cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Life-threatening electrolyte abnormalities in pyloric stenosis

Abstract Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is an idiopathic disorder of infancy where the hypertrophic and enlarged pyloric muscle causes gastric obstructive symptoms of progressive emesis leading to hypochloremic, hypokalemic, metabolic alkalosis. Although this condition is ultimately treated surgically, it may present as a medical emergency due to electrolyte derangements. In the modern era, up to 88% of infants have normal electrolyte levels at presentation and very rarely do patients present with a bicarbonate >35 mmol/L. In this report, we present a unique case of a 13-week-old infant with a 9-week history of emesis who presents in hypovolemic shock with respiratory distress and the most severe electrolyte disturbances reported for an infant presenting with IHPS: base excess >30 mmol/L, sodium of 118 mmol/L, potassium of 1.6 mmol/L, chloride of 52 mmol/L and bicarbonate >50 mmol/L.
Epidemiology of perinatal substance use: Exploring trends in maternal substance use.

Abstract Over the last two decades, the prevalence of substance use among women of childbearing age has risen dramatically in the United States making substance use during pregnancy a significant public health concern. This article offers a general overview of the epidemiology of perinatal substance use focusing primarily on the United States but when available international trends will be presented as well.
A statewide initiative integrating Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) through academic-clinical partnerships to improve health outcomes

The purpose of this article is to describe an innovative project that contributed to the work of Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN's) second generation which resulted from the original initiative and the awareness that new environments, partnerships, and strategies were needed to improve quality and safety. It is the only known project that served as a pilot model to disseminate the QSEN competencies across an entire state to build academic-clinical partnerships and can be replicable across the country. Findings from the current project highlighted the following: (a) the need for ongoing education for both academic and clinical partners regarding the QSEN competencies as well as ongoing coaching to develop those collaborative relationships; (b) an awareness among the partnerships of the competing time demands with their other work responsibilities to complete their QSEN project; and (c) many unforeseen positive outcomes including the establishment of the QSEN Institute Regional Center at Jacksonville University. Supported by a mini-grant by the Florida Blue Foundation it is the authors' beliefs that we have now moved onto the third generation of QSEN due to the leveraged opportunities to further improve health outcomes.
At the Heart of ExcELLENce: Myth or Reality?:

This report is a contribution to Ellen Winner’s Festschrift from a very fond former student and collaborator.
Essays on Burton Richter and His Impact on the Field of Accelerator Physics

Burton Richter had an enormous impact on the field of accelerator science and technology. This paper recounts some of that impact through seven short essays from people who viewed his contributions...
Sticking with STEM: Understanding STEM Career Persistence among STEM Bachelor’s Degree Holders

Numerous policy initiatives have highlighted the need for the United States to produce more STEM graduates to meet labor market demands. This study challenges that narrative by focusing on the many...
A quartz crystal microbalance based study reveals living cell loading rate via αvβ3 integrins.

Abstract Cellular interactions with the microenvironment are mediated by ligand-receptor bonds. Such ligand-receptor bond dynamics is known to be heavily dependent on the loading rate. However, the physiologically-relevant loading rate of living cells remains unknown. Here, using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), we developed a bulk-force sensing platform to semi-quantitatively detect the rate of cellular force application during early stages of cell adhesion and spreading. Atop an Au-coated quartz crystal, covalently linked self-assembled monolayers (SAM) were used to immobilize cyclic-RGDfK peptides that can interact with the αvβ3 integrins on cells. The QCM detects the changes in resonant frequency of the vibrating crystal due to the cellular activity/probing (force application) on the QCM surface. The corresponding changes in mass on the surface, proportional to the rate of force application, arise from the cellular interactions with the functionalized surface were calculated. The loading rate of living cells was found to be ∼80–115 pN/s. Collectively, our results revealed a fundamental feature of cell adhesion and spreading providing valuable information regarding cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix.
VIPER: A Versatile and Intuitive Pattern GenERator for Early Design Space Exploration

Contemporary technology nodes exhibit high defectivity due to complex interactions between the process and certain layout topologies/patterns. Foundries identify such patterns during diagnosis, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) inspections, Failure Analysis (FA), etc., and create a database to restrict their presence in future designs. However, such a database can be generated only after fabricating a few products, hence making this process reactive. Ideally, foundries would prefer to have a proactive approach, where such sensitive patterns are available up-front during technology development. Thereby, they can build accurate Hotspot Detection models and offer a robust Product Design Kit (PDK) to even the earliest of customers, either by ensuring that the process is immune to such patterns or by including them in the Design For Manufacturability Guidelines (DFMGs). To enable this, Early Design Space Exploration (EDSE) can be performed, wherein an Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tool generates synthetic layout patterns. In this work, we introduce VIPER, a novel, controlled random walk-based pattern generation method, which not only generates realistic and Design Rule-clean layout patterns, but which also offers versatility so that the generated patterns can be intuitively customized to specific needs. To ensure that the generated patterns are representative of real designs, we data mine designs in previous technology nodes and we learn some of their typical characteristics. Effectiveness of the proposed method is contrasted against the state-of-the-art, commercially available EDA tool.
Negotiating an Inefficient Market: An Agent-Based Model Approach to Property Insurance Claim Negotiations

