cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aggregation and Settlement of Mass Torts

discussion has its charms, but often lacks point for want of focus. A model can help. The following draft is offered for discussion, to concentrate attention on common elements. The draft is far from polished. It incorporates, with only modest revisions, a model that was prepared to stimulate discussions that, perhaps mercifully, never emerged in the several conferences arranged by the Mass Torts Working Group.' ° Although it was not deliberately shaped for shock value, it may have that effect. It offers one view of the level of control that will be required, in some form, if we are to develop a system that permits a "single, uniform, efficient, and fair" adjudication of a mass tort. Many observers will conclude that we cannot possibly accept the sacrifice of traditional values embodied in this model. If they are right, the stage will be set for reducing our aspirations. Rather than seek "closure" on an all-disposing basis, we may face quite different questions about the shape of possibly desirable changes or the need for any formal changes in statutes or rules. Here, then, are the statute and rule that together comprise the model. This model involves both statute and rule because both legislative and rulemaking processes seem appropriate to address different aspects of the problem. Congress must control jurisdiction, as well as many other aspects of the model. The process of the Rules Enabling Act," however, is better adapted to the more purely procedural issues. If a comprehensive approach is to be taken to mass torts issues, without simply replacing present state tort law by a wholly new compensation system, some such coordination of legislation and rulesmaking must be achieved. 10 The original model is set out in the REPORT ON MAss TORT LITIGATION, supra note 1, app. F-7. " 28 U.S.C. §§ 2072-2075, 2077 (1994). HeinOnline -148 U. Pa. L. Rev. 1952 1999-200
Enzyme and template stability as regulatory mechanisms in differentiating intestinal epithelial cells.

Abstract The significance of the synthesis and degradation of enzymes in the regulation of differentiation in intestinal epithelial cells has been investigated. The effects of actionmycin D, an inhibitor of RNA synthesis, and of cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, on the activities of adenosine deaminase, thymidine phosphorylase, and purine nucleoside phosphorylase were studied. Although all of these enzymes exhibit several-fold increases in activity as the cells migrate from the intestinal crypts to the villus tips, there are different effects of the two inhibitors on each of the enzymes. Purine nucleoside phosphorylase is relatively stable in the villus cells, but in the crypt cells is labile, and its synthesis is subject to inhibition by cycloheximide. Both adenosine deaminase and thymidine phosphorylase undergo rapid turnover, although their rate of synthesis exceeds their rate of degradation. Adenosine deaminase, unlike many differentiation-specific proteins, is synthesized from an unstable template, in contrast to thymidine phosphorylase which is synthesized from a template which is stable for more than 3 hours. Each of these enzymes is apparently under a different type of regulatory control. There are probably a variety of regulatory mechanisms operating in the differentiating intestinal epithelial cells to control the variations in the enzyme content as the cells migrate up the villi. This intestinal model may be a useful tool for investigating these mechanisms.
Bruceolline J: 2-hy-droxy-3,3-dimethyl-2,3-di-hydro-cyclo-penta-[b]indol-1(4H)-one.

The 12-membered cyclo­penta­[b]indole ring system in the title compound, C13H13NO2, deviates only slightly from planarity (r.m.s. deviation = 0.051 A). In the crystal, N—H⋯O and O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol­ecules into sheets parallel to (100). The five-membered cyclopentanone ring is in slightly distorted envelope conformation with the C atom bearing the hydroxy substituent as the flap.
Enhanced carbonate dissolution:: a means of sequestering waste CO2 as ocean bicarbonate

Abstract The reaction of a mineral carbonate, such as limestone, with water and CO 2 to form bicarbonate in solution, is explored as a CO 2 mitigation strategy. Initial cost estimates for such a process range from $18 to $128 per tonne CO 2 sequestered, with an energy penalty of about 8% and with relatively low environmental impact. The regional availability and transport of water and mineral carbonate appear to be the primary determinants of the strategy’s cost and applicability. The bicarbonate-rich waste effluent would be released into rivers or coastal waters, ultimately adding a small amount to the existing, very large bicarbonate reservoir in the ocean. For many applications, this form of ‘marine’ carbon sequestration appears to be less costly, less affected by national and international regulations, more environmentally friendly and more effective over the long term than direct CO 2 injection into the ocean.
First identification of porcine parvovirus 6 in North America by viral metagenomic sequencing of serum from pigs infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Currently, eight species in four genera of parvovirus have been described that infect swine. These include ungulate protoparvovirus 1 (classical porcine parvovirus, PPV), ungulate tetraparvovirus 2 (PPV3), ungulate tetraparvovirus 3 (which includes PPV2, porcine hokovirus, porcine partetravirus and porcine PARV4), ungulate copiparvovirus 2 (which includes PPV4 and PPV5), ungulate bocaparvovirus 2 (which includes porcine bocavirus 1, 2 and 6), ungulate bocaparvovirus 3 (porcine bocavirus 5), ungulate bocaparvovirus 4 (porcine bocavirus 7) and ungulate bocaparvovirus 5 (porcine bocavirus 3, 4–1 and 4–2). PPV6, the most recently described porcine parvovirus, was first identified in China in late 2014 in aborted pig fetuses. Prevalence of PPV6 in China was found to be similar in finishing age pigs from farms with and without evidence of swine reproductive failure. Porcine parvovirus 6 (PPV6) was detected by sequence-independent single primer amplification (SISPA) and confirmed by overlapping and real-time PCR in the serum of porcine reproductive and respiratory virus (PRRSv) positive samples. Seven nearly complete genomes of PPV6 were identified in PRRSv genotype 2 positive serum samples submitted to state veterinary diagnostic laboratories in 2014. Further testing using overlapping and real-time PCR determined PPV6 to be present in 13.2 % of the serums tested. Additionally, PPV6 was present in samples from all of the geographic locations sampled encompassing nine states in the United States and one state in Mexico. The presence of PPV6 in serum indicates that the PPV6 infection is disseminated and not localized to a specific tissue type. Alignments of the near full length genomes, NS1, and capsid genes identified one of the five PPV6 isolates from China (98.6–99.5 % identity with the North American strains) to be the North American strains nearest relative. These results are the first to report the presence of PPV6 in North America and demonstrate that the virus is found in multiple geographic areas in the United States and in Mexico. The overall prevalence of PPV6 in PRRSv viremic animals is relatively low. Further, all of the PPV6 genomes found in North America are most closely related to a PPV6 strain first identified in 2014 in healthy pigs from the Tianjin province of China.
Using Bayes belief networks in industrial FMEA modeling and analysis

