cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of spreading resistance correction factor algorithms using model data

Abstract Model spreading resistance data generated from the Schumann-Gardner multilayer solution of Laplace's equation are employed to compare two recently published spreading resistance correction factor algorithms. Specifically, depth-dependent resistivities corresponding to diffusions and implants are used to generate the appropriate depth-dependent model spreading resistance data. These data are then analyzed according to the two algorithms and the resulting interpreted resistivities are compared with the original input resistivities. The resistivities interpreted by the multilayer algorithm of D'Avanzo et al. agree with the original resistivities to within one percent on the average while the resistivities interpreted by the K 1 K 2 form of Dickey's local slope algorithm agree with the original resistivities to within 10–25% on the average.
Time Series Analysis of International Dollar Denominated Interest Rates

The yield levels and yield movements of Eurodollar rates are compared to yield levels and yield movements of similar U.S. securities. Contrary to the previous studies, we could find no consistent and meaningful lead-lag relationship between U.S. rates and Eurodollar rates. Additionally, we found that long-term Eurodollar rates are not determined by long distributed lag of short-term rates. With and without capital controls and despite increased liquidity and more information there exist difference in yield levels and yield movements.
The progression of neuronal, myelin, astrocytic, and immunological changes in the rat brain following exposure to aurothioglucose

Aurothioglucose (ATG) is presently employed both by clinicians in the treatment of advanced rheumatoid arthritis and by neuroscience researchers to generate lesions around the circumventricular organs (CVOs) of rodent brains, resulting in obese animals. Although the existence of such lesions is well documented, there is relatively little information concerning the changes over time of the different cell types in the regions surrounding the CVOs. To address this question, specific markers allowing identification of four distinct cellular populations were used to characterize respective changes over time. Generally, regions adjacent to the CVOs were more vulnerable than the CVOs themselves, while more caudal structures were more frequently lesioned than more anterior CVO regions. Vascular and glial cells appeared to be the initial targets of ATG, while neuronal cell death occurred subsequent to the inflammatory response. The results of this study help resolve the mechanism of ATG toxicity as reflected by a cascade of pathologies that is consistent with disparate cell types exhibiting specific changes at specific times.
Interaction between nonlinear electron waves

Abstract The linear Schrodinger equation was generalized into a nonlinear equation by including the self-induced repulsive interaction due to the trapping of incident electrons inside a quantum well region, and was solved exactly by using the finite-difference method. Based on the generalized Schrodinger equation, the effects of nonlinearity and electric field on the transmission and bistability of incident electrons were studied using a single-wave model. The interaction between nonlinear electron waves was studied using a two-wave model.
New and improved estimators of distribution functions under second-order stochastic dominance

Second-order stochastic ordering plays a fundamental role in many scientific areas including economics and finance. This article is concerned with the estimation of two continuous distribution functions, F 1 and F 2, when F 1 is smaller than F 2 according to this ordering. In the one-sample case, we assume that F 1 is known and provide a uniformly consistent estimator for F 2. The problem of estimating F 1 when F 2 is known was considered in Rojo and El Barmi [J. Rojo and H. El Barmi, Estimation of distribution functions under second order stochastic dominance, Statist. Sinica 13 (2003), pp. 903–926]. For this case, we show that their estimator continues to be uniformly strongly consistent without the restrictive conditions that they impose on F 1. In the two-sample case, we propose a new class of uniformly strongly consistent estimators for the two distribution functions, where n 1 and n 2 are the sample sizes. An extensive simulation study shows that for α = n 1/(n 1+n 2), the new estimators outperform ...
Switchable fiber-optic tap using the acousto-optic Bragg interaction

A new type of electronically switchable optical-fiber tap using acousto-optic Bragg diffraction is demonstrated. An acoustic transducer on a wedge launches an acoustic beam through a Hertzian contact into a D-shaped optical fiber, diffracting light out through the side of the fiber. The bandwidth of the tap is greater than 1 GHz centered at 3.5 GHz, with a tap efficiency of 0.01% per watt of rf power. The tap does not damage the fiber and is completely reversible, so its location on the fiber can easily be adjusted.
McCormack Versus Udall Explaining Intraparty Challenges to the Speaker of the House

Since the mid-1970s, little research has been undertaken on the subject of intraparty leadership challenges in Congress. In this article, I introduce a theory to explain who will most likely support a challenge to an incumbent speaker of the House. I then test this theory for one such challenge in particular, against Speaker John McCormack in 1969, using newly obtained archival data related to the contest. The results suggest that legislators are most likely to support a challenge when it promises to satisfy one or more “multiple goals.” The findings also reveal that membership in the same entering class in Congress plays an important and previously unacknowledged causal role in determining support for a challenge to the speaker.
Impact of gender on rest Tc-99m sestamibi-gated left ventricular ejection fraction.

