cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A Treatment for Radiation Induced Plexopathy (P3.4-027)

Objective: To present a case report of hyperbaric oxygen as potential therapy for radiation induced plexopathy. Background: Radiation induced plexopathy results after radiation treatment is targeted at pelvic malignancies. It typically presents with motor and sensory changes in lower extremities (LEs), although, due to the various anatomic sites that are irradiated, the presentation can vary. RIP is a rare but severe side effect that can impact quality of life and is usually a diagnosis of exclusion. To date there is no effective treatment. We report a case in which hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treated RIP. Design/Methods: n/a Results: A 64-year-old man with history of prostate cancer status post 39 radiation treatments reported progressive bilateral LE parasthesias and weakness a few months after radiation. His examination showed mild diffuse weakness in bilateral LEs and decreased sensation in patchy distribution in bilateral LEs and saddle region. EMG showed bilateral thoracic radiculopathy, L5 radiculopathy and S1 radiculopathy. MRI of the entire spine was unremarkable. CSF analysis was negative for malignant, infectious or inflammatory etiologies. Therefore, symptoms were attributed to radiation induced plexopathy. He was started on hyperbaric oxygen therapy. After completing 24 treatments, patient reported improvement in symptoms. Bilateral lower extremity and saddle anesthesia had resolved. He also had improvement in lower extremity strength. Conclusions: Radiation-induced plexopathy (RIP) is a rare side effect of radiation that can lead to significant disability and difficulty in performing activities of daily living. Due to increasing survival rates of cancer patients, the incidence of RIP has increased as well. At this time, RIP is typically thought to be irreversible and management is primarily supportive care. Our patient with RIP was treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and had significant improvement in symptoms. Given the impairment in function this condition can cause, we suggest a trial of HBO be considered for all patients with RIP. Disclosure: Dr. Verma has nothing to disclose. Dr. Goldschmidt has nothing to disclose. Dr. Vaughan has nothing to disclose.
Deliberate Discretion?: The Institutional Foundations of Bureaucratic Autonomy

1. Laws, bureaucratic autonomy and the comparative study of delegation 2. Rational delegation or helpless abdication? The relationship between bureaucrats and politicians 3. Statutes as blueprints for policy making processes 4. A comparative theory of legislative discretion and the policy making process 5. Legislation, agency policy making and Medicaid in Michigan 6. The design of laws across separation of powers systems 7. The design of laws across parliamentary systems 8. Laws, institutions, and policy making processes.
Childbirth in Tunisia. Implications of a decision-making model.

Abstract The use of a decision-making model for the collection and analysis of health related data provides insights into the factors influencing community definitions of health service utilization. The significance of such a model is demonstrated in this paper through an examination of women's decisions concerning the use of perinatal services in the Tunisian town of Ksar-Hellal. The study of health care decisions has implications both for the development of medical anthropology theory and for the development of social policy. Faced with a situation of medical pluralism, women in Ksar-Hellal choose between three alternative systems of childbirth: in the home with a lay midwife (qabla), in the home with a medically trained midwife (sage femme) and in the hospital with medically trained personnel and medical obstetric techniques. Through an examination of sociocultural and economic factors affecting these choices, a set of rules is formulated which predict the conditions under which a woman will choose one alternative rather than another. The conditions affecting the childbirth decision-making process in Ksar-Hellal include a number of interactional factors labeled ‘Emotional Support/Humiliation-Anxiety Avoidance”, as well as factors related to cost, the degree of seriousness of the woman's physiological condition, and evaluation of the effectiveness of medical treatment. By presenting an analysis of the processes underlying individual health care choices, a predictive model of health care decision-making contributes to the understanding of health service utilization. Such a model presents significant insights for policy planning, as suggested by the case of childbirth decision-making in Ksar-Hellal.
The effect of mild and moderate hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of tofacitinib, an orally active Janus kinase inhibitor

Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. We report here an evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of a single 10 mg dose of tofacitinib in healthy volunteers (n = 6) and subjects with mild (n = 6) or moderate (n = 6) hepatic impairment. Compared to healthy volunteers, tofacitinib area under the plasma concentration-time profile from time 0 to infinity (AUCinf ) and maximum observed concentration (Cmax ) in subjects with mild hepatic impairment were not altered. In subjects with moderate hepatic impairment, the geometric mean AUCinf and Cmax of tofacitinib were increased (90% confidence intervals of percentage increase) by approximately 65% (25%, 117%) and 49% (12%, 97%), respectively. A single dose of tofacitinib 10 mg resulted in two treatment-emergent adverse events (AE) in the mild hepatic impairment group, and one in the moderate hepatic impairment group; they were not considered related to study treatment. There were no deaths, serious AEs, discontinuations due to AEs, or dose reductions due to AEs. Data from this study were critical to deriving dose adjustments for subjects with hepatic impairment.
Functional Genomics of Lactic Acid Bacteria

The lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a diverse group of microorganisms related by their common metabolic and physiological characteristics and named for the major end product of their primary metabolism. Major advances have been made in the genomic characterization of the LAB. A number of LAB genomes have been sequenced and are publicly available, while more genomes are being sequenced. This chapter lists genome features of sequenced LAB. While genomic analyses of LAB have identified features important for the functionality of the organisms in bioprocessing and health, further characterization of genes and gene products remains important for understanding cell physiology, metabolic and signaling networks, and molecular interactions of LAB with their environments. This information is rapidly providing a mechanistic understanding of these microorganisms and identifying important gene sets critical to their functionality. An understanding of genes directing important metabolic pathways combined with the tools available for the inactivation of undesirable genes and overexpression of existing or novel genes will certainly aid in the production of important food ingredients or food products with improved flavor and nutritional properties. Because of their acid tolerance, record of safety, and ability to modulate the immune system, considerable interest has developed for using LAB as live vectors for the delivery of vaccines and other biotherapeutics to the intestinal mucosa.
Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) Mapping

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping is a genome-wide inference of the relationship between genotype at various genomic locations and phenotype for a set of quantitative traits in terms of the number, genomic positions, effects and interaction of QTLs. Keywords: quantitative tracts; quantitative trait loci; QTL mapping; linkage analysis; genetic architecture of complex trait
Measuring An Information Security Awareness Program

Research shows security awareness lacks a uniform definition. This paper explores the various attempts that have been made to define security awareness and then presents a clear and concise definition of security awareness. Due to the lack of a behaviorally-oriented measurement, security awareness has relied on the use of self-reported questionnaires and surveying users through this same type of instrument. These attempts assume that knowledge of security awareness leads to correspondingly correct behavior, without attempting any field validation that this paradigm holds true. This paper goes beyond self-reporting and measures the behavior of end-users. It compares that behavior with policy to determine the actual compliance percentage and draws conclusions from these results.
Critical care outcomes: linking structures, processes, and organizational and clinical outcomes

Background Organizational structure and process are thought to affect patient care outcomes beyond the effects of expert clinical care. Objectives To test the hypothesis that a discretionary pattern of organizational structure and process factors is predictive of critical care unit performance, ie, desirable patient and organizational outcomes. Methods Quality-of-care patient and organizational outcomes were evaluated in 25 critical care units. A single value representing each critical care unit's euclidian distance from a theoretically ideal pattern of discretionary function was determined and correlated with unit-level measures of outcomes (standardized mortality ratio, severity-adjusted length of stay, patient satisfaction, quality of nursing care, and nursing retention). Results Distance from the ideal-type discretionary pattern predicted organizational but not clinical outcomes. Units closer to the ideal-type pattern had higher RN retention, and were viewed as better places to work, with higher-quality care by both nurses and physicians. Objectively measured quality of care, patient satisfaction, severity-adjusted mortality, and length of stay were not consistently related to better-structured units. Conclusions With experienced critical care practitioners, unit-level structure and process factors were better predictors of organizational outcomes than of clinical outcomes.
Species dispersal rates alter diversity and ecosystem stability in pond metacommunities

Metacommunity theory suggests that relationships between diversity and ecosystem stability can be determined by the rate of species dispersal among local communities. The predicted relationships, however, may depend upon the relative strength of local environmental processes and disturbance. Here we evaluate the role of dispersal frequency and local predation perturbations in affecting patterns of diversity and stability in pond plankton metacommunities. Pond metacommunities were composed of three mesocosm communities: one of the three communities maintained constant "press" predation from a selective predator, bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus); the second community maintained "press" conditions without predation; and the third community experienced recurrent "pulsed" predation from bluegill sunfish. The triads of pond communities were connected at either no, low (0.7%/d), or high (20%/d) planktonic dispersal. Richness and composition of zooplankton and stability of plankton biomass and ecosystem productivity were measured at local and regional spatial scales. Dispersal significantly affected diversity such that local and regional biotas at the low dispersal rate maintained the greatest number of species. The unimodal local dispersal-diversity relationship was predator-dependent, however, as selective press predation excluded species regardless of dispersal. Further, there was no effect of dispersal on beta diversity because predation generated local conditions that selected for distinct community assemblages. Spatial and temporal ecosystem stability responded to dispersal frequency but not predation. Low dispersal destabilized the spatial stability of producer biomass but stabilized temporal ecosystem productivity. The results indicate that selective predation can prevent species augmentation from mass effects but has no apparent influence on stability. Dispersal rates, in contrast, can have significant effects on both species diversity and ecosystem stability at multiple spatial scales in metacommunities.
A multi-agent infrastructure for hard and soft information fusion

Current needs in tactical situational awareness require a new type of infrastructure to encode, transmit, store, fuse, and display vastly heterogeneous data that may include "hard" sensor types including video, radar, multispectral, acoustic sensor array, 3D flash LIDAR, and "soft" sensor inputs such as textual reports from trained and untrained personnel, unsolicited and solicited open source web information, and hybrid "hard/soft" data such as human-annotated image or video data - which can be highly useful, but difficult to categorize and exploit. While the demand for scalability, rapid deployment, and decentralized access to data and services grows, the need for data security and integrity is as critical as ever. Methods for handling the conflicting needs between access and security are addressed. Furthermore, the evolving role of humans in data fusion systems must be addressed by the infrastructure. In addition to systems enhancing human data analysis capabilities through advanced visualization and sonification techniques, the data itself is more likely to contain information about humans - which is not always a task well suited to conventional data storage and retrieval methods. This paper describes a multi-agent approach to designing a secure, distributed, service-oriented infrastructure to support human-centric hard and soft information fusion.
The crystal structure of 2-amino-5,5′- bis (β-cyanoethyl)-1,2-pyrrolenine N -oxide monohydrate

