cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tools and processes for tracking IRB approvals as a coordinating center for large multicenter clinical research networks

Background: Data coordinating centers (DCCs) for multicenter research networks are often responsible for tracking clinical center (CC) IRB approvals. In networks with multiple studies the volume of documentation can be challenging to manage. DCC informatics specialists and coordinators developed simple electronic tools and processes to fulfill this responsibility. Methods: Informatics specialists created a Microsoft Access database to track receipt of IRB approvals from CCs. The database monitors approval expiration dates for an unlimited number of studies and CCs and generates automated reports displaying information on all documented approvals. Coordinators formalized communication procedures for collecting approvals and disseminating information on file. The DCC established a central e-mail account to which CCs submit documentation. The DCC sends monthly e-mails notifying CCs that updated IRB reports have been posted. CCs determine what documentation must be sent to the DCC, and the DCC verifies that all submitted documentation is valid. Results: The database increased DCC efficiencies with a semiautomated mechanism and standardized procedures. New communication processes strengthened compliance with regulatory guidance and client requirements to monitor data collection with appropriate human subjects protections in place. The IRB approval-related e-mail volume sent to CCs was reduced. Automated highlighting of approvals expiring soon reduced DCC coordinator efforts and minimized potential for noncompliance. Conclusions: Although initial investment is needed, formalization of the database and processes result in resource savings throughout the organization’s tenure as a DCC. The flexible nature of access databases makes them an efficient solution for tracking IRB approvals in networks with fluid center compositions.
Visualization of drained rock volume (DRV) in hydraulically fractured reservoirs with and without natural fractures using complex analysis methods (CAMs)

The drainage areas (and volumes) near hydraulically fractured wells, computed and visualized in our study at high resolution, may be critically affected by the presence of natural fractures. Using a recently developed algorithm based on complex analysis methods (CAMs), the drained rock volume (DRV) is visualized for a range of synthetic constellations of natural fractures near hydraulic fractures. First, flow interference effects near a single hydraulic fracture are systematically investigated for a variety of natural fracture sets. The permeability contrast between the matrix and the natural fractures is increased stepwise in order to better understand the effect on the DRV. Next, a larger-scale model investigates flow interference for a full hydraulically fractured well with a variety of natural fracture sets. The time of flight contours (TOFCs) outlining the DRV are for all cases with natural fractures compared to a base case without any natural fractures. Discrete natural fractures, with different orientations, hydraulic conductivity, and fracture density, may shift the TOFC patterns in the reservoir region drained by the hydraulically fractured well, essentially shifting the location of the well’s drainage area. The CAM-based models provide a computationally efficient method to quantify and visualize the drainage in both naturally and hydraulically fractured reservoirs.
Does My Emergency Department Doctor Sleep? The Trouble With Recovery From Night Shift.

Abstract Background Previous research has shown that emergency physicians have an increased risk of shift work sleep disorder, potentially compromising their health, wellness, and effectiveness as a physician. Objectives This study explores the effect of shift work on sleep in emergency doctors. The hypothesis of the evaluation is that daytime sleep onset would lead to the poorest sleep, implying poor recovery after a night shift. Methods Sleep patterns were examined in emergency physicians in an academic emergency department. Twenty-seven individuals completed data collection, wearing wrist actigraphy devices over 3 months. Time of sleep onset was categorized as falling into 1 of 3 ranges: interval 1—day sleepers (6:00 am –2:00 pm ), interval 2—evening sleepers (2:00 pm –10:00 pm ), or interval 3—night sleepers (10:00 pm –6:00 am ). Data from each interval were analyzed for median duration, sleep latency, and night-time interruptions. Results Daytime sleep sessions had a median total sleep duration of 5.3 ± 2 h, much less than 7.3 ± 1.8 h (interval 2—evening), and 7.0 ± 1.1 h (interval 3—night). Interval 2 sleepers experienced the highest number of nightly awakenings (1.5) and the longest sleep latency (36.5 min). Day sleepers (interval 1), assumed to be predominantly physicians recovering from night shifts, had significantly less sleep than both evening and night sleepers ( p Conclusions This study provides statistical findings that those working the night shift experience significantly less sleep than emergency physicians working other shifts.
Extreme Precipitation Events in Northern California during Winter 2016─17: Multiscale Analysis and Climatological Perspective

