cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Pandemics of Racism and COVID-19: Danger and Opportunity.

* Abbreviation: COVID-19 — : coronavirus disease 2019 Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recent crisis. Racism is an enduring crisis that is inflamed in the presence of other crises. The Chinese word for “crisis” is composed of 2 characters, one signifying “danger” and the other, “opportunity” (Fig 1). The pandemics of COVID-19 and racism present clear danger. Our duty is to make sense of the opportunity by learning, understanding, and taking action. FIGURE 1 The Chinese word for “crisis” is made up of 2 characters: danger and opportunity. In this issue of Pediatrics , Cheah et al1 demonstrate the danger of these twin crises for Chinese American families. They surveyed parents and their children who reported a high rate of recent racist experiences, both in person and online. They also found a correlation with poor mental health. Like the subjects in their survey, the authors of this commentary (a Chinese American academic pediatrician parent and her daughter, a third-year medical student just starting her clinical rotations) have each experienced implicit and explicit bias and the rise of Sinophobia, both inside and outside the health care setting. The findings in the article by Cheah et al1 are consistent with a recent Pew Research Foundation study in which 4 in 10 Americans reported that it has become more common since COVID-19 for people to express racist views about Asian Americans. Both Asian and Black … Address correspondence to Tina L. Cheng, MD, MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children’s Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1800 Orleans St, #8491, Baltimore, MD 21287. E-mail: tcheng2{at}jhmi.edu
The relationship of the quality of creative problem solving stages to overall creativity in engineering students

Abstract Despite the growing call for enhancing creativity in STEM fields, creativity is still largely absent in contemporary engineering education. Developing creativity-supportive environments in engineering education requires an understanding of the creative process itself, particularly as it applies to engineering. Engineering students from a public university in the Northeastern region of the United States were asked to solve an engineering-related problem across four stages of the creative problem solving process. The Consensual Assessment Technique was then used to assess the quality of each stage as well as the overall creativity of the entire response. Two path analysis models were conducted to investigate the association between the creative problem solving stages and overall creativity. The first path analysis model computed the mean quality of the ideas generated, whereas the second path analysis considered the total quality of the ideas generated. The different interpretations of idea generation greatly impacted which stages were most related to each other and overall creativity.
Statistical Timing Analysis considering Multiple-Input Switching

Traditional statistical static timing analysis (SSTA) using available single-input switching (SIS) based gate delay libraries either ignore timing impact from multiple-input switching (MIS) or use single-corner (deterministic) models for MIS consideration. This paper presents a method for modeling the impact of MIS on statistical timing accurately using concepts of convolution and chain ruling. Experimental results in a commercial SSTA framework demonstrate negligible run-time overheads of modeling MIS while accurately exposing timing slack optimism in an SIS based flow of up to 17 pico-seconds on designs mapped to a 14 nanometer technology library. Prediction of timing critical paths due to MIS show excellent correlation to silicon hardware. Comparisons with prior work illustrate the accuracy improvements of the presented work.
Abstract P21: Tenecteplase: As First Choice “Give and Go” Stroke Thrombolysis Treatment

Tenecteplase (TNK) is more fibrin specific and has longer activity duration than Alteplase (ALT). Compared to ALT, recent acute stroke treatment studies have found TNK at doses up to 0.4mg/kg to ha...
IDH Inhibitors in AML—Promise and Pitfalls

Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase genes (IDH1 and IDH2) are common in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), occurring in up to 30% of AML cases. Mutations in IDH leads to abnormal epigenetic regulation in AML cells and blocks differentiation. Inhibitors of mutated IDH1 and IDH2, ivosidenib and enasidenib, respectively, were recently approved by the FDA for relapsed/refractory AML; ivosidenib is also approved for newly diagnosed AML patients not fit for standard chemotherapy. Here, we discuss the clinical development of IDH inhibitors, their unique side effects, and outline future combination approaches in AML. IDH inhibitors are well-tolerated but can induce differentiation of AML cells, which leads to the on-target side effect of differentiation syndrome in up to 20% of patients. Although IDH inhibitors demonstrate efficacy as monotherapy, recent trials have shown that they have higher response rates in combination with hypomethylating agents (HMAs). Current trials of IDH inhibitors include combination with standard induction chemotherapy, as maintenance therapy, and in combination with venetoclax-based regimens. IDH inhibitors are active and have a favorable toxicity profile in AML therapy. Current clinical trials are evaluating how to best incorporate IDH inhibitors into combination therapy to optimize outcomes and duration of response for AML patients with IDH mutations.
The Effectiveness of Technology-Aided Monitoring for Early Childhood Vaccination Coverage: Evidence from a Natural Experiment

