cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On outcomes and humility.

The competency movement in medical education asserts itself in every corner of students' experiences from matriculation through residency. Such a focus on making sure trainees achieve desired levels of skills, knowledge, and technique is highly desired by the patients they will be servicing, but educators' need to turn nearly every dimension of medical education into a competency is an ill-advised leap that transforms a complex educational mission into a bottom-line venture. This commentary provides a critical examination of the wholesale use of competency measures in academic medicine, using the concurrent articles by Murray-Garcia and Garcia about multiculturalism and by Kumagai about narrative medicine as thoughtful examples of educational efforts that turn away from this narrow orientation, focusing instead on the ongoing reflective processes and humility that mark the lifelong development of skilled, empathic physicianhood.
Effects of the aquatic herbicide 2,4-D DMA on the ecology of experimental ponds

Abstract The dimethylamine salt of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D DMA) was applied to replicate ponds at rates of 5 and 10 kg/ha. The growth of rooted macrophytes was stimulated in ponds at the lower application rate. Laboratory bioassays of natural phytoplankton assemblages taken from untreated ponds showed that photosynthetic uptake of 14 C was stimulated by treatment with 2mg/litre 2,4-D DMA. Statistical analysis of covariance by path analysis showed that gross production in the ponds treated with 2,4-D was more highly related to planktonic chlorophyll a and dissolved nutrients than in the untreated ponds. Fish growth appeared to be increased by the higher rate of 2,4-D application.
Phenotypic modulation by intracellular bacterial pathogens

Microorganisms have the capacity to sense their environment and to respond to it by alteration in gene expression and protein synthesis. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) provides a powerful tool to examine the global response in bacterial protein synthesis upon exposure to different environmental signals. One of the most complex environments encountered by facultative intracellular pathogenic bacteria is the intracellular environment of the host cell. Numerous studies have documented that intracellular bacterial pathogens that replicate within phagosomes are simultaneously exposed to multiple signals and they respond to them by a global alteration in protein synthesis that involves elevated levels of several stress-induced proteins. This stress response is manifested regardless of the nature or the stage of maturation of the phagosome of different intracellular pathogens. In contrast, intracellular bacterial pathogens that replicate within the cytoplasm undergo phenotypic modulation in response to the cytoplasmic environment, but their responses do not include elevated levels of stress-induced proteins. This review describes the use of 2-DE to examine bacterial phenotypic modulation in response to the intracellular environment and contrasts this response between three intracellular pathogens; Legionella pneumophila, Salmonella typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes. The Legionella pneumophila phagosome is completely blocked from maturation through the endosomal lysosomal pathway but the S. typhimurium phagosome is a specialized compartment that has partial characteristics of an acidified late endosome, while L. monocytogenes rapidly escapes from an acidified phagosome into the cytoplasm.
Differential scanning calorimetric determination of kinetics constants of systems that melt with decomposition

Abstract Methods for the detection of systems that melt with decomposition are discussed, and a differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) method is presented for the determination of the kinetics constants of such systems. It is now possible to specify characteristics of kinetics curves corresponding to decomposition in the solid phase, the mixed solid and liquid phases, or the homogeneous liquid phase. The method is illustrated by application to cupferron tosylate and HMX.
Behavior of the G-matrix expansion for the average effective interaction

Abstract A method is presented for calculating the spectroscopic average of higher-order terms in the G -matrix expansion of the nuclear effective interaction. Results for the 1d-2s and 1f-2p shells show that the expansion is well behaved on the average through third order, in contrast to earlier results for J , T = 0,1 states.
Infrared spectroscopic evidence for the stabilization of HArn+ in solid argon at 14 K

Abstract Absorptions which have been observed at 905 and at 644 cm −1 upon 1216-A photolysis of hydrogen- and deuterium-containing compounds, respectively, in an argon matrix correspond well with similar absorptions reported in studies of the trapped products of a glow discharge through Ar:H 2 and Ar:D 2 mixtures. Evidence is presented supporting the assignment of these two absorptions to HAr n + and to DAr n + rather than to interstitial H and D atoms trapped in octahedral sites in the argon lattice.
Expectation and temperament moderate amygdala and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex responses to fear faces

A chronic tendency to avoid novelty is often the result of a temperamental bias called inhibited temperament, and is associated with increased risk for anxiety disorders. Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that an inhibited temperament is associated with increased amygdalar blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) response to unfamiliar faces that were not expected; however, the effects of variations in expectancy remain unknown. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we studied BOLD response to infrequently encountered fear faces that were either expected or not expected in 42 adults with an inhibited or an uninhibited temperament. Individuals with an inhibited temperament had greater amygdala, but less dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), BOLD response when the stimuli were expected. In contrast, those with an uninhibited temperament had a smaller amygdala but larger dorsal anterior cingulate cortex BOLD response when expecting to see fear faces. These findings demonstrate temperament differences in expectancy effects and provide preliminary evidence for the dACC as a neural substrate mediating differences in inhibited temperament. Enhanced amygdala sensitivity coupled with weak inhibitory control from the dACC may form a neural circuit mediating behaviors characteristic of inhibited temperament and risk for anxiety disorders.
Antioxidant effects on retinyl palmitate stability and isomerization in nonfat dry milk during thermally accelerated storage

