cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exit Discrimination and Its Effect on Career Earnings: An Event History Analysis of Career Longevity in the NBA

The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, it is a complement to the many wage discrimination studies by examining exit discrimination in the NBA using a decade's worth of data (the 1980's). White players have a 36% lower risk of being cut than black players, ceteris paribus, translating into an expected career length of 7 seasons for an apparently similar player who is white, and 5.5 seasons for the same player who is black. Second, the career earnings effect of exit discrimination in the 1980's is larger ($577,000) than the career earnings effect of wage discrimination ($329,000). Third, consistent with much of the previous literature, customer racial discrimination appears to explain more of the observed exit discrimination than employer discrimination.
Knowing, Power and Materiality: A Critical Review and Reconceptualization of Absorptive Capacity

Most studies on absorptive capacity (AC) are based on assumptions that are characteristic of viewing knowledge from an epistemology of possession (knowledge is possessed by individuals and is transferrable). However, the literature on managing knowledge (or better knowledge work) acknowledges also an epistemology of practice (knowledge is unpredictable and dynamic and constituted in and through practice). Moreover, the literature on AC is relatively silent on the relationship between knowledge and power. In this paper, the authors argue that the AC construct should be interpreted in light of the possession and the practice perspectives of knowledge and power. The analysis includes a systematic literature review of AC that supports the authors' claims and, based on this, they suggest an interpretation of the construct that takes into account knowledge–power relationships. This review and theorizing contribute to a richer and processual view of AC.
IWP-121: a novel sGC stimulator that reduces blood pressure and exhibits anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory activities in the Dahl Salt-Sensitive rat model

Background Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) is an intracellular receptor that can be activated by nitric oxide (NO) and sGC stimulators to produce cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), thereby modulating a number of downstream cellular and physiological responses including phosphorylation of VASP and vasodilation. In the Dahl Salt-Sensitive (DSS) rat model of hypertension, cGMP production by sGC is decreased, most likely due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) converting NO to peroxynitrite, resulting in depleted pools of NO available to bind to sGC. In this study we evaluated the efficacy of a novel sGC stimulator (IWP-121) in the DSS model. Male DSS rats (230-270 grams) received high-salt diet (8% NaCl) for 2 weeks followed by high salt plus compound for 6 additional weeks. IWP-121 was administered at doses of 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg/ day in the chow (n=8/group). Losartan (30 mg/kg/day in the water) was used as a positive control, in addition to both High Salt (HS) and Normal Salt (NS). All groups were compared to HS control group for analyses. IWP-121 dose dependently decreased mean blood pressure (MAP) throughout the study. Additionally, IWP-121 (at all doses tested) and losartan had statistically significant effects on decreasing heart hypertrophy and plasma NT-proBNP but only IWP-121 had an effect on attenuating liver hypertrophy. IWP-121 decreased microalbuminuria (an indicator of kidney end organ damage) as well as attenuated serum biomarkers known to be involved in inflammatory and fibrotic processes. Conclusion In the rat DSS model of hypertension, there is a decrease in cGMP levels most likely due to the inactivation of endogenous NO by ROS. The sGC stimulator IWP-121, when administered in the diet exhibited sustained dosedependent reduction in blood pressure. Additionally, IWP-121 attenuated heart and liver hypertrophy and reduced NT-proBNP, a biomarker of heart failure. The compound reduced levels of biomarkers for inflammation and fibrosis, and demonstrated renal end organ protection. sGC stimulators, like IWP-121 may have broad therapeutic application by modulating multiple relevant therapeutic endpoints including blood pressure, hypertrophy, inflammation, and fibrosis.
A Geometric Model for Physiologic State Classification and Severity Classification of Critically Ill Patients

Abstract A model that represents physiologic states of patients as vectors in a 3-dimensional Euclidean space is presented. The model has been developed from observational data that were obtained from 3250 sets of 17 quantitative physiologic measurements from 919 patients at three centers. Concepts and tools of cluster analysis along with related methods of multivariate data analysis were used to define a reference state and six prototype physiologic patterns of adaptation, viewed as departures from the reference state, of the host defense response to events such as injury and sepsis. Within the model, the vectors from the origin (reference state) to each of the prototype states define directions that are indicative of the physiologic patterns associated with that state. These patterns provide a basis for a useful clinical interpretation for the nature and severity of a patient's response as function of location in the 3-dimensional space. The collaborative process used for the development of this model is described. This process had to blend prior clinical knowledge with statistical tools and concepts to provide a rational basis for defining objectives for the classification problem. Key elements in this process are discussed and related to current issues in the application of classification theory and cluster analysis methods. The effective use of this model to organize the multifactor data necessary to cope with complex clinical decisions that are omnipresent in the care and treatment of patients with post-trauma critical illness is discussed. Herman Friedman will describe the model and discuss key elements of the collaborative process and Dr. Siegel will delineate the physiologic basis of the model and its clinical applications to critically ill and injured patients.
Periodontal evaluation of canines erupted through grafted alveolar cleft defects

