cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of factors affecting injury severity for riders or occupants of all-terrain vehicles and golf carts involved in police-reported crashes

In recent years, the popularity of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the United States (US) has increased, and the number of ATV driver and passenger deaths have also increased substantially in the last few decades. Riders or occupants of ATVs as well as golf carts are particularly vulnerable to injury, not only due to the lack of protection and safety equipment offered by their vehicles, but also the propensity for ejection in the event of a crash. Given the vulnerability of these road users, it's critical to understand factors which may affect injury severity to plan effective countermeasures aimed at reducing these injuries and fatalities. To better understand factors affecting the injury severity of ATV and golf cart riders or occupants involved in police-reported crashes, this study presents an analysis using six years of crash data from the US state of Arizona. Over the analysis period, there were 1769 drivers/passengers of these vehicle types involved in police-reported crashes. Of these occupants/riders, 67.7% were injured or killed as a result of the crash; a proportion significantly higher than police-reported crashes involving most other vehicle types, exhibiting the need to examine factors leading to these injuries and fatalities. In order to analyse factors affecting the injury severity of ATV and golf cart occupants/riders, a random parameters (RP) ordered logit statistical model was developed, which was most appropriate given the ordered nature of injury-severity data. Several person- vehicle- roadway- and environmental-related variables were found to significantly affect the injury severity of riders or occupants of ATVs and golf carts. Given the vulnerability of these road users, it's important for transportation agencies to explore effective countermeasures aimed at reducing the severity of crashes involving these vehicle types. The results of this study provide important insights which can assist in developing effective engineering-, enforcement-, education, or policy-related countermeasures.
Quantifying uncertainty for remote spectroscopy of surface composition

Abstract Remote surface measurements by imaging spectrometers play an important role in planetary and Earth science. To make these measurements, investigators calibrate instrument data to absolute units, invert physical models to estimate atmospheric effects, and then determine surface properties from the spectral reflectance. This study quantifies the uncertainty in this process. Global missions demand predictive uncertainty models that can estimate future errors for varied environments and observing conditions. Here we validate uncertainty predictions with remote surface composition retrievals and in situ measurements in a field analogue of Earth and planetary exploration. We consider rover transects at Cuprite, Nevada, and remote observations by NASA's Next-Generation Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS-NG). We show that accounting for input uncertainties can benefit mineral detection methods such as constrained spectrum fitting. This suggests that operational uncertainty estimates could improve future NASA missions like the Earth Mineral dust source InvesTigation (EMIT) and the Lunar Trailblazer mission, as well as NASA's Decadal Surface Biology and Geology (SBG) Investigation.
FAxCs1−xPbI3 nanocrystals: tuning crystal symmetry by A-site cation composition

Nanoscale semiconductors show remarkably tunable properties. For metal halide perovskite (MHP) nanocrystals (NCs), surface energy and lattice strain stabilize desirable MHP compositions and crystal...
Identification of a glycan cluster in gp120 essential for irreversible HIV-1 lytic inactivation by a lectin-based recombinantly engineered protein conjugate

We previously discovered a class of recombinant lectin conjugates, denoted lectin DLIs ('dual-acting lytic inhibitors') that bind to the HIV-1 envelope (Env) protein trimer and cause both lytic inactivation of HIV-1 virions and cytotoxicity of Env-expressing cells. To facilitate mechanistic investigation of DLI function, we derived the simplified prototype microvirin (MVN)-DLI, containing an MVN domain that binds high-mannose glycans in Env, connected to a DKWASLWNW sequence (denoted 'Trp3') derived from the membrane-associated region of gp41. The relatively much stronger affinity of the lectin component than Trp3 argues that the lectin functions to capture Env to enable Trp3 engagement and consequent Env membrane disruption and virolysis. The relatively simplified engagement pattern of MVN with Env opened up the opportunity, pursued here, to use recombinant glycan knockout gp120 variants to identify the precise Env binding site for MVN that drives DLI engagement and lysis. Using mutagenesis combined with a series of biophysical and virological experiments, we identified a restricted set of residues, N262, N332 and N448, all localized in a cluster on the outer domain of gp120, as the essential epitope for MVN binding. By generating these mutations in the corresponding HIV-1 virus, we established that the engagement of this glycan cluster with the lectin domain of MVN*-DLI is the trigger for DLI-derived virus and cell inactivation. Beyond defining the initial encounter step for lytic inactivation, this study provides a guide to further elucidate DLI mechanism, including the stoichiometry of Env trimer required for function, and downstream DLI optimization.
Aspirin and omega-3 fatty acid status interact in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in Framingham Heart Study

