cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perspectives on the mechanism of action of the splenic toxicity of aniline and structurally-related compounds

Aniline and several structurally-related aromatic amines produce spleen tumours in rats given high doses of compound in 2-year bioassay studies. Evaluation of the pathogenesis of the splenic lesions and characterization of the disposition of radiolabelled aniline in animals suggests that the spleen tumours may be a secondary response resulting from chemically-mediated erythrocyte toxicity. It is proposed that compound-derived toxicity to erythrocytes results in scavenging of damaged red blood cells by the spleen, initiating a series of events which may contribute to the development of spleen tumours. These events potentially include (i) specific accumulation of the parent compound or toxic metabolite(s) carried to the spleen by erythrocytes; (ii) deposition of erythrocytic debris, particularly iron, which may catalyse tissue-damaging free-radical reactions; and (iii) induction of splenic hyperplasia resulting from erythrocyte overload. Linkage of the splenic tumorigenicity of these aromatic amines to an initial toxic event in the erythrocyte suggests that the carcinogenicity of such compounds may be determined by a definable threshold dose, i.e. the events leading to the carcinogenicity are not initiated until the capacity of the red blood cell to cope with the toxic insult is exceeded.
Gun possession among Massachusetts batterer intervention program enrollees.

Batterers with access to firearms present a serious lethal threat to their partners. The purpose of this exploratory study is to estimate the prevalence of and risk markers for gun possession among Massachusetts men enrolled in batterer intervention programs. The authors found that 1.8% of the men reported having a gun in or around their home. Those most likely to report having a gun were White, earned $25,000 or more per year, had served in the military, engaged in problem gambling, and had attempted homicide or threatened their partner with a firearm. Recommendations for strengthening relevant gun laws both within and outside of Massachusetts are discussed.
An enhanced prognostic system for clinically localized carcinoma of the prostate

BACKGROUND This investigation was conducted to develop an enhanced prognostic system based on readily available and independently predictive tumor-related factors for patients with clinically localized prostate carcinoma. METHODS The outcome of 500 patients treated solely with irradiation for clinical TNM classifications T1-4, N0 or NX, M0 prostate carcinoma was used to identify factors independently associated with disease relapse. Logistic regression constructed a risk score equation, and optimized cutoff points to characterize patient groups with low, intermediate, or high risks for relapse were established with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS Clinical tumor stage (P < 0.00001), Gleason score (P = 0.0002), and pretherapy serum prostate specific antigen (P < 0.00001) were independently associated with clinical or biochemical relapse. These factors were included in a risk score equation that defined patient groups with a distinctly different outcome. For the low, intermediate, and high risk groups, the relapse-free probabilities at 5 years after irradiation were 92%, 67%, and 24%, respectively (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Readily available, pretherapy disease-related characteristics formed the basis of an enhanced prognostic system for patients with clinically localized prostate carcinoma. A multivariate prognostic system of this nature estimated patient prognosis in a more exacting fashion than a system exclusively based on anatomic factors. Cancer 1997; 79:2154-61. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Cell death mechanisms vary with photodynamic therapy dose and photosensitizer

Mouse lymphoma L5178Y-R cells respond to photodynamic therapy (PDT) by undergoing rapid apoptosis, which is induced by PDT-activated signal transduction initiating in the damaged cellular membranes. To relate the level of PDT damage and photosensitizer to the mechanism of cell death, apoptosis has been detected by agarose gel electrophoresis of fragmented DNA and quantified by flow cytometry of cells after staining with Hoechst33342 and propidium iodide, a technique which can distinguish between live, apoptotic, and necrotic cells. When the silicon phthalocyanine Pc 4 or Pc 12 served as photosensitizer, lethal doses (as defined by clonogenic assay) of PDT induced apoptosis in essentially all cells, whereas supralethal doses prevented the characteristic degradation of DNA into oligonucleosomal fragments. In contrast with aluminum phthalocyanine (AlPc) cells died by apoptosis after all doses studied. It appears that high PDT doses with Pc 4 or Pc 12 damage enzymes needed to carry out the program of apoptosis; the absence of this effect with AlPc suggests either a different intracellular location or different photocytotoxic mechanism for the two photosensitizers.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Existence of the hyperbolic singular value decomposition

Abstract The hyperbolic singular value decomposition is defined on a general n × m matrix and an m × m signature matrix pair. It is employed in finding the eigenstructure of any matrix that is expressed as the difference of two matrix outer products. Such differences arise in signal processing applications in the context of the covariance differencing. The hyperbolic SVD applies in problems where the conventional SVD cannot be employed. The existence of the hyperbolic singular value decomposition is here extended to the most general case, where neither the general matrix nor the matrix product is assumed full rank.
Corporate Rights to Free Speech

