cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anesthetic considerations of an infant with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

The case of a 3-day-old infant with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome who required anesthetic care during closure of an abdominal wall defect is presented. Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome comprises a constellation of clinical features, including macroglossia, macrosomia, omphalocele, visceromegaly, mild microcephaly, facial nevus flammeus, horizontal earlobe creases, and renal medullary dysplasia. Due to the high rate of omphalocele in this syndrome, anesthetic care is frequently required during the neonatal period. Many of these infants (greater than 50%) are born prematurely. Therefore, their anesthetic care may be further complicated by associated diseases of prematurity, such as hyaline membrane disease. Additional anesthetic implications of this syndrome relate to the occurrence and management of hypoglycemia and polycythemia. Careful intraoperative management of glucose homeostasis is particularly important, since eventual neurologic outcome and intelligence will be normal provided prolonged neonatal hypoglycemia is avoided. Preoperative evaluation of the cardiac and genitourinary system, including echocardiography and renal ultrasound, are recommended because of the frequent occurrence of associated anomalies with omphalocele.
Coping in marital dyads: A contextual perspective on the role of gender and health

In order to create a single measure that simultaneously measures emotion-, problem-, and relationship-focused coping, an exploratory factor analysis was performed on Coyne and Smith's (1994) Relationship-Focused Coping Scale (RFCS) and Carver's (1997) Brief COPE, using data collected from 182 married couples. In 90 couples both spouses were healthy; in 92 couples, one spouse had a chronic illness. Results yielded an abridged 23-item, 6-factor measure. Using the new measure, a series of repeated measures analyses of variance were conducted to determine whether coping styles vary by gender and health. Results showed husbands and wives differ in their use of active engagement, approach coping, and protective buffering depending on whether they are healthy or ill. Guided by Kenny's (1990) Actor-Partner Interaction Model (APIM), results of hierarchical linear modeling analyses using SAS Proc Mixed showed couples who are more congruent in their use of active engagement, and more complementary in their use of protective buffering and avoidance coping report greater marital adjustment. Although husbands and wives may employ different coping strategies, these results highlight the importance of examining the ways in which spouses cope together in the face of a shared stressor.
Multifocus Holographic 3-D Image Fusion Using Independent Component Analysis

We present multifocus holographic 3-D image fusion based on independent component analysis (ICA). In this paper, the ICA technique is used to fuse multiple reconstructed holographic images at different distances from the image sensor. A hologram of two dice located at distances of 315 and 345 mm, respectively, from the sensor is recorded using phase-shifting digital holography and used in our experiments. The resulting reconstructed fused holographic image shows both dice objects clearly in focus. This is compared with a single reconstructed holographic image in which only one of the die objects is in focus at a particular reconstruction distance.
Coevolutionary opinion formation games

We present game-theoretic models of opinion formation in social networks where opinions themselves co-evolve with friendships. In these models, nodes form their opinions by maximizing agreements with friends weighted by the strength of the relationships, which in turn depend on difference in opinion with the respective friends. We define a social cost of this process by generalizing recent work of Bindel et al., FOCS 2011. We tightly bound the price of anarchy of the resulting dynamics via local smoothness arguments, and characterize it as a function of how much nodes value their own (intrinsic) opinion, as well as how strongly they weigh links to friends with whom they agree more.
A simple ion source for target preparation via ion beam sputtering

Abstract A simple glow discharge ion source has been developed and used to prepare thin-film nuclear targets of W, Pt, Mo, Zn, Ti and Si via ion beam sputtering with good efficiency for separated isotopes.
A Closer Look at Trends in Boiling Points of Hydrides: Using an Inquiry-Based Approach To Teach Intermolecular Forces of Attraction

We describe how we use boiling-point trends of group IV−VII hydrides to introduce intermolecular forces in our first-year general chemistry classes. Starting with the idea that molecules in the liquid state are held together by some kind of force that must be overcome for boiling to take place, students use data analysis and critical reasoning to discover different types of intermolecular forces. In general, dispersion forces provide the largest contribution to the strength of the total intermolecular interaction energy, whereas dipole forces add only a small contribution, except in the case of molecules that can form hydrogen bonds. We discuss the thermodynamics of boiling and why it is legitimate to use boiling point as a measure of intermolecular forces. Finally, we examine the choice of variable to use on the x axis when graphing boiling point. Although the molecular polarizability may be a good variable to use, because it is the largest component of the interaction energy, the number of electrons is ...
Ground‐Water Velocity Partition

The true velocity, V, of ground water at a point in the ground-water system may be expressed as the sum of a number of partial velocities labeled V1, V2, V3, et cetera. Each partial velocity may be denned as a velocity which results from the presence of certain features of the configuration of the water table. Partial velocities may be used to facilitate the discussion of ground-water flow systems and associated phenomena.
Error-correcting codes on low rank surfaces

In this paper we construct some algebraic geometric error-correcting codes on surfaces whose Neron-Severi group has low rank. If the Neron-Severi group is generated by an effective divisor, the intersection of this surface with an irreducible surface of lower degree will be an irreducible curve, and this makes possible the construction of codes with good parameters. Such surfaces are not easy to find, but we are able to find surfaces with low rank, and those will give us good codes too.
Solvent effects in nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of some pyrazines, pyrimidines and their N-oxides

