cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact response of restrained PMHS in frontal sled tests: skeletal deformation patterns under seat belt loading

This study evaluated the response of restrained post-mortem human subjects (PMHS) in 40 km/h frontal sled tests. Eight male PMHS were restrained on a rigid planar seat by a custom 3-point shoulder and lap belt. A video motion tracking system measured three-dimensional trajectories of multiple skeletal sites on the torso allowing quantification of ribcage deformation. Anterior and superior displacement of the lower ribcage may have contributed to sternal fractures occurring early in the event, at displacement levels below those typically considered injurious, suggesting that fracture risk is not fully described by traditional definitions of chest deformation. The methodology presented here produced novel kinematic data that will be useful in developing biofidelic human models. Additional analysis of the data produced by the reported tests as well as additional tests with a variety of loading conditions are required to fully characterize torso response including ribcage fracture tolerance.
Method for Designing Hybrid Airfoils for Icing Wind-Tunnel Tests

The certification of modern commercial aircraft requires manufacturers to demonstrate flight safety under various scenarios, including icing conditions. Although computational tools play a key role...
Lowering Portfolio Risk with Corporate Social Responsibility

This article examines the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR), as measured by the Kinder, Lydenberg, and Domini Research and Analytics Inc. (KLD) data, and the likelihood that a firm experiences an extreme return in a given year. An extreme-return firm is defined as one that has a return either in the top or bottom 3% of all firms with CSR data. The authors find CSR is negatively related to the likelihood of a firm experiencing an extreme return. Accounting for this negative relationship significantly improves a model used to predict future extreme returns. Finally, they form two portfolios: one with all firms with CSR data and one with all firms with CSR data except those firms with the highest predicted probability of extreme returns in the following year. Our results indicate that the returns for the two portfolios are nearly identical. However, the standard deviation of the portfolio excluding likely extreme movers is 3% lower than the portfolio with all firms. Thus, this simple portfolio strategy incorporating CSR has the potential to lower risk without impacting return.
Donors after Circulatory Death at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Potential for Increased Volume in Cardiac Transplantation

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential donor pool expansion that could occur through implementing a strategy for donors after circulatory death (DCD) heart transplantation. Methods A retrospective review of the Wisconsin Donor Network Organ Procurement (WIDN OPO) database between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2017 was completed. The DCD population (n = 54) was stratified between high, moderate, and low risk via point analysis, based on previously published risk assessment tools. High risk features included advanced age, prolonged warm ischemic time or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, evidence of myocardial dysfunction, or active infection. Potential donors with prior cardiac history, mechanical circulatory support, age greater than 60, or active malignancy were excluded. For DCD donors with incomplete cardiac data, we assumed the percentage of normal cardiac function and biomarkers to resemble donors after brain death. Results Over two years the WIDN OPO had a total of 499 solid organ transplants from 172 donors, with 54 DCD referrals, 46 DCD going to transplant, and 15 local to Froedtert Hospital. Of the 54 DCD referrals, 28% (n = 15) had a complete cardiac evaluation with two donors falling into moderate risk category. Seventy-two percent (n = 39) of DCD donors did not have complete cardiac data prior to donation, and risk stratification of remaining variables revealed 35% low risk (n = 19), 31% moderate risk (n = 11), and 18% high risk (n = 10). Given 87% of brain death donors have normal echocadiograms and cardiac biomarkers, and applying that to the DCD donor population with incomplete cardiac data, 28% (n = 14) and 16% (n = 9) fell into the low and moderate risk categories respectively. Conclusion Instituting a DCD program for the WIDN OPO may yield a 21% increase, or an additional 19 heart transplants categorized as low risk based on traditional high risk features.
Isolation of nanobodies against Xenopus embryonic antigens using immune and non-immune phage display libraries

The use of Xenopus laevis as a model for vertebrate developmental biology is limited by a lack of antibodies specific for embryonic antigens. This study evaluated the use of immune and non-immune phage display libraries for the isolation of single domain antibodies, or nanobodies, with specificities for Xenopus embryonic antigens. The immune nanobody library was derived from peripheral blood lymphocyte RNA obtained from a llama immunized with Xenopus gastrula homogenates. Screening this library by immunostaining of embryonic tissues with pooled periplasmic material and sib-selection led to the isolation of several monoclonal phages reactive with the cytoplasm and nuclei of gastrula cells. One antigen recognized by a group of nanobodies was identified using a reverse proteomics approach as nucleoplasmin, an abundant histone chaperone. As an alternative strategy, a semi-synthetic non-immune llama nanobody phage display library was panned on highly purified Xenopus proteins. This proof-of-principle approach isolated monoclonal nanobodies that specifically bind Nuclear distribution element-like 1 (Ndel1) in multiple immunoassays. Our results suggest that immune and non-immune phage display screens on crude and purified embryonic antigens can efficiently identify nanobodies useful to the Xenopus developmental biology community.
Electrically polarized TiO2 nanotubes on Ti implants to enhance early-stage osseointegration.