Although the courts have ruled that companies are legal persons, they have not yet made clear the extent to which political free speech for corporations is limited by the strictures legitimately placed upon corporate commercial speech. I explore the question of whether or not companies can properly be said to have the right to civil free speech or whether corporate speech is always de facto commercial speech not subject to the same sorts of legal protections as is the right to civil free speech. In the absence of clearly defined legal precedent, I emphasize moral reasons for determining the appropriate limits of corporate civil free speech. Appealing to arguments typically used to justify individual rights to civil free speech, I examine the extent to which this sort of justification may or may not be legitimately extended to corporations. I conclude that corporate rights to civil free speech must be restricted because granting rights of free speech to institutions may, in practice, undermine the moral rationale and practical feasibility of guaranteeing rights of civil free speech to individuals. Furthermore, I argue that granting corporations full rights to civil free speech will undercut attempts to develop good moral character in corporate institutions by undermining the efforts of watchdog organizations.
Coulomb excitation of Tb159, Ho165 and Tm169 with O16 ions

Abstract The Coulomb excitation of Tb159, Ho165 and Tm169 has been studied using principally 60 MeV O16 ions as projectiles. Both gamma ray and conversion electron spectra were taken. Rotational bands observed at 514 and 687 keV in Ho165, at 580 (and possibly ≈ 1280) keV in Tb159 and at 570 (and possibly ≈ 1170) keV in Tm169 have been assigned as collective (gamma vibrational) bands. The bands at 361 keV in Ho165, at 348 and 971 keV in Tb159 and at ≈ 900 keV in Tm169 are ascribed to intrinsic (Nilsson) configurations. The properties of these bands are discussed in some detail. By multiple excitation 6 or 8 members of each ground state rotational band were excited. The analysis of the energies of these levels indicates the presence of higher-order Coriolis terms in the rotational energy formula in the cases Tb159 and Tm169.
Computer simulation of changes in nursing productivity from early tracheal extubation of coronary artery bypass graft patients

Abstract Study Objective: To determine whether the results from a clinical trial, which showed that early extubation of elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients can reduce hospital costs by more rapid discharge of patients from the intensive care unit (ICU), are likely to apply to other hospitals. Design: Discrete-event computer simulation. Measurements and Main Results: We (1) generated simulated CABG patients, (2) had them "flow" from one condition to the next according to specified rules, and (3) calculated the labor productivity of simulated nurses who would be caring for the patients. We defined nursing labor productivity as the number of patients undergoing elective CABG cared for each year per nursing full-time equivalent working 40 hours per week. Our simulations predict that the increase in nursing labor productivity achieved by early extubation of CABG patients is sensitive to the number of elective CABG cases performed each year at the hospital and the method of compensating nurses. Hospitals with an "hourly workforce" and many cases per year are predicted to achieve a greater increase in productivity from early extubation than are hospitals with a "salaried workforce" and less active volume. At hospitals with a salaried workforce, increasing the percentage of patients extubated early may have no effect on labor productivity. Conclusions: Although "fast-tracking" protocols may offer benefits other than increasing nursing labor productivity ( i.e ., saving money), the results of clinical trials that demonstrate cost savings from clinical pathways that include early tracheal extubation are likely to apply only to hospitals that have similar annual CABG volume and method of compensating nurses as those in the clinical trial. To estimate the likely economic impact from early extubation protocols, a hospital should complete a simulation study with parameter values appropriate to its institution.
Global seismicity of 1980: centroid-moment tensor solutions for 515 earthquakes

Abstract Centroid-moment tensor solutions are presented for 515 earthquakes that occurred during 1980.
Update 2011: Clinical and Genetic Issues in Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy

A great deal of progress has recently been made in the discovery and understanding of the genetics of familial dilated cardiomyopathy (FDC). A consensus has emerged that with a new diagnosis of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC), the clinical screening of first-degree family members will reveal FDC in at least 20% to 35% of those family members. Point mutations in 31 autosomal and 2 X-linked genes representing diverse gene ontogeny have been implicated in causing FDC but account for only 30% to 35% of genetic causes. Next-generation sequencing methods have dramatically decreased sequencing costs, making clinical genetic testing feasible for extensive panels of dilated cardiomyopathy genes. Next-generation sequencing also provides opportunities to discover additional genetic causes of FDC and IDC. Guidelines for evaluation and testing of FDC and IDC are now available, and when combined with FDC genetic testing and counseling, will bring FDC/IDC genetics to the forefront of cardiovascular genetic medicine.
Differences in the estrogen content of breast adipose tissue in women by menopausal status and hormone use.