The benzene-induced solvent effects upon the proton chemical shifts of various pyrazines, pyrimidines and their N-oxides are described. Larger chemical shift effects, implying closer benzeneheterocycle association, are noted in the N-oxides as compared to the non-oxidized heterocycles. The solvent-induced chemical shift changes can be used to establish the site of N-oxidation in those instances where different isomers can be formed.
Extended x-ray absorption fine structure: A modern structural tool in materials science

Abstract Added to the structural tool-box of materials scientists, chemists, biologists, physicists and other scientists alike is an X-ray absorption technique, better known by its modern name as extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). This technique has now been established to be a very powerful and sometimes unique way of probing the local atomic structure of all forms of matter, particularly since the availability of highly intense synchrotron radiation in the X-ray region. The unique features of EXAFS are (a) that it is element selective, (b) that it has a high sensitivity to short-range order in furnishing bond distance, coordination number and chemical identity of nearest neighbors and (c) that it is applicable to all states of matter in bulk and dilute forms, the latter including surfaces and adsorbates. The nature of the bonding about the X-ray absorbing atom may also be determined from the so-called near-edge structure within about 30 eV of the corresponding X-ray absorption edge. In this review the physical mechanism associated with the EXAFS phenomenon is presented in the light of the single-scattering formalism. The use of synchrotron radiation as a light source for EXAFS experiments and the use of data analysis to extract quantitative structural information are discussed by way of examples. A number of authoritative reviews are selected and outlined to illustrate the applications of EXAFS in various physicochemical and biological disciplines. The prime objective of the present review is to describe the various capabilities of EXAFS as a structural tool and to arouse the interested reader to consider, and perhaps to design, his or her structural investigation with this novel tool.
A generalized transport equation

We study a generalized transport equation of the type h(..mu..) (partialf)/(partialf) + Af = 0 where A is a strictly positive operator on L/sup 2/(..mu..). Using ideas originally introduced by Beals, Larsen-Habetler, Hangelbroek and Lekkerkerker, we analyze this equation according to standard Case singular eigenfunction theory and prove existence and uniqueness of solutions for infinite and semi-infinite media.
Electrogenic ammonium transport by renal Rhbg

The recently cloned, non-erythrocyte Rh glycoproteins (Rhbg and Rhcg) are expressed in the intercalated cells of the renal collecting duct. The apical Rhcg and the basolateral Rhbg are likely involved in NH 3 and/or NH 4 + transport, yet the characteristics of this transport are not yet certain. In this study we investigated the mechanism of NH 4 + transport by Rhbg and Rhcg expressed in Xenopus oocytes. We used a two-electrode voltage-clamp and ion-selective microelectrodes to measure NH 4 + -induced currents (I N H 4 ) and changes in pH i , respectively. In oocytes expressing Rhcg, exposure to bath [NH 4 + ] of 2.5-20 mM induced inward currents that were slightly more than those in H 2 O-injected (control) oocytes. I-V plots in the presence of NH 4 + showed a small increase in slope conductance only at positive potentials. On the other hand, in oocytes expressing Rhbg, 5 mM NH 4 + induced an inward I N H 4 of -79 nA, decreased pH i (ΔpH i ) by 0.13 at a rate (dpH,/dt) of -2 7 × 10 4 pH/s and depolarized the cell by 45 mV. These changes were significantly more than those in control oocytes. I-V plots in the presence of NH 4 + showed substantial increase in conductance. Amiloride (I mM) inhibited I N H 4 , ΔpH i and dpHi/dt in oocytes expressing Rhbg but not in control oocytes. Raising bath [NH 4 + ] in increments from 1 to 20 mM elicited a faster dpHj/dt, a larger decrease in pH, and a larger depolarization. Net NH 4 + flux by Rhbg (estimated from dpHi/dt) was proportional to [NH 4 + ] gradient and followed saturation kinetics with an apparent K m of 2.3 mM. Methyl ammonium (5 mM) induced a current of -63 nA in Rhbg oocytes but did not cause any change in control oocytes. These data indicate that: 1) Rhbg transport of NH 4 + is electrogenic. 2) Methyl ammonium is transported by Rhbg. 3) NH 4 + transport by Rhbg is saturated at high concentrations with Michaelis-Menten kinetics.
Geometry and structural evolution of the central Andean backthrust belt, Bolivia

