cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Agent-based Modeling Framework for Assessing the Public Health Protection of Water Advisories

In the event that pathogens or toxins are introduced to a water distribution system, a utility manager may identify a threat through water quality data or alerts from public health officials. The utility manager may issue water advisories to warn consumers to reduce water use activities. As consumers react and change water demands, dynamic feedbacks among the community, utility managers, and the engineering infrastructure can create unexpected public health consequences and network hydraulics. A Complex Adaptive System (CAS)-based methodology is developed to couple an engineering model of a water distribution system with agent-based models (ABM) of consumers, public health officials, and utility managers to simulate feedback among management decisions, system hydraulics, and public behavior. A utility manager and a public health official are represented as agents, who respond to the event using a set of rules and equations that are based on a statistical analysis of a set of recorded water events. Consumers are represented as agents who update their water activities based on exposure to the contaminant and warnings from a utility agent and family members. A model of consumer compliance is developed using results from two surveys that report data to characterize consumer perceptions toward information sources during a water contamination event. The ABM framework is applied for an illustrative mid-sized virtual city to quantify the significance of interactions and advisories on public health consequences.
New insights on innate B‐cell immunity in transplantation

Innate B cells and natural antibodies (Nabs) have been extensively studied in normal physiological conditions as well as in several diseases. However, their significance in the context of ABO-compatible solid organ transplantation is only emerging. This review summarizes recent studies exploring these often neglected innate immune elements in situations related to sensitization and clinical graft rejection. A focus is placed on class-switched IgG Nabs that develop amidst inflammation, rather than IgM Nabs abundant at the steady state, as new evidence point to their implication in serum reactivity to HLA and kidney graft failure. The involvement of innate B cells in the pathophysiology of CAV is also presented. Lastly, we discuss key questions that need answering to understand whether and how innate B-cell immunity contributes to the outcome of solid organ transplantation.
Protein Sequence and Immunological Specificity

“In regard to classification and all the endless disputes about the ‘Natural System’, which no two authors define in the same way, I believe it ought, in accordance to my heterodox notions, to be simply genealogical. But as we have no written pedegrees you will, perhaps, say this will not help much; but I think it ultimately will, whenever heterodoxy becomes orthodox, for it will clear away an immense amount of rubbish about the value of characters, and will make the difference between analogy and homology clear. The time will come, I believe, though I shall not live to see it, when we shall have very fairly true genealogical trees of each great kingdom of Nature.” [Charles Darwin, letter* to Thomas H. Huxley.]
Snow Brand Milk Products (a): Assessing the Possibility for Revitalization

This three-part case explores corporate responsibility and brand rebuilding in the face of a serious crisis. It depicts a consumer advocate's decision-making process as she considers whether to help the company restore its reputation. In spring 2002, leading consumer activist Nobuko Hiwasa was invited to join Snow Brand Milk Products’ board of directors. The CEO wanted her to assist in SBM’s revitalization efforts, which were being implemented in the wake of two recent scandals - contaminated milk and beef mislabeling - that had almost brought down the venerable company. Hiwasa had to decide whether to take on this Herculean task. Was the company sincere in wanting to reform and revitalize? Would she be accepted as an equal among the board members, and would her views and suggestions be given serious consideration? Was the request publicity-driven? How would fellow consumer advocates view her if she accepted the position? This case details the history of Snow Brand Milk Products and the missteps and scandals that plagued it in the 1990s and early part of the decade that followed.
Overview of Clinical 31p Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Investigations and Applications for Renal Transplant Viability Assessment

Phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P MRS) is a nondestructive and noninvasive technique in which intracellular phosphorus metabolites are used as viability parameters for assessment of cadaveric renal viability pretransplantation and to delineate ischemic metabolic pathways for formulation of better organ preservation maneuvers. This overview summarizes the development of 31P MRS for the assessment of renal transplant viability in the setting of acute ischemia, with its current clinical applications. In addition, the use of 31P MRS for preservation studies and in situ assessment of renal transplant metabolism using surface coils is discussed.
Microsystems and Microfluidics

Overview The main focus of micro-scale research and development is on device fabrication and expansion of microsystem applications. This implies innovative advances in the material sciences, manufacturing technology/methodology as well as creation of supportive design software. However, in this chapter we consider only the fluid flow, heat/mass transfer and particle transport aspects of microsystems, where phase changes such as boiling and condensation as well as thermal radiation are excluded (for boiling and radiation processes see Tong & Tang 1997 and Zhang 2007; among others).
Quality and Safety in the American College of Surgeons

The origins of the American College of Surgeons were focused on quality at a time when medicine was united and prosperous and based on a system of autonomy. Control over the environment was essential in early surgery. Our heritage as an organization developed out of the need for education – the Clinical Congress and education model – and subsequently, standards for surgeons.
Amphibious hearing in sea turtles.