Objective: To determine the levels of free estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2) in breast adipocytes of premenopausal women, premenopausal women using oral contraceptives (OCs), postmenopausal women, and postmenopausal women using estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). Methods: Breast adipose tissue was obtained from 36 premenopausal and 29 postmenopausal women, and adipocytes were separated from stromal and epithelial cells through collagenase digestion and centrifugation. Oil was rendered from adipocytes, and El and E2 levels were measured by specific radioimmunoassays after extraction with methanol-water. Results: Estrone and E2 levels were approximately 2.4- and 7.8-fold higher, respectively, in premenopausal women than in postmenopausal women. In premenopausal women, El and E2 correlated with the time since last menses (R2 = .55 and .62, respectively), whereas in postmenopausal women, El and E2 correlated with body mass index (BMI) (r = .48 and .52, respectively). Estrone levels were always greater than E2 levels in adipocytes, with the El/E2 ratio being 2.7-fold higher in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women. The use of OCs decreased El and E2 levels in premenopausal women, and ERT increased levels in post-menopausal women. Conclusion: Free estrogen in breast adipocytes is characterized by El dominance, with levels in premenopausal women correlating with the menstrual cycle and levels in postmenopausal women correlating with BMI.
Microscale Fiber Network Structure Affects the Simulated Macroscale Failure of Collagen Gel Tissue Analogs

The microstructure of a soft tissue plays a significant role in shaping its failure properties at much larger length scales. However, delineating the specific relationship between microstructure and failure response has proven enigmatic. Important recent work has included the efforts of Quinn et al. to assess experimentally microscale collagen fiber realignment precipitated by mechanical damage in the facet capsular ligament [1] and of Ritter et al. to model the failure of extracellular matrices using a zipper network model [2]. In the present study, we employ a multiscale finite-element damage model to explore the impact of microscale fiber network morphology on the macroscale failure properties of a collagen gel tissue analog. To simulate damage, the model links the failure of discrete collagen fibers in networks at the microscale to the overall macroscale stress-strain response of the tissue analog. The model has the advantages of being able to accommodate a wide range of microstructural network morphologies and to simulate complex macroscale tissue geometries. By furthering our ability to link tissue microstructure to failure, we can improve methods for assessing injury in native soft tissues, enhance treatments for injured tissues, and engineer more resilient replacement tissues.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Anticipated Consequences of Communicating Corrective Feedback during Early Counseling Group Development.

This study categorizes types of consequences associated with corrective behavioral feed back messages anticipated by members during the first meeting of counseling groups. Group members (N = 286) were asked to write corrective feedback messages that they would be unwilling to communicate in their groups. This was done at the conclusion of the groups' first meetings. Subjects then completed a form containing statements describing potential consequences of communicating corrective feedback. Subjects indicated their levels of agreement with the consequence statements, as the statements applied to the messages they had written. Factor analysis of responses resulted in seven categories of anticipated conse quences of communicating corrective behavioral feedback Categories were moderately in tercorrelated and exhibited moderate to substantial reliabilities. Potential uses of the categories in group practice and future research on the relationship of feedback to group development are discussed.
Multi-stage tests based on sequential ranks†

In this paper we present a technique for constructing k-stage Wilcoxon rank sum and signed rank tests for testing equality of two distributions. The test statistics suggested for use are functions of the sequential ranks (defined by Parent) of the observations obtained. When the underlying population from which observations are taken is normal, Monte Carlo studies show that a considerable savings in average sample size can be obtained by using multi-stage tests rather than fixed sample size tests while power levels are maintained.
DIGICALC: a restriction fragment analysis program

DIGICALC is a program designed to aid in the acquisition, storage, and analysis of nucleic acid restriction fragment data. The chief considerations during program design were (i) ease of use for people with varying degrees of computer experience, (ii) minimal hardware requirements (e.g. an IBM PC), (iii) portability and ease of modification, and (iv) improved functionality in sizing and comparing restriction fragments over manual methods. The program accepts manual or digitizer input of nucleic acid fragment mobility, calculates the fragments' sizes, and provides the means to search the fragment database and to produce charts of fragment sizes.
CV. Note on the auto-transformer and on the impedance as a tensor

Synopis A formula is given for the voltage at a tap in the primary of a transformer, and it is shown that under given conditions this voltage will be independent of the load on the transformer. Impedance is defined as a tensor.
Effect of bile preparations on fat absorption in bile fistula dogs.

Summary1. Three-gram doses of certain bile preparations (including desoxycholic acid) proved completely ineffective in reducing the steatorrhea of bile fistula dogs,2. Ninety-cc doses of fresh ox bile reduced the steatorrhea by 50%, but equivalent doses (6 g) of desiccated ox bile were only half as effective.
Antibody against Extracellular Vaccinia Virus (EV) Protects Mice through Complement and Fc Receptors

