cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic mechanisms underlying regulation of hemoglobin mass

Hemoglobin, the sole carrier of oxygen to tissues, accounts for most cytoplasmic protein of the erythrocyte, an enucleate cell lacking protein synthesizing machinery and with limited energy metabolism. While a number of genetic mechanisms can result in decreased hemoglobin concentration in the blood, this review concentrates on those that lead to increased hemoglobin mass, i.e. polycythemia or erythrocytosis. Polycythemia may be due to a) mutations of the enzyme synthesizing 2, 3 BPG, a metabolic intermediate which regulates hemoglobin-oxygen affinity and thus oxygen delivery, b) mutation of the a or Ý globin genes that increase hemoglobin-oxygen affinity and thus decrease oxygen delivery, and c) mutations of the erythropoietin receptor gene or genes regulating erythropoietin production that lead to increased production of erythrocytes. Primary polycythemias are caused by inherited or acquired somatic mutations affecting the hematopoietic progenitors. In contrast, in secondary polycythemia normal progenitors are activated by external factors present in increased concentration, most commonly erythropoietin. Some hypoxia sensing disorders blur the distinction between primary and secondary polycythemias and may deserve their own category. Most polycythemias are acquired, but both primary and secondary polycythemias may be inherited. In this review we will discuss the genetic heterogeneity of individual responses to hypoxia, and the current understanding of inherited primary and secondary polycythemias.
Character Strengths: Stability and change from a military college education

A service academy military education seeks to develop character. Twenty-four character strengths measured by the Values in Action – Individual Strengths instrument are examined longitudinally to determine effects on character from a service academy education. Significant growth equations were obtained for Citizenship-Teamwork, Hope-Optimism, Fairness, Capacity to Love and be Loved, Appreciation of Beauty, Industry-Perseverance, Zest-Enthusiasm, Spirituality, Creativity, Leadership, Humor-Playfulness, Judgment, and Love of Learning from a mixed models analysis (overall Type 1 error set at .05). Based upon differences expected from a cross-sectional national sample it was inferred that the military college education differentially affected all character strengths except Gratitude, Citizenship-Teamwork, Creativity, Hope-Optimism, Capacity to Love and be Loved, Humor-Playfulness, Perspective, Modesty-Humility, Appreciation of Beauty, and Judgment.
Fabrication of SU-8 Microtowers for a 100-Turn Toroid Inductor

This paper presents a fabrication of extremely thick SU-8 photoresist process in a height range Of $\mathbf{1000}\ \mu \mathbf{m}$ to $\mathbf{2000}\ \mu \mathbf{m}$ high-aspect-ratio microstructures. To differentiate conventional high-aspect-ratio tall structures less than $\mathbf{1000}\ \mu \mathbf{m}$, a new term, microtower, was adopted for the microstructure with a height of $\mathbf{1000}\ \mu \mathbf{m}$ or taller. In fabrication process, to avoid a long softbaking process from the thick photoresist and provide uniform film thickness, an SU-8 dry film was adopted. Ultra-violet (UV) light exposure with an acrylic filter was investigated in terms of transparency of the applicable wavelength spectrum. An array of the $\mathbf{1000}-\mu \mathbf{m}$ tall microtower array was fabricated without the acrylic filter resulting in wavy sidewalls. Whereas an array of $\mathbf{2000}-\mu \mathbf{m}$ tall microtower was fabricated with the acrylic filter resulting straight sidewalls. An array of $\mathbf{1500}-\mu \mathbf{m}$ -long inclined V-pillars was also successfully fabricated by adopting the UV exposure with the acrylic filter, and the fabricated microstructures have potential use as a microfilter in microfluidics. A state-of-art 100-turn toroid inductor was successfully fabricated and electrically characterized resulting an average inductance of 950 nH in the frequency range of 0.1 to 10 MHz. A low-frequency resistance of $\mathbf{5.4}\ \Omega$ at 0.1 MHz and a quality factor of 22 at 60 MHz were measured.
An analysis of morphosyntactic variation in the Old Spanish future and conditional

Abstract The presence of two forms of the future and conditional paradigms in Old Spanish is well-attested. The analytic form, which was marked by a mesoclitic, was more syntactically restricted, while the synthetic form, which surfaced with either a proclitic or an enclitic, was essentially free to appear in any syntactic context. It is notable that the analytic form was only acceptable in contexts in which finite verbs obligatorily hosted enclitics. In this article, I test various morphosyntactic factors to determine the level of variation among the analytic and synthetic future and conditional forms across six centuries of Old Spanish. The factors of verb tense, preverbal constituent, and verb stem morphology significantly affect the emergence of mesoclisis or enclisis, as does the century during which the verb is produced; however, subject expression is not a significant factor.
Ecology and behavior of the Neotropical cryptobiotic ant Basiceros manni (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Basicerotini).