The central Andean backthrust belt is a large-scale west vergent thrust system along the western side of the Eastern Cordillera in the generally east vergent Andean fold-thrust belt of Bolivia. Although west vergent structures in the central Andes have been recognized previously, we describe the backthrust belt at a regional scale, emphasizing its implications for the kinematic development of the Andes and the subsequent influence of these kinematics on amounts of tectonic shortening. We use techniques such as line length balancing, restorability, and the viability of the progressive development of the structures to construct balanced cross sections across the backthrust belt and Altiplano. The cross sections are taken to a regional depth of detachment (basement) to examine the relationship between mapped surface structures and inferred subsurface structures. The relationship of the backthrust belt to the Altiplano suggests that the Altiplano basin is a crustal-scale piggyback basin created as a basement megathrust propagated up and over a half-crustal scale ramp located just west of the physiographic boundary of the Eastern Cordillera. This basement megathrust was the means by which a narrow Paleocene fold-thrust belt located to the west of the Altiplano propagated eastward and emerged in the present Eastern Cordillera. The relationship between the basement thrusts and the physiographic boundaries of the Central Andean plateau (as defined by Isacks [1988]) suggests that extensive megathrust sheets (involving crystalline basement or quartzite) may play an important role in the formation of orogenic plateaus. The kinematic development of the Andean fold-thrust belt indicates that the backthrust belt developed as a taper-building mechanism after the basement megathrust overextended the system eastward. The mechanism proposed in this study for the development of the central Andean backthrust belt requires a minimum of 200 km of shortening within the Altiplano/Eastern Cordillera alone. This increases minimum shortening estimates across the fold-thrust belt in Bolivia to as much as 300–340 km.
Redo ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for malfunctioning pouches-acceptable alternative to permanent ileostomy?

Abstract Background: Pouch complications after ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) can result in morbidity and pouch loss. Recent reports describe success with redo IPAA. This study was conducted to assess the outcome of malfunctioning pouches treated by redo IPAA. Methods: All patients undergoing redo IPAA between 1983 and 1999 were identified and clinical records studied. Redo IPAA was defined as an operation for malfunctioning pouch with pelvic dissection and disconnection, pouch revision, and reanastomosis. Analyzed were etiology, presentation, diagnostic modalities, surgical management, pouch loss, and outcome. Follow-up was obtained by telephone or mailed survey. Results: Between 1983 and 1999, 650 IPAA procedures were performed, 6 (0.9%) of which required redo IPAA. Ten referred patients required redo IPAA. These 16 cases included 7 anastomotic disruptions, 3 pouch-vaginal fistulae, 2 recurrent polyps after stapled IPAA, 2 megapouches, 1 cuff abscess, and 1 straight pullthrough. All patients underwent redo IPAA with pouch salvage 100% in this series. Twelve had the original pouch repaired and 4 new pouches. Six patients (37%) had complications and outcome was acceptable with 7.8 stools per day and nighttime incontinence “rarely” or “never” in 7 patients. Eight described results as “good,” 6 as “fair.” Conclusions: Redo IPAA can be performed with few complications, an acceptable outcome, and should result in low pouch loss.
Particulate cyclic 3′,5′-nucleotide phosphodiesterase and calmodulin of cardiac muscle

Abstract 1. 1. Cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase and calmodulin were measured in purified subcellular fractions of cardiac muscle. 2. 2. Phosphodiesterase activity solubilized by sonication of the nuclear fraction yielded a major 6.6 S form which was calcium-sensitive and cyclic GMP-specific. 3. 3. Phosphodiesterase activity occurring in the nuclear fraction could be further enriched by subfractionation on sucrose density gradients in the presence of MgCl2.
Shorter hospital stay associated with fastrack postoperative care pathways and laparoscopic intestinal resection are not associated with increased physical activity.

Objective Recent prospective studies have shown that ‘fast track’ postoperative care protocols (FT) can reduce hospitalization after major intestinal surgery to 4.5 days, as compared to the 7–10 days with traditional management (TR) and 2.5 days after laparoscopic surgery (LC). We used computerized actigraphy (CA) to evaluate physical activity using TR, FT and LC approaches. Methods Fifteen patients undergoing intestinal resection by LC, TR and FT were recruited. CA devices were placed on the wrist and ankle of each patient from day1 until hospital discharge. Intra-patient and intergroup analyses were performed using 24 h evaluations, and periods from 0800–2000h. Results are presented for, level of activity (LOA; activity counts per minute), activity index (AI;% epochs with activity) and acceleration index (ACI; change in activity rate during analysis period) for 0800–2000 h. Results Levels of activity measured by wrist and ankle CA devices for the three different care protocols were: LC, 6263 ± 8008 (wrist), 1640 ± 3795 (ankle); FT 7874 ± 8550 (wrist), 2153 ± 4838 (ankle); LC 8526 ± 9917 (wrist), 2326 ± 4905 (ankle). Length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in LC than FT and TR patients (P < 0.01). There was no significant increase in wrist or ankle LOA for FT or LC patients. Similarly, there was no difference in AI or ACI. Conclusion Although CA is an easily standardized method of evaluating physical activity after major abdominal surgery, no difference can be demonstrated between activity levels in patients managed by differing care pathways. Reductions in stay may be associated with factors other than a change in the level of physical activity after surgery.
The origin and evolution of segmentation

Arthropods, annelids and chordates all possess segments. It remains unclear, however, whether the segments of these animals evolved independently or instead were derived from a common ancestor. Considering this question involves examining not only the similarities and differences in the process of segmentation between these phyla, but also how this process varies within phyla, where the homology of segments is generally accepted. This article reviews what is known about the segmentation process and considers various proposals to explain its evolution.
Effects of modulation defects on hadamard transform time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HT-TOFMS)