Protein-based subunit smallpox vaccines have shown their potential as effective alternatives to live virus vaccines in animal model challenge studies. We vaccinated mice with combinations of three different vaccinia virus (VACV) proteins (A33, B5, L1) and examined how the combined antibody responses to these proteins cooperate to effectively neutralize the extracellular virus (EV) infectious form of VACV. Antibodies against these targets were generated in the presence or absence of CpG adjuvant so that Th1-biased antibody responses could be compared to Th2-biased responses to the proteins with aluminum hydroxide alone, specifically with interest in looking at the ability of anti-B5 and anti-A33 polyclonal antibodies (pAb) to utilize complement-mediated neutralization in vitro. We found that neutralization of EV by anti-A33 or anti-B5 pAb can be enhanced in the presence of complement if Th1-biased antibody (IgG2a) is generated. Mechanistic differences found for complement-mediated neutralization showed that anti-A33 antibodies likely result in virolysis, while anti-B5 antibodies with complement can neutralize by opsonization (coating). In vivo studies found that mice lacking the C3 protein of complement were less protected than wild-type mice after passive transfer of anti-B5 pAb or vaccination with B5. Passive transfer of anti-B5 pAb or monoclonal antibody into mice lacking Fc receptors (FcRs) found that FcRs were also important in mediating protection. These results demonstrate that both complement and FcRs are important effector mechanisms for antibody-mediated protection from VACV challenge in mice.
Amphiphilic and Magnetic Properties of a New Class of Cluster‐Bearing [L2Cu4(μ4‐O)(μ2‐carboxylato)4] Soft Materials

A general approach toward amphiphilic systems bearing multimetallic clusters and their ability to form Langmuir–Blodgett films is presented. The synthetic strategy to stabilize these clusters involves the use of a ligand (HL) containing an N2O-donor set and long octadecanoic chains to obtain the carboxylate-supported [L2Cu4(μ4-O)(μ2-OAc)4]⋅EtOH (1) and [L2Cu4(μ4-O)(μ2-OBz)4] (2) in which OAc− and OBz− represent acetate (1) and benzoate (2) co-ligands. These species were thoroughly characterized and had their structures solved by X-ray crystallography. We observed that the μ-oxo Cu4 cluster is antiferromagnetically coupled and used broken-symmetry density functional theory (DFT) calculations to describe the main superexchange pathways of the tetracopper core. We also describe the amphiphilic properties of the ligand and the cluster-containing systems by means of area versus pressure isotherms and show that these cluster-bearing species can be transferred onto solid substrates yielding homogeneous Langmuir–Blodgett films, as characterized by atomic force microscopy and contact angle measurements.
The House of Lords 1911–2011: A Century of Non-Reform

The House of Lords 1911–2011: A Century of Non-Reform by Chris Ballinger. Oxford: Hart Publishing, 2012. pp. 264. £30.00, hbk. ISBN: 9781849462891. This is a remarkably good book: authoritative, in...
Nadal’s Formula and High Speed Rail Derailments

Several railroad vehicle derailment criteria are based on the (L/LVV) ratio where L is the lateral force and V is the vertical force acting on the wheelset. Derailment is assumed to occur if this ratio exceeds a certain limit. The (L/LVV) ratio has its roots in Nadal’s formula which was introduced more than a century ago. When a planar analysis that corresponds to zero angle of attack is used, Nadal’s formula can be derived using a geometric approach, while a Nadal-like formula can be derived using a kinetic approach. In the geometric approach, a coordinate transformation is used to define the normal and friction forces in another coordinate system. In this case, the lateral and vertical forces are interpreted as the components of a vector that defines the normal and friction forces in another coordinate system without consideration of other external forces that are applied to the wheelset. Because the geometric approach does not account for other forces, it should not be used as the basis for derailment studies. In the kinetic approach, on the other hand, the L and V forces are interpreted as the resultant of the forces excluding the normal and friction forces at the contact point. That is, in both approaches discussed in this paper, the L and V forces cannot be interpreted as the resultant forces acting on the wheelset. The condition for the wheel climb using the kinetic approach is obtained and examined. It is shown that formulas obtained in this paper are based on assumptions that do not capture the gyroscopic moments, and therefore, these formulas should not be used as the basis for general high speed rail derailment criteria. It is also shown that in the case of zero angle of attack and using single degree of freedom planar kinetic model assumptions, an increase in the lateral force L can reduce the tendency for wheel climb, while reducing L can increase the wheel climb risk. Furthermore, the single degree of freedom assumptions used to obtain the wheel climb formula presented in this paper do not allow for wheel lift, and as a consequence, wheel lift derailment scenarios that can be the result of large moment should not be investigated using Nadal’s formula or one of its derivatives that employ the same assumptions. Furthermore, since the analysis presented in this paper assumes zero angle of attack, the conclusions obtained in this investigation do not apply to the wheel climb scenarios with nonzero angle of attack. It is also important to point out that this paper is not intended as a discussion on how Nadal’s formula is interpreted by researchers and engineers; instead, the paper is mainly focused on examining the roots of this formula and the problems that can arise from the assumptions used in its derivation.
Apparent life-threatening events in infants: High risk in the out-of-hospital environment