Abstract Ti is characteristically bioinert and is supplemented with modifications in surface topography and chemistry to find use in biomedical applications. The aim of this study is to understand the effects of surface charge on TiO2 nanotubes (TNT) on Ti implants towards early stage osseointegration. We hypothesize that charge storage on TNT will improve bioactivity and enhance early-stage osseointegration in vivo. Commercially pure Ti surface was altered by growing TNT via anodic oxidation followed by the introduction of surface charge through electrothermal polarization to form bioelectret. Our results indicate a stored charge of 37.15 ± 14 mC/cm2 for TNT surfaces. The polarized TNT (TNT-Ps) samples did not show any charge leakage up to 18 months, and improved wettability with a measured contact angle less than 1°. No cellular toxicity through osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in vitro were shown by the TNT-Ps. Enhanced new bone formation at 5 weeks post-implantation for the TNT-Ps in contrast to TNTs was observed in vivo. Histomorphometric analyses show ∼40% increase in mineralized bone formation around the TNT-P implants than the TNTs at 5 weeks, which is indicative of accelerated bone remodeling cycle. These results show that stored surface charge on TiO2 nanotubes helped to accelerate bone healing due to early-stage osseointegration in vivo. Statement of Significance To improve surface bioactivity of metallic biomaterials, various approaches have been proposed and implemented. Among them, stored surface charge has been explored to enhance biological responses for hydroxyapatite ceramics where charged surfaces show favorable bone tissue ingrowth. However, surface charge effects have not yet been explored as a way to mitigate bio-inertness of titanium. This study intends to understand novel integration of bioactive titania-nanotubes and charge storage as surface modification for titanium implants. Our results show excellent biological response due to surface charge on titania-nanotubes offering possibilities of faster healing particularly for patients with compromised bone health.
Thyroglossal cyst at unusual site: a rare case presentation

Thyroglossal duct cyst is a congenital lesion in the anterior side of neck which results from embryonic remnant of the descending thyroglossal duct. It may get enlarge by infection, inflammation or mucous retention but can be found anywhere in the midline from the base of the tongue to thyroid gland. Most commonly it is present infrahyoid only. In this case, it is present at an unusual site at suprasternal region. A young male presented in the OPD with a single, non-tender swelling in the midline at suprasternal region, almost reaching upto superior mediastinum. After radiological examination and histopathological excision biopsy, it came out to be thyroglossal cyst. No recurrence had occurred.
The Primer: Bracing Nigerian Trading Ecosystem for the Future

The fourth industrial revolution or the ‘Digital Industrial Revolution’ or ‘Industry 4.0’ or ‘4IR’ refers to the ongoing global conversion of labour-intensive manufacturing processes towards incorporating robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, customer service personalization and other forms of digital innovation. Although Nigeria is currently experiencing slow growth rates, all signs point to the country experiencing steady GDP growth through the 2020s. Based on this background, the purpose of this article is to provide a primer on the role that digitalization may play in Nigeria’s economic trajectory, and its implications on economy-wide deployment of digital trade facilitation.
Three Strikes and You're Out… Maybe: "Violent Felonies" and the Armed Career Criminal Act in United States v. Vann

On October 11, 2011, in United States v. Vann, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, sitting en banc, held that Torrell Vann’s three prior indecent liberties convictions were not violent felonies under the federal Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA). In so doing, the per curiam majority attempted to interpret the vague residual clause of the ACCA and concluded that taking improper liberties or committing lewd acts on the body of a child were not the type of convictions worthy of the fifteen-year mandatory minimum prison sentence mandated by the ACCA. This Comment argues that the time has come for Congress to amend the ACCA or for the U.S. Supreme Court to declare it void for vagueness, because an individual’s liberty cannot rest upon ad hoc judicial conjectures.
Cybersecurity Analysis and Improvement of Bilinear Systems Against False Data Injection Attacks

Cyber security becomes one of the major concerns for a broad range of cyber-physical systems (CPS's). In this paper, the CPS is modeled as a stochastic bilinear system with the extended Kalman filter used as the monitoring system to detect the attack. And the conditions of undetectable False Data Injection (FDI) are also derived to evaluate the impact to the system. This work gives a general analysis on the design criteria to improve the security of such bilinear CPS's. Finally, a boost converter is used in a case study which is modeled a typical bilinear system under cyber attacks. This work could provide useful insights into enhancing the power grid resiliency against potential cyber attacks.
Effects of IQ and Adaptive Behavior on Assessment and Treatment in Dual Diagnosis

