cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stable Operation of a Microgrid by Distributed Generation of Renewable Energy Sources

This paper introduces design, implementation and stable operation of a microgrid containing multiple distributed generation sources of wind, solar Photovoltaics (PV), and hydrogen fuel cells under multiple contingencies and disaster storms. This paper reports normal operating and contingency cases of the DG system variables that are synchronized with an AC grid in a smart grid environment. Both the data acquisition and control interface (DACI) and the low voltage data acquisition and control (LVDAC) modules which are specific to this microgrid provide monitoring and recording of multiple variables such as voltage, current, power, and frequency values. The operation of this smart grid scheme indicates that a large-scale DC power storage from multiple DG sources is feasible once reliable battery banks are available. This paper also reports harmonics and power quality issues caused by non-linear loads and a large-size DC to AC inverter connecting the DG modules to the AC grid. The results of the study are very promising in terms of increasing student interest and enthusiasm in modern electrical power systems of distributed generation micro grids that are integrated to a smart grid through a state-of-the art data acquisition and instrumentation devices.
MS2-TRIBE evaluates protein-RNA interactions and nuclear organization of transcription by RNA editing

Abstract Nearly every step of RNA regulation is mediated by binding proteins (RBPs). The most common method to identify specific RBP target transcripts in vivo is by crosslinking (“CLIP” and its variants), which rely on protein-RNA crosslinking and specific antibodies. Another recently introduced method exploits RNA editing, with the catalytic domain of ADAR covalently attached to a specific RBP (“TRIBE”). Both approaches suffer from difficulties in distinguishing real RNA targets from false negative and especially false positive signals. To critically evaluate this problem, we used fibroblasts from a mouse where every endogenous β-actin mRNA molecule was tagged with the bacteriophage MS2 RNA stem loops; hence there is only a single bona fide target mRNA for the MS2 capsid protein (MCP). CLIP and TRIBE could both detect the single RNA target, albeit with some false positives (transcripts lacking the MS2 stem loops). Consistent false positive CLIP signals could be attributed to nonspecific antibody crosslinking. To our surprise, the supposed false positive TRIBE targets correlated with the location of genes spatially proximal to the β-actin gene. This result indicates that MCP-ADAR bound to β-actin mRNA contacted and edited nearby nascent transcripts, as evidenced by frequent intronic editing. Importantly, nascent transcripts on nearby chromosomes were also edited, agreeing with the interchromosomal contacts observed in chromosome paint and Hi-C. The identification of nascent RNA-RNA contacts imply that RNA-regulatory proteins such as splicing factors can associate with multiple nascent transcripts and thereby form domains of post-transcriptional activity, which increase their local concentrations. These results more generally indicate that TRIBE combined with the MS2 system, MS2-TRIBE, is a new tool to study nuclear RNA organization and regulation.
Soil Shear Strength Losses in Two Fresh Marshes with Variable Increases in N and P Loading

We measured soil shear strength (SSS) from 2009 to 2018 in two hydrologically distinct freshwater marshes dominated by Panicum hemitomon after nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) were applied to the surface in spring. The SSS averaged over 100-cm depth in the floating and anchored marshes declined up to 30% throughout the profiles and with no apparent differences in the effects of the low, medium, and high N + P dosing. Plots with only N or P additions exhibited significant changes in SSS at individual depths below 40 cm for the anchored marsh, but not the floating marsh. The average SSS for the anchored marsh over the entire 100 cm profile declined when N and P were added separately or together. At the floating marsh, however, the SSS decreased when N and P were added in combination, or P alone, but not for the N addition. Increasing nutrient availability to these freshwater marsh soils makes them weaker, and perhaps lost if eroded or uplifted by buoyant forces during storms. These results are consistent with results from multi-year experiments demonstrating higher decomposition rates, greenhouse gas emissions, and carbon losses in wetlands following increased nutrient availability.
The Evolution of Precision Medicine in Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal genetic disease in the US. Since the sequencing of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene in 1989, better characterization of CFTR mutations led CF to become the first lung disease applying personalized medicine for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Advances in CFTR modulators, gene therapy, and new drug efficacy screening methods are creating individualized treatment opportunities the majority of CF patients regardless of their CFTR genotype. These investigative efforts will define novel and personalized therapeutic targets that minimize the impact of CF on the health and quality of life of our patients.
Risk Factors, Clinical Outcomes, and Cost-of-Care Related to Graft Failure in Pediatric Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients.

