cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chylothorax as a Post-Operative Complication of Orthotopic Heart Transplantation

Objectives Recognize chylothorax as a complication of OHT, and LVAD implantation and explantation. Introduction Chylothorax is a rare complication of thoracic surgery with a reported incidence of 0.24% - 0.5%, however there have been only two previous reports of chylothorax after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). We report the first instance of chylothorax complicating OHT at the time of ventricular assist device (VAD) explantation. Case report A 47 y.o. man with ischemic cardiomyopathy who required TandemHeart, and subsequent HeartMate 2 VAD placement with closure of ASD. He underwent a HeartMate 2 exchange four months later, and OHT 14 months later. After OHT, on post-operative day (POD) 8, he had milky fluid from a mediastinal Blakemore tube. Fluid triglyceride level was 1477 mg/dl. The patient was placed on a very low fat diet and the drainage decreased from 235mL/24hrs to 90mL/24hrs. When challenged with a high fat diet, he had a recurrent chylous effusion. On POD 28 he reported Discussion The appearance of this complication after VAD explantation may be of particular importance as continued developments and improvements in VAD technology lead to an increase in patient survival, VAD implantation, and exchange. As this occurs, awareness of this rare complication becomes more important. Chylothorax provides a particular challenge in the management of the transplant patient, as indwelling chest tubes, effects on nutritional status and the immune system are noteworthy. The primary treatment for chylothorax is low fat or medium-chain fatty acid diet. If this fails, nil per os status with total parenteral status is the second line therapy. In a patient post OHT, who is immunosuppressed, maintaining adequate nutrition is of paramount importance. Additionally, loss of chyle has potential implications in the management of post-transplant immunosuppression. Cyclosporine is secreted in chyle. The loss of chyle into the pleural cavity decreases the circulating levels of cyclosporine, which render achieving a therapeutic level difficult. Furthermore, cyclosporine has been demonstrated to increase chyle formation, which makes resolution of chylothorax more difficult in patients who require cyclosporine therapy. Lastly, chyle contains numerous lymphocytes, with a typical cell count revealing >50% lymphocytes. Loss of chyle, then, leads to a rapid and abnormal loss of lymphocytes. This may complicate administration and monitoring of lymphocyte-reducing anti-rejection therapies which are paramount to graft health in the early post-operative period. Conclusion Post-OHT chylothorax is an uncommon, but noteworthy complication. Management is similar to non-transplant patients, requires close follow-up and may adversely affect outcomes, due to effects on nutritional status and immunological risk.
OVERUSE INJURY RISK INCREASES WITH YEAR-ROUND SPORT PARTICIPATION IN MIDDLE SCHOOL AGED ATHLETES:

BACKGROUND:Retrospective studies of high school aged athletes have demonstrated that participating in one sport for more than 8 months of the year is a risk factor for overuse musculoskeletal injur...
So You're a Distance Learner? Tips and Suggestions for Rural Special Education Personnel Involved in Distance Education

Distance education technology is rapidly becoming a means for delivering both preservice and inservice courses and content for rural teachers, paraprofessionals, related service personnel, and othe...
Impact of Increasing Minimum Wage on Homeownership and Home Equity Loans

The U.S. housing market has not completely recovered from the Great Recession and is likely to tumble into another dive. Meanwhile, multiple proposals have been put forward nationwide to raise the minimum wage, which in turn might affect low income families’ purchasing power and consumer demand. Therefore, it is important to examine the potential impact of increasing the minimum wage on the housing market. One of the lessons from the 2007 downturn is that awarding a mortgage to individuals who have low ability to pay should be taken with great care. Using the American Community Survey 2009 and the fuzzy design regression discontinuity model, it was discovered that households of minimum wage level workers were 8% more likely to have a mortgage and 11% more likely to take out a home equity loan than those of workers whose annual incomes were a little above the minimum wage level. This may be due to new confidence about income security, better credit scores and higher likelihood of being approved for big loans that are associated with their slightly higher income and enhanced ability to pay bills. Taking out large loans, such as a mortgage or a home equity loan, after a small increase in income might be a risky decision for both consumers and the housing market. It is critical for policymakers and markets to notice potential issues before advocating for higher minimum wages.
GUIDEDSAMPLER: Coverage-guided Sampling of SMT Solutions

The problem of sampling a large number of random solutions to SAT and SMT constraints is essential for constrained-random verification and testing. However, most current sampling techniques lack a problem-specific notion of coverage, considering only general goals such as uniform distribution. We have developed a new technique for coverage-guided sampling that allows the user to specify the desired coverage points in order to shape the distribution of solutions. Our tool GUIDEDSAMPLER can efficiently generate high-quality stimuli for constrained-random verification, by sampling solutions to a SMT constraint that also cover a large number of user-defined coverage classes.
A theory of attrition in computer science education which explores the effect of learning theory, gender, and context

