cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bank fragility, money under the mattress, and long-run growth: US evidence from the perfect Panic of 1893.

Abstract This paper examines how the US financial crisis of 1893 affected state output growth between 1900 and 1930. The results indicate that a 1% increase in bank instability reduced output growth by 2–5%. A comparison of Nebraska, which had one of the highest bank failure rates, with West Virginia, which did not experience a single bank failure, reveals that disintermediation affected growth through a portfolio change among savers: people simply stopped trusting banks. Time series evidence from newspapers indicates that articles containing the words “money hidden” significantly increase after banking crises, then slowly die out.
Cell-type and subcellular compartment-specific APEX2 proximity labeling reveals activity-dependent nuclear proteome dynamics in the striatum

The vertebrate brain consists of diverse neuronal types, classified by distinct anatomy and function, along with divergent transcriptomes and proteomes. Defining the cell-type specific neuroproteomes is important for understanding the development and functional organization of neural circuits. This task remains challenging in complex tissue, due to suboptimal protein isolation techniques that often result in loss of cell-type specific information and incomplete capture of subcellular compartments. Here, we develop a genetically targeted proximity labeling approach to identify cell-type specific subcellular proteomes in the mouse brain, confirmed by imaging, electron microscopy, and mass spectrometry. We virally express subcellular-localized APEX2 to map the proteome of direct and indirect pathway spiny projection neurons in the striatum. The workflow provides sufficient depth to uncover changes in the proteome of striatal neurons following chemogenetic activation of Gαq-coupled signaling cascades. This method enables flexible, cell-type specific quantitative profiling of subcellular proteome snapshots in the mouse brain. Mapping neuronal proteomes with genetic, subcellular, and temporal specificity is a challenging task. This study uncovers proteome dynamics in two classes of striatal spiny projection neurons in the mouse brain using a genetically targeted APEX2-based proximity labeling approach.
Creating Collaborative Criteria for Agency in Interactive Narrative Game Analysis

Although the intermingling of game and narrative in digital media may seem an easy match to the lay game consumer, the relationship between ludic play and narrative play is quite complicated. Given that a key feature of play is agency, and that a key feature of narrative is the listener/reader/consumer’s position outside the text, how can the player maintain a sense of agency in the narrative as well as in the state of play? Individual scholars and game developers have been attempting to successfully balance ludic and narrative agency for some time now, but their experiments tend to yield different (though not incompatible) criteria for analysis. As a result of such isolated experimentation, little progress in this field has been achieved. Rather than contributing to such isolated scholarship and development, I intend to show that by establishing a collaborative criteria, useful and progressive data can be harvested that will aid not only in the evaluation of current digital interactive narratives but in the production of future ones as well.
Spatial poverty traps

Can place of residence make the difference between growth and contraction in living standards for otherwise identical households? The authors test for the existence of spatial poverty traps, using a micro model of consumption growth incorporating geographic externalities, whereby neighborhood endowments of physical and human capital influence the productivity of a household's own capital. By allowing for nonstationary but unobserved individual effects on growth rates, they are able to deal with latent heterogeneity (whereby hidden factors entail that seemingly identical households see different consumption gains over time), yet identify the effects of stationary geographic variables. They estimate the model using farm-household panel data from post-reform rural China. They find strong evidence of spatial poverty traps. Their results strengthen the case -- both for efficiency and equity -- for investing in the geographic capital of poor people.
Characterization of chemokine receptor CXCR2 interacting proteins using a proteomics approach to define the CXCR2 "chemosynapse".

Abstract Chemokine‐receptor signaling is initiated upon ligand binding to the receptor and continues through the process of endocytic trafficking by the association of a variety of adaptor proteins with the chemokine receptor. In order to define the adaptor proteins that associate with CXCR2 before and after ligand activation, a protocol was developed using differentiated HL‐60 cells transfected to express CXCR2 stimulated or not stimulated with ligand for one minute. CXCR2‐associating proteins were isolated by immunoprecipitation with CXCR2 antibody and the eluted proteins were electrophoretically run into the separating gel directly without a stacking gel. The stained single band was subjected to in-gel trypsin digestion. The tryptic peptides were subjected to, LC/MS/MS proteomic analysis. Proteins identified in a minimum of three of four separate experiments with multiple peptides were then validated as CXCR2 adaptor proteins by coimmunoprecipitation, GST pull‐down studies, and immunocytochemical CXCR2‐colocalization experiments using dHL‐60‐CXCR2 cells. Subsequently, a functional analysis of the interaction between CXCR2 and CXCR2 interacting proteins was performed. This approach can be used to characterize chemokine receptor–associating proteins over time both before and after ligand stimulation, allowing definition of the dynamic spatial and temporal formation of a “chemosynapse.”
Structural phase diagram of La 1 − x Sr x Mn O 3 + δ : Relationship to magnetic and transport properties

