cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RNA Purification from the Unicellular Green Alga, Chromochloris zofingiensis

Chromochloris zofingiensis is a unicellular green alga that is an emerging model species for studies in fields such as biofuel production, ketocarotenoid biosynthesis and metabolism. The recent availability of a high-quality genome assembly facilitates systems-level analysis, such as RNA-Seq. However, cells of this alga have a tough cell wall, which is a challenge for RNA purification. This protocol was designed specifically to breach the cell wall and isolate high-quality RNA suitable for RNA-Seq studies.
Knowledge Augmentation Via Interactive Learning in a Path Finder

We present an intelligent path finder which is capable of gaining and augmenting its operational skill in guiding a mobile robot navigating in unexplored environments. Rather than rendering the robot system to acquaintance with the specific environment, the robot is trained to acquire generic knowledge about path planning under various circumstances. The robot learns to determine a best direction of movement by means of interactive instruction in different environment situations. A pattern matching and state space transition scheme of learning is implemented.
On the etiologic role of ureaplasma urealyticum (T-mycoplasma) infection in infertility.

Two hundred consecutive infertility patients and sixty-seven control subjects were studied for the incidence of infection with Ureaplasma urealyticum (T-mycoplasma). On the basis of a complete infertility investigation, the infertility patients were subdivided into those with explained infertility and those with unexplained infertility. Of the patients with unexplained infertility, 55% had a positive culture for T-mycoplasma as compared with a 32% incidence of positive cultures in the control population. The differences were statistically significant. The 6-month pregnancy rate following successful antibiotic treatment in patients with unexplained infertility was 42%. The 6-month pregnancy rate in a comparable group of patients with unexplained infertility, seen during a 3-year period prior to mycoplasma culture and treatment, was 32%. The difference in pregnancy rates between the two groups was not statistically significant. No correlation was found between a poor postcoital test and the presence of T-mycoplasma infection nor between T-mycoplasma infection and poor cervical mucus. The role of T-mycoplasma infection in infertility was neither proven nor disproven by this study.
On Mathematical Tools for Studying Partial Differential Equations of Continuum Physics: H-Measures and Young Measures

While preparing my lecture for a conference celebrating the 600 th anniversary of the University of Ferrara, I thought about its title “New Developments in Partial Differential Equations and Applications to Mathematical Physics” and I wondered what could have meant Mathematical Physics six hundred years ago. In my understanding, Physics is mostly now concerned about Light and Matter in their different forms and, for a mathematician like me, it means a lot of questions in Partial Differential Equations, some much more difficult than others. I knew a question about Light which had been the subject of discussions five hundred years ago, as I had learned about a solution proposed by Leonardo da VINCI1(1), and this was directly related to the subject of my talk. For what concerned Matter, I chose the question of motion of celestial bodies as adequate for that period, and thought the pioneer to be COPERNICUS.(2) Only after having prepared my lecture was I told that he had studied in Ferrara: he had mostly studied in Bologna and Padua, but he also obtained the degree of doctor of canon law in Ferrara in 1503.
An Interval Number optimization Method for Post-Disaster Repair of Distribution Network considering Island

In this paper, the optimization method of post-disaster distribution network repair strategy based on interval optimization is proposed. According to the problems existing in the process of repairing, the repair model considering the various uncertainties in the repair process and the corresponding constraints has put forward, in order to reduce the social and economic losses as the ultimate goal. According to the radial structure of the distribution network, topology search is used to quickly find the reoperation area. Through fuzzy equilibrium, the formulation of post-disaster repair strategies is accelerated, and an improved bee colony algorithm is used to find the optimal solution. Finally, a 15-node system is introduced, and the simulation and analysis are carried out on the MATLAB platform to verify the practicability and effectiveness of the optimization strategy.
Loneliness among cancer caregivers: A narrative review.