Achieving population-wide vaccination coverage against vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) remains a challenge across the globe. A promising solution involves technology-aided monitoring and accountability, which has promised to improve vaccination rates. The current study estimates the impact of a similar intervention on early childhood vaccination rates in the province of Punjab, Pakistan. During late 2014, E-VACCS (an Electronic Vaccine Registration System) was implemented across the province of Punjab, one of the four provinces in Pakistan. We use yearly data (2010-2019) from Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement Survey (PSLM) in a difference-in-differences framework to exploit the natural across-province over-time variation offered to us by Punjab’s adoption of E-VACCS. We analyze the impact of E-VACCS on complete vaccination coverage as well as antigen-specific vaccination rates. Our analysis suggests that E-VACCS did improve vaccination coverage but these increases are largely driven by specific sub-populations. The intervention led to a 2.2% increase in the instance of a child having received at least 1 dose of vaccination. Across urban households, we find a 6.2% increase in vaccination coverage on the intensive margin. However these treatment effects within urban areas are limited to mid-high income households. Our estimates for antigen-specific rates of vaccination coverage confirm similar trends. Among urban mid-high income households, improvements occurred in the antigen-specific coverage rates for vaccines administered towards the end of the childhood vaccination cycle (.e.g D-Tap-3 or Hep-B-3). However for rural low-income households, we find negative treatment effects for antigen-specific vaccine coverage rates, particularly for the three hepatitis doses. The results suggest that the increase in vaccination coverage across urban mid-high income households came at the expense of a significant decrease in coverage across low-income rural households, signaling redirection of critical resources. Our estimates remain robust to several variations in the specifications. Further robustness checks are provided through event study plots and synthetic control methods.
Skin Disease in Solid Organ Transplant Patients

This chapter discusses the different types of skin diseases seen in solid organ transplants, which includes renal, heart, pancreas, and lung. It discusses infections, malignancies, and inflammatory skin diseases. We, as dermatologists and nondermatologists, need to address the needs of these patients by identifying the diseases associated with this increasing group of patients.
Endovascular Therapy of Vertebral Artery Disease

Vertebral artery (VA) disease processes that are potentially treatable by endovascular means include extracranial atherosclerotic disease, arterial dissection, or blunt or penetrating trauma. Approximately 20 % of cerebral ischemic events involve the posterior circulation, and the extracranial VA is the most common source of symptoms. Risk factors for VA extracranial atherosclerotic disease are similar to those affecting the carotid circulation, although VA stenosis seems more common in the white population, and plaques at the origin of the VA seem more stable and less likely to present with ulceration and/or hemorrhage.
Why Do Adolescents Overestimate Their Peers' Smoking Prevalence? Correlates of Prevalence Estimates Among California 8th-Grade Students

Adolescents' estimates of their peers' smoking prevalence can influence their own smoking behavior. However, it is not clear how these prevalence estimates are formed, or what factors influence their accuracy. This study used data from a statewide sample of 5870 8th-grade adolescents in California to examine the correlates of smoking prevalence estimates. Best friends' smoking accounted for the largest proportion of the variance in prevalence estimates. Other significant correlates included female gender, actual smoking prevalence in the student's school, perceptions of smoking on TV, perceived access to cigarettes, low academic performance, cigarette offers, and ethnicity. The variables in the model accounted for 23.8% of the variance in smoking prevalence estimates. Adolescents with smokers in their social networks and schools may be especially susceptible to smoking, because their peers' smoking may give them the impression that smoking is more normative and prevalent than it actually is.
Structure and function of alpha-tocopherol transfer protein: implications for vitamin E metabolism and AVED.

Human α‐tocopherol transfer protein (α‐TTP) plays a central role in vitamin E homeostasis: mutations in the protein are a cause of a progressive neurodegenerative disorder known as ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED). Despite normal dietary intake of vitamin E, affected individuals suffer from a relative deficiency of this essential lipophilic antioxidant. Disease‐associated mutations in α‐TTP impair its ability to prevent the degradation and excretion of α‐T. Recently, we and others solved the crystal structures of α‐TTP bound to a molecule of (2 R , 4′ R , 8′ R )‐α‐T, which has led to a better understanding of the molecular basis of its biochemical activity. Surprisingly, the ligand was found buried in the hydrophobic core of the protein, completely sequestered from the aqueous milieu. In this chapter, the implications of the structure of α‐TTP bound to its ligand regarding the mechanism of α‐T retention are discussed. A comparison to a crystal structure of the apo form of α‐TTP indicates a possible specific conformational change that allows the entry and exit of the ligand. The effect of known disease‐associated point mutations is examined in light of the crystal structure as well as recent biochemical studies. Despite the knowledge gained from these studies, the exact molecular mechanism by which α‐TTP retains α‐T remains enigmatic and will likely prove a fruitful area for future research.
Strengths of gay male youth: an untold story.