We report here the first detailed observations of a member of the Neotropical genusBasiceros (B. manni), which possesses the largest and anatomically most primitive workers and queens within the ant tribe Basicerotini. 1. Colonies ofBasiceros manni were found nesting in small rotting logs and a leguminous seed pod on the floor of Costa Rican rain forest. The mature colony composition is a single dealate queen and approximately 50 workers. New queens and males eclosed during late March, in the dry season. 2. B. manni workers and queens are cryptically colored to an extreme degree, a condition enhanced by the accumulation of soil and litter particles on the body surface with the aid of a double layer of plumose hairs (fig. 1–3). They are also among the slowest-moving of all ants and “freeze” into immobility for minutes at a time when disturbed. 3. The workers capture a wide diversity of insects, including beetle larvae and (in the laboratory) centipedes, termites, andDrosophila adults. The prey are fed directly to the larvae. So far as known the workers forage singly and do not recruit. 4. Emigration is facilitated by a communication behavior apparently preliminary to adult transport: workers that have encountered suitable nest sites tug at the appendages of nestmates, causing them to search on their own. Workers also carry nestmates to the new sites, but less commonly. 5. The repertory size is unusually small for myrmicine ants. A relatively simple temporal division of labor occurs, with young workers functioning more as nurses and older ones as foragers (fig. 4, tables I, II). The ovaries are maximally developed in the youngest workers, evidently in association with the laying of trophic eggs. Conversely, the poison gland reservoir reaches its greatest size in older workers, in association with increased predatory activity. 6. Overall,B. manni has a behavioral repertory comparable in complexity but not in detail to that ofEurhopalothrix heliscata, the only other basicerotine species studied to date.
Improving Voting for Overseas Citizens, Military Personnel and Their Dependents

US citizens living overseas as well as active duty military personnel have unique and long-standing challenges in exercising their right to register and cast their vote by absentee in US elections—lack of physical mobility, residing in remote areas, varying laws and policies, as well as limited access to voting information and the actual voting process. The complex US overseas election system is further complicated by the administrative role played by all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories. This case study will explore the work of The Council of State Government’s Overseas Voting Initiative from 2014 to 2018 and the initiative’s efforts to improve the voting process for American military personnel, their families, and civilian citizens residing overseas.
LEAF: Logger for ecological and atmospheric factors

Abstract The fields of meteorology, surface- and groundwater hydrology, and forestry are often decoupled despite the fact that they occur simultaneously at the intersection of living systems and the physical environment. In this work, we describe a system that allows concurrent measurement of canopy throughfall, transpiration, air temperature, pressure, and humidity at multiple heights, in addition to soil moisture and several surface water parameters. LEAF is designed to be generalizable to many other hydrology and meteorology applications, and is modular such that it is easily adaptable for use with additional, diverse environmental monitoring sensors. This low-cost, light-weight, solar-powered system is capable of simultaneous streaming telemetry as well as local data logging via SD card.
Conflicts, Confidentiality, and Other Concerns: The Promise and Peril for Lawyers Serving on Corporate Boards

Lawyers serve on corporate boards with ever-increasing frequency. Although bar associations have historically frowned on lawyer-directors serving on client boards, recent research indicates that even with the attendant conflicts, lawyer-directors often significantly increase firm value. This chapter reviews the ethics rules and discusses possible pitfalls as well as steps to reduce the risks associated with board service.
Eccentric and blood flow restriction exercises in women induce hypertrophy

BACKGROUND The purpose of the study was to assess the mechanical and metabolic effects of eccentric (ECC) resistance training and blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise on the elbow flexors in recreationally trained females. METHODS Seventeen females (ECC: 30.0±7.6 years, 165.6±5.4 cm, 67.1±8.5 kg; ECC+BFR: 24.4±2.2 years, 163.7±9.3 cm, 67.6±12.2 kg) were randomized to two groups and trained twice weekly for four weeks. The ECC+BFR group trained at 30% 1-rep max (1-RM), 3x20 repetitions, and the ECC group trained at 60% 1-RM, 3×10 repetitions. The BFR cuff was pressurized to 60% of maximal occlusion. Both groups performed the ECC portion of a bicep curl with assistance to return the arm back to starting position. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate were measured each week. Testing was conducted at baseline and post-training and included: body composition, thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the elbow flexors, arm circumference, bicep curl 1-RM, and inverted rows to exhaustion. RESULTS There was no significant group difference for any of the variables (P>0.05). A training effect was shown with both groups increasing right arm circumference (P=0.004), muscle thickness (P<0.001), CSA (P=0.001), 1-RM for the right (P=0.001) and left arms (P=0.014), and inverted rows (P=0.001). Both groups showed significant decreases in lactate (P=0.047) and RPE (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Females can produce muscular gains with ECC and BFR training similar to previous results seen in males.
What Might Cell Phone-Based Cheating on Tests Mean for Chemistry Education?