2-Amino-5,5′-di(β-cyanoethyl)-1,2-pyrrolenineN-oxide monohydrate, C10H14N4O·H2O, crystallizes from MeCN in space group P212121 witha=7.0007(5),b=8.2998(6),c=20.8418(13) A,V=1211.0(2) A3,Z=4. The structure was refined toR=0.034 andR w=0.044 for 2325 observed reflections. The pyrrolenine ring adopts a nearly planar conformation, with maximum deviation from planarity 0.089(2) A. The N−O distance is 1.345(2) A. The water molecule bridges two pyrrolenine molecules via hydrogen bonds to theirN-oxide oxygen atoms, and also accepts a hydrogen bond from the NH2 group of another pyrrolenine molecule.
Invited paper Distributed, monolithic travelling-wave amplifiers

Abstract A general overview of travelling-wave amplifiers is given, beginning with their vacuum-tube origins and progressing to the present ultra-broadband GaAs monolithic devices of today. Items addressed include limitations, future directions, input-output isolation, apodization, gain-peaking and automatic gain control. New contributions include (i) guidance on reducing amplifier noise by rendering the dipole-domain-generated noise contributed by the individual FETs incoherent, and (ii) the use of insulated gate FETs to permit higher gate breakdown voltage operation in the accumulation mode thereby resulting in very high power-added-effigiency, and (iii) connecting the distributed amplifiers for class B, push-pull operation to reduce even harmonics and further improve efficiency.
Propagation of electromagnetic waves in a nonlinear dielectric slab

The early phases of propagation of a large amplitude electromagnetic disturbance in a nonlinear dielectric slab embedded between two linear media are investigated by the method of characteristics. This disturbance is triggered by the arrival of an electromagnetic shock wave at one of the interfaces. Reflection and transmission of an arbitrary signal when it arrives at one of the slab boundaries is characterized in terms of nonlinear reflection and transmission coefficients for the interface. No restrictions are placed on the form of the constitutive laws of the material comprising the slab.
Blended Startups: Combining IT with Social, Mobile, Instant Communities

In this paper, three IT-based startups are presented that have each "hitched their wagon to a star" and have built their fledgling enterprise by blending the social, mobile, and instant elements of IT into their startup. This paper takes the form of a case study that first describes the founding story of one startup, Tweet Photo, with specific attention paid to the elements that prompted the growth of Tweet Photo, despite not being the first entrant in the mobile photo-sharing category. As a "live" case, readers are then encouraged to explore and compare the initial actions of the founders of two very new IT-based startups, Instacanvas and Instapparel, in light of those made by the founders of Tweet Photo. Questions for class discussions and student research in entrepreneurship-related courses are provided.
Sliding mode control of AC/DC power converters

This paper presents a novel control strategy of AC/DC power converters. The proposed control algorithm is based on Sliding Mode Control methodology. The basic idea is to apply feedback implementation of pulse-width modulation (PWM). The method exhibits low sensitivity to disturbances and fast dynamic performance in addition to the main converter properties. The proposed sliding mode control method ensures that the power converter has the following properties: unity power factor, sinusoidal input currents, and low level of DC output voltage ripple. Discussion starts with the circuit model and design methodology. Then, a sliding mode current control tracking system is designed. Finally, output voltage control is developed. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy has been demonstrated through various simulation cases.
Relationship of the WISC-III and WISC-R for Students with Specific Learning Disabilities and Mental Retardation

The relationship between WISC-R IQs and WISC-III IQs was examined in two samples of students with disabilities. One sample (n = 64) consisted of students with specific learning disabilities (SLD); the other sample (n = 55) consisted of students with mental retardation (MR). All students were enrolled in special education classes and were undergoing routine three-year reevaluations. With the exception of the correlation of Performance IQs for students with MR, which was nearly identical to the correlation reported in the WISC-III manual, the correlations between the WISC-R and WISC-III IQs were lower than those reported in the WISC-III manual. In addition, Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQs on the WISC-III were significantly lower than the previously obtained scores on the WISC-R for both students with SLD and those with MR. These differences were generally consistent with the differences reported in the WISC-III manual.
The effect of the N∗ (1688) resonance on nuclear charge form factors

Abstract Empirical information on resonant pion photoproduction amplitudes and quark model estimates for the γ NN ∗ coupling strength indicate that the pion exchange charge operator with an intermediate N ∗ (1688) is of far less significance for nuclear charge form factors than the pair exchange current. The size of the effect depends strongly on the D-state admixtures in the wavefunctions.
The ubiquitin–proteasome pathway in health and disease of the nervous system

