cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Buffer or Suffer: Redesigning Heart Failure Postdischarge Clinic Using Queuing Theory.

Timely follow-up in clinic after heart failure hospitalization represents an evidence-based intervention associated with reduced rehospitalization.1 Major cardiovascular societies endorse a 7-day follow-up visit as an appropriate target for quality.2 Yet the rate of scheduled follow-up visits remains relatively low, at ≈65% in 2012 by registry data.3 Even more striking is the rate of arrived follow-up visits: 30% in 7 days.3 This represents a substantial missed opportunity to address and a likely explanation for ongoing avoidable readmissions. We took an unconventional approach to improving clinic scheduling policies by collaborating with our colleagues at the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management to implement queuing theory as a novel approach to address a previously unyielding problem. In 2015, as part of a multidisciplinary intervention to improve outcomes for hospitalized heart failure patients, we systematically identified all patients within our hospital at risk for heart failure-related readmissions through a daily enterprise data warehouse screen4; developed a multidisciplinary bridge and transition team to engage patients during the index hospitalization; and then deployed queuing theory to first assess and then improve clinic follow-up. Queuing theory is the mathematical study of waiting times.5,6 With roots in the telecommunications field, it has widespread applications in several processes such as understanding supermarket lines and managing factory inventory. A particularly powerful insight arising from queuing theory is the notion that extra capacity, or a capacity buffer, is necessary to ensure system performance when variable demand arises, such as for a hospital discharge clinic. We opted to use queuing theory to analyze hospital discharge load and understand the capacity needed in clinic to reduce wait times and improve access. Here, we provide our mathematical analysis based on real-world practice; the results of our intervention; and an online calculator (http://www.hfresearch.org) for other …
Vasculitis and Pregnancy

Several of the primary systemic vasculitides including those involving large, medium, and small blood vessels can affect women of childbearing age. In approaching pregnancy in any woman with an underlying primary vasculitis, thorough assessment of disease activity and prior damage is crucial. In all forms of vasculitis, both maternal and fetal outcomes are optimized when the vasculitis is in remission at the time of conception. While the data are limited, pregnancy itself does not seem to cause disease flares in the majority of women with any of the primary vasculitides. Rates of maternal complications vary depending on the type of vasculitis, with most maternal complications related to sequelae of prior vasculitis in the form of hypertension, renal insufficiency, or airway disease. There are few reports of transient manifestations of vasculitis in neonates, presumed to be related to trans-placental transfer of antibodies, all of which were self-limited.
Influence of Process Parameters and Absorber Thickness on Efficiency of Polycrystalline CdSeTe/CdTe Thin Film Solar Cells

Graded absorbers devices with with CdSe 0.4 Te 0.6 (molar basis) and CdTe were fabricated. CdCl 2 treatment time, post-deposition CdCl 2 anneal time and thicknesses of CdSeTe and CdTe layers were varied. Photoluminescence and electrical measurements were performed on the fabricated devices. Results revealed that the individual thicknesses of CdSeTe and CdTe is critical to overall efficiency of the devices. Device fabricated on substrate with 0.5 µm CdSeTe, 3 µm CdTe with rest of process parameters kept unchanged, produced an efficiency of 20.14%. We report highest device efficiency among academia and research institutions.
Automatic localization of lung opacity in chest CT images: a real-world study

Lung opacities on CT scans, such as ground-glass opacities (GGOs) and consolidation, can manifest with various conditions, including lung cancers, pulmonary edema and COVID-19. Presentation of these non-specific findings can vary from isolated focal to diffuse opacities in all lobes. Moreover, disease distributions and progressions vary across disease types and patients. This unpredictability can challenge one’s ability to accurately quantify and compare the percentage of infected lung within and across patients. Despite the promise of AI models for image segmentation, the inconsistency of lung opacities, and limited access to large annotated datasets affect generalization performance of models to the cohort of lung diseases. In this paper, we developed a single-stage system to jointly localize the lung and opacifications in CT scans using a diverse real-world dataset with sparse annotations. A multi-class Dense U-Net model was designed to segment the lungs and two classes of opacity regions (GGOs and consolidations) in CT images. The model was trained on 4075 slices from 495 sparsely annotated CT studies and evaluated on 18625 slices from 103 densely annotated studies (37 positive). A comparative analysis of different training data subsets and loss functions was performed to determine optimal model design. Performance was evaluated by comparing manual and automated lung opacity percentages via Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The optimal model achieved a Pearson Correlation Coefficient of 0.99. These findings suggest the potential of developing an accurate method to localize lung opacification, unspecific to a particular disease
Story Memory Impairment Rates and Association with Hippocampal Volumes in a Memory Clinic Population.

