cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How citation distortions create unfounded authority: analysis of a citation network.

Objective To understand belief in a specific scientific claim by studying the pattern of citations among papers stating it. Design A complete citation network was constructed from all PubMed indexed English literature papers addressing the belief that β amyloid, a protein accumulated in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease, is produced by and injures skeletal muscle of patients with inclusion body myositis. Social network theory and graph theory were used to analyse this network. Main outcome measures Citation bias, amplification, and invention, and their effects on determining authority. Results The network contained 242 papers and 675 citations addressing the belief, with 220 553 citation paths supporting it. Unfounded authority was established by citation bias against papers that refuted or weakened the belief; amplification, the marked expansion of the belief system by papers presenting no data addressing it; and forms of invention such as the conversion of hypothesis into fact through citation alone. Extension of this network into text within grants funded by the National Institutes of Health and obtained through the Freedom of Information Act showed the same phenomena present and sometimes used to justify requests for funding. Conclusion Citation is both an impartial scholarly method and a powerful form of social communication. Through distortions in its social use that include bias, amplification, and invention, citation can be used to generate information cascades resulting in unfounded authority of claims. Construction and analysis of a claim specific citation network may clarify the nature of a published belief system and expose distorted methods of social citation.
Demographic dynamics and natural disasters: learning from Katrina and Rita

This special issue of Population and Environment builds on the considerable scholarly work aimed to better understand the causes and consequences that the hurricanes Katrina and Rita have imposed on the Gulf Coast and its residents (see Erikson and Peek (2009), for a review of social science literature related to the hurricanes). This rapid emergence of knowledge is a credit to the many members of the research community in universities, in government and non-profit organizations, who quickly directed their efforts and ingenuity to focus on the why, how, and impacts of some of the most devastating natural disasters in recent US history. Inspired by the suggestion of Population and Environment’s Editor-in-Chief, Lori Hunter, this collection grew out of the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Population Association of America, held in New Orleans, Louisiana (USA), which featured early versions of the research published here. While following the general theme of demographic dynamics and implications of these catastrophes, with special emphasis on migration, the articles reflect a variety of perspectives and draw from different research approaches and data. Much of the work is highly innovative and has important implications for data collection in postdisaster situations. The issue begins with a paper by Myron Gutmann and Vincenzo Field, that puts the displacement associated with Katrina and Rita in broad historical context. In offering a four-category typology which depicts different ways that environmental forces influence migration, the authors make a provocative argument that environmental calamities, of which Katrina is an example, are relatively rare and have not had a wide impact. They discuss other forms of environmental interactions with migration which may have been stronger and more persistent, though less dramatic.
Second-class citizens? Perceptions and reality: discourtesy in serving lines in a college cafeteria.

Personal experience on a serving line suggested that many of the customers were unfriendly, rude, inconsiderate, and unappreciative of the efforts of the servers. Our review found little research studying the behavior of customers and even less that used direct observations of customers' behavior while being served. The purpose of this study was to check the authors' perceptions of rude behavior by systematically observing the actual behavior of the customers in a college cafeteria serving line. The observations provided empirical data as a check on the accuracy of servers' perceptions that customers were behaving discourteously. A second purpose was to discover whether male and female customers differed in friendliness toward servers. The results showed that very low rates of discourteous behavior were observed for both genders. Other variables—pleasantness, indifference, and no-response—varied across settings and genders. The authors suggest an explanation for their initial perception that customers wer...
A new era for age-related macular degeneration: insights pertaining to a key role for the complement system

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by a progressive loss of central vision attributable to degenerative and, in advanced cases, neovascular lesions in the macula. As the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the developed world, AMD affects an estimated 25% of individuals over the age of 75. A host of new discoveries has begun to provide a much clearer picture of the relevant cellular events, genetic factors, and biochemical processes associated with early AMD. Among the first was the discovery that a variety of complement components, complement activators, and complement regulatory proteins are molecular constituents of drusen, a hallmark risk factor for AMD. These observations formed the basis for the concept that drusen are a byproduct of chronic, local inflammatory processes characterized, in part, by robust activation of the complement cascade along the RPE-choroid interface. Strong support for this new paradigm emerged from subsequent discoveries that revealed a highly significant association between AMD and variations in several complement-associated genes: Factor H (CFH), Component 3 (C3), and Factor B (CFB). Haplotypes defined by polymorphisms in these genes confer an increased risk for, or protection from, developing AMD. Moreover, a large deletion encompassing two CFH-related genes -- CFHR1 and CFHR3 -- defines one of the CFH protective haplotypes. Similar variations in CFH and CFH-related genes are also associated with seemingly unrelated systemic diseases, perhaps offering an explanation for some or the previously established risk factors for AMD. Commercial interest
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Early Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Rationale, Patient Selection, Results and Complications