Escalating frequency and severity of natural disasters in America has necessitated the study of property insurance claim settlement processes. To date, such research has been limited by a lack of publicly available claim settlement data. This paper takes an initial step in resolving that problem by developing an agent-based model simulating negotiation between insurance companies and restoration vendors. We examine the role that macro level constraints on micro behavior play in settlement outcomes. While we find that employee performance metrics enforced by hierarchical insuring corporations influence settlement values downward, we also find that vendor flexibility mitigates such biases. Thus, evidence suggests that facilitating cooperative relationships among these competing entities is essential to minimizing valuation discrepancy and expediting the disaster recovery process.
Multiple Uveal Melanoma.

Introduction Multiple uveal melanoma is a rare occurrence and includes bilateral melanoma, unilateral multiple/multifocal melanoma, or melanoma with metastasis to the ipsilateral or contralateral eye. Methods A chart review of patients diagnosed with uveal melanoma between January 2013 and January 2019 at the Duke University Eye Center Ophthalmic Oncology Service was performed. Results Three patients with multiple, sequential melanoma were identified; patient 1 had bilateral choroidal melanoma and patients 2 and 3 had 2 choroidal melanomas occurring in the same eye. In all 3 patients, both the first and sequential choroidal melanomas were treated with I-125 radioactive plaque brachytherapy (PBT). Two patients were found to have developed secondary metastatic uveal melanoma as a presenting sign of systemic metastases. Patient 4, initially treated with PBT, was diagnosed with ipsilateral metastatic choroidal melanoma, also treated with PBT. Patient 5 had right eye enucleation for choroidal melanoma and developed vision-threatening metastasis in the left eye, which was treated with PBRT. None of the patients had history of cancer prior to their first diagnosis. Patients 1 and 5 were tested with a systemic melanoma panel; both were negative for BAP1, but patient 1 had a variant of unknown significance in BRCA2. Patient 3 had oculodermal melanocytosis, an established risk factor of uveal melanoma. Conclusion Although rare, the possibility of multiple uveal melanoma does exist. Examination of the treated and contralateral eye on a regular basis is crucial, not only to identify local failure but also new metastases from the primary tumor and additional primary tumors.
The Effect of Thermal History on the Microstructure of SnAgCu/SnBiAg Mixed Assemblies

The effects of reflow parameter values on the microstructure of SnAgCu/SnBiAg mixed assemblies were examined. The variation of the volume fraction of the hypoeutectic SnBiAg phase with respect to the peak temperature during reflow, and the initial volumes of the SnAgCu and SnBiAg phases, was characterized. A simple theory was developed to predict the volume of the SnAgCu and SnBiAg phases after reflow, as a function of the peak temperature during reflow and the initial volume of the SnBiAg phase. This theory was based upon a one-dimensional Sn/eutectic SnBi mixed assembly. Concentration gradients in the hypoeutectic SnBiAg phase after reflow were characterized and compared to results from the Scheil equation.
An Unusual Case of Neurosyphilis Manifesting as Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH)

BACKGROUND Syphilis has increased in prevalence in the United States by 72.7% from 2013 to 2017, with the highest rates recorded in men who have sex with men. There is an increased incidence of syphilis in patients with a concomitant HIV infection, estimated at a 77-fold increase. CASE REPORT This report documents an unusual case of neurosyphilis manifesting as syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) in a 56-year-old man with HIV/AIDS. A 56-year-old man who has sex with men with HIV/AIDS presented with a 4-day history of periumbilical abdominal pain, nausea, and constipation. A physical exam revealed slowing of baseline cognition, but was otherwise unremarkable. Urine and serum osmolality studies were consistent with SIADH as defined by the Bartter and Schwartz Criteria: serum osmolality 100 mOsm/kg, urine sodium >20-40 mmol/L, euvolemia, and no other cause for hyponatremia identified. He was fluid-restricted, with improvement in laboratory abnormalities, further supporting the diagnosis of SIADH. A diagnostic work-up included a CT abdomen/pelvis with perirectal lymphadenopathy, colonoscopy negative for malignancy, chest CT with lymphadenopathy, and a head MRI negative for intracranial processes. The patient was ultimately found to have positive results on rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) tests, and was diagnosed as having neurosyphilis. He underwent penicillin desensitization and received a 14-day course of penicillin G, with recovery of sodium to normal range on discharge. CONCLUSIONS Our case highlights SIADH as an initial presenting sign of neurosyphilis with HIV infection, which has only been documented in 2 prior case reports. Our case highlights the importance of recognizing atypical presentations of neurosyphilis in patients with HIV to prevent long-term complications.
A survey on IoT platforms: Communication, security, and privacy perspectives