This chapter focuses on the impact dual disorders have on the interpretation of measures of intelligence and adaptive behavior in the assessment of intellectual disabilities (ID). The degree of diversity in etiology and associated medical, psychiatric, and social features in this population presents numerous diagnostic and intervention planning challenges for practitioners. An overview of contemporary theory and measures used to assess intellectual capacities and adaptive behavior in children, adolescents, and adults is offered. Diagnostic and clinical implications associated with selecting and interpreting these instruments for use with this population are also explored. Recommendations for practical considerations and adaptations are offered.
Intranasal Ketamine as an Adjunct to Fentanyl for the Prehospital Treatment of Acute Traumatic Pain: Design and Rationale of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Acute pain management is fundamental in prehospital trauma care. Early pain control may decrease the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain. Fentanyl and ketamine...
Implementation of a Protocol Using the 5-Item Brief Alcohol Withdrawal Scale for Treatment of Severe Alcohol Withdrawal in Intensive Care Units.

Background:There is variation in the treatment of patients with severe alcohol withdrawal and a need for effective protocols. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of a sympt...
Motivate-to-move: development of an intervention promoting parental adherence to early power mobility programs

Parental/caregiver adherence has been identified as a barrier to implementation of early power mobility programs. Motivational interviewing (MI) may help in addressing this barrier. Two scoping rev...
Hoover at 100: By Way of Context

This brief overview offers some centennial reflections on Hoover collectors and key collections, Hoover exhibitions and publications.
Multicycle Testing of Commercial Coin Cells for Buffering of Harvested Energy for the IoT

The sensors and microprocessor radios of the Internet of Things require power and one possibility is a hybrid source consisting of energy harvesting coupled with a rechargeable battery. This article concerns a system with a low, but near constant, supply of harvested energy that is sufficient to slowly charge a battery, which buffers that energy and can then supply the higher power level necessary at data transmission. The cycle life of the battery is then significant and this article describes the cycling of a commercial lithium coin cell, Panasonic ML2020, for a small depth of discharge. Initial work was on a Bio-Logic battery tester and cells were successfully tested, without failure, for a few million cycles at a very shallow depth of discharge. Thereafter a battery tester was developed, based on the Particle Photon, that was much less expensive than a channel of a commercial battery tester. Four cells have been cycled, using this tester, for more than 50 million times with no deterioration in performance evident. Capacitors and an NiMH cell are being similarly tested.
“Same Old Stories”: The Black Male in Social Science and Educational Literature, 1930s to the Present

Background/ContextOver the last three decades, considerable attention has been given to the social and educational conditions of Black males. Such observations have led to the accusation that Black...
Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network on the Trajectory Computing of Direct Dynamics Simulation

This direct dynamics simulation is widely used in quantitative structure-activity relationship, virtual screening, protein structure prediction, quantum chemistry, materials design, property prediction, etc. This paper explores the idea of integrating long short-term memory (LSTM) with the trajectory computing of direct dynamics simulations to enhance the performance of the simulation and to improve its usability for research and education. The idea is successfully used to predict the location, energy, and Hessian of atoms in a CO2 reaction system. The results demonstrate that the artificial neural network-based memory model successfully learns the desired features associated with the atomic trajectory and rapidly generates predictions that are in excellent agreement with the results from chemistry dynamics simulations. The accuracy of the prediction is better than expected.
Groundwater Pollution Resulting from Disposal of Pyritic Coal Wastes

Abstract Coal-cleaning refuse, like, most other sulfide-bearing mineral wastes, is capable of oxidizing and producing very poor quality leachates, containing high concentrations of acidity, sulfate, and dissolved metals. Hydrologic and water quality monitoring at an abandoned refuse disposal site in southwestern Illinois was conducted six months prior to and four years following grading, liming, covering, and revege-tating the site. Although the coal refuse lay unreclaimed at the site for over 50 years, contamination of groundwater from acid leachates was not detected more than 150 m from the gob pile. The hydraulic conductivity was low enough and the neutralizing capacity of the underlying calcareous, silty-clay till was great enough to prevent further subsurface migration of the acid leachates. The effects of the 1977 site reconstruction on groundwater was monitored using 47 piezometers and 16 residential wells. Rapid acidification of parts of the basal portion of the graded refuse and underlying till were observed. However, some improvements have occurred in this area since 1979. Water quality in the slurry disposal area has improved significantly since reclamation and is now approaching ambient groundwater quality.
Communications track for systems engineering majors

The Weapons and Systems Engineering Department at the United States Naval Academy offers an undergraduate degree in Systems Engineering (Controls) to approximately 100 midshipmen annually. Fourth year students are allowed to specialize by taking a two-course track chosen from several areas of interest. Our communications track is one of these areas. The communication track integrates signal analysis and processing methods, and modern communication systems operation principles through hands-on laboratory experience and computer simulation. The uniqueness of this track is that it is offered to students that do not have traditional electrical engineering background. The paper details our experience in teaching modern communication systems to undergraduate systems engineering majors.
Coil Array Design for Parallel Imaging: Theory and Applications