In recent years, proteolysis by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway has attained prominence as a new molecular mechanism that regulates many vital functions of the nervous system, including development of synaptic connections and synaptic plasticity. Here, we review the latest findings on the role of proteolysis in sculpting the nervous system through control of axonal growth, axonal and dendritic pruning, and regulation of synaptic size and number. We also discuss how protein degradation functions in synaptic plasticity and the roles of local proteolysis in neuronal compartments. In addition, we describe how proteolysis is associated with Alzheimer's disease and ataxia. Furthermore, we highlight the recent approaches that exploit components of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway for amelioration of these diseases in animal models.
Two is the Beginning of the End: Peter Pan and the Doctrine of Reminiscence

This article considers J.M. Barrie’s satirical treatment of the Platonic doctrine of reminiscence in Peter Pan, and how Barrie’s work both honors and undercuts it. It will first analyze the Platonic notion of the doctrine of reminiscence in Wordsworth’s “Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood” (1807). It will then show its influence on Victorian literature in the depiction of the exalted perception and moral purity of children, and how Barrie satirizes these ideals by underscoring the ignorance and savage qualities of the children in Peter Pan. The essay will also explore the portrayal of the Eden of childhood in Wordsworth’s poem (as influenced by Plato), and how Barrie subverts this utopia by presenting a dystopic world where Darwinian principles rule. Like Darwin, Barrie argues for a natural rather than a divine origin of species and demonstrates the struggle for existence in a profoundly disturbing way. Finally, the essay will contemplate the subject of immortality and how, far from being an idealized condition as in Wordsworth’s poetry, it is a far more ambivalent state in Peter Pan.
Erratum to: A meta-analysis of the determinants of organic sales growth [Intern. J. of Research in Marketing 26 (2009) 263–275]

Table 4Estimation results.Moderators Innovation Market orientation Advertising InterorganizationalnetworksEntrepreneurialorientationHB OLS HB OLS HB OLS HB OLS HB OLSIntercept 0.60** 0.58*** 0.20 0.27 0.38** 0.32** 0.26 0.15 1.13** 1.03Model speciﬁcationFirm age 0.46** 0.55*** 0.23 0.22* 0.31 0.40 −0.09 −0.30** 0.28** 0.27**Firm size −1.27** −0.35** −0.09 0.09 −0.28** −0.29** −0.07 −0.06 −0.69 −0.46Innovation 0.06 −0.11 −0.00 −0.11 −0.01 0.26*** 0.05 0.14Marketing 0.05** 0.02 −0.25** −0.23** −0.08** 0.22*** −0.66** −0.60Interorganizational networks −0.05** −0.30*** −0.02 −0.04Entrepreneurial orientation −0.42** −0.08 −0.01 0.15 −0.04 0.27**Management capacity −0.14** −0.29*** −0.38** −0.42*** 0.22 0.08 0.01 0.26Environment 0.01 0.12* −0.09 0.04 0.00 −0.22*** −0.02 −0.27Research environmentIndustry −0.54** −0.01 0.19 0.26*** 0.03 0.12 0.03 −0.28*** −0.45 −0.48*Country −0.62** −0.22*** −0.16 −0.24* −0.13 −0.16*** 0.15 0.32*** 0.40 0.45Startups 0.03 −0.08 −0.01 0.08 0.54 0.57Estimation methodData structure 0.56** 0.30*** 0.01** 0.06Estimation −0.02 0.52*** −0.18 −0.26*** 0.14** 0.19*** −0.10 −0.29**Temporal speciﬁcation −0.00 −0.24*** 0.00 0.01 −0.27 −0.11DV speciﬁcation 0.63** 0.24** 0.09 0.32** 0.01 0.11 −0.19 −0.45*** −0.92** −0.91MeasurementDV measure −0.63** −0.09 −0.41 −0.71*** −0.13 −0.25 −0.06 −0.44** 0.45 0.19Common source 0.05 −0.27*** −0.25 −0.57*** −0.11 −0.23** −0.76* −1.01**Innovation measure 0.03 −0.19***Market orientation composite 0.01 −0.18Market orientation type 0.13*** 0.06Network measure −0.01** −0.15*Network type 0.00 −0.08Entrepreneurial orientation 0.35 0.40τ
Increasing the Mechanical Work Output of an Active Material Using a Nonlinear Motion Transmission Mechanism

A nonlinear motion transmission mechanism for improving the mechanical work output of an active material drive element is presented. This improvement is achieved by addressing the typical mismatch between the characteristics of a driven load, such as a constant force or spring load, and the active material’s force-displacement behavior; this behavior is described, at a constant drive level, by a linear decrease in the possible force with increasing displacement. The motion transmission mechanism consists of a simple linkage that couples the active material to the load. As the active material does work on the load, the linkage changes the mechanical advantage or leverage of the active material with respect to the load, thereby tailoring the load to best exploit the active material’s force-displacement behavior. A kinematic model is used to predict the maximum quasi-static mechanical work output that can be obtained. Optimization of the model geometry results in a transmission with a theoretical work enhanc...
Implicit Theories: Consequences for Social Judgments of Individuals ☆