Despite increasing levels of anthropogenic noise throughout the oceans, we know very little about the hearing capabilities of sea turtles or how they might behaviorally and physiologically respond to potentially harmful sources of noise. Sea turtles are among the evolutionarily oldest and most endangered marine species. Seven species of sea turtle exist worldwide, including Dermochelys coriacea (leatherback), Eretmochelys imbricata (hawksbill), Chelonia mydas (green), Caretta caretta (loggerhead), Lepidochelys kempi (Kemp’s ridley), Lepidochelys olivacea (olive ridley), and Natator depressus (flatback). With the exception of Natator depressus (for which we have insufficient data), all are classified as critically endangered or endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species (2010). Sea turtles are found in nearly all temperate and tropical marine environments and are highly migratory, traveling great distances between developmental, foraging, and nesting habitats. Given their endangered status, understanding the effects of noise on sea turtles is both timely and critically important.
Modern Families and Degeneration

The paradoxes of liberal modernity placed pressure on traditional family and gender roles. Exemplary tales such as Martin Coronado’s La piedra del escandalo and Nicolas Granada’s iAl campo! attempted to contain the entry of women into the public sphere, whether through work or consumerism. I argue that popular theater, in turn, made visible a more complex understanding of gender by focusing on how the material conditions of poor women made it impossible for them to fulfill an essentially bourgeois model. Carlos Mauricio Pacheco’s and Pedro E. Pico’s Musica criolla and Florencio Sanchez’s La pobre gente, Barranca abajo, and Nuestro hijos explore various reasons why women pursued unconventional paths, highlighting the devastating impact on the family of a liberal capitalist logic that only produces crime, corruption, and misery in the families portrayed.
Chapter 2 – Electronic Fundamentals

This chapter is for the reader who has limited knowledge of electronics. It is intended to provide an overview of the subject so that discussions in later chapters about the operation and use of automotive electronics control systems will be easier to understand. The chapter discusses electronic devices and circuits having applications in electronic automotive instrumentation and control systems. Topics include semiconductor devices analog circuits, digital circuits, and fundamentals of integrated circuits.
Role of epoxy-fatty acids and epoxide hydrolases in the pathology of neuro-inflammation

Abstract Neuroinflammation is a physiologic response aimed at protecting the central nervous system during injury. However, unresolved and chronic neuroinflammation can lead to long term damage and eventually neurologic disease including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Recently, enhancing the concentration of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) through blocking their hydrolytic degradation by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) has been applied towards reducing the long-term damage associated with central neurologic insults. Evidence suggests this protective effect is mediated, at least in part, through polarization of microglia to an anti-inflammatory phenotype that blocks the inflammatory actions of prostaglandins and promotes wound repair. This mini-review overviews the epidemiologic basis for using sEH inhibition towards neuroinflammatory disease and pharmacologic studies testing sEH inhibition in several neurologic diseases. Additionally, the combination of sEH inhibition with other eicosanoid signaling pathways is considered as an enhanced approach for developing potent neuroprotectants.
Demonstration of Advanced Open WDM Operations and Analytics, Based on an Application-Extensible, Declarative, Data Model Abstracted Instrumentation Platform

We demonstrate a novel application-flexible data-model-abstracted and declarative software instrumentation platform that advances open-WDM multivendor operations and analytics. We validate its functional extensibility by implementing software-agent-based service provisioning and monitoring, and leveraging multiple open-source technologies.
Phenology and temporal niche overlap differ between novel, exotic- and native-dominated grasslands for plants, but not for pollinators

The temporal dynamics of ecosystem functioning and services are largely regulated by seasonal patterns, or phenology, of Earth’s biota. Recent evidence suggests that species in exotic-dominated systems may exhibit altered phenology relative to species in native-dominated systems. However, whether phenology of plants and pollinator communities differ between existing novel, exotic-dominated ecosystems and native-dominated systems remains poorly understood. We tested whether exotic- and native-dominated grasslands differed across a growing season for plant production, species and functional diversity, and bee pollinator abundances and diversity in the Northern Great Plains tallgrass prairie region, Iowa, USA. We found that niche overlap and some aspects of phenology in exotic-dominated systems were different from native systems for plants, but not for pollinators. Exotic dominated grasslands peaked earlier in biomass production, and exhibited consistently lower levels of species and functional diversity, including higher levels of proportion of C3 biomass, than native grasslands. These results were related to higher levels of temporal niche overlap in exotic grasslands, where species were similar across the growing season in exotic, but not in native, grasslands. Surprisingly, bee pollinator communities did not differ between exotic and native grasslands despite higher forb:grass ratios in native sites, implying that factors other than exotic-native status may be important in structuring pollinator communities at this scale in highly fragmented landscapes. Our results imply that phenological differences between communities in novel and native grasslands can have important consequences to diversity and ecosystem functioning, and that exotic or native status of plant species should be considered in future studies of phenology.
Least Lossy Piezoelectric Energy-Harvesting Charger