The structural properties of ${\mathrm{La}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}\mathrm{Mn}{\mathrm{O}}_{3+\ensuremath{\delta}}$ have been studied using neutron powder diffraction as a function of both Sr doping ($0l~xl~0.225$) and oxygen partial pressure during synthesis [2.1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ atm\ensuremath{\le}P(${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$)\ensuremath{\le}1 atm]. A structural phase diagram constructed as a function of these parameters has a rhombohedral phase ($R\overline{3}c$), an orthorhombic phase ($\mathrm{Pbnm}$), and a monoclinic phase ($\frac{P{2}_{1}}{c}$). For a given $x$, decreasing P(${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$) yields smaller cation vacancy concentrations. At low temperature, the $R$ phase is ferromagnetic, while the $M$ phase is antiferromagnetic. The $O$ phase is ferromagnetic for $xg~0.125$, and the ferromagnetism is independent of the $O\ensuremath{-}R$ phase transition that coincides with the transition from nonmetal to metal. Transport measurements made between 20 and 350 K show that $O$ and $M$ samples are nonmetallic ($\frac{d\ensuremath{\rho}}{\mathrm{dT}}l0$), while the $R$ samples exhibit a temperature-dependent nonmetal-to-metal transition at temperatures close to the Curie temperature. Magnetoresistance (MR) is observed in all three phases. The largest value at 9 T, found in the orthorhombic and monoclinic samples, is of similar order ($\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\rho}={\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{9\mathrm{T}}\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{4}$ \ensuremath{\Omega}cm) to that reported for ${10}^{6}$% colossal MR powder samples. However, our lower sintering temperatures result in large ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{9\mathrm{T}}$ values that yield $\frac{\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\rho}}{{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{9\mathrm{T}}}\ensuremath{\sim}230%$.
Target-cell-dependent plasticity within the mossy fibre–CA3 circuit reveals compartmentalized regulation of presynaptic function at divergent release sites

Individual axons of central neurons innervate a large number of distinct postsynaptic targets belonging to divergent functional categories such as glutamatergic principal cells and inhibitory interneurons. While each bouton along a common axon should experience the same activity pattern in response to action potential firing within the parent presynaptic neuron, accumulating evidence suggests that neighbouring boutons contacting functionally distinct postsynaptic targets regulate their release properties independently, despite being separated by only a few microns. This target-cell-specific autonomy of presynaptic function can greatly expand the computational prowess of central axons to allow for precise coordination of large neuronal ensembles within a given circuit. An excellent example of target-cell-specific presynaptic mechanisms occurs in the CA3 hippocampus where mossy fibre (MF) axons of dentate gyrus granule cells target both principal cells and local circuit inhibitory interneurons via both anatomically and functionally specialized terminals. Of particular interest, mechanisms of both short- and long-term plasticity remain autonomous at these divergent release sites due to an anatomical and biochemical segregation of discrete molecular signalling cascades. Here we review roughly a decades worth of research on the MF–CA3 pathway to showcase the target-cell dependence of presynaptically expressed NMDA receptor-independent synaptic plasticity.
Injection System for the Proton Storage Ring at LASL

The Proton Storage Ring at LAMPF will accumulate a high current of 800-MeV protons by multiturn charge-changing injection. An 800-MeV neutral hydrogen atomic beam, formed by field ionization of H− ions in a 1.8 T transverse magnetic field, will be stripped to protons by a carbon foil. To minimize peak proton current on the foil, the beam orbit will be deformed so that the edge of the beam grazes the edge of the foil. As the beam diameter grows, the orbit perturbation is decreased, vanishing at the end of the accumulation cycle. The hardware requirements are simple. Single-turn orbit deformation magnets are pulsed to peak field and switched across power dissipation circuits that control the field decay rate.
Neural Simulation and Social Cognition

This article reviews the claim that mirror neurons are simulating neurons and the basis of an implicit simulation theory in regard to how we understand other persons. I claim that the equation of mirror system activation with an implicit simulation is unjustified, and I offer an alternative interpretation of the scientific data. The alternative considers mirror system activation as underlying part of an enactive perception in the social context.
From Rodinia to Gondwana

The standard model for the origin of the Transantarctic Mountains postulates that during the Neoproterozoic Era a supercontinent existed called Rodinia which included what later became the East Antarctic craton. This supercontinent split into two large continental fragments called Laurentia and Gondwana. The continental fragment we call Laurentia drifted away (was displaced) and eventually became the North American continent. Gondwana originally included the land areas of Australia, East Antarctica, and India. The rift valley that split Rodinia widened into an ocean which was bordered by passive rift margins that formed the coasts of East Antarctica and of Laurentia. Along both coasts turbidite sequences composed of alternating layers of graywacke and shale were deposited. At the end of the Neoproterozoic the passive rift margin of East Antarctica was transformed into an active subduction zone along which the siliciclastic turbidites and locally developed platform carbonates and volcanic rocks were folded by compression against the mainland and, in the process, were regionally metamorphosed and intruded by granitic magma of anatectic origin (Stump 1995). The details of this process are the subject of Chapters 3–8 of this book.
Radiofrequency: Conventional and Pulsed