Abstract The implications of implicit theories for social information processing were examined. Implicit theory proposes that entity theorists see others' traits as fixed and stable, whereas incremental theorists see others' traits as malleable and changeable. It was found that entity theorists formed on-line judgments and incremental theorists formed memory-based judgments of target individuals. These process differences were observed in amount of recall, primacy effects in recall, memory–judgment relations, and illusory correlation formation using natural differences in perceivers' implicit theories (Experiment 1) and by manipulating their implicit theories (Experiment 2). Results indicate that implicit theories affect the process by which perceivers form impressions of others. The implications of these findings for the relation between implicit theory and social perception are discussed.
Detector robustness to change in depression angle

Many ultra-wideband (UWB) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) detection agorithms employ some combination of a set of features, calculated from the incoming raw radar data return, to segregate targets from clutter in a SAR image. Based on the training data, the algorithm designer selects those features that exploit some difference in the physical characteristics between the target class and clutter class. A detection algorithm is then trained to determine values for a set of algorithm parameters that will minimize some sort of error criterion. The physical characteristics that guide the feature selection can change, however, with changes in the attributes of the data collection, such as the depression angle from the radar to the point of interest. When the depression angle changes, the algorithm parameters that were optimal for the training data may no longer be optimal for test data at a different depression angle. We examine the changes in detector performance resulting from depression angle mismatches between the training and test data sets.
THE PRESENCE OF A GROUP A VARIANT-LIKE ANTIGEN IN STREPTOCOCCI OF OTHER GROUPS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO GROUP N

A Group A variant-like antigen has been detected in streptococci belonging to Groups D, E, G, M, and N. In Groups D and N the variant-like antigen was located in the streptococcal cell walls. In two strains of Group N streptococci (C559 and B209) the cell walls were chemically different and serologically distinct. In strain C559 N -acetylgalactosamine, and in strain B209, N -acetylglucosamine were the major determinants of serological specificity. The cell walls of strain C559 contained at least three serologically reactive components: a rhamnose-containing fraction that precipitated with an antiserum to Group A-variant carbohydrate; a strain-specific polysaccharide composed of galactosamine and glucosamine, both in the N -acetylated form and probably polymerized with an unidentified phosphorylated substance; and a component of unknown composition serologically related to a Group D streptococcus strain C3 ( S. durans ). An analogy is drawn between the cell wall structure in streptococcus and Salmonella .
Radiation Induced Currents in Subminiature Coaxial Cables

Subminiature coaxial cables smaller than RG-58 were exposed to intense pulsed irradiation from a plasma focus device, and the currents induced on the center conductors were measured in a vacuum environment. The incident photons had energies mostly below 70 keV, and filters were used to vary the average hardness of the irradiation. The measured cable responses in units of Coulomb/rad(Si)-cm were compared to values calculated on the basis of photoemission from metal surfaces and electron ranges in insulators. It was found that the currents induced on the center conductors were several times larger than predicted for an ideal coaxial geometry because of small gaps between the dielectric surface and overlapping braid wires. For a given cable type, such as RG-174/U, large variations in cable responses were found according to each manufacturer's construction techniques.
Risk tolerance measure for decision-making in fuzzy analysis: a health risk assessment perspective

In risk assessment studies it is important to determine how uncertain and imprecise knowledge should be included into the simulation and assessment models. Thus, proper evaluation of uncertainties has become a major concern in environmental and health risk assessment studies. Previously, researchers have used probability theory, more commonly Monte Carlo analysis, to incorporate uncertainty analysis in health risk assessment studies. However, in conducting probabilistic health risk assessment, risk analyst often suffers from lack of data or the presence of imperfect or incomplete knowledge about the process modeled and also the process parameters. Fuzzy set theory is a tool that has been used in propagating imperfect and incomplete information in health risk assessment studies. Such analysis result in fuzzy risks which are associated with membership functions. Since possibilistic health risk assessment studies are relatively new, standard procedures for decision-making about the acceptability of the resulting fuzzy risk with respect to a crisp standard set by the regulatory agency are not fully established. In this paper, we are providing a review of several available approaches which may be used in decision-making. These approaches involve defuzzification techniques, the possibility and the necessity measures. In this study, we also propose a new measure, the risk tolerance measure, which can be used in decision making. The risk tolerance measure provides an effective metric for evaluating the acceptability of a fuzzy risk with respect to a crisp compliance criterion. Fuzzy risks with different membership functions are evaluated with respect to a crisp compliance criterion by using the possibility, the necessity, and the risk tolerance measures and the results are discussed comparatively.
Activation of paramyxovirus membrane fusion and virus entry.