AbstractA multiscale analysis is presented of extreme precipitation events (EPEs) in Northern California during winter 2016–17, which caused flooding and contributed substantially to highly anomalo...
Predictive Factors for Kidney Stone Recurrence in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Abstract Objective To determine the predictive factors for kidney stone recurrence in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted from 2013 to 2019 by using the database of diabetic patients diagnosed with kidney stone disease. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to stone disease status: recurrent stone and nonrecurrent stone. Baseline characteristics were compared and logistic regression was done to assess which variables could predict a stone recurrence. Results There were 1617 type 2 diabetic patients with kidney stone disease, 1244 (77%) did not have a stone recurrence and 373 (23%) had a stone recurrence. Of these patients with recurrent stone, 40% had asymptomatic stones, 43% visited emergency department, and 45% required a surgical intervention. Median time to recurrence was 64 months. Multivariable analysis revealed that body mass index (odds ratios [OR] 1.032, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.016-1.047), urine pH (OR 0.500, CI 0.043-0.581), HbA1c (OR 1.186, CI 1.012-1.277), diabetic neuropathy (OR 1.839, CI 1.413-2.392), diabetic retinopathy (OR 1.690, CI 1.122-2.546), insulin as well as potassium citrate therapy (OR 0.611, CI 0.426-0.87), and stone with calcium oxalate and uric acid composition (OR 1.955, CI 1.420-2.691 and OR 2.221, CI 1.249-3.949, respectively) are significant predictors for stone recurrence. Conclusion The severity of diabetes and stone composition are strong predictors for stone recurrence in type 2 diabetic patients, while HbA1c and urine pH are important modifiable factors.
Fetal Exosomal Platelet-activating Factor Triggers Functional Progesterone Withdrawal in Human Placenta.

In most mammals, labor is heralded by the withdrawal of progesterone. In humans, circulating progesterone levels increase as gestation advances while placental expression of progesterone receptor A (PR-A) declines. As a result of PR-A downregulation, the non-canonical NF-κB pathway is activated, an event implicated in triggering labor. Here, we sought to identify fetal-derived mediator(s) that represses placental PR-A in human placenta leading to activation of pro-labor signaling. Lipidomic profiling demonstrated enrichment of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in exosomes originating from the human fetus. Exposure of primary cytotrophoblasts to fetal exosomes from term pregnancies reduced PR-A expression by > 50%, and PAF also reduced PR-A message levels in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, fetal exosomes from preterm pregnancies had lower PAF levels and no effect on PR-A expression. Synthetic PAF–induced DNA methylation increases by 20% at the PR-A promoter, leading to recruitment of corepressors and downregulation of PR-A in cytotrophoblast. Furthermore, suppression of PR-A by PAF-stimulated expression of the pro-labor genes, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which was reversed by disruption of the DNA methyltransferases 3B and 3L. Taken together, PAF represents a novel fetal–derived candidate for initiation of labor by stimulating methylation and repression of PR-A and activating pro-labor signaling in trophoblast.
SBAR as a Standardized Communication Tool for Medical Laboratory Science Students.

Objective Laboratory professionals must communicate effectively on an interprofessional team. It is the responsibility of Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) programs to teach communication. The structured communication tool Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation (SBAR) is one way to promote effective communication. Methods Students participated in a case-based simulation activity on the importance of teamwork/communication and the use of SBAR and completed a pre/post survey on communicating interprofessionally. Results Students reported increased confidence and competence with interprofessional communication after the activity with 4 of 5 questions demonstrating a statistically significant increase in scores post SBAR instruction. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that SBAR is a suitable communication tool that can be used to increase our MLS students' confidence and competency in interprofessional communication. Educators should use this communication tool to empower MLS students to be effective members of the healthcare team.
Informant-Reported Cognitive Decline is Associated with Objective Cognitive Performance in Parkinson's Disease.

Author(s): Nakhla, Marina Z; Holiday, Kelsey A; Filoteo, J Vincent; Zlatar, Zvinka Z; Malcarne, Vanessa L; Lessig, Stephanie; Litvan, Irene; Schiehser, Dawn M | Abstract: ObjectiveThe utility of informant-based measures of cognitive decline to accurately describe objective cognitive performance in Parkinson's disease (PD) without dementia is uncertain. Due to the clinical relevance of this information, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between informant-based reports of patient cognitive decline via the Informant Questionnaire of Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) and objective cognition in non-demented PD controlling for cognitive status (i.e., mild cognitive impairment; PD-MCI and normal cognition; PD-NC).MethodOne-hundred and thirty-nine non-demented PD participants (PD-MCI n = 38; PD-NC n = 101) were administered measures of language, executive function, attention, learning, delayed recall, visuospatial function, mood, and motor function. Each participant identified an informant to complete the IQCODE and a mood questionnaire.ResultsGreater levels of informant-based responses of patient cognitive decline on the IQCODE were significantly associated with worse objective performance on measures of global cognition, attention, learning, delayed recall, and executive function in the overall sample, above and beyond covariates and cognitive status. However, the IQCODE was not significantly associated with language or visuospatial function.ConclusionsResults indicate that informant responses, as measured by the IQCODE, may provide adequate information on a wide range of cognitive abilities in non-demented PD, including those with MCI and normal cognition. Findings have important clinical implications for the utility of the IQCODE in the identification of PD patients in need of further evaluation, monitoring, and treatment.
Cultivating Design Thinking in an Interdisciplinary Collaborative Project-Based Learning Environment