In any Hadamard multiplexing technique, discrepancies between the intended and the applied encoding sequences may reduce the intensity of real spectral features and create discrete, artificial signals. In our implementation of Hadamard transform time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HT-TOFMS), the encoding sequence is applied to the ion beam by means of an interleaved comb of wires (Bradbury-Nielson gate), which shutters the ion beam on and off. By isolating and exaggerating individual skewing effects in simulating the HT-TOFMS process, we determined the nature of errors that arise from various defects. In particular, we find that the most damaging defects are: mismatched voltages between the wire sets and the acceleration voltage of the instrument, which cause positive and negative peaks throughout mass spectra; insufficient deflection voltage, which reduces the intensity of real peaks and causes negative peaks that are spread across the entire mass range; and voltage errors as the wire sets return from their deflection voltage to their transmission value, which yield significant reductions in peak intensities, create artificial peaks throughout mass spectra, and broaden real peaks by causing positive peaks to grow in the bins adjacent to them. Because the magnitude of the modulation defects grows as the applied modulation voltage is increased, Bradbury-Nielson gates with finer wire spacing, and hence stronger effective fields for a given applied voltage, were produced and installed. Operating at 10 to 15 V where errors in the electronics are essentially absent, the most finely spaced gate (100 µm) yielded signal-to-noise ratios that were more than two times higher than those achieved with more widely spaced gates. As an alternative method for minimizing skewing effects, HT-TOFMS data were post processed using an exact knowledge of the modulation defects. Nonbinary matrices that mimic the actual encoding process were built by measuring voltage versus time traces and then translating these traces to transmission versus time. Use of these matrices in the deconvolution step led to marked improvements in spectral resolution but require full knowledge of the encoding defects.
Short communication: suppressor of cytokine signaling-2 mRNA increases after parturition in the liver of dairy cows.

Abstract After parturition, the somatotropic axis of the dairy cow is uncoupled, partly because of reduced concentration of liver-specific GH receptor (GHR) 1A. Estradiol-17 β (E 2 ) concentrations increase at parturition and E 2 upregulates suppressors of cytokine signaling-2 (SOCS-2) mRNA expression, potentially inhibiting GH signaling. Therefore, we hypothesized that SOCS-2 mRNA is upregulated after parturition. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 18) were dried off 45 d before expected parturition and fed diets to meet nutrient requirements at ad libitum or limited dry matter intake during the dry period. All cows were fed the same diet ad libitum from calving until 4 wk after parturition. Blood samples were collected weekly and more frequently near parturition. Liver biopsies obtained at-21,-7, 2, and 28 d relative to parturition were assessed for SOCS-2 and GHR 1A mRNA by quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR. The relative amount of SOCS-2 mRNA increased after parturition with both treatments and was greater on d 2 for cows limit-fed during the dry period compared with cows fed at ad libitum dry matter intake. Plasma E 2 concentrations increased on d-13,−5 and 1 relative to parturition and the increases were greater in limit-fed cows. Plasma GH concentration was greater for limit-fed cows and increased after parturition in all cows. The amount of GHR 1A mRNA did not differ between diets but decreased on d 2. In addition to reduced GHR 1A, increased SOCS-2 mRNA after parturition, perhaps because of increased E 2 , may further uncouple GH signaling in the liver of the transition dairy cow.
The Mediating Roles of Liking and Obligation on the Relationship between Favors and Compliance

This study examines two accounts to explain why doing a favor for someone leads to increased compliance from that person. Feelings of obligation and liking are posited as independent mediators of the relationship between favors and compliance. A model was tested with a sample of 73 female undergraduate participants. The model posited that attitude similarity leads to perceived similarity and subsequent feelings of liking, that favors lead to liking and obligation, and that liking and obligation lead to increased compliance. Findings indicated that favors increased liking and obligation and that liking affected compliance but obligation had no effect on compliance. The results challenge conventional wisdom concerning the influence of the norm of reciprocity.
Evidence of a Greater Activity of LH/HCH Binding Inhibitor Present in Aqueous Extracts from Old Compared to Young Porcine Corpus Luteum

Previously Yang, Saaman and Ward have shown the presence of an LH binding inhibitor in the 30,000 xg supernatant obtained from Parlow “pseudopregnant” and pregnant rat ovaries, which they have designated as LH receptor binding inhibitor or LHRBI. In addition, they have shown that LHRBI is a low molecular weight polypeptide of approximately 3,800 daltons (1). In 1977 Sakai, Channing and Engel demonstrated that crude extracts of porcine corpus luteum have the ability to inhibit the binding of 125I-hCG to porcine granulosa cells from large follicles (2). They observed that the inhibitory activity was localized in luteal tissue and absent in non-luteal ovarian tissue, granulosa cells, heart and lung. This inhibitory activity increased upon freezing of the ovaries and was present in the 100,000 xg supernatant of aqueous luteal extracts.
Differentiating amodal familiarity from modality‐specific memory processes: An ERP study