This paper explores the relationship between how computer science is taught as those methods relate to the use of context, and how the use of context affects learning with regard to gender, motivation, and the retention of undergraduate majors. The idea of contextual learning, called "situated cognition" by learning theorists, is defined and a taxonomy of computer science contexts is presented for the purpose of helping computer science educators increase the quality course instruction. One particular context in the taxonomy, titled "life context," is discussed as an innovative approach to computer science instruction.
Steroid hormones and hormone antagonists regulate the neural marker neurotrimin in uterine leiomyoma

Objective To characterize the role of steroid hormone and antihormone exposure on neurotrimin (NTM) expression in human leiomyoma and myometrial tissue and cells. Design Laboratory study of placebo and ulipristal acetate (UPA)–treated patient tissue. In vitro assessment of immortalized myometrial and leiomyoma cell lines after hormone and antihormone exposure. Setting Academic research center. Patient(s) Not applicable. Interventions(s) Exposure of leiomyoma cell lines to 17β-E2, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), UPA, and fulvestrant. Main Outcome Measure(s) Messenger RNA expression quantified with the use of RNASeq analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Protein levels quantified by means of Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) on placebo- and UPA-treated patient uterine tissue specimens. Result(s) Expression of NTM in human uterine leiomyoma specimens according to RNASeq was increased compared with myometrium (5.22 ± 0.57–fold), which was confirmed with the use of qRT-PCR (1.95 ± 0.05). Furthermore, NTM protein was elevated in leiomyoma tissue compared with matched myometrium (2.799 ± 0.575). IHC revealed increased staining intensity in leiomyoma surgical specimens compared with matched myometrium of placebo patients. Western blot analysis in immortalized leiomyoma cell lines demonstrated an up-regulation of NTM protein expression (2.4 ± 0.04). Treatment of leiomyoma cell lines with 17β-E2 yielded a 1.98 ± 0.11–fold increase in NTM protein expression; however, treatment with fulvestrant showed no significant change compared with control. Leiomyoma cell lines demonstrated a 1.91 ± 0.97–fold increase in NTM protein expression after progesterone treatment. RNASeq analysis demonstrated a reduced expression in patient leiomyoma after UPA treatment (0.75 ± 0.14). Treatment of leiomyoma cells with UPA demonstrated a reduced total NTM protein amount (0.54 ± 0.31) in patients, which was confirmed with the use of IHC (UPA10 147.2 ± 9.40, UPA20 182.8 ± 8.98). In vitro studies with UPA treatment revealed a concentration-dependent effect that supported these findings. Conclusion(s) NTM, a neural cell adhesion molecule, is increased in leiomyoma compared with myometrium in patient tissue and in vitro models after estrogen and progesterone treatment. Down-regulation of expression occurs after UPA treatment, but not after fulvestrant exposure. Clinical Trial Registration Number NCT00290251 .
Biology and Control of Horse Purslane and Common Purslane in Sugarcane

Horse purslane and common purslane are broadleaf weeds associated with sugarcane fields in muck (organic) and mineral soils of South Florida. Growers often confuse these two weed species with each other. However, these two species have distinct phylogenetic (evolutionary) and morphological differences. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Dennis Calvin Odero, Ron Rice, and Les Baucum, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, January 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sc097
Negative Emissions Technologies: The Tradeoffs of Air-Capture Economics

Matthew Eisaman is an assistant professor in the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department at Stony Brook University. From 2008 to 2011, Eisaman was an applied physicist at Xerox PARC. He received an AB in physics from Princeton in 2000 and a PhD in physics from Harvard in 2006, and he was an NRC postdoc at NIST from 2006 to 2008. He holds 17 patents and has coauthored 29 papers with over 3,700 citations. Eisaman invented indirect ocean capture in 2010–2011 while at PARC. From 2014 to 2016, Eisaman led Project Foghorn at X (formerly Google X), which used IOC to make carbon-neutral fuel from seawater.
The Entrepreneur in Economic Theory

Imagine a juggler on the “Ed Sullivan Show” who is rewarded according to the number of plates she can spin on the tips of long sticks on a table. The plates are targets of attention and the juggler allocates limited attention between respinning old plates and setting up new plates. Assume that there is an unlimited supply of plates and sticks (and tabletop). As soon as one plate is set spinning, the juggler can set up another one. However, as she continues to set up additional spinning plates, the first one starts to wobble, threatening to fall.
Abstract IA15: T-Cells targeting mutated RAS—clinical trials