This case study investigates how students from three disciplines (i.e., architecture, interior design, and instructional design and technology) develop design thinking over an interdisciplinary collaborative project aiming at designing a learning space for K12 schools. The findings revealed the benefits of interdisciplinary collaborative project-based learning (ICPBL) for developing design thinking. Specifically, ICPBL enabled the interdisciplinary teams to go through the design processes (i.e., define, ideate, prototype), thus helping students to develop skills in identifying, understanding, and solving problems. Additionally, data revealed specific challenges encountered by the interdisciplinary teams due to misunderstandings, miscommunications, and different approaches used by students from different disciplines. The study also demonstrated the role of technology in enhancing communications and collaboration, which are crucial to the success of developing design thinking skills. This research provides implications for research and instructional design regarding facilitating students’ design thinking and problem-solving.
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) and the SEC

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) are simply enterprises that raise money from the public with the intention of purchasing an existing business and become publicly-traded in the securities markets. If the SPAC is successful in raising money and the acquisition takes place, the target company takes the SPAC’s place on a stock exchange, in a transaction that resembles a public offering. Also known as “blank-check” or “reverse merger” companies, this process avoids many of the pitfalls of a traditional initial public offering. During late 2020 and the first six months of 2021 an unprecedented surge in the popularity and issuance of Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACSs) takes place. John Coates, the SEC’s Acting Director of the Division of Corporation Finance, observes, “Concerns include risks from fees, conflicts, and sponsor compensation, from celebrity sponsorship and the potential for retail participation drawn by baseless hype, and the sheer amount of capital pouring into the SPACS, each of which is designed to hunt for a private target to take public.” We discuss this popular approach to capital formation within the context of the securities issuance process and examine the robust market for SPAC issuance during 2020 and early 2021. Financial reporting and auditing considerations are examined, along with regulatory concerns. Several examples of these offerings are provided. We believe this paper adds to the discussion and understanding of this widely employed financing mechanism.
Who refuses ambiguity? Voters’ issue salience and the electoral effect of party position ambiguity

Do political parties electorally benefit from presenting ambiguous policy positions? We suggest that the electoral effect of position ambiguity on an issue depends on the salience of the issue to voters. We use data on political parties’ party position, position ambiguity, and issue emphasis as well as survey data on voters’ issue salience. We find that ambiguous party positions on an issue weaken the electoral support of people who put salience on the issue. However, position ambiguity does not alter the electoral support of people who do not consider the issue salient. Our results imply that the electoral effect of position blurring in Western Europe should be understood in the context of party competition in multi-dimensional issue space. They also imply that political parties may face a dilemma between policy flexibility and electoral loss by presenting ambiguous party positions.
Dynamical Properties of Measurable Transformations

In dynamical systems, both mathematical and physical, there is often a split in behavior between predictable behavior, as is seen in the presence of an attractor for example, and chaotic behavior. There is also the important notion of recurrence which refers to a subset of the domain of a dynamical system returning to itself, infinitely often.
The extracellular matrix: Tools and insights for the "omics" era.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a fundamental component of multicellular organisms that provides mechanical and chemical cues that orchestrate cellular and tissue organization and functions. Degradation, hyperproduction or alteration of the composition of the ECM cause or accompany numerous pathologies. Thus, a better characterization of ECM composition, metabolism, and biology can lead to the identification of novel prognostic and diagnostic markers and therapeutic opportunities. The development over the last few years of high-throughput (“omics”) approaches has considerably accelerated the pace of discovery in life sciences. In this review, we describe new bioinformatic tools and experimental strategies for ECM research, and illustrate how these tools and approaches can be exploited to provide novel insights in our understanding of ECM biology. We also introduce a web platform “the matrisome project” and the database MatrisomeDB that compiles in silico and in vivo data on the matrisome, defined as the ensemble of genes encoding ECM and ECM-associated proteins. Finally, we present a first draft of an ECM atlas built by compiling proteomics data on the ECM composition of 14 different tissues and tumor types.
Engineering Properties of Spider Silk Fibers

With an unparalleled combination of strength and toughness amongst materials, spider silk is the model for engineering materials. This paper presents the stress-strain behavior of Nephila clavipes spider silk under tension, transverse compression and torsional deformation, obtained by a battery of micro testing equipment. On the basis of experimental observations of the time dependent behavior of Argiope amentia spider silk, a quasilinear viscoelastic model is proposed for spider silk.
Using Spread and Net Trading Range to Measure Risk in Suitability Cases