LVEF is lower measured by gated SPECT than by first-pass in men, consistent with the differences in temporal resolution between the techniques. In contrast, in women, gated SPECT LVEF was modestly but significantly higher. The reason for this observed difference is unclear, but it is independent of age, body size, heart rate, infarct size, or ventricular volumes, and could be related to other anatomic factors.
Establishment of a cell line from embryos of the cabbage looper,Trichoplusia ni (hubner)

A new cell line was developed from 3-d-old embryonated eggs of the cabbage looper,Trichoplusia ni, and has been designated IPLB-TN-R2. It contains a variety of morphological cell types, including myoblastlike, neuroblastlike, and epithelial-like cells. Chromosome analysis revealed typical lepidopteran chromosomes. Isozyme characterization showed patterns similar to two other cabbage looper cell lines (TN-368 and IAL-TND1) in the case of five enzymes but differed from these two lines for two other enzymes. Virus infectivity tests revealed the line is highly susceptible toAutographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus, but no cytopathology was observed after inoculation with several other lepidopteran viruses.
A miniature MEMS and NEMS enabled time-of-flight mass spectrometer for investigations in planetary science

Solar system exploration and the anticipated discovery of biomarker molecules is driving the development of a new miniature time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer (MS). Space flight science investigations become more feasible through instrument miniaturization, which reduces size, mass, and power consumption. However, miniaturization of space flight mass spectrometers is increasingly difficult using current component technology. Micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) and nano electro mechanical systems (NEMS) technologies offer the potential of reducing size by orders of magnitude, providing significant system requirement benefits as well. Historically, TOF mass spectrometry has been limited to large separation distances as ion mass analysis depends upon the ion flight path. Increased TOF MS system miniaturization may be realized employing newly available high speed computing electronics, coupled with MEMS and NEMS components. Recent efforts at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in the development of a miniaturized TOF mass spectrometer with integral MEMS and NEMS components are presented. A systems overview, design and prototype, MEMS silicon ion lenses, a carbon nanotube electron gun, ionization methods, as well as performance data and relevant applications are discussed.
Surface-mediated gene transfer from nanocomposites of controlled texture

Safe and efficient gene delivery would have great potential in gene therapy and tissue engineering, but synthetic biomaterial surfaces endowed with efficient gene-transferring functions do not yet exist. Inspired by naturally occurring biomineralization processes, we co-precipitated DNA with inorganic minerals onto cell-culture surfaces. The DNA/mineral nanocomposite surfaces obtained not only supported cell growth but also provided high concentrations of DNA in the immediate microenvironment of the cultured cells. Gene transfer from the engineered surfaces was as efficient as an optimized commercial lipid transfection reagent; in addition, the extent of gene transfer was adjustable by varying the mineral composition. DNA/mineral nanocomposite surfaces represent a promising system for enhancing gene transfer and controlling the extent of gene transfer for various biomedical applications, including tissue engineering or gene therapy of bone.
Heritage, amenity, and the changing landscape of the rural American West

The production landscapes that once dominated the rural American West are being transformed into amenity landscapes intended largely for consumption by in-migrants and visitors. However, once people settle in the rural West, a newly realized amenity may be recognized: the region's relic cultural landscape. This paper builds upon a 2007 study that used resident-employed photography to assess the varying environmental perspectives of, and social interactions between, newcomers and long-established ranchers in a rural Colorado valley. Photographs taken by both lifelong ranchers and newer nonagricultural residents highlighted two relic landscapes in the valley: its cemetery and one-room schoolhouse. This study investigates these particular cultural landscapes, their histories, meanings, and what their futures in this region may hold, given the in-migration. Using archives, landscape interpretation, and interviews with key informants, this paper analyzes how newcomers may appropriate these relic landscapes and...
delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol suppression of episodic luteinizing hormone secretion in the ovariectomized rat.

The effect of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major active principle in marihuana, on episodic LH release in the long term ovariectomized rat was investigated. Alert, unrestrained animals with indwelling atrial cannulae were treated with THC in doses of 0.5-8.0 mg/kg BW injected iv. Serum LH concentrations in serial blood samples obtained via the cannulae were determined by RIA. Single injections of THC at all dose levels tested abolished the pulsatile fluctuation in serum LH typical of the ovariectomized rat and evident in all animals before drug treatment. LH concentrations were significantly reduced within 20 min of drug injection, declining at a rate suggestive of profound, perhaps complete, suppression of episodic LH secretion. On the average, the suppressive effect dissipated within 1 h after treatment with the lowest dose of THC (0.5 mg/kg BW), but continued for between 1-2 h when the dose was increased to 4 mg/kg BW. During the period of suppressed LH secretion, the release of LH was readily e...
Complete-link clustering as a complement to factor analysis: A comparison to factor analysis used alone