This exploratory study found that gay male youths develop strengths that enable them to successfully cope with the challenges and stresses associated with their overall development. These internal and external resources were (1) protective in nature, (2) indicated the presence of resilience, and (3) assisted participants in managing their sexual orientation in adolescence. Bivariate analysis revealed participants had positive self-esteem and an internal locus of control comparable to, or better than, youths overall. Age, social support from gay, lesbian, and bisexual friends and from family, and a preadolescent sense of difference were significantly correlated with self-esteem and/or locus of control.
Federalism in Environmental Protection

In the last seven years, the Supreme Court has decided several cases that potentially alter the balance between the states and the federal government. Although these decisions have generated much controversy, in some ways they only address some important federalism questions at the periphery. Professor Appel examines four areas of environmental law that the recent decisions either only inform or do not address at all: cleanup of hazardous waste sites; the effect of state enforcement actions on citizen enforcement brought under federal environmental laws; the effect of state enforcement actions on federal enforcement actions; and the management of federal lands within the states. Each of these areas raises difficult federalism problems, but the Court's recent federalism jurisprudence does not begin to address those problems. The solution to these federalism problems, then, likely lies within the political branches.
Protective Searches, Pat-Downs, or Frisks?: The Proper Scope of the Permissible Intrusion to Ascertain if a Detained Person is Armed

An external pat-down of the suspect’s clothing is a prototypical Terry frisk; it is not the sole type of limited intrusion contemplated by Terry and its progeny. The objective of a protective search is to discover weapons readily available to a suspect that may be used against the officer, not to ferret out carefully concealed items that could be accessed only with some difficulty. Reasonableness contemplates that, of a range of options available to an officer, several options may be acceptable and the mere fact that the officer has not chosen the most minimally intrusive option or engaged in a preliminary pat-down does not a fortiori invalidate the officer’s actions. In assessing whether the police officer’s protective actions are proper, three interrelated considerations limit the scope of the search. The first and most fundamental consideration is the level of assurance a police officer may obtain that the person he or she is confronting is not armed. The police may not be certain that the person is not carrying any weapon; they may be only reasonably assured that the person is not armed. Otherwise, as the second concern teaches, the intensity of the search would be the same as that for searches incident to arrest. Yet, to permit such searches defeats the purpose of Terry, which had the goal of achieving a balance between individual interests and governmental interests by limiting such searches. The third factor refers to limits on the types of weapons for which a search can be made; that is, absent information that the suspect is armed with an unusual weapon, the officer may search for only guns, knives, and other commonly used weapons. Within that framework, the proper scope of a protective search is based on the circumstances of each case, guided by the principle that the scope of the protective search must be reasonably related to its purpose.
On the Threshold of the Adoption of Global Antibribery Legislation: A Critical Analysis of Current Domestic and International Efforts Toward the Reduction of Business Corruption

As never before, current socio-political, economic, and technological changes are having an impact on domestic and international attitudes towards business corruption. This has precipitated a recent dramatic increase in anticorruption activities within the U.S. and by international government and nongovernmental organizations. A relevant question to consider is what factors have caused the current change in attitude. An answer to this question is found through an evaluation of a multiplicity of significant changes in the environmental framework for international business.
Peer-to-Peer Networks, Technological Darwinism, and Intellectual Property Reverse Private Attorney General Litigation

This paper analyzes "reverse private attorney general" litigation by intellectual property owners against individuals, using the RIAA file sharing litigation as a model. In this article, I coin the phrase "reverse private attorney general litigation" to refer to aggregated claims by well-resourced plaintiffs against multiple individual defendants. There are numerous cultural, technological, and legal factors that suggest that reverse private attorney general litigation will become and increasingly important tool for enforcing intellectual property rights. In fact, in the recent Grokster decision, Justice Bryer noted that RIAA's litigation against end-users serves as a "teaching tool" concerning intellectual property rights. My reading of the Supreme Court's Grokster decision suggests that this statement is more prescient than Justice Breyer likely realized: Grokster's intent-based standard will not inhibit P2P technology over the long term, and RIAA and other content providers will continue to sue end users directly. My review of the RIAA litigation includes an empirical analysis of the litigation's effect on file sharing norms, including a regression analysis of P2P connectivity data. This analysis strongly suggests that the RIAA litigation has failed to change file sharing norms. Instead, file sharers have been steadily migrating to less centralized networks, resulting in a significant overall increase in file sharing activity. I argue that these data reflect how the norms of file sharing exist in symbiosis with the norms of open source file coding. This relationship results in a technology that evolves resistance to litigation threats. After describing the RIAA litigation, I discuss whether any of the traditional justifications for private attorney general actions support reverse private attorney general litigation in the intellectual property context. These justifications include the advocacy of important social causes, balancing the interests of minority groups against well-funded majorities, aggregating small claims that would not otherwise have been filed, and providing a fail-safe against regulatory capture. I conclude that none of these justifications support the RIAA litigation or other forms of reverse private attorney general intellectual property litigation. I then discuss several alternatives to such litigation, and conclude that a mixed market, levy, and private utility model would better reflect public norms about intellectual property.
Online facial expression recognition based on personalized galleries