Abstract Background The roles of omega-3 (n3) fatty acids [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] and low-dose aspirin in the primary prevention of ischemic cardiovascular disease (CVD) are controversial. Since omega-3 (n3) fatty acids and aspirin affect cyclooxygenase activity in platelets, there could be a clinically-relevant effect of aspirin combined with a particular n3 fatty acid level present in each individual. Methods RBC EPA+DHA, arachidonic acid (AA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) were measured in 2500 participants without known CVD in the Framingham Heart Study. We then tested for interactions with reported aspirin use (1004 reported use and 1494 did not) on CVD outcomes. The median follow-up was 7.2 years. Results Having RBC EPA+DHA in the second quintile (4.2–4.9% of total fatty acids) was associated with significantly reduced risk for future CVD events (relative to the first quintile, Conclusions There is a complex interaction between aspirin use and RBC EPA+DHA levels on CVD outcomes. This suggests that aspirin use may be beneficial in one omega-3 environment but harmful in another, implying that a personalized approach to both aspirin use and omega-3 supplementation may be needed.
Regional Governors Associations and Understanding Interest Group Organizational Change

Regional governors associations maintain themselves by fostering the interests of their member executives and states. To investigate these organizations and their evolution, this paper first discusses the formation and evolution of regional governors associations over time. Next, it assesses the commonalities across organizations. Finally, it examines the factors that led to organizational change. The evolution of the regional governors associations throughout their existence – including the dissolution of the oldest one of these groups – helps us understand not only organizational maintenance but also how the contemporary hyperpartisan political climate presents major challenges to bipartisan interest groups.
The ‘Great Drain’ and Industrialisation: Commodity Flows from Periphery to Centre in Historical Perspective

The economic development of the industrial nations of Europe may be envisaged and analysed from many points of view. One of these, which will form the subject of this paper, is the commercial: European industrialisation as the outcome of a millennial Smithian process of division of labour between Europe as manufacturing Centre, workshop to the world, and the other countries as agrarian and mining Periphery, purveyor of raw materials in exchange for Europe’s manufactures.
Numerical Electromagnetics: The FDTD Method

Beginning with the development of finite difference equations, and leading to the complete FDTD algorithm, this is a coherent introduction to the FDTD method (the method of choice for modeling Maxwell's equations). It provides students and professional engineers with everything they need to know to begin writing FDTD simulations from scratch and to develop a thorough understanding of the inner workings of commercial FDTD software. Stability, numerical dispersion, sources and boundary conditions are all discussed in detail, as are dispersive and anisotropic materials. A comparative introduction of the finite volume and finite element methods is also provided. All concepts are introduced from first principles, so no prior modeling experience is required, and they are made easier to understand through numerous illustrative examples and the inclusion of both intuitive explanations and mathematical derivations.
Role of Leadership in Narrowing the Gap between Science and Practice: Improving Treatment Outcomes at the Systems Level

It’s been well documented that health care does not reliably transfer what we know from science into clinical practice. As a result, Americans do not always receive the care suggested by the scientific evidence. Despite the best intentions of a dedicated and skilled healthcare workforce, this can often lead to poor clinical outcomes. As research and technology rapidly advance, this gap between science and practice appears to be widening. There is an increasing public concern about a lack of access to appropriate treatment, pervasiveness of unsafe practices, and wasteful uses of precious health care resources leading to suboptimum treatment outcomes. Leadership has a critical role in creating and sustaining the environment that supports health services for individuals and populations that increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge. Leadership has some responsibility to improve outcomes by insuring effective use of evidence-based treatment guidelines; measurement-based care; knowledge and skills management; care coordination; and information technologies. This paper addresses leadership issues in these components of a system’s ability to improve treatment outcomes.
Direct simulation, monte carlo, multicomponent, aerosol dynamics : Coagulation, deposition, and source reinforcement

Nuclear aerosols formed during nuclear reactor accidents or explosions evolve via natural transport processes as well as under the influence of engineered safety features. These aerosols can be hazardous and may pose risk to the public if released into the environment. Computations of their evolution, movement, and distribution involve the study of various processes such as coagulation, deposition, condensation, evaporation, etc., and are influenced by factors such as particle shape, charge, radioactivity, and spatial inhomogeneity. These many processes and factors make the numerical study of nuclear aerosol evolution computationally very complicated. The Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) technique was developed to elucidate the role of various phenomena that influence the evolution of nuclear aerosols. This will allow, then, for an assessment of the limitations of other methods used at present. Coagulation, deposition, and source reinforcement processes for a multicomponent, aerosol dynamics problem have been explored. As a simple verification, the DSMC results were compared with analytical results for a single-component aerosol dynamics problem with coagulation and deposition processes. In addition, the DSMC results were compared against those obtained using the sectional method for several multicomponent test problems with the same component densities. It is clear from the present results that the assumption of a single mean density is not appropriate in such problems because of the complicated effect of component densities on the aerosol processes.
A Synthetic Aperture Coherent Imaging Technique

This paper describes an active synthetic aperture coherent imaging technique which completely fills and doubles the diameter of a sparsely sampled aperture array, thus providing better imaging than would ordinarily be expected from the sparsely sampled aperture alone. The technique applies to any coherent radiation, but is most applicable to microwave (radar) and acoustic (sonar and seismic) imaging.
Locker Room Supervision