ABSTRACT Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has the capacity to cure numerous malignant and nonmalignant disorders. A dreaded complication is graft failure (GF), as it puts patients at high risk of infection and disease relapse. There are few contemporary data on the risks, outcomes, and economic burden of GF in pediatric patients. In this study, we address this gap by focusing on 14 years of transplant at our single center, for which data are compared in 2 time periods: 2005 to 2010 (n = 146) and 2011 to 2018 (n = 144). In the 290 patients studied, the median age was 9.33 years, and 50.3% had malignant versus nonmalignant disease. Cell source included bone marrow (51%), cord blood (19.7%), unmanipulated peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs; 12.1%), and CD34-selected PBSCs (17.2%). Twenty-one percent of patients had reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC), and 54.8% of transplants were fully HLA matched. Most patients received serotherapy with rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (39.3%) or alemtuzumab (42.8%). The incidence of neutropenic and non-neutropenic GF (NGF and NNGF) was 6.6% and 3.8%, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated alemtuzumab (odds ratio [OR], 6.256, P
Printed circuit antennas and fet detectors for millimeter-wave imaging

Planar twin-dipole microstrip antennas with FET detectors have been constructed and found to provide antenna patterns suitable for millimeter-wave quasioptical applications. The circuits are suitable as individual elements of an imaging array.
Effect of surgical castration at different stages of maturity with or without analgesia on growth performance and acute-phase response

Although castration is a commonly practiced management procedure, it causes pain and stress that can temporarily reduce performance. Currently, there is no approved medication for analgesia in cattle. Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) approved by the FDA for analgesic use in companion animal species. The objective of this study was to determine whether surgical castration at birth or weaning with or without concurrent analgesia by administration of meloxicam impacts growth performance or the acute-phase response (APR).
Cultural and Linguistic Adaptations of Early Language Interventions: Recommendations for Advancing Research and Practice.

Purpose Speech-language pathologists are responsible for providing culturally and linguistically responsive early language intervention services for legal, ethical, and economic reasons. Yet, speech-language pathologists face challenges in meeting this directive when children are from racial, ethnic, or linguistic backgrounds that differ from their own. Guidance is needed to support adaptation of evidence-based interventions to account for children's home culture(s) and language(s). This review article (a) describes a systematic review of the adaptation processes applied in early language interventions delivered to culturally and linguistically diverse populations in the current literature and (b) offers a robust example of an adaptation of an early language intervention for families of Spanish-speaking Mexican immigrant origin. Method Thirty-three studies of early language interventions adapted for culturally and linguistically diverse children ages 6 years and younger were reviewed. Codes were applied to describe to what extent studies document the purpose of the adaptation, the adaptation process, the adapted components, and the evaluation of the adapted intervention. Results Most studies specified the purpose of adaptations to the intervention evaluation, content, or delivery, which typically addressed children's language(s) but not culture. Study authors provided limited information about who made the adaptations, how, and when. Few studies detailed translation processes or included pilot testing. Only one used a comprehensive framework to guide adaptation. A case study extensively documents the adaptation process of the Language and Play Every Day en espanol program. Conclusions Future early language intervention adaptations should focus on both linguistic and cultural factors and include detailed descriptions of intervention development, evaluation, and replication. The case study presented here may serve as an example. Increased access to such information can support research on early language interventions for diverse populations and, ultimately, responsive service provision.
An Alternative Convolution Approach to the Cagniard Method for Transient Ocean Acoustic Modelling

In a monograph published in 1939, Cagniard was one of the first seismologists to use convolution to solve time-dependent initial value problems for treating transient propagation of elastic waves in the solid earth. In this chapter a convolution method is proposed for fluid media that does not require representing the environment by lossless homogeneous layers.
High Dimensional Expanders: Eigenstripping, Pseudorandomness, and Unique Games

Higher order random walks (HD-walks) on high dimensional expanders (HDX) have seen an incredible amount of study and application since their introduction by Kaufman and Mass [KM16], yet their broader combinatorial and spectral properties remain poorly understood. We develop a combinatorial characterization of the spectral structure of HD-walks on two-sided local-spectral expanders [DK17], which offer a broad generalization of the well-studied Johnson and Grassmann graphs. Our characterization, which shows that the spectra of HD-walks lie tightly concentrated in a few combinatorially structured strips, leads to novel structural theorems such as a tight $\ell_2$-characterization of edge-expansion, as well as to a new understanding of local-to-global algorithms on HDX. Towards the latter, we introduce a spectral complexity measure called Stripped Threshold Rank, and show how it can replace the (much larger) threshold rank in controlling the performance of algorithms on structured objects. Combined with a sum-of-squares proof of the former $\ell_2$-characterization, we give a concrete application of this framework to algorithms for unique games on HD-walks, in many cases improving the state of the art [RBS11, ABS15] from nearly-exponential to polynomial time (e.g. for sparsifications of Johnson graphs or of slices of the $q$-ary hypercube). Our characterization of expansion also holds an interesting connection to hardness of approximation, where an $\ell_\infty$-variant for the Grassmann graphs was recently used to resolve the 2-2 Games Conjecture [KMS18]. We give a reduction from a related $\ell_\infty$-variant to our $\ell_2$-characterization, but it loses factors in the regime of interest for hardness where the gap between $\ell_2$ and $\ell_\infty$ structure is large. Nevertheless, we open the door for further work on the use of HDX in hardness of approximation and unique games.
Safety Diagnostics and Degraded Operational Modes for Off-road Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicles

Unmanned ground combat vehicles are obligated to traverse safely to their destination in an extensive variety of hazardous situations along with challenging terrains and the objective of the paper is to aid this intent. In circumstances of restricted operations of the autonomous vehicle, the composite systems of the vehicle should ensure its safety. However, the current fleets of autonomous vehicles are lacking the ability to predict and operate as effectively as possible in a restricted operational domain. This paper proposes an approach to create safety diagnostics for unmanned ground combat vehicles by mainly depending on probabilistic predictions of critical situations. The predictions are achieved by a recursive Bayesian model along with constantly examining the changing environments which effect the perception sensor readings and the current behavior of the unmanned ground combat vehicles. To verify and validate the approach that this paper describes, the Mississippi State University autonomous vehicle simulator was used to run simulations of an autonomous vehicle affected by a fixed set of environmental parameters which were also used for computing the risk of failure using a Recursive Bayesian and Markov models. Finally, simulations are conducted for two scenarios to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Right ventricular free wall contractility in subcostal views: A proof-of-concept study to assess right ventricular systolic function.

BACKGROUND Normal right ventricular (RV) function has been traditionally assessed from the apical window. However, in several patients the subcostal window is the only available acoustic. METHODS Given the intricate functional and mechanical inter-dependence between longitudinal tricuspid annular (TA) displacement and RV free wall contractility (RVFW), we studied the utility of RVFW inward motion using both M-mode and velocity with tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) from the subcostal transthoracic view. RESULTS If a TAPSE value ≥ 2 cm is used to identify normal RV function, an RVFW M-mode value > .8 cm, TA TDI s' velocity > .06 cm/s and TA TDI e' velocity value > .05 cm/s identify normal RV systolic function. Furthermore, ROC curve analysis for the RVFW M-mode showed an area under the curve (AUC) of .753 (95% CI: .604-.868) with a cut-off value > .8, sensitivity 75% and specificity 73%; for TA TDI s' AUC at .822 (95% CI: .681-.919) with a cut-off value > .06, sensitivity 75% and specificity 77% and for TA TDI e' the AUC was .771 (95% CI: .624-.882) with a cut-off value > .05, sensitivity 90% and specificity 46%. Reproducibility of repeat RVFW M-mode, TDI s' and e' measurements was good with strong inter-rater agreement (Kappa > .8). CONCLUSIONS The subcostal window appears useful for assessing RV systolic function. Additional studies are now required to prospectively use these measures in the routine evaluation of RV systolic function particularly in patients with suboptimal apical windows.
Heredity of sutural patterns at the pterion in rhesus monkeys

Five bones of the cranial vault articulate on the lateral aspect of the skull near the pterion. The pattern of articulation in these sutures varies among and within primate species and has been use...
The Four Ds of the Danger Model: Distress, Damage, Destruction, and Death

For three quarters of a century, immunologists have based their theories and experiments on the fundamental belief that the primary function of the immune system is to discriminate between self and non-self and that, if the system were perfect, it would attack everything that is non-self and be totally tolerant of anything that is self. I have abandoned this belief. Over the years too many immunological findings have accumulated that do not fit and too many questions have been raised that cannot be answered.
The Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome and The Toxic Oil Syndrome

In May 1981 one of the largest epidemics of an intoxication ever recorded occurred in Spain in the provinces surrounding Madrid. The toxic oil syndrome (TOS) affected more than 20,000 patients and resulted in more than 12000 hospitalizations (Toxic Epidemic Study Group, 1982).
Systems, Controls, Embedded Systems, Energy, and Machines

ENERGY Conventional Power Generation George G. Karady Alternative Power Systems and Devices Distributed Power Johan H.R. Enslin and Rama Ramakumar Solar Electric Systems Thomas R. Mancini, Roger Messenger, and Jerry Ventre Fuel Cells Gregor Hoogers Transmissions High-Voltage Direct-Current Transmission Rao S. Thallam Compensation Mohamed E. El-Hawary Fault Analysis in Power Systems Charles A. Gross Protection Arun G. Phadke Transient Operation of Power Systems R.B. Gungor Planning J. Duncan Glover Power Quality Jos Arrillaga Power System Analysis Andrew Hanson and Leo Grigsby Power Transformers Charles A. Gross Energy Distribution George G. Karady and Tom Short Electrical Machines Generators Ioan Serban Motors Mehdi Ferdowsi Small Electric Motors Elias G. Strangas Energy Management K. Neil Stanton, Jay C. Giri, and Anjan Bose Power System Analysis Software C.P. Arnold and N.R. Watson SYSTEMS Control Systems Models William L. Brogan Dynamic Response Gordon K.F. Lee Frequency Response Methods: Bode Diagram Approach Andrew P. Sage The Root Locus Method Hitay Ozbay Compensation Charles L. Phillips and Royce D. Harbor Digital Control Systems Raymond G. Jacquot and John E. McInroy Nonlinear Control Systems Derek P. Atherton Navigation Systems Myron Kayton Environmental Effects Karen Blades, Braden Allenby, and Michele M. Blazek Robotics Robot Configuration Ty A. Lasky and Tien C. Hsia Robot Dynamics and Controls Hodge E. Jenkins, Mark L. Nagurka, and Thomas R. Kurfess Applications Nicholas G. Odrey Aerospace Systems Avionics Systems Cary R. Spitzer, Daniel A. Martinec, and Cornelius T. Leondes Satellite Communications Systems: Applications Vyacheslav Tuzlukov, Won-Sik Yoon, and Yong Deak Kim Embedded Systems Embedded Systems: An Overview Grant Martin and Luciano Lavagno Real-Time in Embedded Systems Hans Hansson, Mikael Nolin, and Thomas Nolte Using UML for Embedded Software and System Modeling Kleanthis Thramboulidis Welding and Bonding George E. Cook, Reginald Crawford, David R. DeLapp, and Alvin M. Strauss Human-Computer Interaction Evelyn P. Rozanski and Anne R. Haake Decision Diagram Technique S.N. Yanushkevich and V.P. Shmerko Vehicular Systems Linda Sue Boehmer MATHEMATICS, SYMBOLS, AND PHYSICAL CONSTANTS Introduction Ronald J. Tallarida Greek Alphabet International System of Units (SI) Conversion Constants and Multipliers Physical Constants Symbols and Terminology for Physical and Chemical Quantities Credits Probability for Electrical and Computer Engineers Charles W. Therrien AUTHOR INDEX SUBJECT INDEX
Acute angle-closure glaucoma from spontaneous massive hemorrhagic retinal or choroidal detachment. an updated diagnostic and therapeutic approach