Abstract Study objective The purpose of this study is to define the prevalence and significance of apparent life-threatening events among infants in the out-of-hospital setting. Methods This was a retrospective, cohort, outcome study of infants for whom a caregiver activated the emergency medical services (EMS) system. For purposes of the study, an apparent life-threatening event was defined as an episode of apnea, skin color change, or change in muscle tone. Study data characteristics included initial physical appearance, work of breathing, circulation skin signs, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and overall concern for the chief complaint as interpreted by EMS personnel. Results Sixty (7.5%) of 804 infants encountered by EMS during the study period met our criteria for apparent life-threatening event. Mean age was 3.1±3.3 months, and 55% were boys. Of the infants with apparent life-threatening event, 50 (83.3%) infants appeared to be in no distress, 8 (13.3%) infants were in mild distress, and 2 (3.3%) infants were in moderate distress. General physical appearance, work of breathing, circulatory signs, respiratory rate, and pulse rate were not clinically abnormal in the study group as a whole. Critical conditions associated with apparent life-threatening event included pneumonia or bronchiolitis (12%), seizure (8%), sepsis (7%), intracranial hemorrhage (3%), bacterial meningitis (2%), dehydration (2%), and severe anemia (2%). Limitations of the study included retrospective design and inability to follow up study patients beyond hospital discharge. Conclusion An apparent life-threatening event in an infant can present without signs of acute illness and is commonly encountered in the EMS setting. It is often associated with significant medical conditions, and EMS personnel should be aware of the clinical importance of an apparent life-threatening event. Infants meeting criteria for an apparent life-threatening event should receive a timely and thorough medical evaluation.
Evaluation of total/near-total thyroidectomy in a short-stay hospitalization: safe and cost-effective.

Background. Once the decision of perform total/near-total thyroidectomy has been made, common perioperative management strategies include frequent postoperative laboratory determinations, bedside airway adjuncts, and hospital stays of about 3 days. We propose a regimen for safe, cost-effective, short-stay total/near-total thyroidectomy. Methods. One hundred fifty total/near-total thyroidectomies performed between 1991 and 1994 were studied to test our short-stay thyroidectomy regimen. Patients were admitted the day of operation and observed overnight. Serum calcium values were obtained at 8, 14, and 20 hours after operation. Twenty-three-hour discharge criteria included no wound or airway problems, stable vital signs, tolerance of normal diet and activity, and an upsloping serum calcium curve. Results. Of 150 patients undergoing total/near-total thyroidectomy, 145 (97%) met 23-hour discharge criteria. No deaths (0%) occurred. Overall morbidity (six patients [4%)]) included one (0.7%) patient with postoperative hemorrhage, one (0.7%) patient with recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, thre (2%) patients with transient hypocalcemia, and one (0.7%) patient with permanent hypocalcemia. Average length of stay was 1.06 days. Conclusions. Significant airway and wound problems rarely develop beyond the first 12 to 18 hours after total/near-total thyroidectomy. Serial serum calcium determinations used to construct a three-point calcium curve at 20 hours after operation can reliably and safely identify patients at risk to have clinically significant hypocalcemia. Total/near-total thyroidectomy can be performed safely in a short-stay, 23-hour hospitalization setting with substantial cost savings.
Operation of the SUPARAMP at 33 GHz

A 9‐mm degenerate parametric amplifier has been constructed using a linear series array of unbiased Josephson junctions as the active nonlinear element. We used a balanced diode mixer as a synchronous detector, with a single source serving both as the pump and as the mixer local oscillator. A stable net gain of 15 dB in an instantaneous bandwidth (FWHM) of 3.4 GHz has been achieved. We measured a system noise temperature of 220±5 K (DSB) with a SUPARAMP contribution of only 20±10 K. Output saturation, however, has been observed. This complicates the interpretation of our noise‐temperature measurements and may render them upper limits. Comparison is made with the results of an earlier 3‐cm SUPARAMP. The data are in substantial agreement with theoretical predictions.
Phacoemulsification in eyes with pastpars plana vitrectomy: Case-control study

Abstract Purpose: To determine intraoperative and postoperative complications and outcomesof phacoemulsification of cataract in eyes that had previous pars plana vitrectomy. Setting: University-based anterior segment disease referral practice. Methods: This was a retrospective case-control study of a surgical series of 52 consecutive postvitrectomy cataract extractions statistically compared with control eyes from the same practice. Results: Cataract extraction followed vitrectomy by 2 months to 6 years (mean19 months). Cataracts with a posterior subcapsular component were seen more frequently in postvitrectomy eyes (58% versus 25% in control eyes). Cataract extraction after pars plana vitrectomy was often more challenging than in control eyes. Challenges included unstable posterior capsules, loose zonules, and posterior capsule plaque. Postoperative posterior capsule opacification (PCO) was more common in study than in control eyes (51 % versus 21 %; P = .002), especially if expandable gas or silicone oil had been used at vitrectomy. Visual acuity improved in 87% of study eyes, with 46% achieving a visual acuity of 20/40 or better. In study eyes in which the indication for vitrectomy was macular hole or epiretinal membrane, nuclear sclerosis was the most common cataract type, no intraoperative complications occurred, the PCO rate was low (13%), and visual acuity was better (73% 20/40 or better) than in the other study eyes. Conclusion: Phacoemulsification after pars plana vitrectomy can be performed witha low complication rate and with good visual results, although limited by underlying retinal disease. Posterior capsule opacification requiring neodymium:YAG capsulotomy was common in this series.
Central Simple Nonassociative Algebras with Operators