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Lobectomy is the current standard of care for early stage lung cancer. For nonoperative candidates, standard radiation has been offered but generally with little hope for cure. Advanced radiation techniques with three-dimensional planning, multiple beam paths, and respiratory-motion compensation have resulted in the ability to administer high-dose radiation or stereotactic radiosurgery to lung tumors. Stereotactic radiosurgery is likely to be more effective than standard external beam radiation and there is evidence that in appropriately selected medically inoperable patients such therapy may offer a chance for cure. Early results are encouraging but these results are not mature and, recently, severe late toxicity has been reported. Prospective trials are underway in our institution and others to evaluate stereotactic radiosurgery for early stage lung neoplasm. This article summarizes the role of stereotactic radiosurgery for the treatment of lung cancer.
The problem of reconciling divergent perspectives on urban crime: Personal experience, social ideology and scholarly research

The author examines influences of his personal experience with crime, his ideology, and his theoretical knowledge on his approach to the study of crime. Personal experience led to observations that (a) responses to crime are often “gut-level” rather than rational, (b) both street crime and the criminal justice system are characterized by incompetence, and (c) the retributive impulse must be considered in the study of crime. The radical ideology of the author led to the conclusion that crime is linked with the structure of the economic system. Finally, the author's scholarly knowledge led to recognition of the importance of the causality/meaning and determinism/voluntarism debates for the study of crime and for policy planning. He concludes that one must recognize the importance of all three sources of one's understanding of crime in order to engage in criminological research.
Critical Evaluation of the Literature Data on Beta Alumina and Related Phases: I, Phase Equilibria and Characterization of Beta Alumina Phases

From a critical evaluation of the available data on the system Na2O-Al2O2 and particularly on β-Al2O3 some of the discrepancies in the literature were resolved, and plausible phase diagrams for the system were constructed. The diagrams define needed equilibrium data and are useful in putting into perspective the problems that have arisen with regard to synthesis and characterization of the 3–block and 3–block forms of β-Al2O3.
Screening for depression among patients with multiple sclerosis: two questions may be enough.

BackgroundDepression among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is common and has a significant impact on quality of life. As many as two-thirds of depressed MS patients receive no treatment for t...
Breakeven Analysis for Statewide Intelligent Transportation System Project Identification and Assessment

The use of breakeven analysis as a tool to assess the benefits of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) at the system level in systemwide sketch planning is discussed. The breakeven analysis was developed on the basis of the SCRITS (SCReening for ITS) spreadsheet template and used data from Madison, Wisconsin, as a case study and provided considerable insight into the magnitude of the potential benefits of different ITS programs. The analysis can help identify critical performance variables in the assessment of ITS benefits. Breakeven analysis coupled with sensitivity analysis can be used to identify and assess ITS projects for deployment in the ITS planning and programming process with limited data. It can be used to screen, prioritize, and select ITS projects among different ITS options. It can also be used to compare ITS projects in different geographic locations on the basis of different traffic data and breakeven points. The method is also useful in the identification of data needed for detailed ITS project assessments and evaluations. Such data should include before-and-after studies of ITS deployments as well as refined cost data and traffic flow estimates. The case study identified the breakeven points of several ITS deployment options, including ramp metering, traveler information systems, emergency response systems, and commercial vehicle operations under a variety of scenarios. These results can be used to identify and operate ITS projects so that they are likely to have the greatest payoff from their deployment.
Parasitism of Phytophthora cinnamomi and P. parasitica spores by Catenaria anguillulae in a soil environment

Invasion of Phytophthora cinnamomi oospores, P. parasitica oospores, and/or P. parasitica chlamydospores by one or more fungal parasites was observed in seven of eight southern California soils tested. Catenaria anguillulae was isolated from invaded oospores of P. cinnamomi used as bait in a citrus soil. Oospores of P. cinnamomi and P. parasitica were invaded when tested in two-membered cultures with C. anguillulae in sterile soil extract.
Oxytocin augments baroreflex bradycardia in conscious rats.

