cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design of a Class I Unmanned Aircraft for Maritime Surveillance

The current paper’s objective is to present the methodology used in the design of a class I unmanned aircraft (UA), intended for maritime surveillance, atmospheric pollution monitoring and search and rescue (SAR) missions. Its development encompasses conceptual and preliminary design, focusing on the integration of systems, performance, aerodynamics, stability, propulsion and composite structural design. Mission requirements are set to comply with the European Maritime Safety Agency’s specifications. The approach to conceptual design follows a methodology in which the airplane is conceived in a step-by-step, iterative fashion, making use of empirical data and numerical information. In preliminary design, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is employed in order to increase the level of accuracy and refine the design. Subsequently, the air frame design is performed through computed aided design (CAD) modelling, endorsed by a numerical stress analysis via a finite element analysis (FEA). As the project’s output, a class I unmanned aircraft capable of not only meeting, but also surpassing the demanded mission requirements, is presented.
Piesma Costatum (Uhler) (Hemiptera: Piesmatidae): First Host-Plant Records, Seasonality, and Discovery of the Macropterous Morph

Piesma costatum (Uhler) is a rarely collected piesmatid whose adults have been known only from the brachypterous morph; its host plants also have remained unknown. During fieldwork in the Nebraska Sandhills (2016–2018), nymphs and adults were found near Valentine in Cherry County on desert goosefoot (Chenopodium pratericola Rydb.; Chenopodiaceae). Males outnumbered females (26♂: 17♀) in late June 2017, with nearly equal numbers (23♂: 24♀) observed in mid-September. The presence of fifth instars in June and September indicate that the piesmatid is bivoltine. The first macropters (1 male, 1 female) were discovered, but they represented less than 2% of adults (n 5 115). Brachypterous adults are flightless, with their hind wings rudimentary and auricular. The bug's low vagility and patchy distribution of its host plant help explain the rareness of P. costatum in collections. Nebraska's vast Sandhills are considered a stable habitat that might favor the evolution of flightlessness, which might minimize the loss of dispersing adults and be energetically advantageous in the nearly constant winds of the Sandhills.
Symptomatic Proximal Anastomotic Pseudoaneurysm of Suprarenal Aorta

A 37-year-old male underwent open repair of a juxtarenal AAA with aortobiiliac graft in 1981. Subsequently, patient had repair of a large symptomatic proximal anastomotic pseudoaneurysm 13 years later using a left retroperitoneal approach with spinal drainage. Superior mesenteric artery and right renal artery were included together in the proximal anastomosis and a separate bypass to the left renal artery was performed.
Bio-inspired Guidance Method for a Soft Landing on a Near-Earth Asteroid

Abstract Achieving a soft landing over the surface of small celestial bodies is an essential maneuver in space to advance the status of space exploration, sample collecting and in-situ resource utilization, among other on-orbit tasks. Landing on these bodies is challenging due to the reduced-gravity and airless environment. The correct planning of execution of the trajectory to land on the surface of the body is of cumbersome importance to prevent the vehicle from bouncing up and eventually reach escape velocity. In this paper, a bio-inspired trajectory planning method to land on the surface of a Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA) with zero relative velocity is proposed. The method is based on Tau theory, which has been demonstrated to explain the way that humans and some other animals’ approach to different target spots to perform tasks such as perching, landing, and grasping. We have selected the NEA Apophis asteroid as our case study due to its accessibility, and small rotational velocity and orbit condition code. Two landing scenarios are studied; one considers the case where the satellite is hovering at a low altitude; the other corresponds to a landing maneuver right after a deorbiting or breaking phase, which may cause residual initial velocity in the vehicle prior to the landing maneuver. Once the descending trajectory is obtained, a closed-loop controller is in charge of achieving trajectory tracking and calculating the continuous and on/off thrust control signals. The simulation results show that the introduced approach can achieve zero final relative velocity in both cases for different initial condition, which is a requirement for a soft landing. Besides, different kinematic behaviors can be obtained by modifying the single variable named the Tau constant. The particular advantages of the method with respect to a commonly used approach are devised and analyzed as well.
Effectiveness of an online suicide prevention program for college faculty and students

OBJECTIVE Suicide prevention programs help college staff and students identify students at-risk for suicide. Kognito is an online, simulation-based suicide prevention program. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate Kognito's effectiveness in changing suicide prevention attitudes and behavior. Participants: 170 college students and 140 college staff completed the training module and three surveys. Methods: College staff and students from 24 public, private, and community colleges and universities in Maryland completed Kognito modules and pre-, post-, and 3-month follow-up assessments. Results: Both college staff and students exhibited significant improvements in reported Preparedness, Likelihood, and Self-Efficacy in gatekeeper attitudes. Students reported significant gains in gatekeeper intervention behaviors. Conclusions: The current results suggest that Kognito is associated with attitudinal change for college staff and students, but only college students demonstrated statistically significant behavioral impact for both being more likely to ask about suicide and refer peers to counseling.
Abstract P066: Purinergic Receptor Function In The Middle Cerebral Artery From Clopidogrel-treated Rabbits