Abstract The effects of antioxidants on vitamin A oxidation and isomerization in nonfat dry milk (NFDM) were evaluated during thermally accelerated storage. High performance liquid chromatography was used to measure all- trans , 13- cis , 9- cis, and 9, 13-di- cis retinol present in two lots of antioxidant-treated, vitamin A and D fortified NFDM samples at zero, one, and two weeks of 50 °C storage. After two weeks, the NFDM sample retaining the most vitamin A was the one treated with butylated hydroxytoluene at 0.29 ppm with 250 ppm ascorbic acid; this treatment retained approximately 76% of its original retinol activity equivalents. The control retained significantly less than this: only 19% of its original vitamin A activity. Butylated hydroxytoluene in combination with ascorbic acid appears to be effective in the preservation of vitamin A in NFDM during heated storage; however, its use in dried beverage mixes is currently prohibited.
IMPROVED ACCURACY FOR LOCALLY ONE-DIMENSIONAL METHODS FOR PARABOLIC EQUATIONS

Classical alternating direction (AD) and fractional step (FS) methods for parabolic equations, based on some standard implicit time-stepping procedure such as Crank–Nicolson, can have errors associated with the AD or FS perturbations that are much larger than the errors associated with the underlying time-stepping procedure. We show that minor modifications in the AD and FS procedures can virtually eliminate the perturbation errors at an additional computational cost that is less than 10% of the cost of the original AD or FS method. Moreover, after these modifications, the AD and FS procedures produce identical approximations of the solution of the differential problem. It is also shown that the same perturbation of the Crank–Nicolson procedure can be obtained with AD and FS methods associated with the backward Euler time-stepping scheme. An application of the same concept is presented for second-order wave equations.
Abstract C228: A retrospective study of patients with non-small cell lung cancer who have Life Technologies Pervenio™ Lung RS test performed.

With lung cancer causing the highest mortality in cancer patients, an accurate method to stratify lung cancer patients has been needed. This stratification would allow physicians to tailor their management. Furthermore, even with resection of early-stage NSCLC, there is a 35-50% recurrence, considerably poor when compared to other solid tumors. A new 14-gene PCR assay was created to stratify the risk of patients based on their lung cancer. The Pervenio™ Lung RS Test was established to discriminate the low vs intermediate vs high risk patients in order to provide information regarding mortality rates to guide management. Using this clinically proven PCR assay in a site-specific study, results mirrored the original study. The patients who were stratified as high-risk with the Pervenio™ Lung RS Test, were the same patients who had recurrence and death. Amongst the high-risk group, one patient expired and three remained alive. Furthermore, of the three living patients, two patients had progressive disease with deteriorating conditions and recurrence. This new assay successfully has proven to accurately stratify patients, in regards to survival and recurrence. This stratification will allow physician to alter their management and monitoring. Comprehension of the projected disease course is useful in planning a course of management, whether it may be curative versus palliative. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):C228. Citation Format: Jaswinder Singh, Raza Hasan, Jennifer Feeback. A retrospective study of patients with non-small cell lung cancer who have Life Technologies Pervenio™ Lung RS test performed. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C228.
Pneumonia and sepsis due to fluoroquinolone-resistant Capnocytophaga gingivalis after autologous stem cell transplantation

Human oral Capnocytophaga species have been only rarely described as a cause of sepsis in patients following stem cell or marrow transplantation, and pneumonia has not been reported in this setting. In addition, fluoroquinolone resistance is rarely seen in these species, and has never been reported in C. gingivalis. We report a case of pneumonia (confirmed by culture of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) and sepsis due to fluoroquinolone- resistant Capnocytophaga gingivalis in a patient following autologous stem cell transplantation, who responded to treatment with linezolid and metronidazole. Capnocytophaga infections should be considered in patients with fever following stem cell or marrow transplantation, especially those with neutropenia and mucositis. Susceptibility testing is needed given the existence of multidrug-resistant isolates. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2001) 28, 1171–1173.
Evaluation of Sample Handling Effects on Serum Vitamin E and Cholesterol Concentrations in Alpacas