Radiofrequency technology, the manipulation of electrical energy to produce a desired clinical effect, has been utilized in various settings, including pain management, electrocardiology, and oncology. In the pain management universe, radiofrequency energy has been utilized for many indications; however, the treatment of cervical facet syndrome, lumbar facet syndrome, and sacroiliac discomfort is the most common application for this technology. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) is a relatively recent entity designed to provide the benefit of conventional radiofrequency (CRF) with a decrease in side-effect profile.
The ironic value of loyalty: Dispute resolution strategies in worker cooperatives and conventional organizations

Employee retention and satisfaction are key concerns for employers. In this article, I explore a variety of worker characteristics that affect how workers respond to troubling events and circumstances in the workplace. I examine how they approach their workplace problems, focusing on the value of their loyalty and how this loyalty might affect their problem-related decisions. This research suggests that worker loyalty presents an irony for managers, which I call the ironic value of loyalty: workers with greater loyalty are less likely to exit when they encounter workplace problems, decreasing turnover problems, yet when more loyal workers choose to remain at work, they are more likely to raise grievances, either formally or informally, to confront the problems. Thus, worker loyalty appears both to solve and create problems for managers dealing with worker discontent.
UCOL -- Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature: mobile application research & development

Iowa City was designated one of only four City of Literature by UNESCO. To take advantage of the rich literary history of authors and locations, an interdisciplinary research team collaborated to develop an information system to embrace the treasure. This paper outlines the implementation and development, as well as a brief research plan of the project.
Imprecise Frequency Descriptors and the Miscomprehension of Prescription Drug Advertising: Public Policy and Regulatory Implications.

Two separate studies, conducted among a total sample of 147 adults, explored the communicative effectiveness of imprecise frequency descriptors within the context of direct to consumer prescription drug advertising. Study One used imprecise frequency descriptors to describe level of side effect occurrence and then asked consumers to numerically estimate the frequency of side effect occurrence. A comparison of consumers' estimated to actual level of incidence indicated that they are unable to accurately estimate level of side effect occurrence when those levels are described by an imprecise frequency descriptor. Study Two presented consumers with a list of side effects preceded by an imprecise frequency descriptor. Consumers were then asked to estimate the relative likelihood of side effect occurrence. The results indicated that consumers are unable to accurately estimate the relative likelihood of side effect occurrence when a list of side effects are preceded by an imprecise frequency descriptor. The pattern of consumer response across both studies indicates that when imprecise frequency descriptors are used to describe the incidence of side effects within the context of direct to consumer prescription drug advertising, consumers estimate likelihood of side effect occurrence on the basis of an intuitive judgment of the side effect's commonness/severity within the general population.
Radiation injury in the mouse kidney--I. Sequential light microscopic study.

A 1 year, sequential morphologic study of radiation-induced renal disease has been carried out in 260 mice. Both kidneys were irradiated locally, either with single doses (SD) (1100 to 1900 rad) or with 10 fractions over 9 elapsed days (total doses of 3500 to 5000 rad). The most striking alterations occurred in glomeruli and consisted of progressive replacement of capillary walls and capillary lumina by an acidophilic, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive material, containing basement-membrane fragments. These lesions appeared initially at 3 months, and increased in both degree and extent as a function of time. Tubular atrophy and stromal fibrosis was not seen before 4 months, and, although progressive, they did not reach the severity of the glomerular damage. Lesions of vessels larger than capillaries were extremely rare even at the end of observation (12 months) when glomeruli were already totally obliterated. In both fractionated and single dose studies, the lesions progressed with time. The survival of the SD mice was directly related to dose and time of observation; none of the mice receiving 1900 rad SD survived beyond 10 months, while 90 percent of those receiving 1100 rad SD were alive at 12 months. Although available data are not sufficient tomore » determine the initial site(s) of radiation injury in the renal parenchyma, this light microscopic study and preliminary electron microscopic observations suggest that at least some of the initial lesions occur in glomeruli. The late lesions in the glomeruli of these mice are identical to those seen in specimens of humans with advanced radiation nephropathy. The murine model thus appears to be appropriate for the study of the pathogenesis of this condition.« less
The Synthesis of Resveratrol (Thesis)

The purpose of this research experiment was to perform and improve the synthesis of resveratrol (CAS: 501-36-0). Resveratrol (trans-3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene), a natural polyphenolic, non-flavonoid antioxidant, is a phytoalexin found naturally in many plants. The compound was synthesized using the decarbonylative Heck reaction. The modified four-step reaction generated poor yields but the spectra indicate that the overall resveratrol compound was obtained. Several improvements were made to help increase yield.
Whiteness and ethnocentric monoculturalism: making the "invisible" visible.