OBJECTIVE Story memory tasks are among the most commonly used memory tests; however, research suggests they may be less sensitive to memory decline and have a weaker association with hippocampal volumes than list learning tasks. To examine its utility, we compared story memory to other memory tests on impairment rates and association with hippocampal volumes. METHOD Archival records from 1617 older adults (Mage = 74.41, range = 65-93) who completed the Wechsler Memory Scale - 4th edition (WMS-IV) Logical Memory (LM), Hopkins Verbal Learning Test - Revised (HVLT-R), and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test - Revised (BVMT-R) as part of a clinical neuropsychological evaluation were reviewed. Scores >1.5 SD below age-adjusted means were considered impaired, and frequency distributions were used to examine impairment rates. A subset of participants (n = 179) had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data that underwent image quality assessment. Partial correlations and linear regression analyses, accounting for age, education, and total intracranial volume (TIV), examined associations between memory raw scores and hippocampal volumes. RESULTS For delayed recall, nearly half of the sample was impaired on HVLT-R (48.8%) and BVMT-R (46.1%), whereas a little more than a third was impaired on LM (35.7%). Better performance on all three measures was related to larger hippocampal volumes (r's =. 26-.43, p's < .001). Individually adding memory scores to regression models predicting hippocampal volumes improved the model fit for all measures. CONCLUSIONS Despite findings suggesting that story memory is less sensitive to memory dysfunction, it was not differentially associated with hippocampal volumes compared to other memory measures. Results support assessing memory using different formats and modalities in older adults.
Developing and Creating an Operational Controller for Automation Within Mining Operations

Automating a shuttle car within room-and-pillar coal mines has a number of benefits, including removing the operator from the shuttle car, providing improved live information to users, and increasing efficiency of operations. However, the introduction of an automated shuttle car requires significant insight into how users will control operations of the vehicles. This paper demonstrates the development of the controller for achieving the goal of introducing automation to these haulage systems. To evaluate the design, a series of paper-prototype interviews were conducted with shuttle car operators and section foremen. Seven individuals at a partner mine were interviewed for input on the HMI designs and features necessary to implement before introducing an automated shuttle car into the mine. Feedback was implemented into the current design of the digital controller. Three different digital screens with a collective 52 data elements are incorporated into the controller design. It is particularly important to understand the limitations of both vehicle automation and organizational systems when incorporating new technologies into a work domain with significant hazards. This paper highlights the progress made on the development of the automation controller in an ongoing project to implement an automated shuttle car.
Polymorphism in the trifunctional enzyme coding gene MTHFD1 and the risk of stomach cancer

4604 Polymorphisms in folate metabolizing genes have been implicated in tumorigenesis through affecting DNA methylation and DNA synthesis and repair. Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase I gene (MTHFD1) encodes a trifunctional enzyme that catalyzes three sequential reactions in providing substrates for methionine, thymidylate, and de novo purine syntheses. Mutational analysis in patients with neural tube defect led to the discovery of a polymorphism in the coding region of the MTHFD1 gene, G1958A, which results in the substitution of arginine with glutamine. However, the effect of this polymorphism on cancer susceptibility has rarely been investigated. Using data from a population-based case-control study in Poland, we investigated whether MTHFD1 G1958A polymorphism affects the risk of stomach cancer among 294 cases and 413 controls. We used the Taqman assay for genotyping and collected dietary information through food frequency questionnaires. Stomach cancer risks were estimated by odds ratios (OR) using multivariate logistic regression. Our results suggested that carrying one or two A alleles in the MTHFD1 gene was inversely associated with the risk of stomach cancer (AA/GA vs. GG, OR=0.6, 95%CI: 0.4-0.9). Raw vegetables and fruits provide a major source of dietary folate. Our further analyses revealed that the inverse association between MTHFD1 A1958G polymorphism and stomach cancer risk was confined to individuals who consumed below median level of raw vegetables and fruits (frequency
Variation of the Canonical Height On Elliptic-Surfaces II:: Local Analyticity Properties

Abstract Let E → C be an elliptic surface defined over a number field K, let P: C → E be a section, and for each t ∈ C( K ), let ĥ(Pt) be the canonical height of Pt ∈ Et( K ). Tate has used a global argument to show that, up to a bounded quantity, the function t ↦ ĥ(Pt) is equal to a Weil height function on C. In this paper we study the variation of the canonical local height λ(Pt). In Part III we will use our local result to show that Tate′s bounded quantity is quite well-behaved as a function of t.
Neurotrophic effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in major pelvic ganglia of young and aged rats