The emergence of students using cell phones and particularly the photographic capabilities of smartphones to cheat on exams is noted. The specific threat this form of academic misconduct poses to the ACS Examinations Institute is addressed in particular.
Seasonal variation, temperature, day length, and IVF outcomes from fresh cycles

It is known that delivery rates from spontaneous conception vary according to season which may be due to cultural or environmental factors; however, conflicting data exist regarding whether outcomes from IVF are also seasonally dependent. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that the season at oocyte retrieval is associated with livebirth after fresh transfer. Dates of oocyte retrieval for all autologous cycles in our IVF program between January 2012 and December 2017 were categorized by season. Dates were linked to local temperature (min, max, average) and day length obtained from meteorological records. Average maximum temperature and day length were categorized into tertiles. Multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for age and quadratic age, were used to model odds (aOR) of implantation, clinical pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, and livebirth. Patient characteristics were similar across seasons. As expected, temperature and day length varied by season. When compared with cycles started during winter, there was no difference in the age-adjusted odds of livebirth for the other three seasons (spring: aOR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.82–1.13; summer: aOR: 1.05, 0.90–1.23; fall: aOR: 0.98, 0.84–1.15). There was a positive linear trend between temperature and odds of implantation, and clinical pregnancy (p value, test for linear trend (implantation, p = 0.02; clinical pregnancy, p = 0.01)) but no association with livebirth for temperature or day length. We found that season at oocyte retrieval was not associated with livebirth, contrary to patterns seen in naturally conceived populations. However, our data did suggest modestly higher odds of clinical pregnancy for retrievals in June and July, and that higher temperature at time of retrieval was associated with higher odds of clinical pregnancy but not livebirth.
Abstract 6506: Targeting ATM with AZD1390 for radio-sensitization of glioblastoma patient derived xenografts

The efficacy of standard radiation therapy (RT) in glioblastoma (GBM) is limited, and there is a strong rationale to develop effective radiosensitizing agents. ATM is a key regulator of DNA damage induced by RT, and small molecule ATM inhibitors have shown radio-sensitizing effects in cancer cells, and may improve radio-sensitivity in GBM. Here, we evaluated the brain penetrant ATM inhibitor AZD1390 in combination with RT in GBM cell lines and patient derived xenografts (PDXs). AZD1390 (30 nM and higher) suppressed ionizing radiation-(5 Gy, IR) induced phosphorylation of ATM-Serine1981 and downstream signaling proteins Kap1, Chk2 and H2AX in GBM established cell lines (U251 and U87) and PDX lines (GBM12, GBM39 and GBM43). In cell cycle analysis, 30nM AZD1390 enhanced the IR induced G2/M arrest in U251 (80.6% with AZD1390/IR vs. 64.6% with IR alone, p= 0.01) and PDX lines GBM43 (61.9% vs. 25.7%, p= 0.01) and GBM39 (40.9% vs. 25.4%, p= 0.01). Moreover, in a U251 clonogenic survival assay, AZD1390 sensitized cells to IR-(5 Gy) induced killing (0.24% survival with AZD1390/RT vs. 2.3% with IR alone, P=0.01). For in vivo radiation combination studies, mice with established orthotopic tumors were irradiated to the cerebrum through opposed laterals with a 225 kVp stereotactic animal irradiator. While the hard palate and upper tongue were in the radiation target, the oropharynx and hypopharynx were spared with this radiation set up. A pilot study of RT combined with AZD1390 was evaluated in mice with established U251 orthotopic tumors using cohorts of 5 mice per arm. AZD1390 was given concurrently with conventionally fractionated radiation (2 Gy x 5 fractions) at a dose of 20 mg/kg PO delivered either daily or twice daily, with or without the efflux inhibitor elacridar. RT alone was well tolerated with minimal weight loss but was ineffective (median survival 30 days vs. 33 days in control group, p=0.5). In contrast, all of the RT/AZD1390 treatment arms exhibited enhanced but tolerable weight loss and had significant extension in symptom-free survival that currently extends beyond 65 days (median survival no reached). In conclusion, AZD1390 is an effective radio-sensitizer in vitro, and survival benefit from AZD1390 combined with conventionally fractionated RT in U251 models is encouraging. Further evaluation of efficacy across additional PDX models and careful analysis of the pharmacodynamic effects in tumor vs. normal tissues will be important to understand the therapeutic window for this agent in combination with RT. Citation Format: Jiajia Chen, Shiv K. Gupta, Gaspar J. Kitange, Ann C. Mladek, Brett L. Carlson, Lihong He, Zeng Hu, Katrina K. Bakken, Danielle M. Burgenske, Margaret A. Connors, Jann N. Sarkaria. Targeting ATM with AZD1390 for radio-sensitization of glioblastoma patient derived xenografts [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 6506.
Optimal assignment for the single-household shared autonomous vehicle problem

Abstract Autonomous vehicles have the potential to transform the way people are transported. While driverless technology may mean fewer vehicles are required to transport people to and from their daily activities, such changes may result in increased congestion or total miles traveled. In this study, we solve the single-household shared autonomous vehicle problem to identify cost-optimal routings of vehicles throughout the day. Such a tool will be useful for consumers seeking to minimize cost and for regulators seeking to understand and predict how people may behave in different scenarios. We provide a thorough literature review and construct a mixed-integer linear program to minimize the daily travel cost of a household attending a given set of activities. Since solution time is a determinant for applicability of such a model, we present the model in a component-wise fashion. This approach allows us to understand which features most affect the problem complexity and solution time. We note that modeling carpooling is the feature that most increases time to find an optimal solution, and we therefore propose a novel modeling technique for carpooling two people. We illustrate the performance of our model by comparing it with other models from the literature and note that our model can solve significantly larger problem instances and in a time that is short enough to facilitate real-time scheduling. We also highlight the utility of our model for regulators, who can use it to analyze quickly produced optimal routes under different cost/tax scenarios.
Risky Business: A Mediated Model of Antecedents and Consequences of Presenteeism in Nursing.