Wireless microsensors can operate indefinitely when they use ambient kinetic energy in motion to replenish the battery. Of available technologies, a switched inductor can draw the most power from a piezoelectric transducer. Power consumption, however, limits how much of that power the battery receives. This paper theorizes and shows that drawing and delivering power with an inductor from the transducer into the battery directly reduces the energy the inductor carries. With less energy, inductor current and related ohmic losses are lower. This way, ohmic losses can be up to 74% lower. This is why the switched-inductor bridge is the least lossy piezoelectric charger in the state of the art.
Retaining Experienced, Qualified Teachers: The Principal's Role

One process for retaining experienced, qualified teachers is to provide them with opportunities to grow professionally (Blase & Blase, 2001). The intent of this paper is to provide information about meeting the needs of experienced, qualified rural teachers, especially in the area of professional development. A story line of one rural science teacher’s journey with professional development opportunities and experiences is shared. Her principal’s role is also described. Also included is a comparison between the teacher’s experiences and research about professional development. The paper concludes with recommendations for those involved in rural schools, especially in administrative positions will be shared. The recommendations focus on strengthening professional development opportunities and experiences for teachers.
High Performance and Yield for Super Steep Retrograde Wells (SSRW) by Well Implant / Si-based Epitaxy on Advanced Technology FinFETs

For the first time, we present a Super Steep Retrograde Well (SSRW) FinFET process utilizing patterned well implants and Si-based epitaxy channels and compare to a state-of-the-art production technology (14LPP) [1]. This flow offers simpler integration and better scalability than current methods using doped glasses [2]. Two low temperature STI options required to minimize dopant diffusion are reported. Compared to POR, long channel SSRW devices show higher transconductance and mobility. Short channel devices, however, show comparable or only incremental improvement in $\mathrm{I}_{\mathrm{EFF}}$ at target $\mathrm{I}_{\mathrm{OFF}}$ and in ring oscillator performance. SRAM yields are high and equivalent to POR, demonstrating no fundamental issues. Keywords: super steep retrograde well, SSRW, CMOS, epitaxy, well implant, FinFET, low temperature STI
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Hangover: A Rising Tide of Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol‐Associated Liver Disease

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a tremendous global impact since it began in November of 2019. However, there are concerns that the COVID-19 pandemic will not affect all equally and that some populations will be particularly vulnerable. Relevant to liver disease, patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) may be among the populations that are the most severely impacted. The reasons for this include being at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection due to a depressed immune system and high-risk underlying comorbidities, the injurious effect of COVID-19 on the liver, the inability to attend regular visits with providers, diversion of hospital resources, and social isolation leading to psychological decompensation and increased drinking or relapse. As a result, we fear that there will be a dramatic rising tide of alcohol relapse, admissions for decompensated ALD, and an increase in newly diagnosed patients with AUD/ALD post-COVID-19 pandemic. Providers and their institutions should implement preemptive strategies such as telehealth and aggressive patient outreach programs now to curb this anticipated problem. Liver transplantation (LT) centers should adapt to the pandemic by considering leniency to some LT candidates with ALD who cannot access appropriate alcohol treatment due to the current situation. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic will likely be especially detrimental to patients with AUD/ALD, and actions need to be taken now to limit the scope of this anticipated problem.
Conclusion and Open Problems

This chapter concludes the book by summarizing the known sharp results to the best of our knowledge with appropriate citations. We also include a section with conjectures and open problems for those interested in pursuing future work in the area. These problems are by no means exhaustive since any unknown sharp value of a Gallai-Ramsey number would contribute to the literature.
Soft-Tissue Reconstruction of Complicated Total Ankle Arthroplasty:

BackgroundTotal ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is a popular modality to treat end-stage arthritis or internal ankle derangement. Unfortunately, failure rates remain undesirably high, with severe complica...
Farming For Ethics: An Examination Of The Ethical Challenges Of Missouri Corn And Soybean Producers

Interviews with Missouri corn and soybean farmers reveal what farmers feel are the most important ethical challenges in agriculture. In contrast to the literature, which characterizes ethical challenges in term of philosophical debates about soil conservation, the use of pesticides and genetically modified seeds, or the treatment of animals, for instance, this research finds that farmers perceive ethical challenges in behavioral terms. The reason is rooted in the industrialization of agricultural production, which creates tensions for farmers between doing what they believe to be right and doing what they feel they must in order to survive.
Chemical and topographical patterns combined with solution shear for selective-area deposition of highly-aligned semiconducting carbon nanotubes