Two to eight years after receiving autogenous iliac crest grafts for treatment of alveolar cleft defects, eighteen patients who had unilateral cleft palate were evaluated for their periodontal status. When cleft-associated canines were compared with contralateral control canines, no statistically significant differences were found between specific surface values for plaque index, gingival index, or probing depths. Attachment loss was found to be greater (less than 0.72 mm) on the mesio-facial, facial, and mesio-palatal surfaces of the cleft-associated canines than on the control canines. Fifty-six per cent of the cleft-associated canines required surgical exposure and 44% also required orthodontic assistance to erupt to a functional occlusion. Osseous grafting of alveolar cleft defects resulted in satisfactory clinical periodontal support for cleft-associated canines.
Characterization of plasminogen activator from two human renal carcinoma cell lines.

Plasminogen activator (PA) activity was identified in the conditioned medium of two human renal carcinoma cell lines, Cur and Caki-1, PA activity of medium, following chromatography on Con A-Sepharose, was divided into effluent and eluate fractions, the latter obtained after elution with methyl mannoside. The ratio of PA activity in effluent:eluate was 90:10 for Caki-1 and 60:40 for Cur. The PA of both effluent fractions and the Caki-1 eluate fraction was of the urokinase (UK) type. Identification rested on molecular weight determination by zymography (major component with Mr 52,000 and a less prominent component of 93,000), lack of binding to fibrin, inhibition by anti-UK antibodies, and lack of inhibitory effect of anti-tissue type PA (TPA) antibodies or the Erythrina trypsin inhibitor, which inhibits TPA but not UK. PA of the Cur eluate fraction gave a more complex pattern in that it bound significantly to fibrin (like TPA), was completely inhibited by both anti-UK and anti-TPA antibodies, but was unaffected by Erythrina trypsin inhibitor. These results raise the possibility of an unusual PA-like enzyme that immunologically cross reacts with anti-UK and anti-TPA. Most of the PA of both cell lines was secreted in a latent form that could be activated by trypsin treatment. The latency appears to result largely from secretion of urokinase proenzyme, which is consistent with the Mr 52,000 of the major PA species and the insensitivity to diisopropyl fluorophosphate inhibition prior to trypsin activation. However, in addition, a UK binding component was found in the conditioned medium, which produced an Mr 93,000 component by reaction with UK.
Homodigital Flaps--Especially for Treatment of the Burned Hand.

Burn deformities involving the hand can cause a devastating impairment that often requires ingenious solutions to improve function. Fortunately, a skin shortage usually can be expeditiously replaced by autogenous skin grafts; otherwise, a vascularized flap may be imperative. If that is so, use of a donor site from the digit itself would always be preferable, because normal sensation potentially could be maintained with similar thin, extensile, and durable tissue. The sides of the finger often have been protected from the thermal injury and are available for use as homodigital flaps. Although technically this form of homodigital flap is an axial flap because it incorporates dorsal digital artery branches, the proper digital artery is always spared. The immediate transfer of a homodigital flap completes the desired reconstruction in a single stage, which allows early initiation of hand mobilization and rehabilitation. (J BURN CARE REHABIL 1995;16:503-7)
Mentorship: Discovering a key to the future

Young physicians in our current environment integrate large amounts of information, tactile skill, and constant practice to become superb practitioners. To help them attain their goal, good mentors with qualities of openness, humility, commitment, patience, receptive listening, and confidentiality can help them efficiently guide their careers toward chosen goals.
Aspirations, Expectations, and Delinquency: Stress and Additive Models

(1971). Aspirations, Expectations, and Delinquency: Stress and Additive Models. The Sociological Quarterly: Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 99-107.
Life planning: Preparing for transitions and retirement

Long-range career planning is difficult in the student affairs profession because of the lack of clearly defined career tracks and inherent job insecurities. The authors present and discuss strategies for planning for retirement and other late career options.
Thymosin β4 as a restorative/regenerative therapy for neurological injury and neurodegenerative diseases

Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) promotes CNS and peripheral nervous system (PNS) plasticity and neurovascular remodeling leading to neurological recovery in a range of neurological diseases. Treatment of neural ...
Synthesis and Pyrolysis of Novel Polysilazane to SiBCN Ceramic

Abstract A novel synthesis route was developed to produce exceptionally thermal stable SiBCN-based ceramics. This route turns out to be cheaper, simpler and faster than the conventional route. The SiBCN-based preceramic polymer was synthesized by using three monomers, trichlorosilane (HSiCl 3 ), boron trichloride (BCl 3 ), and hexamethydisilazane (HMDZ), at a molar ratio of about 1:1:4. The product becomes an amorphous structure with crosslinked bonds during the elimination of (CH 3 ) 3 SiCl. An intermolecular condensation with the loss of HMDZ occurs in a second stage without the addition of crosslinking agents. In the final pyrolysis stage, hydrogen-rich species such as CH 4 are lost. The chemical structure and composition of the obtained polymer were investigated using IR, MAS-NMR, TGA, DSC, XRD, EA, AA, ICP, and EDS. Through the pyrolysis of preceramic polymers, the mechanisms of the structural and compositional changes at a high temperature were also examined. A preceramic polymer useful for nuclear application can be formed, which provides hydrothermal stability under autoclave test.
Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential and its distinction from myelodysplastic syndromes