The plaintiff suffered a serious knee injury during a kickboxing class, while being assisted by an instructor at a sports club. The plaintiff filed suit against the club, alleging personal injury caused A parent brought action against a school district alleging that her son's injuries from an altercation with another student at the school were the result of the district's negligent supervision.
Impact of personality on technology adoption: An empirical model: Research Articles

An innovator's personality along with the perceived attributes of an innovation predicts the rate of diffusion. The current study focuses on the personality factors that determine the likelihood of adoption of a technological innovation. To that end, the study distinguishes between global innovativeness and context-specific innovativeness. An information processing model was tested where technological innovativeness was purported to be indirectly influenced by an individual's global innovativeness, through its impact on communication and media use behaviors. The structural model was tested on two separate technology clusters, and partial support was found for linking sophistication in information search, and prior technology ownership to technological innovativeness. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Towards simulation and emulation of large-scale computer networks

Developing analytical models that can accurately describe behaviors of Internet-scale networks is difficult. This is due, in part, to the heterogeneous structure, immense size and rapidly changing properties of today's networks. The lack of analytical models makes large-scale network simulation an indispensable tool for studying immense networks. However, large-scale network simulation has not been commonly used to study networks of Internet-scale. This can be attributed to three factors: 1) current large-scale network simulators are geared towards simulation research and not network research, 2) the memory required to execute an Internet-scale model is exorbitant, and 3) large-scale network models are difficult to validate. This dissertation tackles each of these problems. First, this work presents a method for automatically enabling real-time interaction, monitoring, and control of large-scale network models. Network researchers need tools that allow them to focus on creating realistic models and conducting experiments. However, this should not increase the complexity of developing a large-scale network simulator. This work presents a systematic approach to separating the concerns of running large-scale network models on parallel computers and the user facing concerns of configuring and interacting with large-scale network models. Second, this work deals with reducing memory consumption of network models. As network models become larger, so does the amount of memory needed to simulate them. This work presents a comprehensive approach to exploiting structural duplications in network models to dramatically reduce the memory required to execute large-scale network experiments. Lastly, this work addresses the issue of validating large-scale simulations by integrating real protocols and applications into the simulation. With an emulation extension, a network simulator operating in real-time can run together with real-world distributed applications and services. As such, real-time network simulation not only alleviates the burden of developing separate models for applications in simulation, but as real systems are included in the network model, it also increases the confidence level of network simulation. This work presents a scalable and flexible framework to integrate real-world applications with real-time simulation.
Consumer Resistance Movements

Keywords: agency; consumerism; political economy; protests; social movements and social change
Interaction of ultrasound with neoplastic tissue. II. Systemic effects after local sonic irradiation.

Abstract Local sonic irradiation was applied to subcutaneously implanted Furth-Columbia rat Wilms' tumor. The weight and the rate of tritiated thymidine uptake were measured in host organs distal to the application field. Kidney and spleen weights were inhibited by the Wilms' tumor, and sonication of the tumor removed all or part of this inhibition. Liver weight was increased after sonication of tumor-bearing rats but not in nontumor-bearing rats. This may have been a response to tumor-specific substances released into the circulation by sonic destruction of tumor tissue. The adrenals enlarged as a response to the stresses of both tumor-bearing and of sonication. Animals were implanted on both sides with the Wilms' tumor and only the right tumor was sonicated. The left tumor continued to increase in volume without any break in the growth curve while the sonicated right tumor was inhibited. These data suggest that the therapeutic effect of ultrasound is due solely to local factors and that systemic sequelae of sonic irradiation are unrelated to tumor inhibition.
On Histocompatibility Barriers, Th1 to Th2 Immune Deviation, and the Nature of the Allograft Responses

In the present study, we have sought to determine the basis for the frequent failure of Th1 to Th2 immune deviation to blunt the severity of allograft rejection, as such immune deviation has proven highly effective in the treatment of several T cell-dependent autoimmune states. Our study demonstrates that treating islet allograft recipient mice with anti-IL-12 mAb is highly effective in producing Th1 to Th2 immune deviation in several model systems (i.e., fully MHC, partially MHC, or multiple minor Ag barriers). Nevertheless, anti-IL-12 failed to prolong the engraftment of fully MHC-mismatched islet allografts. However, anti-IL-12-treated recipients carrying MHC-matched but multiple minor Ag-mismatched allografts experienced prolonged engraftment; allograft tolerance was frequently achieved in the DBA/2J (H-2d) to BALB/c (H-2d) strain combination. In another model, in which the host response was dominated by CD4+ T cells responding to donor allopeptides presented upon host APCs in the context of self MHC class II molecules, anti-IL-12 treatment proved to be extremely potent. Thus, Th1 to Th2 immune deviation produces prolonged engraftment as compared with recipients of MHC-mismatched allografts when rejection is dependent upon indirectly presented allogeneic peptides and a reduced mass of responding alloreactive T cells.
Characterization of the Fas ligand/Fas-dependent apoptosis of antiretroviral, class I MHC tetramer-defined, CD8+ CTL by in vivo retrovirus-infected cells.