Whiteness and ethnocentric monoculturalism are powerful and entrenched determinants of worldview. Because they are invisible and operate outside the level of conscious awareness, they can be detrimental to people of color, women, and other marginalized groups in society. Both define a reality that g
Between Monocles and Veils: Glimpses in Postcolonial Public Administration

Abstract This paper is an invitation to scholars and practitioners in public administration to consider a postcolonial public administration. It offers a basic introduction to postcolonial theory, reflects upon why it is important for public administration to consider adopting the postcolonial critical perspective, and summarizes the advantages of adopting this perspective. The paper suggests we are living under the postcolonial rubric; as scholars and practitioners we need to consider what this implies, and how it affects our tasks as intellectuals, academics, and practitioners as we consider it contributes toward understanding the contemporary human condition.
Correlation of Human Follicular Fluid Inhibin Activity with Spontaneous and Induced Follicle Maturation

We sought to correlate the inhibin activity of individual ovarian follicles (greater than 16 mm in diameter) from untreated (7 patients; 7 follicles), clomiphene-stimulated (150 mg/day; menstrual cycle days 5-9; 9 patients, 14 follicles), and human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG)-stimulated (150 IU/day; menstrual cycle days 3-11; 8 patients; 23 follicles) ovarian cycles and to correlate these results with the follicular fluid (FF) steroid concentration. Follicular aspirates were obtained via laparoscopy from 24 regularly menstruating patients when the diameter of the largest follicle reached 20 mm, as determined by serial ultrasonography. FF concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and androstenedione were determined by RIA. Inhibin activity was determined using the inhibition of basal 24-h FSH secretion by dispersed rat anterior pituitary cells. Inhibin values were highest among the follicles aspirated from those patients who received hMG [277 +/- 31 (+/- SE) U/ml] compared to untreated subjects (51 +/- 13 U/ml) or those who received clomiphene (96 +/- 14 U/ml). Estradiol was highest in FF from untreated patients (2295 +/- 1155 ng/ml) compared to levels in patients who received hMG (368 +/- 1.76 micrograms/ml) or clomiphene (1049 +/- 174 ng/ml). FF progesterone values were highest in untreated patients (9.4 +/- 2.59 micrograms/ml) compared to those in hMG-treated (5.04 +/- 1.76 micrograms/ml) and clomiphene-treated patients (7.82 +/- 1.24 ng/ml). FF 17-hydroxyprogesterone values (7.82 +/- 1.24 ng/ml). FF 17-hydroxyprogesterone values were similarly higher in the untreated (1.55 +/- 0.21 micrograms/ml) and clomiphene-treated (2.54 +/- 0.27 micrograms/ml) patients than in the hMG-treated group (0.73 +/- 0.09 micrograms/ml). FF androstenedione (untreated, 50.7 +/- 30 ng/ml; clomiphene-treated, 73.4 +/- 23.4 ng/ml; hMG-treated, 60.2 +/- 19.8 ng/ml) and testosterone (6.66 +/- 2.45, 5.98 +/- 1.46, and 6.39 +/- 2.16 ng/ml, respectively) concentrations in all three patient groups were similar. In untreated patients, there was a highly significant positive correlation between intrafollicular inhibin activity and FF estradiol, testosterone, and androstenedione concentrations and a statistically significant negative correlation between intrafollicular inhibin activity and FF progesterone concentrations. Patients receiving clomiphene therapy demonstrated at least two different response patterns, one with a positive and one a negative correlation between intrafollicular inhibin activity and FF steroid concentrations. The patients receiving hMG therapy had no statistically significant correlation between intrafollicular inhibin
Importance of adjusting for correlated concomitant variables in psychiatric research

Abstract The potential importance of adjusting for correlated concomitant variables in psychiatric research to avoid possible erroneous or misleading results is demonstrated through examples of "suppression effects" and "spurious associations." Special reference is made to correlational studies and unbalanced factorial analysis of variance. Methods of adjusting for correlated covariates are noted, and the usefulness of multiple regression for this purpose in certain situations is shown. Simulated and real data examples are provided. Part I discusses these issues in relation to correlational studies, and also lays a general groundwork for understanding them in terms of simple path analysis models. Part 2 relates the problems of correlated covariates to factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA). As in Part 1, "suppression effects" and "spurious associations" are discussed, this time as they result from confounded main effects and interaction effects in ANOVA. Confounding in this case is synonymous with cell sample size imbalances in the factorial cross-classification. A useful method for dealing with these problems without loss of information is discussed. This method involves viewing the ANOVA from a "general linear model" perspective and performing the analysis as a multiple regression.
Studies of Organometallic Precursors to Aluminum Nitride