Acute angle-closure glaucoma from a spontaneous massive hemorrhagic retinal or choroidal detachment occurred in five eyes. The source of the hemorrhagic detachment was a disciform macular lesion in all instances. The mechanism for the angle closure is the abrupt forward displacement of the lens-iris diaphragm resulting from the massively detached choroid and retina. Four of the five patients had either systemic hypertension or a primary or anticoagulant-induced clotting disorder. All patients underwent ultrasonographic studies, and one patient had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to rule out melanoma. Only one eye required enucleation for pain relief. Glaucoma medication, cyclophotocoagulation, or retrobulbar alcohol controlled the other four eyes. The clinical, ultrasonographic, MRI, and histopathologic features of this rare condition are described, and an updated therapeutic approach is discussed.
Adaptive Model-Reference Position Control of Dual-Arm Manipulators

This paper describes a discrete-time adaptive control scheme for cooperating dual-arm manipulators. The two robot arms cooperate in performing the task of transferring a load from an initial position to a fimal position by carrying it at two grasping poits. Each robot is position-controlled so that its end-effector will track a specified trajectory in Cartesian space despite unknown and time-varying interaction fores and torques exerted through the load. The adaptive controllers do not require the complex mathematical model of the arm dynamics or any knowledge of the arm dynamic/load parameters.
Micropapillary serous carcinoma of the ovary: cytomorphologic characteristics in peritoneal/pelvic washings.

BACKGROUND Micropapillary serous carcinoma (MPSC), a recently described entity, is an ovarian tumor with a distinctive histologic architecture that lacks a destructive infiltrative growth pattern and behaves like a low-grade neoplasm. The purpose of this study was to determine if specific cytomorphologic features were associated with this tumor in peritoneal/ pelvic washings. METHODS Eight cases of MPSC were retrieved from the cytopathology files at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Patients ranged in age from 31 to 74 years (mean, 58 years). A cytomorphologic comparison was made with pelvic washings of eight cases of papillary serous carcinoma (PSC) of the ovary. RESULTS MPSC demonstrated small but well formed papillary fragments (generally 30 cells) composed of pleomorphic, hyperchromatic cells often with single prominent nucleoli. Single, large tumor cells exhibiting eccentric atypical nuclei or multinucleation were present in high concentration in the majority of PSCs. Psammoma bodies were observed in one half of cases in both tumor types. CONCLUSIONS Although MPSC shares cytomorphologic similarities with PSC, it can be diagnosed adequately in peritoneal/ pelvic washings. Careful interpretation of the subtle cytologic differences seen in the two tumor types may facilitate the differentiation of these neoplasms for a more appropriate management of the patient. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2002. © 2002 American Cancer Society.
Studying Ethnic Minority and Economically Disadvantaged Populations: Methodological Challenges and Best Practices

Ethnic minority and economically disadvantaged populations have been historically underrepresented in social science research, and despite improvements in recent years, this trend continues today. Given the rapidly changing demographics of the United States, there is an acute need for more targeted research on these populations, which requires an understanding of diversity and a more nuanced understanding of human behavior and outcomes. Unfortunately, there is a relative dearth of information in standard research texts regarding the unique methodological challenges associated with conducting research with these populations. George P. Knight, Mark W. Roosa, and Adriana J. Umana-Taylor have filled that gap with a book that identifies strategies for overcoming the obstacles social scientists routinely face in these situations. In this volume, the authors: discuss strategies for resolving typical problems in sampling, recruitment and retention; address ethical issues associated with researching these populations; examine issues associated with measurement and the importance of measurement equivalence; describe potential linguistic problems with translated measures and provide solutions to maintain the credibility of scientific inferences based on those measures, and; present strategies for adapting previously published preventive interventions for use with ethnic minority and low-income populations. Throughout, the authors combine firsthand experience with a thorough and incisive understanding of the literature. The result is a vital, comprehensive resource that will be a great help for students and experienced researchers alike.
The Importance of Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility: A Course Module