This paper presents the use of Bayes probabilistic networks as a new methodology for encoding design failure modes and effects analysis (BN-FMEA) models of mechatronic systems. The method employs established Bayesian belief network theory to construct probabilistic directed acyclic graph (DAG) models which represent causal and statistical dependencies between system-internal and -external (customer and world) state and event variables of the physical system. A new class of severity variables is also defined. Root probabilities and conditional probability and severity utility tables are generated and attached to the graph structure for use in inferencing and design trade-off evaluation. BN-FMEA provides a language for design teams to articulate-with greater precision and consistency and less ambiguity-physical system failure cause-effect relationships, and the uncertainty about their impact on customers and the world. Demonstration software developed at Stanford illustrates how BN-FMEA can be applied to FMEA modeling of an inkjet printer. The software supports knowledge acquisition of BN-FMEA models, and generates from the belief net model criticality matrices and Pareto charts conformant with established FMEA standards such as SAE 1998. The approach supports traditional design FMEA objectives, identification of system failure modes, and provides improved knowledge representation and inferencing power. Limitations of the BN-FMEA methodology are also discussed. Finally, BN-FMEB is presented as a basis for improved integration of design and diagnostic modeling of mechatronic systems.
Direct Measurement of Chloride in Sweat with an Ion-Selective Electrode

The use of a specific ion electrode for measuring sweat chloride has not been widely accepted because of poor precision and occasional falsely elevated chloride concentrations. We have studied this technique by using the Orion sweat-chloride instrument, and have eliminated these problems by modifying the methodology. An insufficient amount of sweat for determination with the electrode was responsible for both the imprecision and random inaccuracies. The following modifications eliminated these problems: ( a ) We freshly saturate felt pads with a solution of, per deciliter, 400 mg of pilocarpine nitrate and 1 g of NaHCO3 to replace the electrolyte pads supplied by the Orion Co. ( b ) The timed iontophoresis period commences after the meter indicates conduction of adequate current. ( c ) After iontophoresis, sweat is collected for 10 min under a plastic cap held over the induction area. Then chloride concentration is measured with the electrode. With these improvements in technique, the revised procedure should be as reliable as reference methodologies.
Gender As A Moderator Variable In Predicting Success In A Master Of Arts In Teaching Program

To test for the presence of gender as a moderator variable, a hierarchical regression analysis was performed using scores on the general section of the GRE and undergraduate GPA to predict the graduate GPA's of 23 male and 80 female Master of Arts in Teaching students. A significant main effect was found for the set of academic predictors, but no significant interaction was found between gender and the academic predictors.
The Mechanism of Amyloid-β42 Fibril Elongation

Amyloid-β, an intrinsically disordered protein, forms amyloid fibrils in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. A recent study suggests that fibrils can catalyze the formation of neurotoxic soluble oligomeric species. We therefore explored the folding free energy landscape of Amyloid-β42 using extensive molecular dynamics (>50 μs) coupled with umbrella sampling. We find that fibril elongation occurs through a funnel-shaped, downhill free energy pathway, and we identify a key on-pathway intermediate that involves the interaction of a beta hairpin with the fibril core. Furthermore, an analysis of the minimum-energy pathway suggests two potential mechanisms by which fibrils can act as catalysts for soluble oligomer formation: 1) pre-existing fibrils provide a nucleation site at which the local concentration of monomers is increased and; 2) fibril elongation involves monomeric intermediates that can be incorporated into soluble oligomers. These data provide the first detailed mechanistic description of the elongation of amyloid β fibrils and provide a link between the disordered free monomeric protein on the one hand and the folded fibrillar state on the other. In addition, they suggest a rational drug design strategy that aims to stabilize the fibril-associated hairpin conformation in order to prevent elongation of pre-existing fibrils.
Adaptive Network Coding for Wireless Access Networks