Selective deposition of semiconducting carbon nanotubes (s-CNTs) into densely packed, aligned arrays of individualized s-CNTs is necessary to realize their potential in semiconductor electronics. We report the combination of chemical contrast patterns, topography, and pre-alignment of s-CNTs via shear to achieve selective-area deposition of aligned arrays of s-CNTs. Alternate stripes of surfaces favorable and unfavorable to s-CNT adsorption were patterned with widths varying from 2000 nm down to 100 nm. Addition of topography to the chemical contrast patterns combined with shear enabled the selective-area deposition of arrays of quasi-aligned s-CNTs (∼14°) even in patterns that are wider than the length of individual nanotubes (>500 nm). When the width of the chemical and topographical contrast patterns is less than the length of individual nanotubes (<500 nm), confinement effects become dominant enabling the selective-area deposition of much more tightly aligned s-CNTs (∼7°). At a trench width of 100 nm, we demonstrate the lowest standard deviation in alignment degree of 7.6 ± 0.3° at a deposition shear rate of 4600 s−1, while maintaining an individualized s-CNT density greater than 30 CNTs μm−1. Chemical contrast alone enables selective-area deposition, but chemical contrast in addition to topography enables more effective selective-area deposition and stronger confinement effects, with the advantage of removal of nanotubes deposited in spurious areas via selective lift-off of the topographical features. These findings provide a methodology that is inherently scalable, and a means to deposit spatially selective, aligned s-CNT arrays for next-generation semiconducting devices.
Massively Parallel Processing Database for Sequence and Graph Data Structures Applied to Rapid-Response Drug Repurposing

In this paper, we present the application of a massively parallel-processing graph database for rapid-response drug repurposing. The novelty of our approach is that the scalable graph database is able to host a knowledge graph of medically relevant facts integrated from multiple knowledge sources and also act as a computational engine capable of in-database protein sequence analytics. We demonstrate the performance of the graph database on a real-world use-case to hypothesize cures for COVID-19, leveraging its built-in accelerated protein-sequence matching capabilities at unprecedented scale (to simultaneously handle data size and query latency requirements for interactive research). Based on supporting evidence from medical literature, we show that results generated by computing similarity of COVID-19 virus proteins across 4 million other open-science sequences and intelligently traversing over a 150 billion facts from open-science medical knowledge produces biologically insightful results. By presenting sample queries and extending application to use-cases beyond COVID-19, we demonstrate the use and value of the novel database for hypotheses generation in reducing the time-to-insight and increasing researcher productivity with interactivity.
The effect of voluntary disclosure on stock liquidity: New evidence from index funds

Abstract This study tests whether voluntary disclosure affects stock liquidity. I argue that index funds fit the profile of nonstrategic traders who, according to theory, are unambiguously more likely than managers and strategic investors to prefer high stock liquidity and thus high disclosure. This suggests that I can use index funds' disclosure preferences to construct an empirical model of voluntary disclosure that abstracts away from managers' strategic disclosure motives. Accordingly, I use an index-fund setting to construct a recursive structural equation model of voluntary disclosure, index fund ownership, and liquidity. I find that when a firm joins the S&P 500 index, voluntary disclosure increases with the level of ownership assumed by index funds, and this increase in disclosure is associated with increased stock liquidity. These results imply that voluntary disclosure increases stock liquidity.
Utilizing Forced Oscillometry Technique as a Measure of Airway Resistance and Lung Reactance Compared to Spirometry

Background: Oscillometry has been used to evaluate changes in pulmonary function in subjects with obstructive lung disease, and to a lesser extent in restrictive lung process. Spirometry also informs on lung disease, but results can be variable depending on patient effort and instruction. We hypothesize that reactance measured at 5 Hz (X5) could be a more sensitive measure of lung restriction and decreased compliance than forced vital capacity (FVC) measured by spirometry. As part of a parallel study to evaluate closed loop logic of an oxygen delivery system in volunteers subjected to hypoxia with and without chest restriction, we compared the sensitivity of X5 and FVC to evaluate the degree of chest restriction. Methods: Five healthy volunteers were selected, screened, and consented at UTMB’s Clinical Research Center (IRB# 18-0007). Each volunteer underwent two randomized hypoxia studies with or without an extra-thoracic restriction device. Restriction was achieved by placing a belt around the thoracic cavity to simulate low compliance or chest wall restriction. To evaluate the degree of restriction, FVC was measured with spirometry and airway resistance and lung reactance were measured with the forced oscillometry technique (FOT). Spirometry with and without extra-thoracic restriction was measured with a portable Koko Spirometer. FOT was assessed with the Resmon Pro. Other variables measured during hypoxia studies included end-tidal CO2, SpO2, oxygen flow, tidal volume (VT), respiratory rate (RR) and minute ventilation (MV). An anesthesiologist was present and monitored the volunteers throughout the study. Hypoxia was discontinued if SpO2 decreased below 70% for more than 3 min or volunteers became symptomatic (intolerant). Results: Application of restriction significantly decreased FVC (non-restriction: 5.54 ± 0.53L vs restriction: 4.65 ± 0.33 L; P Conclusions: Assessment of lung function can be done easily, reproducibly, and with minimal patient instruction or effort using FOT. X5 correlates with changes in chest wall compliance that result in a restrictive process as measured by spirometry. X5 appears to be a more sensitive measure of changing respiratory system compliance and could be useful in following post-COVID-19 patients complaining of continuing dyspnea.
Low Dose of IL-2 Normalizes Hypertension and Mitochondrial Function in the RUPP Rat Model of Placental Ischemia

