cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Infrared Heater Used in Qualification Testing of International Space Station Radiators

Two heat rejection radiator systems for the International Space Station (ISS) have undergone thermal vacuum qualification testing at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC), Plum Brook Station, Sandusky, Ohio. The testing was performed in the Space Power Facility (SPF), the largest thermal vacuum chamber in the world. The heat rejection system radiator was tested first; it removes heat from the ISS crew living quarters. The second system tested was the photovoltaic radiator (PVR), which rejects heat from the ISS photovoltaic arrays and the electrical power-conditioning equipment. The testing included thermal cycling, hot- and cold-soaked deployments, thermal gradient deployments, verification of the onboard heater controls, and for the PVR, thermal performance tests with ammonia flow. Both radiator systems are orbital replacement units for ease of replacement on the ISS. One key to the success of these tests was the performance of the infrared heater system. It was used in conjunction with a gaseous-nitrogen-cooled cryoshroud in the SPF vacuum chamber to achieve the required thermal vacuum conditions for the qualification tests. The heater, which was designed specifically for these tests, was highly successful and easily met the test requirements. This report discusses the heating requirements, the heater design features, the design approach, and the mathematical basis of the design.
Is Maternal Methadone Dose Associated with the Severity of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Objective The aim of the study is to assess the correlation between maternal methadone dose and severity of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in infants that required pharmacological treatment for NAS. Study Design This is a retrospective analysis of 574 infants ≥35 weeks' gestation exposed to methadone in utero, born between August 2006 and May 2018, and who required pharmacological therapy for NAS. Indicators of NAS severity (duration of morphine treatment, maximum morphine dose, use of phenobarbital, and length of hospitalization) were compared between infants exposed to high (≥200 mg), intermediate (100–199 mg), and low doses ( Results Median (interquartile range) duration of medical treatment with morphine was higher in infants exposed to higher doses of methadone (low dose 23 [14–37] days, intermediate dose 31 [18–45] days, and high dose 35 [20–48] days, p Conclusion Infants exposed to higher methadone doses displayed more severe NAS, as indicated by longer durations of treatment, higher maximum morphine dose, longer duration of hospitalization, and increased likelihood of phenobarbital use. Key Points
The Impact of Headquarter and Subsidiary Locations on MultinationalsA Effective Tax Rates

We examine effective tax rates (ETRs) for 9,022 multinationals from 87 countries from 2006 to 2011. We find that, despite extensive investments in international tax avoidance, multinationals headquartered in Japan, the U.S., and some high-tax European countries continue to face substantially higher worldwide taxes than their counterparts in havens and other less heavily taxed locations. Other findings include: (a) Effective tax rates remained steady over the investigation period; (b) Entering a tax haven country for the first time results in a slight reduction in the firm's ETR; (c) ETR changes vary depending on whether the subsidiary is a financial conduit or an operating subsidiary. These results should aid ongoing international tax policy debates and expand scholars' understanding about the taxation of multinationals.Institutional subscribers to the NBER working paper series, and residents of developing countries may download this paper without additional charge at www.nber.org.
Stimulation of α7 nAChR leads to regeneration of damaged neurons in adult mammalian retinal disease models.

The adult mammal lacks the ability to regenerate neurons lost to retinal damage or disease in a meaningful capacity. However, previous studies from this laboratory have demonstrated that PNU-282987, an α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, elicits a robust neurogenic response in the adult murine retina. With eye drop application of PNU-282987, Muller glia cells re-enter the cell cycle and produce progenitor-like cells that can differentiate into various types of retinal neurons. In this study, we analyzed the regenerative capability of PNU-282987 in two retinal disease models and identified the source of newly regenerated neurons. Wild-type mice and mice with a transgenic Muller-glia lineage tracer were manipulated to mimic loss of retinal cells associated with glaucoma or photoreceptor degeneration. Following treatment with PNU-282987, the regenerative response of retinal neurons was quantified and characterized. After onset of photoreceptor degeneration, PNU-282987 was able to successfully regenerate both rod and cone photoreceptors. Quantification of this response demonstrated significant regeneration, restoring photoreceptors to near wild-type density. In mice that had glaucoma-like conditions induced, PNU-282987 treatment led to a significant increase in retinal ganglion cells. Retrograde labeling of optic nerve axon fibers demonstrated that newly regenerated axons projected into the optic nerve. Lineage tracing analysis demonstrated that these new neurons were derived from Muller glia. These results demonstrate that PNU-282987 can induce retinal regeneration in adult mice following onset of retinal damage. The ability of PNU-282987 to regenerate retinal neurons in a robust manner offers a new direction for developing novel and potentially transformative treatments to combat neurodegenerative disease.
Association of time from last known well to alteplase administration and outcomes in acute stroke.