Abstract The Internet of Things (IoT) redefines the way how commodity and industrial tasks are performed every day. The integration of sensors, lightweight computation, and the proliferation of different wireless technologies on IoT platforms enable human beings to easily interact with their surrounding physical world thoroughly. With the recent rise of IoT, several different IoT platforms have been introduced for researchers and developers to ease the management and control of various IoT devices. In general, the IoT platforms act as a bridge between core IoT functionalities and users by providing APIs. Due to their wide variety of applications, IoT platforms are mostly unique in their architectures and designs. Thus, IoT administrators, developers, and researchers (i.e., IoT users) are challenged with substantial configuration differences in the proper configuration, implementation, and protection of the IoT solutions. In this survey, we conduct an in-depth analysis of popular IoT platforms from different application domains. More specifically, we define a comprehensive evaluation framework that considers seven different technical comparison criteria: (1) topology design, (2) programming languages, (3) third-party support, (4) extended protocol support, (5) event handling, (6) security, and (7) privacy. Then, we use the framework to evaluate the different IoT platforms highlighting their distinguishing attributes on communications, security, and privacy. First, we describe the communication protocols supported by the different IoT platforms surveyed. Then, rather than uncovering novel threats affecting IoT, we aim to analyze how the different IoT platforms handle security and privacy vulnerabilities affecting the most common security services of confidentiality, integrity, availability, and access control. Further, we present possible solutions that these platforms could implement to strengthen security and privacy within the IoT solution. Finally, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of every IoT platform, so IoT administrators, developers, and researchers (i.e., IoT users) can make an informed decision on the use of specific platforms to implement their IoT solutions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive survey to evaluate different IoT platforms using the criteria defined in this work.
Introduction to the Biogeochemistry of Soils

The first process-based textbook on how soils form and function in biogeochemical cycles, offering a self-contained and integrated overview of the field as it now stands for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in soil science, environmental science, and the wider Earth sciences. The jargon-free approach quickly familiarises students with the field's theoretical foundations before moving on to analyse chemical and other numerical data, building the necessary skills to develop questions and strategies for original research by the end of a single semester course. The field-based framework equips students with the essential tools for accessing and interpreting the vast USDA soil dataset, allowing them to establish a working knowledge of the most important modern developments in soil research. Complete with numerous end-of-chapter questions, figures and examples, students will find this textbook a multidisciplinary toolkit invaluable to their future careers.
Postprandial blood glucose excursions and low-grade inflammation: postprandial blood glucose and low-grade inflammation

Summary The triad of chronic subclinical inflammation, insulin resistance, and atherosclerotic disease has been suggested as a pathophysiological framework explaining increased cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Numerous studies have shown a positive correlation between the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) to insulin resistance and the number of metabolic syndrome components. Serum CRP levels are an appropriate standard of subclinical inflammation because they can be accurately quantified from a blood sample using commercially available standardised assays, and their relationship with adverse cardiovascular disease endpoints is consistent across gender, age, ethnicity, and geographical areas. Pooled analysis from 13 prospective European cohort studies demonstrated that high 2-h postload blood glucose concentrations were associated with an increased risk of death, independent of fasting glucose. Mortality associated with fasting glucose concentration was contingent on the 2-h glucose concentration. Treating postprandial hyperglycaemia with acarbose resulted in improved cardiovascular outcomes suggesting that eliminating postprandial hyperglycaemia is a critical component for alleviating adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Recent Trends in Quantitative Structure‐Activity Relationships

The field of quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) as an integral part of computer-aided drug design and discovery is experiencing one of the most exciting periods in its history. The most important recent developments in the field concur with a substantial increase in the size of experimental data sets available for the analysis and an increased application of QSAR models as virtual screening tools to discover biologically active molecules in chemical databases and/or virtual chemical libraries. Modern QSAR approaches are characterized by the use of multiple descriptors of chemical structure combined with the application of both linear and nonlinear optimization approaches, and a strong emphasis on rigorous model validation, to afford robust and predictive QSAR models. This chapter reviews recent and developing trends in QSAR and offers practical guidelines for the development of reliable QSAR models. Keywords: variable selection; multiple descriptors; linear and nonlinear optimization; validation; screening
Technologies for Wood Preservation in Historic Preservation