IL-2 is a cytokine released from CD4+T cells with dual actions and can either potentiate the inflammatory response or quell a chronic inflammatory response depending on its circulating concentration. IL-2 is elevated in many chronic inflammatory conditions and is increased during preeclampsia (PE). PE is characterized by new-onset hypertension during pregnancy and organ dysfunction and increasing evidence indicates that proinflammatory cytokines cause hypertension and mitochondrial (mt) dysfunction during pregnancy. The reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model of placental ischemia is a rat model of PE that we commonly use in our laboratory and we have previously shown that low doses of recombinant IL-2 can decrease blood pressure in RUPP rats. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a low dose of recombinant IL-2 on multi-organ mt dysfunction in the RUPP rat model of PE. We tested our hypothesis by infusing recombinant IL-2 (0.05 ng/mL) into RUPP rats on GD14 and examined mean arterial pressure (MAP), renal, placental and endothelial cell mt function compared to control RUPP. MAP was elevated in RUPP rats (n = 6) compared to controls (n = 5) (122 ± 5 vs. 102 ± 3 mmHg, p < 0.05), but was reduced by administration of LD recombinant IL-2 (107 ± 1 vs. 122 ± 5 mmHg, n = 9, p < 0.05). Renal, placental and endothelial mt ROS were significantly increased in RUPP rats compared to RUPP+ IL-2 and controls. Placental and renal respiration rates were reduced in RUPP rats compared to control rats but were normalized with IL-2 administration to RUPPs. These data indicate that low-dose IL-2 normalized multi-organ mt function and hypertension in response to placental ischemia.
Why Krippendorfs Tribe Is Good For Teaching Anthropology

Krippendorfs Tribe (1998); Director: Todd Holland, Cast: Richard Dreyfuss, Jenna Elfman, Lily Tomlin, Rachel Winfree; Screenplay: Charlie Peters; 100 min.; US Distribution: Touchstone Pictures; Rated PG-13.
At the Intersection: A Cross-Disciplinary Exercise In Employee Selection

It is important for managers to be familiar with selection techniques and tools because all managers are likely to be involved with employee selection at some point in their careers. However, many mangers have little experience with or knowledge of employee selection, and they are not likely to understand how it fits within the organization. The exercise presented addresses the issue of employee selection and gives non-human resource students practical experience with employee selection. The students research a real organization, recommend a selection plan, and critique an applicant from a different university.
Coatings of Fe/FeAIN Thin Films

We report new results on materials properties of Fe/FeAIN thin films. Films were fabricated via a pulsed DC sputtering technique. Sputtering target materials were FeAl where x varies from 0.025 to 1. Film thickness varied from 0.01 to 4 micrometers, and particle size varied from 5 to 100 nanometers, depending on the fabrication conditions and target materials. A film with 22 layers was also fabricated via the sputtering technique. Materials properties of the films were analyzed by SEM/EDS, XRD, RBS, and ESCA (XPS).
Interstellar Reddening at High Galactic Latitudes

Measures in the Stromgren four-color and H β systems provide an accurate way to determine color excesses of early-type stars. Fourteen areas at high galactic latitude have now been searched for faint A stars which are then measured photoelectrically to obtain the color excesses. Non-main sequence A stars, which are easily detected by means of the four-color photometry, are not included in the analysis. Within 40° of each pole, the reddening is essentially zero, E b−y = 0.00 north of the galactic plane and E b−y = 0.01 south of the plane.
Greenhouse Gas Regulation Under the Clean Air Act: Does Chevron v. NRDC Set the EPA Free?