Abstract Introduction In order to determine if time from onset to treatment time (OTT) to alteplase (tPA) administration is associated with improved outcomes in acute ischemic stroke, we performed a retrospective analysis of all acute ischemic stroke patients who received tPA at our hospital. Methods We performed a retrospective review of our Get With the Guidelines® stroke data to determine OTT was associated with either 1.) modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 90 days or 2.) in hospital hemorrhagic conversion. OTT was examined both as a continuous variable in univariate and multivariate analyses as well as a dichotomous variable with a cutoff of 60 min. We controlled for demographic characteristics, 24 medical history issues, receipt of thrombectomy, and NIH stroke scale at admission. Results We included 166 patients with data for mRS at 90 days after discharge and 302 patients for hemorrhagic conversion in hospital. In all analyses, there was no difference between OTT in either outcome. Predictors of improved mRS at 90 days included NIH Stroke Scale at admission, age, and lack of hypertension. The only significant predictors for hemorrhagic conversion was NIH stroke scale at admission. Conclusion Our small, retrospective data shows no association between OTT and either hemorrhagic conversion or mRS at 90 days. This data lends support that time may not be the ideal indicator for identifying patients who will benefit from tPA administration.
High Seroconversion Rates Amongst Black and Hispanics With Hematologic Malignancies after SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination

It is well established that COVID-19 carries a higher risk of morbidity and mortality in patients with hematologic malignancies, however, very little data on ethnicity specific responses in this particular patient population currently exist. We established a program of rapid vaccination and evaluation of antibody-mediated response to all EUA COVID-19 vaccines in an inner city minority population to determine the factors that contribute to the poor seroconversion to COVID-19 vaccination in this population. We conducted a cross-sectional cohort study of 126 patients with hematologic malignancies in the outpatient practices of our institution who completed their vaccination series with one of the three FDA EUA COVID-19 vaccines, Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson (J&J). We qualitatively measured Spike IgG production in all patients using the AdviseDx SARS-CoV-2 IgG II assay and quantitatively in 106 patients who completed their vaccination series with at least 14 days after the 2nd dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or 28d after the single J&J vaccine. Patient characteristics were analyzed using standard descriptive statistics and associations between patient characteristics, cancer subtypes, treatments, and vaccine response were assessed using Fisher Exact test or Kruskal-Wallis Rank Sum test. The majority of patients (74%) were minorities. Seventy patients (60%) received Pfizer, 36 patients (31%) Moderna, and 10 patients (9%) J&J. We observed a high-rate of seropositivity (86%) with 16 pts (14%) having a negative Spike IgG. Of the 86 minority patients included, 94% Blacks (30/32) and 87% (39/45) Hispanics showed seropositivity. The factors that contributed to significantly lower seroconversion rates included patients with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (p=0.005), those who received cytotoxic chemotherapy (p=0.002), IVIG (p=0.01), CAR-T cell therapy (p=0.00002), and CD20 monoclonal antibodies (Ab) (p=0.0000008). Plasma cell neoplasms (p=0.02), immunomodulatory agents (p=0.01), and proteasome inhibitors (p=0.01) had significantly higher seroconversion rates, and those with a history of prior COVID-19 (11%, 12/106) had significantly higher antibody titers (p=0.0003). The positivity rate was 86% (37 seropositive, 6 seronegative) for autologous HSCT and 75% (3 seropositive, 1 seronegative) for allogeneic HSCT. No life-threatening AE were observed. We show high seroconversion rates after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in non-White patients with hematologic malignancies treated with a wide spectrum of therapeutic modalities. Vaccination is safe, effective, and should be encouraged in most patients with hematologic malignancies. Our minorities based study could be employed as an educational tool to dispel myths and provide data driven evidence to overcome vaccine hesitancy.
A Sociological Framework for Groupware Design-Guidelines

This paper aims at understanding and modeling groups or organizations and their processes as a basis for design-guidelines to be developed for an innovative design of so called ‘sociable user front-ends’ supporting ‘social awareness’ and ‘social immersion’ of end-users in virtual communities. It starts from circumscribing a conceptual framework of sociological paradigms, theories and taxonomies, which mirror the dynamics of stabilization and destabilization of social systems in general.
Cancer Cell Heterogeneity in Resistance to Mechanical Trauma in the Microcirculation as Part of Metastasis