Because of the abundant forests of the world, wood is one of the most common materials found in historic buildings. Wood is relatively easy to fabricate into beams, columns, and roof systems using simple hand tools. However, because of its biological origin, wood is one of the most complex constructions materials. It is produced by thousands of different species of trees, and each type of wood has unique properties. Wood has an affinity for moisture and this can lead to biological deterioration caused by insects and decay fungi. This chapter presents information on understanding and preventing the mechanisms of wood deterioration in historic buildings. The chapter includes a discussion of wood preservation and technology, including wood finishes and wood preservative treatments, diffusible preservatives, and naturally durable wood species. A brief discussion about the repair of deteriorated timbers in buildings is also included.
A Postmodern Theory of Industrial Democracy

This paper argues that the greatly increased emphasis in our civilization today on expanding one of the oldest and most basic values, the idea of democracy, has given the public an interest in wanting more participation in the decision-making processes that vitally affect their welfare. It is the thesis of this paper that an extension of participative decision making into capitalism could develop what is called a postmodern theory of industrial democracy. At the same time, such a theory redefines the discourse on empowerment.
Identification of Protein–Protein Interactions

Protein–protein interactions are the mechanisms underlying many important biological processes. Prediction of protein–protein interactions is performed using a variety of computational methods that employ both ‘first principles’ biophysical calculations as well as knowledge-based informatics techniques. Keywords: protein interactions; molecular docking; molecular recognition; binding energy; noncovalent bonds
Part I: Shareholder Orientation in the Common-Law World - Introduction and Overview

The corporate governance systems of Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States are often characterized as a single "Anglo-American" system prioritizing shareholders' interests over those of other corporate stakeholders. Such generalizations, however, obscure substantial differences across the common-law world. Contrary to popular belief, shareholders in the United Kingdom and jurisdictions following its lead are far more powerful and central to the aims of the corporation than are shareholders in the United States.This book presents a new comparative theory to explain this divergence and explores the theory's ramifications for law and public policy. Christopher M. Bruner argues that regulatory structures affecting other stakeholders' interests - notably differing degrees of social welfare protection for employees - have decisively impacted the degree of political opposition to shareholder-centric policies across the common-law world. These dynamics remain powerful forces today, and understanding them will be vital as postcrisis reforms continue to take shape.
Subtleties in tolerating correlated failures in wide-area storage systems

High availability is widely accepted as an explicit requirement for distributed storage systems. Tolerating correlated failures is a key issue in achieving high availability in today's wide-area environments. This paper systematically revisits previously proposed techniques for addressing correlated failures. Using several real-world failure traces, we qualitatively answer four important questions regarding how to design systems to tolerate such failures. Based on our results, we identify a set of design principles that system builders can use to tolerate correlated failures. We show how these lessons can be effectively used by incorporating them into IrisStore, a distributed read-write storage layer that provides high availability. Our results using IrisStore on the PlanetLab over an 8-month period demonstrate its ability to withstand large correlated failures and meet preconfigured availability targets.
Process Recording Revisited: An Essay on an Educational Artifact as a Cognitive Exercise

In this article, presented at Adelphi University circa 1980 [Guest editor’s note: The actual year could not be determined], the author takes the position that process recording, though unpopular, has a viability for the education of a social worker that is not offered by any other teaching technique that has been devised. After reviewing the history of this educational tool, the author argues that every social work practitioner should know what it is and should be able to do it, that there are cognitive skills achieved by learning to do process recording that are fundamental to the social work practitioner, and that the writing of process recording should be taught and learned in class and in field. The author offers a detailed analysis of how process recording can be used to facilitate various types of learning in the social work student. Finally, the author presents an outline for its use.
Intra-Abdominal Complications Following Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Procedures

Forty-five of 185 (24%) infants and children with hydrocephalus treated by ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt procedures developed intra-abdominal complications. The occurrence of a previously unrecognized inguinal hernia was noted in 31 patients (16.8%). The mean interval from VP shunt to hernia occurrence was 6.8 months. Seventy-five percent had bilateral findings and 20% were incarcerated. Perforation of the colon occurred in five patients and of the bladder in two. Intra-abdominal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cyst was noted in three cases, catheter disconnection in two, knotted catheter in one, and intestinal obstruction due to volvulus around a shunt in one. There was only one death. Abdominal x-ray was often diagnostic; demonstrating the VP-shunt catheter in the scrotum in six patients with otherwise unrecognized inguinal hernia, and in instances of knotted shunt, shunt disconnection, bladder perforation, CSF cysts, and intestinal obstruction. In addition, contrast studies in instances of shunt dysfunction documented bowel perforation and CSF cyst formation. These data indicate that intra-abdominal complications are not uncommon following VP-shunt operations. Close observation for development of previously unrecognized inguinal hernia and other intra-abdominal complications is advised following VP-shunt operations in infants with hydrocephalus.
Long-term selection response for 12-day litter weight in mice.