Basic principles of radiofrequency coil array design for parallel imaging are described, and illustrated in practice. Because parallel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques rely upon the spatial distribution of coil sensitivity patterns to provide spatial information about the field of view to be imaged, a careful choice of array design is essential. Both qualitative perspectives and formal descriptions of spatial encoding in parallel imaging are outlined, along with basic principles of noise propagation and signal-to-noise behavior, both for particular coil arrays and at the theoretical limits of performance. Considerations essential to effective array design for parallel MR applications are then reviewed, and particular case studies involving high-performance head arrays are used to demonstrate the practical application of these principles. Potential complications encountered during the experimental evaluation of coil array performance are discussed, and the results of particular comparisons are presented. Finally, various classes of application-targeted array designs are identified, and selected tips regarding array troubleshooting are provided. This review is intended to assist coil designers in the effective design of coil arrays intended for parallel MR applications. It may also serve to provide insight into how arrays are currently used for parallel MRI and to place in context new innovations to come. Keywords: coil arrays; parallel imaging; principles; RF coils; parallel MRI; spatial encoding
Robustness of spatial micronetworks

Power lines, roadways, pipelines, and other physical infrastructure are critical to modern society. These structures may be viewed as spatial networks where geographic distances play a role in the functionality and construction cost of links. Traditionally, studies of network robustness have primarily considered the connectedness of large, random networks. Yet for spatial infrastructure, physical distances must also play a role in network robustness. Understanding the robustness of small spatial networks is particularly important with the increasing interest in microgrids, i.e., small-area distributed power grids that are well suited to using renewable energy resources. We study the random failures of links in small networks where functionality depends on both spatial distance and topological connectedness. By introducing a percolation model where the failure of each link is proportional to its spatial length, we find that when failures depend on spatial distances, networks are more fragile than expected. Accounting for spatial effects in both construction and robustness is important for designing efficient microgrids and other network infrastructure.
The phenomenological representation of K-nucleon scattering and reaction amplitudes

Abstract An explicit parametrization of the K -N scattering and reaction amplitudes, satisfying the unitarity conditions and including the implications of timereversal invariance, is given in terms of the elements of a suitably-defined reaction (or K -) matrix. Plausible approximations then lead to the formulas of a “zero-range” theory, an extension of that introduced by Jackson et al. , in which all the low-energy K N cross sections are expressed in terms of two complex scattering amplitudes ( A 0 , A 1 ), a phase angle φ t and a real parameter ϵ. The zero-energy and 175 Mev/ c | K − - p data allow four possible sets ( a ±), ( b ±) of these parameters; the Coulomb-nuclear interference in K − - p scattering favors ( a +) and ( b +). The most important qualitative conclusion based on this formalism is that the data indicates that the KYN coupling is so strong that perturbative methods are in general quite inadequate for the calculation of K -particle processes. The relationship of pion-hyperon ( πY ) scattering cross sections with the K N data is discussed in detail and it is shown that the parameter sets ( a −) or ( b −) would require the existence of a πY resonant state not far below the K − - p threshold. After determination of expressions for the K N → πY amplitudes, the energy dependence of the Σ − Σ + and Λ Σ 0 ratios are discussed, together with some remarks on the K − p → Λππ cross section. The Coulomb corrections to the nuclear K -matrix elements are derived, as well as the modification of the corresponding T -matrix elements by the K − − K o mass difference through the unitarity condition. These corrections are far from negligible and lead to appreciable modification of the parameter sets ( a ±), ( b ±). Each of these sets fits the Σ − Σ + ratios at zero energy and in the range 100–200 Mev/ c ; the ( a +) and ( b −) sets require a strong upward cusp in this ratio at the K 0 -n threshold, the ( a −) and ( b +) sets a downward S-shaped cusp. Taking all the present data together, the ( a +) set appears favored. A brief discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the K -matrix formalism is given in the Appendix.
Inverse optimal boundary control for mixing in magnetohydrodynamic channel flows

A nonlinear Lyapunov-based boundary control law is proposed for mixing enhancement in a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) channel flow, also known as Hartmann flow. This flow is characterized by an electrically conducting fluid moving between parallel plates in presence of an externally imposed transverse magnetic field. The system is described by the MHD equations, a combination of the Navier-Stokes equation and the Maxwell equations under the so-called MHD approximation. Micro-jets and pressure and magnetic field sensors embedded into the walls of the flow domain are considered in this work to find a feedback control law that is optimal with respect to a cost functional related to mixing measure.
Properties of Germinating Spores of Dictyostelium discoideum

The process of spore germination in Dictyostelium discoideum consists of three sequential stages: activation of dormant spores, swelling of activated spores, and emergence of myxamoebae from swollen spores. Dormant and activated spores are resistant to heating, freezing, or drying. Drying and freezing, moreover, may maintain the activated state until the spores are returned to normal conditions. Low temperature incubation after heat shock or the presence of an autoinhibitor will return activated spores to the dormant state. The entire spore germination process is aerobic, being inhibited at any point by oxygen deprivation or respiratory poisons. Each spore of this social organism appears to germinate at its own rate and independent of the other spores in the suspension.
Testing and older persons: A new challenge for counselors