Mechanical trauma in the microcirculation contributes to the inefficiency of the metastatic process in terms of cancer cells, even though the process progresses and ultimately kills many patients. A filtration model was developed to assess qualitatively the kinetics of the damage and survival of cancer cells in passing through narrow channels, demonstrating that under physiologic capillary pressures, deformability is a traumatic event which kills the majority of cells passing through. Immediate damage to more than 90 percent of cells from the initial input was internal, reflected in impaired reproductive integrity (3H-TdR incorporation) and metabolism (14C-AA incorporation). Analogous loss of plasma membrane integrity and ultimately cell death were not apparent until 96h after filtration. A “dormant” state was observed in the approximately 10 percent surviving fraction until 214h (L1210 cells) and 240h (EAT cells). Regular doubling time was resumed thereafter. The amount of damage and lower survival rates correlated inversely with the input cell concentration and shear rate and directly with pore size. Recovery from the trauma of deformamation was dependent on the spatial association of the cell and nuclear diameters and the components of the cytoskeleton and cell periphery. This portion of the work thus introduces an interesting concept that mechanical trauma induced in passing through narrow vessels under physiologic conditions can have a significant effect on the kinetics of circulating cancer cells. The second part of this study was designed to determine whether survival from trauma is random or whether it is a manifestation of a trauma-resistant subpopulatlon. However, “wild” (heterogenous) as well as clonal subpopulations derived from filtration-trauma survivors were destroyed and recovered at the same rate as the original “wild” parental population. Thus, the work supports the concept that survival from mechanical trauma is a random event and that resistance is not hereditary.
A partilha do sofrimento: relações instrumentais entre animais de laboratório e sua gente

E importante que as "condicoes compartilhadas de trabalho" em um laboratorio experimental nos facam entender que as entidades com limites totalmente seguros chamadas individuos possessivos (imaginados como humanos ou animais) sao as unidades erradas para considerar o que esta acontecendo. Isso signifi ca nao que um determinado animal nao importa, mas que o importar esta sempre dentro de conexoes que exigem e possibilitam resposta, nao classificacao ou calculacao nua e crua. Neste artigo, ao colocar em dialogo personagens reais com personagens ficcionais, filosofos com biologos, proponho repensar as relacoes instrumentais entre animais de laboratorio e sua gente, centrando esforcos no trabalho epistemologico, emocional, e tecnico necessario para praticas de cuidado e de partilha nao mimetica. Argumento que a moralidade necessaria para o fl orescimento multiespecies vai alem de hierarquias taxonomicas, filosofias humanistas ou garantias religiosas. Exige uma forte sensibilidade nao antropomorfi ca atenta a diferencas irredutiveis
Into the Tangled Web: K-12 Educators, Free Speech Rights, and Social Media

INTO THE TANGLED WEB: K-12 EDUCATORS, FREE SPEECH RIGHTS, AND SOCIAL MEDIA By John David Andrews, Ph.D. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2012 Director: Jonathan Becker, J.D., Ph.D. Department of Educational Leadership School of Education Much attention has recently been given to K-12 educators and their use of social media. This quantitative study surveyed a targeted sample (n = 543) of known social media users to learn about K-12 educators’ use of social media, their legal knowledge of the First Amendment as it relates to free speech and education, and their dispositions toward the First Amendment. Survey respondents self-reported levels of social media use, completed a legal knowledge section, and responded to a series of items used to gauge their disposition toward the First Amendment. These were analyzed through various demographic and contextual factors in addition to analyses of variance, correlations, and a regression analysis. Findings identified a critical mass of K-12 educators are using social media, and some use social media to a great degree. This sample also reported an overall lack of legal knowledge of the First Amendment as it relates to free speech and education. Additionally, whether or not one had been questioned or chastised about his or her social media use, whether or not one worked for an administration that was “extremely supportive” of social media use, whether or not one had administrative responsibilities, and one’s disposition toward the First Amendment were significant predictors of social media use for the educators in this sample. Findings in this study suggest schools should
Role of meteorological processes in ozone responses to emission controls in California's San Joaquin Valley

[1] We conducted a first-order sensitivity analysis to investigate ozone responses to precursor emissions and source contributions (local versus upwind) for California's San Joaquin Valley (SJV) under four distinct meteorology conditions of summer 2000 using a three-dimensional photochemical transport model. Ozone-limiting reagents, nitrogen oxides (NOx), or anthropogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (AVOCs) and their transition regime were determined from ozone sensitivity coefficients and delineated spatially at high-ozone locations in the SJV. In general, AVOC-limited areas were located near urban centers, while NOx-limited areas were located farther downwind. However, the spatial extent of AVOC-limited areas varied with meteorology. Meteorological dependence of predominant ozone-limiting precursors was found to vary significantly among different subregions within the SJV. Specifically, weaker dependences were identified for regions of the southern SJV located farther away from emission sources, where ozone chemistry was mostly limited by NOx for the episodes considered. Stronger dependences were identified for the central and northern SJV, where ozone chemistry can be limited by NOx or AVOC depending on meteorology. Source contributions to ozone sensitivities in the SJV were also investigated. Local sources were important for the eastern side of the central SJV, while upwind sources were also important (from ~40% to more than 50% of the total ozone sensitivities) for the western side of the valley, except for the most stagnant episode. Different contributing source regions were identified for the same VOC-limited areas in the northern SJV, and these depended on the flow characteristics. The predominant ozone-limiting reagent was found to exhibit less dependence on meteorology in the central and southern SJV as the baseline NOx emissions were reduced, ultimately causing ozone formation to be limited by NOx. In contrast, the VOC-limited areas in the northern SJV continued to be influenced by meteorology for two of the episodes.
Results from Space