OBJECTIVE To investigate the neurotrophic effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cultured major pelvic ganglia (MPG) derived from young and aged rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS The dorsocaudal region of the MPG was isolated from 12 6-month-old male rats and 12 24-month-old male rats. The MPGs were treated with BDNF, VEGF, or both, at 0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 150 ng/mL to determine the effective concentration for 50% activity (EC50) and optimum dosage for promoting neurite growth. Neurite outgrowth from treated MPGs was measured by microscopy. NADPH diaphorase and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) staining was used to characterize neurites. RESULTS Both BDNF and VEGF promoted neurite sprouting from MPG. Neurite growth was more robust in MPGs derived from young rats (6 months) than from aged rats (24 months). The EC50 for BDNF, VEGF and combined treatment were 10.6, 11.9 and 52 ng/mL in young rats, and 11.3, 12 and 0.75 ng/mL in old rats, respectively. The optimum dosage of both factors for promoting MPG neurite growth in all groups was 25–50 ng/mL. VEGF appeared to favour NADPH diaphorase-positive neurites, whereas BDNF favoured TH-positive neurites. CONCLUSION BDNF and VEGF promote neurite growth from cultured MPG; combined treatment produced the most robust neurite outgrowth. Neurite growth from MPGs derived from aged rats was not as robust as it was from MPGs from younger rats. Further studies on the effect of neurotrophins after cavernous nerve injury are warranted.
Robust and Powerful Affected Sibpair Test for Rare Variant Association

Advances in DNA sequencing technology facilitate investigating the impact of rare variants on complex diseases. However, using a conventional case-control design, large samples are needed to capture enough rare variants to achieve sufficient power for testing the association between suspected loci and complex diseases. In such large samples, population stratification may easily cause spurious signals. One approach to overcome stratification is to use a family-based design. For rare variants, this strategy is especially appropriate, as power can be increased considerably by analyzing cases with affected relatives. We propose a novel framework for association testing in affected sibpairs by comparing the allele count of rare variants on chromosome regions shared identical by descent to the allele count of rare variants on non-shared chromosome regions, referred to as test for rare-variant association with family-based internal control (TRAFIC). This design is generally robust to population stratification as cases and controls are matched within each sibpair. We evaluate the power analytically using general model for effect size of rare variants. For the same number of genotyped people, TRAFIC shows superior power over the conventional case-control study for variants with summed risk allele frequency f < 0.05; this power advantage is even more substantial when considering allelic heterogeneity. For complex models of gene-gene interaction, this power advantage depends on the direction of interaction and overall heritability. In sum, we introduce a new method for analyzing rare variants in affected sibpairs that is robust to population stratification, and provide freely available software.
Kinetics of the Thermal Degradation of Patulin in the Presence of Ascorbic Acid

Degradation of the mycotoxin patulin between 25 and 85 °C without and with added ascorbic acid was studied, and the effectiveness of linear and nonlinear models for predicting reaction rates was compared. In agreement with previous reports, ascorbic acid significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) the rate of patulin degradation at all temperatures studied. The data for patulin degradation in the absence of ascorbic acid were adequately modeled using a zero-order linear kinetic model. However, the predictive abilities of zero and higher-order linear models were not adequate to describe the more complex reactions that likely occurred when ascorbic acid was added. In contrast, the nonlinear Weibull model adequately described the patulin-ascorbic acid reaction throughout the temperature range studied. Zero-order rate constants and Weibull scale values for each of the respective reactions followed the Arrhenius law. Activation energies of 58.7 ± 3.9 and 29.6 ± 1.9 kJ mol⁻¹ for the reaction without and with ascorbic acid, respectively, confirmed decreased patulin stability in the presence of ascorbic acid and suggested that the mechanisms for the 2 degradation reactions were different.
Fast Spectral Tests for Measuring Nonrandomness and the DES

Two spectral tests for detecting nonrandomness were proposed in 1977. One test, developed by J. Gait [1], considered properties of power spectra obtained from the discrete Fourier transform of finite binary strings. Gait tested the DES [10,11] in output-feedback mode, as a pseudorandom generator. Unfortunately, Gait's test was not properly developed [3,4], nor was his design for testing the DES adequate.Another test, developed by C. Yuen [2], considered analogous properties for the Walsh transform. In estimating the variance of spectral bands, Yuen assumed the spectral components to be independent. Except for the special case of Gaussian random numbers, this assumption introduces a significant error into his estimate.We recently [3,4] constructed a new test for detecting nonrandomness in finite binary strings, which extends and quantifies Gait's test. Our test is based on an evaluation of a statistic, which is a function of Fourier periodograms [5]. Binary strings produced using short-round versions of the DES in output-feedback mode were tested. By varying the number of DES rounds from 1 to 16, it was thought possible to gradually vary the degree of randomness of the resulting strings. However, we found that each of the short-round versions, consisting of 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 rounds, generated ensembles for which at least 10% of the test strings were rejected as random, at a confidence level approaching certainty.A new test, based on an evaluation of the Walsh spectrum, is presented here. This test extends the earlier test of C. Yuen. Testing of the DES, including short-round versions, has produced results consistent with those previously obtained in [3].We prove that our measure of the Walsh spectrum is equivalent to a measure of the skirts of the logical autocorrelation function. It is clear that an analogous relationship exists between Fourier periodograms and the circular autocorrelation function.
What Makes Hyper-local Online Discussion Forums Sustainable?