Objective Providing care to a loved one with cancer places demands on caregivers that result in changes to their daily routines and disruptions to their social relationships that then contribute to loneliness. Though caregivers' psychosocial challenges have been well studied, loneliness - a determinant of health - has not been well studied in this population. This narrative review sought to describe the current evidence on loneliness among caregivers of cancer patients. We aimed to (1) define loneliness, (2) describe its prevalence, (3) describe the association between loneliness and health outcomes, (4) describe risks and consequences of loneliness among cancer caregivers, (5) identify ways to assess loneliness, and (6) recommend strategies to mitigate loneliness in this unique population. Method We used evidence from articles listed in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases, book chapters, and reports. Articles were reviewed for the following inclusion criteria: (1) published in English, (2) caregivers of cancer patients, (3) loneliness as a study variable, and (4) peer-reviewed with no restriction on the timeframe of publication. Caregivers were defined as relatives, friends, or partners who provide most of the care and support for someone with cancer. Results Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Caregivers' experiences of loneliness can contribute to negative effects on one's social, emotional, and physical well-being. Social support interventions may not be sufficient to address this problem. Existing recommendations to mitigate loneliness include cognitive and psychological reframing, one-on-one and group therapy, befriending, resilience training, and technology-based interventions. Significance of results Limited attention to loneliness in cancer caregivers poses a twofold problem that impacts patient and caregiver outcomes. Interventions are critically needed to address loneliness as a determinant of health in caregivers, given their pivotal role in providing care and impacting health outcomes for people with cancer.
Corporate purpose in play : The role of ESG investing 1

The chapter is organized in three parts. The first briefly summarizes why the narrowly construed shareholder primacy doctrine simply hasn’t been an adequate conceptual foundation for the public corporation for some time. The second sketches out the rise of ESG investing, its performance, and its potential role in reinforcing corporate “repurposing.” The third addresses potential impediments to the further rapid growth in ESG investing as well as moves to manage them – obstacles posed by traditional practices in the investment industry as well as by weaknesses in ESG itself. A brief conclusion wraps up the chapter.
Structures of the Mononegavirales Polymerases

Mononegavirales, known as nonsegmented negative-sense (NNS) RNA viruses, are a class of pathogenic and sometimes deadly viruses that include rabies virus (RABV), human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), and Ebola virus (EBOV). Unfortunately, no effective vaccines and antiviral therapeutics against many Mononegavirales are currently available. Viral polymerases have been attractive and major antiviral therapeutic targets. Therefore, Mononegavirales polymerases have been extensively investigated for their structures and functions. Mononegavirales mimic RNA synthesis of their eukaryotic counterparts by utilizing multifunctional RNA polymerases to replicate entire viral genomes and transcribe viral mRNAs from individual viral genes as well as synthesize 5' methylated cap and 3' poly(A) tail of the transcribed viral mRNAs. The catalytic subunit large protein (L) and cofactor phosphoprotein (P) constitute the Mononegavirales polymerases. In this review, we discuss the shared and unique features of RNA synthesis, the monomeric multifunctional enzyme L, and the oligomeric multimodular adapter P of Mononegavirales We outline the structural analyses of the Mononegavirales polymerases since the first structure of the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) L protein determined in 2015 and highlight multiple high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the polymerases of Mononegavirales, namely, VSV, RABV, HRSV, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), and human parainfluenza virus (HPIV), that have been reported in recent months (2019 to 2020). We compare the structures of those polymerases grouped by virus family, illustrate the similarities and differences among those polymerases, and reveal the potential RNA synthesis mechanisms and models of highly conserved Mononegavirales We conclude by the discussion of remaining questions, evolutionary perspectives, and future directions.
Dressing up with Disney and Make-Believe with Marvel: The Impact of Gendered Costumes on Gender Typing, Prosocial Behavior, and Perseverance during Early Childhood

Wearing costumes is a common experience during early childhood and is often important to sociodramatic play. Costumes tend to be highly gendered for both girls and boys (such as princess and superhero costumes). However, there is very little research on the impact that wearing costumes has on gender-differentiated behavior, such as toy preference, prosocial behavior, or perseverance during early childhood. The current study included 223 U.S. children, aged between 3 and 5 years-old. Children were assigned to wear either a gendered, counter-gendered, or gender-neutral costume, and they then took part in three gender-related tasks. There was no impact of wearing costumes on any task for girls. However, boys preferred feminine toys significantly more when wearing a neutral costume when compared to a masculine-typed one. Additionally, boys were significantly less likely to help when wearing a masculine-typed costume compared to a feminine-typed costume. There are several implications of these findings that are discussed in the paper. Parents may wish to purchase a wide range of costumes for their child for sociodramatic play, particularly for boys. Therapists could also potentially use costumes during play therapy to discuss gender issues. Additionally, costume producers could consider marketing a wide range of costumes for children as opposed to largely focusing on gendered ones.
Revascularization of Chronic Iliac Vein Occlusion Using Balloon-Assisted Transseptal Needle Puncture Technique