Distinct event-related potential effects have been related to familiarity and recollection processes underlying recognition memory. Familiarity has been conceptualized as similar either to perceptual priming mechanisms supporting implicit memory or to amodal global-matching processes that should show little sensitivity to perceptual variables. The present experiment manipulated the study modality of words (auditory, visual) that were visually tested for recognition memory. The mid-frontal (300–500 ms) old/new effect often attributed to familiarity was not affected by study modality, so it appears related to an amodal familiarity process. An earlier (176–260 ms) fronto-polar old/new effect was perceptually specific in that it was observed only following visual study. The parietal old/new effect (400–800 ms), often attributed to recollection, was similar following both visual and auditory study. Temporal-spatial PCA clarified the separability of these effects.
Mexican American Mobility: Early Life Processes and Adult Wealth Ownership

Mexican Americans are a large group whose mobility patterns can provide important insight into immigrant assimilation processes. It is well known that Mexicans have not attained economic parity with whites, but there is considerable debate about the degree to which Mexican immigrants and their American-born children experience mobility over their lives. We contribute to this literature by studying Mexican American wealth ownership, focusing on three interrelated processes. First, we examine childhood poverty and inheritances to establish financial starting points and to identify the degree to which resources from prior generations affect wealth ownership. Second, we study impediments to mobility in young adulthood to understand how childhood conditions create early adult obstacles to well-being. Third, we study midlife net worth and homeownership to better understand whether childhood and young adult impediments necessarily reduce adult wealth ownership. We find high levels of early life disadvantage among Mexican Americans, but these disadvantages are least pronounced in the second and third generations compared to the first generation. Consistent with prior research, we also find high levels of young adult impediments to mobility for Mexican Americans. However, we find that these early roadblocks do not necessarily translate into lower adult wealth: we show that Mexican Americans have less total wealth than whites but more than African Americans, even when early life impediments are controlled. Our results suggest that Mexican Americans are establishing a solid financial foundation that is likely to lead to long-term class stability.
Methodology to Replace Sensitivity BER and Transmit Power Production Tests in Bluetooth Devices with BiSTs

Production testing of Bluetooth (BT) devices is challenging due to the complex nature of the RF tests that have to be performed to verify functionality. In this paper we detail Built-in Self Tests (BiSTs) that can be used to replace these complex and expensive functional tests. We also present the data from our analysis of over 1 million production units. With sufficient margin to specification, we can eliminate functional tests and implement BiSTs that are faster, cheaper and provide better coverage while guaranteeing acceptable Defective Parts Per Million (DPPM) numbers. These BiSTs along with traditional digital tests can completely replace traditional Bluetooth RF tests like Bit Error Rate (BER) and Transmitted (TX) Power.
I love you... and heroin: care and collusion among drug-using couples.

Romantic partnerships between drug-using couples, when they are recognized at all, tend to be viewed as dysfunctional, unstable, utilitarian, and often violent. This study presents a more nuanced portrayal by describing the interpersonal dynamics of 10 heroin and cocaine-using couples from Hartford, Connecticut. These couples cared for each other similarly to the ways that non-drug-using couples care for their intimate partners. However, most also cared by helping each other avoid the symptoms of drug withdrawal. They did this by colluding with each other to procure and use drugs. Care and collusion in procuring and using drugs involved meanings and social practices that were constituted and reproduced by both partners in an interpersonal dynamic that was often overtly gendered. These gendered dynamics could be fluid and changed over time in response to altered circumstances and/or individual agency. They also were shaped by and interacted with long-standing historical, economic and socio-cultural forces including the persistent economic inequality, racism and other forms of structural violence endemic in the inner-city Hartford neighborhoods where these couples resided. As a result, these relationships offered both risk and protection from HIV, HCV and other health threats (e.g. arrest and violence). A more complex and nuanced understanding of drug-using couples can be tapped for its potential in shaping prevention and intervention efforts. For example, drug treatment providers need to establish policies which recognize the existence and importance of interpersonal dynamics between drug users, and work with them to coordinate detoxification and treatment for both partners, whenever possible, as well as provide additional couples-oriented services in an integrated and comprehensive drug treatment system.
OBSERVATION OF BUBBLES IN GAMMA-IRRADIATED LITHIUM HYDRIDE.

Abstract Investigations with the electron microscope on γ-irradiated single crystals of LiH have revealed the presence of cubic voids, or bubbles. These bubbles are crystallographically oriented, principally with their sides parallel to the (100) planes of the LiH crystals. Bubbles range in size from ∼ 75 A to ∼ 1500 A. Average bubble size increases with increasing irradiation dose and irradiation temperature, with temperature affecting size the most, by far. These bubbles are believed to be responsible for large swelling seen in irradiated LiH by Souers, Blake, Penpraze and Cline (1969).
Relativity and Simultaneity Redux

Michael Cohen and I have a disagreement over the logical integrity of Einstein's Gedankenexperiment on the relativity of simultaneity as presented in his famous lay work, Relativity: The Special and General Theory.1 He charges2 that because I have failed3 to understand the nature of a criticism he levels against that thought experiment, I am blind as well to the logical impropriety of its construction. I wish to confess that, indeed, I misconstrued his original criticism of Einstein, but to plead also that my ultimate defence for that error rests on sanity. For I insist that Einstein's thought experiment is a sound presentation of the relativity of simultaneity, and that it is Cohen who misunderstands and misrepresents its nature and import. In my previous note, I laid out the crucial elements of Einstein's thought experiment as follows:
Atomistic structure of sodium and calcium silicate intergranular films in alumina