The reaction of trialkylaluminum compounds with ammonia has been examined as a potential route to high purity AlN powder and to AlN thin films. This reaction proceeds in stages in which the initially formed Lewis acid/base adduct undergoes thermal decomposition to a series of intermediate alkylaluminum-amide and -imide species with increasing Al-N bonding, i.e., $$\matrix{ {{{\rm{R}}_3}{\rm{Al}} + {\rm{N}}{{\rm{H}}_3} \to {{\rm{R}}_3}{\rm{Al}}:{\rm{N}}{{\rm{H}}_3} \to \; \to \; \to {\rm{AlN}} + 3{\rm{RH}}} \cr {({\rm{where}}\;\;{\rm{R}} = {\rm{C}}{{\rm{H}}_3},\;\;{{\rm{C}}_2}{{\rm{H}}_5},\;\;{{\rm{C}}_4}{{\rm{H}}_9},\;\;{\rm{etc}}.)} \cr } $$ The structure and properties of several of these species have been studied using various physical and chemical methods, leading to a better understanding of the chemistry of this novel AlN precursor system. The structure of the intermediate organoaluminum amide, (CH3)2AlNH2, has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods and found to contain molecular trimer units with a six-membered Al-N ring structure similar to those which make up the wurzite structure of AlN. This compound is readily volatile and has been used to deposit AIN thin films on Si surfaces by a low-pressure CVD process. This approach has also been used to prepare AlN as a high surface area, high purity powder.
Hairpin DNA sequences bound strongly by bleomycin exhibit enhanced double-strand cleavage.

Clinically used bleomycin A5 has been employed in a study of double-strand cleavage of a library of 10 hairpin DNAs originally selected on the basis of their strong binding to bleomycin. Each of the DNAs underwent double-strand cleavage at more than one site, and all of the cleavage sites were within, or in close proximity to, an eight-base-pair region of the duplex that had been randomized to create the original library. A total of 31 double-strand cleavage sites were identified on the 10 DNAs, and 14 of these sites were found to represent coupled cleavage sites, that is, events in which one of the two strands was always cleaved first, followed by the associated site on the opposite strand. Most of these coupled sites underwent cleavage by a mechanism described previously by the Povirk laboratory and afforded cleavage patterns entirely analogous to those reported. However, at least one coupled cleavage event was noted that did not conform to the pattern of those described previously. More surprisingly, 1...
Interrelationships between the two diseases, hypertension and atherosclerosis∗

Atherosclerosis is the major specific entity in the generic grouping of the arterioscleroses. It is a disease process and not a manifestation of physiologic senescence. Its pathologic hallmark is the lipidand cholesterol-containing, focal intimal plaque.’ Hypertension is the disease process characterized by sustained blood pressure elevation, of known or unknown cause, involving diastolic and, in most cases, systolic pressure.“-4 It is now generally accepted that atherosclerosis and hypertension are two separate and distinct entities with different pathogenetic and etiologic mechanisms. Reference to older literature quickly reveals that, until recently, medicine had great difficulty defining and disentangling the two diseases.5,6 There have been long-standing tendencies to confuse atherosclerosis and the other arterioscleroses, and to confuse atherosclerosis and hypertension. There have also been tendencies to oversimplify, that is, to regard the two as a single entity with a common cause or to regard one simply as the result of the other. These confusions and the difficulties in overcoming them are understandable since in the Western centers of medicine it has been common clinical experience to observe the two processes coexisting in the same patients. Recent contributions, particularly from animal experimental and epidemiological investigations, clearly demonstrate that atherosclerosis and hypertension are two distinct disease processes with different etiologic and pathogenetic mechanisms. Based on the clarification of this cardinal fact, it has become possible to delineate the complex ways in which these two diseases interact and influence each other.
Biotechnological potential of aquatic plant-microbe interactions.

The rhizosphere in terrestrial systems is the region of soil surrounding plant roots where there is increased microbial activity; in aquatic plants, this definition may be less clear because of diffusion of nutrients in water, but there is still a zone of influence by plant roots in this environment [ 1 ]. Within that zone chemical conditions differ from those of the surrounding environment as a consequence of a range of processes that were induced either directly by the activity of plant roots or by the activity of rhizosphere microflora. Recently, there are a number of new studies related to rhizospheres of aquatic plants and specifically their increased potential for remediation of contaminants, especially remediation of metals through aquatic plant–microbial interaction.
Theoretical efficiency of 3rd generation solar cells: Comparison between carrier multiplication and down-conversion