Arterial thrombosis is the leading cause of death in the developed world and hypertensive patients are at an increased risk. Dual antiplatelet therapy, consisting of low-dose aspirin in combination...
Pattern recovery by recurrent circuits in piriform cortex

Pattern completion, or the ability to retrieve stable neural activity patterns from noisy or partial cues, is a fundamental feature of memory. Theoretical studies indicate that recurrently connected auto-associative or discrete attractor network models can perform this process. Although phenomenological evidence for pattern completion and attractor dynamics have been described in various recurrent neural circuits, the crucial role that recurrent circuitry plays in implementing these processes has not been shown. Here we show that although odor representations in mouse olfactory bulb degrade under anesthesia, responses in downstream piriform cortex remain robust. Recurrent connections are required to stabilize cortical odor representations across states. Moreover, piriform odor representations exhibit attractor dynamics, both within and across trials, and these are also abolished when recurrent circuitry is eliminated. Thus, an auto-associative cortical circuit stabilizes output in response to degraded input, and the recurrent circuitry that defines these networks is required for this stabilization.
403. Study of early and late readmissions with COVID-19: A retrospective analysis

Background: Michigan was one of the severely impacted regions during the initial COVID-19 surge An institutional protocol with early methylprednisolone (MP) to treat COVID-19 patients requiring supplemental oxygen was implemented We sought to study characteristics of these patients who were readmitted with infectious and non-infectious diagnoses Methods: A retrospective analysis of 21 COVID-19 readmitted patients initially admitted between 3/10/2020 and 4/20/2020 (early 0-7, late 8-30 days) was done Total of 455 COVID-19 patients, confirmed by a positive nasopharyngeal RT-PCR were admitted during this time period Demographic data, clinical characteristics, laboratory and radiographic results and treatments were compared among the early and late readmission groups Univariate and logistic regression analysis were performed to study the risk factors associated with early readmission and worsening of COVID-19 pneumonia Secondary analyses were performed comparing worsening COVID-19 pneumonia with other readmission diagnoses Results: 4 6% (21/455) were readmitted, 14 early vs 7 late (median age 75 vs 65 yrs) Most early readmissions were COVID-19 related and 8 out of 14 had worsening COVID-19 pneumonia based on clinical picture, laboratory and imaging findings Readmitted patients with worsening COVID-19 related pneumonia had significantly elevated CRP and lower ALC compared to last discharge value (Table 1) None of the late readmissions required MP A total of 8 readmissions had bacterial coinfections (1/8 COVID-19 related) (Table 2) Bacterial infections unrelated to COVID-19 were aspiration pneumonia (2), urinary tract infection (2), enterococcal bacteremia from stercoral colitis (1), sacral osteomyelitis (1), and infected BKA stump (1) Each increasing day of MP duration during the first admission reduced the likelihood of early readmission by approximately 10% (OR 0 90, 95% CI 0 63-1 2, p=0 56) (Table 3) 1/14 and 0/7 patients died amongst early and late readmissions respectively Conclusion: Early MP in COVID-19 pneumonia was not associated with increased risk of early secondary bacterial infections in the readmitted patients Optimal duration of MP in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia needs to be defined
Puffy hand syndrome.

A 37-year-old man visited the rheumatology clinic for evaluation of swelling of his fingers and hands.
Preparing for Experiential Learning

There were few cooperative programs existing that pertained to research, training, and experiential education internships or co-ops between justice agencies and institutions of higher education in the United States before the passage of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (OCCSSA) of 1968 and the programs that were derived from that act, such as the Law Enforcement Assistance Act (LEAA) and the Law Enforcement Educational Program (LEEP). The law resulted in the creation of hundreds of law enforcement and criminal justice degree programs in institutions of higher education throughout the United States and an influx of students who enrolled in the criminal justice programs who were funded by LEEP grants. In addition, funds from grants were available for research pertaining to justice-related matters, educational programs such as workshops, and travel for field trips and seminars. Justice agencies became more receptive to having university students tour their facilities and complete internships.
Predicting longitudinal service use for individuals with substance use disorders: A latent profile analysis