The EPA is likely to face a legal problem on the path to regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act (CAA). Actions the agency is taking now will likely set it on a mandatory path to regulation of GHGs under the comprehensive “National Ambient Air Quality Standards” (NAAQS) program – a scheme that almost everyone who has studied the CAA thinks is a poor fit for GHG regulation and which blocks use of arguably more effective schemes within the CAA. Unless the EPA can win a lawsuit challenging an interpretation of the CAA that has stood for more than 30 years, or Congress explicitly takes away the agency’s authority to set a GHG NAAQS with new legislation, the agency will have to navigate the complex NAAQS process – with potentially large effects on the efficiency and effectiveness of GHG regulation.
Central mucoepidermoid tumors of the jaws. Report of nine cases and review of the literature.

Abstract Nine previously unreported cases of central mucoepidermoid tumor of the jaws (CMET) are presented and forty-one previously reported examples are reviewed. The mandible was involved in thirty-four cases and the maxilla in sixteen. The CMET is more common in females and has been reported in patients from 1 to 85 years of age. Most cases occur in the fourth and fifth decades. Radiographically, the CMET usually resembles an ameloblastoma or odontogenic cyst. Most CMET's are histologically well-differentiated lesions. Thirteen tumors recurred after various forms of therapy. Regional node metastasis was reported in four cases, and four patients died as a result of their tumors.
Posttransfusion purpura associated with an autoantibody directed against a previously undefined platelet antigen

Although alloantibody against the PLA1 platelet antigen is usually found in patients with posttransfusion purpura (PTP), the mechanism of destruction of the patient's own PLA1-negative platelets is unexplained. We used a sensitive immunoblot technique to detect antiplatelet antibodies in a patient with classic PTP. The patient's acute-phase serum contained antibodies against three proteins present in control (PLA1-positive) platelets: an antibody that bound to a previously unrecognized platelet protein of mol wt 120,000 [glycoprotein (GP) 120], antibodies that bound to PLA1 (mol wt 90,000), and an epitope of GP IIb (mol wt 140,000). The antibodies against PLA1 and GP IIb did not react with the patient's own PLA1-negative platelets, control PLA1-negative platelets, or thrombasthenic platelets. In contrast, the antibody against GP 120 recognized this protein in all three platelet preparations, but not in Bernard-Soulier or Leka (Baka)-negative platelets. Antibody against GP 120 was not detected in the patient's recovery serum, although the antibodies against PLA1 and GP IIb persisted. F(ab)2 prepared from the patient's acute-phase serum also bound to GP 120. These results suggest that in PTP, transient autoantibody production may be responsible for autologous (PLA1-negative) platelet destruction. In addition, alloantibodies against more than one platelet alloantigen may be found in this disease. The nature of the GP 120 autoantigen and the GP IIb- related alloantigen defined by our patient's serum remains to be determined.
Detecting Group Differences: Mining Contrast Sets

A fundamental task in data analysis is understanding the differences between several contrasting groups. These groups can represent different classes of objects, such as male or female students, or the same group over time, e.g. freshman students in 1993 through 1998. We present the problem of mining contrast sets: conjunctions of attributes and values that differ meaningfully in their distribution across groups. We provide a search algorithm for mining contrast sets with pruning rules that drastically reduce the computational complexity. Once the contrast sets are found, we post-process the results to present a subset that are surprising to the user given what we have already shown. We explicitly control the probability of Type I error (false positives) and guarantee a maximum error rate for the entire analysis by using Bonferroni corrections.
Novel photocurrent-assisted wavelength (PAW) using a traveling-wave electroabsorption modulator with signal monitoring and regeneration capabilities

We report on a novel photocurrent-assisted wavelength converter using a traveling-wave electroabsorption modulator which also provides electrical monitoring and regeneration capabilities. The proposed concept is demonstrated with 2.5-Gb/s NRZ and 10-Gb/s RZ data formats.
Embryonic Origin of Postnatal Neural Stem Cells

Adult neural stem/progenitor (B1) cells within the walls of the lateral ventricles generate different types of neurons for the olfactory bulb (OB). The location of B1 cells determines the types of OB neurons they generate. Here we show that the majority of mouse B1 cell precursors are produced between embryonic days (E) 13.5 and 15.5 and remain largely quiescent until they become reactivated postnatally. Using a retroviral library carrying over 100,000 genetic tags, we found that B1 cells share a common progenitor with embryonic cells of the cortex, striatum, and septum, but this lineage relationship is lost before E15.5. The regional specification of B1 cells is evident as early as E11.5 and is spatially linked to the production of neurons that populate different areas of the forebrain. This study reveals an early embryonic regional specification of postnatal neural stem cells and the lineage relationship between them and embryonic progenitor cells.
Economically optimal marine reserves without spatial heterogeneity in a simple two-patch model