This article discusses factors affecting test selection, client needs and characteristics in future test construction, and assessment research needs in relation to older persons.
Relational Database of Treatment Planning System Information

The purpose of the present work was to develop a relational database and associated applications to facilitate retrospective review of data present in radiation treatment plans. The data source was a commercial radiation treatment planning system (Pinnacle 3 , Philips Medical Systems, Milpitas CA), which is specifically characterized by an open data storage format and internal scripting capability. The database is an open-source, relational database (PostgreSQL, PostgreSQL Global Development Group, http://www.postgresql.org ) . The data is presented through a web interface in addition to being fully query-accessible using standard tools. A database schema was created to organize the large collection of parameters used to generate treatment plans as well as the parameters that characterized these plans. The system was implemented through a combination of the treatment planning system’s internal scripting language and externally executed code. Data is exported in a way that is transparent to the user, through integration into an existing and routinely-used process. The system has been transparently incorporated into our radiation treatment planning workflow. The website-based database interface has allowed users with minimal training to extract information from the database.
Optoelectronic exclusive-OR using phototransistors and vertical cavity lasers

This paper presents an experimental demonstration of two exclusive-OR (XOR) optoelectronic circuits that utilizes VCSELs as the output devices and heterojunction phototransistors (HPTs) as input detectors. One of the circuits realizes the XOR function (Q=A. >
Experimental comparison of a Shack–Hartmann sensor and a phase-shifting interferometer for large-optics metrology applications

We performed a direct side-by-side comparison of a Shack-Hartmann wave-front sensor and a phase-shifting interferometer for the purpose of characterizing large optics. An expansion telescope of our own design allowed us to measure the surface figure of a 400-mm-square mirror with both instruments simultaneously. The Shack-Hartmann sensor produced data that closely matched the interferometer data over spatial scales appropriate for the lenslet spacing, and much of the <20-nm rms systematic difference between the two measurements was due to diffraction artifacts that were present in the interferometer data but not in the Shack-Hartmann sensor data. The results suggest that Shack-Hartmann sensors could replace phase-shifting interferometers for many applications, with particular advantages for large-optic metrology.
The m.3243A>G mtDNA mutation is pathogenic in an in vitro model of the human blood brain barrier

MELAS is a common mitochondrial disease frequently associated with the m.3243A>G point mutation in the tRNA(Leu(UUR)) of mitochondrial DNA and characterized by stroke-like episodes with vasogenic edema and lactic acidosis. The pathogenic mechanism of stroke and brain edema is not known. Alterations in the blood brain barrier (BBB) caused by respiratory chain defects in the cortical microvessels could explain the pathogenesis. To test this hypothesis we developed a tissue culture model of the human BBB. The MELAS mutation was introduced into immortalized brain capillary endothelial cells and astrocytes. Respiratory chain activity and transendothelial electrical resistance, TEER was measured. Severe defects of respiratory chain complex I and IV activities, and a moderate deficiency of complex II activity in cells harboring the MELAS mutation were associated with low TEER, indicating that the integrity of the BBB was compromised. These data support our hypothesis that respiratory chain defects in the components of the BBB cause changes in permeability.
Progress and Standardization in Eye Movement Work with Human Infants.

(2004). Progress and Standardization in Eye Movement Work With Human Infants. Infancy: Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 257-265.
Multivariate Generalizability Analysis of Three Measures of Career Indecision

A persons x occasions multivariate generalizability analysis was done separately for males (n = 90) and females (n = 173) by using the Career Decision Scale (Osipow, 1980), My Vocational Situation (Holland, Draiger, and Power, 1980), and the Vocational Decision Scale (Jones, 1977). The estimated variance components for persons tended to be larger for females than for males and largest, regardless of sex, for the My Vocational Situation scale. The non-zero variance components for the occasions facet indicated that error variance attributable to total score instability across testing occasions was present for all three scales to about the same degree. The non-zero covariances for the occasions facet indicated that the occasion on which higher total scores were obtained on one scale was likely to be the same occasion on which higher scores were obtained on the other two scales. That this covarying was more apparent for males than for females suggested that males may perceive career indecision as a general co...
Directed forgetting in the list method affects recognition memory for source.

The effects of list-method directed forgetting on recognition memory were explored. In Experiment 1 (N = 40), observers were instructed to remember words and their type-cases; in Experiment 2 (N = 80), the instruction was to remember words and their colours. Two lists of 10 words were presented; after the first list, half of the observers (forget) were instructed to forget that list, and the other half (remember) were not given the forget instruction. Recognition of items (words) as well as source (encoding list + case/colour) was measured for forget and remember observers. The forget instruction affected case/colour memory more consistently than item and list memory; a multinomial analysis indicated that source information was affected by the forget instructions. The results indicated that recognition of source information may be a more sensitive indicator of forgetting than recognition of items.
Intractable delirium associated with ziconotide successfully treated with electroconvulsive therapy.