Abstract The rationale and method of the complete-link hierarchical clustering technique are discussed, along with some recently developed procedures for evaluating an overall clustering solution and for defining an “optimal” partition in a hierarchy. The application of factor analysis prior to clustering is suggested as a means of eliminating variables which do not conform well to the predominant structure in the data; thus, cluster analysis is used as a complement to factor analysis, capitalizing upon the strengths of both techniques. The advantages of the suggested method are then demonstrated using a previously published task analysis study of the roles and functions of the rehabilitation counselor. In comparing the obtained solution to the original factor analytic solution, it is argued that the two were generally consistent and that differences observed favored the clustering solution in terms of greater meaningfulness and homogeneity of the groupings. In addition, the clustering solution offered further advantages in the substantive interpretation of the data.
Neural stem and progenitor cell fate transition requires regulation of Musashi1 function

There is increasing evidence of a pivotal role for regulated mRNA translation in control of developmental cell fate transitions. Physiological and pathological stem and progenitor cell self-renewal is maintained by the mRNA-binding protein, Musashi1 through repression of translation of key mRNAs encoding cell cycle inhibitory proteins. The mechanism by which Musashi1 function is modified to allow translation of these target mRNAs under conditions that require inhibition of cell cycle progression, is unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that differentiation of primary embryonic rat neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) or human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells results in the rapid phosphorylation of Musashi1 on the evolutionarily conserved site serine 337 (S337). Phosphorylation of this site has been shown to be required for cell cycle control during the maturation of Xenopus oocytes. S337 phosphorylation in mammalian NSPCs and human SH-SY5Y cells correlates with the de-repression and translation of a Musashi reporter mRNA and with accumulation of protein from the endogenous Musashi target mRNA, p21WAF1/CIP1. Inhibition of Musashi regulatory phosphorylation, through expression of a phospho-inhibitory mutant Musashi1 S337A or over-expression of the wild-type Musashi, blocked differentiation of both NSPCs and SH-SY5Y cells. Musashi1 was similarly phosphorylated in NSPCs and SH-SY5Y cells under conditions of nutrient deprivation-induced cell cycle arrest. Expression of the Musashi1 S337A mutant protein attenuated nutrient deprivation-induced NSPC and SH-SY5Y cell death. Our data suggest that in response to environmental cues that oppose cell cycle progression, regulation of Musashi function is required to promote target mRNA translation and cell fate transition. Forced modulation of Musashi1 function may present a novel therapeutic strategy to oppose pathological stem cell self-renewal.
Photoelectric measurements of the seasonal variations in daylight at Plymouth from 1947 to 1949

Daylight received on a horizontal surface has been measured for fourteen years using a Burt vacuum sodium cell and Cambridge thread-recorder galvanometer. Mean monthly values of daily maxima, in kilolux, are tabulated, also mean monthly values of illumination in kilolux hours. These are compared with similar measurements at Kew in 1947 and 1948, obtained using a selenium cell. The kilolux hours for each month are shown as a percentage of individual years, with mean values for fourteen years and percentage range for variation. Annual totals were 108, 124 and 122 megalux hours for 1947, 1948 and 1949 respectively with 116 as the mean of the whole series. Between these and sunshine or rainfall there is no simple relation. Cloudless days are not the brightest owing to downward reflection from clouds. Darkest days in each month commonly show 17 to 40 per cent as many kilolux hours as do brightest, though smoke pollution may reduce illumination to 5 per cent.
Covalent attachment of polydeoxythymidylic acid to human erythrocytes

Abstract Human erythrocytes were treated with the diazanium salt of oligodeoxythymidylic acid 5′-p-aminophenylphosphate, a reagent unable to penetrate the plasma membrane. The oligomers, covalently linked to the cell surface, were extended by treatment with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase in the presence of deoxythymidine triphosphate. The cells then hybridized readily to columns of polyriboadenylic acid-agarose. We expect this technology to be of value for cell sorting, for the isolation of proteins accessible at the surfaces of cells, and for the synthesis of a variety of DNA-protein polymers.
Lack of quadriceps dysfunction in women with early knee osteoarthritis

Quadriceps dysfunction, specifically weakness and central activation failure (CAF), has been implicated in the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA), though few data are available to confirm its presence in early OA. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence and magnitude of quadriceps dysfunction in those with and without early knee OA. Thirty-five female volunteers were classified into two groups, OA (n=22) and control (n=13), based on the presence [Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade 2] or absence (K-L grade 0-1) of mild OA, respectively. Isometric quadriceps strength and central activation ratio (CAR) were assessed and compared between groups utilizing a one-way ANOVA. Frequency statistics and Fisher's exact test were used to compare the percentage of women with and without CAF between groups. Quadriceps strength (control: 1.47+/-0.62 Nm/kg; OA: 1.30+/-0.62 Nm/kg; p=0.45) was not significantly different for women with and without mild OA. Further, the CAR (control: 0.91+/-0.07; OA: 0.87+/-0.12; p=0.19) did not differ between groups; however, women in both groups presented with CAF (control: 54%; OA: 73%; p=0.29). Our results suggest that the women with mild osteoarthritis do not present with quadriceps dysfunction.
A Radiation Protection Program Prospectus Based on the Collection of 10 Years of Key Performance Indicator Data