This course module is designed to help professors teach business ethics and corporate social responsibility. It demonstrates why a “greed is good” approach to capitalism is dangerous. The philosophy of maximizing shareholder value is also critically examined as well as the distinction between self-interest and greed. It accompanies a one-hour video presentation that also discusses these topics. This could be incorporated into such courses as Principles of Marketing, Principles of Management, and Business Ethics.
Effect of temperature and strain rate on the mechanical properties of Fe-40Al-0.6C

Abstract The microstructure and mechanical properties of an Fe–40Al–0.6C alloy was characterized in the extruded and low-temperature annealed condition. The microstructure consisted of a B2 FeAl matrix with Fe3AlC0.5 perovskite-type carbides distributed within the grains and at grain boundaries. These carbides dissolve completely in the matrix at 950°C. In addition, a small amount of free carbon in the form of graphite was also present, and at temperatures in excess of 1050°C, a reaction of the type aqC m aqCqL leading to the formation of a grain boundary liquid film occurs; quenching from above this temperature produces an extremely brittle material. Tensile testing of the extruded and low-temperature annealed material revealed a positive temperature dependence of strength, a brittle to ductile transition at ∼350°C, and a strain-rate dependency of ductility in air at room temperature accompanied by fracture transition from an intergranular mode at fast strain rates to substantially transgranular cleavage at the slowest strain rate. At elevated temperatures, a strain rate dependency of strength and ductility is noted and explains the observed loss in impact toughness at these temperatures. These observations are discussed on the basis of the observed microstructures and available theories.
Single Molecule Tracking of Annexin V in Cushioned DMPC Assemblies

Using single molecule imaging, this study describes the phase behavior and mobility of individual transmembrane (TM) proteins and compares those results with the bulk phase behavior of the biomimetic membrane in which they have been incorporated. To accomplish this a TM protein, Annexin V, was incorporated into a cushioned planar supported 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) / L-α-lysophosphatidyl-serine (Brain-PS) biomimetic assembly and its mobility between 30 and 16 C was measured. Fluorescence microscopy and Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) were used to verify the structural integrity and the phase behavior (median melting temperature, TC = 22 C) of the lipid assembly. The spatial confinement of individual Annexin V molecules was measured in three distinct phase regions: (1) a homogenous liquid crystalline phase region (Lα) in which Annexin V was unconfined (≥ 25 C), (2) a two-phase region (Lα + gel-phase-Pβ′) in which Annexin V displayed intermediate confinement (24 - 20 C), and (3) a gel-phase region (Pβ′) with included nanoscopic domains that are enriched with PS and surround a single Annexin V TM protein (19 - 16 C); the mobility of Annexin V in these domains is highly confined. At early time lags, Annexin V moves with apparent Brownian-like behavior at all temperatures but the diffusion coefficients have very different magnitudes and temperature dependence. A possible mechanism for nanoscopic domain formation will be discussed.
Ecosystem contrasts in interaction with the planetary boundary layer 1)1)1)

In many climatic regions the interface between the earth and the atmosphere consists of a mosaic of ecosystems, each possessing specific properties of absorbing and storing energy and matter. Large contrasts in these properties create differences in interface temperature and moisture, which, in combination with contrasts in roughness, produce differences in sensible and latent heat fluxes injected into the atmosphere, so that the boundary layer experiences rapid alterations to its structure and transport of energy and matter. In consequence, good data on fluxes from individual ecosystems and their contrasts are essential both to understanding the functioning of the boundary layer and energy/mass accounting at source and sink ecosystems.
N,N′-14C-Dinaphthyl-p-Phenylene Diamine Metabolism in the Rhesus Monkey

The metabolic fate of orally administered 14C-DNPDA containing 0.028% 14C-BNA was studied in the Rhesus monkey, and the aqueous solubility of these 2 chemicals was investigated. Monkeys were given ...
Comparison of adrenal medullary, carotid body and PC12 cell grafts in 6-OHDA lesioned rats.