Bioeconomic analyses of spatial fishery models have established that marine reserves can be economically optimal (i.e., maximize sustainable profit) when there is some type of spatial heterogeneity in the system. Analyses of spatially continuous models and models with more than two discrete patches have also demonstrated that marine reserves can be economically optimal even when the system is spatially homogeneous. In this note we analyze a spatially homogeneous two-patch model and show that marine reserves can be economically optimal in this case as well. The model we study includes the possibility that fishing can damage habitat. In this model, marine reserves are necessary to maximize sustainable profit when dispersal between the patches is sufficiently high and habitat is especially vulnerable to damage.
ANN-based thermal control models for residential buildings

This study aimed to develop an Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-based advanced thermal control method for creating more comfortable thermal environments in residential buildings. The proposed control method consisted of a thermal control logic framework with four thermal control logics therein, including two predictive and adaptive logics using ANN models, and a system hardware framework. The models were designed to achieve thermal comfort for living areas, taking into account not only air temperature, but also humidity or PMV as a control variable; and to reduce overshoots and undershoots of a control variable using ANN-based predictive and adaptive control. Incorporating IBPT (International Building Physics Toolbox) and MATLAB, a typical two-story single-family home in the U.S. was modelled for testing the performance of developed thermal control methods. Analysis revealed that ANN-based predictive and adaptive control strategies created more comfortable thermal conditions than did typical thermostat systems in terms of increased comfort period of air temperature, humidity, and PMV, and reduced over and undershoots. Thus, the proposed control methods using ANN can be concluded to have the potential for enhancing thermal comfort in residential buildings.
A Simulation Trainer for Complex Articular Fracture Surgery

Reduction and internal fixation of articular fractures is a basic skills competency for orthopaedic surgeons. Most orthopaedic residents acquire these skills through an apprenticeship model, training on patients in the operating room under close supervision. With current Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) work hour restrictions, the quantity of surgical case exposures to acquire these skills may become more limited in the future for residents. Surgical skills training models outside of the operating room have been implemented to a limited extent in other areas of orthopaedics, such as hand surgery1 and arthroscopy2. Methods to acquire and practice orthopaedic surgical skills outside of the operating room, combined with validated objective assessment techniques for formative and summative resident feedback, are needed3. This need is especially strong in areas such as articular fracture reduction. Residents must understand the three-dimensional aspects of a fracture pattern and correlate this understanding with two-dimensional fluoroscopy views, a skill that is integral to fracture reduction techniques. This understanding of fracture patterns must be integrated with a surgeon’s hand-eye coordination to achieve reduction and fixation, all while minimizing soft-tissue trauma. Therefore, creating a simulation in which this difficult surgical skill can be acquired and objectively assessed in a safe, controlled, and reproducible environment would be an important advance in orthopaedic resident training. There were three purposes of this study: (1) to develop a physical model to improve resident skills in articular fracture reduction, (2) to objectively assess residents while they were performing this specific surgical skill, and (3) to assess the construct validity of the model and the assessment techniques by comparing the results of junior residents with those of senior residents.
Divergent effects of estradiol on gene expression of catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes

Abstract Within the catecholaminergic systems, there are contradictory findings regarding ability of estradiol to regulate expression of genes related to catecholamine biosynthesis. Several parameters important for effects of estradiol on the catecholamine (CA) related enzyme gene expression were examined in two CA regions. Ovariectomized (OVX) female rats were given prolonged estradiol treatments, either in a pulsatile fashion by injections or continuously by pellets. The mode affected the response of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH) mRNAs differentially in the nucleus of solitary tract (NTS) and the locus coeruleus (LC). In rostral–medial NTS, TH mRNA levels were increased with injections, but declined in rats administered estradiol by pellets. In LC, a significant change was only observed in GTPCH with injections. These differences may reflect activation of different estrogen receptors (ER). The response to estradiol in the presence of ERα and ER β was examined in PC12 cell culture. Estradiol directly regulated promoter activity of TH, GTPCH and dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) genes. With ERα, 17 β-estradiol elevated TH promoter activity, while there was a decline with ERβ. In contrast, both DBH and GTPCH promoters were enhanced by 17 β-estradiol over a wide range of concentrations with either ER subtype. Thus, mode of administration, location examined and ER subtype expressed are important considerations in the overall response of catecholamine related enzymes to estradiol.
Microbiological and sensory characteristics of pork loin chops: Role of intramuscular fat.