Recent genetic analyses of large populations have revealed that somatic mutations in hematopoietic cells leading to clonal expansion are commonly acquired during human aging. Clonally restricted hematopoiesis is associated with an increased risk of subsequent diagnosis of myeloid or lymphoid neoplasia and increased all-cause mortality. Although myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are defined by cytopenias, dysplastic morphology of blood and marrow cells, and clonal hematopoiesis, most individuals who acquire clonal hematopoiesis during aging will never develop MDS. Therefore, acquisition of somatic mutations that drive clonal expansion in the absence of cytopenias and dysplastic hematopoiesis can be considered clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), analogous to monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis, which are precursor states for hematologic neoplasms but are usually benign and do not progress. Because mutations are frequently observed in healthy older persons, detection of an MDS-associated somatic mutation in a cytopenic patient without other evidence of MDS may cause diagnostic uncertainty. Here we discuss the nature and prevalence of CHIP, distinction of this state from MDS, and current areas of uncertainty regarding diagnostic criteria for myeloid malignancies.
Influence of tobacco leaf surface chemicals on germination ofPeronospora tabacina adam sporangia

Chromatographic procedures were utilized to isolate and purify components of tobacco cuticular extracts and leaf surface chemicals.In vitro microbial bioassays determined the influence of these leaf surface compounds on germination and germ tube morphology ofP. tabacina sporangia, the tobacco blue mold pathogen, and to a lesser extentAlternaria alternata, the tobacco brown spot pathogen. Exposure to 10 μg/cm(2) of α- and β-duvatrienemonols, sucrose esters, or hydrocarbons did not inhibit germination, whereas germination was significantly decreased bycis-abienol.cis-Abienol did not inhibit sporangial germination when combined with sucrose esters or hydrocarbons at a combined 10 μg/cm(2). Germination of sporangia was completely inhibited by α- and β-duvatrienediols. In contrast to a previous report, α-DVT-diol was more inhibitory than the β isomer. Toxic effects of the DVT-diols were not altered by pH. Diluting the DVT-diols to less than 0.1 μg/cm(2) resulted in a small but significant stimulation of germination. Previously, the DVT-diols had been identified only as inhibitory toP. tabacina. None of the leaf surface chemicals affected germination ofA. alternata conidia.
Molecular motion and energy transfer in molecular and biological systems

Abstract The rapid motion of molecules in solution or of amino acid sidechains of proteins can be studied using luminescence methods. Three examples are discussed in this paper — the rotational diffusion of molecules in liquids; the rates of barrier crossing of molecules undergoing cis-trans isomerism; and the restricted motion of tryptophans in myoglobin, where the molecules also appear to be undergoing energy transfer concomitantly. Quite different behavior of the fluorescence decay and its polarization anisotropy are seen in these different situations.
Comparison of visual outcomes, photopic contrast sensitivity, wavefront analysis, and patient satisfaction following cataract extraction and IOL implantation: aspheric vs spherical acrylic lenses.

Comparison of visual outcomes, photopic contrast sensitivity, wavefront analysis, and patient satisfaction following cataract extraction and IOL implantation: aspheric vs spherical acrylic lenses
Ophiocordyceps myrmicarum, a new species infecting invasive Myrmica rubra in Maine

Myrmica rubra L. (Formicidae: Hymenoptera), an invasive ant species in Maine, has been problematic in coastal communities over the past 15years and the subject of studies on its ecology, effects, and management. In recent years we observed a fungus growing from moribund M. rubra (in vitro) and have isolated multiple cultures of this previously unreported fungus over 2 y. We analyzed morphology and DNA molecular sequences of this fungus and identified it as a member of the genus Hirsutella Pat. (Ophiocordycipitaceae; Hypocreales), the use of which is suppressed in favor of a monophyletic Ophiocordyceps clade. Molecular and morphological characters support the description of this fungus as a new species, O. myrmicarum, which is the first species in this genus to be isolated from North American M. rubra.
Laser-assisted vas anastomosis: a preliminary report

A new technique is described for performing vas anastomoses in experimental animal (rats). A low-power CO2 laser appears to be effective in welding together the cut ends of the divided vas deferens.
POTENT INDUCTION OF HUMAN PLACENTAL MONO-OXYGENASE ACTIVITY BY PREVIOUS DIETARY EXPOSURE TO POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS AND THEIR THERMAL DEGRADATION PRODUCTS