Clinical cases of vitamin E deficiencies have been diagnosed in camelids and may indicate that these species are more sensitive to inadequate vitamin E in hay-based diets compared to other ruminant and equine species. In bovine, cholesterol has been reported to affect vitamin E concentrations. In order to evaluate vitamin E deficiencies in camelids, the effects of collection and storage of the blood samples prior to processing were necessary. Reports vary as to factors affecting vitamin E and cholesterol in blood samples, and diagnostic laboratories vary in instructions regarding sample handling. Blood was collected from healthy alpacas and processed under conditions including exposure to fluorescent light, serum and red blood cell contact, tube stopper contact, temperature, and hemolysis. Serum vitamin E and cholesterol concentrations were then measured. Statistical analyses found that the vitamin E concentrations decreased with prolonged contact with the tube stopper and with increasing hemolysis. Vitamin E concentration variations were seen with other factors but were not significant. Time prior to serum separation and individual animal variation was found to alter cholesterol concentrations within the sample, yet this finding was clinically unremarkable. No correlation was seen between vitamin E and cholesterol concentration, possibly due to lack of variation of cholesterol.
Ethical Issues in Intergenerational Equity

ABSTRACT Any discussion of intergenerational equity must address value questions as well as matters of “fact.” Such examinations, unfortunately, have approached the issue from the viewpoint of “quandary ethics,” asking only, “what can we do to resolve this dilemma?” This article suggests as a way beyond the impasse created by such an approach a turn toward an ethic of virtue, which asks, “who should we be in order to have the kind of society we want?” Special attention is given to the notion of “civic virtue” that was so important to the founders of the United States, and the roots of such virtue in certain key biblical concepts are explored.
Having a regular physician and attempted weight loss after screening for hypertension or hypercholesterolemia.

Having a regular physician and attempted weight loss after screening for hypertension or hypercholesterolemia
The Potential of Bt Corn as a Trap Crop for the Control of Corn Earworm, Helicoverpa zea Boddie, in Soybean

ABSTRACT Corn and soybean are two important crops in the Delmarva (Delaware, Maryland and Virginia) peninsula region. Both crops are attacked by corn earworm (CEW), Helicoverpa zea (Boddie). The larvae cause significant ear damage to corn serving as a primary nursery for CEW populations which shift to soybean later in the season. In soybean, CEW larvae cause serious yield losses if not controlled by insecticides. Many farmers in the Delmarva region have been increasing the acreage they grow with genetically engineered corn hybrids that contain insecticidal proteins expressed by the genes of Bacillus thurngiensis sub sp. kurstaki (Bt) as an alternative to the application of chemical insecticides. A study was conducted to investigate the use of Bt corn as a trap crop for the management of CEW in soybean. Bt corn was planted as a trap crop in a ten percent of the area of soybean as a peripheral trap, trap in the middle and trap in the intermittent rows in soybean. CEW moths were attracted and observed on the...
A dislocation-based constitutive model for viscoplastic deformation of fcc metals at very high strain rates

Abstract In this work a physically-based model is developed to address slip in polycrystalline metals and alloys subjected to very high rates of deformation (104–108 s−1). Constitutive relations are provided for the kinematics, kinetics, and substructure of fcc metals with micron-scale grains. The main innovative feature of this work is the treatment of the dislocation substructure in the weak shock loading regime. Here, the mobile and immobile dislocation densities are assigned as internal state variables and path-dependent differential equations are formulated for their evolution. This enables physical descriptions of slip resistance and the plastic flow rate. The constitutive model is applied to 6061-T6 Al alloy and the viscoplastic relations are employed in steady plastic wave calculations that enable comparison of the model to experiments. For shock stress amplitudes of 2–10 GPa the model accurately reproduces direct measurements of material velocity and indirect measurements of the macroscopic shear stress and plastic rate of deformation in the shock front. Model results are also in agreement with measurements of material strength on the Hugoniot for shock stresses up to ∼15 GPa. The accuracy of calculations in the weak shock loading regime indicates the proposed constitutive model may be useful in simulating high-strain-phenomena in a variety of technical applications, including dynamic material responses at small length scales. An improvement to the constitutive model is suggested to bring the model into better agreement with experiments at higher shock stresses.
The effect on reaction to painful stimuli of lesions in the centromedian nucleus in the thalamus of the monkey.