In 1992, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Radiation Safety Program began assembling data on a monthly basis that described various program activities. At the end of calendar year 2002, a decade of data had been collected, so the information was summarized into a novel program prospectus, displaying various indicator parameters in a format similar to that used in a commercial enterprise prospectus provided to potential investors. The consistent formatting of the data afforded a succinct and easily digestible snapshot of program activities and trends. Feedback from various program stakeholders, even those unschooled in radiation safety matters, was overwhelmingly positive. The prospectus aided in communicating the scope of work undertaken by the program, and has helped maintain program support, even in challenging economic times. The data summary is also proving to be useful in making future projections regarding program needs.
Aluminum concentrations in tissues of rats: effect of soft drink packaging

Aluminum is a commonly occurring trace element for which no nutritional requirements have been set. Some non-conclusive evidence exists suggesting a need of aluminum for growth, reproduction or health of man and animals. There is concern that exposure or consumption of aluminum may be toxic to humans and animals. The objective of the current study was to compare tissue levels of aluminum of rats fed soft drinks packaged in aluminum cans, glass bottles or distilled water. Thirty male weanling rats (Sprague-Dawley) were divided into three treatment groups of 10 rats each. All rats were fed rodent chow ad libitum throughout the study. Three different fluids, i.e. distilled water, diet soft drinks from aluminum cans and diet soft drinks from glass bottles, were fed for a period of 3 weeks. Aluminum contents of tissues were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Canned soft drink fed rats had significantly higher blood, liver and bone aluminum concentration than rats that were given glass bottled soft drink. There was a 69% higher bone aluminum concentration and 16% lower femur weight in rats fed aluminum canned soft drinks when compared with rats fed with distilled water.
Cognitive Biases and Organizational Correctives: Do Both Disease and Cure Depend on the Politics of the Beholder?

The study reported here assessed the impact of managers' philosophies of human nature on their reactions to influential academic claims and counter-claims of when human judgment is likely to stray ...
Do landmarks help or hinder women in route learning

Previous research on route learning has demonstrated that men learn routes faster and with fewer errors than women, whereas women are able to recall more landmarks along the route. The present study was aimed at investigating whether landmarks help or hinder women when they learn a route. 47 female and 37 male undergraduate students were randomly assigned to one of two conditions, in which they learned a route on a map with landmarks (the Landmark condition) or with no landmarks (the No-Landmark condition). Men outperformed women in the Landmark condition, learning the route in less time, with fewer errors, and in fewer trials than women did. In contrast, in the No-Landmark condition, no significant differences were found between men and women on the route-learning measures. Men learned the route faster and more accurately when landmarks were present than when they were not, but the performance of women was not affected by the presence or absence of landmarks. These results suggest that men and women may employ landmarks differently when learning a route. Men may use the positions of landmarks to make distance and direction judgments, whereas women may label the landmarks and memorize these labels, which interferes with learning the route.
The information processing foundations of human capital resources: Leveraging insights from information processing approaches to intelligence

Abstract This paper considers how information processing approaches to intelligence may offer implications for the study of human capital resources within organizations. We first provide a brief overview of human capital research that summarizes its evolution and current areas of emphasis. This review notes that most of the research on human capital has ignored key developments in the psychological study of intelligence. We then review contemporary approaches to studying intelligence as information processing. We conclude by proposing a broad agenda for integrating research on human capital resources with information processing approaches to intelligence.
Shortened Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 2 or 3 — Is Less More?

Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major worldwide cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, which together represent a chief global public health burden. Therapy has improved substantially since the introduction of interferon-alfa monotherapy in the late 1980s, when the response rate was less than 10%; now, combination therapy with peginterferon and ribavirin has a success rate of about 50%.1,2 Much like the diverse outcomes of HCV infection, the response to treatment varies. Important factors associated with treatment response include the race, age, sex, weight, and biochemical and histologic characteristics of patients. However, viral genotype . . .
RanBP9 overexpression accelerates loss of pre and postsynaptic proteins in the APΔE9 transgenic mouse brain.