Abstract Introduction Substance use disorders (SUD) are chronic conditions that often warrant coordinated medical care throughout a relapsing and remitting course. However, SUD treatment is frequently measured as a binary outcome, where individuals either receive or do not receive care following the immediate treatment seeking event. This study aimed to describe longitudinal treatment seeking behaviors by assessing service use patterns among individuals with diagnosed SUDs in a safety net hospital that offers a “no wrong door” care model. This study also examined whether certain patient subgroups were more likely to transition to service use patterns that support recovery or treatment disengagement over time. Methods The team conducted a retrospective cohort study using electronic health record data from adult patients diagnosed with SUDs (n = 1157) who regularly accessed services at a safety net hospital over a five-year period. The study used latent class analysis (LCA) and latent profile analysis to empirically identify distinct treatment utilization profiles of individuals with SUDs. We used multinomial logistic regression to evaluate predictors of class membership and transitions over a five-year period. Results The research team identified five distinct service use classes, including patients who disengaged from services (42.4%), or those who predominantly used outpatient substance use services (7.0%), mental health services (13.0%), primary care services (24.7%), or other specialty care services (13.1%). Being female and an older adult were statistically significant predictors for membership in any service use–driven status. Black patients had increased odds for “substance use service” and “primary care” service statuses over time. Conclusion LCA and latent transition analysis (LTA) methods are novel approaches for identifying profiles of patients with higher risk for health services disengagement. SUD treatment engagement strategies are needed to reach males, young adults, and individuals with non-opioid SUDs.
Coming Out in a School Setting: Former Students' Experiences and Opinions about Disclosure.

Abstract The present study was conducted to learn more about the experiences of gay men and lesbians in educational settings, particularly about experiences relevant to disclosure of their sexual orientation. One hundred six gay men and 156 lesbian women responded to an anonymous questionnaire dealing with how their sexual orientation had affected their experiences in school. As students, very few respondents had chosen to disclose their sexual orientation to principals, teachers, counselors, or friends. Reasons cited for nondisclosure included fear of the consequences and not wanting others to know. The majority of those who did disclose their sexual orientation received positive feedback for doing so, but respondents reported both positive and negative consequences of coming out. Gay men were aware of their sexual orientation at an earlier age than lesbians and were somewhat more likely to recommend disclosure to principals and teachers. Females were more likely to disclose only to females, whereas male...
Influence of Acceleration on Aerodynamic Characteristics of Thin Airfoils in Supersonic and Transonic Flight

An at tempt has been made to derive the aerodynamic characteristics, in the supersonic and transonic range, of a two-dimensional airfoil moving at uniformly accelerated speed; it is assumed that the airfoil is thin and the shocks resulting from its motion are extremely weak. Under these conditions, the airfoil motion may be treated as a time-dependent perturbation problem, which can be solved by means of "Possio solutions." The solutions for lift, drag, and pressure on the airfoil surface turn out to be elliptic integral expressions, whose arguments depend on the Mach Number and on an acceleration parameter. The evaluation of these solutions is carried out in a different manner, depending on whether the transonic or the supersonic range is considered. In Section (A), the solution at supersonic speeds is expanded in positive powers of the acceleration parameter jS. The influence of acceleration turns out to be extremely small. In Section (B), the transonic range is treated, by expanding the expressions for lift and drag, at M = 1, into a series starting with the negative one-fourth power of /3. This elucidates why, a t M = 1, the theoretical expressions for the aerodynamic parameters remain finite in the case of accelerated motion but become infinite in the limit of stationary flight speed ((3 = 0). In Section (C), a physical discussion of the results for wedges and diamond profiles is given: The curves representing the aerodynamic parameters as a function of the Mach Number have a more or less pronounced maximum at M = 1, depending on the value of the flight acceleration #. The application of a validity criterion shows that for sufficiently "large" /3 the results can be taken quantitatively, while at "small" /? the results have only qualitative meaning.
Abstract 53: Transcriptomics and Methylomics of Atherosclerosis in Circulating Monocytes - the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Little is known regarding the transcriptional and epigenetic basis for atherogenesis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Here we integrate transcriptomic (Illumina HumanHT-12 v4) and methylomic (Illumina 450K array) data from purified monocytes with concurrent CVD risk factors and measures of atherosclerosis - carotid plaque (CP) identified using ultrasound and coronary artery calcium (CAC), from 1,208 randomly selected participants (554 whites, 260 blacks, 394 Hispanics) of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Association analysis was performed using linear and logistic regression, adjusting for demographics, technical covariates, and other known CVD risk factors. A false discovery rate (FDR) <0.05 was used to control for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: We identified expression of two genes, ARID5B (a transcription factor) and PDLIM7, positively associated with both CP and CAC, and 17 additional genes associated with only CAC . We also identified 29 and seven differentially methylated CpGs associated with CP and CAC, respectively, including a CpG at ILVBL associated with both CP and CAC. Eleven of these atherosclerosis CpGs were also associated with cis-gene expression, including an ARID5B expression-associated methylation site (cg25953130, ARID5B intron) which overlapped a predicted strong enhancer, a transcription factor binding site (for EP300), and a DNase I hotspot (ENCODE and BLUEPRINT monocyte data). The inverse association between methylation of this ARID5B CpG and atherosclerosis (CP:p=4.3x10-7, FDR=0.01; CAC: p= 2.4x10-5, FDR=0.32) appeared to be mediated through ARID5B expression (CP: p=2.1x10-4, CAC: p=2.1 x10-3, using Structural Equation modeling with bootstrapping). Furthermore, many other known risk factors for CVD (age, ethnicity, body mass index, diabetes, HDL, and interleukin-6 levels) were also associated with ARID5B expression at genome-wide levels of significance. The ARID5B associations with atherosclerosis at gene expression and methylation levels together explain an additional 2.3% variability in CP above and beyond known CVD risk factors, and were consistent across age (< or ≥65 years), sex, race/ethnicity, CVD status, or statin use subgroups, as well as the independent sites of data collection. ARID5B expression was also positively associated with prevalent CVD (p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The concurrent multi-omic profiling of atherogenic-related cells coupled with state-of-the-art measurements of atherosclerosis in a large, well-phenotyped, multi-ethnic cohort provide novel insights into the biomarkers and the potential molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis. In particular, our data on ARID5B , taken together with previously reported experimental evidence for its role in promoting lipid accumulation and smooth muscle cell differentiation, strongly suggests an atherogenic role for this gene.
State of the Climate in 2012