Two of the methods of exceeding the detailed balance limit for a single junction solar cell are down-converting high energy photons to produce two photons and carrier multiplication, whereby high energy photons produce more than one electron–hole pair. Both methods obey the conservation of energy in similar ways, and effectively produce a higher current in the solar cell. Due to this similarity, it has been assumed in the literature that there is no thermodynamic difference between the two methods. Here, we analyzed the two methods using a generalized approach based on Kirchhoff's law of radiation and develop a new model for carrier multiplication. We demonstrate that there is an entropic penalty to be paid for attempting to accomplish all-in-one splitting in carrier multiplication systems, giving a small thermodynamic – and therefore efficiency – advantage to spectral splitting prior to reaching the solar cell. We show this analytically using a derivation of basic thermodynamic identities; numerically by solving for the maximal efficiency; and generally using heat-generation arguments. Our result provides a new limit of entropy generation in solar cells beyond the existing literature, and a new distinction among 3rd generation photovoltaic technologies.
Personal History Cross-Coverage

So live, that when thy summons comes to join The innumerable caravan, which moves To that mysterious realm, where each shall take His chamber in the silent halls of death, Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night, Scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained and soothed By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave, Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams. — —William Cullen Bryant, “Thanatopsis” I first met “Jane” when she “finally” agreed to accept a nasogastric tube at the tail end of my co-intern’s postcall day. This was just a few months into the year, before I knew to use scopolamine to quiet a death rattle, before I knew on a fundamental level that you don’t put a percutaneous gastrostomy tube in someone with days to live. Steve signed out at 7 pm after tracking me down in the nurses’ station. “I just can’t put in an NG tube now.” He dropped heavily into one of the swivel chairs, grimacing at the nighttime skyline visible from the fifth floor windows. “I’m beat. Do you mind?” I said I didn’t. “What’s it for?” “It’s freakish. She’s 45, been getting weaker, falling, slurred speech for a year , finally comes in to see a doctor 5 days ago and guess what, she has end-stage ALS. She’s in for a PEG and needs decompression with an NG tube overnight. She can barely manage any secretions. Oh, and she’s full code.” “Full?” I asked skeptically. “Why?” “Can’t let go,” Steve said. “Family heavily involved. I really have to go see my family for once. Thanks for doing the NG tube.” He rose and trudged off the ward. I went to see her shortly after. Her mother, brother, and sister sat on her bed …
FACTORS AFFECTING THE ESTIMATION OF IODINE ENTERING THE NORMAL THYROID GLAND USING SHORT-TERM CLEARANCE STUDIES.

Experiments on euthyroid subjects demonstrate that the renal clearance rate for radioiodide decreases at night by a factor of about 1.4 compared with the daytime value, whereas the thyroidal clearance rate remains approximately constant. This factor, and losses of iodide in sweat, feces and uncollected urine must be taken into account when the results of short-term radioiodine studies are used to estimate the thyroidal accumulation of stable 127iodide.
Grid resource discovery based on semantically linked virtual organizations

Locating desirable resources and information from a large-scale grid is challenging due to the considerable diversity, large number, dynamic behavior, and geographical distribution of the resources. In this paper, we propose an efficient discovery framework which organizes a grid network by a semantically linked overlay representing the semantic relationships between grid participants. Specifically, we use a semantics-aware topology construction method to group similar nodes to form a semantic small-world. With the small-world topology constructed, resource-discovery queries will be propagated only between semantically related nodes, which greatly improves the efficiency and accuracy of resource discovery in grids. Moreover, we propose a novel algorithm for efficient resource information integration and searching over the semantic small-worlds. Our experiments with simulations substantiate that this framework significantly improve the search expressiveness, efficiency, scalability, and precision.
Numerical solutions of shear localization in a finite slab

A straight forward numerical scheme is devised to solve the one-dimensional problem of shear localization in a finite slab. This scheme is much less computationally intensive than a full scale numerical solution. The scheme is developed by first employing asymptotic methods, based upon typical values of the material parameters, to reduce the problem. The reduced version of the problem is ultimately expressed as a coupled nonlinear system for the stress and temperature along the centerline of the slab. Since this system depends only upon the time variable, it can be discretized and solved with elementary numerical methods. The efficiency of the scheme is demonstrated by calculating the solution well into the post-localization stage for a variety of parameter values. The results illustrate the significance that elastic effects have during the late stages of shear band formation.
Mapping of genes that control the antibody response to human factor IX in mice.

We tested the hypothesis that the antibody response to human factor IX in mice is controlled by genetic factors, especially histocompatibility antigens. Seven inbred mouse strains were immunized against human factor IX by adenoviral gene transfer or serial injections of human factor IX protein. A/J mice had the highest antibody response and 2 C57 mouse strains had the lowest response. We used the adenovirus vector to immunize 26 recombinant inbred mouse strains (AXB and BXA) derived from A/J and C57BL/6J mice and observed highly significant linkage (logarithmic odds [LOD] scores ∼4.8) for the polymorphic D17Mit62 marker that is 1 centimorgan (∼300 000 base pair [bp]) from the mouse major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus (H-2). Experiments in mice with chimeric MHC genes indicated that class IaK or class II H-2 (or both) genes were critical, but other genes contributed to the antibody response. Polymorphic markers from chromosomes 1 and 10 that are near important immunoregulatory genes such as interleukin 10 and the interferon-γ gene show suggestive linkage (LOD scores of ∼2.3-2.6) to the factor IX antibody response. This study confirms the hypothesis that H-2 (and other) genes control factor IX antibody development in mice and suggests their potential importance for factor IX antibody development in humans with hemophilia B.
Pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilization cycles with serum estradiol drop prior to human chorionic gonadotropin