An online facial expression recognition system based on personalized galleries is presented. This system is built on the framework of the PersonSpotter system, which is able to track and detect the face of a person in a live video sequence. By utilizing the recognition method of Elastic Graph Matching, the most similar person whose images are stored in the gallery can be found, then the personalized gallery of this person is used to recognize the expression on the probe face. A personalized gallery consists of images of the same person showing different facial expressions. Node weighting and weighted voting in addition to Elastic Graph Matching are applied to identify the expression. The performance achieved by this system shows its great potential.
Ligand-Dependent Repression of the Erythroid Transcription Factor GATA-1 by the Estrogen Receptor

High-dose estrogen administration induces anemia in mammals. In chickens, estrogens stimulate outgrowth of bone marrow-derived erythroid progenitor cells and delay their maturation. This delay is associated with down-regulation of many erythroid cell-specific genes, including alpha- and beta-globin, band 3, band 4.1, and the erythroid cell-specific histone H5. We show here that estrogens also reduce the number of erythroid progenitor cells in primary human bone marrow cultures. To address potential mechanisms by which estrogens suppress erythropoiesis, we have examined their effects on GATA-1, an erythroid transcription factor that participates in the regulation of the majority of erythroid cell-specific genes and is necessary for full maturation of erythrocytes. We demonstrate that the transcriptional activity of GATA-1 is strongly repressed by the estrogen receptor (ER) in a ligand-dependent manner and that this repression is reversible in the presence of 4-hydroxytamoxifen. ER-mediated repression of GATA-1 activity occurs on an artificial promoter containing a single GATA-binding site, as well as in the context of an intact promoter which is normally regulated by GATA-1. GATA-1 and ER bind to each other in vitro in the absence of DNA. In coimmunoprecipitation experiments using transfected COS cells, GATA-1 and ER associate in a ligand-dependent manner. Mapping experiments indicate that GATA-1 and the ER form at least two contacts, which involve the finger region and the N-terminal activation domain of GATA-1. We speculate that estrogens exert effects on erythropoiesis by modulating GATA-1 activity through protein-protein interaction with the ER. Interference with GATA-binding proteins may be one mechanism by which steroid hormones modulate cellular differentiation.
Modeling long-run behavior with the fractional ARIMA model

Abstract When modeling long-run behavior, fractional ARIMA models can give insights unobtainable with the nonfractional ARIMA models. As an application, the deterministic trend and unit root with drift models are nested in the fractional ARIMA model. This allows testing between the two models based on estimated parameter values. This test is applied to postwar US quarterly real GNP. The test concludes that GNP is consistent with both models. The estimated fractional parameter is significantly smaller than reported in Diebold and Rudebusch (1989). The difference is explained by bias in the previous estimates. Relationships with the cumulative impulse response and spectral density at frequency zero are noted.
Parameters and gamma-ray spectra of neutron resonances in the isotopes of mercury

The Argonne fast chopper was used to study the neutron resonances of mercury. The neutron transmissions of five samples of normal mercury and six isotopically enriched samples were measured in the energy interval from 10 to 30,000 ev. Twenty-eight resonances were isotopically identified and parameters, including the spin, were determined for most of them. Average values of level spacings, radiation widths, and neutron strength functions were derived from the individual parameters. The spacings and radiation widths exhibit the expected rapid increase as the doubly closed shell is approached. Unexpectedly the total radiation widths of different resonances of Ig/sup 201/ are found to fluctuate by a larger factor than has been previously observed in any other nuclear species. The gamma ray spectra and the multiplicity of gamma rays from capture in these resonances were measured and both quantities were found to differ from resonance to resonance in a way that is consisteat with the fluctuations in the widths. Seven highenergy gamma rays were resolved in the capture gamma -ray spectra of three resonances in Hg/sup 201/. The absolute intensities of the transitions were determined by a least-squares fit of the data to an experimentally determined line shape. It was found thatmore » these high-energy transitions are on the average enhanced, relative to those of lower energy, by about a factor of 15 beyond the usual E gamma /sup 3/law. The remainders obtained by subtracting the partial widths of the seven highenergy transitions from the total radiation widths are constant, within errors, for the three resonances investigated; tais indicates that the fluctuations in the total radiation width are the result of fiuctuations in the intensities of the transitions of highest energy. The observed magnitude of the fluctuations is shown to be consistent with that expected from random fluctuations of the partial radiation widths. (auth)« less
A lowcomplexity algorithm for collaborative-relay beamforming

We consider cooperative transmission in wireless relay networks, in which a source communicates with the destination with the help of a set of N cooperating amplify-and-forward relays. The relay weights are obtained to maximize the received signal-to-noise ratio at the destination, subject to individual power constraint. We consider two schemes that have appeared in the literature, i.e., (i) the optimal weight vector design method, which has been solved via second-order cone programming plus a bisection search, with complexity of O(N3.5), and (ii) the one-bit feedback phase control scheme, which has been formulated as a binary quadratic programming and has been solved for exact solution via exhaustive search. We propose algorithms for these two problems that have substantially reduced complexity, i.e., O(N log2 N) or O(N) for the first problem, and polynomial time O(N log2 N) for the second problem.
Mecranium juddii (Melastomataceae: Miconieae), a new species from the Massif de la Hotte, Haiti