Long-term selection for increased 12-day litter weight in two replicate lines (W2, W3) of mice resulted in an apparent selection limit at about 17 generations. Quadratic polynomial and exponential models were fitted to the data in order to estimate the plateaued response and half-life of the selection process. Using the polynomial results, the half-life estimates were 4.5 and 8.6 generations for W2 and W3, respectively. The plateaued responses were 5.1 and 5.8 g which, when expressed in phenotypic standard deviation units, became 1.1 and 1.3. The exponential model provides similar estimates. A negative association between 12-day litter weight and fitness was not considered to be an adequate explanation for the plateau since there was no decrease in fertility of the selected lines. Evidence that exhaustion of genetic variability was not the cause of the plateau came from the immediate response to reverse selection. It was proposed that the plateau may be due to a negative genetic correlation between direct and maternal genetic effects, which would be expected to occur after many generations of selection. There were positive correlated responses in both replicates for adult body weight, which was in agreement with the positive genetic correlation between preweaning and postweaning body weight. The expected positive correlated response for number born was realized in only one of the replicates.
Children's Behavioral Adaptation Early in Psychiatric Hospitalization

Abstract Behavioral patterns over lime were assessed during the Bret 24 days of hospitalization for 98 child psychiatric inpatients. Staff completed daily behavioral monitoring and ratings. Patients were categorized as improved, unchanged or deteriorated during this time. Thirty-four percent or patients initially exhibited well-controlled behavior, but then significantly worsened after a period averaging 6.8 days This result empirically supports the “honeymoon” phenomenon. Other patients showed either improvement during the initial period (15%). no change (30%), or could not be reliably classified (21%). Therefore, many child inpatients show rapid symptom stabilization after admission, but a large number then worsen. Clinical, scientific and administrative implications of these results arc discussed.
Pair-wise Agreement Using Set-Valued Sensors*

Abstract In this paper, we study the effect that set-valued sensors have on coordination algorithms. In particular, we investigate the two-agent rendezvous problem with severely limited sensing. We characterize conditions under which a agent can locate a stationary target when the sensing modality is probabilistic and set-valued. We generalize this to the case where a mobile agent is locating the target and show that the location of the stationary agent can be approximated up to a set of measure zero.
Plant life history traits of rare versus frequent plant taxa of sandplains: Implications for research and management trials

I apply a comparative, functional group approach to coastal sandplain grassland taxa in order to examine whether rare plant species share certain aspects of rarity and life history characters that are distinct from their more common, co-occurring congeners in these habitats. I compiled a comparative data set containing 16 variables describing biogeographic distributions, level of imperilment, habitat specialization, vegetative versus sexual reproduction, seed dispersal, and dormancy of 27 closely-related pairs of plant species that contrast in their abundance (infrequent versus common) in coastal sandplain grasslands. Frequent and infrequent species were paired within genera (or closely related genera) and thus distributed equivalently across families to control for phylogenetic bias. Paired comparisons revealed that infrequent species were intrinsically rarer range-wide, and exhibited a narrower range and more habitat specialization than their common relatives. A classification tree distinguished infrequent species from common species on the basis of higher habitat specialization, larger seed size, smaller plant height, less reliance less on vegetative (colonial) reproduction, and tendency toward annual or biennial life history. Research and management steps to reduce competition from larger-satured, colonial, perennial species are recommended for these infrequent species. Basic research involving more species and more data on ecophysiological characters, demography, and competitive interactions are needed to identify critical life history traits that will influence responses to particular management regimes.
The Shorts of Bury St Edmunds: medicine, Catholicism and politics in the 17th century.

The Short family of Bury St Edmunds produced at least eight doctors between the first half of the 17th century and the first half of the 18th. Some of these practised locally and others went on to achieve fame in London or abroad. They included Richard Short (d. 1668), a medical polemicist, and Thomas Short (1635–85) who treated Charles II in his last illness and became the subject of poetry and other literature. The Shorts generated controversy through their adherence to the Roman Catholic faith at a time of persecution and suspicion. Richard Short used medical polemic as a vehicle for advancing his religious views, and his son and nephew became involved in James II's political programme to introduce religious toleration in 1688. After the Revolution the Shorts withdrew from political life but continued in their medical practice and their recusancy. This paper is the first to unravel the family relationships of the Shorts, which previously have eluded most historians.
Energy Bands in Paramagnetic Chromium.