The survival and functional properties of dispersed cell implants of catecholaminergic cells obtained from the peripheral nervous system of adult rats (adrenal medulla and carotid body glomus cells) and PC12 cells from a rat pheochromocytoma cell line were examined following transplantation into the striatum of the adult rat. The host animals, all with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) nigrostriatal lesions, were divided into 5 groups: (1) PC12 cells transplanted into Cyclosporin-A treated hosts; (2) PC12 cell grafts into hosts without Cyclosporin-A treatment; (3) grafts of adrenal medullary cells; (4) grafts of glomus cells; and (5) vehicle controls. All animals were sacrificed one month after transplantation. Immunocytochemical staining for tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme for catecholamine synthesis, was used to identify and characterize the grafted cells. PC12 cells were detected in four of six Cyclosporin-A treated rats, and two of these grafts developed into tumors. However, only one of the six non-Cyclosporin-A treated hosts was found to have surviving PC12 cells, and none of these rats developed tumors. No significant differences in rotational behavior were seen in either of the PC12 cell recipient groups. Grafted cells could be identified in all of the adrenal medullary and glomus cell recipients. However, the number of surviving cells was quite limited, with not more than 100 tyrosine hydroxylase-positive grafted cells found in any one recipient. Tyrosine hydroxylase-positive fibers were present adjacent to the transplants in these latter graft recipients, but the fibers appeared to be of host origin rather than from the grafts. The behavioral data showed that the implantation of both adrenal medullary and glomus cells significantly (p<0.05) reduced the amphetamine-induced rotational behavior in 6-OHDA lesioned rats compared to the control group. Due to the small number of surviving grafted chromaffin and glomus cells and the apparent sprouting of host tyrosine hydroxylase-containing fibers, the present study raises questions about whether the behavioral recovery is due to catecholamine released by the grafted cells or from graft induced-recovery of host systems.
Cardiovascular and Economic Outcomes After Initiation of Lipid-Lowering Therapy With Atorvastatin vs Simvastatin in an Employed Population

OBJECTIVE To compare the risk of cardiovascular-related hospitalization, statin adherence, and direct (medical and drug) and indirect (disability and medically related absenteeism) costs in US employees in whom atorvastatin or simvastatin was newly prescribed. PATIENTS AND METHODS Active employees aged 18 to 64 years with a new atorvastatin or simvastatin prescription were identified from a deidentified claims database for 23 privately insured US companies from January 1, 1999, through December 31, 2006. Employees given atorvastatin were matched to those given simvastatin according to propensity scores based on patient characteristics, index statin dose, preindex cardiovascular events, and wage. Outcomes were compared between matched cohorts during the 2-year postindex period, including the risk of cardiovascular-related hospitalization, adherence to the index statin, use of other lipid-lowering drugs, direct medical costs for third-party payers, and indirect costs to employers. Indirect costs were computed as follows: Disability Payments + Daily Wage × Days of Medically Related Absenteeism. Atorvastatin and simvastatin drug costs were imputed using recent pricing to account for the availability of lower-cost generic simvastatin after the study period. RESULTS Among 13,584 matched pairs, treatment with atorvastatin vs simvastatin was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular-related hospitalization, higher adherence, and less use of other lipid-lowering drugs. The increase in statin costs associated with atorvastatin vs simvastatin therapy was almost completely offset by reductions in medical service and indirect costs. CONCLUSION In this study, treatment with atorvastatin compared with simvastatin was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular events, reduced indirect costs, and a minimal difference in total costs to employers.
HF(B1Σ→X1Σ) UV chemiluminescence from the H+/H+2+F− ion-ion reactions

Abstract Chemiluminescence spectra attributable to the H + /H + 2 +F − → HF B 1 Σ ion-ion reactions were obtained in the wavelength region 185–270 nm. The rovibrationally resolved bands were assigned as HF B 1 Σ ( v ', J ') to HF X 1 Σ ( v ″, J ″) transitions with 0⩽ v '⩽4 and 12 ⩽ v ″ ⩽ 16. The corresponding rotational branches all have peaks at high J values. These non-thermal distributions suggest that the corresponding product state v ', J ' populations reflect the nascent distribution from the ion-ion reactions.
Cytokine regulation of metalloproteinase gene expression

Matrix metalloproteinases belong to a family of zinc-dependent enzymes capable of degrading extracellular matrix and basement membrane components. Their expression is greatly modulated by cytokines and growth factors and involves the gene products of the Fos and Jun families of oncogenes. After extra(peri)cellular activation, their activity can be further controlled by specific tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases. A correct balance between these regulatory mechanisms is necessary to ensure matrix remodeling in normal physiological processes such as embryonic development, but the overexpression of these enzymes may initiate or contribute to pathological situations such as cartilage degradation in rheumatoid arthritis or to tumor progression and metastasis. Delineation of the mechanisms of metalloproteinase and metalloproteinase inhibitors gene expression, understanding of their mode of interactions, and characterization of their patterns of expression in various tissues in normal and pathological states will lead to new therapeutic strategies to counteract the deleterious effects of matrix metalloproteinases in human disease.
Expression of T-cell receptor antigens in mycosis fungoides and inflammatory skin lesions