Mecranium juddii is described and illustrated. It is known only from 1650–1700 m elevation in the Ravine du Sud on the northern slopes of Morne Formon in Macaya National Park, Haiti.Mecranium juddii is a member of theM. multiflorum complex and is phenetically most similar toM. revolutum andM. alpestre, which differ fromM. juddii in stem indumentum or leaf size and shape.
Framework for High-Density-Area Departure and Arrival Traffic Management

An operational concept is proposed to improve high-density-area departure and arrival traffic management that specifically accounts for complications arising in metroplex operations where multiple airports are located in close proximity. In the proposed concept, the roles and responsibilities are redistributed among the traffic management coordinators in different facilities, which include the air route traffic control center, terminal radar approach control, and the airport traffic control tower. The redistribution of roles and responsibilities facilitates improved decision-making capabilities, thereby increasing safe, efficient, and stable operation of departure and arrival traffic in the Next Generation Air Transportation System. This paper proposes a set of functions and capabilities needed to support the roles and responsibilities defined in the proposed concept. The decision support system framework defines three levels of decision making and incorporates an optimization methodology to assist decisi...
Potentiating effect of oxytocin on contraction of glycerine-extracted psoas muscle fibre induced by adenosine triphosphate.

CLINICALLY it is a well-known phenomenon that whereas infusion of oxytocin increases the myometrial contractility, no such effect is noted on the skeletal muscle system. This is true even when as much as 3,000–4,000 mU of oxytocin is infused per min. It may be that this difference is the result of selective permeability properties of the membranes.
Correlation for dynamic contact angle

Abstract A correlation is suggested for available experimental measurements of the advancing dynamic contact angle measured through the liquid phase during the displacement of a liquid—gas interface through a glass capillary tube. This same correlation is shown to describe the advancing contact angle as a wire enters a liquid from a gas, so long as the effects of inertia and gravity appear to be negligible. This suggests that experimental measurements of the dynamic contact angle may be independent of the macroscopic geometry.
Degradation of ‘Diazinon’ by Synergistic Microbial Action

THE mechanisms and pathways involved in the degradation of pesticides have received more attention as efforts to define the extent of environmental contamination by these chemicals have increased. Complex interrelationships have been found between the soil microflora and organophosphate insecticides, such as ‘Diazinon’1–3. In the case of ‘Diazinon’, utilization of the chemical by an Arthrobacter sp. and a Streptomyces sp. has been shown to alter the existing microbial population balance by stimulating a selective enrichment of these species3. Labelled carbon dioxide was evolved when ‘Diazinon’ labelled on the C1 of the ethyl ester was incubated with a species of Arthrobacter for 24 h. Similarly, labelled carbon dioxide was given off when the same labelled insecticide was injected into soil which contained an unidentified microbial population. We had been concerned with the pyrimidinyl ring of the ‘Diazinon’ molecule, and the possible differentiation of the degradative pathways associated with microbial metabolism by which the Arthrobacter and the Streptomyces that emerged as the predominant successive microfloral forms in soil treated with ‘Diazinon’ could attack the ring moiety of this compound.
Expression and characterization of a humanized cocaine‐binding antibody

The murine immunoglobulin G (IgG) cocaine-binding monoclonal antibody (mAb), GNC92H2, is notable for its exquisite specificity for cocaine, as opposed to chemically-related cocaine metabolites, and for its moderately high affinity (Kd ≈ 200 nM) for cocaine. Recently, we described the crystal structure of a mouse/human chimeric Fab construct at 2.3 A resolution. Herein, we report the successful framework humanization of a single-chain Fv (scFv) GNC92H2 construct without loss of affinity for cocaine. In brief, we compared the mAb GNC92H2 sequence to human antibody sequences, and used structure-based design to incorporate mutations (total = 49) that would humanize the framework region without affecting the overall shape of the binding pocket or the key cocaine-contact residues. The codons of the rationally designed sequence were optimized for E. coli expression, and the gene was synthesized by a de novo PCR reaction using 14 overlapping primers. Expression of the scFv construct was significantly improved in E. coli by fusion to thioredoxin. Intriguingly, this construct apparently refolds to form soluble active antibody in the reducing environment of the cytoplasm. Competitive ELISA and equilibrium dialysis demonstrated comparable binding activity between the humanized scFv and the whole IgG. The successful humanization of mAb GNC92H2 should enhance its potential therapeutic value by reducing its overall. immunogenicity. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 82: 612–618, 2003.
Pattern regulation in the anterior half of the embryonically produced symmetrical forelimb of the axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum.