Objectives To evaluate the utility of a transseptal needle for balloon-assisted sharp recanalization of chronically occluded central venous structures. Background Chronically occluded central veins are not an uncommon problem, which may arise due to a plethora of reasons. Traditionally, wire and catheter techniques are often used first in an attempt to reestablish flow. When these methods fail, more aggressive techniques are employed, such as sharp recanalization using the back end of wires, Teflon-coated wires, or Rosch–Uchida or Colapinto needles. However, utilization of transseptal needles, traditionally reserved for cardiac procedures, has rarely been described. Methods Transseptal needle was utilized for balloon-assisted sharp recanalization after traditional wire and catheter techniques failed in revascularization of chronically occluded iliac veins. Results Transseptal needle was utilized successfully in two cases in revascularization of chronically occluded central veins. Conclusion Transseptal needle is a viable tool to add to the interventional radiologists’ armamentarium in reestablishing flow in chronically occluded central veins.
Impact of Social Determinants of Health, Health Literacy, Self-perceived Risk, and Trust in the Emergency Physician on Compliance with Follow-up.

Author(s): Sutton, James; Gu, Leon; Diercks, Deborah B. | Abstract: Introduction: Patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with “low-risk” acute coronary syndrome (ACS) symptoms can be discharged with outpatient follow-up. However, follow-up compliance is low for unknown nonclinical reasons. We hypothesized that a patient’s social factors, health literacy, self-perceived risk, and trust in the emergency physician may impact follow-up compliance.Methods: This was a prospective study of a convenience sample of discharged ED patients presenting with chest pain and given a follow-up appointment prior to departing the ED. Patients were asked about social and demographic factors and to estimate their own risk for heart disease; they also completed the Short Assessment of Health Literacy-English (SAHL-E) and the Trust in Physician Scale (TiPS).Results: We enrolled146 patients with a follow-up rate of 36.3%. Patients who had a low self-perceived heart disease risk (10% or less) were significantly less likely to attend follow-up than those with a higher perceived risk (23% vs 44%, P = 0.01). Other factors did not significantly predict follow-up rates.Conclusion: In an urban county ED, in patients who were deemed low risk for ACS and discharged, only self-perception of risk was associated with compliance with a follow-up appointment.
Deep Large-Scale Multi-task Learning Network for Gene Expression Inference

Gene expressions profiling empowers many biological studies in various fields by comprehensive characterization of cellular status under different experimental conditions. Despite the recent advances in high-throughput technologies, profiling the whole-genome set is still challenging and expensive. Based on the fact that there is high correlation among the expression patterns of different genes, the above issue can be addressed by a cost-effective approach that collects only a small subset of genes, called landmark genes, as the representative of the entire genome set and estimates the remaining ones, called target genes, via the computational model. Several shallow and deep regression models have been presented in the literature for inferring the expressions of target genes. However, the shallow models suffer from underfitting due to their insufficient capacity in capturing the complex nature of gene expression data, and the existing deep models are prone to overfitting due to the lack of using the interrelations of target genes in the learning framework. To address these challenges, we formulate the gene expression inference as a multi-task learning problem and propose a novel deep multi-task learning algorithm with automatically learning the biological interrelations among target genes and utilizing such information to enhance the prediction. In particular, we employ a multi-layer sub-network with low dimensional latent variables for learning the interrelations among target genes (i.e. distinct predictive tasks), and impose a seamless and easy to implement regularization on deep models. Unlike the conventional complicated multi-task learning methods, which can only deal with tens or hundreds of tasks, our proposed algorithm can effectively learn the interrelations from the large-scale (\(\sim \)10,000) tasks on the gene expression inference problem, and does not suffer from cost-prohibitive operations. Experimental results indicate the superiority of our method compared to the existing gene expression inference models and alternative multi-task learning algorithms on two large-scale datasets.
Stevens, Stanley Smith 1906–1973