The results of a self-consistent tight-binding calculation of the band structure of paramagnetic chromium are reported. The basis set consisted of atomic wave functions for the $1s$, $2s$, $3s$, $4s$, $2p$, $3p$, and $4p$ states expressed as linear combinations of Gaussian-type orbitals (GTO) and five individual GTO's for each $3d$ state. The exchange potential was calculated according to the $X\ensuremath{\alpha}$ method with $\ensuremath{\alpha}=\frac{2}{3}$. The initial Coulomb potential was constructed from the superposed charge densities of neutral chromium atoms in a $3{d}^{5}4{s}^{1}$ configuration. Eleven iterations were required to determine a self-consistent potential. The charge density was sampled at 55 inequivalent points in 1/48 of the Brillouin zone. Energy bands were calculated with the use of the self-consistent potential at 819 points in 1/48 of the zone. The density of states was calculated according to the Gilat-Raubenheimer method. Cross sections of the Fermi surface were obtained in several symmetry planes. The x-ray from factor was determined from the self-consistent wave functions.
Alternate disposition of tetrads in peripheral couplings of skeletal muscle

The sarcoplasmic reticulum forms junctions with the surface membrane (peripheral couplings), which are structurally and functionally equivalent to the junctions between sarcoplasmic reticulum and transverse tubules (triads and dyads). Feet (ryanodine receptors, or sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release channels) are disposed in arrays in the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane. Tetrads (groups of four dihydropyridine receptors, each called a unit) are disposed in ordered arrays in junctional domains of transverse tubules and surface membrane. We measured three parameters of tetrad arrays in peripheral couplings from three different species: (1) the centre-to-centre distances between tetrads (intertetrad spacing); (2) the angle between lines joining tetrad units and those joining the centres of tetrads (skew angle); (3) the centre-to-centre distance between tetrad units (intratetrad spacing). These measurements are compared with those predicted from models of feet and tetrad arrays. Intratetrad spacings and skew angles are consistent with an interaction of tetrads with alternate feet and with a location of tetrad units over feet subunits. The slightly larger size of the intratetrad spacing relative to the distance between feet subunits indicates that tetrads may be larger than feet, despite the fact that the molecular weight of DHPRs is less than that of feet subunits. This is offered as a possible explanation for the association of tetrads with alternate feet. Arrays of tetrads tend to be incomplete in images from freeze-fractures, due to lack of some of the units composing the tetrads. Since it is not possible to establish which units are actually absent and which are missing from the images due to fracturing problems, the average ratio between DHPRs and feet cannot be accurately determined.
Why are hispanics at greater risk for PTSD

Several studies have found that Hispanic Americans have higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than non-Hispanic Caucasian and Black Americans. The authors identified predictors of PTSD symptom severity that distinguished Hispanic police officers (n=189) from their non-Hispanic Caucasian (n=317) and Black (n=162) counterparts and modeled them to explain the elevated Hispanic risk for PTSD. The authors found that greater peritraumatic dissociation, greater wishful thinking and self-blame coping, lower social support, and greater perceived racism were important variables in explaining the elevated PTSD symptoms among Hispanics. Results are discussed in the context of Hispanic culture and may be important for prevention of mental illness in the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States.
Two-Group Comparisons and Univariate Classification:

An alternative analysis of the traditional two-group single response variable design is discussed. The proposed analysis involves the classification, or assignment, of experimental units to populations represented by the two groups. Methods of estimating probabilities of correct classification are discussed. Three real data sets are provided to illustrate the utility of a classification analysis in describing both group as well as individual differences. A table of sample sizes required to yield estimates of probabilities of correct classification within a given tolerance of optimum probabilities is presented. Operational definitions of "substantive significance" are proposed.
Two-photon-pumped frequency-upconverted blue lasing in Coumarin dye solution

Two-photon-pumped (TPP) frequency-upconverted blue lasing of Coumarin 500 dye solution has been experimentally investigated. The shortest lasing wavelength was measured to be ~479 nm from a Coumarin 500 solution in chloroform pumped with ~800-nm laser pulses of ~5-ns duration. The spectral, temporal, and spatial structures as well as the output-input characteristics of TPP cavity lasing were measured with a 1-cm-long Coumarin 500 solution-filled quartz cuvette. The cavity lasing spectral structure and the numbers of longitudinal modes were easily controlled simply by attachment of an optical plate to the output window of the dye-solution cuvette. The net conversion efficiency from the absorbed 800-nm pump pulse energy to the blue-upconverted cavity lasing energy was ~4.8%.
The treatment of ankylosing spondylitis.