Abstract Using immunohistologic methods, we studied the expression of the T-cell receptor (TCR)-associated antigens CD3, TCR-β, and TCR-β by cutaneous T cells in mycosis fungoides (MF) (36 patients) and a variety of inflammatory diseases (16 patients). Most T cells in the inflammatory diseases and patch/plaque mycosis fungoides expressed the immunophenotype characteristic of the vast majority of mature peripheral T cells: CD3 + TCR- β + TCR- δ − . In contrast, abnormal CD3/TCR-β antigen expression was seen in 3 of 6 cases (50%) of tumor stage mycosis fungoides. Furthermore, we were able to document its evolution from the normal pattern present in earlier patch/plaque lesions of the two cases in which serial biopsies were available for study. Divergence of epidermal versus dermal CD3/TCR-β antigen expression was seen in 2 of 34 (6%) of biopsies of patch/plaque mycosis fungoides but not in inflammatory controls. The TCR- δ + cells were generally rare regardless of diagnosis. We conclude that inflammatory skin diseases and most patch/plaque mycosis fungoides are typically composed of T lymphocytes that resemble mature peripheral T cells in regard to their expression of TCR-associated antigens. In contrast, aberrant patterns of TCR-associated antigen expression can be seen in tumor stage MF, and, more rarely in patch/plaque MF.
The Novel Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Gene, ALDH5, Encodes an Active Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Enzyme

Abstract The mRNA for the novel aldehyde dehydrogenase 5 ( ALDH5 ) gene was detected in HuH7 hepatoma cells. The cells also expressed cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH1) mRNA, but no mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) mRNA. Extracts of the hepatoma cells contained an enzymatic activity with an isoelectric point similar to that of ALDH1. This enzyme activity was insensitive to inhibition by of ALDH1. The enzyme was active with short chain aldehydes (acetaldehyde and propionaldehyde) and NAD + , but not with NADP + , and the activity was higher in the mitochondrial pellet than other cell fractions. These studies demonstrate the expression of ALDH5 mRNA in a human hepatoma and suggest that the gene product is enzymatically active and probably resides in the mitochondria.
ΔFosB: a molecular switch for long-term adaptation in the brain

ΔFosB is a unique transcription factor that plays an essential role in long-term adaptive changes in the brain associated with diverse conditions, such as drug addiction, Parkinson's disease, depression, and antidepressant treatment. It is induced in brain, in a region- and cell-type-specific manner by many types of chronic perturbations. Once induced, it persists for long periods of time due to its unusual stability. The transcriptional effects of ΔFosB are complex, because the protein can function as both a transcriptional activator and repressor. Progress has been made in identifying specific target genes for ΔFosB and in relating some of these genes to ΔFosB's cellular and behavioral actions. Future studies will help us to better understand the biochemical basis of ΔFosB's unique stability, as well as the precise molecular pathways through which this transcription factor produces its complex effects on neuronal plasticity and complex behavior.
EPA's Superfund technical support project

Abstract Remediation of hazardous waste sites, especially the subsurface component, is a relatively new, extremely complex, interdisciplinary science. Success is determined more by experience than by hardware. The Technical Support Project of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been very successful in minimizing the time between development of the science and application of that scientific knowledge to decision making in the field. The Technical Support Project not only transfers knowledge from research to the field but acts as a critical feedback mechanism for focusing research efforts on the highest priority and most productive areas. Requests for technical support to the Superfund program have increased dramatically through the years as Regional staff have become more familiar with the system and how to access the program. In 1991, EPA's Office of Solid Waste started an effort to extend the Technical Support Project to the RCRA corrective action program. RCRA corrective action may affect almost 4000 facilities and, although administrative efforts may differ, technical questions will be very similar to those addressed by Superfund.
Medium optimization of Streptomyces sp. 17944 for tirandamycin B production and isolation and structural elucidation of tirandamycins H, I and J

Medium optimization of Streptomyces sp. 17944 for tirandamycin B production and isolation and structural elucidation of tirandamycins H, I and J
Novel polyisoprenyl phosphates block phospholipase D and human neutrophil activation in vitro and murine peritoneal inflammation in vivo

Leukocyte production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is an essential component of the antimicrobial armament mounted during host defense, but when released to the extracellular milieu ROS can also injure host tissues and provoke inflammation. Polyisoprenyl phosphates (PIPPs) are constituents of human leukocyte membranes that regulate pivotal intracellular enzymes, such as phospholipase D (PLD). We prepared new PIPP mimetics and studied their impact in vivo on leukocyte activation, including ROS generation, in acute inflammation. In a stereospecific and concentration-dependent manner, the PIPP mimetics directly regulated Streptomyces chromofuscus phospholipase D (sPLD) action. The IC50 for a (Z)-isomer of endogenous presqualene diphosphate (PSDP) was 100 nM. Structure–activity relationships were also determined for PIPP mimetic inhibition of recombinant human PLD1b, a prominent isoform in human leukocytes. The PIPP mimetic rank order for PLD1b inhibition differed from sPLD, although the (Z)-PSDP isomer remained the most potent PIPP mimetic for inhibition of both enzymes. Truncation of PLD1b to its catalytic core uncovered potential regulatory roles for both PSDP's isoprenoid and diphosphate moieties. The (Z)-PSDP isomer reduced ROS production by activated human leukocytes and decreased murine neutrophil accumulation (65.6%) and ROS production (38.5%) in vivo during zymosan A-initiated peritonitis. When administered intraperitoneally 2 h after zymosan A, the (Z)-PSDP isomer decreased in vivo neutrophil accumulation (72.5%) and ROS generation (74.4%) 6 h later in peritoneal exudates. Together, these results provide new means to protect and control unchecked inflammatory responses that characterize many human diseases. British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 146, 344–351. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706338
Impaired hypoxic ventilatory drive in diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy.