Pork loin chops of High, Intermediate and Low intramuscular fat were trimmed free of subcutaneous fat and then packaged and stored in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film for 0–6 days or in high oxygen barrier (HOB) film for 0–28 days at 4°C ± 1°C. In general, marbling group had no (P > 0·05) effect on the aerobic plate count (APC) and did not result in major differences in the distribution of types in the microflora of pork loin chops. During storage, Pseudomonas spp. became dominant in the microflora of PVC-wrapped chops while Lactobacillus spp. became dominant in the microflora of chops stored in HOB film. Of the sensory characteristics examined, mean surface discoloration and mean overall appearance scores of chops of Low intramuscular fat stored in HOB film were usually lower (P < 0·05) than those of chops of Intermediate and High intramuscular fat. In contrast, marbling group usually had no significant effect on mean surface discoloration and mean overall appearance scores of chops packaged in PVC film.
Evaluating Concentration Profiles During Unsteady Mixing

Pulse jet mixing tests to suspend noncohesive solids in Newtonian liquid were conducted at three geometric scales. To understand the solids suspension process an ultrasonic concentration probe was used to measure the concentration of solids in the cloud during a pulse at various elevations and radial positions. The data are being analyzed to provide a model for predicting concentration as a function of elevation. This paper presents a simple single frequency ultrasonic measurement application that demonstrates the ability of ultrasonic sensors to measure slurry concentration based on signal attenuation. Sensor calibration data show that ultrasonic signal attenuation is proportional to the applied frequency and to the slurry volume fraction. Real-time measurements of ultrasonic signal attenuation were used to track the process of slurry mixing using single sensors and sensor arrays. Comparison of means of the ultrasonic measurements with means obtained from discrete extractive measurements show that the distributions overlap and cannot be statistically distinguished. The real-time ultrasonic sensor can be used as a primary measurement method or to reduce reliance upon extractive methods to measure slurry density.
Treatment of diabetes in NOD mice by gene transfer of Ig-fusion proteins into B cells: Role of T regulatory cells ☆

We previously reported that retrovirally mediated gene expression of Ig fusion proteins leads to specific immunologic tolerance and successful treatment of autoimmune conditions. Thus, a single dose of GAD65-IgG- or (Pro) Insulin-IgG-transduced B cells delays the onset and decreases the incidence of diabetes in young (7-12 weeks old) NOD female mice. Herein, we tested the role of regulatory T cells by in vivo treatment with anti-CD25 before B-cell gene therapy or by in vitro ablation of CD25+ cells from tolerized hosts in an adoptive transfer model. Our results demonstrate that anti-CD25 treatment, like cyclophosphamide, partially blocks the efficacy of gene therapy for tolerance. Moreover, B-cell therapy is effective at preventing diabetes transfer by female T cells (from older diabetic mice) into intact male recipients with normal islets, but failed to do so in NOD-scid recipients. This is due in part to homeostatic proliferation but also to the absence of CD25+ T cells in the latter hosts. Tolerance induced in younger NOD females can be stably transferred to NOD-scid recipients. However, physical removal of CD25+ cells abrogates the transfer of tolerance. Therefore, we conclude that CD4+, CD25+ regulatory T cells are required for the induction as well as maintenance of tolerance in this gene therapy model. The phenotype of these induced regulatory T cells is under investigation.
The extraction of corticosteroids from blood and tissues by dialysis.

Abstract A technique is described for the extraction of corticosteroids from blood and tissues by dialysis. The data collected suggest the further possibility of using fractional dialysis as a method for the separation of steroids. The advantages of the new method over those previously available are discussed.
Projecting Empire: imperialism and popular cinema

Projecting Empire: imperialism and popular cinema JAMES CHAPMAN and NICHOLAS J. CULL London, I.B. Tauris, 2009 xii+244 pp., illus., bibliography, filmography, index, £15.99 (paper) James Chapman an...
Fibrinogen degradation products in serum and urine of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Relation to renal disease and pathogenetic mechanism.

Serum and concentrated urine from blood donors, patients with rheumatoid arthritis and SLE patients with and without renal disease were tested for the presence of fibrinogen degradation products (FDP), using the tanned red cell hemagglutination inhibition immunoassay. The majority of blood donors had serum titers of 1:2 to 1:4, while the majority of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus had titers of 1:8 to 1:32. FDP were detected in low titers in urine of nearly all blood donors, patients with rheumatoid arthritis and SLE patients without renal disease, whereas elevated titers were found in SLE patients with active renal disease. Several possible sources of the urinary FDP are discussed, and the role of fibrin deposition in glomerular injury is reviewed.
A versatile synthesis of bis[2-(2′-hydroxylphenyl)benzoxazole] derivatives as zinc sensors

A versatile synthetic route has been developed to prepare 2, 5-bis(benzoxazole-2-yl)benzene-1,4-diol derivatives 2. Although one of the derivatives (2b) has recently been shown to exhibit an excellent response to Zn2+ cations, the low yielding synthetic route will likely prevent its wide application. This report describes an improved synthetic procedure to obtain 2, thereby making this class of compounds available for biologically relevant studies. An effective synthesis has been developed for 2-aminophenol derivative 6, which bears a carboxylate group in the desired position. The strategy allows construction of bis(benzoxazole) compound 5, where the built-in ester group can be easily converted to either a hydroxymethyl or a bromomethyl group to introduce the zinc-chelating ligand.