Placental tissues were obtained from women in Taiwan who had ingested rice oil contaminated with aromatic polychlorinated hydrocarbons 3-4 years before conception. Known contaminants in the rice oil were polychlorinated biphenyls and their thermal degradation products, including polychlorinated dibenzofurans and polychlorinated quaterphenyls. Placental homogenates showed large increases in mono-oxygenase enzymes, including aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, 7-ethoxycoumarin O-de-ethylase, and diol, quinone, and phenolic metabolites of benzo(a)pyrene (analysed by high performance liquid chromatography). The findings suggest that exposure to these widespread, environmental pollutants may exert substantial and persistent metabolic effects.
Multidimensional-signal sample dependency at Nyquist densities

When a multidimensional signal is uniformly sampled, its spectrum is replicated. If the signal is band limited and the replications (1) contain regions that are identically zero and (2) are not aliased, then the samples are dependent. Indeed, lost samples can be regained from those remaining. In dimensions greater than one, there are spectral regions of support for which this is the case even when sampling is performed at the Nyquist (minimum) density (e.g., a circular spectral region of support in two dimensions). When the known samples are perturbed by additive noise, lost-sample restoration noise levels in certain cases can be obtained by simple geometrical observations in the frequency domain. The results are specifically applied to coherent and incoherent optical images of objects of finite extent obtained from imaging systems with circular pupils.
Combating unethical publications with plagiarism detection services

About 3,000 new citations that are highly similar to citations in previously published manuscripts that appear each year in the biomedical literature (Medline) alone. This underscores the importance for the opportunity for editors and reviewers to have detection system to identify highly similar text in submitted manuscripts so that they can then review them for novelty. New software-based services, both commercial and free, provide this capability. The availability of such tools provides both a way to intercept suspect manuscripts and serve as a deterrent. Unfortunately, the capabilities of these services vary considerably, mainly as a consequence of the availability and completeness of the literature bases to which new queries are compared. Most of the commercial software has been designed for detection of plagiarism in high school and college papers; however, there is at least 1 fee-based service (CrossRef) and 1 free service (etblast.org), which are designed to target the needs of the biomedical publication industry. Information on these various services, examples of the type of operability and output, and things that need to be considered by publishers, editors, and reviewers before selecting and using these services is provided.
Comparison between constant and step‐stress tests for Weibull models

Compares optimum constant‐stress and simple step‐stress ALTs for the Weibull distribution. The purpose is to quantify the advantage of using step‐stress testing in comparison to constant‐stress testing when censoring is likely to occur at the lower levels of stress. Assumes that a log‐linear relationship exists between log scale parameter and stress and that the cumulative exposure model holds for the effect of changing stress in step‐stress test. The variance of the MLE of log scale parameter at design stress is used as the criterion for comparing ALTs. The efficiency of simple step‐stress tests relative to constant‐stress with Type I censoring is studied in terms of the ratio of these variances. Results are given for asymptotic variances and for finite sample sizes using simulation to estimate variances.
Serum concentrations of free diphenylhydantoin and their relationship to clinical intoxication.

SUMMARY A rapid and inexpensive method to determine the degree of protein binding of diphenylhydantoin (and other anticonvulsants) is described; it is applicable to screening large samples of patients. The method was used in 25 selected subjects to test the hypothesis that degree of intoxication with diphenylhydantoin is related more to the serum concentration of free than of total diphenylhydantoin. The results support the hypothesis. It is suggested that the method could be used more widely and that it would reduce the variance between total serum concentration and clinical response for those anticonvulsants that are highly bound to serum proteins. RESUME On decrit une methode rapide et peu chere pour determiner le degre de diphenylhydantoine liee aux proteines (et ďautres anticonvulsivants). Elle est applicable aľetude de larges echantillons de patients. La methode a ete utilisee sur 25 sujets selectionnes pour tester ľhypothese que le degreďintoxication aux hydantoines est plus en relation avec la concentration serique de diphenylhydantoine librequede la diphenylhydantoine totale. Les resultats corroborent cette hypothese. II est suggere que la methode devrait etre utilisee plus largement et pourrait reduire les variations entre la concentration serique totale et la reponse clinique pour les anticonvulsivants qui sont tres largement lies aux proteines seriques. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Beschreibung einer schnellen und billigen Methode zur Bestimmung des Grades der Eiweissbindung des Diphenylhydantoins (und andere Antikonvulsiva); sie ist als Screeningmethode fur grosse Patientenkollektive geeignet. Die Methode wurde an 25 ausgewahlten Patienten angewandt, um die Hypothese zu testen, dass das Ausmass der Intoxikation mit Diphenylhydantoin starker von der Serumkonzentration des freien als der des Gesamtdiphenylhydantoins abhangt. Die Ergebnisse stutzen die Hypothese. Es ist zu vermuten, dass die Methode weitere Anwendung finden wird und dass durch sie die lockere Beziehung zwischen der Gesamtserumkonzentration und dem klinischen Ansprechen auf solche Antikonvulsiva enger wird, die in hohem Masse an die Serumproteine gebunden sind. RESUMEN Se describe un metodo rapido y poco costoso para determinar la cantidad de difenilhidantoina (y otros anticonvulsivantes) que se une a las proteinas; sericas el metodo es aplicable al estudio de un amplio numero de pacientes. Ha sido empleado en 25 enfermos seleccionados con objeto de comprobar la hipotesis de que el grado de intoxication por difenilhidantoina, esta en relation con la concentracion en suero de difenilhidantoina libre, mas que con la cifra total de dicha droga en sangre. Los resultados obtenidos estan en favor de dicha hipotesis. Se propone utilizar este metodo de forma mas amplia con objeto de encontrar explicateon a las paradojas que se observan entre concentraciRoAn total en suero y respuesta clinica, en algunos anticonvulsivantes que se caracterizan por combinarse facilmente con las proteinas sericas.
Turning a page on the digital annotation of physical books