Symmetrical forelimbs were created in the axoltl by performing surgery on embryos at stages 32–34. The technique of J. M. W. Slack (J. Embryol. Exp. Morphol., 39:151–168, 1977) was utilized. Several experiments were then performed to test the ability of thesesymmetrical forelimbs to participate in pattern formation. When symmetrical limbs were amputated without previous surgery, 58% failed to regenerate. When symmetrical limbs were wounded in the plane of symmetry and permitted to heal for 30 days prior to amputation, 75% failed to regenerate. When the anterior half of the symmetrical limb was exchanged with the posterior half of the contralateral forelimb followed by amputation 30 days later, both limbs failed to regenerate. When the anterior half of the symmetrical limb was exchanged with the anterior half of an asymmetrical limb followed by amputation 30 days later, the previously symmetrical limbs regenerated asymmetrical hands, and previously asymmetrical limbs failed to regenerate. These results indicate that wounding increases the occurrence of regenerative failure in embryonically produced symmetrical forelimbs. The anterior half of the embryonically produced symmetrical forelimb behaves unpredictably and in a manner not easily described with any of the current models of pattern regulation. The posterior half of the embryonically produced symmetrical forelimb behaves predictably during pattern formation.
Spatial and temporal patterns of radiocesium contamination in mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki (Girard, 1859), inhabiting a nuclear reactor cooling reservoir

Abstract Whole body concentrations of radiocesium ( 137 Cs) were determined for 772 mosquitofish ( Gambusia holbrooki ) collected from three locations on the Pond B reservoir of the US Department of Energy's Savannah River Site in July and November 1991, and February and April 1992. Seasonal, site-, and sex-related differences in 137 Cs concentrations were tested for significance, and results compared with those reported for mosquitofish collected from the same locations in April 1987. Results from 1991 to 1992 showed that 137 Cs concentrations were higher in mosquitofish collected in February for both sexes at all sites. After accounting for differences in body size, males generally had higher concentrations than females across seasons and sites. Site-related differences were not the same as those found in April 1987. Results from the present study suggest that 137 Cs concentrations in mosquitofish undergo a seasonal cycling pattern, and that caution should be used when interpreting data collected from a single season, year or sex.
The immunologist’s grail: Vaccines that generate cellular immunity

Many of the past efforts to develop vaccines have focused upon the generation of antibody responses. In a number of current efforts to develop both new vaccines against many infectious diseases and effective immunotherapies for cancer, the target has been the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. Unlike B cells (and antibodies) that can recognize chemically diverse antigens (e.g., proteins, polysaccharides) in a variety of contexts (cell- or pathogen-associated or soluble), T cells generally recognize only a bimolecular complex consisting of an antigenic peptide bound to certain cell membrane glycoproteins, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II molecules. These MHC molecules provide a genetic identity for each individual since each parentally derived haplotype is codominantly expressed.
Macromolecular Crowding in the Escherichia coli Periplasm Maintains α-Synuclein Disorder

The natively disordered protein alpha-synuclein is the primary component of Lewy bodies, the cellular hallmark of Parkinson's disease. Most studies of this protein are performed in dilute solution, but its biologically relevant role is performed in the crowded environment inside cells. We addressed the effects of macromolecular crowding on alpha-synuclein by combining NMR data acquired in living Escherichia coli with in vitro NMR data. The crowded environment in the E.coli periplasm prevents a conformational change that is detected at 35 degrees C in dilute solution. This change is associated with an increase in hydrodynamic radius and the formation of secondary structure in the N-terminal 100 amino acid residues. By preventing this temperature-induced conformational change, crowding in the E.coli periplasm stabilizes the disordered monomer. We obtain the same stabilization in vitro upon crowding alpha-synuclein with 300 g/l of bovine serum albumin, indicating that crowding alone is sufficient to stabilize the disordered, monomeric protein. Two disease-associated variants (A30P and A53T) behave in the same way in both dilute solution and in the E.coli periplasm. These data reveal the importance of approaching the effects of macromolecular crowding on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, our work shows that discrete structured protein conformations may not be achieved by alpha-synuclein inside cells, implicating the commonly overlooked aspect of macromolecular crowding as a possible factor in the etiology of Parkinson's disease.
Problems in the design of large power networks

The modern power network with its interacting generator governors and voltage regulators presents many unsolved problems. The digital computer is the major tool for solving them.
Online training @ duke: technology training - anytime, anywhere

This paper discusses the steps that were taken to effectively pilot and promote lynda.com tutorials throughout Duke University as well as additional online resources made available including Learn IT Online, a Duke-created wiki of online training resources and Microsoft e-learning courses.
Holographic velocimetry for flow diagnostics