Evidence has accumulated indicating that the centromedian nucleus of the thalamus participates in an organism's reaction to noxious stimuli. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether or not the centromedian nucleus is involved in the monkey's reaction to electric shock. Results indicated that lesions of sufficient size (larger than 40%) produce a significant (p <.01) effect on shock-escape threshold in the monkey. It is proposed that the centromedian nucleus is part of an ‘orbital system’ extending from the orbital prefrontal cortex, through the ventral caudate and medial pallidum, to the thalamus; and that one of the functions of this system is to modulate reaction to painful stimuli.
Valvular Heart Disease in Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Presentation of a Case and Review of the Literature

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare inheritable disorder of connective tissue. While musculoskeletal abnormalities are well known, cardiovascular involvement is rare. Aortic root dilation is the most common cardiovascular manifestation. OI preferentially affects the left-sided heart valves, for unclear reasons, leading to aortic and mitral regurgitation. Valve replacement surgery carries a unique set of issues in this population, and fewer than 40 cases have been reported. We report a case of chronic severe aortic regurgitation in a patient with OI complicated by the development of a flail aortic valve leaflet and presenting with a transient ischemic attack. The patient subsequently underwent successful combined bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting. We review the literature on valvular disease and other cardiovascular manifestations in OI and the related surgical considerations relevant to this patient population. (Echocardiography 2010;27:69-73)
Human papilloma virus: A new risk factor in a subset of head and neck cancers

Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide. Tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption are two well known behavioral risk factors associated with head and neck cancer. Recently, evidence is mounting that infection with human papilloma virus, most commonly human papilloma virus-16 is responsible for a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma especially tumors of tonsillar origin. The molecular pathway used by human papilloma virus to trigger malignant transformation of tissue is different from that of other well known risk factors, i.e. smoking and alcohol, associated with squamous cell carcinoma. Apparently, these subsets of patients with human papilloma virus positive tumor are more likely to have a better prognosis than human papilloma virus negative tumor. Considering this fact, the human papilloma virus infection should be determined in all oropharyngeal cancers since it can have a major impact on the decision making process of the treatment.
How the size of motoneurones determines their susceptibility to discharge.

The susceptibility of motoneurones to discharge by physiological inputs varies inversely with their size1,2. This relationship has far-reaching consequences for the control of muscular tension, and also accounts for significant differences in the properties of muscle fibres and motor units3–5. The probable basis for the relationship is that the amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (e.p.s.ps) is also correlated inversely with cell size6,7, but no satisfactory explanation for this finding is known. We now describe experiments which indicate that afferent impulses invade the relatively simple ramifications of fibres going to small motoneurones more completely than the extensive arborisations going to large cells. This results in activation of a higher percentage of the synaptic endings on small cells, which produces larger e.p.s.ps in them and accounts for their greater susceptibility to discharge.
Antibody production in neonatal chickens following injection of adult cells mixed with antigen in vitro.

SummaryAntibody production to Brucella abortus antigen was initiated in neonatal chicks by transfer of adult homologous hen spleen cells mixed with antigen in vitro. The studies indicate a wide variation in response and that a pathologic picture consisting primarily of splenomegaly is regularly associated with good agglutinin titers in the recipient.
Steps Toward Evaluating Post‐Traumatic Stress Reaction as a Psychiatric Disorder1

This brief paper summarizes comments made in discussing papers given in the November 1988 NIHM workshop “Traumatic Stress: Defining Terms and Instruments”. It raises questions about current criteria for posttraumatic stress in terms of the traumatic events considered appropriate, the coherence of the syndrome described, and the scarcity of data on its course, its familiarity, and its relationship to other syndromes. It is suggested that long-term studies of general population cases will be needed to answer these questions.
Simultaneous position estimation & ambiguity resolution (SPEAR) for high-integrity carrier-phase navigation with robustness to tracking loss

This paper introduces a GNSS processing algorithm called simultaneous position estimation and ambiguity resolution (SPEAR), with the goal of delivering high-accuracy, high-integrity navigation with robustness to carrier-tracking interruptions. The algorithm operates by continuously applying integer constraints to estimate the navigation solution recursively as a histogram of possible state values. The proposed approach is distinctive in that it decomposes the carrier-wave measurement into two components: an apparent integer difference, used for Bayesian prediction, and a fractional phase, used for Bayesian correction. The algorithm has potential application for high-accuracy, high-integrity safety of life operations near buildings or other obstructions of the sky, as may occur during aircraft surface movement or automobile navigation in urban canyons.
Transient response of severe thunderstorm forcing to elevated greenhouse gas concentrations

] We investigate the transient response of severe-thunderstorm forcing to the time-varying greenhouse gasconcentrations associated with the A1B emissions scenario.Using a five-member ensemble of global climate modelexperiments, we find a positive trend in such forcing withinthe United States, over the period 1950–2099. The rate ofincrease varies by geographic region, depending on (i) low-level water vapor availability and transport, and (ii) thefrequencyofsynoptic-scalecyclonesduringthewarmseason.Our results indicate that deceleration of the greenhouse gasemissions trajectory would likely result in slower increasesin severe thunderstorm forcing.
Effect of oxygen chemisorption on the energy band gap of a chiral semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube

Abstract We present a detailed investigation of the effect of oxygen chemisorption on the band gap of both a zigzag (10,0) and a chiral (8,4) single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) by means of density functional theory (DFT). The chemisorption of an oxygen atom leads to the formation of epoxy or ether structures in several possible sites of the outer wall. In the (10,0) nanotube, oxidation at the two possible sites drastically decreases the energy band gap. In the chiral (8,4) nanotube, the band gap remains almost constant upon oxidation at two of the three available sites and decreases considerably for the third site.
Systemic infusion of angiotensin II exacerbates liver fibrosis in bile duct-ligated rats

Recent evidence indicates that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a major role in liver fibrosis. Here, we investigate whether the circulatory RAS, which is frequently activated in patients with chronic liver disease, contributes to fibrosis progression. To test this hypothesis, we increased circulatory angiotensin II (Ang II) levels in rats undergoing biliary fibrosis. Saline or Ang II (25 ng/kg/h) were infused into bile duct-ligated rats for 2 weeks through a subcutaneous pump. Ang II infusion increased serum levels of Ang II and augmented bile duct ligation-induced liver injury, as assessed by elevated liver serum enzymes. Moreover, it increased the hepatic concentration of inflammatory proteins (tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 1beta) and the infiltration of CD43-positive inflammatory cells. Ang II infusion also favored the development of vascular thrombosis and increased the procoagulant activity of tissue factor in the liver. Livers from bile duct-ligated rats infused with Ang II showed increased transforming growth factor beta1 content, collagen deposition, accumulation of smooth muscle alpha-actin-positive cells, and lipid peroxidation products. Moreover, Ang II infusion stimulated phosphorylation of c-Jun and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase and increased proliferation of bile duct cells. In cultured rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), Ang II (10(-8) mol/L) increased intracellular calcium and stimulated reactive oxygen species formation, cellular proliferation and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, Ang II stimulated the procoagulant activity of HSCs, a newly described biological function for these cells. In conclusion, increased systemic Ang II augments hepatic fibrosis and promotes inflammation, oxidative stress, and thrombogenic events.
VIBRATION TRANSMISSION THROUGH SELF-ALIGNING (SPHERICAL) ROLLING ELEMENT BEARINGS: THEORY AND EXPERIMENT

Abstract Interest in vibration control in systems employing rolling element bearings, ranging from rotor systems used in energy conversion/transmission to high-precision, multi-degree-of-freedom optical positioning systems, has focused attention on the modelling of bearing dynamic stiffness properties. While modelling a rolling element bearing either as an ideal boundary condition for a shaft or as a simple translational element may suffice in understanding basic rotor system dynamics, such simple models are inadequate in explaining how vibratory energy may be transmitted from, for example, transverse shaft vibrations to perpendicular, out-of-plane casing vibrations. Recently, researchers have begun to address this issue for conventional single row ball or cylindrical rolling element bearings which exhibit a strong moment–coupling stiffness. The study reported in this article focuses on double row spherical (self-aligning) rolling element bearings where moment stiffnesses are negligible, but translational cross-coupling stiffnesses between axial and radial bearing directions are present. A new theoretical model for the direct and cross-coupling stiffness coefficients of spherical rolling element bearings is developed and partially validated using new experimental techniques. It is shown that the coefficient values are complicated functions dependent on radial and axial preloads. While cross-coupling stiffness coefficients are negligible with simple radial or axial preloads, under the combined radial plus axial preload condition, the cross-coupling stiffness coefficient between the axial direction and the direction of the radial preload becomes significant.
Office-Based Buprenorphine Treatment for Opioid-Dependent Patients

Opioid dependence is epidemic in the United States, with increasing numbers addicted to heroin and burgeoning abuse of prescription opioid analgesics. Buprenorphine, the most recent addition to the pharmacotherapies available to treat opioid dependence, is novel among the opioid pharmacotherapies because of its partial agonist properties. It has been placed on Schedule III and is available by prescription from a physician's office-based practice. This review briefly summarizes the research supporting buprenorphine as a treatment for opioid dependence--including its clinical pharmacology, formulation with naloxone to prevent diversion, clinical use in treatment of opioid dependence, and issues regarding its use in special populations.
Inhibition of serotonin-amplified human platelet aggregation by ketanserin, ritanserin, and the ergoline 5HT2 receptor antagonists-LY53857, sergolexole, and LY237733.