Received August 15, 2001; revised September 25, 2001; accepted October 2, 2001. From the Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Levin, Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, 270-05 76th Ave, New Hyde Park, NY 11040. E-mail: tlevin@lij.edu Copyright 2002 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. Ziconotide is a new class of non-opioid analgesic 1 that selectively blocks the neuron-specific (N-type), voltage-gated calcium channels, preventing the release of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide. A synthetic derivative of the peptide (X-conopeptide-MVIIA, found in the venom of a fish-hunting marine snail, it lacks the side effects of tolerance, respiratory depression, and constipation seen with the opioids. A technique for intrathecal delivery of ziconotide to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, where N-type calcium-receptor sites are concentrated, involves implanting an infusion pump in the anterior abdominal wall with an antibiotic cuffed catheter tunneled subcutaneously and inserted into the intrathecal space via fluoroscopy. We report a case of severe protracted delirium associated with intrathecal ziconotide that required intubation and ventilation for self-protection and that resolved only after treatment with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Influence of particle shape and aspect ratio on thermally activated viscoplastic (time-dependent) response of ceramic (zirconia)–metal (NiCoCrAlY) particulate composites

Abstract The effect of particle shape and aspect ratios on the thermally activated viscoplastic response (time-dependent behavior) of ceramic (zirconia)–metal (NiCoCrAlY) particulate composites is investigated. Finite element analyses are performed using axisymmetric unit-cell models, in which the composite is represented by spherical or cylindrical inclusions of one phase embedded in a matrix of the other. Response of the unit-cell to a high temperature compression creep test is simulated. The effects of inclusion shape on the deformation of the composite are studied. The results show that a composite with spherical inclusions exhibits a softer response that one with cylindrical inclusions. Further, for the case for cylindrical inclusions, the effect of inclusion aspect ratio is investigated and is found to have a significant effect on the overall viscoplastic behavior of the composite. It is observed that the effects of inclusion aspect ratio on the viscoplastic response of the composite depend on the volume fractions of the constituent phases. Further, for a given composition, the influence of inclusion aspect ratio varies with the applied loads and the resulting deformation rate.
Structure-function analysis of muscarinic receptors and their associated G proteins

Each member of the muscarinic receptor family (M1-M5) can interact only with a limited subset of the many structurally closely related heterotrimeric G proteins expressed within a cell. To understand how this selectivity is achieved at a molecular level, we have used the G(i/0)-coupled M2 and the Gq/11-coupled M3 muscarinic receptors as model systems. We developed a genetic strategy involving the coexpression of wild type or mutant muscarinic receptors with hybrid or mutant G protein alpha subunits to identify specific, functionally relevant receptor/G protein contact sites. This approach led to the identification of N- and C-terminal amino acids on alpha(q) and alpha(i) that are critical for maintaining proper receptor/G protein coupling. Moreover, several receptor sites were identified that are likely to be contacted by these functionally critical G alpha residues. To gain deeper insight into muscarinic receptor structure, we recently developed a cysteine disulfide cross-linking strategy, using the M3 muscarinic receptor as a model system. Among other structural modifications, this approach involves the removal of most native cysteine residues by site-directed mutagenesis, the insertion of three factor Xa cleavage sites into the third intracellular loop, and systematic 'reintroduction' of pairs of cysteine residues. Following treatment of receptor-containing membrane preparations with factor Xa and oxidizing agents, disulfide cross-linked products can be identified by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting studies. This approach should greatly advance our knowledge of the molecular architecture of muscarinic and other G protein-coupled receptors.
Theatre as the healing space: Ping Chong's Children of War

AbstractThis paper examines the empowering/re-authoring function of Children of War, a play that was presented in Fairfax, Virginia in December 2002. Children of War is one of the instalments of Undesirable Elements, a community-based oral history series that is the result of a collaboration between Ping Chong and various adults and children. Undesirable Elements has been in development since 1992 in different communities around the world. In the autumn of 2002 Chong worked closely with six young refugees (from Somalia, Sierra Leone, El Salvador, Afghanistan. Kurdistan and Iran) who now live in Northern Virginia, and with a therapist (who is herself a refugee) from the Center for Multicultural Human Services (which co-produced the project). The play comments on both past and current political conflicts in the homeland of each participant, and on the effects those conflicts have on their personal lives. Through monologues and dialogues, it evolves as a woven tapestry of their family histories and of the vi...
A high-resolution magnetic tweezer for single-molecule measurements