Editors note: For easy download the posted pdf of the State of the Climate for 2012 is a very low-resolution file. A high-resolution copy of the report is available by clicking here. Please be patient as it may take a few minutes for the high-resolution file to download.
Treatment Patterns and Outcomes in Pregnancy-Associated Adenocarcinoma of the Cervix

Abstract Objective: Cervical cancer occurs in ∼1/2200 pregnancies. Limited data exist for optimal management of cervical adenocarcinomas, which have seen a disproportionate rise in incidence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate treatment patterns and outcomes in pregnancy-associated cervical adenocarcinoma (AC) or adenosquamous carcinoma (AS). Design: This was a retrospective observational study. Materials and Methods: Patients at a single institution diagnosed between 1990 and 2009 with cervical AC or AS during pregnancy, and within 6 weeks postpartum, were reviewed. Charts were reviewed for demographic, pathologic treatment, and outcome data. Results: Thirteen patients were identified with stage IA (2), IB (10), and IIIB (1) disease. Treatment for invasive cancer diagnosed during pregnancy included abortion followed by chemoradiation, cold knife cone (CKC) followed by cesarean radical hysterectomy, radical hysterectomy, and antenatal loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) with cesarean del...
Generalized Bernstein Theory

The title of this chapter refers to the fact that, by the use of topological methods, Granas, Guenther, and Lee Granas et al. (1978) were able to extend the classical boundary value theory of Bernstein Bernstein (1912). This chapter is based on their work.
Face mask therapy of preadolescents with unilateral cleft lip and palate

This study evaluates 21 children treated with maxillary expansion and protraction appliances for skeletal discrepancies associated with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). The subjects were treated by the same orthodontist, using the same techniques and appliances. Mean pre- and posttreatment ages were 7.3 and 8.7 years, respectively. Each child was matched by ethnicity, sex, age, and the SN/MP angle to an untreated (non UCLP) control. Stable cranial and cranial base reference structures were used for superimposing serial cephalograms. The results showed definite protraction of the maxilla for the UCLP group. The posterior maxilla of the UCLP group underwent anterior displacement; the posterior maxilla of the control group displayed posterior growth changes. The maxillary incisor tips of the UCLP group demonstrated greater anterior movement than expected for untreated controls. Vertical changes of the maxilla showed no significant group differences. The mandible of the UCLP group was rotated inferiorly and posteriorly; the control group showed inferior/anterior changes. The lower incisor of the UCLP and control groups remained stable and moved anteriorly, respectively. The UCLP group showed significantly greater inferior movements of the anterior mandible than the control group. We concluded that differences between the control and UCLP groups are primarily related to mandibular clockwise rotation and secondarily to anterior maxillary repositioning.
New leadership for libraries: Who has the right stuff?

Les aptitudes indispensables au leader dans la nouvelle organisation de la bibliotheque impliquent notamment de savoir gerer le changement, articuler sa vision, jouer le role d'un entraineur, s'engager envers le service, donner la priorite aux gens et creer une culture de leadership.
Matrix model cosmology in two space-time dimensions

We examine solutions to the classical Ishibashi-Kawai-Kitazawa-Tsuchiya matrix model equations in three space-time dimensions. Closed, open and static two-dimensional universes naturally emerge from such models in the commutative limit. We show that tachyonic modes are a generic feature of these cosmological solutions.
Creative Educational Methodologies: Using a Childbirth Simulator with Baccalaureate Nursing Students

In the current nursing educational environment, the need for creative teaching methods in the classroom is being driven by increasing student numbers, less than optimum ratio of faculty to students, and decreased availability of clinical sites. Although skills laboratories have been used for many years, the integration of manikin models with computerized software is relatively new. It has only been within the past 10 years that nursing educators have begun to use these newer simulation models [Nurs Educ Perspect. 2004;25(5):244-248]. The design of these models enables the presentation of a variety of patient conditions and allows instructor control of manikin outcomes in response to student interventions. Several factors determine the complexity of the simulation model chosen by nursing faculty and include such considerations as targeted courses, desired realism, and learning objectives. This article describes a teaching methodology using a childbirth simulator in the clinical education of baccalaureate nursing students during the pediatric/obstetric clinical course.
Acoustic signatures of patchy saturation