Background Nurses are a high-risk group for presenteeism: When one is present at work but not fully engaged. Presenteeism can occur because of multiple work, personal, and event factors and is linked to negative nurse, patient, and organizational outcomes. A model that accounts for the multiple antecedents that lead to presenteeism, as well as its consequences, is needed. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate our proposed presenteeism in nursing model among registered nurses in the United States by examining the fit of the data with the model. Methods Four hundred forty-seven registered nurses who provide direct patient care completed a cross-sectional survey on presenteeism, its antecedents and consequences, and demographics. Structural equation modeling was used to test relationships in the proposed model and overall model fit. Results The presenteeism in nursing model holistically accounted for significant presenteeism antecedents and consequences. There were significant relationships between work environment, perceived stress and work-life balance, and presenteeism. There were also significant relationships between presenteeism and missed care, and burnout. Discussion These relationships align with prior research and identify antecedents and consequences of presenteeism. This model can be used by practitioners and researchers to develop interventions addressing presenteeism to improve health system, nurse, and patient outcomes.
Effect of Cognitive Prehabilitation on the Incidence of Postoperative Delirium Among Older Adults Undergoing Major Noncardiac Surgery: The Neurobics Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance Postoperative delirium in older adults is a common and costly complication after surgery. Cognitive reserve affects the risk of postoperative delirium, and thus preoperative augmentation of reserve as a preventive technique is of vital interest. Objective To determine whether cognitive prehabilitation reduces the incidence of postoperative delirium among older adults. Design, setting, and participants This was a prospective, single-blinded randomized clinical trial conducted from March 2015 to August 2019 at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. Patients 60 years and older undergoing major, noncardiac, nonneurological surgery under general anesthesia, with an expected hospital stay of at least 72 hours, were eligible for trial inclusion. Patients were excluded for preoperative cognitive dysfunction and active depression. Interventions Participation in electronic, tablet-based preoperative cognitive exercise targeting memory, speed, attention, flexibility, and problem-solving functions. Main outcomes and measures The primary outcome was incidence of delirium between postoperative day 0 to day 7 or discharge, as measured by a brief Confusion Assessment Method, Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale, or a structured medical record review. Secondary outcomes compared delirium characteristics between patients in the intervention and control groups. Results Of the 699 patients approached for trial participation, 322 completed consent and 268 were randomized. Subsequently, 17 patients were excluded, leaving 251 patients in the primary outcome analysis. A total of 125 patients in the intervention group and 126 control patients were included in the final analysis (median [interquartile range] age, 67 [63-71] years; 163 women [64.9%]). Ninety-seven percent of the patients in the intervention group completed some brain exercise (median, 4.6 [interquartile range, 1.31-7.4] hours). The delirium rate among control participants was 23.0% (29 of 126). With intention-to-treat analysis, the delirium rate in the intervention group was 14.4% (18 of 125; P = .08). Post hoc analysis removed 4 patients who did not attempt any cognitive exercise from the intervention group, yielding a delirium rate of 13.2% (16 of 121; P = .04). Secondary analyses among patients with delirium showed no differences in postoperative delirium onset day or duration or total delirium-positive days across study groups. Conclusions and relevance The intervention lowered delirium risk in patients who were at least minimally compliant. The ideal activities, timing, and effective dosage for cognitive exercise-based interventions to decrease postoperative delirium risk and burden need further study. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02230605.
Graphite-Based Lithium-Free 3D Hybrid Anodes for High Energy Density All-Solid-State Batteries

All-solid-state lithium batteries often suffer from dendrite-driven shorting. Here, a lithium-free 3D anode design is reported to help address this challenge. Upon controlling the graphite anode an...
Concentration-Dependent Solvation Structure and Dynamics of Aqueous Sulfuric Acid Using Multinuclear NMR and DFT.

Sulfuric acid is a ubiquitous compound for industrial processes, and aqueous sulfate solutions also play a critical role as electrolytes for many prominent battery chemistries. While the thermodynamic literature on it is quite well-developed, comprehensive studies of the solvation structure, particularly molecular-scale dynamical and transport properties, are less available. This study applies a multinuclear nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) approach to the elucidation of the solvation structure and dynamics over wide temperature (-10 to 50 °C) and concentration (0-18 M) ranges, combining the 17O shift, line width, and T1 relaxation measurements, 33S shift and line width measurements, and 1H pulsed-field gradient NMR measurements of proton self-diffusivity. In conjunction, these results indicate a crossover between two regimes of solvation structure and dynamics, occurring above the concentration associated with the deep eutectic point (∼4.5 M), with the high-concentration regime dominated by a strong water-sulfate correlation. This description was borne out in detail by the activation energy trends with increasing concentration derived from the relaxation of both the H2O/H3O+ and H2SO4/HSO4-/SO42-17O resonances and the 1H self-diffusivity. However, the 17O chemical shift difference between the H2O/H3O+ and H2SO4/HSO4-/SO42- resonances across the entire temperature range is nevertheless strikingly linear. A computational approach coupling molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory NMR shift calculations to reproduce this trend is presented, which will be the subject of further development. This combination of multinuclear, dynamical NMR, and computational methods, and the results furnished by this study, will provide a platform for future studies on battery electrolytes where aqueous sulfate chemistry plays a central role in the solution structure.
Recognizing Resentment: Sympathy, Injustice, and Liberal Political Thought