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disorder affecting the axial skeleton and periphery. Symptoms can often be debilitating. Current therapy for the disease include physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS, anti-rheumatic disease modifying drugs (DMARDS), and the newly developed biologic agents targeting tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). This paper will provide a comprehensive review of these treatments which focusing on evidence based medicine for the daily clinical practice of rheumatology.
Are the Costs of Pollution Abatement Lower in Central and Eastern Europe? Evidence from Lithuania

It is often claimed that pollution reductions can be achieved at lower cost in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, because more possibilities exist to update production processes and reduce waste. To date, however, there has been little or no systematic evaluation of what the costs actually are in these countries. The main purpose of this paper is to partially fill this research gap using firm-level data from Lithuania. Abatement cost estimates for key air pollutants are presented based on investments made in Lithuania during 1993â€“4. The paper also attempts to estimate the demand for pollution directly using data on pollution charges from 1994. Using both methods, it is shown that for at least some key pollutants marginal and average abatement costs are probably substantially lower in Lithuania than in western countries.
Numerical solution of Maxwell's equations in the time domain using irregular nonorthogonal grids

Abstract Several different methods for solving Maxwell's equations in the time-domain through the use of irregular nonorthogonal grids are presented. Employing quadrilateral and/or triangular elements, these methods allow more accurate modeling of nonrectangular structures. The traditional “stair-stepping” boundary approximations associated with standard orthogonal-grid finite-difference methods are avoided. Numerical results comparing all of the methods are given. A modified finite-volume method, which is a direct generalization of the standard finite-difference method to arbitrary polygonal grids, is shown to be the most accurate.
Seasonal plasticity of neuromuscular junctions in adult male Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)

Transfer of adult Siberian hamsters, Phodopus sungorus, from long day (16 h light and 8 h dark; 16L:8D) to short day (8L:16D) photoperiods induces an involution of the gonads and a cessation of reproductive behavior 8-10 weeks later. The motoneurons of the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus and their target muscles, the bulbocavernosus and the levator ani, are sexually dimorphic and are necessary for successful reproduction by male mammals. We demonstrate that after transfer of adult male Siberian hamsters to short photoperiods, the bulbocavernosus motoneurons, their target muscles and neuromuscular junctions are all significantly smaller than those of males that remain under long day conditions. Photoperiod also affected the number of active zones within each neuromuscular junction, an apparent remodeling of these synapses. Thus, this neuromuscular system of adult Siberian hamsters demonstrates considerable seasonal plasticity in response to changes in photoperiod.
Intercultural Communication: Appearance as a Factor in Attributional Confidence

Opportunities for intercultural communication are increasing on U.S. university campuses. Little is known about the impact of students' appearance in initial stages of intercultural classroom encou...
15N Solid-State NMR as a Probe of Flavin H-Bonding

Flavins mediate a wide variety of chemical reactions in biology. To learn how one cofactor can be made to execute different reactions in different enzymes, we are developing solid-state NMR (SSNMR) to probe the flavin electronic structure, via the 15N chemical shift tensor principal values (δii). We find that SSNMR has superior responsiveness to H-bonds, compared to solution NMR. H-bonding to a model of the flavodoxin active site produced an increase of 10 ppm in the δ11 of N5, although none of the H-bonds directly engage N5, and solution NMR detected only a 4 ppm increase in the isotropic chemical shift (δiso). Moreover SSNMR responded differently to different H-bonding environments, as H-bonding with water caused δ11 to decrease by 6 ppm, whereas δiso increased by less than 1 ppm. Our density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations reproduce the observations, validating the use of computed electronic structures to understand how H-bonds modulate the flavin’s reactivity.
Motor cortex electrical stimulation augments sprouting of the corticospinal tract and promotes recovery of motor function

The corticospinal system-with its direct spinal pathway, the corticospinal tract (CST) - is the primary system for controlling voluntary movement. Our approach to CST repair after injury in mature animals was informed by our finding that activity drives establishment of connections with spinal cord circuits during postnatal development. After incomplete injury in maturity, spared CST circuits sprout, and partially restore lost function. Our approach harnesses activity to augment this injury-dependent CST sprouting and to promote function. Lesion of the medullary pyramid unilaterally eliminates all CST axons from one hemisphere and allows examination of CST sprouting from the unaffected hemisphere. We discovered that 10 days of electrical stimulation of either the spared CST or motor cortex induces CST axon sprouting that partially reconstructs the lost CST. Stimulation also leads to sprouting of the cortical projection to the magnocellular red nucleus, where the rubrospinal tract originates. Coordinated outgrowth of the CST and cortical projections to the red nucleus could support partial re-establishment of motor systems connections to the denervated spinal motor circuits. Stimulation restores skilled motor function in our animal model. Lesioned animals have a persistent forelimb deficit contralateral to pyramidotomy in the horizontal ladder task. Rats that received motor cortex stimulation either after acute or chronic injury showed a significant functional improvement that brought error rate to pre-lesion control levels. Reversible inactivation of the stimulated motor cortex reinstated the impairment demonstrating the importance of the stimulated system to recovery. Motor cortex electrical stimulation is an effective approach to promote spouting of spared CST axons. By optimizing activity-dependent sprouting in animals, we could have an approach that can be translated to the human for evaluation with minimal delay.
Passisuberosin and epipassisuberosin: Two cyclopentenoid cyanogenic glycosides from Passiflora suberosa