Suitability is one of the most common issues that arises in securities arbitrations. Yet it is also one of the most difficult issues to resolve. Up to now there has been no easy and reliable way to compare the risk of one stock or portfolio with another stock or portfolio measured as of the time the investment decision in question was made. As I argued in an earlier article, spread is potentially a promising way to measure risk in real time as perceived collectively by competing market makers. But with the advent of decimal quotes and other recent changes in the way stocks are traded, spreads have become more difficult to measure accurately because quote size is often quite limited. As I show here, net trading range (NTR) offers an elegant solution to this problem. NTR measures the range of quotes that the market actually reaches during the day, but it nets out the change in price from open to close, and thus gives an accurate view of the true spread over the course of trading day. Thus, incidentally, NTR addresses a fundamental problem with beta (the prevailing measure of risk). Although beta purports to measure the tendency of a stock to move with the market, it does not adjust for firm-specific (alpha) changes in price. NTR has the added advantage that it is based on uniformly available data for all publicly traded stocks. In short, NTR when averaged over a period of trading days and expressed as a percentage of a stock's closing price is an elegant and fine-grained measure of risk for a stock or portfolio that can be computed with readily available data and used to compare risk from stock to stock and portfolio to portfolio.
Pantothenic Acid Deficiency Detection in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Rainbow trout averaging 150 g were fed semipurified diets supplemented or not supplemented with pantothenic acid. After 16 wk of feeding, fish fed the deficient diet had reduced feed intake. At 28 wk, supplemented fish weighed > 600 g, whereas deficient fish weighed 425 g. Deficient fish became anorectic and listless at 25 wk and began to die at 28 wk. Histological examination of gill tissue revealed fused gill lamellae in the deficient fish, confirming pantothenic acid deficiency. At 4-wk intervals, samples of fish were taken from each group for determination of free and total concentrations of pantothenic acid in gills, liver, heart and erythrocytes by RIA. Concentrations of bound pantothenic acid, calculated by difference, did not differ between dietary treatment groups except in gills. Free pantothenic acid concentration in gills and heart were significantly lower in fish fed the deficient diet than in those fed the complete diet after 4 wk of feeding and remained so thereafter. Free pantothenic acid concentrations in the livers of deficient fish were significantly different from those in sufficient fish after 16 wk of feeding. Erythrocyte free pantothenic acid concentrations of deficient fish were significantly different from initial values at 8 wk and beyond. Using free pantothenic acid concentrations in erythrocytes allows detection of pantothenic acid deficiency in fish that are too valuable to permit destructive sampling techniques, such as broodstock and threatened or endangered species.
Keeping high model for end‐stage liver disease score liver transplantation candidates alive

As the mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score at time of liver transplantation continues to increase, it is crucial to implement preemptive strategies to reduce wait-list mortality. We review the most common complications that arise in patients with a high MELD score in an effort to highlight strategies that can maximize survival and successful transplantation.
Real-time B-mode carotid imaging. A three-year multicenter experience.

Abstract This report attempts to establish the place of real-time B-mode carotid imaging in the diagnosis of carotid artery disease through an analysis of the results of 3 years of experience in three major noninvasive vascular laboratories. Over 7000 patients were studied noninvasively with real-time B-mode carotid imaging and oculoplethysmography (OPG). Angiographic comparisons of 1723 vessels from the basis of this study. All tests were interpreted by physicians who had no knowledge of the angiograms. Images and x-ray films were classified by diameter of stenosis: grade I (0% to 39%), grade II (40% to 69%), grade III (70% to 99%), and grade IV (total occlusion). The effect of the imaging experiences was determined by dividing the study into two periods. The results of image quality vs. accuracy and of combining the anatomic study (scan) and physiologic study (OPG) were also evaluated. The overall data show a specificity of 87% (985 of 1139), a sensitivity for grade II disease of 72% (193 of 267), a sensitivity for grade III of 66% (133 of 201), and a sensitivity for grade IV of 64% (74 of 116). With experience each center showed improvement of the imaging technique in diagnosing grade III (p > 0.1: not significant) and grade IV disease (p
The Growing Threat of Foodborne Bacterial Enteropathogens of Animal Origin

Campylobacter and Salmonella species and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC; the majority of which are type O157:H7) efficiently enter the human food chain from infected or colonized animals. Poultry contamination with Campylobacter and/or Salmonella species and produce contamination with STEC have become major public health challenges. The global food supply, which allows us to purchase desired items throughout the year, a growing interest in consuming fresh vegetables and fruits, and an increasing number of persons who consume foods at restaurants all assure that the health threats associated with these pathogens will continue. Antibiotic use by humans and food animals selects for the development of resistance among Campylobacter and Salmonella strains, promoting invasive forms of infection and complicating therapy of illness. A comprehensive public health approach is needed that focuses on disease surveillance and infection control in the food industry continuum, from harvesting and processing, to distribution, to later preparation in public eating establishments and in homes. Good Agricultural Practices, including the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Program and validation of critical infection-control points at all stages of the food industry cycle, coupled with other food safety interventions, including irradiation for certain higher-risk foods, should help us improve the quality of food with regard to microbials and reduce human disease.
Counseling Centers and Accountability: Immovable Objects, Irresistible Forces

The concept of accountability has been resisted by some college and university counseling center personnel. Typical arguments about accountability are discussed, and a further endorsement of the value of developing accountability systems in counseling centers is provided.
Comparing model averaging with other model selection strategies for benchmark dose estimation