The Graphical User Interface (GUI) has created an efficient work environment for many applications. However, when users are confined by keyboards and mice, they lose the ability to interact with the virtual world using habits from the real world. Our research examine how emerging modes of authorship, such as wikis, can be used to generate new possibilities for bringing atoms and bits together for digital annotation. Our goal is to combine the everyday habits in reading books with emerging digital possibilities.In this paper, we present a prototype system called WikiTUI, which brings digital media to physical paper books. This system allows readers to access the digital world through fingertip interactions on books, and enables them to share information with other readers using wiki technology. WikiTUI not only bridges the gap between the digital and the physical worlds, but also facilitates multiple contributions to a reference base spanning across these worlds. We present user evaluations of the WikiTUI prototype and discuss research implications.
Highly efficient utilization of H2O2 for oxygenation of organic sulfides catalyzed by [γ-SiW10O34(H2O)2]4-

Abstract Remarkable efficiency of hydrogen peroxide utilization is reported for oxygenation of four organic sulfides catalyzed by a divacant lacunary silicotungstate, (Bu 4 N) 4 [γ-SiW 10 O 34 (H 2 O) 2 ] ( 1 ), under mild conditions. The addition of imidazole, phosphate, or carboxylates significantly enhances the rate of organic sulfide oxygenation. Most notably, use of 1 and imidazole, both at 1% molar concentration, resulted in the quantitative conversion of phenylsulfide to sulfoxide with 1 equiv of H 2 O 2 in 3 h, and to sulfone with 2 equiv of H 2 O 2 in 6 h.
The δ Bond and Trigonal Paddlewheels Before the Dawn of the Quintuple Bond

Recognition five decades ago of the existence of a quadruple bond in the (Science 1964, 145, 1305) brought the δ bond into the toolbox of inorganic chemists. This discovery was followed by an explosive growth of the field of metal–metal bonding that led to significant advances in basic chemical knowledge which have transcended the curiosity stage. A few examples are provided here to illustrate how the study of species with a δ bond has contributed to improved understanding of electronic communication, the observation of steps that led to formation of chemical bonds as well as the syntheses of the most easily ionized, isolable chemically stable molecules having closed-shells. Many of these quadruple-bonded molecules have the well-known paddlewheel structure with four bridging ligands spanning two metal units. However, there are also a few dimetal species with only three bridging ligands. An account is given of some aspects of the early work on these trigonal paddlewheels with metal–metal bonds which are no...
Quantum Pendellösung in Atom Diffraction by a Light Grating

We calculate the Bragg scattering of a two-level atom from a quantized standing-wave light field. The granular nature of the radiation field is shown to produce collapse and revivals in the atom diffraction and to lead to a quantum version of the Pendellosung. Quantisierte Pendellosung und atomare Diffraktion durch ein Lichtgitter Wir berechnen die Bragg-Streuung eines Atoms mit zwei Niveaus durch das Feld einer stehenden Lichtwelle. Es wird gezeigt, das die granulare Natur des Strahlungsfeldes Kollaps und Neubeginn bei der atomaren Diffraktion erzeugt und zu einer quantisierten Version der Pendellosung fuhrt.
Colonoscope flexural rigidity measurement.

A testing device is developed that determines the stiffness, or flexural rigidity, of an endoscope at specific locations down its length by subjecting it to a compressive axial force, a situation similar to the actual forces applied to the endoscope during a clinical procedure. The endoscope is made to deform in a similar fashion to a slender buckled column and the force causing this deformation is related to the flexural rigidity using column buckling theory. A direct relationship between the critical load needed to cause buckling and the square of column length L is demonstrated experimentally and is expected theoretically, giving confidence in the application of column buckling theory to endoscope testing. Additional confidence in the validity of the columnbuckling test results is obtained by their similarity to data obtained by subjecting the endoscope to a transverse load, determining deflection, and modelling the endoscope as a bent elastic beam. Several makes and models of endoscopes were tested, with flexural rigidity values typically ranging between 160 to 240 Ncm2. The effect of a metal stiffener inserted in an endoscope's accessory channel is quantified, as is the change in flexural rigidity down the insertion shaft of a graded-stiffness endoscope. Significant differences in flexural rigidity were obtained between identical endoscopes, each sharing similar usage histories, indicating the need for flexural rigidity measurements for each individual endoscope of a particular model line, though a more extensive study is required to reliably determine scope-to-scope stiffness variations for a particular model line.
New directions in thermal analysis