We propose a framework for optimizing the quality of service of multiple simultaneous flows in wireless access networks via network coding. Specifically, we consider the typical scenario in which multiple flows originate from multiple sources in the Internet and terminate at multiple users in a wireless network. In the current infrastructure, the wireless base station is responsible for relaying the packets from the Internet to the wireless users without any modification to the packet content. On the other hand, in the proposed approach, the wireless base station is allowed to perform network coding by appropriate linear mixing and channel coding of packets from different incoming flows before broadcasting a single flow of mixed or coded packets to all wireless users. Each user then uses an appropriate decoding method to recover its own packets from the set of coded packets that it receives. We show that in principle, for the given channel conditions and QoS requirements, appropriate mixing and channel coding of packets across different flows can lead to substantial quality improvement for both real-time and non-real time flows. On the other hand, blind mixing can be detrimental. We formulate this mixing problem as a combinatorial optimization problem, and propose a heuristic algorithm based on simulated-annealing method to approximate the optimal solution. Simulation results verify the performance improvement resulting from the proposed approach over the non-network coding and the state-of-the-art network coding approaches.
Evaluation of the effect of meteorological data resolution on Lagrangian particle dispersion simulations using the ETEX experiment

Abstract This paper presents results from a series of numerical experiments designed to evaluate operational long-range dispersion model simulations, and to investigate the effect of different temporal and spatial resolution of meteorological data from numerical weather prediction models on these simulations. Results of Lagrangian particle dispersion simulations of the first tracer release of the European Tracer Experiment (ETEX) are presented and compared with measured tracer concentrations. The use of analyzed data of higher resolution from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model produced significantly better agreement between the concentrations predicted with the dispersion model and the ETEX measurements than the use of lower resolution Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS) forecast data. Numerical experiments were performed in which the ECMWF model data with lower vertical resolution (4 instead of 7 levels below 500 mb), lower temporal resolution (12 h instead of 6 h intervals), and lower horizontal resolution (2.5° instead of 0.5°) were used. Degrading the horizontal or temporal resolution of the ECMWF data resulted in decreased accuracy of the dispersion simulations. These results indicate that flow features resolved by the numerical weather prediction model data at approximately 45 km horizontal grid spacing and 6 h time intervals, but not resolved at 225 km spacing and 12 h intervals, made an important contribution to the long-range dispersion.
Using Indicator-Displacement Assays in Test Strips and To Follow Reaction Kinetics

[structure: see text] An indicator-displacement assay was used to study the kinetics of reactions that produce tartrate. The same assay was also found to be useful in developing tartrate test strips, by coating filter paper with the same receptor and indicator.
Delayed treatment with nimodipine improves cerebral blood flow after complete cerebral ischemia in the dog

Ten minutes of complete cerebral ischemia was produced in 18 dogs by temporary ligation of the aorta and venae cavae. Dogs were randomly assigned to one of three groups. A bolus dose of 10 μg kg−1 nimodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium entry blocker, followed by a constant infusion of 1 μg kg−1 min−1 was given at 15, 30, or 60 min post ischemia. Cerebral blood flow and metabolism were measured for 2 h postischemia. Delayed treatment with nimodipine ameliorated or reversed the cerebral hypoperfusion that routinely occurs after complete ischemia. In the groups treated at 15 and 30 min, CBF remained above 60 ml min−1 100 g−1. In the group treated at 60 min, there was a progressive decline in CBF to 37 ml min−1 100 g−1. Following treatment with nimodipine, CBF immediately increased and was maintained above 50 ml min−1 100 g−1 for the remainder of the study. Once treatment with nimodipine was begun, CBF was approximately double that of an untreated group. Changes in CBF reflected changes in cerebrovascular resi...
High-resolution spectroscopy and photophysics of refractory molecules at low temperature: The C1Σ+-X1Σ+ system of ZrO

Abstract This paper shows that the technique of laser vaporization in conjunction with supersonic cooling and laser induced fluorescence is well suited for studies of the spectroscopy and photophysics of diatomic molecules of refractory character. In particular, the technique has been used to investigate the C 1 Σ + - X 1 Σ + band system of ZrO. Rotational temperatures of ca. 25–35 K have been achieved. Fluorescence lifetimes of single rotational levels of C 1 Σ + ( v = 0, 1) are reported together with those of the vibrational levels v = 0, 1, 2,and 3 of the B 1 Π state. In light of these results, the photophysics of the C 1 Σ + state is discussed. In addition, the Franck-Condon factors and oscillator strengths for the vibronic transitions C 1 Σ + - X 1 Σ + (0 → 0, 1, 2) and (1 → 0, 1, 2, 3) have been determined. A comparison with calculations is given. The 0-0 band of the C 1 Σ + - X 1 Σ + band system has been reinvestigated under higher resolution (∼120 MHz). All five isotopic species ( 90 ZrO, 91 ZrO, 92 ZrO, 94 ZrO, 96 ZrO) have been clearly resolved, even for the R head, and data up to J = 29 are reported. Rotational constants and band origins for the X 1 Σ + ( v = 0) and C 1 Σ + ( v = 0) states of all five isotopic species have been evaluated. In the cases of 90 ZrO, 94 ZrO, and 96 ZrO, comparisons with previous work are given and discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of the laser vaporization-supersonic cooling technique over conventional high-temperature methods for spectroscopic studies are also given.
Association of combined MRI, interictal EEG, and ictal EEG results with outcome and pathology after temporal lobectomy.