Stanley Smith Stevens was an American experimental psychologist perhaps best known in the world of color science for introducing the psychophysical power law and for collecting data on brightness perception as a function of adaptation. He was even more well known in the general field of experimental psychology and psychophysics for many accomplishments in acoustical psychophysics, his important publications, and founding of the Psycho-Acoustic Laboratory at Harvard University.
Association of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors With Fracture Risk in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes.

Importance Whether sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) are associated with an increased risk of fractures in older adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) outside of clinical trials remains unknown. Objective To examine the association of incident fracture among older adults with T2D with initiating an SGLT-2i compared with initiating a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) or a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA). Design, Setting, and Participants This is a population-based, new-user cohort study including older adults (aged ≥65 years) with T2D enrolled in Medicare fee-for-service from April 2013 to December 2017. Data analysis was performed from October 2020 to April 2021. Exposures New users of an SGLT-2i, DPP-4i, or GLP-1RA without a previous fracture were matched in a 1:1:1 ratio using 3-way propensity score matching. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was a composite end point of nontraumatic pelvic fracture, hip fracture requiring surgery, or humerus, radius, or ulna fracture requiring intervention within 30 days. After 3-way 1:1:1 propensity score matching, multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to generate hazard ratios (HRs) for SGLT-2i compared with DPP-4i and GLP-1RA and Kaplan-Meier curves to visualize fracture risk over time across groups. Results Of 466 933 new initiators of study drugs, 62 454 patients were new SGLT-2i users. After 3-way matching, 45 889 (73%) new SGLT-2i users were matched to new users of DPP-4i and GLP-1RA, yielding a cohort of 137 667 patients (mean [SD] age, 72 [5] years; 64 126 men [47%]) matched 1:1:1 for analyses. There was no difference in the risk of fracture in SGLT-2i users compared with DPP-4i users (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.73-1.11) or GLP-1RA users (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.80-1.25). Results were consistent across categories of sex, frailty (nonfrail, prefrail, and frail), age (<75 and ≥75 years), and insulin use (baseline users and nonusers). Conclusions and Relevance In this nationwide Medicare cohort, initiating an SGLT-2i was not associated with an increased risk of fracture in older adults with T2D compared with initiating a DPP-4i or GLP-1RA, with consistent results across categories of frailty, age, and insulin use. These findings add to the evidence base evaluating the potential risks associated with SGLT-2i use for older adults outside of randomized clinical trials.
The Effect of Eliminating Federal Disability Benefits for Substance Abusers on Labor Market, Health, and Criminal Behavior Outcomes

Whether provision of public assistance to individuals with substance disorders encourages economic dependency, and whether loss of these benefits causes harm, remains a key concern among policymakers in the US. In 1997, the federal government terminated provision of disability benefits to individuals with disabling substance disorders, with the intention of increasing economic self-sufficiency among addicted persons and eliminating disincentives to work. Using pooled 1994-2002 cross-sectional data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) and its predecessor National Household Survey of Drug Abuse, we estimate the effect of the 1997 termination of federal disability benefits for individuals with substance disorders on labor market outcomes, public assistance receipt, access to health services, and illegal behaviors among individuals with substance problems. We use a difference-in difference approach which compares changes in outcomes before and after the policy change for two groups - a "treatment group" which includes individuals most likely to have been affected by the policy change and a "comparison group" consisting of similar individuals who were not likely to have been affected by the policy change. Our treatment group includes individuals who report at least 3 symptoms of alcohol and/or drug dependence in the past year, who have propensities to use Supplemental Security Income before 1997 that are in the top decile based on observed characteristics. Comparison groups include similar likely users of SSI, but without any symptoms of substance dependence, making it extremely unlikely that they would be affected by the SSI/DI policy change. Results indicate that elimination of the SSI/DI program for substance abusers is associated with a short-term increase in the likelihood of being currently employed, a relative increase in the use of other cash assistance program, and an increase in use of health care utilization. Over a longer time horizon, 3-5 years after the policy change, none of these effects remain.
Pesticide Exposure Index (PEI)