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated augmentation of baroreflex-mediated bradycardia by arginine vasopressin (AVP). However, the specific receptor subtype responsible for mediating this augmentation has not been determined. In the present study, experiments were performed in conscious rats to determine the possible involvement of oxytocin receptors in this response. Infusion of oxytocin at a dose that had no effect on baseline hemodynamic values significantly augmented the bradycardic response to IV bolus doses of methoxamine. Prior treatment with selective antagonists to either oxytocin, V1 vasopressingergic or V2 vasopressinergic receptors reversed this enhancement. In a separate set of experiments, baroreflex-mediated bradycardic responses to IV bolus doses of AVP were assessed. Pretreatment with the selective oxytocin receptor antagonist reversed vasopressinergic augmentation of baroreflex sensitivity. Finally, combined vasopressinergic and oxytocinergic stimulation of the baroreflex was assessed. Treatment with both AVP and oxytocin did not augment baroreflex-mediated bradycardia greater than AVP alone. We conclude from these experiments that AVP and oxytocin both augment baroreflex sensitivity, although the receptor type(s) responsible are not clear.
The Binding of Fibrinogen to Surfaces and the Identification of Two Distinct Surface-Bound Species of the Protein

Abstract Using microscopic, polystyrene-divinylbenzene beads, and an aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate and 2-mercaptoethanol, we demonstrate that fibrinogen bound to amphiphilic or hydrophobic surfaces exists as two distinct species. One species, which constitutes a small but significant percentage, ∼10-15%, of the molecules in densely packed, adsorbed films of the protein, is not functional in the classic sense of fibrin gelation and resists detergent-facilitated elution; the other species, which constitutes the bulk of the molecules of adsorbed, saturated films of fibrinogen, is functional and elutes rapidly according to a first order process with a half-life of several minutes. A plot of the surface concentration of nondesorbable fibrinogen versus the initial surface concentration of the protein is linear with a slope near unity for low initial surface concentrations but curves and becomes constant when the initial concentrations are high. Such a profile indicates that: (1) when the area available to each fibrinogen is great, all of the bound protein takes on the form of the nondesorbable species, (2) conversion to the nondesorbable species occurs at a rate that is on the time scale of adsorption, and (3) there is a limit to the capacity of the surface for the nondesorbable species. The similarity of the molecular area of the nondesorbable species on beads, ∼26 A 2 per amino acid residue, and that of fibrinogen in stable, insoluble monolayers at the air-water interface, ∼23 A 2 per amino acid residue, supports the proposal that functional, desorbable fibrinogen adsorbs to the surface even as the surface is being "conditioned" by the nondesorbable species. Thus, the nondesorbable species renders hydrophilic the surface for the adsorption of the functional species, and this rendering precludes denaturation of functional molecules. We propose that amphiphilic secondary structural features of fibrinogen confer stability to the nondesorbable species, a species likely operative in the biology of fibrinogen at interfaces.
HIV screening via fourth-generation immunoassay or nucleic acid amplification test in the United States: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Background At least 10% of the 56,000 annual new HIV infections in the United States are caused by individuals with acute HIV infection (AHI). It unknown whether the health benefits and costs of routine nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) are justified, given the availability of newer fourth-generation immunoassay tests. Methods Using a dynamic HIV transmission model instantiated with U.S. epidemiologic, demographic, and behavioral data, I estimated the number of acute infections identified, HIV infections prevented, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained, and the cost-effectiveness of alternative screening strategies. I varied the target population (everyone aged 15-64, injection drug users [IDUs] and men who have sex with men [MSM], or MSM only), screening frequency (annually, or every six months), and test(s) utilized (fourth-generation immunoassay only, or immunoassay followed by pooled NAAT). Results Annual immunoassay testing of MSM reduces incidence by 9.5% and costs <$10,000 per QALY gained. Adding pooled NAAT identifies 410 AHI per year, prevents 9.6% of new cases, costs $92,000 per QALY gained, and remains <$100,000 per QALY gained in settings where undiagnosed HIV prevalence exceeds 4%. Screening IDUs and MSM annually with fourth-generation immunoassay reduces incidence by 13% with cost-effectiveness <$10,000 per QALY gained. Increasing the screening frequency to every six months reduces incidence by 11% (MSM only) or 16% (MSM and IDUs) and costs <$20,000 per QALY gained. Conclusions Pooled NAAT testing every 12 months of MSM and IDUs in the United States prevents a modest number of infections, but may be cost-effective given sufficiently high HIV prevalence levels. However, testing via fourth-generation immunoassay every six months prevents a greater number of infections, is more economically efficient, and may obviate the benefits of acute HIV screening via NAAT.
Association between Severity of Anemia and 30-Day Readmission Rate: Archival Data of 847 Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Hospitals today are facing adjustments to reimbursements from excessive readmission rates. One of the most common and expensive causes of readmissions is exacerbation of a heart failure condition. The objective of this paper was to determine if there was an association between the presence of anemia in patients with acute decompensated heart failure and their readmission rate. Using archival data of 4 hospitals in the Miami area, a sample of 847 inpatients with a diagnostic related group (DRG) of HF at discharge was considered. There was a significant association between low hemoglobin values and a high rate of readmissions at 14 days and at 30 days in subjects with normal sodium and creatinine values. For subjects with low sodium and high creatinine values, a higher readmission rate was seen in men with low hemoglobin but not in women. These results support a prospective effort to measure the impact of anemia and its treatment on readmission rates.
The enzymatic reduction of actinomycin D to a free radical species