Abstract Objective To study the effect of an unpredictable drop in serum estradiol prior to hCG administration on pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilization cycles. Methods 3653 consecutive IVF cycles from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2000 at Brigham and Women's Hospital were reviewed, and 65 cycles in which oocyte retrieval (ER) was performed following a drop in serum estradiol (E 2 ) not associated with intentional withdrawal of gonadotropins were identified. Daily gonadotropin dose was decreased at some time in 25 of these cycles, while the remaining 40 cycles did not have a reduction in gonadotropin dose. A retrospective case-control study of the respective live birth rates and pregnancy loss rates of patients with unpredictable E 2 drops in the 65 study cycles were compared to 65 age matched controls. Results Live birth rates (32% vs. 35%, p = 0.72) and pregnancy loss rates (28% vs. 30%, p = 0.76) were similar for all study and control groups respectively. There were no differences in live birth and pregnancy loss rates in cycles undergoing gonadotropin dose reduction (40% vs. 44%, p = 0.78 and 29% vs. 39%, p = 0.70) and cycles without gonadotropin dose reduction (28% vs. 30%, p = 0.81 and 27% vs. 20%, p = 0.72). Conclusions In the absence of coasting, a drop in serum estradiol levels during GnRH-agonist downregulated controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF prior to hCG is not associated with a decrease in live birth rates or pregnancy loss rates.
Risk factors for acute kidney injury following orthotopic liver transplantation: the impact of changes in renal function while patients await transplantation

Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs commonly in the setting of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). To date, the correlation between AKI post-OLT and pre-operative changes in renal function has not been rigorously examined. To determine the impact of pre-OLT changes in renal function on AKI post-OLT, as well as to identify risk factors for AKI, we analyzed the prospectively maintained NIDDK Liver Transplantation Database, which includes patients who received their first OLT between April 15, 1990, and June 30, 1994. We used the AKI Network definition of AKI. Surprisingly, univariate analysis revealed that worsening renal function while awaiting OLT was protective to the development of AKI post-OLT. Independent predictors of AKI were increased body mass index, increased Childs-Pugh-Turcott score, decreased urine output during cross-clamp, improved renal function while awaiting OLT, increased post-operative stroke volume, non-Caucasian race, and post-operative use of tacrolimus. The correlation between improving renal function pre-OLT and AKI post-OLT may represent true protection (via ischemic pre-conditioning) or, alternatively, a masking of milder forms of AKI (via improved renal perfusion through correction of the cirrhotic milieu). These results highlight the complex interaction between liver and kidney disease, and suggest that not only the etiology but also the course of pre-OLT renal dysfunction may be a critical determinant of renal function post-OLT.
Effect of phospholipase A2 hydrolysis products on calcium oxalate precipitation at lipid interfaces.

Urinary stones are commonly composed of an inorganic component, calcium oxalate, or calcium phosphate and an organic matrix of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteinaceous matter. Of interest is the role that the organic matrix elements may play as catalysts for the heterogeneous nucleation of the calcium salts, and a number of studies have examined the role of lipids in calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) formation. In this study, products of lipid hydrolysis from phospholipase A2 (PLA2) are examined for their effect on COM formation using Langmuir monolayers as model lipid membrane assemblies. The enzyme PLA2 hydrolyzes DPPC monolayers in the presence of a supersaturated calcium oxalate subphase, inducing the rapid and plentiful nucleation of calcium oxalate at the lipid interface. To investigate the cause of increased crystal formation in the presence of the enzyme, Langmuir monolayers modeling the hydrolysis products were investigated. Calcium oxalate crystal growth at a ternary monolayer of dipalmitoylphos...
Surface profile measurement using chromatic confocal microscopy

We investigate lateral and axial chromatic confocal microscopy using supercontinuum white light, and its application to surface profile measurement. In the systems that we describe here, the lateral or the axial scanning is effectively realized by focusing different wavelengths of the supercontinuum to either different lateral or axial positions through purposely introduced chromatic dispersion and aberration respectively. As a result, the imaging speed can be greatly improved. We use this system to demonstrate the surface profile measurement of a microcircuit chip, with a sensitivity of 8.5 nm and a depth measurement range of about 7 microns.
NUMERICAL MODELING OF THE INFLUENCE OF LAND-SEA TEMPERATURE CONTRASTS ON THE ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION IN THE BLACK-SEA REGION

The formation of the fields of surface winds over the Black Sea occurs under the action of numerous physical factors. One of the most important factors is the monsoon mechanism connected with the seasonal variations of buoyancy contrasts over the sea and surrounding land. To separate the effects caused by this mechanism, we performed and described the numerical experiments aimed at the evaluation of the sensitivity of the regional model of atmospheric circulation to the variations of land–sea temperature contrasts. It is shown that the influence of these effects is restricted to the lower part of the atmosphere. The presented estimates of the climatic fields of disturbances enable us to describe the monsoon mechanism specifying the seasonal variability of the field of vorticity of the wind velocities and, as a consequence, the seasonal variability of the large-scale circulation of waters in the Black Sea.
Immediate blood pressure-lowering effects of aerobic exercise among patients with chronic kidney disease.