The paramyxoviruses represent a diverse virus family responsible for a wide range of human and animal diseases. In contrast to other viruses, such as HIV and influenza virus, which use a single glycoprotein to mediate host receptor binding and virus entry, the paramyxoviruses require two distinct proteins. One of these is an attachment glycoprotein that binds receptor, while the second is a fusion glycoprotein, which undergoes conformational changes that drive virus-cell membrane fusion and virus entry. The details of how receptor binding by one protein activates the second to undergo conformational changes have been poorly understood until recently. Over the past couple of years, structural and functional data have accumulated on representative members of this family, including parainfluenza virus 5, Newcastle disease virus, measles virus, Nipah virus and others, which suggest a mechanistic convergence of activation models. Here we review the data indicating that paramyxovirus attachment glycoproteins shield activating residues within their N-terminal stalk domains, which are then exposed upon receptor binding, leading to the activation of the fusion protein by a ‘provocateur’ mechanism.
The effect of the Δ(1236) on the g-factor of nucleons

Abstract The effect on M1 properties of including the Δ-degree of freedom is examined. In first order perturbation theory the main effect of including the Δ is to renormalize the g -factor of the valence nucleons. Formulas for this change are given for a central plus tensor (NN) ←r (NΔ) transition potential. The effect on magnetic moments is small but B (M1) between spin-orbit partners is decreased by 20–30%. Values for orbits near A =16, 40, 90 and 208 are given.
Femtosecond laser study of energy disposal in the solution phase isomerization of stilbene

Femtosecond laser studies of cis‐stilbene isomerization show the absorption of the hot trans product decaying in 20 ps. An initial internal temperature of 725±100 K is estimated which decays with a ca. 14 ps time constant. This temperature accounts for less than one‐half the photon energy implying significant energy loss by solvent friction.
The ammonia mixing ratio in Jupiter's stratosphere

The paper describes the theory that underlies the model calculations which show that the far-infrared bands of ammonia are very sensitive to the ammonia distribution above the Jovian atmospheric inversion layer. Observation of the J = 5 and J = 6 ammonia bands at moderate resolution might permit choice between a cold trap model or the irreversible uv photodestruction model for the ammonia distribution. The lack of prominent emission cores in the NH3 rotation-inversion lines only implies that the mixing ratio is low. The ammonia is uniformly mixed if the inversion temperature is low but, at a higher inversion temperature, emission cores will be observed unless the photodissociation is extremely efficient down to at least the inversion layer.
Monocyte-derived macrophage and alveolar macrophage fibronectin production and cathepsin D activity.

Abstract Alveolar macrophages are thought to play an important role in ongoing tissue breakdown and repair processes in the normal lung. The secretion and regulation of cathepsin D (important for the final breakdown of collagen) and fibronectin (involved in the healing process) in human peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) and pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) were investigated. Cathepsin D enzyme activity was measured by quantitating the TCA-soluble fragments of [ 3 H]hemoglobin. Freshly isolated PBM contained less cell-associated cathepsin D activity than did freshly isolated PAM (314 ± 35 μg/10 6 cells vs 381 ± 35 μg/10 6 cells, respectively). After 7–10 days in culture, cell-associated enzyme levels in both PBM and PAM were significantly increased ( P P 6 cells vs 0.83 ± 0.83 μg/10 6 cells, P
Enhancing the rate capability of high capacity xLi2MnO3 · (1 -x)LiMO2 (M = Mn, Ni, Co) electrodes by Li-Ni-PO4 treatment

The rate capability of high capacity xLi{sub 2}MnO{sub 3} {center_dot} (1 - x)LiMO{sub 2} (M = Mn, Ni, Co) electrodes for lithium-ion batteries has been significantly enhanced by stabilizing the electrode surface by reaction with a Li-Ni-PO{sub 4} solution, followed by a heat-treatment step. Reversible capacities of 250 mAh/g at a C/11 rate, 225 mAh/g at C/2 and 200 mAh/g at C/1 have been obtained from 0.5Li{sub 2}MnO{sub 3} {center_dot} 0.5LiNi{sub 0.44}Co{sub 0.25}Mn{sub 0.31}O{sub 2} electrodes between 4.6 and 2.0 V. The data bode well for their implementation in batteries that meet the 40-mile range requirement for plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Wireless Powering of Ionic Polymer Metal Composites Toward Hovering Microswimmers

In this paper, we present the design of a wireless powering system for ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs). The system design is motivated by the need for enabling technologies to replicate hovering flight and swimming in biological systems. IPMC wireless powering is achieved by using radio frequency magnetically coupled coils and in-house designed power electronics for low-frequency IPMC actuation. Parameters of the circuit components describing the resonantly coupled coils and the IPMC are experimentally identified. The power transfer from the external power source to the receiver at the IPMC is experimentally analyzed for a broad range of system parameters. Flow visualization and particle image velocimetry are used to ascertain the system capabilities. Moreover, the IPMC vibration in the wireless and wired configurations is compared.
Fate of Triplet Difluoromethylene

Triplet CF2 was produced by the reaction of ground‐state oxygen atoms with C2F4 at room temperature. This radical can react with O2 or undergo self‐annihilation to form singlet CF2: CF23+O2→CF2O2; 2CF23→C2F4*→2CF21, where the superscripts 1 and 3 refer to singlet and triplet. The ratio ke/kf1/2 was estimated to be about 12 (liter/mole·sec)1/2.
Rho-dependent Rho Kinase Activation Increases CD44 Surface Expression and Bone Resorption in Osteoclasts