C57BL/6 (B6; H-2 b ) mice mount strong AKR/Gross murine leukemia virus (MuLV)-specific CD8 + CTL responses to the immunodominant K b -restricted epitope, KSPWFTTL, of endogenous AKR/Gross MuLV. In sharp contrast, spontaneous virus-expressing AKR.H-2 b congenic mice are low/nonresponders for the generation of AKR/Gross MuLV-specific CTL. Furthermore, when viable AKR.H-2 b spleen cells are cocultured with primed responder B6 antiviral precursor CTL, the AKR.H-2 b cells function as “veto” cells that actively mediate the inhibition of antiviral CTL generation. AKR.H-2 b veto cell inhibition is virus specific, MHC restricted, contact dependent, and mediated through veto cell Fas ligand/responder T cell Fas interactions. In this study, following specific priming and secondary in vitro restimulation, antiretroviral CD8 + CTL were identified by a labeled K b /KSPWFTTL tetramer and flow cytometry, enabling direct visualization of AKR.H-2 b veto cell-mediated depletion of these CTL. A 65–93% reduction in the number of B6 K b /KSPWFTTL tetramer + CTL correlated with a similar reduction in antiviral CTL cytotoxicity. Addition on sequential days to the antiviral CTL restimulation cultures of either 1) AKR.H-2 b veto cells or 2) a blocking Fas-Ig fusion protein (to cultures also containing AKR.H-2 b veto cells) to block inhibition demonstrated that AKR.H-2 b veto cells begin to inhibit B6 precursor CTL/CTL expansion during days 2 and 3 of the 6-day culture. Shortly thereafter, a high percentage of B6 tetramer + CTL cocultured with AKR.H-2 b veto cells was annexin V positive and Fas high , indicating apoptosis as the mechanism of veto cell inhibition. Experiments using the irreversible inhibitor emetine demonstrated that AKR.H-2 b cells had to be metabolically active and capable of protein synthesis to function as veto cells. Of the tetramer-positive CTL that survived veto cell-mediated apoptosis, there was no marked skewing from the preferential usage of Vβ4, 8.1/8.2, and 11 TCR normally observed. These findings provide further insight into the complexity of host/virus interactions and suggest a fail-safe escape mechanism by virus-infected cells for epitopes residing in critical areas of viral proteins that cannot accommodate variations of amino acid sequence.
Effect of vibration on s.a.w.-oscillator noise spectra

The detailed phase noise power spectrum of a 97 MHz s.a.w. periodic-grating oscillator (p.g.o.) driving a 96-times multiplier has been measured in the vicinity (0?20 kHz) of the 9.3 GHz carrier. The noise spectra of the p.g.o. were measured under quiescent and random vibrational conditions. The experimental s.a.w. oscillator is shown to be completely immune to vibration, whereas a well developed crystal v.c.x.o. at the same frequency shows a dramatic increase in noise when subjected to vibration.
Polymerization of Sulfur-Containing Aldehydes. III. Copolymerization of Sulfur-Containing Aldehydes with Acetaldehyde and with n-Butyraldehyde

Polymerization of Sulfur-Containing Aldehydes. III. Copolymerization of Sulfur-Containing Aldehydes with Acetaldehyde and with n -Butyraldehyde
Asymptotically Sufficient Statistics in Nonparametric Regression Experiments with Correlated Noise

We find asymptotically sufficient statistics that could help simplify inference in nonparametric regression problems with correlated errors. These statistics are derived from a wavelet decomposition that is used to whiten the noise process and to effectively separate high-resolution and low-resolution components. The lower-resolution components contain nearly all the available information about the mean function, and the higher-resolution components can be used to estimate the error covariances. The strength of the correlation among the errors is related to the speed at which the variance of the higher-resolution components shrinks, and this is considered an additional nuisance parameter in the model. We show that the NPR experiment with correlated noise is asymptotically equivalent to an experiment that observes the mean function in the presence of a continuous Gaussian process that is similar to a fractional Brownian motion. These results provide a theoretical motivation for some commonly proposed wavelet estimation techniques.
A Mössbauer spectrometry study of the mechanical transformation of precipitated austenite in 6Ni steel

A previous study suggested that precipitated austenite in “QLT” 6Ni steel is sufficiently stable to avoid transforming to martensite in the path of a propagating crack. Impact specimens of “QLT” 6Ni steel with differing geometries were broken at 77 K and 290 K. The depth of transformation of the austenite below the fracture surfaces was measured by backscatter electron Mossbauer spectrometry. The depth of transformation correlated with the impact energy and with the depth of the plastic zone, but was mostly independent of temperature. It is concluded that the martensitic transformation of precipitated austenite occurs in the plastic deformation ahead of the crack, and in ductile fracture the precipitated austenite will not remain to interfere directly with crack propagation.
Integrated data base for computer-integrated manufacturing