Abstract Human platelets are known to possess 5HT 2 receptors which, when activated, amplify the aggregation response produced by other aggregating agents. Several 5HT 2 receptor antagonists, including ketanserin and ritanserin, are known to antagonize serotonin-mediated aggregation of human platelets. In the present study, we document the ability of three ergoline 5HT 2 receptor antagonists, LY53857, sergolexole, and LY237733, to antagonize the serotonergic component of the human platelet aggregation response. Potencies of the ergoline esters (LY53857 and sergolexole) and the ergoline amide (LY237733) to inhibit serotonin-amplified platelet aggregation responses were similar to the potencies of ketanserin and ritanserin under the conditions of our study. Furthermore, all five 5HT 2 receptor antagonists were capable of fully inhibiting the serotonergic component of the platelet aggregation response. In contrast two these potent ergoline esters and amides, 1-isopropyl dihydrolysergic acid (up to 10 −5 M), a putative metabolite of the ergoline esters, was ineffective under these in vitro conditions. These data are consistent with the high potency of these ergolines as antagonists of 5HT 2 receptors and further support the involvement of 5HT 2 receptors on human platelets in the amplifying response to serotonin.
Relativistic electrons near geostationary orbit: Evidence for internal magnetospheric acceleration

The possibility of an internal magnetospheric acceleration mechanism as the source of relativistic electron fluxes in earth's outer magnetosphere is explored. Such a model includes the substorm generation of a spectrally soft electron component, with subsequent inward radial diffusion. At low L values, an outward transport of energetic electrons occurs which leads to a return of the accelerated population to the outer magnetosphere. Data obtained concurrently at geostationary orbit at three widely spaced local times during a relativistic electron event provide support for acceleration by a recirculation process.
Migration of excitation in transfer of spectral-line radiation

A simple mathematical model is developed for the transfer of energy through a gas by the combined effect of radiative transfer and migration of excitation. The “excitation” is carried through the gas by a succession of atoms which experience resonant excitation exchange; it thus appears to random walk through the medium. The theory developed here is valid when the distance traveled by an atom while excited is much larger than the typical distance at which two atoms can exchange excitation (roughly 10-6cm). The model is expressed in terms of a pair of coupled transport equations for the intensity of radiation and the density of excited atoms, which are solved by means of a generalized discrete-ordinate technique. Extensive numerical results are obtained and discussed in terms of characteristics lengths for the various transfer processes. Substantial effects of migration are seen in both the distribution of excited atoms near the cell windows and the line profile of the emergent radiation for typical laboratory conditions.
On mixed-integer zero-one representations for separable lower-semicontinuous piecewise-linear functions

In a recent paper, Padberg (Oper. Res. Lett. 27(1) (2000) 1) has provided some insights into constructing locally ideal formulations for continuous piecewise-linear approximations to separable nonlinear programs. He shows that in contrast with such representations, the standard text-book modeling strategy is weak with respect to its linear programming relaxation. We propose a new pedagogically simpler modification of the latter formulation that constructs its convex hull representation, thereby rendering it locally ideal. Moreover, this modeling strategy imparts a totally unimodular structure to the formulation, it readily extends to representing separable lower-semicontinuous piecewise-linear functions, and it also facilitates a reduced locally ideal representation based on a piecewise-linear convex decomposition of the function. In the special case of continuous piecewise-linear functions, we exhibit a nonsingular linear transformation that equivalently converts the proposed model into Padberg's formulation.
Microwave investigation of the small gap anomaly in lanthanum

Abstract This study shows that in fcc lanthanum the measured ratio of superconducting energy gap to transition temperature strongly depends on annealing treatment.
Effects of corticotropin releasing factor on locomotor activity in hypophysectomized rats.

Abstract Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) injected intracerebroventricularly to hypophysectomized and sham hypophysectomized rats produced a dose dependent increase in locomotor activity, but in untreated hypophysectomized rats 10× more CRF was needed to produce a significant increase in activity. Concomitant daily supplements of rat growth hormone, thyroxine, and corticosterone to the hypophysectomized rats eliminated locomotor activity differences between the two groups. There was no statistically significant difference in locomotor response to either saline, 0.1 μg CRF, 1.0 μg CRF or 10.0 μg CRF in the group of animals receiving hormonal supplements. These results demonstrate that CRF can produce behavioral activation in rats independently of its effects on releasing hormones from the pituitary gland.
RIVERBANK EROSION-A CASE STUDY

A field study of riverbank erosion was carried out during a 13-month period at five sites along the Ohio River near Louisville, Kentucky. The soils at the sites consisted of layered alluvium; the fraction of total bank height composed of sandy layers varied widely from site to site. The influences of high-water currents, wind waves and vessel waves also varied from one location to another. Bank material loss/gain was measured by means of pins and tubes installed on a grid pattern, together with a base line, at each site. A regular program of photography at each site further depicted bank changes. Data were gathered on river level fluctuations and precipitation during the study. The severity of erosional loss appeared to depend principally on the bank materials; sandy banks retreated farthest during the study. Episodes of bank material loss coincided with periods of high water, particularly when bank materials were wetted by antecedent precipitation before flood events. Flow of water out of previous layers of alluvium was found to be a major factor incausing failure. Wave action was seen to be an insignificant cause of erosion at the five sites studied. (Author)
Lipolytic rate associated with intramyocardial lipid in an HIV cohort without increased lipolysis