Osteoclasts from osteopontin-efficient mice exhibit decreased CD44 surface expression. Osteopontin (OPN)/αvβ3 generated Rho signaling pathway is required for the surface expression of CD44. In this work we show the Rho effector, Rho kinase (ROK-α), to be a potent activator of CD44 surface expression. ROK-α activation was associated with autophosphorylation, leading to its translocation to the plasma membrane, as well as its association with CD44. ROK-α promoted CD44 surface expression through phosphorylation of CD44 and ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) proteins and CD44·ERM·actin complex formation. Osteoclasts from OPN–/– mice exhibited an ∼55–60% decrease in basal level ROK-α phosphorylation as compared with wild type osteoclasts. Furthermore, RhoVal-14 transduction was only partially effective in stimulating ROK-α/CD44 phosphorylation, as well as CD44 surface expression, in these osteoclasts. Studies on the inhibition of Rho by C3 transferase or ROK-α by the specific inhibitor, Y-27632, showed a decrease in the phosphorylation mediated by ROK-α and CD44 surface expression. Neutralizing antibodies to αv, β3, or CD44 inhibited the migration and bone resorption of wild type osteoclasts. However, only anti-αv or -β3 antibodies blocked OPN-induced phosphorylation of ROK-α, CD44, and the ERM proteins. Our results strongly suggest a role for ROK-α in αvβ3-mediated Rho signaling, which is required for the phosphorylation events and CD44 surface expression. The functional deficiencies in the Rho effector(s) because of the lack of OPN were associated with decreased CD44 surface expression and hypomotility in the OPN–/– osteoclasts. Finally, we find that cooperativity exists between αvβ3 and CD44 for osteoclast motility and bone resorption.
SU‐FF‐J‐117: Integrated Software Tools for Multi‐Modality Functional Images in Cancer Clinical Trials

Purpose: Many evolving concepts of quantitative, functional, cancerimaging for treatment planning and assessment involve a combination of data acquisition and complex post‐processing to permit spatial, physiological, and structural assessment of the tumor and normal tissue environment. An infrastructure is needed for rapid prototyping and routine processing of image and ancillary data spanning various extents of space, time, and multiple imaging modalities. Methods: A suite of functional image analysis tools (FIAT) has been developed. This infrastructure operates across variable ranges of input data, temporal scales (single samples, dynamic contrast series, samples during and post therapy), and information sources (MRI, CT, nuclear medicineimages, dose distributions, etc.). It has been designed to rapidly prototype a complex functional data analysis series, and then to apply prototyped methodologies to large batches of data, combining the outputs for population trend analysis. Several groups of quantitative analysis tools have designed and developed to allow rapid, intuitive, initial trials at data analysis. Interfacing with statistical analysis packages has been integrated into the design. Advanced segmentation via fuzzy c‐means clustering is provided. Validation of analysis paradigms via simulations is supported. Results: While FIAT is constantly evolving, three years of development has generated a highly flexible suite of analysis tools, supporting a variety of different trials including early assessment of liver damage from radiation, neuronal disruption from cancer and treatment, variations in regional and temporal contract uptake, dynamic susceptibility changes, and temporal aspects of methionine uptake. Regional analyses cross scales from individual voxels through regions of arbitrary shape or size. Conclusion: The infrastructure under development with FIAT has been a very powerful investigational tool for early quantitative cancerimaging studies. As this analysis environment matures, it should become a critical component of multi‐center trials involving imaging and cancer treatment assessment.
Standard variables fail to identify patients who will not respond to fluid resuscitation following thermal injury: brief report.

Abstract Approximately 13% of thermally injured patients fail resuscitation, in that they die during the first 48 h postburn despite full resuscitative efforts. The purpose of this study was to characterize these patients, and to develop a predictor of resuscitation failure. Methods: Records of 3807 thermally injured patients admitted to this burn centre during 1980–1997 were reviewed. Patients were classified as surviving to hospital discharge (“NONFAIL/LIVE”), as surviving resuscitation but dying later (“NONFAIL/DIE”), or as failing resuscitation (“FAIL”). Ordinal logistic regression was used to develop a predictor of membership in each of these three groups. Results: With respect to total burn size, full-thickness burn size, and inhalation injury, the three groups represented a gradation in injury severity from least severe (NONFAIL/LIVE) to most severe (FAIL). The predictive model had an overall accuracy of 91.6%; however, it correctly classified NONFAIL/LIVE patients more often (97.7% accuracy) than it did NONFAIL/DIE patients (57.5%) or FAIL patients (16.1%). Conclusion: Patients who failed resuscitation were more severely injured than those who survived resuscitation, but was not possible accurately to predict who will fail resuscitation using data available on admission.
Cost-saving approach to patients on long-term anticoagulation who need endoscopy: a decision analysis.