The classical central simple theory of associative algebras generalizes, in this article, to a central simple theory of nonassociative algebras with operators and a related central irreducible theory of modules. These theories are motivated by, and apply to, problems of constructing and classifying simple Jordan Lie algebras, irreducible modules, and birings.
Outliers: Elementary teachers who actually teach social studies

This mixed methods study identified six elementary teachers, who, despite the widespread marginalization of elementary social studies, spent considerable time on the subject. These six outliers from a sample of forty-six Michigan elementary teachers were interviewed, and their teaching was observed to better understand how and why they deviate from the norm. An autonomy-versus-control continuum is used to frame how teachers decide what, when, and how to teach. Challenging existing literature that suggests that additional attention to elementary social studies comes from testing pressure or by providing teachers with autonomy, findings of this study reveal that five of the six teachers taught social studies frequently and extensively because their schedules were externally controlled to designate specific time for social studies instruction.
Remodeling specific immunity by use of MHC tetramers: demonstration in a graft-versus-host disease model

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules carrying selected peptides will bind specifically to their cognate T-cell receptor on individual clones of reactive T cells. Fluorescently labeled, tetrameric MHC-peptide complexes have been widely used to detect and quantitate antigen-specific T-cell populations via flow cytometry. We hypothesized that such MHC-peptide tetramers could also be used to selectively deplete unique reactive T-cell populations, while leaving the remaining T-cell repertoire and immune response intact. In this report, we successfully demonstrate that a tetramer-based depletion of T cells can be achieved in a murine model of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Depletion of a specific alloreactive population of donor splenocytes (< 0.5% of CD8+ T cells) prior to transplantation significantly decreased morbidity and mortality from graft-versus-host disease. There was no early regrowth of the antigen-specific T cells in the recipient and in vivo T-cell proliferation was greatly reduced as well. Survival was increased more than 3-fold over controls, yet the inherent antitumor activity of the transplant was retained. This method also provides the proof-of-concept for similar strategies to selectively remove other unwanted T-cell clones, which could result in novel therapies for certain autoimmune disorders, T-cell malignancies, and solid organ graft rejection.
A study of successful quality improvement programs in the transportation industry

This article presents the findings of a comprehensive, exploratory survey concerning transportation quality improvement programs. Various quality improvement program dimensions were compared among two groups of respondents: those who experienced market share increases or cost decreases associated with the quality programs, and those who did not. The survey examined firms’ general focus on quality and customers, the use and design of formal quality improvement programs, and the success and current status of these programs. A number of significant quality program differences were found when comparing the two groups, including differences in top management support, benchmarking practices, customer interaction, and program design elements.
A Comparative Analysis of Nurse Practitioners With and Without Prescriptive Authority

This article reports findings from a national random sample of nurse practitioners (NPs) who were actively practicing in adult primary care settings during 1986. An analysis of their demographic and practice characteristics revealed a statistically significant association between certain characteristics and the NPs' prescribing status. Nurse practitioners with prescriptive authority had more years of experience and were more likely to practice in rural or suburban areas and work in nongroup settings than NPs without prescriptive authority. These findings suggest that giving NPs' prescriptive authority may be an enabling factor that supports NP practice in medically underserved locations.
Electrical stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle-posterior lateral hypothalamus attenuates gastric lesions

The major purpose of Experiment 1 was to see if electrical stimulation of the brain in an area that supports self-stimulation can act during stress to attenuate the severity of gastric lesions produced by six hours of tailshock and restraint. It was found that rats receiving electrical stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle-posterior lateral hypothalamus had significantly less gastric pathology than control subjects not receiving stimulation. Further experiments sought to examine characteristics of the stimulation that would account for this finding. Experiments 2 and 3 studied signal and analgesic properties, respectively, of the brain stimulation, but did not find evidence for their involvement in the effect.
HYDROGEN AT THE Si/SiO2 INTERFACE: FROM ATOMIC-SCALE CALCULATIONS TO ENGINEERING MODELS

Two contrasting behaviors have been observed for H in Si/SiO2 structures: a) Radiation experiments established that protons released in SiO2 migrate to the Si/SiO2 interface where they induce new defects; b) For oxides exposed first to high-temperature annealing and then to molecular hydrogen, mobile positive charge believed to be protons can be cycled to and from the interface by reversing the oxide electric field. First-principles density functional calculations identify the atomic-scale mechanisms for the two types of behavior and conditions that are necessary for each. Using the results of the atomic-scale calculations we develop a model for enhanced interface-trap formation at low dose rates due to space charge effects in the base oxides of bipolar devices. We find that the hole trapping in the oxide cannot be responsible for all the Enhanced Low-Dose-Rate Sensitivity (ELDRS) effects in SiO2, and the contribution of protons is also essential. The dynamics of interface-trap formation are defined by the relation between the proton mobility (transport time of the protons across the oxide) and the time required for positive-charge buildup near the interface due to trapped holes. The analytically estimated and numerically calculated interface-trap densities are found to be in very good agreement with available experimental data.
Fish Production in Two Idaho Streams