Sodium silicate intergranular films (IGF) in contact with the [0001] basal plane of a-alumina were studied using the molecular dynamics computer simulation technique. The results were compared to previous simulations of calcium silicate and sol-gel silica IGF’s in contact with alumina. An ordered, cagelike structure was observed at the interface. Sodium ions segregated to the cages at the interfaces. Calcium and hydrogen ions were also observed to segregate to the cages in the previous simulations. The modifier ions were surrounded by more oxygen ions in the cages at the interface than in the bulk of the IGF. This explains the segregation of modifiers at the interface. Interface energy decreased as the sodium content of the IGF increased. Interface energy decreased faster as a function of Na2O content than as a function of CaO content. However, interface energy decreased slower as a function of Na 1 content than as a function of Ca 21 content.
Safety impact of truck lane restrictions on multilane freeways.

Many states have implemented truck lane restrictions in an attempt to improve safety and mobility on freeways. These restrictions typically prohibit trucks from traveling in the median (left-most) lane of multilane highways; the restriction potentially increases passing opportunities and reduces negative interactions between slow-moving trucks and faster-moving vehicles. Virginia has restricted trucks from the median lane of some interstates with three or more lanes by direction since 1997, but no systematic evaluation of the safety impact of the restrictions has been conducted. Evaluations of similar restrictions in other states have yielded contradictory findings, but those studies often used a limited data set. An empirical Bayes' analysis of Virginia's restrictions was performed by using 6 years of crash data from 22 sites with restrictions and 16 similar sites without restrictions. The analysis showed that a breakpoint in safety performance occurred around 10,000 vehicles per day per lane. Facilities where the volume was below this threshold had significantly fewer crashes than anticipated, averaging a 13% reduction in total crashes and a 32% reduction in fatal and injury crashes. Sites where the volume exceeded this threshold had increases in total crashes and fatal or injury crashes of 28% and 23%, respectively. A detailed analysis of crashes on the higher-volume roads was conducted to screen out crashes in which the restrictions likely played no role. That analysis showed that the number of truck-involved crashes was still significantly higher than predicted, indicating that safety on higher-volume roads may be negatively affected by truck lane restrictions.
A Revisionist View of Roman Money

The consensus view that all Roman money consisted of coins has been undermined in recent times and should be discarded. The inhabitants of the Roman Empire frequently and on a significant scale made payments by means of credit-money, creating a ‘multiplier effect’, which meant that in high classical times the Roman economy was not constricted, as is often supposed, by an inelastic money-supply. Yet the monetary system was not modern; rather it had its counterparts in such economies as those of seventeenth-and early eighteenth-century Britain.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Melanocytic Antigen PNL2, Melan A, S100, and PGP 9.5 in Equine Melanocytic Neoplasms

The immunoreactivity of PNL2, Melan A, and protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 was compared with that of S100 protein in 50 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded equine melanocytic neoplasms. PNL2, PGP 9.5, and S100 protein were detected in all 50 neoplasms; none expressed Melan A. PNL2 was not expressed in 62 nonmelanocytic tumors (equine sarcoids, schwannomas, carcinomas, sarcomas, endocrine tumors, sex-cord stromal tumors, germ cell tumors, and leukocytic tumors) or in normal tissues other than epidermis. In summary, antibody PNL2 is a sensitive marker of equine melanocytic neoplasms and is more specific than S100 protein or PGP 9.5. In contrast, the monoclonal antibody to Melan A did not react with any of the equine melanomas.
Ramification amplification: A novel isothermal DNA amplification method

We have developed a novel isothermal DNA amplification method with an amplification mechanism quite different from conventional PCR. This method uses a specially designed circular probe (C-probe) in which the 3' and 5' ends are brought together in juxtaposition by hybridization to a target. The two ends are then covalently linked by a T4 DNA ligase in a target-dependent manner, producing a closed DNA circle. In the presence of an excess of primers (forward and reverse primers), a DNA polymerase extends the bound forward primer along the C-probe and displaces the downstream strand, generating a multimeric single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), analogous to the "rolling circle" replication of bacteriophages in vivo. This multimeric ssDNA then serves as a template for multiple reverse primers to hybridize, extend, and displace downstream DNA, generating a large ramified (branching) DNA complex. This ramification process continues until all ssDNAs become double-stranded, resulting in an exponential amplification that distinguishes itself from the previously described nonexponential rolling circle amplification. In this report, we prove the principle of ramification amplification. By using a unique bacteriophage DNA polymerase, O29 DNA Polymerase, that has an intrinsic high processivity, we are able to achieve significant amplification within 1 hour at 35 degrees C. In addition, we applied this technique for in situ detection of Epstein-Barr viral sequences in Raji cells.
A User's Willingness to Adopt a New Information System: The Influence of the Decision‐Making Improvements and Performance‐Monitoring Dimensions of the System

We investigate the influence of economic, risk preference, and agency components on a user's willingness to adopt a new information system. Using Vickrey auctions to elicit users' utility functions, we find that economic considerations are tempered by riskseeking behavior that leads to a lowering of bids for systems with greater economic benefit. With respect to agency issues, we find that subjects value their private information in that they bid less for systems that result in large decreases to their private information. This result is consistent with the prevalence of slack‐inducing contracts in the field.
Conformation-Dependent Human p52Shc Phosphorylation by Human c-Src.