Cost-saving approach to patients on long-term anticoagulation who need endoscopy: a decision analysis
Opposing Actions of Endocannabinoids on Cholangiocarcinoma Growth: RECRUITMENT OF Fas AND Fas LIGAND TO LIPID RAFTS

Cholangiocarcinomas are devastating cancers of biliary origin with limited treatment options. Modulation of the endocannabinoid system is being targeted to develop possible therapeutic strategies for a number of cancers; therefore, we evaluated the effects of the two major endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol, on numerous cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. Although anandamide was antiproliferative and proapoptotic, 2-arachidonylglycerol stimulated cholangiocarcinoma cell growth. Specific inhibitors for each of the cannabinoid receptors did not prevent either of these effects nor did pretreatment with pertussis toxin, a Gi/o protein inhibitor, suggesting that anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol did not exert their diametric effects through any known cannabinoid receptor or through any other Gi/o protein-coupled receptor. Using the lipid raft disruptors methyl-β-cyclodextrin and filipin, we demonstrated that anandamide, but not 2-arachidonylglycerol, requires lipid raft-mediated events to inhibit cellular proliferation. Closer inspection of the lipid raft structures within the cell membrane revealed that although anandamide treatment had no observable effect 2-arachidonylglycerol treatment effectively dissipated the lipid raft structures and caused the lipid raft-associated proteins lyn and flotillin-1 to disperse into the surrounding membrane. In addition, anandamide, but not 2-arachidonylglycerol, induced an accumulation of ceramide, which was required for anandamide-induced suppression of cell growth. Finally we demonstrated that anandamide and ceramide treatment of cholangiocarcinoma cells recruited Fas and Fas ligand into the lipid rafts, subsequently activating death receptor pathways. These findings suggest that modulation of the endocannabinoid system may be a target for the development of possible therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this devastating cancer.
The effect of military leadership training: A test of the contingency model.

Abstract Recent research based on the Contingency Model of leadership effectiveness ( Fiedler, 1964, 1967, 1971 ) shows that the effect of leadership training and experience depends upon the interaction of the leader's motivational pattern and the degree to which the leadership situation is favorable, that is, the degree to which it provides the leader with control and influence. Three different studies tested the hypothesis that we must interpret leadership training as increasing the situational favorableness. Training will, therefore, improve the performance of some leaders but actually decrease the performance of others. These studies enable us to explain why previous research has failed to find that leadership training increases organizational performance.
Propofol for emergency department procedural sedation and analgesia: a tale of three centers.

Objectives: To characterize propofol procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) encounters for a large patient population at multiple emergency department (ED) sites. The authors sought to assess the frequency of respiratory and cardiovascular events during propofol PSA within these settings. Methods: This study was a prospective, descriptive series of a consecutive sample of ED patients receiving propofol for PSA at three study sites. Patients were monitored for PSA-related events, including predefined clinically relevant cardiovascular and respiratory events. Data collection was performed during PSA with a standardized data collection sheet unique to each site. Results: Propofol was administered during PSA to 792 patients during the respective reporting period at each center. Indications for sedation included dislocation reduction (38%), cardioversion (10%), fracture reduction (35%), abscess incision and drainage (8%), computed tomography imaging (2%), and tube thoracostomy (1%). The cumulative rate of oxygen desaturation events for all study sites was 7.7% with a brief period of assisted ventilation with bag-valve mask in 3.9%. The cumulative rate of PSA-related hypotensive events was 3.5%. Increasing patient age and specific clinical procedure were clinical variables most associated with any propofol-related respiratory event. All PSA-related events resolved with supportive interventions during the PSA encounter. No patients required endotracheal intubation, prolonged observation, or admission for PSA-related complications. Conclusions: Propofol typically confers a deep sedation experience for ED PSA. The most common PSA events associated with propofol are respiratory related and appear consistent across these three practice settings. All propofol-related PSA events resolved with brief supportive interventions in the ED with no adverse sequelae.
Diffusional interactions and reactions between a partially stabilized zirconia thermal barrier coating and the NiCrAlY bond coat

The diffusional interactions and reactions between a partially stabilized zirconia thermal barrier coating and the NiCrAlY bond coat have been experimentally investigated in a mixture of ZrO28wt.%Y2O3 and NiCrAlY alloy powders. The blended powders were cold isostatic pressed at 25 000 lb in.−2 (170 MPa) and heated in air at 1100°C and 1300°C for 2, 10 and 50 h. The microstructure of the heat-treated cermet compacts was experimentally investigated using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. It was found that Al2O3 formed first followed by Cr2O3 and the spinel (Ni(Al, Cr)2O4). The formation of the spinel may be related to the failure of zirconia thermal barrier coatings during thermal fatigue.
Imaging update: new windows, new views.

The recent progress in our understanding of the molecular-genetic mechanisms active in many diseases and the application of new biologically based approaches in therapy are exciting new developments that have emerged following mapping of the human genome. Novel “molecular therapies” have been
Orientation distance graphs revisited

The orientation distance graph Do(G) of a graph G is defined as the graph whose vertex set is the pair-wise non-isomorphic orientations of G, and two orientations are adjacent iff the reversal of one edge in one orientation produces the other. Orientation distance graphs was introduced by Chartrand et al. in 2001. We provide new results about orientation distance graphs and simpler proofs to existing results, especially with regards to the bipartiteness of orientation distance graphs and the representation of orientation distance graphs using hypercubes. We provide results concerning the orientation distance graphs of paths, cycles and other common graphs.