We typically think of resentment as an unjustifiable and volatile emotion, responsible for fostering the worst political divisions. Recognizing Resentment argues instead that sympathy with the resentment of victims of injustice is vital for upholding justice in liberal societies, as it entails recognition of the equal moral and political status of those with whom we sympathize. Sympathizing with the resentment of others makes us alive to injustice in a way no rational recognition of wrongs alone can, and it motivates us to demand justice on others' behalves. This book rehabilitates arguments for the moral and political worth of resentment developed by three influential thinkers in the early liberal tradition - Joseph Butler, David Hume, and Adam Smith - and uses these to advance a theory of spectatorial resentment, discussing why we should be indignant about the injustice others face, and how such a shared sentiment can actually bring liberal citizens closer together.
Communication algorithm-architecture co-design for distributed deep learning

Large-scale distributed deep learning training has enabled developments of more complex deep neural network models to learn from larger datasets for sophisticated tasks. In particular, distributed stochastic gradient descent intensively invokes all-reduce operations for gradient update, which dominates communication time during iterative training epochs. In this work, we identify the inefficiency in widely used all-reduce algorithms, and the opportunity of algorithm-architecture co-design. We propose MultiTree all-reduce algorithm with topology and resource utilization awareness for efficient and scalable all-reduce operations, which is applicable to different interconnect topologies. Moreover, we co-design the network interface to schedule and coordinate the all-reduce messages for contention-free communications, working in synergy with the algorithm. The flow control is also simplified to exploit the bulk data transfer of big gradient exchange. We evaluate the co-design using different all-reduce data sizes for synthetic study, demonstrating its effectiveness on various interconnection network topologies, in addition to state-of-the-art deep neural networks for real workload experiments. The results show that MultiTree achieves 2.3× and 1.56× communication speedup, as well as up to 81% and 30% training time reduction compared to ring all-reduce and state-of-the-art approaches, respectively.
Progress in the Management of Alzheimer's Disease

As the population of the United States continues to age, age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia, pose an increasing clinical challenge. The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease hinges on the evaluation of cognitive function. Management options are expanding and include new cholinesterase inhibitors, cholinergic agonists, antioxidants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and estrogen.
Comparison of Preloaded Bougie versus Standard Bougie Technique for Endotracheal Intubation in a Cadaveric Model

Introduction: We compared intubating with a preloaded bougie (PB) against standard bougie technique in terms of success rates, time to successful intubation and provider preference on a cadaveric airway model. Methods: In this prospective, crossover study, healthcare providers intubated a cadaver using the PB technique and the standard bougie technique. Participants were randomly assigned to start with either technique. Following standardized training and practice, procedural success and time for each technique was recorded for each participant. Subsequently, participants were asked to rate their perceived ease of intubation on a visual analogue scale of 1 to 10 (1=difficult and 10=easy) and to select which technique they preferred. Results: 47 participants with variable experience intubating were enrolled at an emergency medicine intern airway course. The success rate of all groups for both techniques was equal (95.7%). The range of times to completion for the standard bougie technique was 16.0-70.2 seconds, with a mean time of 29.7 seconds. The range of times to completion for the PB technique was 15.7-110.9 seconds, with a mean time of 29.4 seconds. There was a non-significant difference of 0.3 seconds (95% confidence interval -2.8 to 3.4 seconds) between the two techniques. Participants rated the relative ease of intubation as 7.3/10 for the standard technique and 7.6/10 for the preloaded technique (p=0.53, 95% confidence interval of the difference -0.97 to 0.50). Thirty of 47 participants subjectively preferred the PB technique (p=0.039). Conclusion: There was no significant difference in success or time to intubation between standard bougie and PB techniques. The majority of participants in this study preferred the PB technique. Until a clear and clinically significant difference is found between these techniques, emergency airway operators should feel confident in using the technique with which they are most comfortable.
Composition and Biomass of Phytoplankton

The structure of photosynthetic populations in aquatic ecosystems is dynamic and constantly changing in species composition and biomass distribution. An understanding of community structure is dependent on an ability to differentiate between true population changes and variations in spatial and temporal distribution. Changes in species composition and biomass may affect photosynthetic rates, assimilation efficiencies, rates of nutrient utilization, grazing rates, and so on.
The Leo Intergalactic Neutral Hydrogen Cloud