Summary: Purpose: Magnetic resonance imaging, interictal scalp EEG, and ictal scalp EEG each have been shown to localize the primaly epileptic region in most patients with mesial-basal temporal lobe epilepsy (MBTLE), but the association of surgical outcome and pathology with each combination of these test results is not known. Methods: We reviewed the MRI, interictal scalp EEG, and ictal scalp EEG results of 90 consecutive patients with MBTLE. Twelve patients were excluded from the analysis because inconclusive bitemporal intracranial EEG results precluded anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL); none had concordant MRI and interictal scalp EEG results. We compared all combinations of presurgical MRI, interictal EEG, and ictal EEG results to seizure outcome and tissue pathology in the 78 patients who underwent an ATL. Results: Forty-eight (61%) patients had concordant lateral-ized MRI and interictal EEG temporal lobe abnormalities, with no discordant ictal EEG results; 77% of these patients were seizure-free after ATL. Concordance of MRI and interictal EEG abnormalities correlated with seizure cessation (p < 0.05), compared to all combinations with discordant or nonlateralizing MRI and interictal EEG results. Mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) was confirmed pathologically in about 80% of both groups (p = 0.5). Outcome in patients with concordant MRI and ictal EEG with nonlateralizing interictal EEG was significantly worse than combinations with concordant MRI and interictal EEG (p < 0.02). Conclusions: Compared to other combinations of test results, concordance of MRI and interictal EEG is most closely associated with surgical outcome in MBTLE. However, most selected patients have pathologic confirmation of MTS regardless of test results or outcome. This information may be useful for planning the presurgical evaluation of patients with medically intractable MBTLE.
Is There Hospital Variation in Long-Term Incisional Hernia Repair after Abdominal Surgery?

Background Currently, hospital benchmarking organizations are often limited to short-term surgical quality comparisons among hospitals. The goal of this study was to determine whether long-term rates of incisional hernia repair after common abdominal operations could be used to compare hospital long-term surgical quality. Study Design This was a cohort study with up to 4 years of follow-up. Patients who underwent 1 of 5 common inpatient abdominal operations were identified in 2005−2008 American College of Surgeons NSQIP data linked to Medicare inpatient records. The main outcomes included occurrence of an incisional hernia repair. A multivariable, shared frailty Cox proportional hazards regression was used to compare each hospital's incisional hernia rate with the overall mean rate for all hospitals and control for American College of Surgeons NSQIP preoperative clinical variables. Results A total of 37,134 patients underwent 1 of 5 common inpatient abdominal operations, including colectomy, small bowel resection, ventral hernia repair, pancreatic resection, or cholecystectomy, at 1 of 216 hospitals participating in American College of Surgeons NSQIP during the 4-year period. There were 1,474 (4.0%) patients who underwent an incisional hernia repair, at a median follow-up time of 16 months (interquartile range 8 to 25 months) after initial abdominal surgery. After risk adjustment, there was no significant difference in the ratio of any one hospital's adjusted hazard rate for incisional hernia repair vs the average hospital adjusted hazard rate. Conclusions Risk-adjusted hospital rates of incisional hernia repair do not vary significantly from the average. This suggests that incisional hernia repair might not be sensitive enough as a long-term quality metric for benchmarking hospital performance.
Analysis of fatty acids in lubricating greases by the high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract A general method for the determination of fatty acids in soap-thickened lubricating greases is described. Saturated fatty acids, generally stearic and 12-hydroxystearic acids, are present in greases as metallic soaps of barium, calcium, lithium and other metals. The procedure involves the filtration of the crystalline soap from the mineral oil base, followed by conversion of the soap to the free acid. The fatty acid fraction is then analyzed directly by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with a mobile phase of tetrahydrofuran-0.1% aqueous trifluoroacetic acid (7:3) and refractive index detection.
Disparity in prevalence of self-reported visual impairment in older adults among U.S. race-ethnic subgroups.