Despite the global success enjoyed by a few social media platforms such as Wikipedia and Facebook, many platforms that target geographically bounded communities struggle to sustain users' participation over time. Understanding what makes such "hyper-local" communities sustainable can lead to better technologies for encouraging community awareness and civic participation. However, little is known about how the social structure of such online communities impacts their sustainability. In this study, we conceptualize sustainability through the aspects of viability and performance. We measure three system-level factors that affect sustainability, including network size, connectedness and centralization, which capture the communities' social structures. We test our hypotheses on the longitudinal data collected from E-Democracy.org. Our results indicate that network connectedness and centralization are positively associated with performance but not with viability. The findings reveal a system design dilemma for hyper-local forums. We discuss the implications and potential solutions to overcome the sustainability challenge.
Metal–support interactions between Pt and thin film cerium oxide

Abstract The interaction between Pt and reduced or oxidized cerium oxide (CeO X ) has been studied by CO TPD and core-level SXPS. Reduced CeO X strongly modifies the chemisorption of CO on the supported Pt. Two different modifications are evident depending on annealing temperature. If the sample is annealed to greater than 800 K, the amount of CO that adsorbs on the Pt at 150 K is dramatically reduced. In addition, annealing at elevated temperatures decreases the Pt XPS intensity significantly. These results suggest that, similar to Pt on reduced TiO X , the Pt is covered by the reduced CeO X at elevated temperatures. If freshly deposited Pt is annealed to 700 K or less before CO is adsorbed at 150 K, there is no decrease in the amount of CO that adsorbs. However, the CO desorption temperature is shifted to a much lower temperature compared to CO adsorbed on a Pt single crystal. This shift in the CO desorption temperature is ascribed to a weakening of the CO–Pt bond that results from an electronic interaction between the Pt and the reduced ceria. The behavior of Pt on CeO X is compared to the very different interaction between Rh and CeO X . The CO–Rh bond is strengthened on CeO X compared to Rh single crystals and there is an increase in the CO dissociation activity. Rh also shows no evidence of encapsulation when annealed to higher temperatures.
Novel design of an ocean wave power device utilizing a bi-directional turbine

This paper details an innovative design for a wave energy harvester that converts the heaving motion of waves into electrical power. The conceptual design utilizes a unique bi-directional turbine system that develops a torque in a given direction, independent of whether the fluid is moving upward or downward. The result is power production both as the buoy is heaved upward by a wave as well as while the buoy falls after the wave passes. Although a Wells turbine is a bi-directional turbine currently in use, the proposed bi-directional design, unlike the Wells turbine, is intended to use the ocean water as the working fluid. In addition, in the proposed design, stator blades redirect the fluid to flow nearly parallel to the blade angle, as opposed to the nearly perpendicular flow that acts on the Wells blade. A simple computational fluid dynamics (CFD) program demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed bi-directional design, indicating a 22.3% torque increase over a NACA 0012 Wells turbine blade of equal size.
Customerization: The next revolution in mass customization

In this conceptual paper, we propose that the next stage of evolution of mass customization is customerization—a buyer-centric company strategy that combines mass customization with customized marketing. Spurred by the growth of Internet and related technologies, many leading companies (e.g., Dell) are beginning to deploy customerization on a large scale. In this paper we define customerization, and describe how it is different from the related strategies of mass customization, personalization, and one-to-one marketing. We also describe the opportunities and challenges companies face in deploying a customerization strategy, and the potential benefits that they might realize.
Antibodies to TRIC Agents in Tears and Serum of Naturally Infected Humans

Antibodies to six trachoma-inclusion conjunctivitis (TRIC) antigens were measured by indirect immunofluorescence in matched specimens of serum and tears from individuals with chronic trachoma. Antibodies (to TRIC antigens type A and/or C) were present in the serum of 78% of Tunisian children, six to eight years old, with severe trachoma and in the tears of 59%. In contrast, antibodies (to TRIC antigens type B, D, and E) were found in the serum and tears of only 6% of Navajo children of similar age with mild trachoma. Among Navajo students 13-20 years old with mild trachoma, 48% had antibodies (to antigens B, D, and E) in serum, but antibodies in tears were very rare. These were usually of lower titer than those in serum, were directed at the same TRIC antigenic types, and paralleled the severity of clinical activity in TRIC infections. The role of lachrymal antibodies in resistance to TRIC infection is not apparent.
Endometrial Carcinoma Diagnosed by Positron Emission Tomography: A Case Report

Abstract Background. Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning utilizes the recognized tumor metabolic property of increased glycolysis with the radioactive decay of 2-[ 18 F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) and generation of gamma radiation to provide quantitative tumor imaging. PET scanning has proven useful in the evaluation and staging of malignancies including malignant melanoma. Case report. As part of the preoperative staging evaluation a PET scan was performed in a 76-year-old white female with a biopsy-proven malignant melanoma on the posterior thorax. Physiologic uptake was delineated, and in addition, an area of increased uptake of FDG in the pelvis anatomically consistent with the uterus was observed. Subsequent endometrial sampling revealed a moderately differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Surgical staging revealed a stage IB, grade 2 lesion. Conclusion. This is the first case report of an endometrial carcinoma diagnosed incidentally by positron emission tomography in an asymptomatic patient.
An inexpensive portable incubator for tissue or cell cultures