Abstract Thermal analysis has been stagnant for the last few years, perhaps with the exception of computer and software developments. Some of the more radically new ideas tested in our ATHAS laboratory are the following: (1) neural net routines for the extrapolation of heat capacities beyond the limits of measurements and for the inversion of heat capacities into approximate vibrational spectra; (2) single-run heat capacity instrumentation using double difference measurements; (3) the analysis for mesophases and rigid amorphous fractions in polymeric materials which are of importance for high-tech composites; (4) the complete molecular dynamics simulation of the motion in polymer crystals to such a precision that heat capacities, and later possibly also heats of transition, can be derived. The discussed “new directions” indicate that much can be done to enhance the quantitative aspects of DSC so that thermal analysis will certainly become even more important in the 21st century.
Integrating artificial intelligence techniques to generate ground station schedules

Scheduling of contacts between space vehicles (SVs) and ground stations is of extreme significance since it is absolutely essential for data receipt from and transmission to satellites, vehicle maintenance, and orbit tracking and maintenance. We looked at the problem of scheduling contacts between SVs and the Air Force's Satellite Control Network (SCN). Our work integrates case-based reasoning, rule based systems, and generate-and-test techniques, all adopted from Artificial Intelligence. Our system creates a preliminary, daily SCN schedule with between approximately 500 to 1500 contact requests and other tasks (such as station down times). The goal is to create a schedule with as few conflicting contact requests as possible, which is then finalized by expert schedule planners. We evaluated our system looking at its performance using only one scheduling algorithm and also using the integration of the algorithms. The system was tested on real SCN schedules and removed on average 46.2% of conflicts, generating schedules which were on average 75.3% clear of conflicts. We also tested the system on schedules created by experts and which contained scheduling conflicts that the experts could not resolve; in these tests our system managed to resolve on average 44.4% of these conflicts, showing performance better than human expert schedulers.
Protein Domain-Domain Interactions and Requirements for the Negative Regulation of Arabidopsis CDC48/p97 by the Plant Ubiquitin Regulatory X (UBX) Domain-containing Protein, PUX1

CDC48/p97 is an essential AAA-ATPase chaperone that functions in numerous diverse cellular activities through its interaction with specific adapter proteins. The ubiquitin regulatory X (UBX)-containing protein, PUX1, functions to regulate the hexameric structure and ATPase activity of AtCDC48. To characterize the biochemical mechanism of PUX1 action on AtCDC48, we have defined domains of both PUX1 and AtCDC48 that are critical for interaction and oligomer disassembly. Binding of PUX1 to AtCDC48 was mediated through a region containing both the UBX domain and the immediate C-terminal flanking amino acids (UBX-C). Like other UBX domains, the primary binding site for the UBX-C of PUX1 is the Na domain of AtCDC48. Alternative plant PUX protein UBX domains also bind AtCDC48 through the N terminus but were found not to be able to substitute for the action imparted by the UBX-C of PUX1 in hexamer disassembly, suggesting unique features for the UBX-C of PUX1. We propose that the PUX1 UBX-C domain modulates a second binding site on AtCDC48 required for the N-terminal domain of PUX1 to interact with and promote dissociation of the AtCDC48 hexamer. Utilizing Atcdc48 ATP hydrolysis and binding mutants, we demonstrate that PUX1 binding was not affected but that hexamer disassembly was significantly influenced by the ATP status of AtCDC48. ATPase activity in both the D1 and the D2 domains was critical for PUX1-mediated AtCDC48 hexamer disassembly. Together these results provide new mechanistic insight into how the hexameric status and ATPase activity of AtCDC48 are modulated.
Utilization Management in Radiology, Part 2: Perspectives and Future Directions

Increased utilization of medical imaging in the early part of the last decade has resulted in numerous efforts to reduce associated spending. Recent initiatives have focused on managing utilization with radiology benefits managers and real-time order entry decision support systems. Although these approaches might seem mutually exclusive and their application to radiology appears unique, the historical convergence and broad acceptance of both programs within the pharmacy sector may offer parallels for their potential future in medical imaging. In this second installment of a two-part series, anticipated trends in radiology utilization management are reviewed. Perspectives on current and future potential roles of radiologists in such initiatives are discussed, particularly in light of emerging physician payment models.
Synthetic inhibitors of galactocerebroside biosynthesis.