Abstract Actinomycin D is an antitumor antibiotic in current clinical use. The ability of this and other antitumor antibiotics to undergo a reductive metabolism to produce free radical species has raised considerable interest in the literature in the past few years. The ability of actinomycin D to undergo a reductive metabolism was investigated using a ferredoxin reductase/NADPH system. This enzyme system has been used by a number of authors as a model for an enzymatic drug reducing system. In this study radical production was measured using direct ESR spectroscopy, the spin trapping technique, and oxygen consumption. It was shown that under anaerobic conditions the ferredoxin reductase/NADPH system could reduce actinomycin D to produce a semiquinone-imine free radical ( a N = 2.8 (2N); a H = 2.8 (3H)). This radical production was found to be both drug and NADPH dependent. The effect of DNA on the drug's metabolism was also investigated. This was thought to be important because the proposed therapeutic action of the drug is centered on the DNA. Addition of calf thymus DNA to the reaction system abolished the signal produced by the actinomycin D, suggesting that intercalated actinomycin D is not a suitable substrate for ferredoxin reductase. Under aerobic conditions the ferredoxin reductase/NADPH/actinomycin D system generated the Superoxide anion radical by reducing molecular oxygen. Evidence for this was obtained by spin trapping with 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N -oxide (DMPO). The DMPO-superoxide radical adduct was produced ( a N = 14.4 G; a H β = 11.4 G; a H γ = 1.3 G). Production of this adduct was drug and NADPH dependent, and was inhibited by Superoxide dismutase. Superoxide production was also monitored by oxygen consumption studies.
Analysis of the Bromate−Sulfite−Ferrocyanide pH Oscillator Using the Particle Filter: Toward the Automated Modeling of Complex Chemical Systems

This study was aimed at identifying a quantitatively accurate reaction model of the bromate−sulfilte−ferrocyanide (BSF) pH oscillator by using the simulation-based model estimation algorithm known ...
15)N Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. Changes in Nuclear Overhauser Effects and T_1 with Viscosity

A procedure is described for probing changes in ^(15)N T_1 relaxation rates and nuclear Overhauser effects (NOE) with viscosity as a function of temperature. The large freezing-point depression and high viscosities of 8.8 M dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)−water solutions allowed study of the molecular motions of several ammonium salts, amides, and heterocycles on the pico- to nanosecond time scale. Dipole−dipole interactions provide the dominant form of relaxation for the ammonium salts, but chemical-shift anisotropy (CSA) also plays a significant role in the relaxation of amides and heterocycles. For pyridine, CSA is a particularly important mechanism and the shielding anisotropy of pyridine in 8.8 M DMSO−water is estimated to be on the order of 325 ppm. The ^(15)N NOE of NH_4Cl is greater than the theoretical maximum for intramolecular dipolar relaxation at high viscosities, and can be accounted for either by significant intermolecular contributions operating on a different time scale or by rapid motional averaging.
A Pedagogical Model: Bringing Current Events and Realism into the Retail Classroom

Teachers of retailing have the dual tasks of transmitting the theoretical knowledge and principles that underlie the field of retailing and of bringing current events and realism into the retail classroom. This article describes a pedagogical model used to accomplish these tasks concurrently.
How genome complexity can explain the hardness of aligning reads to genomes

Although it is known that aligning short reads to reference genomes becomes harder if such genomes are embedded with complex repeat structures, there has been little effort to quantify this intuition. We investigated several measures of complexity, employed 10 popular short-read aligners to align a large number of diverse genomes, and found that unlike existing notions of complexity, a proposed notion of length sensitive measures correlated highly with the hardness of short-read alignment. This result enables speedy estimation of the hardness of alignment without aligning millions of reads to unknown genomes.
Predicting the sample mean by extreme order statistics

This paper considers the prediction of the sample mean by extreme order statistics when the population distribution is known. The predictor and its mean square error are found. The problem is studied in details for the normal model.
Corrosion of continuous alumina-fibre reinforced Al–2 wt.% Cu–T6 metal–matrix composite in 3.15 wt.% NaCl solution

Abstract The corrosion performance of a continuous alumina-fibre reinforced metal–matrix composite (MMC) and its monolithic matrix alloy (Al–2%Cu–T6) was studied in 3.15 wt.% sodium chloride solution. Corrosion initiation sites, mapping of corrosion current density and pH at corrosion sites, mass loss resulting from immersion, and polarization behaviour were studied. Results show that the MMC exhibited inferior corrosion resistance as compared to its monolithic matrix alloy. Corrosion of the MMC initiated preferentially along the fibre/matrix interface or in regions of plastic deformation. The build-up of acidity at localized corrosion sites on the MMC was enhanced by the formation of micro-crevices caused by fibres left in relief as a result of corrosion.
Wave propagation in a rod with distributed-yielding hysteresis☆