A lightweight incubator is described which is suitable for transporting cells or tissues maintained in Petri dishes. Since individual cultures are held in a sealed environment, sterility of samples is maintained, and pH remains stable for extended periods, even when bicarbonate buffered media is used. The incubator is battery powered, or may be connected to an automotive electrical power source. It has been designed to minimize exposure of the samples to mechanical shock. The components required for construction are inexpensive.
Potentially increasing the metabolic stability of drug candidates via computational site of metabolism prediction by CYP2C9: The utility of incorporating protein flexibility via an ensemble of structures

Cytochrome P450 enzymes are responsible for metabolizing many endogenous and xenobiotic molecules encountered by the human body. It has been estimated that 75% of all drugs are metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Thus, predicting a compound's potential sites of metabolism (SOM) is highly advantageous early in the drug development process. We have combined molecular dynamics, AutoDock Vina docking, the neighboring atom type (NAT) reactivity model, and a solvent-accessible surface-area term to form a reactivity-accessibility model capable of predicting SOM for cytochrome P450 2C9 substrates. To investigate the importance of protein flexibility during the ligand-binding process, the results of SOM prediction using a static protein structure for docking were compared to SOM prediction using multiple protein structures in ensemble docking. The results reported here indicate that ensemble docking increases the number of ligands that can be docked in a bioactive conformation (ensemble: 96%, static: 85%) but only leads to a slight improvement (49% vs. 44%) in predicting an experimentally known SOM in the top-1 position for a ligand library of 75 CYP2C9 substrates. Using ensemble docking, the reactivity-accessibility model accurately predicts SOM in the top-1 ranked position for 49% of the ligand library and considering the top-3 predicted sites increases the prediction success rate to approximately 70% of the ligand library. Further classifying the substrate library according to K(m) values leads to an improvement in SOM prediction for substrates with low K(m) values (57% at top-1). While the current predictive power of the reactivity-accessibility model still leaves significant room for improvement, the results illustrate the usefulness of this method to identify key protein-ligand interactions and guide structural modifications of the ligand to increase its metabolic stability.
Bilingual Students Articulation and Gesticulation of Mathematical Knowledge during Problem Solving.

Abstract This research focuses on eliciting bilingual students' problemsolving reasoning by providing mathematical tasks designed to involve the students in the action described in the problem by making connections to contexts familiar to them. Results showed these tasks allowed children to articulate their mathematical reasoning through gestures and speech. Two questions guided this investigation: (a) How do second-grade bilingual students communicate their mathematical reasoning? and (b) What is the role of the mathematical tasks in eliciting this mathematical reasoning? Analysis of seven second-grade Spanish–English bilingual students solving addition and subtraction problems showed that students simultaneously used words and gestures to communicate their mathematical reasoning to others and to regulate their own cognitive activity. In general, the students demonstrated that their developing bilingual proficiency did not constitute an impediment for guiding mathematical tasks to resolution; rather, stu...
Stable chlorine isotopic composition of marine aerosol particles in the western Atlantic Ocean

The isotopic composition of chlorine sampled from the atmosphere has been measured for the first time. Eight aerosol samples collected on bulk filters at Bermuda are enriched in 37Cl relative to sea water. Stable chlorine isotopic compositions are reported in units of per mil as δ37Cl which is defined as 1000 × [(Rsample/Rsea water) - 1] where R is the ratio of 37Cl to 35Cl. The δ37Cl of the aerosols range from +0.42 to +2.53 per mil and strongly correlate with chlorine deficit (based upon sea salt sodium) and non-sea salt sulfate. The data trend is consistent with the fractional distillation (loss) of HCl from an acidified aerosol governed by a fractionation factor of 0.9972. Subsequent experiments support the hypothesis that HCl evaporation was most likely the primary mechanism of chlorine volatilization in the sampled aerosols. Furthermore, the data indicate that marine aerosols perturbed by anthropogenic NOx and SO2 are an important source of isotopically light chlorine in the free troposphere.
PROTECTION AGAINST ACTIONS OF X-RAYS BY GLYCEROL IN THE BACTERIAL SPORE.