Integrating islands of information is viewed as the key to integrating islands of automation. In this context the concepts of computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) and shared data bases are reviewed. TRW Corp.'s prototype CIM Data Engine (CDE) is described to illustrate the concept. The CDE uses a hybrid data distribution strategy and ties together a heterogeneous hardware, database management system, and applications environment.
DIFFERENTIAL EXPRESSION OF RESPIRATORY LONG-TERM FACILITATION AMONG INBRED RAT STRAINS

We tested the hypotheses that: (1) long-term facilitation (LTF) following acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) varies among three inbred rat strains: Fischer 344 (F344), Brown Norway (BN) and Lewis rats and (2) ventral cervical spinal levels of genes important for phrenic LTF (pLTF) vary in association with pLTF magnitude. Lewis and F344, but not BN rats exhibited significant increases in phrenic and hypoglossal burst amplitude 60min post-AIH that were significantly greater than control experiments without AIH, indicating strain differences in phrenic (98%, 56% and 20%, respectively) and hypoglossal LTF (66%, 77% and 5%, respectively). Ventral spinal 5-HT(2A) receptor mRNA and protein levels were higher in F344 and Lewis versus BN, suggesting that higher 5-HT(2A) receptor levels are associated with greater pLTF. More complex relationships were found for 5-HT(7), BDNF and TrkB mRNA. BN had higher 5-HT(7) and TrkB mRNA versus F344; BN and Lewis had higher BDNF mRNA levels versus F344. Genetic variations in serotonergic function may underlie strain differences in AIH-induced pLTF.
Emulsion polymerization of 2‐alkyl‐1,3‐butadienes.

The polymers of 2-ethyl-, 2-isopropyl-, and 2-n-amyl-1,3-butadiene alone, and their copolymers with styrene and with butadiene have been prepared and characterized. These monomers give the same ratio of 1,2 to 1,4 addition as has been noted for isoprene. Much less mercaptan must be used with these monomers than is required for butadiene to give soluble polymers. All these monomers copolymerize with styrene readily but have higher Wall α values than butadiene. The stress-strain properties and Gehman low-temperature properties of all of the new polymers have been determined by the Government Laboratories, University of Akron, and are included in this report. There appear to be no unusual properties to be noted.
Differential Response to L-Triiodothyronine of Anterior Pituitary Growth Hormone Messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) and β-Thyrotropin mRNA in a Hypothyroid Walker 256 Carcinoma-Bearing Rat Model of Nonthyroidal Disease*

To continue our studies on the influence of T3 on TSH regulation in the Walker 256 carcinoma-bearing rat model of nonthyroidal disease, we measured the effect of T3 on pituitary content of βTSH mRNA and rat (r) TSH in hypothyroid control (C) and tumor-bearing (T) rats. The effect of T3 on TSH regulation was compared to effects on GH mRNA and rGH in the same animals. mRNA content was normalized to a pool of pituitaries from euthyroid rats (=1.0). βTSH mRNA increased 18-fold in both hypothyroid C and T rats and then decreased similarly with increasing T3 infusion to a value of 0.1. GH mRNA content decreased to 0.11 ± 0.01 in hypothyroid C rats, but to only 0.38 ± 0.02 in T rats (P < 0.001). The pituitary contents of GH mRNA and rGH in hypothyroid T rats was significantly greater than those in C rats at all T3 infusion rates. These data together with our previous report of decreased nuclear T3 in T rats suggest that regulation of βTSH mRNA by T3 is intact in T rats, but occurs at a lower concentration of nuc...
Multi-dimensional reward volumes for sensor priority strategies

We describe a model for determining strategies for making decisions for sensor prioritization strategies. We combine operations research methods and remote sensing for decision making with several possible actions, state of the world, and a mixed probability metric. We perform data mining and discover patterns to automatically enhance situational awareness from multiple sensor inputs. Our solution has been developed for a method for determining actionable information to efficiently manage remote sensing assets and use open source information. Our tool allows for calculating optimal strategies, provides greater knowledge about the state of the world, and increases the likelihood of a decision maker making the best decision. We discuss multi-dimensional game theory using linear programming methods to solve for multiple possible strategies. We discuss a new concept of reward volumes. The decision maker's success depends upon his ability to correctly and automatically judge the multiple factors. The goal of our system, called GlobalSite, is to deliver trustworthy threat analysis systems and services that understand situations, while being a vital tool for continuing mission operations.
Director’s Forum - The Pharmacy Director and Accountable Care Organizations

The Director's Forum series is edited by Robert J. Weber and Scott M. Mark and is designed to guide pharmacy leaders in establishing patient-centered services in hospitals and health systems. This article focuses on a portion of the Affordable Care Act called the Accountable Care Organization (ACO). ACOs are expected to reduce costs for Medicare patients by effectively coordinating care through a group approach by various providers. There are specific requirements for an ACO, and there are also opportunities for pharmacists to coordinate care related to medication use. By gaining further understanding of the intricacies the ACO, pharmacists and other health care providers can develop an ACO to maximize the cost and quality of care while expanding patient-centered services.
Recording methods and visual scoring criteria of sleep records: comments and recommendations.