Model averaging (MA) has been proposed as a method of accommodating model uncertainty when estimating risk. Although the use of MA is inherently appealing, little is known about its performance using general modeling conditions. We investigate the use of MA for estimating excess risk using a Monte Carlo simulation. Dichotomous response data are simulated under various assumed underlying dose–response curves, and nine dose–response models (from the USEPA Benchmark dose model suite) are fit to obtain both model specific and MA risk estimates. The benchmark dose estimates (BMDs) from the MA method, as well as estimates from other commonly selected models, e.g., best fitting model or the model resulting in the smallest BMD, are compared to the true benchmark dose value to better understand both bias and coverage behavior in the estimation procedure. The MA method has a small bias when estimating the BMD that is similar to the bias of BMD estimates derived from the assumed model. Further, when a broader range of models are included in the family of models considered in the MA process, the lower bound estimate provided coverage close to the nominal level, which is superior to the other strategies considered. This approach provides an alternative method for risk managers to estimate risk while incorporating model uncertainty.
“Proximity effect” and radiationless transitions in aromatic molecules with non-bonding electrons

Abstract Experimental and theoretical studies concerned with radiationless decay in aromatic molecules with non-bonding electrons are presented. Particular attention is focused on N-heterocyclic systems. Evidence for the important role of vibronically active out-of-plane modes in non-radiative transitions is cited. These results are analyzed within the theoretical framework of the quantum-statistical-mechanical approach to relaxation phenomena.
ADVANCES IN ELECTROTHERMAL ATOMIZATION FOR ATOMIC ABSORPTION AND ATOMIC FLUORESCENCE

ABSTRACT Electrothermal atomizers (ETAs) are commonly used atom cells for elemental analysis. In this article, the fundamental principles of ETAs are described, including instrumentation and operating principles. Several recent applications of ETAs are discussed involving atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and laser excited atomic fluorescence spectrometry (LEAFS). These include a clean room atomizer cabinet for ETA-AAS, multielement continuum source ETA-AAS, standardless ETA-AAS for medium volatility elements, slurry atomization of food colorants by ETA-AAS, the determination of lead in blood by tungsten coil–AAS, the determination of arsenic and selenium by hydride generation ETA-LEAFS, and the determination of cadmium and zinc by double resonance ETA-LEAFS.
Does the ventromedial hypothalamus inhibit the lateral hypothalamus

Abstract Electrical stimulation of the ventromedial hypothalamus inhibited feeding in hungry rats. Neither knife cuts of the VMH-LH connections nor LH electrolytic lesions significantly altered the feeding inhibitory effects of medial stimulation. This suggests that the common assumption that the VMH inhibits the LH feeding system is incorrect. However, electrical stimulation may not be an appropriate method to study VMH feeding pathways, and this problem is discussed.
Custom prosthesis design, visualization, and prototyping

SHASTRA is a highly extensible, distributed and collaborative geometric design and visualization environ-ment consisting of a growing number of individually powerful and interoperable (client—server) toolkits whichsupport collaborative multimedia design sessions[1]. In the SHASTRA environment multiple users (say, acollaborative engineering design team) interactively create, share, manipulate, simulate, and visualize com-plex geometric designs over a heterogeneous network of workstations and supercomputers. In this paper wedescribe how three of the SHASTRA toolkits, SHILP, a solid modeler, VAIDAK, a medical imaging toolkit,and BHAUTIK, a physical analysis toolkit, can be used in the design of custom artificial implants[3, 8, 9].
[Ni(H2O)6](NO3)2·(15-crown-5)·2H2O: three phase transitions and an intermediate modulated phase stable over a range of ca 40 K.

In the range 308–90 K single crystals of [Ni(H2O)6](NO3)2·(15-crown-5)·2H2O continue to diffract well as they undergo three phase transitions. Structures have been determined at 28 different temperatures; data were collected at six more but could not be refined satisfactorily. The transitions identified structurally are in good agreement with those found by thermal analysis. Phase I (above ca 292 K; I2/m, Z = 2, Z′ = ¼) is disordered because the 15-crown-5 molecule is located on a 2/m site. Phase II (ca 292–248 K; P21/m, Z = 2, Z′ = ½) is less disordered. Phase III (ca 248–208 K; B21, Z = 28, Z′ = 7 in a commensurate approximation) is modulated with some regions resembling phase II and the rest resembling the fully ordered phase IV (P21/c, Z = 4, Z′ = 1) that is stable below ca 208 K. The modulated structure could be determined well because crystals flash-cooled to 90 K usually retain the phase III structure. The unusual phase III may be a consequence of the differing thermal contraction of two types of alternating layers, one composed of neutral 15-crown-5 molecules and the other composed of the cations, anions and lattice water molecules, which form a hydrogen-bonded network. The two kinds of layers are linked by Oether⋯H2Oaxial—Ni hydrogen bonds.
Stability of Saturating Nonlinear Feedback Systems