SummaryThe effect of glycerol on the three classes of radiation damage previously recognized in the spores of Bacillus megaterium has been examined. Glycerol was found to reduce the amount of damage associated with each of the classes. The ‘direct’ action component (Class I) is almost certainly involved. It is the presence of glycerol rather than the absence of water that is responsible for the effect. The concentration-effect relationship is described well by the Langmuir adsorption equation, consistent with the notion that protective action is the consequence of physical adsorption on important sites as previously described for vegetative bacterial cells. Extrapolation of the Langmuir relationship to infinite glycerol concentration gives a value of 0 for that portion of the damage unaffected by glycerol. The adsorption sites may be the same as those usually occupied by water. The results indicate also that spores and vegetative cells are affected by radiation in similar manners.
A scaling parameter for He II thermal counterflow and critical heat currents

A scaling parameter for He II thermal counterflow is developed from a consideration of the stability of the normal fluid component in the presence of superfluid vortex production. Observations of superfluid “entrainment” are combined with a reinterpretation of the “mutual friction force” to define the scaling parameter which is shown to be independent of temperature and geometry at the critical heat current.
Behavioral, pharmacological, and biochemical analysis of genetic differences in rats.

Several strains of commercially available rats were studied which showed clear behavioral differences in activity and in shock avoidance behavior. Intensive study of two behaviorally very different strains, F-344 and Zivic-Miller, shows that their differences in shuttle box avoidance acquisition is genetic and is based on their activity response to shock stress rather than to a difference in general learning ability. Drug administration and lesion studies suggested that the behavioral differences were due to differences in brain monoamine responses to shock stress. Biochemical studies of brain serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine turnover following stress support this concept.
N-Terminal Truncations of Manganese Stabilizing Protein Identify Two Amino Acid Sequences Required for Binding of the Eukaryotic Protein to Photosystem II and Reveal the Absence of One Binding-Related Sequence in Cyanobacteria †

Manganese stabilizing protein (MSP) is an intrinsically disordered extrinsic subunit of photosystem II that regulates the stability and kinetic performance of the tetranuclear manganese cluster that oxidizes water to oxygen. An earlier study showed that deletion of the (1)E-(3)G domain of MSP caused no loss of activity reconstitution, whereas deletion of the (4)K-(10)E domain reduced binding of the protein from 2 to 1 mol of MSP/mol of photosystem II and lowered activity reconstitution to about 50% of the control value [Popelkova et al. (2002) Biochemistry 41, 2702-2711]. In this work we present evidence that deletion of 13 or 14 amino acid residues from the MSP N-terminus (mutants DeltaS13M and DeltaK14M) does not interfere either with functional binding of one copy of MSP to photosystem II or with reconstitution of oxygen evolution activity to 50% of the control level. Both of these mutants exhibit nonspecific binding to photosystem II at higher protein concentrations. Truncation of the MSP sequence by 18 amino acids (mutant DeltaE18M), however, causes a loss of protein binding and activity reconstitution. This result demonstrates that the N-terminal domain (15)T-(18)E is required for binding of at least one copy of MSP to photosystem II. Analyses of CD spectra reveal changes in the structure of DeltaE18M (loss of beta-sheet, gain of unordered structure). Use of the information gained from these experiments in analyses of N-terminal sequences of MSP from a number of species indicates that higher plants and algae possess two recognition domains that are required for MSP binding to PSII, whereas cyanobacteria lack the first N-terminal domain found in eukaryotes. This may explain the absence of a second copy of MSP in the crystal structure of PSII from Synechococcus elongatus [Zouni et al. (2001) Nature 409, 739-743].
GROUPS OF EVEN REAL GENUS

Let G be a finite group. The real genusρ (G) is the minimum algebraic genus of any compact bordered Klein surface on which G acts. Here we develop some constructions of groups of even real genus, first using the notion of a semidirect product. As a consequence, we are able to show that for each integer g in certain congruence classes, there is at least one group of genus g. Next we consider the direct product Zn × G, in which one factor is cyclic and the other is a group of odd order that is generated by two elements. By placing a restriction on the genus action of G, we find the real genus of the direct product, in case n is relatively prime to |G|. We give some applications of this result, in particular to O*-groups, the odd order groups of maximum possible order. Finally we apply our results to the problem of determining whether there is a group of real genus g for each value of g. We prove that the set of integers for which there is a group has lower density greater than 5/6.
Regulation of protein degradation rates in eukaryotes.

In order to survive, all cells must be able to adapt to a changing extracellular environment. A l~ey element in a cell's response to exogenous stimuli is its ability to change the concentration of specific cellular proteins. Since the concentration of a protein is determined by the balance between its rates of synthesis and degradation, the cell can alter either parameter. Numerous examples have been described where the levels of specific proteins are altered by changing the rates of protein synthesis through a variety of transcriptional and/or translational mechanisms. However, in many instances the rate of degradation of a protein is also regulated, and for some proteins alterations in degradation rate are quantitatively more important than changes in protein synthesis. To illustrate these points we have compiled published data for the regulation of 12 liver enzymes during starvation or acute diabetes (Table 1). Although overall rates of proteolysis are increased under these conditions, the changes in degradation of indMdual proteins are heterogeneous. The observed changes in enzyme concentration may be due to alterations in rates of synthesis only (the first four enzymes listed in Table 1), in degradative rates only (the last two enzymes listed in Table 1), or in both rates of synthesis and degradation (the remaining enzymes listed in Table 1). In the first section of this review we will present recent examples of the control of individual protein levels by regulating the degradation rate of the protein. In most of these examples the degradative pathway involved is unknown, but these cases illustrate reasons why control of a specific protein's degradation rate is often crucial for cellular response to changing extracellular stimuli.
Atomistic simulations of the shear strength and sliding mechanisms of copper–niobium interfaces