There is now compelling evidence that the neurodegenerative process in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) begins in synapses. Loss of synaptic proteins and functional synapses in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) transgenic mouse models of AD is well established. However, what is the earliest age at which such loss of synapses occurs, and whether known markers of AD progression accelerate functional deficits is completely unknown. We previously showed that RanBP9 overexpression leads to robustly increased amyloid β peptide (Aβ) generation leading to enhanced amyloid plaque burden in a mouse model of AD. In this study we compared synaptic protein levels among four genotypes of mice, i.e., RanBP9 single transgenic (Ran), APΔE9 double transgenic (Dbl), APΔE9/RanBP9 triple transgenic (Tpl) and wild-type (WT) controls. We found significant reductions in the levels of synaptic proteins in both cortex and hippocampus of 5- and 6-months-old but not 3- or 4-months-old mice. Specifically, at 5-months of age, rab3A was reduced in the triple transgenic mice only in the cortex by 25% (p<0.05) and gap43 levels were reduced only in the hippocampus by 44% (p<0.01) compared to wild-type (WT) controls. Interestingly, RanBP9 overexpression in the Tpl mice reduced gap43 levels by a further 31% (p<0.05) compared to APΔE9 mice. RanBP9 also further decreased the levels of drebrin in the hippocampus by 32% (p<0.01) and chromogranin in the cortex by 24% (p<0.05) compared to APΔE9 mice. At 6-months of age, RanBP9 expression in the cortex led to further reduction of rab3A by 30% (p<0.05) and drebrin by 38% (p<0.01) compared to APΔE9 mice. RanBP9 also increased Aβ oligomers in the cortex at 6 months. Similarly, in the hippocampus, RanBP9 expression further reduced rab3A levels by 36% (p<0.01) and drebrin levels by 33% (p<0.01). Taken together these data suggest that RanBP9 overexpression accelerates loss of synaptic proteins in the mouse brain.
A Comparison of the OPQ and 16PF in Relation to their Occupational Application

The OPQ (Occupational Personality Questionnaire) is a factor‐analytic‐based, self‐report questionnaire which has been developed in Britain as a wide‐band assessment device for use in selection and counselling in jobs at managerial and professional level where personality factors are often important variables in success.
Variational, V-representable, and variable-occupation-number perturbation theories

Density-functional perturbation theory with variationally fitted Kohn–Sham (KS) potentials is described. Requiring the Fock matrix and density matrix to commute through each order of perturbation theory determines the off-diagonal elements of the density matrix, and thus the effect of changing occupation numbers in density-functional perturbation theory. At each order of perturbation theory, the change in occupation numbers at that order enters only the diagonal part of the density matrix. The theory contains no phases, and a limiting process relates the rest of the diagonal density matrix element, obtained from wave function perturbation theory, to the off-diagonal part, obtained by commutation. V-representable density-functional theory is most practical when the KS potential is expanded in a finite basis to create the Sambe–Felton (SF) potential of analytic density-functional theory. This reduces the dimensionality of perturbation theory from order N2 in the orbital basis to order N in the SF basis. Com...
Wnt signaling in bone formation and its therapeutic potential for bone diseases

The Wnt signaling pathway plays an important role not only in embryonic development but also in the maintenance and differentiation of the stem cells in adulthood. In particular, Wnt signaling has been shown as an important regulatory pathway in the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Induction of the Wnt signaling pathway promotes bone formation while inactivation of the pathway leads to osteopenic states. Our current understanding of Wnt signaling in osteogenesis elucidates the molecular mechanisms of classic osteogenic pathologies. Activating and inactivating aberrations of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway in osteogenesis results in sclerosteosis and osteoporosis respectively. Recent studies have sought to target the Wnt signaling pathway to treat osteogenic disorders. Potential therapeutic approaches attempt to stimulate the Wnt signaling pathway by upregulating the intracellular mediators of the Wnt signaling cascade and inhibiting the endogenous antagonists of the pathway. Antibodies against endogenous antagonists, such as sclerostin and dickkopf-1, have demonstrated promising results in promoting bone formation and fracture healing. Lithium, an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase 3β, has also been reported to stimulate osteogenesis by stabilizing β catenin. Although manipulating the Wnt signaling pathway has abundant therapeutic potential, it requires cautious approach due to risks of tumorigenesis. The present review discusses the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in osteogenesis and examines its targeted therapeutic potential.
Balancing the criticisms: Validating multi-agent models of social systems

Abstract Using multi-agent models to study social systems has attracted criticisms because of the challenges involved in their validation. Common criticisms that we have encountered are described, and for each one we attempt to give a balanced perspective of the criticism. A model of intra-state conflict is used to help demonstrate these points. We conclude that multi-agent models for social systems are most useful when (1) the connection between micro-behaviors and macro-behaviors are not well-understood and (2) when data collection from the real-world system is prohibitively expensive in terms of time or money or if it puts human lives at risk.
Diacerhein treatment reduces the severity of osteoarthritis in the canine cruciate-deficiency model of osteoarthritis