SUMMARY: Aim: The current study was designed to determine the effect of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on blood pressure responses within the laboratory for 60 min post exercise and in the subsequent 24 h period in patients with chronic kidney disease. Methods: Twenty-four subjects with stages 2–4 chronic kidney disease (age = 54.5 ± 15.2 years, body mass index = 32.0 ± 5.9 kg/m2) on antihypertensive medication completed this study. In random counterbalanced order, subjects were asked to either walk for 40 min at 50–60% VO2peak (oxygen consumption) or, on a separate day, to sit quietly in the laboratory for the same length of time. Following exercise or the non-exercise period, blood pressure was taken at 10 min intervals for 60 min. Subjects then wore an ambulatory blood pressure monitor for the next 24 h. Results: Systolic blood pressure (mmHg) was reduced by 6.5 ± 10.8 compared with the pre-exercise baseline value (130.3 ± 21.1) in the laboratory after exercise and this was greater than after the control period (0.73 ± 10.3, P < 0.05). Diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) was reduced following exercise (2.5 ± 6.4) compared with the control period (2.1 ± 4.9, P < 0.05). The mean 24 h readings did not differ between exercise or non-exercise days. Conclusion: Acute aerobic exercise leads to reduced blood pressure for at least 60 min within the laboratory in chronic kidney disease patients.
Psychosocial Changes 6 Months after Face Transplantation

Background The goal of facial transplantation is to transform severely deformed features in a single, complex operation. Although nearly 20 have been completed since 2005, there is limited information about the subsequent psychosocial status of recipients. Objective The purpose of this study is to describe such changes as captured on a variety of psychosocial measures 3 and 6 months after full facial transplantation among 3 adults who all completed a comprehensive psychiatric assessment before the procedure. Results We hypothesized and found that participants experienced significant improvement on quality of life measures of physical and mental health based on the MOS-SF −12. While the recipients experienced a decline in their physical quality of life in the 3 months immediately after surgery, they had improvement by 6 months (p = 0.02). Overall mental health showed steady improvement from the time before surgery to 6 months later (p = 0.04). These changes, however, were not reflected in another popular measure of quality of life, the EQ-5D. There were no changes in participants ' self-esteem or dyadic function over the same period of time. Conclusion As facial transplantation evolves from being a novel surgical procedure to an increasingly common clinical practice, future efforts to delineate the psychosocial changes experienced by recipients might include mixed methods analyses, with both qualitative and quantitative data, as well as collaborative assessment protocols shared among facial transplantation programs.
Effect of oxygen-containing species on the impedance of the Pt/YSZ interface

The modifications induced by oxygen on the impedance spectra of Pt/YSZ (platinum/yttria-stabilized zirconia) interfaces at 900 °C have been studied. Oxygen atmosphere and oxygen transfer utilizing both positive and negative direct currents influenced the concentration of oxygen-containing species (OCS) at the interface and that is shown to affect the shape of the impedance response. Two main types of OCS have been identified. The effect of chemical stripping of the OCS by utilizing a reducing COCO2 atmosphere was also investigated. A mechanism for oxygen transfer across the Pt/YSZ interface is suggested. It involves two parallel paths: direct, fast interfacial transfer of the O2− and a slow path, wherein the OCS participate.
Impairments that influence physical function among survivors of childhood cancer.

Children treated for cancer are at increased risk of developing chronic health conditions, some of which may manifest during or soon after treatment while others emerge many years after therapy. These health problems may limit physical performance and functional capacity, interfering with participation in work, social, and recreational activities. In this review, we discuss treatment-induced impairments in the endocrine, musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary systems and their influence on mobility and physical function. We found that cranial radiation at a young age was associated with a broad range of chronic conditions including obesity, short stature, low bone mineral density and neuromotor impairments. Anthracyclines and chest radiation are associated with both short and long-term cardiotoxicity. Although numerous chronic conditions are documented among individuals treated for childhood cancer, the impact of these conditions on mobility and function are not well characterized, with most studies limited to survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and brain tumors. Moving forward, further research assessing the impact of chronic conditions on participation in work and social activities is required. Moreover, interventions to prevent or ameliorate the loss of physical function among children treated for cancer are likely to become an important area of survivorship research.