Abstract Interfaces play a prominent role in the deformation behavior of high-strength Cu–Nb layered composites by acting as barriers to slip transmission due to core spreading of glide dislocations within interfaces. The dislocation core spreading along the interfaces implies these interfaces are weak in shear. In this investigation, we have used atomistic simulations to explore the shear resistance and sliding mechanism of interfaces of Cu–Nb layered composites, as a function of applied in-plane shear direction and different interface atomic structures. The simulation results indicate that the shear strengths of Cu–Nb interfaces are: (i) lower than the theoretical estimates of shear strengths for perfect crystals, (ii) strongly anisotropic, (iii) spatially non-uniform and (iv) strongly dependent on the atomic structures of interfaces. The mechanism of interface sliding involves glide of interfacial dislocation loops that nucleate in the weakest regions of interfaces.
Commentary on “The Social Origins of Environmental Determinism”

(1986). Commentary on “The Social Origins of Environmental Determinism”. Annals of the Association of American Geographers: Vol. 76, No. 2, pp. 275-277.
The whistler mode in a Vlasov plasma

In this study, properties of small-amplitude parallel and oblique whistler-mode waves are investigated for a wide range of plasma parameters by numerically solving the full electromagnetic Vlasov-dispersion equation. To investigate the cold-plasma and electrostatic approximations for the whistler mode, the results are compared with results obtained using these descriptions. For large wavelengths, the cold-plasma description is often accurate, while for short wavelengths and sufficiently oblique propagation, the electrostatic description is often accurate. The study demonstrates that in a Vlasov plasma the whistler mode near resonance has a group velocity more nearly parallel to the magnetic field than that predicted by cold-plasma theory.
Aldosterone-producing Adenoma Presenting with Hypokalemic Myopathy Case Report and Review

A 9-year-old boy who complained of fatigue, myalgias, and progressive weakness was found to have a markedly elevated serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK). He developed polyuria with polydipsia and was noted to be hypertensive and severely hypokalemic. Treatment with potassium and spironolactone alleviated his signs and symptoms and normalized the blood pressure and CPK.Initial studies revealed low plasma renin activity that did not increase with change from supine to upright position. Plasma aldosterone was consistently elevated in the supine position, decreased with upright posture, and was not suppressed by administration of dexamethasone. Plasma 18-hydroxycorticosterone also was elevated.Enhanced computerized tomography (CT) revealed a mass in the left adrenal that had not been seen on the initial unenhanced scan. Adrenal vein catheterization confirmed elevated plasma aldosterone on that side. Adrenalectomy was performed, and a well-encapsulated adenoma was found at examination of the surgical speciman. ...
Effects of short‐term dietary exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls on pharmacokinetics of intravenous pentobarbital in rats

The intravenous pharmacokinetics of pentobarbital (30 mg/kg as pentobarbital sodium) in rats were studied at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 10 days after pretreatment with 0, 1, 5, 25, and 125 ppm of polychlorinated biphenyls in food. The polychlorinated biphenyls then were removed from the food, and the residual effects of the exposure on pentobarbital pharmacokinetics were studied at 15, 25, 45, and 70 days after initiation of the polychlorinated biphenyl exposure. The pharmacokinetics of pentobarbital were approximated to a one-compartment model. After pretreatment at 1 and 5 ppm for up to 10 days, all pentobarbital pharmacokinetic parameters obtained were comparable to control values. Pretreatment at 125 ppm significantly reduced the biological half-life and raised the total body elimination rate constant, total body clearance, and intrinsic clearance of pentobarbital after a 1-day exposure; all parameters apparently reached a new steady-state value by Days 5–10. Enhanced pentobarbital elimination at 25 ppm was observed after a 3-day exposure, but, again, the elimination parameters appeared to have reached a steady state after 5–10 days of pretreatment. Upon removal of the polychlorinated biphenyls, the various pharmacokinetic parameters showed a lag phase prior to a gradual return to control values. The study shows that intrinsic clearances rather than total body clearances or half-lives are more appropriate in assessing enzymatic induction in agents undergoing facile liver metabolic clearance that borders on blood flow rate dependency.
Gadamer and the Fusion of Horizons

Abstract Hans‐Georg Gadamer is often criticized for his account of the fusions of horizons as the ideal resolution of dialogue. I argue that in fact it is an excellent account of the successful resolution of dialogue, but only in light of a proper understanding of what Gadamer means by ‘horizon’ and how then horizons are fused. I do this by showing how Gadamer is drawing on the technical sense of ‘horizon’ found in Edmund Husserl’s and Martin Heidegger’s phenomenologies. In the process I show why a prominent criticism of Gadamer’s account of the fusion of horizons, a criticism presented most forcefully by E. D. Hirsch, is mistaken.
Transfer Effects of Intraperitoneal Injection of Brain Homogenates

