in previous work on E. coli, a relatively simple equation based on tetranucleotide frequencies can be used in predicting the frequencies of longer oligonucleotides. For example, the mean of observed/expected abundances of 4,096 hexamers was 1.00 with a sample standard deviation of .18. This simple predictor arises by considering each base on the sense strand of yeast to depend only on the three bases 5' to it (a 3rd order Markov chain) and is more accurate in estimating oligonucleotide frequencies than other statistical methods examined. This equation is useful in predicting restriction enzyme fragment sizes, selecting restriction enzymes that cut preferentially in coding vs noncoding regions, and in constructing detailed physical maps of whole genomes. When ranked highest to lowest abundance, the observed frequencies of oligomers of a given length (up to 6 bases) are closely tracked by the predicted abundances of a 3rd or 4th order Markov chain. These ordered abundance curves have a power curve shape with a broad linear range with a sharp break at the top end of the curve. There is also a strong disparity between the most and least abundant oligomer with for example a 79-fold variation between the most and least abundant hexamer. The curves reveal a strong dependence of oligomer frequencies on base composition. Unlike E. Coli, there is no sharp downturn at the low end of the curves and hence, no class of oligomers rare relative to other oligomers of the same length.
Water flow in the toad urinary bladder in response to vasopressin: role of potassium.

In agreement with previous reports, we found that absence of K+ from the serosal bath of the toad urinary bladder substantially impairs vasopressin and cAMP-stimulated water flow. The decreased response to vasopressin appears unrelated to prostaglandin production since inhibition of endogenous prostaglandins by pretreatment with naproxen 10(-5) M failed to prevent the effect seen with K+-free Ringer's. The resistance to vasopressin does not appear to be directly related to epithelial K+ concentrations, in that maneuvers leading to decreased intracellular K+ failed to produce a similar effect. A more likely explanation appears to be that K+-free Ringer's induces an increased cytosolic Ca++ which, in turn, decreases the hydrosmotic effects of vasopressin. Several lines of evidence argue in favor of such an explanation: (a) Increased cytosolic Ca++ had been found in other tissues with low extracellular K+; (b) The resistance to vasopressin decreases with decreased serosal Ca++; (c) The effects of K+-free Ringer's are not additive in situations believed to have increased epithelial Ca++, i.e. replacement of serosal Na+ with choline; (d) The effects of K+-free serosal bathing medium could be both prevented and/or reversed if already established by increasing serosal bath, and presumably intracellular, pH, which is believed to decrease intracellular Ca++.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Energetics and Structure of Layered Double Hydroxides Intercalated with Carboxylic Acids

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of the Mg/Al (3:1) layered double hydroxide (LDH), hydrotalcite (HT), containing the monocarboxylic acids formate, acetate, and propanoate as the charge balancing interlayer anions provides new molecular-scale insight into the interlayer structure, hydrogen bonding, and energetics of hydration and consequent swelling of LDH compounds containing organic molecules and biomolecules with carboxylate functional groups. As for citrate−HT (Kumar, P. P.; Kalinichev, A. G.; Kirkpatrick, R. J. J. Phys. Chem. B 2006, 110, 3841), the hydration energy of these systems as a function of water content has no distinct minima, indicating the absence of energetically well-defined structural states with specific water contents. The hydration energies, however, approach the energy of bulk liquid water at lower water contents than for citrate−HT, suggesting that synthesis strategies involving delamination of the hydroxide layers in water are likely to be more successful using starting compoun...
Regulation of enzymatic activity involved in sex pheromone production in the housefly, Musca domestica.

Abstract Ovarian produced ecdysteroids regulate sex pheromone production in the female housefly, inducing the synthesis of (Z)-9-tricosene (Z9-23 : Hy), cis-9,10-epoxytricosane , (Z)-14-tricosen-10-one and methylalkanes. Experiments were performed to gain a detailed understanding of the processes affected by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-HE) that result in sex pheromone production as the female becomes reproductively mature. A novel microsomal fatty acid synthetase (FAS) is present in the epidermal tissue and plays a role in producing the methyl-branched fatty acid precursors to the methylalkanes. This FAS is released from the microsomes in the presence of 3 M KC1. A major enzyme activity influenced by 20-HE is the fatty acyl-CoA elongation system. A shift in the chain length specificity of the products of the elongation system causes the change in the chain lengths of the alkenes produced to switch from C 27 , and longer in the previtellogenic female to C 23 , in the mature female. Data is presented indicating that it is the condensation activity of the elongation system that is affected. Z9-23:Hy arises from a 24 carbon acyl group which is reduced to an aldehyde, and then converted to the hydrocarbon. Data is presented demonstrating that it is the fatty acyl-CoA derivative and not the free fatty acid that is the substrate. There does not appear to be a chain length specificity which regulates the conversion of fatty acyl-CoAs to hydrocarbons as both 24 and 28 carbon fatty acyl-CoAs are converted to hydrocarbon by both males and females of all ages.
Caveat orator: Audience disaffiliation in the 1988 presidential debates

This paper examines the intersection between speech and the collective behavior of the audience in the 1988 U.S. presidential debates. More specifically, it concerns those audience responses which were unfavorable or disaffiliative in character: booing and disaffiliative laughter. Each response type occurred regularly in a delimited range of speech environments. Booing was restricted to environments in which a candidate was derisively criticizing the opposition; specifically, booing occurred only when a criticism could be regarded as somehow improper or when others had begun to respond favorably to it. Disaffiliative laughter occurred when the candidates were talking about themselves, most commonly when a candidate was responding inadequately to criticism voiced earlier. Various rhetorical maneuvers were thus differentially vulnerable to specific forms of audience disaffiliation.
Synthesis and Properties of Metallo-Supramolecular Poly(p-phenylene ethynylene)s

The use of metal−ligand binding as the driving force for the self-assembly polymerizations of a ditopic monomer offers a facile route to the preparation of metallo-supramolecular polymers. We report, herein, the utilization of this approach for the polymerization of a conjugated macromonomer that was derived by functionalizing a low-molecular-weight poly(2,5-dialkoxy-p-phenylene ethynylene) core with 2,6-bis(1‘-methylbenzimidazolyl)pyridine (Mebip) ligands on the two terminal positions. The supramolecular polymerization of this macromonomer with equimolar amounts of Zn2+ or Fe2+ resulted in polymers, which exhibit appreciable mechanical strength, but due to their self-assembly ability offer the ease of processing of low-molecular-weight compounds. The optical and thermomechanical properties of the new materials were investigated by a variety of analytical techniques, including ultraviolet−visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical thermoanalysis, and thermogravimetric analysis.