Abstract This study presents the first-order non-linear solutions for the propagation of stress and strain waves sent by a sinusoidal force from one end of a semi-infinite rod with distributed-yielding hysteresis to its other end at infinity. It is found that the width of the distribution spectrum of the yield limits has a strong influence on the amplitudes, the phase differences, and the velocity of propagation of the waves unless the level of external excitation is below a certain value. The results show that: (a) the asymptotic value of the decaying wave amplitude is highly dependent on the width of the distribution spectrum of the yield limits; (b) both the stress and the strain waves have a considerable phase lag behind the external excitation in the portion near the remote end of the rod, but the stress wave leads the strain wave by a small amount of the first order; (c) in general, waves move slower in the portion near the driven end and faster in the portion near the remote end. Solutions for the bilinearly hysteretic rod are obtained in a special subcase in which the distribution function for the yield limits takes the form of a Dirac delta function.
Stereo laser-welded titanium implant frameworks: clinical and laboratory procedures with a summary of 1-year clinical trials.

A new technology for implant framework fabrication (Procera) has been introduced to North America after initial clinical trials in Sweden. This technique is unique because it eliminates the conventional approach to framework fabrication with the lost wax casting technique. Clinical and laboratory procedures associated with the Procera technique are described in this article, as are the most recent developments in this rapidly emerging technology. A report of 1-year results of the first 10 patients treated with the Procera technique at the University of Washington is described. Treatment outcome has been favorable, with no clinical evidence of prosthodontic or soft-tissue complications noted. All 50 of the implants placed in the 10 patients remain integrated after 1 year of service. The Procera technology offers an alternative to current conventional framework fabrication techniques. Continued follow-up of this patient series is pursued to explore the treatment outcome for a longer interval of time.
A new characterization and classification method for daily sky conditions based on ground-based solar irradiance measurement data

Abstract This paper proposes a new characterization and classification method for daily sky conditions by using the daily sky clearness index ( K D ) and the daily probability of persistence ( POP D ) that can be derived from ground-based irradiance measurement data. Quality of daily solar irradiance is characterized by a newly proposed parameter, POP D . This characterized daily quality is varying and uncertain at the middle level of the quantity, but high and more certain at very high and low quantity levels. In addition, the proposed characterization method shows interesting results for K D and POP D : a statistical consistency for multiple years and similarity for their seasonal trends. The classification results also indicate an existence of dominant classes, and transitions between the dominant classes are significant for all locations. This paper also generates annual synthetic sequences of K D and POP D using a Markov approach. The generated sequences show statistical similarities with observed sequences.
Improving process decisions in COTS‐based development via risk‐based prioritization

Good project planning requires the use of appropriate process models as well as effective decision support techniques. However, current software process models provide very little Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS)-specific insight and guidance on helping COTS-based application developers to make better decisions with respect to their particular project situations. This article presents a risk-based prioritization approach that is used in the context of a COTS Process Decision Framework. This method is particularly useful in supporting many dominant decisions during a COTS-based development (CBD) process, such as establishing COTS assessment criteria, scoping and sequencing development activities, prioritizing features to be implemented in incremental development, etc. In this way, the method not only provides a basis for optimal COTS selection but also helps focus limited development resources on more critical tasks that represent greater risks. The article also shows the evaluation results of applying this approach on the COTS Process Decision Framework through an experiment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hopanoids in marine cyanobacteria: probing their phylogenetic distribution and biological role

Cyanobacteria are key players in the global carbon and nitrogen cycles and are thought to have been responsible for the initial rise of atmospheric oxygen during the Neoarchean. There is evidence that a class of membrane lipids known as hopanoids serve as biomarkers for bacteria, including many cyanobacteria, in the environment and in the geologic record. However, the taxonomic distributions and physiological roles of hopanoids in marine cyanobacteria remain unclear. We examined the distribution of bacteriohopanepolyols (BHPs) in a collection of marine cyanobacterial enrichment and pure cultures and investigated the relationship between the cellular abundance of BHPs and nitrogen limitation in Crocosphaera watsonii, a globally significant nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium. In pure culture, BHPs were only detected in species capable of nitrogen fixation, implicating hopanoids as potential markers for diazotrophy in the oceans. The enrichment cultures we examined exhibited a higher degree of BHP diversity, demonstrating that there are presently unaccounted for marine bacteria, possibly cyanobacteria, associated with the production of a range of BHP structures. Crocosphaera watsonii exhibited high membrane hopanoid content consistent with the idea that hopanoids have an important effect on the bulk physical properties of the membrane. However, the abundance of BHPs in C. watsonii did not vary considerably when grown under nitrogen-limiting and nitrogen-replete conditions, suggesting that the role of hopanoids in this organism is not directly related to the physiology of nitrogen fixation. Alternatively, we propose that high hopanoid content in C. watsonii may serve to reduce membrane permeability to antimicrobial toxins in the environment.
Progressive ulnar palsy as a late complication of decompression sickness