Magnetic tweezers (MT) are single-molecule manipulation instruments that utilize a magnetic field to apply force to a biomolecule-tethered magnetic bead while using optical bead tracking to measure the biomolecule’s extension. While relatively simple to set up, prior MT implementations have lacked the resolution necessary to observe sub-nanometer biomolecular configuration changes. Here, we demonstrate a reflection-interference technique for bead tracking, and show that it has much better resolution than traditional diffraction-based systems. We enhance the resolution by fabricating optical coatings on all reflecting surfaces that optimize the intensity and contrast of the interference image, and we implement feedback control of the focal position to remove drift. To test the system, we measure the length change of a DNA hairpin as it undergoes a folding/unfolding transition.
Discrepancies between self- and other-report of psychiatric symptomatology: Effects of dismissing attachment strategies

This study examined the relationship between psychiatric symptomatology and the representations of attachment relationships held by adults with serious psychopathological disorders. Psychiatric symtomatology was assessed by self-report and three sets of expert ratings. Seventy-six persons with serious psychopathological disorders were included as participants. As expected, persons relying on hyperactivating strategies of attachment reported generally more psychiatric symptoms than did those relying on deactivating strategies of attachment. However, the three sets of experts rated persons relying on deactivating strategies as more symptomatic than others. More specifically, interviewers who conducted Quality of Life Interviews rated dismissing subjects as exhibiting looser thinking than others. Interviewers who conducted Attachment Interviews rated dismissing subjects as experiencing more delusions, hallucinations, and suspiciousness, and case managers rated dismissing subjects as generally more psychotic. These findings suggest that, although greater preoccupation with attachment issues is associated with more acknowledgment of distress generally and symptoms specifically, greater reliance on deactivating strategies may be associated with greater symptomatology observed by others.
Sympathetic neurite outgrowth is greater on plaque-poor vs. plaque-rich regions of Alzheimer's disease cryostat sections.

Senile plaques are a characteristic histopathological feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and are associated with altered neuritic morphology. Numerous individual plaque components, most notably β-amyloid, have been studied for their possible effects on neurite outgrowth in culture. However, the effect of senile plaques on neuronal morphology and function is difficult to assess. In the present study, the effect of senile plaques on neurite outgrowth was studied by culturing embryonic chick sympathetic neuronal explants on Alzheimer's tissue sections. Explants were cultured for 3 days on amygdala tissue sections from AD as well as non-AD patients in serum-free medium. Neurite outgrowth on plaque-rich regions was compared with outgrowth on plaque-poor regions of the same tissue section, and with outgrowth on non-AD tissue, through colocalization of the living explants and the underlying plaques. Explants growing on plaque-rich regions showed significantly less neurite outgrowth compared with those on plaque-poor regions in the same section or on control brain tissue. These results suggest that plaques are poor substrates for neurite outgrowth as compared with non-plaque areas of the same tissue sections, and support the hypothesis that components of the senile plaques may inhibit neurite outgrowth.
Chromosome 11 aberrations in small colony L5178Y TKPsu−/− mutants early in their clonal history

Abstract We have developed a cytogenetic technique that allows observation of chromosome rearrangements associated with TK −/− mutagenesis of the L5178Y/TK +/− 3.7.2C cell line early in mutant clonal history. For a series of mutagenic treatments we show that the major proportion (93%) of small-colony (σ) mutants studied have chromosome 11 rearrangements (the chromosome containing the thymidine kinase gene) while large-colony (λ) mutants do not have detectable chromosome rearrangements. In addition, we find among the chromosome abnormalities in σ mutants a significant proportion (34%) with dicentric chromosomes involving chromosome 11. These potentially unstable chromosome rearrangements may help to explain the karyotypic instability and heterogeneity among chromosome 11 aberrations previously noted in σ mutants when they are analyzed later in their clonal history.
High-resolution sunspot observations

A six-hour sequence of observations of the sunspot BB 1680, NOAA 5612 obtained with the 65-cm vacuum reflector on August 2, 1989, is presented. The inflow of penumbral material to the umbra was found to be limited to the inner half of the penumbra. The outer half of the penumbra shows the Evershed effect outward flow extending beyond the penumbra.
TYPE II HYPERPROLINEMIA: CLONING AND EXPRESSION IN YEAST OF cDNAs ENCODING HUMAN Δ 1 -PYRROLINE-5-CARBOXYLATE (P5C) DEHYDROGENASE AND DELINEATION OF MUTATIONS RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPE II HYPERPROLINEMIA (HP II). • 860

TYPE II HYPERPROLINEMIA: CLONING AND EXPRESSION IN YEAST OF cDNAs ENCODING HUMAN Δ 1 -PYRROLINE-5-CARBOXYLATE (P5C) DEHYDROGENASE AND DELINEATION OF MUTATIONS RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPE II HYPERPROLINEMIA (HP II). • 860
Mitogen-induced suppressor factor(s) from human lymphocytes: effects on lymphoid and nonlymphoid cells and biophysical properties.