Durable complete regressions of metastatic cancers can be achieved by the transfer of in vitro expanded tumor-reactive T-cells. In patients with melanoma, this can be done by giving tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) reactive with tumor-specific mutated antigens (“neoantigens”). Unfortunately, the vast majority of immunogenic neoantigens have been shown to be totally patient specific. One exception is that T cells recognizing mutated KRAS have been found in the TIL of multiple patients. In one patient with G12D-mutated colon cancer, these cells were grown and administered to that patient (after a course of preparative immunosuppression) and mediated regression of multiple pulmonary metastases. A single lesion that had lost its presenting MHC Class I allele grew and was resected, and the patient remains disease free over 2 years later. Other patients have demonstrated additional Class I and Class II presented epitopes from mutated RAS, although they have not yet been administered clinically. In an effort to develop standardized reagents to target common RAS mutations, HLA-A11 transgenic mice were immunized with peptides containing G12D and G12V RAS mutations and HLA-A11 restricted T cells isolated. Murine T-cell receptors specific for these mutated epitopes were cloned and when retrovirally introduced into human PBL, they conferred recognition of mutated RAS but not wild-type RAS. Such cells could cause regression of established palpable pancreatic cancer xenografts in NSG mice. Two clinical trials targeting the G12D and G12V RAS variants with T-cell receptor-engineered autologous PBL in any patient who is HLA-A11 are now open to enrollment. Future efforts are under way to expand the library of receptors to encompass additional RAS mutations, other HLA alleles, and other shared mutations in common driver oncogenes. Citation Format: James Yang, Kenichi Hanada, Steven Rosenberg. T-Cells targeting mutated RAS—clinical trials [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Targeting RAS-Driven Cancers; 2018 Dec 9-12; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2020;18(5_Suppl):Abstract nr IA15.
A Co-opetition View of the Entrepreneur–Investor Relationship: Modelling Entrepreneurial Exit Pathways:

Drawing from the awareness–motivation–capability (AMC) perspective, this article develops a theoretical model, linking the relationship between the entrepreneur and investors to the entrepreneur’s ...
Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibition effectively protects against human IgE-mediated anaphylaxis

No known therapies can prevent anaphylaxis. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is an enzyme thought to be essential for high-affinity IgE receptor (FceRI) signaling in human cells. We tested the hypothesis that FDA-approved BTK inhibitors (BTKis) would prevent IgE-mediated responses including anaphylaxis. We showed that irreversible BTKis broadly prevented IgE-mediated degranulation and cytokine production in primary human mast cells and blocked allergen-induced contraction of isolated human bronchi. To address their efficacy in vivo, we created and used what we believe to be a novel humanized mouse model of anaphylaxis that does not require marrow ablation or human tissue implantation. After a single intravenous injection of human CD34+ cells, NSG-SGM3 mice supported the population of mature human tissue-resident mast cells and basophils. These mice showed excellent responses during passive systemic anaphylaxis using human IgE to selectively evoke human mast cell and basophil activation, and response severity was controllable by alteration of the amount of allergen used for challenge. Remarkably, pretreatment with just 2 oral doses of the BTKi acalabrutinib completely prevented moderate IgE-mediated anaphylaxis in these mice and also significantly protected against death during severe anaphylaxis. Our data suggest that BTKis may be able to prevent anaphylaxis in humans by inhibiting FceRI-mediated signaling.
ABCA1/ApoE/HDL Signaling Pathway Facilitates Myelination and Oligodendrogenesis after Stroke

ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) plays an important role in the regulation of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and the biogenesis of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the mammalian brain. Cholesterol is a major source for myelination. Here, we investigate whether ABCA1/ApoE/HDL contribute to myelin repair and oligodendrogenesis in the ischemic brain after stroke. Specific brain ABCA1-deficient (ABCA1-B/-B) and ABCA1-floxed (ABCA1fl/fl) control mice were subjected to permanent distal middle-cerebral-artery occlusion (dMCAo) and were intracerebrally administered (1) artificial mouse cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as vehicle control, (2) human plasma HDL3, and (3) recombined human ApoE2 starting 24 h after dMCAo for 14 days. All stroke mice were sacrificed 21 days after dMCAo. The ABCA1-B/-B-dMCAo mice exhibit significantly reduced myelination and oligodendrogenesis in the ischemic brain as well as decreased functional outcome 21 days after stroke compared with ABCA1fl/fl mice; administration of human ApoE2 or HDL3 in the ischemic brain significantly attenuates the deficits in myelination and oligodendrogenesis in ABCA1-B/-B-dMCAo mice ( p < 0.05, n = 9/group). In vitro, ABCA1-B/-B reduces ApoE expression and decreases primary oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) migration and oligodendrocyte maturation; HDL3 and ApoE2 treatment significantly reverses ABCA1-B/-B-induced reduction in OPC migration and oligodendrocyte maturation. Our data indicate that the ABCA1/ApoE/HDL signaling pathway contributes to myelination and oligodendrogenesis in the ischemic brain after stroke.
Effect of a QI Intervention on Nursing Assistants' Pain Knowledge and Reporting Behavior.