Context: Individuals with HIV have an elevated risk for developing cardiovascular disease compared to controls, particularly in relationship to abnormal deposition of lipid within various body compartments. Dysregulation of lipolysis may contribute to abnormal deposition of lipid in non-adipose tissues such as the heart, leading to untoward health consequences. Objective: To evaluate potential relationships between rates of whole-body lipolysis and intramyocardial lipid content in HIV-infected subjects compared to healthy controls. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: National Institutes of Health Clinical Research Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Participants: Forty-six HIV-infected adults and 12 controls without known cardiovascular disease. Main Outcome Measure: Intramyocardial lipid content quantified by MRI and rates of lipolysis determined using stable isotope tracer techniques. Results: We observed a significant positive correlation between the rate of appearance of glycerol and intramyocardial lip...
Regulation of thyroid hormone receptor α2 RNA binding and subcellular localization by phosphorylation

Abstract Thyroid hormone receptor α2 (TRα2) is an alternative splice product of the TRα primary transcript whose unique carboxyl terminus does not bind T3 or activate transcription. The physiological function of TRα2 is unknown. We have found that TRα2 is a single stranded RNA binding protein and that the RNA binding domain localizes to a 41 amino acid region immediately distal to the second zinc finger. TRα2 contains a single protein kinase CK2 phosphorylation site in its amino terminus and potentially nine CK2 sites in its unique carboxyl terminus. In vitro CK2 treatment of TRα2 eliminated its RNA binding. Mutational analysis indicated that phosphorylations at the N- and C-terminal sites both contribute to this inhibitory effect. Cellular localization studies demonstrated that phosphorylated TRα2 is primarily cytoplasmic, whereas unphosphorylated TRα2 is primarily nuclear. Since RNA binding is a property of unphosphorylated TRα2, the TRα2-RNA interaction likely represents a nuclear function of TRα2.
The neurotoxicology and pathology of organomercury, organolead, and organotin

The toxicities of many metals, such as mercury and lead, are known to man since the dawn of civilization. Organic compounds of some heavy metals are known to have a particular toxic impact on the central nervous system. Organomercury, particularly alkyl-mercuric compounds (e.g. methylmercury), has a selective effect on the granule cells of the cerebellum, the nerve cells of the calcarine cortex, and the sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia. The well known Minamata Bay disease is the result of a massive epidemic episode of human exposure to alkylmercury contaminated food sources. Mental retardation and other developmental defects are also known to be a consequence of exposure to this toxic metal. Organic lead compounds have been employed as gasoline additives and in other industrial purposes. Unlike its inorganic counterpart, organolead compounds have a more prominent impact on the central nervous system. Pathological changes of the brain stem neurons have been described. Organotin compounds have been used in plastic industries and as agricultural chemicals. Both trimethyl and triethyl tin compounds are found to be extremely neurotoxic. Despite the similarity of their chemical structures, trimethyl and triethyl tins have a diversely different toxic property and effects. While triethyl tin is myelinotoxic, producing edematous and vacuolar changes in the central myelin, trimethyl tin is neurotoxic, producing prominent toxic changes in the neurons of the limbic system (hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, etc.). The factors which determine the specificity and selectivity of the neurotoxic impacts by various organometals are still unknown. In view that most of the organometals are still widely employed by many countries for industrial and for agricultural purposes, caution must be made for their proper handling and disposure to avoid undesirable exposures to workers and environmental contamination of water sources and food-chain for the common public. Since organometals are difficult to eliminate from the central nervous system, injuries usually lead to permanent neurological deficits, such tragedies are frequently long lasting and create not only a medical problem, but also a social economical problem for the society.
Online Experiments: Practical Lessons

When running online experiments, getting numbers is easy; getting numbers you can trust is hard.
The Association Between Density of Alcohol Establishments and Violent Crime Within Urban Neighborhoods

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have found that areas with higher alcohol establishment density are more likely to have higher violent crime rates, but many of these studies did not assess the differential effects of type of establishments or the effects on multiple categories of crime. In this study, we assess whether alcohol establishment density is associated with 4 categories of violent crime and whether the strength of the associations varies by type of violent crime and by on-premise establishments (e.g., bars, restaurants) versus off-premise establishments (e.g., liquor and convenience stores). METHODS: Data come from the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2009 and were aggregated and analyzed at the neighborhood level. Across the 83 neighborhoods in Minneapolis, we examined 4 categories of violent crime: assault, rape, robbery, and total violent crime. We used a Bayesian hierarchical inference approach to model the data, accounting for spatial auto-correlation and controlling for relevant neighborhood demographics. Models were estimated for total alcohol establishment density as well as separately for on-premise establishments and off-premise establishments. RESULTS: Positive, statistically significant associations were observed for total alcohol establishment density and each of the violent crime outcomes. We estimate that a 3.9 to 4.3% increase across crime categories would result from a 20% increase in neighborhood establishment density. The associations between on-premise density and each of the individual violent crime outcomes were also all positive and significant and similar in strength as for total establishment density. The relationships between off-premise density and the crime outcomes were all positive but not significant for rape or total violent crime, and the strength of the associations was weaker than those for total and on-premise density. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study, combined with earlier findings, provide more evidence that community leaders should be cautious about increasing the density of alcohol establishments within their neighborhoods. Language: en
Thinking with Kleist: Michael Kohlhaas and Moral Luck†