We report an unusual case of decompression sickness in which a progressive ulnar palsy developed 22 days after the onset of neurological decompression sickness. The initial symptoms of numbness and paresthesias of the hand were treated with recompression therapy, resulting in only partial relief. The patient subsequently developed weakness of the left hand, which increased in severity until the institution of repeated daily hyperbaric oxygen treatments. A total of seven treatments resulted in partial resolution of the patient's signs and symptoms. Recovery was complete within four months.
Landscape Design in Clear Zone: Effect of Landscape Variables on Pedestrian Health and Driver Safety

The relationship between landscape installations and safety or pedestrian activity was evaluated in pilot studies. The sites selected for study were those adjacent to or within the areas often referred to as the "clear zone" of the transportation corridor, an area shared by pedestrians and driver perception. Case study research on the impact of environmental mitigation on driver safety is summarized to identify the landscape installations in the clear zone that appear to have an effect on safety. This is followed by case study research on the identification of variables that encourage walking for health purposes. Preliminary findings indicate that the improved definition of spatial edge resulting from typical curbside and median landscape treatment in the clear zone appears to solicit positive behavioral responses by either attracting pedestrian activity or improving driver safety. It is not possible to draw definitive conclusions from the results because of the small sample sizes in the pilot studies (a ...
Temporal variability in (13)C of respired CO(2) in a pine and a hardwood forest subject to similar climatic conditions.

Temporal variability in the 13 C of foliage (δ 13 CF), soil (δ 13 CS) and ecosystem (δ 13 CR) respired CO2 was contrasted between a 17.2-m tall evenly aged loblolly pine forest and a 35-m tall unevenly aged mature second growth mixed broadleaf deciduous forest in North Carolina, USA, over a 2-year period. The two forests are located at the Duke Forest within a kilometer of each other and are subject to identical climate and have similar soil types. The δ 13 CF, collected just prior to dawn, was primarily controlled by the time-lagged vapor pressure deficit (VPD) in both stands; it was used for calculating the ratio of intercellular to ambient CO2 (Ci/Ca). A remarkable similarity was observed in the relationship between Ci/Ca and time-lagged VPD in these two forests despite large differences in hydraulic characteristics. This similarity emerged as a result of physiological adjustments that compensated for differences in plant hydraulic characteristics, as predicted by a recently proposed equilibrium hypothesis, and has implications to ecophy- siological models. We found that in the broadleaf forest, the δ 13 C of forest floor CO2 efflux dominated the δ 13 CR, while in the younger pine forest, the δ 13 C of foliage respired CO2 dominated δ 13 CR. This dependence resulted in a more variable δ 13 CR in the pine forest when compared to the broadleaf forest due to the larger photosynthetic contribution. Given the sensitivity of the atmospheric inversion models to δ 13 CR, the results demonstrate that these models could be improved by accounting for stand characteristics, in addition to previously recognized effects of moisture availability, when estimating δ 13 CR.
Direct Thrombin Inhibitor Argatroban Reduces Stroke Damage in 2 Different Models

Background and Purpose—We showed previously robust neuroprotection with the thrombin inhibitor argatroban and now sought additional support for its neuroprotective potential. Methods—We used behavioral and histological end points; rigorously blinded the study groups; extended the treatment window to 3 hours after ischemia onset; and used 2 separate models. First, 2-hour filament middle cerebral artery occlusion in 64 male Sprague-Dawley rats was followed by learning and memory testing and quantitative histomorphometry. Randomly assigned treatment was 0.45 mg argatroban, saline, or 0.4 U thrombin. Second, we used the quantal bioassay (n=272) after 2-hour middle cerebral artery occlusion to detect the longest time delay after which therapy failed. Results—Argatroban powerfully and significantly reversed learning and memory deficits because of focal ischemia compared with saline or thrombin (P<0.03; ANOVA). Argatroban was significantly (P<0.05; t test with Bonferroni) protective when given immediately or aft...
Subcutaneous fat necrosis after paracentesis: Report of a case in a patient with acute pancreatitis.