Abstract Background Pain among long-term care residents is often underdiagnosed and inadequately treated. We examined the effect of a multimodal intervention on certified nursing assistants’ pain recognition knowledge and verbal reporting behavior. Secondarily, we examined pain documentation in a newly established pain log compared with pain verbally reported to nurses and documented in the electronic health record (EHR). Design Quality improvement project using a pretest–posttest design. Setting A skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Southwestern Pennsylvania including two long-term care units and one transitional rehabilitation unit. Participants/Subjects Fifty-six nursing assistants. Methods The intervention was a face-to-face educational session with a training video and introduction of a new pain log used to document residents' pain. Pain knowledge was measured before and after the educational intervention. Multiple measures were used to examine nursing assistants’ pain reporting. Results Nursing assistants’ pain knowledge improved (p Conclusions Although the multimodal intervention improved nursing assistants’ pain knowledge and their perceptions of the feedback they received from nurses when they reported pain, it had no effect on certified nursing assistants reporting of pain to nurses (per nurse report).
Structural stability of SARS-CoV-2 degrades with temperature

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus which has caused the COVID-19 pandemic. Other known coronaviruses show a strong pattern of seasonality, with the infection cases in humans being more prominent in winter. Although several plausible origins of such seasonal variability have been proposed, its mechanism is unclear. SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted via airborne droplets ejected from the upper respiratory tract of the infected individuals. It has been reported that SARS-CoV-2 can remain infectious for hours on surfaces. As such, the stability of viral particles both in liquid droplets as well as dried on surfaces is essential for infectivity. Here we have used atomic force microscopy to examine the structural stability of individual SARS-CoV-2 virus like particles at different temperatures. We demonstrate that even a mild temperature increase, commensurate with what is common for summer warming, leads to dramatic disruption of viral structural stability, especially when the heat is applied in the dry state. This is consistent with other existing non-mechanistic studies of viral infectivity, provides a single particle perspective on viral seasonality, and strengthens the case for a resurgence of COVID-19 in winter. Statement of Scientific Significance The economic and public health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are very significant. However scientific information needed to underpin policy decisions are limited partly due to novelty of the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen. There is therefore an urgent need for mechanistic studies of both COVID-19 disease and the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We show that individual virus particles suffer structural destabilization at relatively mild but elevated temperatures. Our nanoscale results are consistent with recent observations at larger scales. Our work strengthens the case for COVID-19 resurgence in winter.
Body fat-related differences in gait parameters and physical fitness level in weight-matched male adults.

Abstract Background Increased body weight is associated with an increased magnitude of foot pressures. Although body mass index (BMI) has been widely used in the assessment of obesity, BMI does not differentiate between muscle and adipose tissue, which may play an important role in characterizing walking patterns. The purpose of the study was to compare gait biomechanics between obese and weight-matched control group. Methods Sixty male adults were assigned to a normal and obese group based on body fat percentage. Body compositions and BMI were measured by the bioelectrical impedance method. Plantar pressure and gait parameters were recorded with a force-distribution-measure treadmill system during walking at the preferred speed. Physical fitness assessment was also conducted to assess muscular strength, muscular endurance, maximum oxygen uptake, flexibility, and agility. Findings Normal group displayed greater muscle strength, flexibility, and maximum oxygen uptake compared to the obese group. Foot-pressure measures indicated significantly greater peak pressure values for the front and rear of the foot in the normal group. Greater muscle strength was correlated with higher BMI and lower body fat percentage. A significant negative correlation between body fat percent and gait variables was also exhibited. Interpretation The results demonstrated different force application patterns during walking between the obese and weight-matched control group, indicating a potential influence of body fat percent on foot pressure characteristics in walking. Therefore, a comprehensive classification of obesity, including body fat percent, should be administered for the prescription of safe physical activity.
Optimization of Zika DNA vaccine by delivery systems

Abstract In our previous study, we designed and evaluated the efficacy of six DNA vaccine candidates based on the E protein of Zika virus (ZIKV). To optimize the DNA vaccine, we inoculated C57BL/6 and IFNAR1- mice with the vaccine candidate expressing tandem repeated ZIKV envelope domain III (ED III × 3) doses; 50 μg by intramuscular (IM), jet injection (JET), or electroporation (EP) routes. Results showed that vaccination by all routes induced humoral and cellular immunity. Among them, EP induced robust ZIKV E specific-total IgG and neutralizing antibodies, as well as T cell responses. Additionally, EP showed superior protective efficacy against the ZIKV Brazil strain compared to the IM and JET routes. Finally, in the dose optimization test of EP route, cellular immunity of 50 μg was induced a significant level than other dose groups. These results showed that the EP delivery system enhanced the potential immunogenicity and protective efficacy of DNA vaccines.
The Comparative Analysis of Military Regimes: Formations, Aspirations, and Achievements

Recent literature demonstrates that modern military regimes are actually military-civilian coalitions. The old dichotomy of civil/military is no longer a useful explanation for the politics and the dynamics of military regimes. Role expansion, new professionalism, and mission orientation have changed military missions, doctrines, and self-perception. The author proposes and develops a comparative analysis and a typology of contemporary military regimes: corporative; market-bureaucratic; socialist-oligarchic; personal tyrannies; and army-party. Case studies include Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. His conclusion, based on the literature, is that military regimes have not succeeded (at least not better than civilian regimes) in reforming, modernizing, and developing their respective societies despite organizational, structural, and personal commitments to development and reform.
Analysis of Leukemia Cell Metabolism through Stable Isotope Tracing in Mice