Comments and recommended changes in recording methods and visual scoring criteria of sleep records are presented briefly.
A SCALING MODEL FOR SURVEY MONITORING

is being directed toward the con-1 Y.J cept of life quality, as well as the more specific construct of consumer satisfaction with commodities delivered by the marketing system. Due to the subjective nature of these variables, social researchers are increasingly relying on survey methods for their measurement. The purpose of the present article is to bring psychometric methods to bear on these recent efforts through a generalization of successive-intervals scaling theory. The method of successive intervals is especially useful in social research, since so many survey items employ an ordered set of response alternatives. However, a generalization of the model underlying this method
The solubility of hemoglobins A and S reconstituted with various metalloporphyrins.

The solubilities of hemoglobins A and S, reconstituted with various metalloporphyrins, in concentrated phosphate solutions are reported. In HbA the metallo-substituted derivatives have solubilities identical to Fe(11)HbAO2, except for PorHbA, which is less soluble. In HbS the central megal influences the solubility in the order Fe(II)HbS02>Cu(II)HbS> Ni(II)HbS>Zn(II)HbS∼PorphyrinHbS>Fe(II)HbS. The changes in solubility properties of metallo-substituted HbS is probably related to conformational changes which alter interactions among hemoglobin molecules.
Mapping of the Gene for High-Density Lipoprotein Binding Protein (Hdlbp) to Proximal Mouse Chromosome 1

HDL binding protein (HBP) is a 150-kDa glycoprotein that is processed to smaller forms (105-110 kDa) that bind HDL. In vitro studies have shown that HBP protein mass and mRNA levels increase in cells overloaded with cholesterol, suggesting that this protein plays a role in HDL-mediated removal of cholesterol from cells, a process that may underlie the anti-atherogenic effects of HDL. The cDNA for human HBP has been identified and the gene (HDLBP) localized to chromosome 2q37. To test whether the HDL binding protein gene underlies any mutations in the mouse or whether it contributes to multigenic variations contributing to lipoprotein metabolism between inbred mouse strains, we report the chromosomal mapping in mouse for the mouse HBP gene (Hdlbp).
Death penalty politics and symbolic law in Russia

Abstract In contemporary Russia there is widespread support for the death penalty. Recent Russian presidents have endorsed the nation’s entry into the European Community (EC). The dilemma is that the price of membership into the EC is total abolition of capital punishment. The Russian Duma is much less popular than the president, even though it sides with public opinion in supporting capital punishment. Since 1997, these conflicting political positions have been temporarily neutralized by leaving capital punishment legislation in place but allowing the Russian president to offer clemency to all sentenced to death. In 1999, the Constitutional Court of Russia placed a moratorium on all death sentences until jury trials are re-introduced throughout the nation.
Optimized clinical-scale culture conditions for ex vivo selective depletion of host-reactive donor lymphocytes: a strategy for GvHD prophylaxis in allogeneic PBSC transplantation.

Background Ex vivo selective depletion (SD) is a strategy to prevent GvHD, in which host-reactive donor lymphocytes are selectively eliminated from a PBSC allograft while conserving useful donor immune function. Prior to testing this strategy in patients, our goal was to develop a clinicalscale SD process, which involves co-culture of donor lymphocytes and irradiated recipient cells, followed by the addition of an immunotoxin (IT) directed against the a -chain of the IL-2 receptor (CD25), expressed on activated donor T cells.
Trends in MODIS geolocation error analysis

Data from the two MODIS instruments have been accurately geolocated (Earth located) to enable retrieval of global geophysical parameters. The authors describe the approach used to geolocate with sub-pixel accuracy over nine years of data from M0DIS on NASA's E0S Terra spacecraft and seven years of data from MODIS on the Aqua spacecraft. The approach uses a geometric model of the MODIS instruments, accurate navigation (orbit and attitude) data and an accurate Earth terrain model to compute the location of each MODIS pixel. The error analysis approach automatically matches MODIS imagery with a global set of over 1,000 ground control points from the finer-resolution Landsat satellite to measure static biases and trends in the MO0lS geometric model parameters. Both within orbit and yearly thermally induced cyclic variations in the pointing have been found as well as a general long-term trend.
Slumping and shallow faulting related to the presence of salt on the Continental Slope and rise off North Carolina