• A patient with acute pancreatitis developed subcutaneous fat necrosis of the anterior abdominal wall secondary to leakage of pancreatic enzymes through a rent in the peritoneum following paracentesis. The same patient also had another subcutaneous complication of pancreatitis, namely, nodular liquifying panniculitis of the lower extremities. The diagnosis was made by the typical histological findings of subcutaneous fat necrosis, foci of necrotic cells with a "ghost-like" appearance, and basophilic-staining calcium soaps deposited around the necrotic cells. ( Arch Dermatol 112:993-994, 1976)
Utility of Exit Block for Identifying Electrical Isolation of the Pulmonary Veins

Pulmonary Vein Exit Block.Introduction: Electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins (PVs) to treat paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) has been described using “entry block” as an endpoint for PV isolation. We describe a new technique for guiding PV isolation, using “exit block” out of the PV after ablation as a criterion for successful isolation. Methods and Results: A circular mapping catheter was positioned at the os of arrhythmogenic PVs and ablation was performed proximal to the mapping catheter until entry block into the vein was achieved. Pacing was performed from the mapping catheter and from the ablator inside the PV to document exit block out of the PV. In patients in whom cardioversion did not restore sinus rhythm, PV isolation was performed in AF. Entry and exit block were reassessed in ablated veins after a 20-minute waiting period. Ninety-five PVs were ablated in 41 patients. A total of 66 PVs in 34 patients were ablated in sinus rhythm. After entry block was achieved, exit block was present in only 38 (58%) of 66 PVs. A total of 29 PVs in 21 patients were ablated in AF. After cardioversion to sinus rhythm, there was evidence of entry block into the PV in 20 (69%) of 29 PVs and exit block in only 14 (48%) of 29 PVs. There was no significant difference between the total number of lesions applied per vein in sinus rhythm compared with AF (11.6 ± 8.6 vs 10.3 ± 6.2; P = NS). There was recovery of conduction after a 20-minute waiting period in 9 (11%) 84 PVs. Conclusion: Identification of exit block after ostial PV ablation provides a clear endpoint for electrical isolation of the PVs. Isolation of the PVs can be performed during sustained AF without the need to apply excess RF lesions. Applying a 20-minute waiting period after electrical isolation will identify reconnection in approximately 10% of PVs.
Transformation Enthalpies of the TiO2 Polymorphs

The enthalpies of transformation of pure, well-characterized samples of brookite and anatase to rutile were determined by solution calorimetry in a 3Na2O·4MoO3 melt at 971 ±2 K. The experiments gave the following results: brookite→rutile, ΔH°971= -0.17±0.09 kcal mol−1; anatase → rutile, ΔH°971= -0.78±0.20 kcal mol−1.
Ground resistance-revisited

The nature of ground resistance is examined to explain the high impedance of faults directly to ground as contrasted to conventionally assumed low-impedance ground faults to neutral conductors or to towers with low footing resistance. High-impedance faults are shown to be inherently nonlinear due to the characteristics of soil. This nonlinearity is shown to be different from that of the arcing between conductor and ground. The harmonic content of the resulting current is used to distinguish such faults from normal load variations. Specifically, the magnitudes of the resulting harmonic currents appear sufficiently predictable to be utilized in a high-impedance fault detector. >
MR angiography interpretation: techniques and pitfalls.

In recent years three-dimensional contrastenhanced (3-D CE) MR angiography has become a common examination. This increased use in part reflects a trend away from conventional diagnostic X-ray catheter angiography and its associated risks, costs, inconveniences, and radiation exposure. On current MR scanners, 3-D CE MR angiographic examinations can be performed easily and quickly, and their interpretation using standard commercial software is fast and straightforward. Moreover, MR angiographic images are easily understood by referring clinicians. A growing body of literature has demonstrated the efficacy of 3-D contrast enhancement in many vascular territories, including the aorto-iliac, renal, and lower extremity arteries [1–7]. Improvements in gradient hardware and novel techniques allow faster acquisitions with improved spatial resolution. The enormous amount of data generated by these examinations, however, does present a problem to the busy radiologist: hundreds or even thousands of images must be examined and stored, and the results must be presented in a concise and understandable manner. Few clinicians enjoy sorting through MR angiography source images, and most would prefer to see the results presented in a few attractive images in addition to reading the report. 3-D reconstruction techniques offer an elegant solution to the information overload. They are an efficient means of evaluating MR angiography data sets, and available 3-D reconstruction methods actually can improve diagnostic accuracy or at least diagnostic confidence, especially when the
A closed compact structure of native ca(2+)-calmodulin.

Calmodulin has been a subject of intense scrutiny since its discovery because of its unusual properties in regulating the functions of about 100 diverse target enzymes and structural proteins. The original and to date only crystal conformation of native eukaryotic Ca(2+)-calmodulin (Ca(2+)-CaM) is a very extended molecule with two widely separated globular domains linked by an exposed long helix. Here we report the 1.7 A X-ray structure of a new native Ca(2+)-CaM that is in a compact ellipsoidal conformation and shows a sharp bend in the linker helix and a more contracted N-terminal domain. This conformation may offer advantages for recognition of kinase-type calmodulin targets or small organic molecule drugs.
The respiratory energetics of two species of stream caddis fly larvae in relation to water flow.