Objective To determine if diacerhein protects against the early stages of joint damage in a canine model of osteoarthritis (OA). Methods OA was induced in 20 adult mongrel dogs by transection of the anterior cruciate ligament of the left knee. Beginning the day after surgery, dogs in the active treatment group were dosed twice a day with capsules of diacerhein, providing a total daily dose of 40 mg/kg, for 32 weeks. Dogs in the control group received placebo capsules on the same schedule. Pathology in the unstable knee was assessed arthroscopically 16 weeks after surgery and by direct observation when the dogs were killed 32 weeks after surgery. The severity of gross joint pathology was recorded, and samples of the medial femoral condyle cartilage and the synovial tissue adjacent to the central portion of the medial meniscus were collected for histologic evaluation. Water content and uronic acid concentration of the articular cartilage from the femoral condyle were determined, and collagenolytic activity in extracts of cartilage pooled from the medial and lateral tibial plateaus was assayed against 14C-labeled collagen fibers. Results Diacerhein treatment slowed the progression of OA, as measured by grading of gross changes in the unstable knee at arthroscopy 16 weeks after cruciate ligament transection (P = 0.04) and at the time the animals were killed, 32 weeks after surgery (P = 0.05). However, 32 weeks after ACL transection, the mean proteoglycan concentration and water content of the OA cartilage and the level of collagenolytic activity in extracts of the cartilage were not significantly different in the diacerhein treatment group than in the placebo treatment group. Conclusion Diacerhein treatment significantly reduced the severity of morphologic changes of OA compared with placebo. These findings support the view that diacerhein may be a disease-modifying drug for OA.
Standards for radiology interpretation and reporting in the emergency setting.

The radiologist plays a pivotal role in the medical management of injury and illness in both adults and children in the emergency setting. Although the primary role of the radiologist is to assist in establishing a correct diagnosis, the radiologist’s responsibility goes well beyond simple detection and documentation. Communication is fundamental in assuring delivery of quality and safe health care. Lines of communication are most easily recognized between the radiologist and the patient’s health-care provider (e.g., emergency department physician), but they are also becoming increasingly important between the radiologist and the patient. Radiologists must be familiar with both local and national practice guidelines related to the care of the patient in the emergency setting, in relation to both construction of the radiology report and appropriate communication of the results of radiologic studies. Familiarity with these aspects of the radiologists’ responsibilities maximizes the chance of successful outcomes and minimizes the frequency of (and liability for) malpractice.
A detailed surface reaction mechanism for CO oxidation on Pt

A detailed surface reaction mechanism for oxidation of CO on polycrystalline Pt surfaces, capable of predicting various available experimental features, has been developed using a multistep methodology. First, thermodynamically consistent, coverage-dependent activation energies and heats of reactions were derived from the application of the unity bond index-quadratic exponential potential formulation. Next, initial estimates of pre-exponentials were obtained from transition state theory or available experiments. Important feature identification analysis was performed to determine key reaction parameters for each experiment. Model responses were then parameterized in terms of these important parameters by simple polynomials and factorial design techniques and subsequently used in simultaneous optimization through simulated annealing against different sets of literature and new experimental data from our laboratory. Model validation with independent experiments shows that the proposed surface reaction mechanism performs very well. The potential of our approach for developing surface reaction mechanisms for catalytic combustion of more complex fuels is also discussed.
Development of an asthma disease management program in a children's hospital.

The incidence, morbidity, and mortality of asthma have been increasing at an alarming rate, making asthma the most common chronic illness of childhood. An asthma disease management program was developed to improve the care and management of patients with asthma—a comprehensive health care delivery model that was designed to improve the management of patients with asthma was designed and implemented. The goal of the program was to provide high-quality interventions for those children diagnosed with asthma. The asthma disease management program at Children’s Mercy Hospital improved the care received, decreased costs, and improved the quality of life for those children with asthma.
Environmental exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus allergen (Asp f I)

Asp f I is a major allergen produced by the mycelia of Aspergillus fumigatus. It is not present in spores and can be used as a specific marker for the detection of germination of this fungus. We investigated the domestic and outdoor concentration of Asp f I in Poole, U.K. and Charlottesville, VA, U.S.A. Asp f I was undetectable in 95% (281/296) of house dust extracts and present at low levels (< 0.17 micrograms/g of sieved dust, mean 0.038 micrograms/g) in the remainder. In contrast, Asp fI could be detected in 65% (15/23) of cultures of house dust, suggesting the presence of viable, but ungerminated, A. fumigatus in the majority of homes. Asp f I was detectable in 80% (28/35) of extracts of leaves and compost, but present in these outdoor samples at low levels (< 0.11 micrograms/g, mean 0.27 micrograms/g). Air sampling for Asp f I was undertaken before and after vigorous disturbances at indoor (n = 5) and outdoor (n = 6) sites. Airborne Asp f I was not detected in domestic samples or in undisturbed outdoor samples. Following disturbance it could be measured in outdoor samples (range 7.6-29 ng/m3). The results suggest that while exposure to A. fumigatus is common, exposure to Asp f I and germinating A. fumigatus is uncommon. It is probable that those individuals who develop antibody responses to Asp f I have been exposed to A. fumigatus which has germinated in their respiratory tract.
A metal/oxide tunnelling transistor