Purpose: Prevalence of visual impairment (VI) in the United States (U.S.) has not been carefully examined by race-ethnic subgroups. This study examines self-reported VI prevalence in race-ethnic subgroups using data representative of the U.S. population age ≥45 years. Methods: The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) is a population-based multipurpose and multistage area probability annual survey of the U.S. civilian non-institutionalized population conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics. Data from a total of 122,649 participants age ≥45 years from the pooled 1999–2006 National Health Interview Surveys were used. VI prevalence was based on two questions asked to participants, “Do you have any trouble seeing, even when wearing glasses or contact lenses?” (some VI), and “Are you blind or unable to see at all?” (severe VI). Results: For middle-aged adults age 45–64 years, race/ethnic groups with high age-adjusted rates of any self-reported VI (some or severe VI) include Native Americans, P...
Tropical Cyclone Motion and Surrounding Flow Relationships: Searching for Beta Gyres in Omega Dropwindsonde Datasets

Abstract In 1982, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Hurricane Research Division began a series of experiments to collect Omega dropwindsonde (ODW) observations within about 1000 km of the center of tropical cyclones. By 1992, 16 ODW datasets had been collected in 10 Atlantic basin hurricanes and tropical storms. Objective wind analyses for each dataset 10 levels from 100 mb to the surface, have been produced using a consistent set of analysis parameters. The objective analyses, which resolve synoptic-scale features in the storm environment with an accuracy and confidence unattainable from routine operational analyses, have been used to examine relationships between a tropical cyclone's motion and its surrounding synoptic-scale flow. Tropical cyclone motion is found to be consistent with barotropic steering of the vortex by the surrounding flow within 3° latitude (333 km) of the cyclone center. At this radius, the surrounding deep-layer-mean flow explains over 90% of the variance in vor...
EZ-scan: single-beam measurement technique for thin-film nonlinearities

Experimental and theoretical results are given for studies of optical limiters designed to increase the functional range without incurring optical damage. In particular, we investigate a tandem geometry with two passive nonlinear elements, one placed in the focal plane of a lens and the second placed `upstream' of the focal position to protect the material at focus from damage. To provide a proof-of-principle demonstration of this geometry, simple limiters consisting of combinations of reverse saturable absorber dyes and a carbon black suspension in thin cells were tested. Our results show that a substantial increase in device performance can be achieved by use of a tandem limiter geometry. Simple modelling predicts that the dynamic range of a separate- element tandem limiter is given by the product of the dynamic ranges of the individual component limiting elements, in agreement with our experimental results. We also describe our numerical beam propagation code, which must be applied for thick limiting elements and in other cases where simple modelling is invalid.
Glucocorticoid Therapy for Duchenne Cardiomyopathy: A Hobson's Choice?

Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is an absurd one.[1][1] As if receiving a diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) were not terrible enough, consider the impact when a parent learns of the disease's progressive and inexorable effects on their son's heart.[2][2] A relentless
Does Merit Aid Program Design Matter? A Cross-Cohort Analysis

Twenty-one US states currently offer some form of merit-based postsecondary financial aid, although the generosity and eligibility requirements of merit aid programs varies from state to state. This article uses nationally representative data from high school students in the early 1990s and the early 2000s to evaluate the relationship between the design of merit aid programs and their effects on student achievement and college trajectories. The findings suggest that programs that guarantee full tuition to recipients have greater effects on students’ high school course-taking and college choice than less generous programs. Further, I find provisional evidence to suggest that programs with relatively simple merit-based eligibility requirements are more effective than programs with more complex means-tested eligibility requirements.
Electrical effects of slag in a diffuse mode magnetohydrodynamic generator

Ten high-temperature (1700-2000 K) platinum-rhodium capped magnesia anodes and cathodes were successfully tested in a slagging MHD generator with diffuse-mode (nonarcing) current transport at 3 A/cm occurring for electrode temperatures over 1800 K. A diffuse-mode, two-dimensional model for current density and potential distributions was developed which includes the effects of slag layer hydrodynamics, slag layer energy transport, and assumed plasma boundary layers. Numerical and experimental results are compared and the effects of slag, current density, generator size, wall temperature, and cathode shorting on generator performance are numerically determined.
Non-testing approaches under REACH--help or hindrance? Perspectives from a practitioner within industry.