SEVERAL experiments have reported transfer of behavioural modification from, one animal to another by injection of brain material 1–7, but numerous attempts to replicate the phenomenon have yielded negative results8–11. The present experiments provide a further test of the reliability of the phenomenon. The apparatus was a Grason–Stadler Model E 3125 Skinner box modified by moving the bar to the opposite side of the box and by passing a photoelectric beam across the entrance to the food magazine.
Fear of property, violent, and gang crime: examining the shadow of sexual assault thesis among male and female offenders

The current study examines the impact of perceived risk and fear of sexual assault on male and female offenders' fear of (a) property crime, (b) violent crime, and (c) gang crime. Results indicate that perceived risk of victimization and fear of sexual assault are significantly associated with fear of property, violent, and gang crime among the full sample and among both men and women. Confirming results of prior research, perceived risk of victimization is a stronger predictor of property, violent, and gang fear among men. Fear of sexual assault emerged as a stronger predictor of fear of property, violent, and gang crime among women, confirming Ferraro's shadow of sexual assault thesis. Language: en
Biological methods for determining toxicity of contaminated freshwater sediments to invertebrates

Methods are presented for using Daphnia magna, Hyalella azteca, Gammarus lacustris, Chironomus tentans and Hexagenia limbata to screen freshwater sediments for acute and chronic toxicity, bioaccumulation potential and in situ toxicity. The 48-h Daphnia tests are recommended as inexpensive, uncomplicated and sensitive acute methods. Hyalella and Chironomus are the recommended benthic test organisms, as they are easy to rear and test, they remain in intimate contact with the sediment and they exhibit high control survival. Verification studies (published elsewhere) evaluating the recommended methods and organisms are briefly summarized.
Adhesion and fracture analysis of metal/polyimide fine line structures

Finite element analysis has been employed to study the adhesion and fracture behavior observed for metal/polyimide line structures formed by depositing Au/Cr lines on biphenylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride‐phenylenediamine as a function of line width and line thickness. The key features can be attributed to the various mechanical environment induced at the interface. The results distinguish conditions where the edge effect becomes significant for line widths less than the substrate film thickness, while the bulk effect becomes dominant for line thicknesses larger than 0.25 of the substrate film thickness. Both effects reduce interfacial strain and deformation energy induced in the metal lines, leading to metal line delamination of the corresponding structures occurring at a higher applied strain. Due to the plastic yield of the metal, the interfacial stress behavior is found to be relatively insensitive as a function of the line dimension, and it cannot account for the delamination behavior observed. In contrast, the deformation energy induced in the metal shows a clear dependence on the applied strain. It continues to increase with applied strain, even after the maximum stress level is reached. Correlating with experiments, the energy in the metal line is about 2–10 J/m2 at the onset of metal line delamination for all structures with different widths and thicknesses. This value is comparable to the total bond energy between the metal and polyimide atoms along the interface, suggesting a correlation between the adhesion energy and the chemical bond strength of the interface. The deformation energy stored in the polyimide is an order‐of‐magnitude higher than that in the metal, so it dominates the energetics of the fracture process. In addition, the energy profile along the interface shows that maximum deformation occurs in the vicinity of the metal line edge where fracture occurs. These results emphasize the important role of the energetics in controlling the delamination and fracture of the interface.
SURFACTANT PROTEIN-C EXPRESSION DYNAMICS DURING REPAIR OF LUNG INJURY IN THE MOUSE. † 2305

Enhanced expression of surfactant protein mRNAs has been observed in acute hyperoxic lung injury. We wondered whether similar changes in surfactant protein expression occurred during repair of injury leading to pulmonary fibrosis. We used the butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) model of lung injury in the mouse because exposure to 70% oxygen during the period of alveolar reepithelialization results in chronic inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis, while BHT alone causes acute lung injury followed by full recovery. Since BHT is toxic primarily to type I cells, we postulated that surfactant protein-C(SP-C) expression would be altered during repair.
MoO2 Diffusion in Aluminosilicate Glass

A diffusion couple of an oxidized molybdenum disk and a glass cylinder was used to measure the solubiiity and effective binary diffusion coefficient of MoO2 in a non-alkali aluminosilicate glass. At 1400°C, the solubility limit was 8.4 mol%; the value of the diffusion coefficient (4.1 × 10−16 m2/s) was significantly lower than that estimated from the Stokes-Einstein relation.
Crisis management and the discourse of renewal: understanding the potential for positive outcomes of crisis

Abstract This paper examines crisis discourse that emphasizes renewal and growth over issues of blame, responsibility, and liability. Three categories of renewal are discussed in light of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. These categories include renewal based upon stakeholder commitment, commitment to correction, and core values. This paper concludes with crisis communication implications for both theory and practice.