Phosphorylation of the human p52Shc adaptor protein is a key determinant in modulating signaling complex assembly in response to tyrosine kinase signaling cascade activation. The underlying mechanisms that govern p52Shc phosphorylation status are unknown. In this study, p52Shc phosphorylation by human c-Src was investigated using purified proteins to define mechanisms that affect the p52Shc phosphorylation state. We conducted biophysical characterizations of both human p52Shc and human c-Src in solution as well as membrane-mimetic environments using the acidic lipid phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate or a novel amphipathic detergent (2,2-dihexylpropane-1,3-bis-β-d-glucopyranoside). We then identified p52Shc phosphorylation sites under various solution conditions, and the amount of phosphorylation at each identified site was quantified using mass spectrometry. These data demonstrate that the p52Shc phosphorylation level is altered by the solution environment without affecting the fraction of active c-Src. Ma...
The Ethiopian No-Party State: A Note on the Functions of Political Parties in Developing States

The emergence of political parties performing important functions in the political system has characterized the recent history of much of the African continent. The new party systems have taken various forms, including single parties with a narrow ruling elite, as in Liberia, or with mass support, as in Guinea; two-party systems where one mass party is dominant, as is the case in Kenya; and multi-party systems, as in Nigeria and Somalia. In two states, Libya and Sudan, once-flourishing political parties have been banned. Only in Ethiopia (Etritrea excluded) have there never been political parties. The Empire of the Conquering Lion of Judah can well be termed a no-party state. In Ethiopia today no organization exists that would or could describe itself as a political party.
The Do-it-Yourself Mirage: Complexity in the Bankruptcy System

Over a million families declare bankruptcy each year, making bankruptcy one of the most commonly used legal processes in the United States. At the same time, consumers who seek bankruptcy relief are, by definition, financially constrained and thus struggle to afford the costs associated with the process. The difficulty of operating a high-volume legal system used primarily by people who have difficulty paying for lawyers pervades most areas of law that serve individuals, but the bankruptcy system has always faced an additional problem of its own: Complexity. The complexity of the bankruptcy system reached a new peak with the 2005 amendments, which added more than a dozen ways for debtors to run afoul of technical requirements and have their cases dismissed. These changes have put particular pressure on one crucial decision all consumer bankruptcy filers must make: whether to hire a lawyer. This chapter uses empirical data from the 2007 Consumer Bankruptcy Project to examine the circumstances under which debtors forgo the help of a lawyer and file bankruptcy pro se.
The Association and Treatment of Distal PICA Aneurysms with Posterior Fossa Arteriovenous Malformation: A Case Series (P3.115)

OBJECTIVE: To report 3 cases of posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysm associated with posterior fossa arteriovenous malformation (AVM). BACKGROUND: Distal PICA aneurysms are uncommon, accounting for only 0.5 - 3% of all intracranial aneurysms, whereas aneurysms arising from the vertebral/PICA bifurcation are more common. The association of posterior fossa AVM and PICA aneurysms has been previously documented in the literature, suggesting up to 12% of PICA aneurysms have an associated AVM. DESIGN/METHODS: Chart review of three cases of PICA aneurysm associated with posterior fossa AVM. RESULTS: Three patients presented with Fischer grade 4 subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with packing of the fourth ventricle. Two patients presented as Hunt and Hess 4 and one as Hunt and Hess 5. CTA was used in the initial evaluation. In each case, distal fusiform aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery located along the roof of the fourth ventricle were identified. While the aneurysms were easily visualized on non-invasive imaging, in all cases the AVMs were obscured by adjacent dural sinuses, bone artifact and not noted on the official radiologic interpretations. Angiography was required for visualization of the AVMs. Four aneurysms were treated by endovascular techniques in 3 patients within 24 hours of presentation utilizing liquid embolic agents (onyx 2, NBCA 1) for parent vessel sacrifice. In two patients the AVM was also embolized at the time of aneurysm treatment using onyx (1 partial and 1 complete). CONCLUSIONS: Non-invasive imaging did not reveal associated small midline superior cerebellar AVMs with radiographically identified PICA aneurysm suggesting invasive imaging studies are needed. In addition, endovascular treatment with parent vessel sacrifice and AVM embolization is a potential approach to these patients. Disclosure: Dr. Case has nothing to disclose. Dr. Higashimori has nothing to disclose. Dr. Seinfeld has nothing to disclose.
An Inexpensive Portable Suction Insect Sampler2