Abstract We consider two saturation patterns in a partially saturated geomaterial. The first is the homogeneous pattern where saturation is the same at the pore scale at any location in the rock. The second is the patchy pattern where a large fully-saturated patch is surrounded by a dry region. In both cases the global saturation in a large volume of the rock is the same. At the same global saturation, the effective acoustic properties of the rock vary depending on the saturation pattern. We offer a practical method for identifying the dominating saturation pattern from dynamic Poisson’s ratio obtained from sonic well-log measurements. This method performs well in soft rocks whose acoustic properties are most sensitive to the way fluid is distributed in the pore space.
Deconstructing membrane traffic

Intracellular movement of proteins and lipids between organelles is usually described in terms of cargo, carriers, traffic and docking, familiar terms that imply parallels to human activities. Over the past century, scientists have been criticized for constructing hypotheses that reflect too much of their current political and cultural values. In this article, concepts of membrane traffic are re-examined to see whether they reflect the cell's view of the world or our own.
Excretion of nortriptyline hydrochloride in man. I. Detection and determination of urinary nortriptyline

A quantitative U.V. spectrophotometric assay procedure has been developed for the determination of urinary nortriptyline in man. A thin-layer chromatographic system is described which allows rapid detection of the presence of the drug and its metabolites in urine. The drug was found to be slowly eliminated as a mixture of free drug and metabolites.
VORGEHEN BEI PRIMAR NICHT KLASSIFIZIERBAREN ANALFISTELN

Die unklassifizierbaren Analfisteln stellen ein Problem der Fistelchirurgie dar. Von 1993 bis 1996 wurden 823 Patienten an einem analen Fistelleiden operiert. Ergebnisse: Eine Klassifikation nach dem Parks-Schema war bei 38 Patienten bei Unversehrtheit des Analkanals ohne Hinweis auf eine innere Fisteloffnung nicht moglich. Dies entspricht einer Rate von 4,5 %. Alle Patienten waren zum Teil mehrfach voroperiert. Nach alleiniger Fistelgangexcision heilten 53 % der Fisteln ab. 47 % rezidivierten. Bei nochmaliger Revision war durch Exploration des Intersphincterraums eine Nachklassifizierung der Analfisteln in der Halfte der Falle moglich. Bei diesen Patienten konnte eine kontinente Fistulektomie das Fistelleiden zur Abheilung bringen. Schlusfolgerung: Unklassifizierbare Analfisteln, bei denen die innere Fisteloffnung nicht auffindbar ist, konnen zunachst einer alleinigen Fistelgangexcision unterzogen werden. Im Falle eines Rezidivs sollten die Patienten einer Exploration des Intersphincterraums im vermuteten Gebiet des kryptoglandularen Infektionsorts unterzogen werden.
Identification and Quantitation of Dimethyl Acetals of Hexadecanal and Octadecanal in Turkey Breast Muscle Phospholipids

Dimethyl acetals of hexadecanal and octadecanal in the phospholipid fraction of raw and cooked turkey breast meat were monitored for quantity and identity during 12 months of frozen storage by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) using two different methods of esterification.
CO Coverage/Oxidation Correlated with PtRu Electrocatalyst Particle Morphology in 0.3 M Methanol by In Situ XAS

In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements, including both X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) at the Pt L{sub 3} and Ru K edges, were carried out on three different carbon-supported PtRu electrocatalysts in an electrochemical cell in 1 M HClO{sub 4} with 0.3 M methanol. The CO and OH adsorbate coverage on Pt and Ru were determined as a function of the applied potential via the novel delta XANES technique, and the particle morphology was determined from the EXAFS and a modeling technique. Both the bifunctional and direct CO oxidation mechanisms, the latter enhanced by electronic ligand effects, were evident for all three electrocatalysts; however, the dominant mechanism depended critically on the particle size and morphology. Both the Ru island size and overall cluster size had a very large effect on the CO oxidation mechanism and activation of water, with the bifunctional mechanism dominating for more monodispersed Ru islands, and the direct surface ligand effect dominating in the presence of larger Ru islands.
Long QT Syndromes.

The clinical phenotype of the long QT syndrome (LQTS) is quite variable, with the frequency and type of life-threatening arrhythmias influenced by the specific genotype and a spectrum of genetic and environmental factors that are not well characterized. Patients with a history of recurrent syncope or aborted cardiac arrest are at increased risk of experiencing malignant ventricular arrhythmias, but such arrhythmias may also occur in affected individuals who previously have been asymptomatic. Beta-adrenergic drugs serve as the foundation for treatment of symptomatic patients with a history of syncope or aborted cardiac arrest and as primary prophylactic therapy in asymptomatic subjects with LQTS. Beta-blockers reduce the frequency of syncopal events, but they do not absolutely prevent the occurrence of sudden cardiac death, even in those who are compliant in taking full doses of beta-blockers. Pacemaker therapy is moderately effective in reducing the number of cardiac events in patients with inappropriate bradycardia. The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) has functioned well as a fail-safe back-up therapy in high-risk patients, especially those with documented malignant arrhythmias or an aborted cardiac arrest. Left cervicothoracic sympathetic ganglionectomy should be reserved for patients with LQTS who are intolerant of beta-blockers or have recurrent syncope that is refractory to beta-blockers and who for one reason or another are not candidates for ICD therapy. Pharmacologically tailored gene-specific therapy for specific ion-channel disorders is in its infancy, and no specific recommendations can be made for the use of this therapy at this time.
Predicting Reading Success in a Multilevel Schoolwide Reading Model A Retrospective Analysis