Currently, there are a number of flow diagnostic tools available for the evaluation of fluid dynamic systems. In spite of its great potential, holographic velocimetry is one technique which has not been widely used. It does, however, have great potential in this area due to its inherent three-dimensionality. As demonstrated in this study of fully developed turbulent flow in a pipe, full three-dimensional mapping can be achieved at any instant in a flow cycle. Comparisons of holographic results with analytical predictions and laser-Doppler-anemometry (LDA) measurements demonstrate the accuracy of the technique as well as some of its advantages and disadvantages relative to LDA. Although relatively poor spatial resolution is obtained, the fact that holographic velocimetry is both an instantaneous and full volume measuring tool makes it useful for a range of complex and high-speed flow-measurement applications.
Regulation of enzyme activity in the hibernator: Effect of cations on liver pyruvate kinase in the arctic ground squirrel

Abstract 1. 1.|The kinetic behavior of pyruvate kinase (PyK) from liver of the Arctic ground squirrel (Citellus undulatus) was examined over a wide temperature (5–37°C) range in the presence of its substatres and modulators, and cations that are known to influence activity of this enzyme. 2. 2.|The substrates adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) as well as the modulators fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) appear to be bound in such a manner that a decrease in the S0.5 value is accompanied by an increase in the Hill constant (h), indicating an enhanced degree of site-site interaction in the binding of these metabolites. 3. 3.|In marked contrast, the cations K+, Mg2+ and Mn2+, are bound in such a manner that falling S0.5 values are accompanied by decreases in the attendant h values. 4. 4.|The significance of these results is discussed and it is suggested that only the intermediates play a role in regulating activity of liver pyruvate kinase while the ions appear to enhance the Q10 effect on the PyK reaction, and function as an integral part of the intracellular milieu that maintains the efficiency of enzyme regulation over a wide temperature range.
Catalyzed combustion of H2/air mixtures in a flat-plate boundary layer: I. Experimental results

Abstract A study has been made of the combustion characteristics of lean hydrogen-air mixtures flowing over a heated catalytic platinum plate. The objectives of the investigation were to develop a better understanding of the interaction between fluid mechanics, gas-phase combustion, and surface reaction in high-temperature surface-catalyzed combustion. The experimental system consisted of a thin quartz plate with vacuum-deposited platinum heating strips mounted over an open atmospheric-pressure jet of premixed hydrogen and air. Boundary-layer density profiles were measured using differential interferometry for flow visualization studies and Rayleigh scattering for point-density measurements. Laser Doppler velocimetry was also used to measure the velocity distribution. The presence of heat release due to surface reaction was determined from changes in heating-strip power inputs with fuel addition. Results were obtained for a range of equivalence ratios from 0.05 to 0.3 and plate surface temperatures from 470 to 1300 K. Significant surface heat release was found for all mixtures at plate temperatures as low as 470 K. At increased equivalence ratios and plate temperatures heat release due to gas-phase reaction was present. This was characterized by local increases in temperature across the boundary layer and an increase in thermal boundary-layer thickness. Comparisons with numerical calculations based on a surface reaction model which included finite-rate surface oxidation of H2 and radical recombination indicated qualitative agreement in general boundary-layer behavior, but the predicted gas-phase heat-release rate was considerably higher than found experimentally.
Excitation Efficiency of a Morphology-Dependent Resonance by a Focused Gaussian Beam

The excitation efficiency of a morphology-dependent resonance (MDR) by an incident beam is defined as the fraction of the beam power channeled into the MDR. The efficiency is calculated for a focused Gaussian beam of arbitrary width incident on either a spherical particle or a cylindrical fiber located at an arbitrary position in the plane of the beam waist. In each case a simple formula for the efficiency is derived by use of the localized approximation for the beam-shape coefficients in the partial-wave expansion of the beam. The physical interpretation of the efficiency formulas is also discussed.
Nutritional Evaluation of Patients Receiving Dialysis for the Management of Protein-Energy Wasting: What is Old and What is New?

Advances in the nutritional support of hospitalized patients in the early 1970s led to the recognition that tools were needed to evaluate the nutritional status of patients. The observation that malnutrition in patients receiving dialysis was associated with increased morbidity and mortality prompted many expert groups to develop nutritional scoring systems to be applied in these patients. Given the diverse and confusing terminologies that emerged from these publications, the International Society of Renal Nutritional and Metabolism convened an expert panel to recommend a new nomenclature and preferred methods to evaluate the nutritional status of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The new and inclusive term protein-energy wasting (PEW) refers to a systematically defined condition based on certain criteria and reflects malnutrition and wasting caused not only by inadequate nutrient intake but also by depletion resulting from the inflammatory and noninflammatory conditions that prevail in this population. Serial assessment of nutritional status for detection and management of PEW is recommended using old and new scoring tools, including the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), malnutrition inflammation score (MIS), Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), and PEW definition criteria. These tools, which are reliable methods and predictors of outcomes, are reviewed in this article.
Cholestasis induced by model organic anions protects from acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in male CD-1 mice