Once thought to be a mere consequence of the state of a cell, intermediary metabolism is now recognized as a key regulator of mammalian cell fate and function. In addition, cell metabolism is often disturbed in malignancies such as cancer, and targeting metabolic pathways can provide new therapeutic options. Cell metabolism is mostly studied in cell cultures in vitro, using techniques such as metabolomics, stable isotope tracing, and biochemical assays. Increasing evidence however shows that the metabolic profile of cells is highly dependent on the microenvironment, and metabolic vulnerabilities identified in vitro do not always translate to in vivo settings. Here, we provide a detailed protocol on how to perform in vivo stable isotope tracing in leukemia cells in mice, focusing on glutamine metabolism in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. This method allows studying the metabolic profile of leukemia cells in their native bone marrow niche.
Abstract 16128: Vascular Healing Response After Everolimus Eluting Stent Implantation in Patients With or Without Diabetes Mellitus -Evaluation With Optical Coherence Tomography

Introduction: Clinical introduction of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug eluting stent has substantially decreased the rate of in-stent restenosis (ISR). However, it is reported that patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) still have higher incidence of restenosis and secondary cardiovascular events than patients without DM. Using intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT), we evaluated the effect of DM on healing process of coronary artery after everolimus eluting stents (EES) implantation in the comparison with non-DM patients. Methods and Results: We studied 26 DM patients (65.1±11.9y/o) and 59 non-DM patients (68.1±9.4y/o) who received OCT-guided EES implantation. The second OCT examination was performed on 296±71.1 days after implantation (291±74.2days vs. 298±70.3days, p=0.51). OCT cross-sectional images of the second study were examined to determine the condition of neointimal coverage over every strut in 1mm interval (DM; 725 cross-sections and 5742 struts, non-DM; 1482 cross-sections and 12098 struts). In addition, neointimal thickness (NIT) over each strut measured and tissue characteristics were examined. One in-stent restenosis with clinical manifestation was observed in each group. Average NIT was significantly thicker in DM group than in non-DM group (107±99.2μm vs. 92±74.6μm, p Conclusions: EES implanted in DM patients showed acceptable neointimal proliferation and uncovered stent struts similar to non-DM patients, suggesting the mid-term efficacy and safety of EES in DM patients. However, long-term follow-up should be necessary because of the high incidence of unstable neointimal characteristics which might be a substrate for the future development of neoatherosclerosis.
Treatment of aneurysms by excision or trapping with arterial reimplantation or interpositional grafting: Report of three cases

The authors report three cases of ruptured, large or giant aneurysms that were treated by excision or trapping, followed by revascularization of distal vessels by means of arterial reimplantation or superficial temporal artery interpositional grafting. In the first case, a large serpentine aneurysm arising from the anterior temporal branch of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) was excised and the distal segment of the anterior temporal artery was reimplanted into one of the branches of the MCA. In the second case, a giant aneurysm, fusiform in shape, arose from the rolandic branch of the MCA. This aneurysm was totally excised and the M3 branch in which it had been contained was reconstructed with an arterial interpositional graft. In the third case the patient, who presented with a subarachnoid hemorrhage, had a dissecting aneurysm that involved the distal portion of the left vertebral artery. In this case the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) arose from the wall of the aneurysm and coursed onward to supply the brainstem. This aneurysm was managed by trapping and the PICA was reimplanted into the ipsilateral large anterior inferior cerebellar artery. None of the patients suffered a postoperative stroke and all recovered to a good or excellent postoperative condition. These techniques allowed complete isolation of the aneurysm from the normal blood circulation and preserved the blood flow through the distal vessel that came out of the aneurysm. These techniques should be considered as alternatives when traditional means of cerebral revascularization are not feasible.
Intermolecular interactions during ultrafiltration of pegylated proteins

Recent studies have demonstrated the feasibility of using membrane ultrafiltration for the purification of pegylated proteins; however, the separations have all been performed at relatively low protein concentrations where intermolecular interactions are unimportant. The objective of this study was to examine the behavior at higher PEG concentrations and to develop an appropriate theoretical framework to describe the effects of intermolecular interactions. Ultrafiltration experiments were performed using pegylated α-lactalbumin as a model protein with both neutral and charged composite regenerated cellulose membranes. The transmission of the pegylated α-lactalbumin, PEG, and α-lactalbumin all increase with increasing PEG concentration due to the increase in the solute partition coefficient arising from unfavorable intermolecular interactions in the bulk solution. The experimental results were in good agreement with a simple model that accounts for the change in Gibbs free energy associated with these intermolecular interactions, including the effects of concentration polarization on the local solute concentrations upstream of the membrane. These intermolecular interactions are shown to cause a greater than expected loss of pegylated product in a batch ultrafiltration system, and they alter the yield and purification factor that can be achieved during a diafiltration process to remove unreacted PEG.
The Ramsey multiplicity of K_4