The mortality of diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy (DAN) is higher than that in those without autonomic neuropathy (DM). To test the hypothesis that this may be due to respiratory rather than cardiac dysfunction, we evaluated ventilatory responses to isocapnic-hypoxic and hyperoxic- hypercapnic conditions in 14 diabetic patients (8 DAN and 6 DM) and compared the results with those in 8 normal subjects. In all groups tested there was a significant linear correlation between end-tidal CO2 and minute ventilation and between endtidal CO2 and mouth occlusion pressure (pl00), as an index of the drive to breathe. There were no significant- differences between the slopes and intercepts in the groups tested. A significant linear correlation was found between the O2 saturation and both minute ventilation and p100. There were no significant differences in the relationship between minute ventilation and O2 saturation, but the slopes and the intercepts of the regression lines of plOO us. O2 saturation were s...
Case study of integrated decision-making for deep energy-efficient retrofits

Purpose – This paper aims to focus on the decision-making process of integrated system design. Buildings can benefit from different system integration working toward the unified goal of providing the needed conditions and improving the comfort level of occupants. It is important to engage all system needs and priorities in the design by keeping goal into consideration. Even though there is vast potential in the coordination of system design decisions, there is a need to increase the transparency of the decision-making process by developing methods to incorporate multi-dimensional design attributes. Design/methodology/approach – This is achieved by considering all system design priorities with respect to decision attributes, as well as the inter-system inputs based on information and knowledge. Data were collected through interviews, collaboration meetings and design document reviews, which helped to facilitate triangulation. Findings – This paper presents the findings of a case study of deep retrofit desi...
Trapezius transfer to restore external rotation in a patient with a brachial plexus injury. A case report.

Persistent shoulder paralysis after brachial plexus injury is a challenging and difficult problem to treat1,2. Deltoid and rotator cuff muscle recovery has been reported to be incomplete, resulting in loss of abduction and little to no external rotation3,4. The resulting muscle weakness leads to a “hand-on-belly” internally rotated position that limits positioning of the hand anterior to the coronal plane with elbow flexion. For patients who do not receive timely and successful nerve reconstruction, complete axillary and suprascapular nerve paralysis can result in painful inferior glenohumeral subluxation2. As the majority of periscapular muscles are generally paralyzed, there may be few functioning muscles about the shoulder available for tendon transfer. In these instances, upper trapezius transfer has been attempted to restore shoulder abduction, with variable results reported5-15. Transfers of the latissimus dorsi and/or teres major muscles, which have been described for the treatment of upper plexus (Erb-Duchenne pattern) palsy to improve external rotation and abduction, typically do not function with global injury6. The need to restore external rotation in particular is important because it enables the patient to position the hand away from the body, especially when elbow flexion has been restored. Despite the important need for external rotation, we know of no report describing external rotation transfers for patients with a complete brachial plexus palsy, especially for those who present late. We report the preliminary findings of a novel technique of transferring the middle and lower segments of the trapezius muscle, extended with a tendon allograft, to restore external rotation of the shoulder. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and he consented. A fifty-five-year-old, right-hand-dominant man was seen with residual paralysis in the right shoulder eighteen …
Proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma vs. malignant rhabdoid tumor of the vulva: a case report, review of the literature, and an argument for consolidation.

Abstract Background. Vulvar sarcomas, which comprise less than 2% of vulvar malignancies, are a heterogeneous group of tumors. Sub-categorization of these tumors makes treatment strategies difficult to evaluate. "Proximal" type epithelioid sarcoma (PES) and malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) describe a rare subset of vulvar malignancies which share histologic features and an aggressive clinical course. Case. We describe a case of vulvar PES/MRT in a 35 year old female treated with radical excision, inguinal–femoral lymphadenectomy, and adjuvant radiation who remains without evidence of disease 40 months after surgery. We review all English language reports of vulvar PES or MRT, and compare treatments and outcomes. Conclusion. Vulvar PES/MRT is a rare disease attended by high rates of local and distant relapse. Radical excision remains the foundation of treatment. The role of adjuvant therapy, and particularly radiation, remains unclear but merits consideration.
Comments on Peter Master's “The Etiquette of Observing’ A Reader Reacts …: The Dynamics of Classroom Observation: Evening the Odds Through Information

In a recent article in The Forum (Vol. 17, No. 3, September 1983), Peter Master notes some behaviors that contribute to an etiquette of classroom observing. On a superficial level, most of us will have no quarrel with the niceties that he suggests. On another level, however, there is a danger that the profession may easily slide over the deeper problem of administrative observation: secrecy. In my experience, secrecy (in its various forms—both intentional and unintentional) is the major contributing factor in unsuccessful observations. I would like to suggest ten steps toward a less secretive and therefore more useful observation for administrative purposes.