Legislation such as REACH strongly advocates the use of alternative approaches including in vitro, (Q)SARs, and chemical categories as a means to satisfy the information requirements for risk assessment. One of the most promising alternative approaches is that of chemical categories, where the underlying hypothesis is that the compounds within the category are similar and therefore should have similar biological activities. The challenge lies in characterizing the chemicals, understanding the mode/mechanism of action for the activity of interest and deriving a way of relating these together to form inferences about the likely activity outcomes. (Q)SARs are underpinned by the same hypothesis but are packaged in a more formalized manner. Since the publication of the White Paper for REACH, there have been a number of efforts aimed at developing tools, approaches and techniques for (Q)SARs and read-across for regulatory purposes. While technical guidance is available, there still remains little practical guid...
Evaluation of tris-hydroxymethylaminomethane on reversing coagulation abnormalities caused by acidosis in pigs.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of tris-hydroxymethylaminomethane (THAM) pH neutralization on reversing coagulation abnormalities caused by acidosis. DESIGN Random and controlled study. SETTING Animal research facility and laboratory. SUBJECTS Yorkshire swine (n = 18). INTERVENTIONS Acidosis was induced in 12 pigs by infusing 0.2 M hydrochloric acid (HCl). When the target pH of 7.1 was achieved, the pigs were infused with either 0.3 M THAM to achieve pH of 7.4 (intervention group) or an equal volume of lactated Ringer's solution (acid control group). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Blood samples were taken at baseline, 15 mins after reaching pH of 7.1, and 15 mins after THAM pH neutralization. Coagulation function was assessed by thrombin generation, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, activated clotting time, and thromboelastography (maximum clot formation time [R+K], clotting rapidity [alpha], and clot strength [maximum amplitude]). An additional six pigs (sham group) were infused with THAM, and an equal volume of fluid as the 12 coagulopathic pigs was given to assess effects of THAM and hemodilution. Comparisons were made using a mixed model analysis of variance. No change in any indexes of coagulation was observed in sham pigs. Compared with baseline, acidosis of pH 7.1 decreased base excess from 6.6 +/- 0.5 mM to -12.4 +/- 0.5 mM; reduced fibrinogen levels to 72% +/- 2%, platelet counts to 53% +/- 3%, thrombin generation to 58% +/- 4%, alpha to 84% +/- 2%, and maximum amplitude to 75% +/- 3%; and prolonged prothrombin time to 113% +/- 2%, partial thromboplastin time to 122% +/- 4%, activated clotting time to 124% +/- 3%, and R + K to 119% +/- 3% (all p < .05). THAM infusion corrected pH to 7.40 +/- 0.02 and base excess to 2.6 +/- 0.9 mM (p < .05). However, there were no differences in thrombin generation, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, activated clotting time, R+K, alpha, or maximum amplitude between the groups with or without pH correction. CONCLUSIONS Acidosis impaired coagulation by depleting clotting factors, inhibiting thrombin generation, and affecting clot strength and stability. THAM corrected acid-base deficit but did not acutely reverse the coagulation abnormalities in the model.
Antenatal therapies and the developing brain.

Abstract This chapter presents a review of basic science and human studies of two commonly used pharmacologic agents (antenatal steroids and magnesium sulfate), in pregnancies at risk of preterm delivery, and examines the effects of these therapies on the developing brain. Very low birthweight (VLBW) infants are known to be at risk of both short-term and long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae; therefore, an understanding of the mechanisms contributing to both neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects of antenatal therapies on the immature brain and potential effects on long-term outcome are critical. Although the short-term beneficial effects of a single course of antenatal steroids are well documented, the experimental animal literature suggests detrimental effects on neurodevelopment of multiple doses. In addition, clinical studies of repeat doses suggest a negative impact on head and brain growth. The animal and human data on the effects of MgSO 4 are also mixed with both beneficial effects or no effects on neurodevelopment. This review will discuss the potential impact of single versus multiple doses and timing of doses on the brain.
Income maximizing on concurrent ratio-interval schedules of reinforcement.

Three experiments examined the effect of food availability on pigeons' choice behavior under concurrent schedules of reinforcement. In Experiment 1, 3 pigeons earned their daily food ration by choosing, in 30-min sessions, between concurrent variable-ratio 30 variable-interval 40-s schedules. Food presentations during both schedules lasted 2 or 12 s, depending upon the condition. Relative variable-ratio response rate was inversely related to hopper duration. In Experiment 2, 4 pigeons received their daily feeding by responding on the same schedule pair as in Experiment 1 (with 4-s food presentations) in sessions that varied in length from 10 to 30 min, depending on the condition. The length of a vertical slit projected on a response key increased with time so that “passage of time” might be more easily discriminable. As session duration decreased, relative variable-ratio response rate increased. In Experiment 3, 4 pigeons chose between two variable-interval 40-s schedules. One schedule operated without regard to the schedule selected, whereas the other operated only when the subject responded in its presence (dependent). Although these schedules had the same feedback function, preference for the dependent variable interval increased as session duration decreased from 30 to 10 min. The preference changes in these studies reveal the operation of an income-maximizing process in choice.
Localization of the interferon-induced, 2-5A-dependent RNase gene (RNS4) to human chromosome 1q25.

2-5A-dependent RNase is a component of the interferon-regulated 2-5A system that functions in the antiviral and antiproliferative activities of interferons. Interferon treatment of cells results in enhanced levels of both 2-5A-dependent RNase and a group of synthetases that produce 5[prime]-triphosphorylated, 2[prime],5[prime]-oligoadenylates (2-5A) from ATP. The 2-5A-synthetases are stimulated by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), a frequent product of virus infection. 2-5A activates 2-5A-dependent RNase, resulting in the cleavage of viral and cellular single-stranded RNAs 3[prime] of UpAp and UpUp. Levels of 2-5A-dependent RNase and/or 2-5A-synthetase vary with growth conditions, hormone status, liver regeneration, and cell differentiation, thus suggesting a possible wider role for the 2-5A system in the general control of RNA decay. The recent molecular cloning of the human and murine forms of 2-5A-dependent RNase revealed a repeated phosphate binding loop motif, homology with protein kinases, zinc fingers, and Escherichia coli RNase E, and the presence of nine ankyrin repeats implicated in mediating protein-protein interactions. The role of the 2-5A system in the control of viral and cellular growth suggests that defects in the 2-5A-dependent RNase (RNS4) gene could result in reduced immunity to virus infections and cancer, thus underscoring the importance of determining the position of the RNS4 gene inmore » the human genome. Here, the authors have localized the human gene for 2-5A-dependent RNase (RNS4) by fluorescence in situ hybridization to chromosome 1q25. The regional assignment of the RNS4 gene was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization following published methods, using a genomic 2-5A-dependent RNase clone previously isolated from a human placenta cosmid library in vector pWE15. 15 refs., 1 fig.« less
Antisense reduction of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enhances energy expenditure and insulin sensitivity independent of food intake in C57BL/6J mice on a Western-type diet