Space astronomy has made major and ever increasing contributions to planetary nebula research. Three astronomical satellites — Rosat, Hubble, and EUVE — have been launched since our last meeting five years ago. In addition, SpaceLab experiments flying on the NASA Shuttle have now observed a planetary nebula. After fourteen years, the IUE satellite is still going strong, and IRAS data continue to provide new results on planetaries and their antecedents.
Chapter 66 Photoemission of Ce and its compounds

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses photoemission of Ce and its compounds. With photoemission, particularly with synchrotron radiation photoemission, it is now possible to extract information about the nature of the electronic states themselves, including their spin and angular momentum character, their degree of localization or hybridization, their wave function symmetry, and the detailed energy band structure in the form of energy vs. momentum or E(k). Information about the empty states can also be gained from angle integrated or angle resolved photoemission or through core level excitation spectra near threshold. The chapter describes those techniques, especially those utilizing synchrotron radiation as the photon source. The chapter surveys photoelectron spectroscopy results for metallic and semiconducting Ce compounds, presenting results for La and Pr when possible to aid in the interpretation of the 4f character, and conclude with a discussion of Ce oxides and oxidation. The discussion includes photoemission studies of the 4d core levels of Ce because these levels are usually within the range of excitation of the instrumentation used to obtain valence band spectra (binding energy ∼ 100 eV) and because their spectra are complementary to direct valence band and 4f electron studies.
The Effects of a κ-Distribution in the Heliosheath on the Global Heliosphere and ENA Flux at 1 AU

In this paper we investigate heliosheath energetic neutral atom (ENA) fluxes at keV energies, by assuming that the heliosheath proton distribution can be approximated using a κ-distribution. The choice of the κ-parameter derives from observational data of the solar wind (SW). Our work has direct applications to the upcoming IBEX mission, since we generate all-sky ENA maps within the IBEX energy range (10 eV-6 keV), as well as ENA energy spectra in several directions. We find that the use of κ, as opposed to a Maxwellian, gives rise to greatly increased ENA fluxes above 1 keV, while medium-energy fluxes are somewhat reduced. We show how IBEX data can be used to estimate the spectral slope of the proton distribution in the heliosheath, and that the use of κ reduces the differences between ENA maps at different energies. We also investigate the effect that introducing a κ-distribution has on the global interaction between the SW and the local interstellar medium (LISM), and find that there is generally an increase in energy transport from the heliosphere into the LISM, due to the modified profile of ENA energies. This results in a termination shock that moves out by 4 AU, a heliopause that moves in by 9 AU, and a bow shock 25 AU farther out, in the nose direction.
Compositional variations in MBE grown InAs-GaSb superlattices for infrared detector applications

InAs-GaSb strained layer superlattices (SLSs) form a narrow band gap material whose cut-off wavelength can be tuned from 3 um to beyond 30 um. Theory predicts that in the LWIR and VLWIR, the SLS narrow bandgap layer structures can be engineered to reduce Auger recombination, relative to other narrow bandgap materials, such as HgCdTe. This should result in the SLS diodes having better performance than currently available detectors. A key to achieving this improved performance is knowing the detailed layer structure of the superlattice, and being able to accurately model this layer structure. Having an accurate model to guide the improved performance is essential to optimizing this material system. Cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy data will be presented which shows that the actual layer structure differs significantly from the intended layer structure, due to the detailed dynamics of MBE growth and the very thin layers in the superlattice. Specifically, cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy demonstrates that the InAs contains excess antimony, and the GaSb excess indium, due to segregation from the underlying arsenide-on-antimonide, or antimonide-on-arsenide, heterojunctions respectively. These deviations from the intended structure have a significant impact on the predicted properties of the superlattice. The predicted behavior of the intended and actual superlattice structures will be compared to measured performance.
How comfortable are emergency physicians with pediatric patients

We sought to understand how emergency physicians perceive the adequacy of their training in pediatrics. A survey was distributed to emergency physicians regarding residency training, clinical experience, importance of Core Content curricular areas, and the adequacy of their training. The results demonstrated that 84.0% of respondents felt well, completely, or adequately prepared with pediatric cardiopulmonary arrests compared to 96.4% who felt prepared for adult arrests. Trauma resuscitations and care of acutely ill patients revealed differences in preparedness for children versus adults [81.5% vs. 90.1%, respectively (p < 0.001) and 92.2% vs. 97.1%, respectively (p < 0.001)]. Pediatric arrest was the most often cited clinical situation giving trouble to first year attendings (24%) and infants were second (22%). Pediatric disorders were cited as the fourth most important area in training. Certain residency characteristics were associated with an increased sense of preparedness. These results may interest Emergency Medicine educators in planning pediatric curricula and experiences for residents.
Solvent accessibility of ruthenium(II) photosensitizers with cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide

Abstract Previously we have developed a luminescence deuterium isotope method for determining F , the degree of solvent accessibility, of bound photosensitizers. We probe the binding of several luminescent α-diimine-ruthenium(II) complexes to the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). Both strong and weak binding systems are observed. The F number method was adapted for the weakly bound case. However, this simple model fails to account for all of the effects, and the systems are clearly richer. Surprisingly, efficient shielding can occur under conditions where the sensitizer is only weakly bound. This effect is attributed to premicellar aggregates.
Ethical Issues in Geriatric Dentistry

Ethical issues involved in providing dental care to geriatric patients have generally been ignored in the practice and academic literatures. Elderly patients require special ethical consideration because of increased burden of illness, sensory deficits which may interfere with symptom interpretation and communication, fiscal constraints and ageism among both providers and patients. A taxonomy of ethical issues is provided including issues pertaining to the patient, the family, service providers, and the health care system. Suggestions are made for improving decision making in geriatric dental care.
Comparison of organ residence time estimation methods for radioimmunotherapy dosimetry and treatment planning—patient studies

The estimation of organ residence time is essential for high-dose myeloablative regimens in radioimmunotherapy (RIT). Frequently, this estimation is based on a series of simple planar scans and planar processing. The authors previously performed a simulation study which demonstrated that the accuracy of this methodology is limited compared to a hybrid planar∕SPECT residence time estimation method. In this work the authors applied this hybrid method to data from a clinical trial of high-dose myeloablative yttrium-90 ibritumomab tiuxetan therapy. Image data acquired from 18 patients were comprised of planar scans at five time points ranging from 1 to 144 h postinjection and abdominal and thoracic SPECT∕CT scans obtained at 24 h postinjection. The simple planar processing method used in this work was based on the geometric mean method with energy window based scatter compensation. No explicit background subtraction nor object or source thickness corrections were performed. The SPECT projections were reconstructed using iterative reconstruction with compensations for attenuation, scatter, and full collimator-detector response. Large differences were observed when residence times were estimated using the simple planar method compared to the hybrid method. The differences were not constant but varied in magnitude and sign. For the dose-limiting organ (liver), the average difference was −18% and variation in the difference was 19%, similar to the differences observed in a previously reported simulation study. The authors also looked at the relationship between the weight of the patient and the liver residence time and found that there was no meaningful correlation for either method. This indicates that weight would not be an adequate proxy for an experimental estimate of residence time when choosing the activity to administer for therapy. The authors conclude that methods such as the simple planar method used here are inadequate for RIT treatment planning. More sophisticated methods, such as the hybrid SPECT∕planar method investigated here, are likely to be better predictors of organ dose and, as a result, organ toxicities.
Comparative earnings of Greek Cypriot women and men

Utilizing government labor statistical reports, which are based upon a sample of approximately 17% of all Greek employees in the labor force in Cyprus, it was found that females receive substantially less pay than do males for the same type of work performed. Although the difference in pay between men and women is greater for the lower incomed wage earners, there are also marked differences in pay between men and women among the higher incomed salaried workers. In addition, the gap between female and male earnings has been widening rather than narrowing during recent years. The cultural factors which serve to perpetuate sex discrimination in earnings are identified and discussed.
Wound Healing Process in Post-bariatric Patients: an Experimental Evaluation

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity. Despite this, side effects are recorded. One of them is redundant skin hanging from the patients’ body causing both aesthetical and functional deformities. They can only be corrected with body contouring surgery, whose wound complication rate is very high in previously obese population. Despite several hypotheses, an adequate explanation is still awaited. The aim of our study was to evaluate the wound healing process in post-bariatric patients. Seven patients, six women and one man, were enrolled. They all were nonsmokers and nondiabetic. They all underwent biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). After 36 months, abdominoplasty was performed. Biochemical parameters before and after bariatric surgery were evaluated. The content of total protein and hydroxyproline was assessed in multiple scar biopsies before and after BPD. Abdominoplasty horizontal scar skin samples were subjected to histological evaluation with Weigert–Van Gieson stain for elastic fibers and connectivum. All biochemical parameters analyzed were reduced post-BPD compared to the preoperative period. Tissue proteins were significantly reduced after BPD both in their totality and as hydroxyproline and hydroxyproline/total tissue protein. Histological evaluation revealed abnormal dermal elastic and collagen fibers. The cause of aberrant healing in massive weight loss body contouring is likely multifactorial. A relationship between nutritional state, wound collagen accumulation, and elastic fiber content seems to be only partially involved. The high mechanical stress of tissues before BPD probably influences the wound healing process after BPD.
Multi-scratch effects on surface damage and removal in optical glasses