The current status of the neutral hydrogen λ21 cm radio observations of the intergalactic cloud in Leo are described. These include both HI observations at Arecibo with an angular resolution of ∼3 arc min, and VLA D-array observations with an effective resolution of 45 arc sec.
Wet and Dry Deposition of Sulfur at Hubbard Brook

In recent years ecologists and others have become increasingly interested in chemical inputs to natural ecosystems, not only in wet deposition (rain and snow), but also in the form of particulate and gaseous deposition. This interest is illustrated by several recent conferences and symposia relative to the subject of “acid precipitation” and its effects (e.g. Dochinger and Seliga,1; AMBIO,2. Most of the available data pertain to wet deposition, however, the importance of dry deposition in some ecosystems is increasingly recognized (e.g. Whitehead and Ferth,3; White et al.,4; Elwood and Henderson,5; Likens et al.,6).
SPATIAL PERCEPTION IN NORMAL AND PSYCHOTIC PEOPLE

17 normal and 17 psychotic subjects, including schizophrenic, depressive, and delusional patients, were given a modified Arc-Circle Matching Test of spatial perception. There was no significant difference between the performance of the psychotic group and that of the control group in left-hand, right-hand, and total scores in this tactile test of spatial ability. Differences between males and females and between dextrals and non-dextrals were nonsignificant. Nevertheless, for all subjects, the left-hand scores were significantly superior to right-hand scores.
Self-Organizing Neutrino Mixing Matrix

A new and novel idea for a predictive neutrino mass matrix is presented, using the non-Abelian discrete symmetry A(4) and the seesaw mechanism with only two heavy neutral fermion singlets. Given the components of the one necessarily massless neutrino eigenstate, the other two massive states are automatically generated. A realistic example is discussed with predictions of a normal hierarchy of neutrino masses and maximal CP violation.
Synthesis and Stereochemical Assignments for 2-(α- and β-D-Arabinofuranosyl)Thiazole-4-Carboxamides

Abstract Both 2-(α- and β-D-arabinofuranosyl) thiazole-4-carboxamides were synthesized from 2,3,5-tri-O-benzyl-1-O-(p-nitrobenzoyl)-D-arabinofuranose via the 1-cyano- and 1-thioamide sugars. Anomeric assignments were made based on 1H and 13C NMR, as well as on CD spectra.
Creating a digital marketspace presence: lessons in extranet implementation

Aims to establish a basic conceptual framework for understanding extranet implementation guidelines. Provides a specific case using VF Playwear, Inc.’s HealthTexbtob.com, a business‐to‐business extranet for linking VF with its customers. Owing to the heavy pressure to create a Web presence in the digital marketspace, some firms have found it beneficial to work with e‐business solution providers that can assist them through the critical points of the development life cycle. VF Playwear, Inc. manufactures children’s clothing and is part of the VF Corporation umbrella that supplies such well‐known clothing brands as Wrangler, Lee, Rustler, Vanity Fair, and Vassarette, among others. Lessons learned by VF Playwear, Inc., in close collaboration with MERANT E‐Solutions (enterprise solutions) and Egility I‐Solutions (infrastructure solutions), are featured in this case study.
Parenting Styles or Practices? Parenting, Sympathy, and Prosocial Behaviors Among Adolescents

In the present study, the authors examined the relations among parenting styles, parental practices, sympathy, and prosocial behaviors in adolescents. The participants were 233 adolescents (M age = 16.7 years; 69% girls; mostly White) from public high schools in the Midwestern region of the United States who completed measures of prosocial behaviors, parenting styles, parenting practices, and sympathy. Overall, the authors found evidence that parenting practices were significantly associated with adolescents' prosocial behaviors. However, the associations between parenting practices and prosocial behaviors occurred mostly through the indirect relations with sympathy. The relations among parenting practices, sympathy, and prosocial behaviors varied as a function of the specific parenting practice and the specific prosocial behavior. Implications for future research on the study of prosocial development and parenting among adolescents are discussed.
Instrumental blood pressure conditioning in out-patient hypertensives.

Abstract Now that the efficacy of instrumental conditioning of blood pressure in several specialized situations has been established experimentally (Benson et al. , 1971: Brener and Kleinman, 1970; Schwartz, 1972; Schwartz, Shapiro and Tursky, 1971; Shapiro, Schwartz and Tursky, 1971; Shapiro et al. , 1969; Shapiro, Tursky and Schwartz, 1970; Elder et al. , 1973) there is the matter of assessing the effectiveness of instrumental conditioning in a routine clinical application over an extended period. This is an important question since the effective management of essential hypertension must center around a procedure which can be employed easily on an out-patient basis and which the patient may eventually administer to himself. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to see if essential hypertension could be lowered by the use of instrumental conditioning on an out-patient basis without a concurrent effort to alter the patient's normal environment (e.g. eating and sleeping habits, daily activity schedule, and medication regimen).
Physiological characterization of taxol‐induced large‐fiber sensory neuropathy in the rat