With the help of computer algorithms, we improve the lower bound on the Ramsey multiplicity of K4, and thus show that the exact value of it is equal to 9. The Ramsey multiplicity M(G) of a graph G is defined as the smallest number of monochromatic copies ofG in any two-coloring of edges of KR(G), whereR(G) is the Ramsey number of G, i.e. the smallest integer n such that any two-coloring of edges of Kn contains monochromatic copy of G. The study of Ramsey multiplicity was initiated in 1974 by Harary and Prins [3] who determinedM(G) for all graphsG of order four or less, except forK4 andK4−e. The value of M(K4 − e) was later determined by Schwenk (cited in [2]). The upper bound M(K4) ≤ 12 was given in 1980 by Jacobson [4], and in 1988 Exoo [1] improved it by 3. The only nontrivial lower boundM(K4) ≥ 4 was recently presented by Olpp [7]. In this paper we improve this lower bound and thus show that M(K4) = 9. In the sequel, any two-coloring of the edges of Kn containing k monochromatic copies of K4 is called an (n, k)-coloring. We say that two colorings are isomorphic if the graphs induced by the edges in the first color are isomorphic. Define M(n, k) to be set of all (n, k)-colorings. For a given (n, k)-coloring C let H(C) denote the hypergraph formed by monochromatic copies of K4 in C. Let us defineMd(n, k) to be the subset of all colorings C ∈ M(n, k) such that the maximal vertex degree in H(C) is equal to d. Our computational approach was to generate all nonisomorphic (18, k)-colorings for 4 ≤ k ≤ 8, by iterating an exhaustive enumeration of all possible one vertex extensions of (n − 1, k −m)-colorings to (n, k)-colorings, for m ≥ 0. Let us define E(n−1, k−m,m) to be the subset of all colorings fromM(n, k) which are one vertex extensions of some coloring fromM(n− 1, k −m). ∗ Supported by the State Committee for Scientific Research KBN and academic computer center TASK.
The 3-D Hough shape transform

The 3-D Hough shape transform is described which is used for the localization in space of 3-D objects defined in terms of the spatial organization of their features.
Telecommuting and Leadership Style

Telecommuting is an increasingly popular organizational dynamic that presents unique challenges for workers, managers, and human resources departments regarding how employees relate to their organi...
Some pathologies in the Mackey analysis for a certain nonseparable group

99 (19.58), 265-311) gives a fairly simple procedure for constructing the dual G. In this paper we examine an example which shows that the nonseparable case is much more complicated. In the example, N is abelian, fl/G is finite and even when the stabilizer is N there are many irreducible representations of G associated with the same orbit.
Nonequilibrium Plate Height for Field-Flow Fractionation in Ideal Parallel Plate Columns

Abstract The need for a more realistic theoretical description of peak spreading in field-flow fractionation (FFF) is shown. The lengthy derivation necessary to obtain the plate height of an ideal parallel plate column is then described in abbreviated form. Several limiting expressions are derived.
Effect of two nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs on heterotopic bone formation in a rabbit model.

Abstract Using the model described by Michelsson, 24 mature New Zealand white rabbits underwent mechanical induction of heterotopic ossification in the quadriceps of the right hind limb. The rabbits were equally divided into four groups: indomethacin-treated, piroxicam-treated, and their respective controls. The effect of drug therapy on the production of heterotopic bone was assessed by analyzing plain radiographs of the femur using the grading system described by Scott. The results demonstrated that, while indomethacin is effective in decreasing the formation of heterotopic bone, piroxicam—when used in the dosage previously demonstrated to have no deleterious effect on healing bone—is not. The analysis of piroxicam blood levels demonstrated that the experimental piroxicam dose is inadequate to produce effective plasma blood levels in the rabbit. Therefore, any potential benefit from using piroxicam, as opposed to other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs regarding fracture healing and bone remodeling, cannot be applied for the prophylactic treatment of heterotopic bone formation.
Voltage-dependent blockade of connexin40 gap junctions by spermine.

The effects of spermine and spermidine, endogenous polyamines that block many forms of ion channels, were investigated in homotypic connexin (Cx)-40 gap junctions expressed in N2A cells. Spermine blocked up to 95% of Ij through homotypic Cx40 gap junctions in a concentration- and transjunctional voltage (Vj)-dependent manner. Vj was varied from 5 to 50 mV in 5-mV steps and the dissociation constants (Km) were determined from spermine concentrations ranging from 10 μM to 2 mM. The Km values ranged from 4.9 mM to 107 μM for 8.6 ≤ Vj ≤ 37.7 mV, within the physiological range of intracellular spermine for Vj ≥ 20 mV. The Km values for spermidine were ≥ 5 mM. Estimates of the electrical distance (δ) for spermine (z = +4) and spermidine (z = +3) were 0.96 and 0.76 respectively. Cx40 single channel conductance was 129 pS in the presence of 2-mM spermine and channel open probability was significantly reduced in a Vj-dependent manner. Similar concentrations of spermine did not block Ij through homotypic Cx43 gap junctions, indicating that spermine selectively blocks Cx40 gap junctions. This is contrary to our previous findings that large tetraalkylammonium ions, also known to block several forms of ion channels, block junctional currents (Ij) through homotypic connexin Cx40 and Cx43 gap junctions.
Climb of extended edge dislocations