Pesticide exposure indices may be of value and serve several purposes : 1. In selecting study groups, a. Prior to blood or other precise determinations, b. When precise analytical methods are not available, 2. Providing reference for data evaluation, e,g, exposure versus reaction, 3. Corroboration of laboratory determinations, 4. Establishing thresholds of permissibility (safety),
Complete prevention of myocardial stunning, contracture, low-reflow, and edema after heart transplantation by blocking neutrophil adhesion molecules during reperfusion

This study tested the hypothesis that preventing neutrophil adhesion during reperfusion, by blocking either the neutrophil membrane CD18 integrin complex or its endothelial and myocyte ligand, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), would reduce myocardial inflammation and edema and improve reflow and ventricular function after heart preservation and transplantation. After cardioplegia and insertion of a left ventricular balloon, rabbit hearts were heterotopically transplanted into recipient rabbits either immediately (immediate, n = 12) or after preservation in 4° C saline (3 hours of ischemia, n = 33). Forty-five minutes before reperfusion, recipients of preserved hearts received intravenous infusions of either saline (vehicle, n = 13), anti-CD18 monoclonal antibody (Mab) R15.7 (2 mg/kg) (anti-CD18, n = 10), or anti-ICAM-1 Mab R1.1 (2 mg/kg) (anti-ICAM, n = 10). During 3 hours of reperfusion the slope of the peak-systolic pressure-volume relation and its volume-axis intercept, the exponential elastic coefficient of the end-diastolic pressure-volume relation, the unstressed ventricular volume, and the time constant of the exponential left ventricular pressure decay after dP/dtmin were serially measured. Myocardial blood flow was measured with microspheres from which coronary vascular resistance was calculated. After explantation, the degree of myocardial inflammation, estimated by tissue neutrophil sequestration (myeloperoxidase assay) and myocardial water content were determined. Within each group no significant differences in measurements made at 1, 2, and 3 hours of reperfusion were noted. Compared with the immediate transplantation group, the vehicle group demonstrated a significant increase in myeloperoxidase activity (3380 ± 456 versus 1712 ± 552 μU/gm, p 0.05) and myocardial water content (anti-CD18, 75.2 % ± 1.7% versus 79.8% ± 0.4%, p 0.05). These results demonstrate the prevention of myocardial neutrophil sequestration, edema, the low-reflow phenomenon, and diastolic myocardial dysfunction by Mabs that block neutrophil adhesion. We conclude that neutrophil adhesion is an important mechanism of reperfusion-induced myocardial damage after heart transplantation and should be addressed in treatments directed at limiting reperfusion injury.
The Female Factor: Predicting Compliance with a Post-Prostatectomy Erectile Preservation Program

ABSTRACT Introduction Early post-radical prostatectomy (RP) erectile preservation (EP) therapy may be critical to preserve erections after surgery. Aim To assess if pre-RP female sexual function predicts of partner compliance with an EP protocol. Main Outcome Measures Compliance, defined as use of localized penile EP therapy (intracavernosal injections [ICIs], vacuum erection device [VED], or alprostadil) at 3 and 6 months after RP. Methods Records of patients enrolled in our EP program from April 2007 to June 2008 were reviewed. Before surgery, patients completed the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) and their female partners completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Prior to surgery, patients were advised to take sildenafil 25 mg every nightly and use a 250-µg alprostadil suppository three times/week. At 1 month, additional daily use of a VED was encouraged. All patients unable to achieve erections sufficient for penetration were encouraged to initiate ICI of Trimix (phentolamine, papaverine, and PGE1) twice weekly after 3 months following surgery. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis holding all input variables constant. Results Twenty-nine patients had preoperative SHIM > 7 and pre-RP partner FSFI data available. After a 4-week follow-up, compliance with alprostadil suppository declined and both ICI and VED usage increased. At 6 months, six (25.0%) patients had return of natural erectile function and 22 (91.7%) were achieving assisted erections. Higher preoperative partner FSFI scores were associated with greater compliance to the localized penile therapy component of our EP protocol (risk ratio 3.8, P = 0.05). Conclusions Preoperative female sexual function correlated with greater partner compliance with the localized component of our EP protocol. Consideration of a female partner's preoperative sexual function in predicting patient erectile function recovery after RP is warranted. Future studies are necessary to determine the clinical significance of this factor. Moskovic DJ, Mohamed O, Sathyamoorthy K, Miles BJ, Link RE, Lipshultz LI, and Khera M. The female factor: Predicting compliance with a post-prostatectomy erectile preservation program.
Generalized three-dimensional Dirac points and Z 2 gapless surface states in a topological photonic crystal