Abstract Seismic reflection profiles and long- and medium-range sidescan sonar were used to investigate a salt diapir complex and area of slope instability near the base of the Continental Slope off North Carolina. Within the area of investigation three diapirs are bounded on their upslope side by a scarp 60 m high and 50 km long. The slope above the scarp is characterized by a series of shallow rotational normal faults. The bottom below the scarp is furrowed by slide tracks, which were probably carved by large blocks that broke off the scarp face and slid downslope leaving rubble and scree lobes. Extensive slumping in this area appears to be a result of uplift and faulting associated with salt intrusion, which has fractured and oversteepened the slope leading to instability and failure. Sharply defined slide tracks suggest that slope failure above the breached diapir complex is a continuing process, in contrast to much of the surrounding slope area where few instability features were observed.
Tc-99m sestamibi parathyroid gland scintigraphy: added value of Tc-99m pertechnetate thyroid imaging for increasing interpretation confidence and avoiding additional testing ☆

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the benefit of adding a pertechnetate parathyroid scan (dual-isotope imaging) in the interpretation of sestamibi dual-phase parathyroid scintigraphy. Material and methods One hundred and sixteen dual Tc-99m sestamibi (MIBI) and Tc-99m pertechnetate subtraction parathyroid studies, performed between January 2000 and February 2006, were retrospectively reviewed. Dual-phase technetium sestamibi examinations were initially interpreted, with blinding to the technetium pertechnetate findings. Subsequently, technetium pertechnetate scan findings were added, and changes in interpretation were recorded. Results By adding Tc-99m pertechnetate imaging, the interpretation of 17 scans (17/116=14.6%) was substantially altered. This included 5 scans (4%) that changed from negative to positive and 9 scans (8%) that changed from equivocal to positive, excluding ectopic tissue and directing minimally invasive surgery, without the need for further imaging, such as ultrasound, in 12% of cases. One examination changed from positive to negative. In addition, 2 scans changed from equivocal to negative, necessitating further preoperative imaging for the evaluation of additional pathology such as thyroid nodules and lymph nodes and the consideration of hyperplasia. Among the remaining 99 patients, Tc-99m pertechnetate scans may also have contributed to the diagnosis in the 66 positive Tc-99m MIBI scans by increasing confidence in the interpretation and obviating additional imaging. Ten cases remained equivocal. Conclusion By adding Tc-99m pertechnetate imaging, scan interpretation was changed in 14.6% of cases, and interpretation confidence was enhanced in all but 10 remaining equivocal cases. The addition of a dual-isotope subtraction also eliminated the need for additional testing, such as ultrasound, in 12% of our cases. Increased confidence in interpretation that comes with dual-isotope subtraction may come at the cost of slight lengthening of imaging time but likely simplifies preoperative localization and decreases intraoperative time for many patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.
Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Recurrence in the Renal Allograft

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) represents a common histologic pattern of glomerular injury associated with a multitude of disease mechanisms. The etiology of FSGS is often classified into primary (idiopathic) and secondary forms in response to genetic abnormalities, infections, toxins, and systemic disorders that lead to adaptive changes, glomerular hyperfiltration, and proteinuria. Our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for FSGS was substantially enhanced in recent years because of major advances in the cell biology of the podocyte and parietal epithelial cell. Recurrence of FSGS occurs mainly in its primary form and is only rarely described in secondary forms. The re-enactment of pathologic mechanisms of FSGS as recurrent disease after kidney transplantation represents a biologic experiment that can provide unique insight. Nonetheless, recurrent FSGS remains a notable clinical problem that correlates with poorer renal allograft outcomes. This is the focus of this particular review, concentrating on the most recent developments.
Teams that Work: Campus Culture, Engineer Identity, and Social Interactions

Not all student teams are created equal. Some manage to produce excellent engineering results, others fabricate it. Social interactions in some teams are respectful, while on other teams some members expect others to carry the load, but take credit for it later. With engineering teamwork becoming more prevalent on engineering campuses, knowing more about student design teams that work is especially important. This article uses two teamwork cases from a large-scale ethnographic study of an engineering design program to describe not only the ways that student engineers practiced design teamwork, but also how campus culture reached into social interactions between teammates via engineering identities produced on campus. A model for effective teamwork emerged that implies producing high quality engineering products, and doing so through respectful social interactions. Implications for teaching about teamwork, teaching with teams, and thinking about ways to change campus cultures to better promote design engineering are developed.
Clinical evaluation of T2 values of patellar cartilage in patients with osteoarthritis.

Summary Objective The transverse relaxation time constant, T 2 , of articular cartilage has been proposed as a biomarker for osteoarthritis (OA). Previous studies have not clearly defined the relationship between cartilage T 2 values and clinical methods of grading OA or known factors associated with OA. This study compared T 2 values of patellar cartilage grouped by radiographic stage of patello-femoral OA and by body mass index (BMI). Methods T 2 values of patellar cartilage were calculated for 113 subjects using images acquired on a 1.5T clinical scanner. Radiographs of the patello-femoral joint were graded for OA grading using the Kellgren–Lawrence scale. Results No differences of T 2 values were found across the stages of OA ( P =0.25), but the factor of BMI did have a significant effect ( P T 2 value. Conclusions The results indicate the T 2 values are not sensitive to changes in radiographic stages of OA. In addition, differences of T 2 values with BMI signify structural changes occurring within the patello-femoral joint and that BMI may be considered a factor for a potential increase of T 2 values. Future studies comparing different OA grading methods with T 2 mapping may highlight the sensitivity of T 2 mapping in a clinical setting.
Transient Surface Roughening of Thin Films of Phase Separating Polymer Mixtures