Abstract A hard sphere model has been constructed to visualize the core structure of an acute jog on an extended edge dislocation for the purpose of studying the atom motions involved in the climb of such jogs in an extended configuration along the dislocation line Based on these observations a theoretical model is suggested in which the climb of the dislocation is controlled by vacancy emission from extended jogs. Here, the main effect of the extension of the jog is an attenuation of the frequency factor by a term A (χ/μb)2, where A is of order 103 in widely extended dislocations, and % is the stacking fault energy.
Using the bootstrap for improved ARIMA model identification

This paper presents a new method of identifying ARIMA time-series models. We use the bootstrap technique in estimating the distribution of sample autocorrelations both separately and in a simultaneous inference setting. The bootstrap has the advantage of being nonparametric and thus free of reliance on asymptotic normality, which may not hold for short or medium-size series. The simultaneous procedure is unique, as it has no feasible parametric alternatives. An application to exchange rates illustrates our methodology. In the example chosen, we are able to produce better forecasts using the model identified via the bootstrap technique.
An approach for extending van der Waals equations of state for polar, hydrogen bonding fluids applied to the Soave equation of state

Abstract A method is developed for extending van der Waals type equations of state to highly polar, hydrogen bonding fluids. The method uses the acentric factor of the hydrocarbon homolog as the shape parameter and an empirical polar parameter incorporated into a closed form, temperature dependent polar correction term. When the method is applied to the Soave equation of state, a three-parameter equation of state results which reduces to the Soave equation for non-polar fluids, yet fits vapor pressures for polar fluids much better than the original equation. Furthermore, unlike other extensions applicable to polar fluids, the polar parameters obtained do seem to be related to the expected strength of polar interactions for different classes of compounds.
A new semantics for the philosophy of religion

God as Otherwise than Being: Towards a Semantics of the Gift is the fourth in a series of books in which Calvin Schrag articulates and defends a philosophy of "communicative praxis."1 As in the earlier books, Schrag creatively transforms phenomenological and hermeneutical approaches and responds to the challenges posed by critical theory, structuralism and postmodernism. However, the solutions developed in these books in regard to reference and rationality, subjectivity and transcendence, and narrativity and ethics are not pertinent only to continental debates. Schrag intends to respond to and challenge other ways of defining and doing philosophy (both past and present) even as he is expanding the viewpoint of his own continental tradition. Consequently, his efforts to articulate a grammar of transcendence should be
Who spares the rod? Religious orientation, social conformity, and child abuse potential.

Objective Relatively little research has investigated the connection between religiosity and physical child abuse risk. Certain aspects, such as specific religious orientation or beliefs, and cognitive schema, such as socially conformist beliefs, may account for the connection that some have claimed increase religious parents’ abuse potential. The current study examined whether greater Extrinsic religiosity, but not Intrinsic religiosity, was associated with elevated physical abuse potential. Those who hold a literal interpretation of the Bible and attend church more frequently were also expected to evidence increased abuse risk. Additionally, the role of social conformity in mediating or moderating the association between religiosity and abuse potential was investigated. Methods Two hundred and seven regularly attending Christians of various denominations completed self-report measures of religiosity, social conformity, and child abuse potential. Results Findings indicate that Extrinsic religiosity was associated with increased physical abuse potential, with greater social conformity further moderating this association. Intrinsic religious orientation was not associated with abuse risk. Further, those who consider the Bible to be literally true were more socially conformist and evidenced greater abuse risk. Conclusions For those working with religious parents, the particular nature of religiosity needs to be considered when interpreting a connection between religiosity and abuse risk, as well as the potential attitudes the parent holds regarding the need for conformity. Given the complexity of religiosity, future research should explore other potential mediating and moderating factors that could further clarify its connection to physical abuse risk. Practice implications Clarifying how religiosity relates to child abuse risk has implications for professionals working with the vast numbers of parents for whom religion is a visible force in their daily lives. Findings from the present study suggest that professionals should consider the underlying motivation for an individual's religion as well as the importance the individual places on conformity. Religiosity per se may not be as critical to predicting physical abuse risk as selected approaches to religion or particular attitudes the religious individual assumes in their daily life.
Channel capacity of a realizable passive two-port

Abstract The general lumped linear finite passive bilateral (LLFPB) two-port network is analyzed to determine its channel capacity. The noise mechanism is assumed to be the colored gaussian noise associated with the real parts of pertinent impedances (Nyquist noise). It is shown that a single-independent network characterization suffices to determine both the channel capacity and the optimum spectrum for the source to achieve this upper bound. Consideration is given to the optimum match of source spectrum to the network, and to the optimum match of source internal resistance to the network.
Macroporous polyacrylates from terpene–acrylate thermoreversible photopolymerizable vehicle