The concept of moral luck comprises four aspects of acts of the Kantian will that are beyond the control of the agent and yet, paradoxically, can affect her moral appraisal. The challenge posed to Kantian moral theory by moral luck was identified by Schleiermacher in his critical review of Kant's Anthropologie in pragmatischer Hinsicht, and evidence suggests that Kleist was familiar with Kant's relevant writings while composing Michael Kohlhaas, a novella in which the various kinds of moral luck play a significant role. I extend the concept of moral luck by discussing two further versions of it in the novella, which I call interpretive moral luck and—drawing on Max Weber—proxy moral luck. In tracing these categories, I show how Kleist dramatized paradoxical consequences of Kant's theory that Kant himself acknowledged. Lastly, I interpret the secondary narrative of the gypsy woman and her prophecy as a further critique of Kantian morality.
Competitive execution of sequential programs on a network of shared processors

The author proposes an alternative to process migration, called competition, to speed up distributed programs in the background on a network of shared processors. Competition protocols are transparent operating system facilities that involve creating multiple instances (called clones) p/sub 1/, p/sub 2/, etc. of a process P on different processors, and making clones "compete", i.e., attempting to guarantee that the output of the clone that is farthest "ahead" is fed to the rest of the computation, and that the entire application's performance tracks that of the clone which is farthest ahead. One clone may be ahead of or behind others depending on the current foreground loads. If for any reason there is variation in the progress of the clones, so that one clone is ahead at some times, but another is ahead at other times, then a set of competing clones may outperform any single copy. The author focuses on sequential programs, but results for sequential programs can be extended to distributed programs because one can speed up a distributed program by speeding up communicating processes in the program. The author shows that competition protocols offer performance benefits that are as good as or better than migration protocols for sequential programs under comparable assumptions. This claim is supported by analytical results and simulation results.
Extended supersymmetric moduli space and a SUSY/non-SUSY duality

Abstract We study N = 1 supersymmetric U ( N ) gauge theories coupled to an adjoint chiral field with superpotential. We consider the full supersymmetric moduli space of these theories obtained by adding all allowed chiral operators. These include higher-dimensional operators that introduce a field-dependence for the gauge coupling. We show how Feynman diagram/matrix model/string theoretic techniques can all be used to compute the IR glueball superpotential. Moreover, in the limit of turning off the superpotential, this leads to a deformation of N = 2 Seiberg–Witten theory. In the case where the superpotential drives the squared gauge coupling to a negative value, we find that supersymmetry is spontaneously broken, which can be viewed as a novel mechanism for breaking supersymmetry. We propose a new duality between a class of N = 1 supersymmetric U ( N ) gauge theories with field-dependent gauge couplings and a class of U ( N ) gauge theories where supersymmetry is softly broken by nonzero expectation values for auxiliary components of spurion superfields.
The Role of Low Self-Esteem in Emotional and Behavioral Problems: Why is Low Self-Esteem Dysfunctional?

Low self-esteem has been linked to a number of emotional and behavioral problems. This article examines the relationship between low self-esteem and a variety of psychological difficulties from the standpoint of the sociometer model of self-esteem. According to this model, the behavioral concomitants of low self-esteem are best viewed as reactions to real, anticipated, or imagined rejection rather than as consequences of low self-esteem per se. Evidence relevant to this hypothesis is reviewed as it relates to dysphoric emotions, substance abuse, irresponsible sexual behavior, aggression, membership in deviant groups, and eating disorders. Implications of this approach for treating certain psychological problems are also discussed.
Management of the patient with a prosthetic heart valve

Approximately 20,000 heart valve prostheses are inserted yearly in the United States. Even after successful heart operations, the patients who receive them cannot be regarded as healthy individuals but are a special group with special problems who need close medical attention for the rest of their lives. They are susceptible to many unusual complications because of their implanted foreign body, and it is a challenge to all physicians in contact with them to be aware of their peculiar problems in order to prevent complications if possible and to treat them immediately if they occur. General therapy, surgical complications, infection, and mechanical problems are reviewed, with means for management outlined. These difficulties can be dealt with only by careful follow-up and well-coordinated teamwork between the family physician and the institution where the operation was performed.