Abstract The stability of a general class of saturating nonlinear feedback systems excited by bounded inputs is investigated. Explicit bounds are obtained on the magnitude and duration of the error signal when it shoots out from the unsaturated zone into the saturation zone. Thus, when the linear plant of the system contains no more than one integrator, boundedness of the system is demonstrated. While the linear plant contains more than one integrator, “finite-time-stability” of the system is demonstrated.
Crystallization Of Oxide Films Derived From Metallo-Organic Precursors

Ferroelectric lead zirconate titanate and ferrimagnetic nickel ferrite films were prepared by dip-coating of metal organic solutions. In the amorphous state, both films were porous, with specific porous surface areas on the order of tens of square meters. Crystallization temperatures were in the range of 400 – 500°C. The crystallization kinetics of the porous films and powders of both compounds have been studied by using non-isothermal DSC and isothermal XRD. The kinetic parameters were empirically described by the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami transformation equation α = 1 - exp(-Kt n ). The order of reaction (n) of PZT film is approximately 1 but that of the powder is 2, and their activation energies are 80 and 70 kcal/mole, respectively. It was found that the PZT film crystallizes more easily than the powder at the same temperature. The nickel ferrite film and powder, on the other hand, have similar n values ranging from 0.6 to 0.7, with activation energies of 20 and 35 kcal/mole, respectively. The possible mechanisms were also briefly discussed.
The Thermal Behavior of Coal-Ash Deposits on Heat Exchangers

A theoretical model for predicting the thermal behavior of coal-ash deposits on heat exchangers is developed. The heat transfer modes of heat conduction, convection, and thermal radiation are considered for the system. The effective thermal conductivities and emissivities of the ash deposits are temperature dependent. Heat fluxes and dimensionless temperatures in the three layers (loose, sintered, and fused) of the ash deposit are determined. Results are presented for the first two rows of tubes in aligned and staggered tube banks.
Green's functions for the isotropic or transversely isotropic space containing a circular crack

Green's functions for an infinite three-dimensional elastic solid containing a circular crack are derived in terms of integrals of elementary functions. The solid is assumed to be either isotropic or transversely isotropic (with the crack being parallel to the plane isotropy).
D-Hillarin, a novel W180-domain protein, affects cytokinesis through interaction with the septin family member Pnut.

By database searches of the Drosophila genome project we have identified D-hil as the fly member of a novel family of W180-domain containing proteins. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated that D-hil is localized to the neuropil of the embryonic CNS, to the cellular cortex of dividing neuroblasts from larval brains, and that it is up-regulated in the cleavage furrow of S2 cells. We show that D-hil distribution overlaps extensively with that of the septin family member Pnut. Cross-immunoprecipitation experiments further indicated that the two proteins may be members of the same protein complex. Analysis of a severe hypomorphic P-element mutation in the D-hil locus suggested that D-hil is a nonessential protein. However, by creating double mutant flies we show that the D-hil locus acts as a modulator of Pnut function by increasing the level of polyploidy of neuroblasts in PnutKG00478/PnutKG00478 larval brains. Based on these results we propose that D-hil may function as a regulator of septin function during cytokinesis in the developing nervous system. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2005
Full Blown Cardiovascular Syphilis with Aneurysm of the Innominate Artery

The investigators report the case of a 44-year-old man who presented acutely and was found to have saccular aneurysm of the innominate artery, narrowed or totally occluded aortic arch arteries, and marked thickening of the thoracic aorta except for the wall behind the sinuses of Valsalva. The abdominal aorta was entirely normal. Results of the serologic test for syphilis were strongly positive. Because cardiovascular syphilis appears to be a disease that affects the vasa vasora and because these channels are limited to the thoracic aorta, the abdominal aorta is uninvolved, as demonstrated so nicely in the patient described in this case report. Because most patients with cardiovascular syphilis are much older than the patient described, it is unusual to see a perfectly normal abdominal aorta, as in the present patient. In conclusion, syphilis producing aneurysm of the innominate artery is unusual but is always associated with syphilitic involvement of the thoracic aorta.
Is there a physical chemical basis for the present genetic code

Recent experiments on the interaction of amino acids with homopolyribonucleic acids as measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and on the interactions of ribonucleoside 5′-monophosphates with immobilized amino acids give relative binding strengths that are not reconcilable with the present genetic code in any simple way.
Shock tube measurement of explosive sensitivity

A shock tube test is described, in which fine dusts or sprays of explosive materials are ignited behind the reflected shock, and the dependence of the measured ignition delay on reflected shock temperature is determined. The test simulates the impact initiation of liquids and solids by bubble hot spots in a clean, controlled and well-defined fashion. From only a few tests, one can obtain (1) a valid measure of the sensitivity of the explosive, using only milligramme quantities of material, and (2) information about the physical and, in some cases, the chemical, mechanism of the initiation of the substance upon impact. The hot gaseous environment of the sample is well defined through normal shock relations and the nature of the channel gas may be varied to study environmental effects. Test data on a number of explosives are presented and are interpreted in terms of initiation mechanism. The experimental results suggest that hot spot temperatures required to initiate sensitive materials are between 500° and 800°C, and that bubble compression to form hot spots is decidedly non-adiabatic.
Effects of macrophage inhibitory factor-A3 (MIF-A3) on cytokine secretion and phagolysosome fusion in murine macrophages.