Abstract We estimated fish production (tissue elaboration) in two tributaries of the Salmon River in Idaho. Fish in Big Springs Creek produced 11.8 g/m2/yr and in the Lemhi River 13.6 g/m2/yr. In Big Springs Creek juvenile rainbow-steelhead trout comprised most (84–95%) of the biomass present and contributed most of the production (88%). In the Lemhi River, however, a large population of unexploited whitefish made up most (60–80%) of the biomass but they contributed only 52% of the production. The desired yield from Big Springs Creek, an intensively managed stream, was steelhead trout smolts and the weight of the juvenile migrants was 34% of total production in the stream. In the Lemhi River, chinook salmon smolts were the primary desired yield and weight of smolts was probably less than 11% of total production. Virtually no yield was obtained from the whitefish population in the Lemhi River.
Instron Measurements and Sensory Scores for Texture of Poultry Meat and Frankfurters

The relationship of sensory scores and Instron measurements of poultry meat and frankfurters was studied. Chicken samples were separated by tensile grips; turkey samples were sheared with a Warner-Bratzler shear attachment and compressed with a simulated-molar attachment; and poultry frankfurters were tested with the Warner-Bratzler shear, puncture probe, and simulated-teeth attachments. Generally, for chicken higher correlation coefficients between sensory scores and Instron measurements resulted when baseline length and area measurements of curves were made than when peak height was measured. For turkey, Instron measurements with either the Warner-Bratzler shear or the simulated-molar attachment were not related significantly to sensory scores. For frankfurters, Instron measurements usually were significantly correlated with sensory scores for firmness.
Low-fidelity DNA synthesis by human DNA polymerase theta

Human DNA polymerase theta (pol or POLQ) is a proofreading-deficient family A enzyme implicated in translesion synthesis (TLS) and perhaps in somatic hypermutation (SHM) of immunoglobulin genes. These proposed functions and kinetic studies imply that pol may synthesize DNA with low fidelity. Here, we show that when copying undamaged DNA, pol generates single base errors at rates 10- to more than 100-fold higher than for other family A members. Pol adds single nucleotides to homopolymeric runs at particularly high rates, exceeding 1% in certain sequence contexts, and generates single base substitutions at an average rate of 2.4 x 10(-3), comparable to inaccurate family Y human pol kappa (5.8 x 10(-3)) also implicated in TLS. Like pol kappa, pol is processive, implying that it may be tightly regulated to avoid deleterious mutagenesis. Pol also generates certain base substitutions at high rates within sequence contexts similar to those inferred to be copied by pol during SHM of immunoglobulin genes in mice. Thus, pol is an exception among family A polymerases, and its low fidelity is consistent with its proposed roles in TLS and SHM.
Coordinated control of multiple manipulator systems

A scheme for controlling multimanipulator systems is presented. The control objective is to coordinate the manipulators to perform parts-matching tasks such as screwing a nut onto a bolt. The task of moving a rigid object can be treated as a special case. Two secondary control objectives, internal force control and load distribution, can be accomplished within the structure of the control law. The internal force control mechanism keeps the internal forces on the object being manipulated at a desirable level. The load distribution mechanism distributes control effort to each manipulator according to a weighting factor. It is also shown that the control algorithm has a modular structure which facilitates its implementation on a multiprocessor computer. The scheme was tested on a planar scara type dual-manipulator system. A series of experimental results is included to demonstrate the system performance under various conditions. >
Process of Compassion: Pastoral Care During School Closings

Catholic education in the United States continues to face mounting economic challenges. Dioceses are being challenged with the painful reality of closing Catholic schools that have long served communities. These school closings leave behind wounded and disillusioned professionals. The Process of Compassion Workshop was developed to provide personal and professional help for healing so that teachers could move forward in their careers. This article provides a theoretical framework with action research to care for the dedicated people school closings leave behind.
The Effect of Ion Induced Damage on the Mechanical Properties of Zirconia

Microhardness measurements were carried out on ion implanted single crystal Y2O3 stabilized cubic ZrO2. Ions were implanted up to fluences of 3×1017 ions/cm2. Comparison of the Knoop micro-hardness values of ZrO2 implanted with various species over a range of fluences showed that the principle variable causing hardness changes for inert ion implantation is damage energy and not the ion fluence nor the ion species. For shallow inert ion implants, the hardness versus damage energy gives a unified plot. Hardnesses rise with increasing deposited damage energy to a value 15% higher than that of unimplanted zirconia. With additional damage the hardness drops to a value 15% lower than that of the unimplanted zirconia. Deep implants showed 50% increases in hardness and significant fracture toughness increases. Friction and wear measurements of the shallow implants in a pin-on-disk assembly showed very different behavior for high dose versus unimplanted ZrO2. The unimplanted samples showed debris with an associated rise in friction. The implanted system showed much less debris and a constant value of friction even after 10,000 cycles.
Characterization of an inducible promoter system to investigate decay of stable mRNA molecules