We recently reported that inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) by antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) improved hepatic lipid metabolism independent of food intake. In that study, 11β-HSD1 ASO-treated mice lost weight compared with food-matched control ASO-treated mice, suggesting treatment-mediated increased energy expenditure. We have now examined the effects of 11β-HSD1 ASO treatment on adipose tissue metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and whole-body energy expenditure. We used an ASO to knock down 11β-HSD1 in C57BL/6J mice consuming a Western-type diet (WTD). The 11β-HSD1 ASO-treated mice consumed less food, so food-matched control ASO-treated mice were also evaluated. We characterized body composition, gene expression of individual adipose depots, and measures of energy metabolism. We also investigated glucose/insulin tolerance as well as acute insulin signaling in several tissues. Knockdown of 11β-HSD1 protected against WTD-induced obesity by reducing epididymal, mesenteric, and subcutaneous white adipose tissue while activating thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. The latter was confirmed by demonstrating increased energy expenditure in 11β-HSD1 ASO-treated mice. The 11β-HSD1 ASO treatment also protected against WTD-induced glucose intolerance and insulin resistance; this protection was associated with smaller cells and fewer macrophages in epididymal white adipose tissue as well as enhanced in vivo insulin signaling. Our results indicate that ASO-mediated inhibition of 11β-HSD1 can protect against several WTD-induced metabolic abnormalities. These effects are, at least in part, mediated by increases in the oxidative capacity of brown adipose tissue.
Detection of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: a review

Screening studies reveal a much larger number of individuals expected to have alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency than is clinically recognized, with estimates that only about 2-10% of such individuals have been diagnosed. In the context that recognition of alpha-1 antitrypsin may prompt specific interventions (e.g., smoking avoidance, testing of family members, genetic counseling, and consideration of augmentation therapy), diagnosis is important, inviting much attention for efforts to identify affected individuals. Strategies to identify affected individuals include both population-based screening and targeted detection, and available studies have employed both approaches, though large-scale population-based screening is challenging. As reviewed in this paper, targeted-detection studies have generally produced a higher rate of detecting disease, and tend to be more successful with easier sampling techniques. Strategies to enhance detection in targeted studies have included awareness campaigns, easy testing techniques (such as evaluation of dried blood spots and home, confidential testing), and inclusive criteria for testing which span the full spectrum of clinical manifestations of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Sites of Tubulin Polymerization in PC 12 Cells

: The site at which tubulin enters into polymer in the neuritic process is a very important datum in terms of our understanding of the mechanism of transport of the microtubular cytoskeleton out the axon. If the form of tubulin being transported out the axon is the microtubule, then assembly of tubulin into microtubules should occur at or near the cell body; if, however, the form of tubulin transported is free tubulin dimer, then assembly can occur at any free microtubule end out the neurite. We have injected a fluorescent analog of tubulin into differentiated PC12 cells and used differential extraction protocols to extract free dimer but not microtubules. We have imaged these cells before and after extraction by low-light-level video fluorescence microscopy and have used image analysis to examine the sites of tubulin incorporation into polymer or other unextracted components as a function of time. We find that tubulin in the distal reaches of the neurite is found initially as monomer and that its appearance in the unextracted component occurs later. This pattern of appearance of fluorescent tubulin initially in the soluble fraction and later in the unextractable component is qualitatively similar to that reported by other workers for biotinylated tubulin, but we see a larger gap between the rates of appearance in soluble fraction and in polymer. Quantitative analysis of fluorescence intensities in the two compartments with distance out the neurite reveals substantial variation between different neurites: In some neurites, the pattern of variation of unextracted/total tubulin suggests that tubulin enters into the unextracted component primarily near the cell body and that this unextracted component moves out the neurite with time, and in other neurites it suggests that monomer adds onto microtubule ends staggered out the neurite. In no case do we see a pattern suggesting that distal addition predominates. These analyses of fluorescence intensities in extracted and unextracted neurites suggest that both transport of polymerized microtubules and monomer addition onto staggered microtubule ends occur in PC12 neurites and that in individual neurites one or the other of these two behaviors may predominate.
Roses or Lemons: Adverse Selection in the Market for Thoroughbred Yearlings

This paper tests for the presence of adverse selection in thoroughbred yearling auction markets. Thoroughbred auctions consist of two seller types: sellers who breed horses to race and sell (racers) and sellers who take all their yearlings to auction (breeders). If racers use private information, keeping those yearlings with a higher probability of on-track success, they are likely to receive a lower price for similar yearlings as compared to breeders. Using data from Keeneland's 1994 September yearling sale, we find support for this hypothesis. We improve on previous studies by analyzing the distinction between seller types on a continuous scale.
Irregularity in NbTi filament area and electric field versus current characteristics