Abstract Macrophage inhibitory factor-A3 (MIF-A3) is a fraction derived from Mycobacterium avium serovar 2 (Mav2) that consists of a small amine containing compound (peptide), trehalose and two or three short chain fatty acids. MIF-A3 has been shown to inhibit candidacidal activity of murine thioglycolate-elicited peritoneal-derived macrophages and bovine peripheral blood monocytes, and scavenge reactive oxygen intermediates. In this study, MIF-A3 was evaluated for its effect on secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNFα and GM-CSF in C57BL/6 murine thioglycolate-elicited peritoneal-derived macrophages, with and without pre-incubation with affinity purified goat anti-MIF-A3 IgG, using ELISA cytokine kit analysis. Results of this study suggest that anti-MIF-A3 IgG does not enhance clearance of Mav2, alter phagocytosis or alter phagosome–lysosome interactions as determined by electron microscopy in Mav2 infected macrophages. MIF-A3 does induce secretion of IL-6, but does not induce secretion of TNFα, IL-1β, and GM-CSF. TNFα has been previously shown to reduce growth, while IL-6 has been shown to enhance growth of M. avium . Since IL-6 appears to enhance growth of M. avium and MIF-A3 induces IL-6 secretion, MIF-A3 may be responsible for enhanced intracellular growth in M. avium infections and be a factor in the pathogenesis of M. avium infections.
Versatile monochromator for synchrotron X-rays

Abstract A versatile fixed exit double monochromator system was designed and constructed for NSLS to provide full flexibility in the selection of high energy X-ray photons for X-ray scattering experiments. The system is designed for operation in a helium atmosphere with beryllium window isolation. A water cooled tantalum slit which opens symmetrically is included to allow a horizontal beam of 8 mrad ift 100 rmmm wide white beam at 12 m from the source. A variety of focusing devices and crystals can be mounted onto each goniometer. The system will allow a Bragg angle range from 3.5 to 86.5° and the independent control provides the opportunity for the low dispersive (mixed crystals) as well as the standard non-dispersive arrangement.
Is American Society More Anomic? A Test of Merton's Theory with Cross‐National Data

Despite the pivotal conceptual position of anomie in criminology and sociology, operation‐ alization of the concept remains problematic. This study offers a new operationalization of anomie based on an interpretation of Merton's theory. Furthermore, it provides a test of the anomie theory's premise that Americans are more anomic than peoples in other societies. The data indicates that the mean level of anomie in the United States is not particularly high in comparison with mean levels of anomie in many other societies. It is quite comparable with other English speaking societies, and lower than continental European countries and Latin American countries. The current research contributes to efforts in testing Mer‐ ton's theory with cross‐national data and helps calibrate the measuring instrument of Merton's concept of anomie.
Three-Dimensional Structure of the Human Herpesvirus 8 Capsid

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), or Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, is a gammaherpesvirus implicated in all forms of Kaposi's sarcoma and certain lymphomas. HHV-8 has been extensively characterized, both biochemically and immunologically, since its first description in 1994. However, its three-dimensional (3D) structure remained heretofore undetermined largely due to difficulties in viral purification. We have used log-phase cultures of body cavity-based lymphoma 1 cells induced with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate to obtain HHV-8 capsids for electron cryomicroscopy and computer reconstruction. The 3D structure of the HHV-8 capsids revealed a capsid shell composed of 12 pentons, 150 hexons, and 320 triplexes arranged on a T=16 icosahedral lattice. This structure is similar to those of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), which are prototypical members of alpha- and betaherpesviruses, respectively. The inner radius of the HHV-8 capsid is identical to that of the HSV-1 capsid but is smaller than that of the HCMV capsid, which is consistent with the relative sizes of the genomes they enclose. While the HHV-8 capsid exhibits many structural similarities to the HSV-1 capsid, our reconstruction shows two major differences: its hexons lack the "horn-shaped" VP26 densities bound to the HSV-1 hexon subunits, and the HHV-8 triplexes appear smaller and less elongated than those of HSV-1. These differences are in excellent agreement with our sequence comparisons of HHV-8 and HSV-1 capsid proteins. This gammaherpesvirus capsid structure complements previous structural studies on alpha- and betaherpesviruses in providing an account of structural similarities and differences among capsids representing all human herpesvirus subfamilies.
Histochemical nature of an acanthocephalan, a cestode and a trematode absorbing surface