Despite recent research findings that implicate a long list of student variables that predict reading success or failure, these predictor variables have not been considered in the context of contemporary models of multitiered schoolwide reading intervention. This longitudinal, retrospective study follows 668 kindergarten and first-grade students identified as at risk for later reading difficulties through third grade. Key predictor variables were examined to determine their validity for predicting initial status and growth on oral reading fluency, third-grade oral reading fluency, and third-grade performance on a standardized test of reading. Results are provided in light of the instructional model provided. Implications for instruction and assessment are discussed.
Hypolipidemic activity of 3- and 4-phenyl-piperidine-2,6-diones and selected N-substituted derivatives

Three- and 4-phenyl-piperidine-2,6-dione derivatives were investigated for hypolipidemic activity at 20 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally in rodents. The 3-phenyl compound afforded the best activity and effectiveness in both normal and hyperlipidemia-induced mice. The agent lowered lipids by blocking the de novo hepatic synthesis of cholesterol and triglycerides, specifically at the sites of ATP-dependent citrate lyase, acetyl CoA synthetase,sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyl transferase and phosphatidylate phosphohydrolase. The agent caused a more rapid clearance of cholesterol by the fecal route. Cholesterol levels of the chylomicrons, very low density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were reduced, whereas high density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly elevated after drug administration. Triglyceride content was lowered in the chylomicron and LDL fractions. These modulations of lipid content of serum lipoproteins by the drug suggest a favorable situation for treatment of hyperlipidemic states.
Effects of lithium on cognitive performance: a meta-analysis.

Background Cognitive impairment is underrecognized among patients with bipolar disorder and may represent not only effects of the illness but also adverse effects of its treatments. Among these, lithium is the best-studied mood stabilizer. As its cognitive effects are mixed and not well-known, we assessed reported effects of lithium on cognitive performance. Data sources MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and EMBASE databases (1950 to December 2008) were queried with the keywords lithium, cognit*, neurocognit*, neuropsych*, psycholog*, attention, concentration, processing speed, memory, executive, and learning. Database searches were supplemented with bibliographic cross-referencing by hand. The literature search was conducted independently by 2 authors (A.P.W. and T.S.W.) during August and September 2008, and questions about appropriate inclusion or exclusion were resolved between them by consensus. Study selection Of 586 reports initially identified as being of potential interest, 12, involving 539 subjects, met our inclusion criteria: (1) cognitive performance compared between subjects taking lithium and comparable subjects not taking lithium; comparability was assured by: (2) patients with the same affective disorder diagnoses in euthymic or remitted status or healthy volunteers; (3) groups of similar age and sex; (4) similar intelligence, education, or occupation; (5) similar distribution of other concurrent psychotropic drugs; and (6) cognitive abilities (outcomes) assessed with performance-based measures. Data extraction Standardized mean-difference effect size (ES), corrected for small-sample bias (Hedges' g), was computed for cognitive tasks in each study. ES estimates were transformed so that positive values indicate poorer performance by lithium-treated subjects. Infrequently, when means and standard deviations were not provided, ES was estimated from reported values of t, F, or z tests. For analysis, similar neurocognitive tests were grouped a priori based on the cognitive domains they aimed to assess. Data synthesis We identified 12 studies involving 276 lithium-treated and 263 similar or the same subjects, lithium-free. Lithium was taken for a mean duration of 3.9 years by affective disorder patients and 2.5 weeks by healthy volunteers, yielding a mean daily trough serum concentration of 0.80 mEq/L. Overall, lithium treatment was associated with small but significant impairment in immediate verbal learning and memory (ES = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.05-0.43) and creativity (ES = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.02-0.64), whereas delayed verbal memory, visual memory, attention, executive function, processing speed, and psychomotor performance were not significantly affected. Selectively, among the 326 affective-disorder patients, in addition to these overall impairments, long-term lithium treatment also was associated with even greater impairment in psychomotor performance (ES = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.27-0.97), with no evidence of cognitive improvements. Conclusions Lithium treatment appears to have only few and minor negative effects on cognition.
Containerless processing and rapid solidification of Nb-Si alloys of hypereutectic composition