Recently a need arose at Tifton, Georgia, for an efficient method of collecting leafhoppcrs and other insects suspected of transmitting corn stunt virus from the whorls of corn plants. The usual methods of collecting, such as sweeping, proved ineffective because leafhoppers are fragile and also because of the physical characteristics of corn plants. In overcoming these problems, a backpack air suction insect collector was constructed. Information on various types of power insect collectors can be found in the literature, but these collectors are not of the backpack type or they differ in the design desired. (Dietrick et al. 1959, Dietrick 1961). The collecting apparatus described here consists of an engine, a blower, a suction hose, and a collecting bag (Fig. 1). Commercially made components were used when available.
Specific Characters Used in the Genus Pseudococcus

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the value of the specific characters used in the descriptions of species of Pseudococcus. While all characters used have probably not been noted and while some of those omitted may be of considerable value still the more common and important characters have received attention.
Evaluation of Organic Insecticides for the Control of Colorado Potato Beetles in Potatoes in Virginia, 2014

The objective of this experiment was to assess the efficacy of the new entomopathogen product PFR-97 as well as other biologically derived insecticides for the control of CPB on potatoes. The experiment was conducted at the Virginia Tech Kentland Research Farm near Blacksburg, VA, and consisted of six treatments arranged in an RCB design with four replicates. Potatoes were hand planted on 3-ft-wide rows on …
Chlorination of Bis-(benzylidene)hydrazine

Bis(α-chlorobenzylidene)hydrazine(1) and benzylidene benohydrazide(2) have been prepared by chlorination of bis-(benzylidene)hydrazine,and their crystal structures were characterized by ~1H NMR,IR,MS and single crystal X-ray diffraction.1 belongs to monoclinic system,space group Pn,with a=11.468(9) ,b=7.518(4) ,c=14.929(10) ,β=99.23(6)°,V=1270.5(15) ~3,Z=4, Dc=1.449 g·cm~(-3),F(000)=568,λ(Mo Kα)=0.71073 ,μ=(0.492) mm~(-1).2 belongs to orthorhombic system,space group P(na2_1),with a=8.7848(3) ,b=10.4556(3) ,c=13.1238(4) ,α=90°,β=90°,γ=90°, V=1205.43(7) ~3,Z=4,Dc=1.236(g·cm~(-3),) F(000)=472,μ(Mo Kα)=0.763 mm~(-1)(0.71073 ). There exist intra-moleculas and inter-molecular hydrogen bonds in 2.The results of crystal structure determination of 1 and 2 showed that: the chloration of bis-(benzylidene)hydrazine was affected by water;the chlorination of bis-(benzylidene)-hydrazine was step by step;the product of the first step was not stable,which reacts with water to obtain 2.The mechanism is discussed briefly.
Molecular design,synthesis and applications of DNA hydrogel

DNA nanotechnology is one of the most important fields of nanobiotechnology,showing rapid development.A variety of DNA-based materials were prepared through rational molecular design and controlled synthesis.DNA hydrogel has been one of the most important bulk-scale DNA materials and exhibited very wide applications,especially in the biomedical field.This review introduces the molecular design principle,synthesis methods and applications of DNA hydrogel,highlighting the recent important progresses.
Ouabain-dependent incorporation of 32P from p-nitrophenyl phosphate into a microsomal phosphatase.

The microsomal fraction of beef brain that contains both (Na + + K + )-dependent ATPase and K + -dependent phosphatase activities can, in the presence of ouabain, be labeled with 32 P from p -nitrophenyl phosphate-[ 32 P]. The ouabain-dependent labeling requires Mg ++ , but not Na + or K + . When a steady-state level of ouabain-dependent labeling is maintained with a saturating concentration of p -nitrophenyl phosphate-[ 32 P], the specific activity of the phosphoprotein can be reduced b addition of unlabeled p -nitrophenyl phosphate or P i . If, however, 32 P i of the same specific activity as the labeled p -nitrophenyl phosphate is added, there is no increase in the absolute amount of phosphoprotein labeled by the ouabain-dependent mechanism. The conditions that support ouabain-dependent labeling from p -nitrophenyl phosphate-[ 32 P] also permit labeling by 32 P i . However, the amount of P i generated by hydrolysis of p -nitrophenyl phosphate cannot account for the labeling observed. These studies suggest that ouabain places the phosphatase in a configuration that allows p -nitrophenyl phosphate and P i , to label the same site on the enzyme.
A GLASS, EVACUATED, SOLAR COLLECTOR PANEL USING APPROXIMATELY IDEAL CONCENTRATION AND SELECTIVE ABSORPTION

ABSTRACT A fixed, evacuated, glass solar collector is presented. The use of approximately ideal concentration, selective absorption and vacuum insulation in the design is essential for obtaining high efficiency through low heat loss, while operating at higher temperatures. Functionally integrated design improves efficiency and leads to lower cost The vacuum envelope function and the concentration function are integrated by shaping and silvering the upper surface of the lower vacuum envelope. The manifold is placed inside the vacuum envelope where it can also collect solar radiation energy and use the panel vacuum for insulation. Details and problems of design and fabrication techniques are discussed. A novel approach to the use of heat pipes with this collector is presented.