Multi-pass scratching is used to examine the effects of pre-existing damage on the removal behavior and morphology of optical glasses. A ductile-to-brittle like transition occurs at nominally sub-critical loads, dependent on the number of passes.
A reactor for high‐temperature pyrolysis and oxygen isotopic analysis of cellulose via induction heating

A reactor for converting cellulose into carbon monoxide for subsequent oxygen isotopic analysis via continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry is described. The system employs an induction heater to produce temperatures >or=1500 degrees C within a molybdenum foil crucible positioned by boron nitride (BN) spacers within a quartz outer sleeve. For samples of a homogeneous working standard cellulose between 300 and 400 microg in size, the blank/signal ratio is <5%, and the long-term precision is 0.30 per thousand (N = 232). For samples of 30 to 100 microg in size, a gas pressure sintered silicon nitride (Si(3)N(4)) outer sleeve replaces the quartz sleeve, the BN spacers are not used, and 6.0-grade carrier He must be used to minimize the blank signal. With these modifications a blank/sample ratio of <5% and long-term precision of 0.30 per thousand (N = 144) are obtained. These results are similar to those achieved using standard high-temperature furnaces, but the reactor is simpler to pack, the system is more economical to run, and samples as small as 30 microg cellulose may be measured. For both reactors memory is significant in the subsequent sample and is believed to be due to exchange with reactor oxygen at temperatures above 1000 degrees C. Further applications might include online preparation of other materials requiring temperatures of 1500-2600 degrees C.
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM DYSFUNCTTION(AD)IN CHILDREN WITH END STAGE RENAL DISFASE: OOMPARISON OF HEMD-(HD) AND PFRTIONEAL(PD)DIALYSIS

Symptomatic hypotension complicated 53-87% of all treatments in 7 of our pediatric HD patients (HDP) despite modest ultrafiltration ( .40), nor were the observed disturbances attributable to differences in resting HR, supine mean arterial pressure,months on dialysis, or age. The data indicate that AD occurs commonly among pediatric DP. The observed pattern of disturbances is consistent with defective cardiac parasympathetic innervation, with HDP more severely affected than PDP. AD also may be 'unmasked' more readily in HDP, since the higher ultrafiltration rates associated with HD require more effective cardiovascular reflex compensation. AD should be considered as a possible cause of recurrent, symptomatic hypotension in pediatric DP.
Developmental Expression and Alternative Splicing of Chick Agrin RNA

Agrin is a synaptic basal lamina protein that has been proposed to mediate motor neuron-induced clustering of acetylcholine receptors during development of the neuro-muscular junction. The chick ciliary ganglion is a parasympathetic ganglion that contains motor neurons that project to striated and smooth muscle targets in the eye. We have examined agrin gene expression in the chick ciliary ganglion during normal embryonic development using in situ hybridization and quantitative PCR techniques. Ganglia were specifically labeled by antisense agrin cRNA probes and the density of labeling changed during development. Hybridization was most intense in sections of ganglia obtained from embryos before embryonic Day 15 (E15), declining to relatively low levels by hatching at E20. Throughout embryonic development labeling was associated with glial cells, in addition to both ciliary and choroid neurons. Measurement of agrin mRNA levels by competitive PCR showed that agrin gene expression in the ganglion increased dramatically between E8 and E10, was sustained at high levels from E10 to E14, and declined thereafter. This time course is coincident with the period of synapse formation between ganglionic neurons and their peripheral targets. Previous studies in chick CNS have shown that alternative RNA splicing of a single exon encoding 11 amino acids gives rise to an active and an inactive agrin protein. Our analysis of RNA isolated from chick ciliary ganglia demonstrated that a second, previously uncharacterized exon encoding 8 amino acids can also be spliced into the same region. Alternative splicing of both the 8- and the 11-amino-acid exons results in expression of four distinct agrin transcripts in the ganglion. Changes in the level of total agrin mRNA in the ganglion reflect developmentally regulated changes in the levels of these alternatively spliced agrin isoforms. These results demonstrate that agrin is expressed in autonomic motor neurons of the peripheral nervous system and support a wider role for agrin as a synaptogenic protein, not limited to spinal motor neurons.
Relationship between transferrin saturation and iron stores in the African American and US Caucasian populations: analysis of data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