A combination of bulk undercooling in an electromagnetic levitation apparatus and splat quenching between two copper plates is used to process Nb-Si alloys in order to maximize rapid solidification conditions and minimize the effects of recalescence, with emphasis on the solidification of characteristics of alloys in the 21 to 27 at. pct Si range of composition. SEM and TEM as well as X-ray diffraction are used to characterize the microstructures of the processed samples. In the range of compositions studied, the splat-quenched drops always formed the tetragonal Nb3Si phase directly from the liquid. Drops solidified in the coil were characterized by the presence of the primary intermetallic Nb5Si3 and the absence of both peritectic Nb3Si and the equilibrium eutectic. In these cases, a metastable alpha-Nb + beta-Nb5Si3 eutectic formed. The results are discussed in terms of possible metastable configurations of the Nb-Si phase diagram as well as concepts of nucleation and growth kinetics applied to the Nb3Si and Nb5Si3 intermetallics.
Fragmentation of the two-phonon octupole vibrational states in 208 Pb

An experiment designed to populate two-phonon vibrational states in {sup 208}Pb by Coulomb excitation was performed with a {sup 136}Xe beam at a bombarding energy of 650 MeV. The {gamma} rays from the decay of the excited states were measured with Gammasphere and scattered particles were detected in the compact heavy-ion counter CHICO. We have not been able to observe any state close to the expected harmonic energy of 5.2 MeV. However, we were able to extract the B(E3,3{sub 1}{sup {minus}}{r_arrow}6{sub 1}{sup +}) value for the lowest known 6{sup +} state at 4.424 MeV based on measured {gamma}-ray intensities. About 20{percent} of the expected total E3 strength can be found in this state, suggesting a large fragmentation of this second octupole phonon state in {sup 208}Pb. Upper limits for the B(E3) strength were determined for higher-lying, but unseen, 6{sup +} states ranging from 15{percent} of the harmonic value at 5.2 MeV to 100{percent} at 6.0 MeV. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Thy-1+ Dendritic Cells in Murine Epidermis Are Bone Marrow-Derived

Thy-1 + Ly-5 + dendritic cells have recently been described as a resident cell population in murine epidermis, but their ontogeny and function are unknown. We therefore investigated the origin and turnover of epidermal Thy- 1 + cells utilizing chimeric mice. Lethally x- irradiated AKR/J (Thy-1.1 + ) and AKR/Cum (Thy-1.2 + mice were reconstituted with allogeneic bone marrow cells with or without thymocytes from congenic AKR/ Cum or AKR/J mice, respectively. The density of residual indigenous Thy-1.1 + cells in AKR/J chimeras and Thy-1.2 + cells in AKR/Cum chimeras was substantially reduced following x-irradiation, as determined by immunofluorescence staining of epidermal sheets. Epidermal repopulation by allogeneic Thy-1 + dendritic epidermal cells was first observed at 5 weeks in AKR/J chimeras and at 7 weeks in AKR/Cum chimeras and progressed slowly. Repopulation was not enhanced by increasing the number of allogeneic bone marrow cells injected from 2 × 10 7 to 10 8 cells or by the addition of 8 × 10 7 allogeneic thymocytes to the donor inoculate. Epidermal repopulation by allogeneic Thy-1.2 + cells was not seen in AKR/J mice reconstituted with syngeneic bone marrow cells and allogeneic Thy-1.2 + AKR/Cum thymocytes. Taken together, these results indicate that Thy-1 + dendritic epidermal cells are derived from the bone marrow and suggest that they are not related to conventional peripheral T-lymphocytes.
Enhancement of SIV Infection with Soluble Receptor Molecules

The CD4 receptor on human T cells has been shown to play an integral part in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection process. Recombinant soluble human CD4 (rCD4) was tested for its ability to inhibit SIVagm, an HIV-like virus that naturally infects African green monkeys, in order to define T cell surface receptors critical for SIVagm infection. The rCD4 was found to enhance SIVagm infection of a human T cell line by as much as 18-fold, whereas HIV-1 infection was blocked by rCD4. Induction of syncytium formation and de novo protein synthesis were observed within the first 24 hours after SIVagm infection, whereas this process took 4 to 6 days in the absence of rCD4. This enhancing effect could be inhibited by monoclonal antibodies directed to rCD4. The enhancing effect could be abrogated with antibodies from naturally infected African green monkeys with inhibitory titers of from 1:2,000 to 1:10,000; these antibodies did not neutralize SIVagm infection in the absence of rCD4. Viral enhancement of SIVagm infection by rCD4 may result from the modulation of the viral membrane through gp120-CD4 binding, thus facilitating secondary events involved in viral fusion and penetration.
Pade-Type Higher-Order Boundary Filters for the Navier-Stokes Equations

The use of procedures based on higher-order finite-difference formulas is extended to solve complex fluid-dynamic problems on highly curvilinear discretizations and with multidomain approaches. The accuracy limitations of previous near-boundary compact filter treatments are overcome by derivation of a superior higher-order approach. For solving the Navier-Stokes equations, this boundary component is coupled to interior difference and filter schemes with emphasis on Pade-type operators. The high-order difference and filter formulas are also combined with finite-sized overlaps to yield stable and accurate interface treatments for use with domain-decomposition strategies. Numerous steady and unsteady, viscous and inviscid flow computations on curvilinear meshes with explicit and implicit time-integration methods demonstrate the versatility of the new boundary schemes
Relations among Four Individual Difference Measures Associated with Cardiovascular Dysfunction and Anger Coping Style