Abstract A novel cyclopentenoid cyanogenic glycoside, passisuberosin (1-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-4-hydroxy-2,3-epoxycyclopentanenitrile), has been isolated from Passiflora suberosa . Its structure was determined by means of 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR and the identity of the glycosidic moieties by HPLC and TLC. A probable C-1 epimer, epipassisuberosin, was also present, as were smaller amounts of passicoriacin and epipassicoriacin, previously isolated from Passiflora coriacea . In addition, the presence of diglucosides ofpassisuberosin and epipassisuberosin was detected. These compounds differ in structure from those produced by other members of section Cieca , subgenus Plectostemma of Passiflora , the data suggest that the taxonomic placement of these two species should be re-evaluated.
Analysis of design alternatives for virtual memory indexes

A class of index structures for use in a virtual memory environment is described. Design alternatives within this class of index structures are analyzed. These alternatives include a choice of search strategy, whether or not pages in the index are stuctured, and whether or not keys are compressed. The average cost of retrieving entries from these indexes is expressed as a weighted sum of the cost of a basis key comparison and the cost of crossing a page boundary in the index structure. Formulas for the retrieval costs possible combinations of design alternatives are given. These are used in numerical case studies which compare the retrieval costs of the alternatives. Qualitative comparisons of the maintenance costs (insertion, deletion, reorganization) of the design alternatives are also included.
Machinability Research and Workpiece Microstructure Characterization in Turning of Ultrafine Grained Copper

Various methods for production of bulk ultrafine grained/nanostructured materials have been developed. They can be classified into two categories based on their approaches: the bottom-up and top-down approaches. Recently, a top-down approach named equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE), a form of severe plastic deformation (SPD), has been gaining more and more attention in making bulk ultrafine grained/nanostructured materials. Such bulk materials are favored for there high strength, wear resistance, ductility, and high strain-rate superplasticity, which makes them suitable for light weight engineering and medical applications. Further precision machining work is normally indispensable for structural applications after bulk ultrafine grained/nanostructured materials are manufactured from any SPD processes. While researchers are increasingly interested in commercially producing SPD-processed bulk ultrafine grained/nanostructured materials and characterizing their chemical and physical properties, the machinability and microstructure stability issues in precision machining such materials are frequently ignored. Using an ECAE processed bulk ultrafine grained copper bar as an example, this study investigates the machinability as well as machining-induced workpiece microstructure variation of such ECAE processed materials in precision turning. Tool cutting performance in turning the ultrafine grained copper bar is also compared with that of the regular copper bar.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
COMPUTATIONAL STUDIES OF NIDO-8-VERTEX BORANES, CARBORANES, HETEROBORANES,AND THE LEWIS BASE ADDUCT NIDO-B8H10L

An extensive investigation of boranes, carboranes, and heteroboranes falling into the nido-8-vertex electron-count class has been carried out using ab initio methods. The results of this study indicate a nido six-membered open face geometry, ni-8〈VI〉, is usually the preferred configuration over a nido five-membered open face geometry, ni-8〈V〉. In only two systems, B8H93- and OB7H72-, is a ni-8〈V〉 geometry calculated to be of lowest energy. Attempts to test empirical carbon placement rules along with the skeletal bridge and endo-hydrogen location preferences were also evaluated. The results indicate the nido-8-vertex family is not ideally suited for the application of these empirical rules alone. This is probably due to the open face of these clusters not having homogeneous vertexes and/or not being “rigid”. The ab initio/IGLO/NMR method was applied to the disputed B8H10·L and C4B4H8 systems. The known nido-B8H10·NEt3 was found to have a ni-8〈VI〉 geometry with a fluxional bridge hydrogen. The calculations ...
Environmental economics: An evolutionary critique and a plea for pluralism

Abstract Environmental economics is a contradiction in terms. The contradiction is intuitive to the puzzled lay person inquiring about the nature of our subdiscipline. It is explicit to those who think of environmental systems in terms of complex, evolving interconnectedness and identify the economic model with the atomistic and mechanistic assumptions of classical mechanics. Within the subdiscipline, we try to resolve the contradiction by internalizing externalities, by matching market feedbacks with environmental relations. While acknowledging that insights can be drawn from the market view of environmental problems, I argue in this essay that (1) the contradiction is nerver resolved; (2) multiple, incongruous perspectives are all we have for understanding the interface between economic and environmental systems; and (3) environmental economics will thrive with a return to philosophical pluralism, to the open acceptance of the contradiction.