Abstract 1. 1. Water current caused increases in respiration and locomotor activity for Pycnopsyche guttifer and P. lepida which corresponded to their respective environmental current regimes. 2. 2. Ventilation rates increased as current speed decreased, suggesting that abdominal ventilation compensates for low stream velocities. 3. 3. The differences between active and inactive rates of oxygen consumption in relation to velocity allowed the amount of oxygen required for minimal and active metabolic needs to be determined.
Management as a Domain-Relative Practice that Requires and Develops Practical Wisdom

Although Alasdair MacIntyre has criticized both the market economy and applied ethics, his writing has generated significant discussion within the literature of business ethics and organizational studies. In this article, I extend this conversation by proposing the use of MacIntyre’s account of the virtues to conceive of management as a domain-relative practice that requires and develops practical wisdom. I proceed in four steps. First, I explain MacIntyre’s account of the virtues in light of his definition of a “practice.” Second, I examine his distinction between “practices” and “institutions.” Third, I explain what I mean by a “domain-relative practice” and defend the claim that it is helpful to conceive of management in those terms. Finally, I highlight several features of practical wisdom as a virtue developed in and integral to standards of excellence within management as a domain-relative practice.
Interest in participating in clinical research: A study of essential tremor patients.

Enrolling essential tremor (ET) patients in clinical research can be challenging. Investigators can maximize recruitment by targeting patient subgroups with greater interest in participation. Nothing has been published on factors that are associated with higher levels of interest in participation. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with higher levels of interest in participating in clinical research on ET. A total of 149 ET patients were questioned about level of interest in participating in future research. Two questions were used, although one was of primary interest. Interest was rated from 0 to 10 (maximal). Data were collected on demographic factors, family history, and tremor-related disability. Tremor severity was assessed. The mean level of interest was 8.0 +/- 2.3. Level of interest was not related to age of tremor onset, tremor duration, tremor severity, extent of tremor-related disability, or use of tremor medication. Level of interest was related to family history of tremor (P 2 versus 0 live births in women (P < 0.05), the view that the tremor worsens with age (P < 0.05), and presence of head tremor (P = 0.05). A variety of factors were identified that were associated with greater interest in participating in clinical research. These observations should be assessed in additional patient samples. Investigators may use our observations to identify and target patients for clinical trials and other research.
Imaging of infarct healing predicts left ventricular remodeling and evolution of heart failure: focus on protease activity.

Current state-of-the-art care ensures that most patients with myocardial infarction (MI) survive the acute ischemic event. There is strong evidence that timely reperfusion therapy limits the loss of myocardium, preserves cardiac function, and improves survival. Conversely, delayed or insufficient tissue reperfusion results in prolonged ischemia and myocyte death. Necrotic cell death initiates the wound-healing process that parallels the response of the body to other sterile injuries. Unlike other injuries, for instance, a bone fracture for which a plaster cast can reduce tissue movement during repair, wound healing after MI can be greatly affected by cardiac motion and wall stress. The efficacy of healing is important, and suboptimal healing leads to weakened resistance to mechanical forces, which in turn results in infarct expansion, adverse remodeling, and ultimately, heart failure. Although angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and β-blockers help reduce adverse remodeling, the desire to regenerate functioning heart muscle has motivated considerable interest in stem cell research, and recent discoveries on myocyte turnover are fueling the hope that one day “regrown” myocytes can replace the lost contractile units. Because there will be no plaster …
New insights into TB physiology suggest untapped therapeutic opportunities

The current regimens used to treat tuberculosis are largely comprised of serendipitously discovered drugs that are combined based on clinical experience. Despite curing millions, these drug regimens are limited by the long course of therapy, the emergence of resistance, and the persistent tissue damage that remains after treatment. The last two decades have produced only a single new drug but have represented a renaissance in our understanding of the physiology of tuberculosis infection. The advent of mycobacterial genetics, sophisticated immunological methods, and imaging technologies have transformed our understanding of bacterial physiology as well as the contribution of the host response to disease outcome. Specific alterations in bacterial metabolism, heterogeneity in bacterial state, and drug penetration all limit the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy. This review summarizes these new biological insights and discusses strategies to exploit them for the rational development of more effective therapeutics. Three general strategies are discussed. First, our emerging insight into bacterial physiology suggests new pathways that might be targeted to accelerate therapy. Second, we explore whether the concept of genetic synergy can be used to design effective combination therapies. Finally, we outline possible approaches to modulate the host response to accentuate antibiotic efficacy. These biology-driven strategies promise to produce more effective therapies.