We have fabricated a new type of nanometre-scale transistor that operates by using a gate field to modulate the tunnelling probability of electrons through a lateral metal/oxide tunnel junction. Computer simulations predict that such a tunnelling transistor should have operating characteristics similar to those of a Si MOSFET but should be scalable to gate lengths. The device is composed entirely of noncrystalline materials, thus facilitating fabrication on a variety of substrates and multilayer stacking of devices for three-dimensional circuit architectures. Our initial devices have a 40 nm wide tunnel junction on top of a planar buried gate. Application of gate bias results in an order of magnitude modulation of the source-drain tunnelling current at 77 K. However, the device transconductance is smaller than predicted by modelling, which we attribute to the gate field not fully penetrating to the active region of the tunnel junction.
Unstable Components and Paleomagnetic Evidence for a Geomagnetic Polarity Transition

Part of a section of Miocene lavas in southeastern Oregon has been observed to possess natural remanent magnetism (NRM) superficially consistent, in both direction and intensity of magnetization, with the existence of a geomagnetic polarity transition contemporaneous with initial cooling of the lavas. Investigation of unstable magnetic components and other appropriate properties reveals, however, that the critical NRM is a function of petrological and not geomagnetic field properties. The occurrence of maghemite and unoxidized ilmenite lamellae in titanomagnetite are strongly associated with the systematic magnetic instability. The creation of high magnetic stability in the lavas concerned, by natural secondary oxidizing processes, could possibly result in convincing but totally misleading evidence for a Miocene geomagnetic polarity transition.
THE PENDULUM AUTOMATON

As dynamical models, cellular automata sometimes provide compelling alternatives to differential equations. In addition to rapid simulations, their stylized dynamics may elucidate the essence of the underlying physics. In this Letter, we demonstrate the efficacy with which cellular automata can model spatiotemporal nonlinear dynamics. We explicitly construct and carefully test an automaton that faithfully simulates an array of slowly torqued, heavily damped pendulums. This example is representative of a variety of systems having two time scales (slow driving followed by fast readjustment) that naturally discretize in the singular limit where the ratio of the time scales vanishes.
Young Investigator Perspectives. A delicate balance: career development activities and laboratory research

Peter Mittwede is a sixth-year MD/PhD student pursuing a career as a surgeon-scientist. His current research focuses on organ injury after orthopedic trauma in obese rats. He hopes to pursue a career combining translational research, clinical practice, and teaching. Thanks to Peter for a thoughtful
Farm pond restoration using Chara vulgaris vegetation

Four aged Madison County, New York farm ponds were selected to see if various treatments could be used to restore the water quality. One pond was untreated and used as a control; another pond was partially drained and exposed to the drying and oxidizing effects of the air over the fall and winter; the other two ponds were drained and the accumulated sediment removed by bulldozing. In these latter two ponds, Chara vulgaris vegetation was inoculated following the restoration process. C. vulgaris growth rapidly became the dominant producer where this inoculation was accomplished in the fall of 1976, and it is expected that the other pond will also become a C. vulgaris pond in 1978 — after its oogonia have undergone the requisite winter dormancy period. Early C. vulgaris growth was found to be associated with clear water conditions and lessened phytoplankton growth; short, bushy, light-inhibited growth by the algae stabilized the bottom against wind-caused turbidity because of its rhizoidal growth within the substrate. Pioneer C. vulgaris growth was also found to be highly productive, significantly lowering the pond's CO2 readings. Investigators of aquatic systems are cautioned to be cognizant of the effect of epiphytic growth on successional events in such environments. Such epiphytes are surely important, if not prime, causes of the demise of various aquatic macrophytes. The partial draining and exposing of a pond over the fall and winter did not yield significantly improved water conditions.
Study of crosstalk propagation in all-optical networks using perturbation theory

In high-speed all-optical networks, nodes are able to switch signals in the optical domain, without any electronic conversion or signal regeneration. These networks are prone to optical leaks (crosstalk) within the switches. Because of the lack of regeneration, crosstalk can propagate over very long distances along with legitimate signals. In this work, we consider the interplay between fiber nonlinearity and crosstalk signals over long distance as the source of performance degradation, measured in terms of Q factor. We present an analytical crosstalk model for all-optical networks and give expressions for the performance degradation resulting from the joint propagation of a signal and crosstalk in large networks. This analytical technique uses a continuous wave assumption and is based on perturbation theory. Analytical calculations required by this model are much less computationally intensive than simulations. Simulations are carried out to validate our analytical model and good agreement is found between the analytical model and simulations.
Analysis of short-term and long-term characteristics of PV power production

Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy has one of the fastest growth among renewable energies, reaching an installed capacity of 100 GW in year 2012, mainly due by the cost reduction of PV panels. However, one of the main disadvantages of this kind of energy source is their highly variability. The main source of variability is, of course, the day/night cycle. Nevertheless, short-term effects such as cloud shadowing and supply interruptions and long-term effects such as dust accumulation, seasonal variation and ageing of panels will also appear as sources of variability. The combined effect of all these variability sources makes the analysis of the power production data very complex. The reliability and accuracy of this data analysis could becomes significant because it is required to expand the PV plant size, to design a new one, to incorporate energy storage for power smoothing or to economically evaluate the PV system. This work presents a methodology to obtain statistically consistent data from a PV plant, in order to evaluate all the mentioned effects separately. The method is based on the correlation of PV power production data with an ideal value of solar power obtained from geographical and astronomical data. The proposed methodology is applied to data obtained from a PV plant located in northern Chile.
TRANSVERSE AND LONGITUDINAL HEAT FLOW IN A LASER-HEATED MAGNETICALLY CONFINED PLASMA.

Abstract A fully ionized magnetically confined arc plasma is heated with CO 2 -laser radiation. Heat propagation along and across the magnetic field is measured.
Antenna sheaths in a dusty plasma

The region of charge nonneutrality surrounding a metal antenna that is inserted in an infinite homogeneous plasma is called a plasma sheath. Sheaths form in several time scales that are determined by the electron and the ion plasma periods until an eventual steady-state Langmuir sheath forms. This article describes the sheaths surrounding an antenna in a dusty plasma consisting of electrons, ions, and heavy dust particles to which electrons have attached themselves. Such a plasma is found in active comets and in the rings surrounding several planets in the solar system and in rings around mature stars.
The role of basiliximab induction therapy in organ transplantation

Basiliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the alpha-subunit (CD25) of IL-2 receptors on the surface of activated T lymphocytes, and is a highly effective prophylaxis agent against rejection in organ transplant recipients. Its pharmacokinetic profile is characterized by a biphasic and slow clearance with long terminal half-life and a volume of distribution within the central compartment and outside the circulatory system. Basiliximab induction demonstrated an excellent safety profile, with no increase in the incidence of malignancy, infections or death. It has also been used effectively in high-risk recipients, steroid-sparing and steroid-minimization protocols, and in post-transplant patients with renal dysfunction who would benefit from delayed introduction of calcineurin inhibitors. Basiliximab induction therapy given at days 0 and 4 after transplantation appears to be safe and cost-effective for immunoprophylaxis in solid organ transplant recipients, specifically in kidney and liver transplantation, when given in conjunction with dual or triple immunosuppressive therapy.
Hormones and Infanticide

Jonathan Swift, in his essay “A Modest Proposal for Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland from Being a Burden to Their Parents or Country, and for Making Them Beneficial to the Public,” satirically suggested that the young of the poor be eaten. “I have been assured,” he wrote, “by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee or a ragout.”
Dectin-2 mediates Th2 immunity through the generation of cysteinyl leukotrienes

The innate signaling pathways for Th2 immunity activated by inhaled antigens are not well defined. We previously identified Dectin-2 as a receptor for glycans in allergen extracts from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) that mediates cysteinyl leukotriene (cys-LT) generation from pulmonary CD11c+ cells and from GM-CSF–cultured bone marrow cells (BMCsGM-CSF). Using lentiviral knockdown of Dectin-2 in BMCsGM-CSF and adoptive transfer of Df-pulsed BMCsGM-CSF to sensitize naive mice, we now report that Dectin-2 is critical for the development of Df-elicited eosinophilic and neutrophilic pulmonary inflammation and Th2 cytokine generation in the lungs and restimulated lymph nodes. Sensitization with Df-pulsed BMCsGM-CSF from LTC4 synthase (LTC4S)–deficient mice or type 1 cys-LT receptor (CysLT1R)–deficient mice demonstrated that both proteins were required for Df-elicited eosinophilic pulmonary inflammation and Th2 cytokine generation in the lungs and restimulated lymph nodes. Direct sensitization and challenge of Ltc4s−/− and Cysltr1−/− mice confirmed that cys-LTs mediate these parameters of Df-elicited Th2 pulmonary inflammation. Thus, the Dectin-2–cys-LT pathway is critical for the induction of Th2 immunity to a major allergen, in part through CysLT1R. These findings identify a previously unrecognized link between a myeloid C-type lectin receptor and Th2 immunity.