Abstract We have developed a system in which the decay of stable mRNAs can be studied without the use of inhibitors of transcription. The Drosophila hsp70 heat shock promoter linked to the bovine growth hormone (BGH) gene was used to establish stable cell lines in which the BGH gene is transcribed in a conditional manner. The BGH mRNA is synthesized only after induction at 43 degrees C. Following a brief period of re-equilibration at 37 degrees C during which transcription of the heat shock-driven gene ceases, the stable BGH mRNA decays with typical first-order kinetics. Hence, the decay of the mRNA can be studied without assumptions regarding radioactive labeling of precursor pools or transcriptional inhibitors. The system is applicable to any stable mRNA.
Contribution of actinorhizal shrubs to site fertility in a Northern California mixed pine forest

Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) and mahala mat (Ceanothus prostratus) are common N-fixing shrubs in interior forests of the western United States, yet their contribution to ecosystem N pools is poorly characterized. We compared N fixation and soil N accretion by these shrubs in oldgrowth ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)‐Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi) stands versusstands that had been harvested50 years earlier. No differences (a = 0.10) in cover, biomass, or percent N derived from fixation by bitterbrush or mahala mat were found between harvested and uncut stands. Approximately 46% of bitterbrush N was derived from symbiotic N fixation as measured by the 15 N natural abundance method. No accurate measure of percent N derived from fixation was attained for mahala mat using this technique due to the absence of a well-matched reference plant. Estimates of total N fixation rates in both stand types were 0.2 kg ha � 1 year � 1 for bitterbrush and 0.3 kg ha � 1 year � 1 or less for mahala mat. No appreciable soil N accretion resulted due to the presence of bitterbrush or mahala mat in either stand type. Nitrogen addition by these shrubs, although small, accounts for 10‐60% of annual N input in these dry forest ecosystems. # 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Electrochemical method for defect delineation in thin-film SOI wafers

Summary form only given. An electrochemical method for the identification of defects and metal contamination in silicon wafers is discussed. This method is particularly suited for defect delineation in wafers synthesized for SOI. The procedure is applicable to
Relationships among childhood maltreatment, PTSD, and health in female veterans in primary care.

Abstract Objective Women with histories of childhood maltreatment (CM) have higher rates of physical health problems and greater medical utilization compared to women without abuse histories. This study examined whether current post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms mediate the relationship between CM and indicators of physical health and medical utilization in female veterans. Method Respondents were 221 female veterans (56% of the potential sample), who received medical care from the San Diego VA Healthcare System during a 12-month period. Respondents provided self-report information about CM, PTSD symptoms, use of pain medication, and physical symptoms and functioning. Additional information about medical utilization was extracted from respondents’ medical charts. Regression-based models were conducted to test whether PTSD symptoms mediate the relationships between CM and physical symptoms and between CM and medical utilization. Results Emotional abuse was associated with poorer role-physical functioning, increased bodily pain and greater odds of using pain medication in the past 6 months. Physical abuse was associated with poorer general health. Contrary to prediction, emotional neglect was associated with better role-physical functioning, and CM was not associated with increased healthcare utilization. PTSD was shown to mediate the relationship between emotional and physical abuse and health outcomes. Conclusions PTSD, or psychopathology more generally, appears to be an important factor in the negative health impact of CM. Given that several empirically supported interventions are available for PTSD, there may be physical health benefits in early identification and treatment of psychopathology related to CM.
Effects of resveratrol on proliferation and apoptosis in rat ovarian theca-interstitial cells

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by ovarian dysfunction and associated with ovarian theca-interstitial (T-I) cell hyperplasia, hyperinsulinemia, systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. This in vitro study tested whether rat T-I cell growth with or without insulin can be altered by resveratrol, a natural polyphenol with anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and antioxidant properties. Rat T-I cells were cultured with and without resveratrol and/or insulin, and the effects on DNA synthesis, number of viable cells and markers of apoptosis were evaluated. Resveratrol alone induced a potent concentration-dependent inhibition of cell growth by inhibiting DNA synthesis, decreasing the number of viable cells and increasing the activity of executioner caspases 3 and 7; these effects of resveratrol counteracted the pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects of insulin. Immunofluorescence analysis of cells incubated with resveratrol showed concentration- and time-dependent morphological changes consistent with apoptosis. The present findings indicate that resveratrol promotes apoptosis to reduce rat T-I cell growth in vitro as well as inhibiting insulin-induced rat T-I cell growth. This suggests a possibility that resveratrol and/or mechanisms mediating its effect may be relevant to the development of novel treatments for PCOS, which is characterized by both excessive ovarian mesenchyma growth and hyperinsulinemia.