The cancer chemotherapeutic agent Taxol (paclitaxel) causes a dose-related peripheral neuropathy in humans. We produced a dose-dependent large-fiber sensory neuropathy, without detrimental effects on general health, in mature rats by using two intravenous injections 3 days apart. Tests of other dosing schedules demonstrated the dependence of the severity of the neuropathy and of animal health on both the dose and the frequency of dosing. Pathologically, severe axonal degeneration and hypomyelination were observed in sections of dorsal roots, whereas ventral roots remained intact. Electrophysiologically, H-wave amplitudes in the hindlimb and amplitudes of predominantly sensory compound nerve action potentials in the tail were reduced. These effects persisted for at least 4 months after treatment. Motor amplitudes were not affected, but both motor and sensory conduction velocities decreased. The ability of rats to remain balanced on a narrow beam was impaired, indicating proprioceptive deficits. Muscle strength, measured by hindlimb and forelimb grip strength, and heat nociception, measured by tail-flick and hindlimb withdrawal tests, were not affected by Taxol. This model of Taxol-induced neuropathy in mature rats, with minimal effects on general health, parallels closely the clinical syndrome observed after Taxol treatment in humans.
Idiopathic segmental ureteritis

A new case of nonspecific segmental ureteritis is added to the 18 cases previously reported. This case presented similar diagnostic problems to the previously reported cases. Its unique features are the multiplicity of the lesions and their insidious nonsimultaneous development over a number of years.
Phase stability and biological property evaluation of plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings for orthopedic and dental applications

In this work we have investigated the effects of strontium (Sr) dopant on in vitro protein release kinetics and in vivo osteogenic properties of plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings, along with their dissolution behavior. Plasma sprayed HA coatings are widely used in load-bearing implants. Apart from osseointegration, the new generation of HA coating is expected to deliver biomolecules and/or drugs that can induce osteoinduction. This paper reports the preparation of crystalline and amorphous HA coatings on commercially pure titanium (Cp-Ti) using inductively coupled radio frequency (RF) plasma spray, and their stability at different solution pH. Coatings prepared at 110 mm working distance from the nozzle showed an average Ca ion release of 18 and 90 ppm in neutral and acidic environments, respectively. Decreasing the working distance to 90 mm resulted in the formation of a coating with less crystalline HA and phases with higher solubility products, and consequently higher dissolution over 32 days. A 92% release of a model protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) in phosphate buffer with pH of 7.4 was measured for Sr-doped HA (Sr-HA) coating, while only a 72% release could be measured for pure HA coating. Distortion of BSA during adsorption on coatings revealed a strong interaction between the protein and the coating, with an increase in α-helix content. Osteoid formation was found on Sr-HA implants as early as 7 weeks post implantation compared to HA coated and uncoated Ti implants. After 12 weeks post implantation, osteoid new bone was formed on HA implants; whereas, bone mineralization started on Sr-HA samples. While no osteoid was formed on bare Ti surfaces, bone was completely mineralized on HA and Sr-HA coatings after 16 weeks post implantation. Our results show that both phase stability and chemistry can have a significant influence toward in vitro and in vivo response of HA coatings on Ti implants.
592 NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS PATIENTS

During the past 2 years, 30 patients and their families received intensive nutritional counseling in an ambulatory setting. The general approach was to provide individualized advice based on optimal enzyme replacement, manipulation of a normal unrestricted diet and careful follow-up. For 32 patients under age 18 years, height and weight were standardized, based on the Fels Composite Sheet. Standard scores were tabulated to indicate increase, decrease or no change in percentiles and then compared to a comparable time period before aggressive nutritional intervention. For 8 patients between 18 and 32 years of age, change in weight was tabulated and compared to pre-therapy weight records. We conclude that: 1) all children were capable of either maintaining or improving linear growth and weight gain; 2) weight loss or failure to maintain growth are not acceptable in cystic fibrosis patients.
The Asian hominidae

A variety of new chronometric, biostratigraphic and other data and a reanalysis of previous research indicates maximum ages of 0·1–1·3 m.y.a. for the earliest known Asian hominids. Most of the data suggest that the majority of known Asian hominids are less than 1·0 m.y.a. All of these hominids can be incorporated within the taxa Homo erectus or Homo sapiens . A new hyper-robust cranium which has been referred to “ Meganthropus ” is also discussed. The chronometric framework and morphological data reveal that the Asian hominid fossil record does not support “stasis” over a protracted period of time, but rather gradual change over a period of ca 1·0–0·7 million years.
Scalable Methods for Analyzing the Circuit Failure Probability Due to Gate Oxide Breakdown

Gate oxide breakdown is an important reliability issue that has been widely studied at the individual transistor level, but has seen very little work at the circuit level. We first develop an analytic closed-form model for the failure probability (FP) of a large digital circuit due to this phenomenon. The new approach accounts for the fact that not every breakdown leads to circuit failure, and shows a 4.8-6.2× relaxation of the predicted lifetime with respect to the pessimistic area-scaling method for nominal process parameters. Next, we extend the failure analysis to include the effect of process variations, and derive that the circuit FP at a specified time instant has a lognormal distribution due to process variations. Circuits with variations show 19%-24% lifetime degradation against nominal analysis and 4.7-5.9× lifetime relaxation against area-scaling method under variations. Both parts of our work are verified by extensive simulations and proved to be effective, accurate and scalable.
Desferal Attenuates TNF Release Following Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion

Iron chelators have been shown to protect against oxygen free radical injury occurring in association with ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) represents a major mediator of the pulmonary and hepatic injury occurring after hepatic I/R since pretreatment with anti-TNF antibody results in significant protection against both the lung and liver injury following this insult. We were therefore interested in the possible association of the protective actions of deferoxamine (Desferal) following hepatic I/R and subsequent TNF release. A rat model of hepatic I/R was used to evaluate this; four experimental groups were studied. Animals in I/R underwent 90 min of hepatic ischemia with subsequent reperfusion. DES-I/R animals were pretreated with 200 mg of deferoxamine and VEH-I/R rats were given an equivalent amount of vehicle prior to hepatic I/R. SHAM animals underwent sham laparotomy alone. Plasma specimens were obtained and analyzed for TNF using a cytolytic bioassay based on the WEHI 164 subclone 13 cell line. Mean peak TNF levels following deferoxamine pretreatment was 110.38 +/- 24.68 pg/ml, as compared to mean peak TNF levels of 213.64 +/- 38.09 pg/ml in the VEH-I/R group (P < 0.01). Lung injury following hepatic I/R was evaluated by assessment of pulmonary microvascular permeability and by evaluation of pulmonary neutrophil infiltration as measured by pulmonary myeloperoxidase (MPO) content. Pretreatment with deferoxamine resulted in a significant decrease in lung leak as compared to animals pretreated with vehicle prior to I/R (DES-I/R = 0.192 +/- 0.013, VEH-I/R = 0.690 +/- 0.050; P < 0.005).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Light-beam-induced-current characterization of CdTe solar cells

In this work, light-beam-induced-current (LBIC) measurements are discussed as a characterization tool for nonuniformities in solar cells. A modification of the measurement procedure has reduced the measurement time by at least a factor of 5, which results in a 10 minute scan time for a 10,000-pixel image. A general strategy for using LBIC and electroluminescence as a nonuniformity characterization suite is presented, which allows for thorough characterization of nonuniformities and identification of their causes. These tools are presented in the specific context of CdTe solar cells.
Dynamic optical tags

The goal of the DARPA Dynamic Optical Tags (DOTs) program is to develop a small, robust, persistent, 2-way tagging, tracking and locating device that also supports communications at data rates greater than 100 kbps and can be interrogated at significant range. These tags will allow for two-way data exchange and tagging operations in friendly and denied areas. The DOTs will be passive and non-RF. To accomplish this, the DOTs program will develop small, thin, retro-reflecting modulators. The tags will operate for long periods of time (greater than two months) in real-world environmental conditions (-40° to +70° C) and allow for a wide interrogation angle (±60°). The tags will be passive (in the sleep mode) for most of the time and only become active when interrogated by a laser with the correct code. Once correctly interrogated, the tags will begin to modulate and retro-reflect the incoming beam. The program will also develop two tag specific transceiver systems that are eye-safe, employ automated scanning algorithms, and are capable of short search and interrogate times.
Measurement of atmospheric opacity at 278 GHz at McMurdo Station, Antarctica in austral spring seasons, 1986 and 1987

We present a quasi-continuous record of measured atmospheric opacity obtained at 278 GHz (1.1 mm wavelength) from McMurdo Station, Antarctica during austral spring seasons in 1986 and 1987. McMurdo Station, at 78°S, 166°W, is easier to access than the Amundsen-Scott (South Pole) Station, although representing a warmer, sea level site with substantially higher typical opacity: the present record may be of interest to those contemplating mm-wave astronomical or atmospheric observations within the Antarctic region. Observations were made over a 256 MHz bandpass in 1986, during the period August 30 to October 30. In 1987, a 512 MHz bandpass was used, and observations were made during the period September 4 to October 13. All data are reduced to represent opacity in the zenith direction, and measurements were taken approximately every 20 minutes, except during storms or other periods of high opacity. The periods covered represent transitions from the polar winter towards summer conditions, and thus represent neither the best nor the worst that this site has to offer.
A rank-based approach to the sequential selection and assignment problem

Abstract In the classical sequential assignment problem, “machines” are to be allocated sequentially to “jobs” so as to maximize the expected total return, where the return from an allocation of job j to machine k is the product of the value xj of the job and the weight pk of the machine. The set of m machines and their weights are given ahead of time, but n jobs arrive in sequential order and their values are usually treated as independent, identically distributed random variables from a known univariate probability distribution with known parameter values. In the paper, we consider a rank-based version of the sequential selection and assignment problem that minimizes the sum of weighted ranks of jobs and machines. The so-called “secretary problem” is shown to be a special case of our sequential assignment problem (i.e., m = 1). Due to its distribution-free property, our rank-based assignment strategy can be successfully applied to various managerial decision problems such as machine scheduling, job interview, kidney allocations for transplant, and emergency evacuation plan of patients in a mass-casualty situation.