The surface morphology of thin molten films of phase separating mixtures of poly(ethylenepropylene) (PEP) and perdeuterated poly(ethylenepropylene) (dPEP) of the critical composition were investigated using scanning force microscopy. Volume fraction versus depth profiles were also obtained using time-of-flight forward recoil spectrometry (TOF-FRES). The free surface of a film with a nominal thickness of about d = 200 nm is initially smooth but develops a regular roughness pattern, with a wavelength about 500 nm and an amplitude about 2.5 nm, after a certain annealing time, which corresponds to the transition from a four-layer (dPEP/PEP/dPEP/PEP) to a two-layer (dPEP/PEP) phase-separated domain structure in the direction normal to the film thickness. At much longer times the two-layer films become smooth again. We attribute these fine surface patterns to transient pressure differences accompanying mass transport by hydrodynamic flow, where this transport occurs though perforations in the PEP-rich layered d...
Images of Domesticity and Motherhood in Indian Television Commercials: A Critical Study

Cet article decrit l'image de la femme vehiculee par la publicite televisee Indienne. Parce que l'audience feminine est particulierement elevee en Inde, l'enjeu d'une publicite s'adressant aux femmes est important. L'A. effectue une analyse rhetorique des symboles utilises pour representer les femmes dans leurs roles domestiques et maternels
How does the inclusion of twins conceived via fertility treatments influence the results of twin studies

Rates of twinning have risen dramatically over the last 30 years, from 1 in 53 births in 1980 to 1 in 30 births in 2009 (Martin et al. (January 2012). Three decades of twin births in the United States, 1980- 2009. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics). This increase is largely attributable to increases in the use of fertility treatments (i.e., ovulation induction and in vitro fertilization) combined with delays in parenthood. Although this increase means that more twins are available for recruitment into twin studies, it also has potential consequences for the heritability estimates obtained in these studies. This study sought to evaluate this possibility, making use of the ongoingMichigan Twins Project (N = 7,261 families with twins aged 3-17 years), an arm of the Michigan State University Twin Registry. Results revealed that, on average, twins conceived via fertility treatments had lower rates of behavior problems than those conceived naturally, although these behavioral differences could be explained largely by demographic and socio-economic differences across the two types of twin families. Twin similarity did not meaningfully differ across fertility treatment status.We thus conclude that estimates of genetic and environmental influences obtained from twin studies over the last 10-15 years are more or less unaffected by the inclusion of twins conceived via fertility treatments in their samples.
Experimental investigation of polarisation-induced fading in interferometric fibre sensor arrays

The results of an experimental investigation of polarisation-induced fading in multiplexed optical fibre interferometric sensor arrays is presented. Measurements, made on a ten-element all-fibre time-division multiplexed array, are analysed in terms of a general N-sensor system and compared with a simple theoretical model. >
Studies of the Δ12 desaturase of Carthamus tinctorius L

Abstract The Δ 12 desaturase of developing safflower seeds responsible for the conversion of an oleoyl moiety to the linoleoyl moiety of phospholipids was further characterized. The protein concentration of the microsomal preparation, the oleoyl-CoA concentration (the primary substrate), short incubation periods, and the addition of lysophospholipids must be controlled to obtain optimal desaturation. No evidence could be obtained to implicate cytochrome b 5 as the intermediate electron carrier. Attempts to solubilize the desaturase with a variety of detergents and chaotropic reagents were not successful. Brief exposure of the microsomal preparation to trypsin resulted in rapid loss of activity. The overall evidence would suggest that the Δ 12 desaturase requires a reductant (NADPH), a NADPH: electron carrier reductase, an electron carrier, a specific desaturase, and an acyltransferase with oleoyl-CoA as the substrate to acylate lysophospholipid to the active oleoyl phospholipids (presumably phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylethanolamine). The complexity of this system suggests that purification of the components and a reassembling of the purified components will be difficult.
INTRACENTER TRANSITIONS IN HYDROGENIC DONORS CONFINED IN GaAs–AlGaAs MULTIPLE QUANTUM WELLS

Abstract In this paper, intra-impurity transitions of hydrogenic donors in GaAsAlGaAs nultiple quantum wells, as probed in recent electronic Raman scattering and far-infrared magneto-absorption studies, are reviewed. These measurements indicate that the binding energies of the impurities become larger as the width of the well is reduced and that the impurities exhibit a position dependent binding energy with those at well center exhibiting the largest values. Both of these conclusions are in good agreement with effective mass calculations. Because the impurities exhibit position dependent binding energies and because intracenter transitions are sensitive to these differences, electronic Raman scattering and far-infrared magneto-absorption should be valuable probes for the investigation of doping profiles that have been modified as a result of diffusion or segregation during growth.