Abstract Comparing techniques already tested with helminths, and some as yet untested, for light and electron microscope histochemistry, it was found that: 1. 1. The epicuticle of Hymenolepis citelli, Haematoloechus medioplexus and Moniliformis dubius is composed of acid mucosubstance. The epicuticle of M. dubius is a strongly acidic, sulfated acid mucosubstance, whereas the nature of the epicuticle mucosubstance of the other two worms is uncertain. 2. 2. The protein composition of the epicuticle of the three worms ranges from acid to neutral. 3. 3. No acid mucosubstance was found in the trematode gut mucosa which is composed of weakly basic protein, and probably regions of neutral mucosubstance.
Gene order of murine mammary tumor virus gag proteins and env proteins

Abstract The gene orders of murine mammary tumor virus (MuMTV) gag proteins and env proteins have been determined by pactamycin mapping techniques. A MuMTV producing cell line, Mm5mt, was pulse-labeled with [ 31 S]methionine in the presence or absence of 5 × 10 −7 M pactamycin, an inhibitor of initiation of protein synthesis. Both pactamycin and the labeled amino acid were removed after the pulsing period and cells were further incubated in normal growth medium. Virus was harvested from the medium after 24 hr, and the individual protein constituents of the virus were analyzed by SDS-gel electrophoresis. For each protein, the ratio of the radioactivity incorporation in the presence of pactamycin and in its absence was determined. The lower this ratio, the closer would be the protein to the amino terminal of the precursor polyprotein. The following gene orders were derived from these experiments: gag , NH, p10(p28,pp23)p14 COOH, and env , NH 2 gp52gp36 COOH.
T-Cell Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia Associated With Myelodysplastic Syndrome A Clinicopathologic Study of Nine Cases

We describe 9 patients with T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia (T-LGL) who also had a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). There were 6 men and 3 women with a median age of 60 years (range, 25-74 years). All patients had anemia at initial examination, 7 had neutropenia, and 5 had thrombocytopenia. The median absolute lymphocyte count was 1,300/microL (1.3 x 10(9)/L; range, 700-3,600/microL [0.7-3.6 x 10(9)/L]). Immunophenotypic analysis showed a CD8+ T-cell population, and molecular analysis showed monoclonal T-cell receptor gene rearrangement in every case. The MDS was classified as refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia (RCMD, n = 5), refractory anemia (n = 2), RCMD with ringed sideroblasts (n = 1), and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (n = 1). We compared the data for these patients with T-LGL/MDS with a group that had only T-LGL. The median hemoglobin level and absolute lymphocyte count were lower in patients with T-LGL/MDS (P < .05). The frequency of coexistent T-LGL and MDS at our institution suggests an etiologic relationship rather than simple coincidence.
Does the Cal-Ad Method Distinguish Differences in the Acid Sites of H-MFI?

Recent claims that calorimetric measurements of solid acidity can be performed more effectively in the presence of a solvent, the “cal-ad” method, were examined using vapor-phase measurements for the coadsorption of pyridine and n-hexane in H-MFI. The results indicate that equilibrium is not achieved for pyridine titration measurements in a solvent at room temperature. Therefore, the ability of the cal-ad method to distinguish Bronsted-acid sites of widely different strengths in H-MFI is unproven.
Diaspora and development: lessons from Somaliland

The success of the University of Hargeisa in Somaliland demonstrates how the flow of skilled migrants from the developing to the developed world – once viewed merely as brain 'drain' – may in fact be more accurately described as an imperfect circular flow of skilled workers, knowledge, finance, and development. The skilled Diaspora can invoke its capabilities, networks, and access to financial resources to catalyse economic development in the home country. In Somaliland, these factors culminated in the creation of a knowledge-based institution that has the potential to substantially contribute to the development of local human capital.
A discrete element Lagrangian sea ice model

The ice pack covering the Arctic basin is composed of a multitude of ice parcels of different areas, ages, thicknesses, and deformation histories that are frozen together into larger plates that combine and break apart in response to the demands of ever changing boundary conditions and forcing. Current Arctic sea ice models are Eulerian continuum models that use a plastic yield surface to characterize the constitutive behavior of the pack. An alternative is to adopt a discontinuous Lagrangian approach, based on a discrete element model and explicitly simulate individual ice parcels and the interactions between them. The mechanics of the Lagrangian sea ice model are outlined in detail along with the methods that will be used for validation.
Global/local analysis of laminated composite plates using variable kinematic finite elements

A finite element modeling methodology is developed for the hierarchical, global/local analysis of laminated composite plates. The method incorporates a new variable kinematics, displacement-based, finite element that is developed using a multiple assumed displacement field approach. The variable kinematic elements provide a great degree of flexibility in defining the transverse (through thickness) variation of the assumed displacement field. The resulting finite element model permits different subregions of the computational domain to be described by different mathematical models. Enforcing displacement continuity along subregion boundaries requires only the specification of certain homogeneous essential boundary conditions, thus avoiding the inconvenience of multi-point constraints, penalty function methods, or special transition elements.