1. 1. The brain enzyme which forms galactosyl ceramide (“cerebroside”) from UDPGal and hydroxy ceramide was assayed in vitro with a rat brain preparation. Various synthetic substances resembling hydroxy ceramide were tested as possible inhibitors. Strong inhibition was obtained with N-bromoacetyldl-crythro-3-plienyl-2-amino-1,3-propanediol. The degree of inhibition was found to he independent of length of incubation, and kinetic analysis indicated that the amide acted as a noncompetitive inhibitor with respect to either substrate. 2. 2. Deletion of either one of the two hydroxyl groups in the amide weakened the inhibitory effect, as did replacement of the bromine atom by hydrogen, chlorine, or iodine.
An information processing framework for understanding success and failure of MIS development methodologies

Abstract Organizations seeking to improve systems development performance have implemented a variety of project methodologies. The success of these efforts has been mixed. Some organizations have found that implementation of a systems development methodology leads to on-time, within budget project completions with improved productivity; others have experienced reduced productivity. This paradox can be explained by viewing both systems development and the methodology development in terms of two key information processes - uncertainty reduction and equivocality resolution. Project methodologies that are implemented with the procedures, definitions, and policies necessary to reduce the uncertainty and resolve the equivocality associated with the systems development process can be successful only if the management of the process allows those mechanisms to be fully utilized. Implementation experiences with a particular methodology in different environments discussed here demonstrates that equivocality resolution during the implementation process is critical to realizing improved productivity. Suggestions for management action necessary to resolve equivocality during the implementation of a systems development methodology are discussed.
Thermal Modeling of POL Bulk Storage Tanks

Developpement d'un modele mathematique de calcul des profils de temperature a la surface d'un reservoir de petrole ou de produit petrolier, pose sur le sol. Le modele utilise douze equations differentielles du premier ordre pour simuler l'evolution de la temperature du reservoir a moitie plein. Les donnees calculees sont comparees aux donnees mesurees sur deux reservoirs; l'un peint en blanc, l'autre en noir
PINOCYTOTIC RESPONSE OF CIRCULATING ERYTHROCYTES TO SPECIFIC BLOOD GROUPING ANTIBODIES

Human blood samples from adults and newborns of blood groups O, A, and B were treated with either anti-A blood grouping serum, ferritin-conjugated anti-A serum, free ferritin, or saline and then prepared for electron microscopy. Morphological differences were observed between the untreated erythrocytes of infants and adults. Circulating red cells of newborns were frequently vesiculated (25.5%), whereas those of adults only occasionally showed vesicles (5.5%). On the basis of morphology and incidence, the majority of these vesiculated cells seemed to be mature erythrocytes. The introduction of anti-A serum to group A erythrocytes of infants appeared to stimulate vesicle formation, but anti-A serum did not have a similar effect on group O or B cells of infants or on group A cells of adults. Vesicles which formed in response to antiserum treatment appeared to be the result of pinocytosis. In contrast to the well dispersed ferritin along the membrane of agglutinated adult cells, the ferritin particles on the infants' cells were frequently clustered at irregular intervals. These accumulations seemed to lead to invaginations of the cell membrane, resulting in ferritin-lined intracytoplasmic vesicles. The addition of free ferritin or ferritin-conjugated antibodies of the wrong specificity to red cells did not increase vesicle formation.
The Laying On of Hands

Excerpt I had been dreading the call all day. I was in the library when my pager sounded and, as I walked to the wall phone, I had an ominous premonition. It was my brother. "They found abnormal ly...
Crystal Methamphetamine Use and Sexually Transmitted Infection: The Importance of Sexual History Taking

SUMMARY Crystal methamphetamine (MA) use is associated with sexual behaviors that increase the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Sexual history-taking and screening for sexually transmitted infections can be a powerful way for primary care clinicians to identify and address crystal meth and other substance abuse problems. The reverse is also true: patients with known substance abuse or mental health problems may benefit greatly from careful sexual health evaluation and counseling. As the majority of STIs have no noticeable symptoms in their early stages, clinicians diagnosing crystal methamphetamine or other substance abuse problems, or taking care of the primary care needs of such patients must be familiar with sexual history-taking in order to identify patients needing a thorough exam and to ensure adequate STI screening.
Chemistry courses as the turning point for premedical students

Previous research has documented that negative experiences in chemistry courses are a major factor that discourages many students from continuing in premedical studies. This adverse impact affects women and students from under-represented minority (URM) groups disproportionately. To determine if chemistry courses have a similar effect at a large public university, we surveyed 1,036 students from three entering cohorts at the University of California, Berkeley. We surveyed students at the beginning of their first year at the university and again at the end of their second year. All subjects had indicated an interest in premedical studies at the time they entered the university. We conducted follow-up interviews with a stratified sub-set of 63 survey respondents to explore the factors that affected their level of interest in premedical studies. Using a 10-point scale, we found that the strength of interest in premedical studies declined for all racial/ethnic groups. In the follow-up interviews, students identified chemistry courses as the principal factor contributing to their reported loss of interest. URM students especially often stated that chemistry courses caused them to abandon their hopes of becoming a physician. Consistent with reports over more than 50 years, it appears that undergraduate courses in chemistry have the effect of discouraging otherwise qualified students, as reflected in their admission to one of the most highly selective public universities in the US, from continuing in premedical studies, especially in the case of URM students. Reassessment of this role for chemistry courses may be overdue.
Shaping the aquaculture sustainability assemblage: Revealing the rule-making behind the rules