Abstract There is a correlation between irregularity in filament area (‘sausaging’) and the shape of a superconductor's electric field ( E ) versus current ( I ) relationship. The shape of the E − I characteristic is quantified in terms of the resistive transition parameter, n , defined by E ∝ I n . Low values of n less than about 20 correlate with a wide filament diameter distribution, while n values over 50 correspond to a distribution more than 2.5 times smaller. It is proposed that the low-field (constant) value of n be used as an index of filament quality in evaluating different superconductors for practical applications. A model is also suggested to explain this effect in terms of a locally depressed filament critical current, which forces current to transfer across the normal matrix material into neighbouring filaments. The relationship between n and the statistical distribution of filament diameters may be useful as an easy method of estimating the extent of sausaging in practical multifilamentary NbTi superconductors from measurements of n .
Petrogenesis of a Late Precambrian (575–600 Ma) bimodal suite in Northeast Africa

Late Precambrian crustal evolution in the North Eastern Desert of Egypt occurred in a strongly extensional tectonic environment and was accompanied by abundant bimodal igneous activity. The extrusive and intrusive expressions of this magmatism, known as the Dokhan Volcanics and Pink Granites, respectively, were studied in detail from two areas. The Dokhan Volcanics and associated feeder dikes consist of a “mafic” suite dominated by andesites (∼60% SiO2) and smaller volumes of basalt and a “felsic” suite composed of rhyolite tuffs, ignimbrites and hypabyssal intrusions (∼72–78% SiO2). The rocks of the mafic suite display calc-alkaline trends on an AFM diagram but are enriched in incompatibles such as TiO2, P2O5, K2O, Rb, Sr, Ba, Zr, Y, Nb, and LREE. Rare earth element patterns are steep, with (Ce/Yb)n = 7.7 to 16.8. They contain moderate Ni (60 ppm) and Cr (95 ppm), indicating limited low-P fractionation. The melts of the mafic suite are interpreted to have formed either by ≤25% batch melting of eclogite or by ∼10% batch melting of LREE-enriched garnet lherzolite. The rocks of the felsic suite include Dokhan rhyolites and the epizonal Pink Granites. These contain 72–78% SiO2, are metaluminous and peraluminous, and have the high K2O/Na2O and FeO*/(FeO*+MgO) characteristic of post-tectonic, “A-type” granites. They are moderately enriched in incompatible elements, but their REE patterns overlap with those of the mafic suite, from which they can be distinguished by deep europium anomalies (Eu/Eu*=0.08–0.64) and flat HREE patterns=((Yb/Er)n=0.90–1.16). They share with the rocks of the mafic suite isotopic characteristics of depleted mantle, precluding anatexis of much older continental crust. The europium anomalies covary with Sr contents and indicate that plagioclase control was important, while the flat HREE patterns preclude residual garnet in the source. Hence the felsic melts could not have formed by anatexis of garnet-bearing mafic lower crust. Such melts could have formed by anatexis of amphibolite-facies crust, an interpretation which is not favored because the melts are not saturated with P2O5. Alternatively, the felsic melts may have formed via low-P fractional crystallization of the mafic melts, with about 2/3 removal of mostly plagioclase and amphibole along with minor apatite and zircon. This may have been accompanied in the latest stages of magmatic evolution by liquid-state fractionation such as thermo-gravitational diffusion or halide complexing.
Congener-independent immunoassay for microcystins and nodularins

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) (e.g., Microcystis and Nodularia spp.) capable of producing toxic peptides are found in fresh and brackish water worldwide. These toxins include the microcystin (MC) heptapeptides (>60 congeners) and the nodularin pentapeptides (ca. 5 congeners). Cyanobacterial cyclic peptide toxins are harmful to man, other mammals, birds, and fish. Acute exposure to high concentrations of these toxins causes liver damage, while subchronic or chronic exposure may promote liver tumor formation. The detection of cyclic peptide cyanobacterial toxins in surface and drinking waters has been hampered by the low limits of detection required and that the present routine detection is restricted to a few of the congeners. The unusual β-amino acid ADDA (4E,6E-3-amino-9-methoxy-2,6,8-trimethyl-10-phenyldeca-4,6-dienoic acid) is present in most (>80%) of the known toxic penta- and heptapeptide toxin congeners. Here, we report the synthesis of two ADDA-haptens, the raising of antibodies to ADDA, and th...
Amtrak, Auto-Train, and Vacation Travel to Florida: Little Trains that Could

This paper examines whether Amtrak and Auto-Train altered the demand for vacation travel to Florida by train. A profile of tourist arrivals by train reveals a downward trend until inception of effective Amtrak and Auto-Train service; the trend then reverses. A travel demand function is postulated to include income, price, and interaction dummies which allow for consequences of the trains. Because of multicollinearity, the equation is estimated by ridge regression, the results suggesting that the trains modified both income and price effects in the function. Likely implications of Amtrak and Auto-Train for Florida's leisure industries are considered.