Scores on four individual difference instruments used in investigations of hypertension and coronary heart disease were compared. 112 college undergraduates completed a Thematic Apperception Test to assess power motivation, the student form of the Jenkins Activity Survey to assess Type A behavior pattern, a version of the Harburg Anger-out Scale, and a new instrument, the Anger Expression Scale. Analyses yielded modest but significant correlations among some of the scales. Students scoring higher on anger-out coping style, as indexed by the anger-out subscale of the Anger Expression Scale and the Harburg Anger-out Scale, had higher scores on power motivation, global Type A, and the Speed and Impatience subscale of the Jenkins Activity Survey. Neither power motivation nor inhibited power motivation was significantly associated with Type A behavior pattern. Implications of the results are discussed within the context of recent findings in personality assessment and health psychology.
Performance analysis of a PCS network with state dependent calls arrival processes and impatient calls

This paper studies the behavior of performance evaluation for a personal communication services (PCS) network, in which the calls' arrival process may depend on the number of calls in the target cells. Each cell of the PCS network consists of a finite channel and a buffer (with finite or infinite size) for handoff calls. The handoff calls having to wait in the buffer for further communication may become impatient and leave the system if their waiting time exceeds their own patience. The mobilities of the portables are characterized by the random cell residence times of the portables. For insight into the effect of dependent calls arrival processes and the impatient calls on PCS network performance, we propose an analytical model and obtain the expressions for the following interesting conventional and new performance measures: the new call blocking probability, handoff call failure probability and the forced termination probability of a handoff call; the quasi and actual waiting time of a handoff call in the buffer; the actual call holding time of a new call; and the blocking period of time of the new calls and the handoff calls etc. We also provide an algorithm to compare these blocking probabilities and the arrival rates for handoff calls. Some special cases of our model used in previous traffic models of wireless and/or wireline communications are discussed. The results presented in this paper can provide guidelines for field data processing on updated PCS network design and performance evaluation.
Ethanolic Echinacea purpurea Extracts Contain a Mixture of Cytokine-Suppressive and Cytokine-Inducing Compounds, Including Some That Originate from Endophytic Bacteria

Echinacea preparations, which are used for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory infections, account for 10% of the dietary supplement market in the U.S., with sales totaling more than $100 million annually. In an attempt to shed light on Echinacea's mechanism of action, we evaluated the effects of a 75% ethanolic root extract of Echinacea purpurea, prepared in accord with industry methods, on cytokine and chemokine production from RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cells. We found that the extract displayed dual activities; the extract could itself stimulate production of the cytokine TNF-α, and also suppress production of TNF-α in response to stimulation with exogenous LPS. Liquid:liquid partitioning followed by normal-phase flash chromatography resulted in separation of the stimulatory and inhibitory activities into different fractions, confirming the complex nature of this extract. We also studied the role of alkylamides in the suppressive activity of this E. purpurea extract. Our fractionation method concentrated the alkylamides into a single fraction, which suppressed production of TNF-α, CCL3, and CCL5; however fractions that did not contain detectable alkylamides also displayed similar suppressive effects. Alkylamides, therefore, likely contribute to the suppressive activity of the extract but are not solely responsible for that activity. From the fractions without detectable alkylamides, we purified xanthienopyran, a compound not previously known to be a constituent of the Echinacea genus. Xanthienopyran suppressed production of TNF-α suggesting that it may contribute to the suppressive activity of the crude ethanolic extract. Finally, we show that ethanolic extracts prepared from E. purpurea plants grown under sterile conditions and from sterilized seeds, do not contain LPS and do not stimulate macrophage production of TNF-α, supporting the hypothesis that the macrophage-stimulating activity in E. purpurea extracts can originate from endophytic bacteria. Together, our findings indicate that ethanolic E. purpurea extracts contain multiple constituents that differentially regulate cytokine production by macrophages.
Teetering at the Top of the Ladder: The Experience of Citizen Group Participants in Alternative Dispute Resolution Processes:

Citizen groups that participate in alternative dispute resolution processes have overcome many of the barriers described in Sherry Arnstein's classic article, “A Ladder of Citizen Participation.” A well-structured collaborative process can remedy some of the imbalances and other stumbling blocks inherent in traditional forums, broadening the issues considered as well as the potential solutions. At the top of the ladder, there exists a three-runged extension of choices. First citizens must make the strategic choice whether or not to participate in the dispute resolution process. Second, if they choose to participate, citizens must then determine how to do so effectively. Citizen representatives can significantly influence the outcome of a negotiation if they pay attention to the critical components comprising the dispute settlement process and ensure that these are satisfactory at the outset. They must also maintain effective communication with their constituencies. At the third rung, citizen groups confro...