Abstract Certification programs yield global assemblages of producers, consumers, investors, markets, and certifiers that are built around rules that define sustainability. In studying the dynamics and impacts of certification, scholars often refer to “the rules” underlying certification in a manner that makes them seem like immutable mobiles: permanent and unchanging objects that are produced by technical, expert-driven processes and that can be applied in diverse places and contexts. In this paper, we turn attention to the rules and rule-making processes underlying certification to demonstrate the unstable, changeable and contested underpinnings of sustainability assemblages. We explore the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-sponsored multi-stakeholder Aquaculture Dialogues, an unusually open and participatory experiment in “green” rule-making. Our analysis reveals that rules are never final. Instead, intersections between rule-making bodies and the structure of rule-making procedures create critical debate and contestation over the definition of “sustainability” that structures the aquaculture sustainability assemblage, and over who can and should be empowered to do the defining. This approach enables scholars of certification to rethink the ontology of certification rules as part of, rather than an external ordering principle for, the dynamic and contested nature of sustainability assemblages.
Assessing, preventing, and treating venous thromboembolism: evidence-based approaches.

Purpose. The long-term complications of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), assessment of risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in medical and surgical patients, recommendations in evidence-based guidelines for VTE prophylaxis in surgical and medical patients and the treatment of VTE, and a new alternative for VTE prophylaxis and treatment are discussed. Summary. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is an acute complication of DVT, and recurrent DVT, post-thrombotic syndrome, and death are long-term complications of DVT. The need to assess VTE risk and provide VTE prophylaxis are well recognized in surgical patients. However, VTE prophylaxis is underutilized in medical patients despite the fact that DVT is common and guidelines for prophylaxis are available, partly because the condition often is asymptomatic in these patients. The risk for VTE increases as the number of risk factors increases, so the aggressiveness of VTE prophylaxis in medical and surgical patients increases as the risk of VTE increases. The most recent American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines recommend low-dose unfractionated heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for VTE prophylaxis in acutely ill medical patients. The treatment of VTE recommended by ACCP involves short-term LMWH or unfractionated heparin therapy plus long-term oral warfarin therapy. The pentasaccharide, factor Xa inhibitor, fondaparinux is a new alternative for VTE prophylaxis and treatment. Reducing LMWH doses for patients with severe renal impairment may offer a safety advantage. Fixed doses of LMWH are customarily used for VTE prophylaxis regardless of body weight or body mass index, but weight-based dosing with larger doses for obese patients may be more effective than fixed doses. Conclusion. Efforts to assess VTE risk and apply evidence-based guidelines for VTE prophylaxis and treatment in medical patients as well as surgical patients can improve patient care and outcomes. Findings from recent clinical research provide clinicians with clarification about the optimal prophylactic and treatment strategies, and future guidelines will reflect these findings.
Self-administration of cocaine-antihistamine combinations: Super-additive reinforcing effects

Histamine H1 receptor antagonists have some behavioral effects that predict abuse liability. In the present study, diphenhydramine and cocaine each maintained i.v. self-administration under a progressive-ratio schedule in rhesus monkeys. When cocaine and DPH were combined in a 1:1 ratio of the ED50s, the combination was super-additive in all monkeys. The data predict that the combination of cocaine and histamine H1 receptor antagonists would have enhanced potential for abuse relative to either drug alone.
Detection of dioxin-like activity in dielectric fluids by an epithelial cell culture bioassay

Abstract Studies were performed to determine the feasibility of using an in vitro bioassay to detect the conversion of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in Aroclor-based dielectric fluids, which were subjected to pyrolysis or combustion. The bioassay is based on alterations in growth and cellular morphology of epithelial cell cultures, which are considered related to PCDF-induced chloracne in humans. Pyrolysis of Aroclor 1254 at 550°C for 15 min results in a 100-fold increase in the bioassay activity, which is correlated to enhanced PCDF levels, as determined by gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis. Results of testing of six chemically characterized, inservice transformer fluids, demonstrated that the bioassay is potentially useful for screening of used dielectric fluids and other substances for Dioxin-like aggregate activity.
Catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide to methanol and higher order alcohols at a photoelectrochemical interface

ABSTRACT There is increasing interest in photochemical schemes for converting CO 2 into a useful product as a means of mitigating atmospheric levels of this gas. Although photoelectrochemical schemes have been considered for this application, typically very high overpotentials are ob served, and thus, semiconduc tor-electrolyte interfaces ha ve not been observed to actually convert light energy to chemical energy in the aqueous CO 2 redox system. We report here on a catalytic system that efficiently converts CO 2 to methanol and other alcohols. The system couples a III-V p-type semiconductor electrode with a pyridinium catalyst. The conversion of CO 2 to alcohols can be driven solely with light to yield faradaic efficiencies approaching 100% at potentials well below the thermodynamic potential. Mechanistic studies on the formation of methanol indicate that the observed six-electron reduction occurs via a series of one electron reductions mediated by pyridinium. Keywords: CO 2 mitigation, photoelectrochemistry, III-V semiconductors, electrocatalysis