In previous analyses of transferrin saturation data in African Americans and Caucasians from the second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II), subpopulations were found consistent with population genetics for common loci that influence iron metabolism. The goal of this new study was to determine if these transferrin saturation subpopulations have different levels of iron stores. Statistical mixture modeling was applied to transferrin saturation data for African Americans and Caucasians from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), and then the mean serum ferritin concentrations were determined for the transferrin saturation subpopulations that were identified. After adjustment for diurnal variation, 3 subpopulations of transferrin saturation were identified in each racial group. Satisfying Hardy-Weinberg conditions for major locus effects, in both racial groups the sum of the square roots of the proportion with the lowest mean transferrin saturation and the proportion with the highest mean transferrin saturation was approximately 1. When weighted to reflect the US adult population as a whole, these subpopulations of increasing transferrin saturations had progressively increasing mean age-adjusted serum ferritin concentration values in each ethnic grouping as stratified by sex (trend test, P < .002 for all). These results are consistent with the concept that population transferrin saturation subpopulations reflect different levels of storage iron.
Le combustible nucléaire et ses axes de développement dans le programme nucléaire français

Apres avoir evalue les besoins en combustibles lies au developpement du programme nucleaire francais, les auteurs decrivent l'experience acquise par Framatome dans la realisation et l'irradiation du combustible standard equipant actuellement les reacteurs PWR francais. Ils presentent ensuite le programme de recherche et developpement engage en France dans ce domaine et destine a optimiser les performances techniques et economiques des combustibles PWR.
Creativity, probability and uncertainty

Keynesian concepts of probability and uncertainty emphasize the basis of knowledge available to economic decision makers. Conditions of uncertainty, which involve missing evidence or doubtful arguments, are distinguished from probable risk. Beyond this, on the basis of the claim that the future is yet to be created, some authors argue for further distinctions among different kinds of uncertainty. The paper reviews this particular argument, distinguishing it from Keynesian uncertainty theory generally, and provides a critique of its implication that, due to innovation, objective distributions of possible events do not generally exist at the time of economic decisions.
Reply to ‘‘Comment on ‘Temperature limits on infrared detectivities of InAs/InxGa1−xSb superlattices and bulk Hg1−xCdxTe’ ’’ [J. Appl. Phys. 80, 2542 (1996)]

Despite the preceding Comment’s assertions, the maximum theoretical detectivities of LWIR InAs/InGaSb superlattices are greater than those of HgCdTe provided the comparison involves the same base layer thicknesses (greater than the minority carrier diffusion length). The higher optimal doping of the superlattices relative to HgCdTe results in noise suppression. It is desirable because Auger recombination is substantially depressed. Shockley–Van Roosbroeck optical recombination and hence photon recycling is of little consequence in realistic device structures.
Computational investigation of rules governing selective adsorption intensities

Abstract Rules previously derived by Wolfe and Weare governing selective adsorption scattering intensities are investigated computationally via the attractive corrugated wall (ACW) model of Harvie and Weare. These rules, which correlate features of the scattering intensity with the form of the atom surface potential, correctly predict intensity features seen in the ACW calculation.
Phosphorylation of vertebrate nonmuscle and smooth muscle myosin heavy chains and light chains.

In this article we review the various amino acids present in vertebrate nonmuscle and smooth muscle myosin that can undergo phosphorylation. The sites for phosphorylation in the 20kD myosin light chain include serine-19 and threonine-18 which are substrates for myosin light chain kinase and serine-1 and/or -2 and threonine-9 which are substrates for protein kinase C. The sites in vertebrate smooth muscle and nonmuscle myosin heavy chains that can be phosphorylated by protein kinase C and casein kinase II are also summarized.
Unusual presentation of intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (Masson's tumor) ☆

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia is a rare, exuberant form of reactive endothelial proliferation which can mimic benign and malignant vascular tumors. In this report, we describe a 22-year-old man presenting with a 2.5 cm nodule on his left foot, near the first metatarsal head. The patient underwent total excision of the lesion, with subsequent histological diagnosis of intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia arising within a thrombosed periosteal vein. After nine months from surgery, the patient is alive and well, with no evidence of local recurrence.
The effects of propranolol hydrochloride singularly or in conjunction with ethanol on clotting activity in the rat

1. This study was designed to see if propranolol hydrochloride alone or in conjunction with ethanol had any marked effect on blood coagulation. 2. Rats were given the compounds for 7 days and clotting activity measured. 3. Propranolol induced changes in coagulation, both alone and in conjunction with ethanol. 4. The data suggest that propranolol plus ethanol induce changes that could be detrimental to hemostasis to a greater degree than propranolol alone.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of the 30 kDa membrane-binding domain of protein 4.1 from human erythrocytes.

The 30 kDa membrane-binding domain of protein 4.1 from human erythrocytes has been expressed in Escherichia coli and crystallized in a form suitable for X-ray crystallographic study. Crystals were grown using a salting-in technique. Crystals have a tetragonal plate shape and belong to the C2 space group, with unit-cell parameters a = 163.9, b = 106.5, c = 93.5 A, β = 95.5°. The crystals diffract to 2.8 A resolution.
Kinetic and physiological effects of alterations in homologous isocitrate-binding sites of yeast NAD(+)-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase.