Abstract Concanavalin A (Con A) or phytohemagglutinin activate a population of human circulating lymphocytes to exert suppressive functions. We found that supernates from the activated human lymphocytes suppress lymphocyte responses to Con A, the mixed lymphocyte reaction and pokeweed mitogen-induced IgM production. Mitogen stimulated suppressor lymphocytes, or their supernates, inhibit also the spontaneous proliferation of human retinoblastoma cells (Y-79 line) and primary cultures of human keratocytes. A correlation was always noted between the levels of inhibitory activities of the lymphocytes and their supernates. Furthermore, a good correlation was found between the levels of inhibition by the supernates of lymphocyte functions (proliferation and IgM production) and of the nonlymphoid cells' proliferation. Some of the properties of this suppressor factor(s) are: (i) produced only by the T-cell population; (ii) appears after 8 hr of Con A stimulation, peaks at 24 to 48 hr and declines later on; (iii) stable at 56 °C and labile to 70 °C; (iv) nondialyzable and present in the 40K–100K dalton fraction of a G-200 Sephadex column; (v) labile to pH 2 treatment.
The Transport of Vortices Through a Turbine Cascade

An experiment was conducted to determine how incident vortices created by upstream blade rows interacted with a downstream turbine cascade. Specifically, the kinematics of the vortex transport through turbine blade passages was investigated. A stationary water table and a flow visualization system using the pH indicator Bromothymol Blue was used to visualize the vortices generated by vortex generators placed upstream of a turbine blade cascade. Two test series were conducted. In the first test series, stationary vortex generators were positioned at various locations along the turbine blade pitch to observe how a steady incident streamwise vortex was transported through the turbine cascade. Observations showed an unsteady vortex response of the streamwise vortex when the incident vortex was located at the stagnation area of the blade. In the second test series, the vortex generators were moved to simulate the relative motion of an upstream blade row. In these tests, the unsteady vortex response was no longer seen at the stagnation region but was instead located at the suction side of the blade. In addition, the breakdown of the vortex varied greatly with the reduced frequency of the incident vorticity and showed an explosive type vortex breakdown that occurred at reduced frequenciesmore » greater than 8. The dissimilar behavior between the stationary and moving incident vortices indicates that losses and leading edge heat transfer could differ to some degree when determined from a stationary test as opposed to a full-stage simulation.« less
In vitro assessment of aortic stent-graft integrity following exposure to Onyx liquid embolic agent.

Purpose Endovascular stent-grafts are increasingly being used for treatment of abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms. Postprocedural complications include development of endoleaks. Recently, an embolic agent known as Onyx has been employed to treat type II endoleaks. Onyx is a biocompatible copolymer dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Although DMSO is known to damage some angiographic catheters, little is known concerning whether this compound damages stent-graft material. The current study was undertaken to directly explore this issue. Materials and Methods Four stent-grafts were evaluated: the Excluder, Zenith, AneuRx, and Talent. Stent-grafts were incubated for 24 hours at 37°C under each of the following conditions: DMSO alone, 50/50 mixture of DMSO/Onyx, mixture of 1 part 50/50 DMSO/Onyx and 9 parts whole blood, and untreated control. Stent-grafts were microdissected into 15-mm sections, after which they were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy. Results No appreciable differences between stent-grafts exposed to DMSO and untreated controls were seen. Although liquid embolic agent was seen coating stent-grafts exposed to a 50/50 mixture of DMSO and Onyx, no evidence of fiber breakdown was noted. Stent-grafts exposed to DMSO/Onyx/whole blood demonstrated a thin coating of clot and Onyx without visual evidence of fiber compromise. Conclusions The current study provides compelling evidence that short-term exposure of endograft material to DMSO, DMSO/Onyx, or DMSO/Onyx/whole blood is not associated with acute structural compromise of four commonly used aortic endografts. Future in vivo studies will help to further establish the safety of this agent.
Peculiar neuroimaging and electrophysiological findings in a patient with biotinidase deficiency

We report a patient with biotinidase deficiency with peculiar findings on her MRI brain. Subcortical cysts combined with Dandy Walker cyst on the brain MRI have never been reported. There are many documented case reports of biotinidase deficiency and several of them have included findings on neuroimaging. Subcortical cysts have been documented in one patient with biotinidase deficiency previously and on autopsy in one other patient. Video EEG on the same patient showed evidence of symptomatic generalized epilepsy.
The Greening of a Business School

Abstract As it did with the diffusion of the quality revolution in the 1970s, business education in the 1990s is lagging behind business practice in embracing the environmental revolution as a competitive reality. To accelerate support for environmental protection, business schools should reshape the prevalently anti-enviromental attitudes of present and future managers by demonstrating through outcome-oriented instruction how “green” can be profitable, particularly in the international arena. In this article, a southeastern university program of envirotech student internships in Latin America is described.