Administration of the non-metabolizable organic anion indocyanine green (ICG) prior to a toxic dose of acetaminophen (4-acetamidophenol; APAP) reduces liver injury 24h after dosing. ICG also produces a dose-dependent decrease in bile flow in mice and rats. Studies in bile duct-cannulated rats suggest that cholestasis can play a role in this protection. This study was conducted to determine if the ability of model organic anions to produce cholestasis is relevant to the protection against APAP hepatotoxicity afforded by ICG. In these studies, overnight fasted male CD-1 mice were dosed (i.v.) with the cholestatic dyes bromcresol green (BCG, 30 micromol/kg) and rose bengal (RB, 60 micromol/kg) immediately prior APAP administration (500 mg/kg, i.p.). Other groups of mice received the non-cholestatic dyes dibromosulphthalein (DBSP, 150 micromol/kg) and amaranth (AM, 300 micromol/kg) prior to APAP. Controls were given vehicle only. Hepatocellular necrosis was evident at 24 h in control mice receiving APAP. Pretreatment with the cholestatic dyes BCG and RB decreased the severity of hepatocellular necrosis induced by APAP. However, administration of the non-cholestatic dyes DBSP and AM did not alter APAP-induced liver damage. Glutathione replenishment was not altered by pretreatment with any of these dyes. Furthermore, ICG protected mice against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) hepatotoxicity. Since CCl4 undergoes minimal biliary excretion and does not compete for biliary transport function, this finding supports the notion that cholestasis itself rather than competition for canalicular transporters is central to the hepatoprotection by ICG and other cholephilic dyes.
Incorporating Human Factor Concepts in the Lifecycle of Aerospace Systems

This paper explains the need for a thorough understanding of the integration of human factors during all phases of a product's lifecycle in aerospace systems. The analysis is performed from a systems perspective, where humans are the nucleus of the system needed to accomplish a goal, rather than isolated parts looking to complete a single task. The lack of human factor considerations in early design phases triggers human errors during the assembly and test phases, creating increase in cost and slip on schedule. The paper proposes different measures that can be incorporated to current aerospace programs that deal with human safety. It also provides approaches for entrepreneurs and rising aerospace companies to be able to integrate human factor concepts in the development of their products. If human factor requirements are taken into account, costly errors at the manufacturing stage can be reduced when small errors are found early in the program.
Reflections on the Experience of Teaching about Christianity to Jewish Teenagers

This reflection-on-action essay shares and analyzes the author's experience of teaching about Christianity to Jewish teenagers.
Response bias in sex-role attitude measurement

The widespread use of survey research by social scientists as a means for generating data has prompted an examination of the interview situation for sources of bias. Two potential aspects of the interview have been of particular interest to analysts — dissimilarities between interviewers and subjects on key sociopersonal variables and the nature of the subject matter of the interview. This study examines the impact of sex differences between interviewers and subjects on responses to a sensitive subject-matter area — sex-role orientations — in a telephone interview situation.
Analysis of Spray Deposits on Cards Dyed with Sudan Black BR: Their Preparation and Use

Cards of Kromekote® paper dyed with du Pont Oil Red dye commonly used in the past for field assessment of air-borne spray deposits have not been satisfactory for the more critical analysis required for ultra-Iow-volume (ULV) spraying techniques. A Kromekote paper dyed with Sudan Black BR gave good definition of droplets of malathion as small as 15 μ in diameter produced by ULV spray. The contrast between the spots and the surrounding surface was increased by limited exposure to sunlight or infrared heat lamps. The preparation of these cards and the relationship of the spot sizes to the true drop sizes is described, and a table of spread factors is presented.
Relative abuse liability of diazepam and oxazepam: behavioral and subjective dose effects.

The effects of diazepam (10–160 mg) and oxazepam (30–480 mg) were studied in volunteers with histories of drug abuse. Oral doses were administered every third day under double-blind and counterbalanced conditions. Dose-effects with area under the time-action curve data (AUC) showed diazepam to be 2.6-5.7-times more potent than oxazepam on various psychomotor, cognitive, staff-rated, and subjective measures. Comparison of relative potencies showed diazepam to be relatively more potent in producing ‘liking’ than in producing psychomotor and cognitive effects. Diazepam produced greater peak effects than oxazepam on a number of staff- and subject-rated measures, including liking. Onset of effect was more rapid and time to maximal effect was shorter (1–2 h versus 4–12 h) with diazepam than oxazepam, while time to offset of effect was similar for the two drugs. Diazepam was categorized as producing barbiturate-like subjective effects (38.3%) more frequently than was oxazepam (13.8%), while oxazepam was identified as placebo more often than diazepam. Repeated administration of 160 mg diazepam and 480 mg oxazepam showed that AUC liking was greater for diazepam than oxazepam and that tolerance to psychomotor and cognitive effects occurred with oxazepam but not diazepam. This study suggests that diazepam may have a higher abuse liability than oxazepam.