Novel thermoreversible polymerizable vehicle was prepared from terpenes, such as camphene, camphor and menthol and acrylate monomers. The vehicle exhibits liquidity above room temperature and rigidity at room temperature, where the terpenes are crystalline dendrites and the acrylate monomer fills up the interdendritic space. The rigid vehicle polymerizes on UV illumination and the terpenes sublimed subsequently from the polymerized samples leaving highly porous polymeric samples with dendritic-shaped interconnected porosity up to ~92 vol%. Increasing the terpenes content, the thermoreversible component, results in coarser dendritic structures. Lower recrystallization temperatures produce finer dendritic network, whereas recrystallization close to terpenes melting point results in larger continuous macropores. The proposed advantages include fast manufacturing because of fast recrystallization, achieving large pore size up to 13 μm and tailoring of the porosity through the portion of the sublimable vehicle and recrystallization temperature. The applicability of this novel technique in the biomedical field is demonstrated on a composition containing triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), a monomer widely used for biomedical applications.
Functional Separation of EMG Signals via ARMA Identification Methods for Prosthesis Control Purposes

Multifunctional control of artificial limbs via electromyographic (EMG) actuation requires means for reliably recognizing or distinguishing between the various functions on the basis of the recorded EMG data. Furthermore, constraints of weight, cost, and computation time on practical prosthesis application must be satisfied. An approach to the aforementioned recognition problem is given in terms of deriving a fast parametric-recognition algorithm whereby the autoregressive-moving-average (ARMA) parameters and the Kalman filter parameters of the EMG time series are identified. It is shown that the resulting identified parameters yield sufficient information to discriminate between a small number of upper extremity functions. Problems involved in practical prosthesis control via the present approach and problems of hardware realization are discussed to illustrate the validity of the approach.
Accelerated glutamine synthesis in critically ill patients cannot maintain normal intramuscular free glutamine concentration.

Background Muscle glutamine is severely depleted in critically ill patients (by approximately 50% to 80% of normal). Because muscle protein breakdown, and thus the release of glutamine from muscle protein, is enhanced in response to metabolic stress, the depletion of intramuscular glutamine could be due to its impaired synthesis or accelerated outward transport or both. Methods To distinguish these possibilities, we measured skeletal muscle glutamine metabolism in five critically ill patients by means of primed, continuous infusions of 5-15N-glutamine and ring-2H5-phenylalanine and compared them to values we previously reported for healthy volunteers. Results The intramuscular free glutamine concentration in patients was approximately 70% of that in healthy volunteers (5.8 +/- 0.6 mmol/L intracellular free water vs 21.5 +/- 2.8 mmol/L). Whole-body glutamine rate of appearance was 5.8 +/- 1.0 micromol x kg (-1) body wt x min (-1), and whole-body clearance was 19.3 +/- 3.3 mL x kg(-1) x min (-1). Despite the low intramuscular glutamine concentration in the patients, the rate of unidirectional outward transport from skeletal muscle into venous blood (1.1. +/- 0.2 micromol x 100 mL x leg(-1) x min(-1)) was similar to that observed in healthy volunteers (1.6 +/- 0.2 mol x 100 mL x leg(-1) x min(-1)); intramuscular synthesis was 2.7 +/- 0.9 micromol x 100 mL x leg(-1) x min(-1) compared with a normal value of 0.6 +/- 0.06 micromol x 100 mL x leg(-1) x min(-1). Net balance across the leg was normal. Conclusions The depletion of intramuscular glutamine in critically ill patients is not due to an impairment of the rate of synthesis. In fact, accelerated glutamine production cannot maintain normal intramuscular glutamine levels because of accelerated outward transport.
Adjustable sutures in children

Although adjustable sutures are considered a standard technique in adult strabismus surgery, most surgeons are hesitant to attempt the technique in children, who are believed to be unlikely to cooperate for postoperative assessment and adjustment. Interest in using adjustable sutures in pediatric patients has increased with the development of surgical techniques specific to infants and children. This workshop briefly reviews the literature supporting the use of adjustable sutures in children and presents the approaches currently used by three experienced strabismus surgeons.
The Return of the Principal.

Our schools are in a state of crisis, the author con tends, and are crying out for leadership. Can the principal of today rise to the challenge? This ques tion is considered below.
Synchronous critical speed tracking in hydrostatic bearing supported rotors

Hydrostatic bearings used in advanced turbopump designs use the pumped propellant as the working fluid and supply the propellant to the bearing from pump discharge. The resulting rotordynamic coefficients are highly speed-dependent and in some instances can cause system natural frequencies to coincide with spin speed over a wide speed range. This paper discusses this 'synchronous tracking' phenomenon. The factors affecting it are defined, and specific examples are presented. Methods which identify synchronous tracking issues early in the design process are reported, and techniques for eliminating this undesirable characteristic are addressed.
The Past and Future of Housing Policy Innovation: The Case of US State Housing Trust Funds

State governments are increasingly expected to help fill the gap between the demand and supply of affordable housing within the US. Little systematic attention has been paid to state housing strategies over the years, despite a lengthening record of policy innovation. This paper asks what factors influence state adoption of housing trust funds (HTFs), and if these factors differ based on how the trust fund is financed and which state agency is responsible for administering it. Utilizing an event history analysis of pooled cross-sectional data, the paper finds that whether or not a state adopts a HTF, who administers it, and how they fund it, varies based on rates of new, single-family development, the size of the black population, prior state housing expenditures, and citizen ideology. The broader implications of these findings are considered for future housing policy innovations beyond states and HTFs.