Yeast NAD+-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase is an allosterically regulated octameric enzyme composed of four each of two homologous but nonidentical subunits designated IDH1 and IDH2. Models based...
Confirmatory factor analysis and factorial invariance of the impact of information technology instrument

Organizations increasingly evaluate information technology in terms of its impact on the individual and his/her work. Academics have shown increased attention to developing measures of technology success in terms of impact on work. One of these efforts produced an instrument that measures how extensively information technology applications impact task productivity, task innovation, customer satisfaction, and management control. These constructs reflect perceived usefulness of information technology application for work. This paper reports on confirmatory analysis and factorial invariance tests of the impact of information technology instrument. The recommended four-factor instrument contains 12 items, seems to be factorially invariant across two samples from the US and Mexico and across two managerial levels, and has high reliability and validity.
Isoprenoids determine Th1/Th2 fate in pathogenic T cells, providing a mechanism of modulation of autoimmunity by atorvastatin.

3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl–coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase is a critical enzyme in the mevalonate pathway that regulates the biosynthesis of cholesterol as well as isoprenoids that mediate the membrane association of certain GTPases. Blockade of this enzyme by atorvastatin (AT) inhibits the destructive proinflammatory T helper cell (Th)1 response during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and may be beneficial in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and other Th1-mediated autoimmune diseases. Here we present evidence linking specific isoprenoid intermediates of the mevalonate pathway to signaling pathways that regulate T cell autoimmunity. We demonstrate that the isoprenoid geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate (GGPP) mediates proliferation, whereas both GGPP and its precursor, farnesyl-PP, regulate the Th1 differentiation of myelin-reactive T cells. Depletion of these isoprenoid intermediates in vivo via oral AT administration hindered these T cell responses by decreasing geranylgeranylated RhoA and farnesylated Ras at the plasma membrane. This was associated with reduced extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 phosphorylation and DNA binding of their cotarget c-fos in response to T cell receptor activation. Inhibition of ERK and p38 mimicked the effects of AT and induced a Th2 cytokine shift. Thus, by connecting isoprenoid availability to regulation of Th1/Th2 fate, we have elucidated a mechanism by which AT may suppress Th1-mediated central nervous system autoimmune disease.
A cistrome roadmap for understanding pancreatic islet biology

Although dozens of common variants have been associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), the mechanisms by which these variants increase disease susceptibility are largely unknown. A new study mapping the human pancreatic islet cistrome provides a roadmap for exploring the effects of these variants and suggests that altered enhancer function might be a common contributor to the genetic risk of T2D.
Underwater signal reflection enabled localization scheme

Traditional underwater localization relies on line-of-sight (LOS) links to properly utilize ranging information. Unfortunately, the accuracy of the ranging techniques such as time of arrival (TOA), time difference of arrival (TDOA) and angle of arrival (AOA) can be significantly degraded by LOS instabilities in the underwater medium due to increased multipath effects. This paper proposes a novel underwater signal reflection-enabled acoustic-based localization scheme (UNREAL) that employs both LOS and surface-reflected non-line-of-sight (NLOS) ranging information to locate a node that has drifted away. The LOS and NLOS links are classified by incorporating a surface-based recovery mechanism, which recovers the channel impulse response information through homomorphic deconvolution. A closed-form least square method is developed to use such classification to locate the node by either using the LOS AOA measurements and/or the NLOS AOA from the estimated water surface reflection point. Every node in the network can be used as a reference point to locate the lost node when LOS AOAs are available. In this context, AOAs are a collection of elevation and azimuth angles for each reference nodes in the 3D underwater environment. Simulation results are carried out by using the projected view of a 3D camera unto the water tank to create a 3D underwater cubic environment used in validating the approach.
Optimum contribution selection in large general tree breeding populations with an application to Scots pine

Development of selection methods that optimises selection differential subject to a constraint on the increase of inbreeding (or coancestry) in a population is an important part of breeding programmes. One such method that has received much attention in animal breeding is the optimum contribution (OC) dynamic selection method. We implemented the OC algorithm and applied it to a diallel progeny trial of Pinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine) focussing on two traits (total tree height and stem diameter). The OC method resulted in a higher increase in genetic gain (8-30%) compared to the genetic gain achieved using standard restricted selection method at the same level of coancestry constraint. Genetic merit obtained at two different levels of restriction on coancestry showed that the benefit of OC was highest when restriction was strict. At the same level of genetic merit, OC decreased coancestry with 56 and 39% for diameter and height, respectively, compared to the level of coancestry obtained using unrestricted truncation selection. Inclusion of a dominance term in the statistical model resulted in changes in contribution rank of trees with 7 and 13% for diameter and height, respectively, compared to results achieved by using a pure additive model. However, the genetic gain was higher for the pure additive model than for the model including dominance for both traits.