We discover robust three-dimensional generalized Dirac points — linear four-fold point degeneracies — in a non-symmorphic photonic crystal realizable at near-infrared wavelengths. The surface states exhibit gapless line-nodes characterized by a Z 2 topological invariant.
The Dirt That Haunts: Looking at Esta Noche

The closing of the bar featured in the TV series Looking, Esta Noche, is discussed as part of a collection of essays that examine sexuality and gender in San Francisco at a moment when economic forces have changed the urban landscape.
Cancer turnover at old age

It has been commonly assumed for a half century that if a person lives long enough, he or she will eventually develop cancer. Cancer age-specific incidence data does not support that assumption, showing instead that incidence flattens at about age 80 and declines thereafter, approaching zero where there is data at about age 100. Previous cancer models of long standing have been unable to explain the turnover in incidence beyond age 80, and investigators have tended to ascribe under-reporting of cancers, or that the oldest persons are somehow not susceptible, as explanations for the data. This work presents the first model of cancer incidence incorporating the biological process of cellular replicative senescence. The model provides good fits to human cancer age distribution data for 40 organ sites from databases from the U.S., Holland, and Hong Kong. Newly developed mice data from a 24,000 mice study has also been found to be well fit by the model, confirming that cancers peak at about 80% of lifespan and actually reach zero for the oldest mice. The model, mathematically a form of Beta function, is derived by adding to standard multi-stage or clonal expansion models the observation that in vitro data show aging cells lose their proliferative ability with age. Since senescent cells cannot produce cancer, the pool of cells available to produce cancer declines, thus lowering the incidence, reaching zero when all cells are senescent. Further tests of the model performed against data on interventions that might alter
Role orientations, marital age, and life patterns in adulthood.

Age at first marriage has significant implications for the life course of women through its effect on the likelihood, timing, and performance of future activities—child bearing, advanced education, and employment. There are appropriate times for these experiences, according to age norms and biological capacities, and pursuit of one activity frequently means that others are foregone, at least temporarily. On the societal level, trends toward earlier or later first marriages have potential consequences for fertility,2 marital permanence, and the availability of women for the labor force.
The Removal of in Vitro Damaged Erythrocytes from the Circulation of Normal and Splenectomized Rats

The in vitro alterations and in vivo fate of erythrocytes treated with N-ethylmaleimide or subjected to prolonged incubation were studied in normal and splenectomized rats. Minimal injury (20 µM NEM/ml. RBC) resulted in red cells with decreased osmotic fragility and increased plasticity; however, mechanical fragility was significantly increased. These cells were removed with a half-time of 78 minutes, mainly by splenic sequestration, and splenectomy prolonged their life span. Incubation at 37 C. for 21 hours produced erythrocytes with increased osmotic and mechanical fragility and decreased plasticity. Erythrocyte clearance was more rapid (T½ = 59 minutes), with spleen and liver removing approximately an equal number of cells and splenectomy having little effect on red cell life span. With severe injury (40 µM NEM/ml. RBC), all three in vitro measurements showed marked alterations, red cell removal was rapid (T½ = 35 minutes), mainly by hepatic sequestration, and clearance was unaffected by splenectomy. The present studies have shown that chemical injury or prolonged incubation lead to profound changes in in vitro tests of red cell integrity, the mechanical fragility predicting most closely the subsequent in vivo events. Although the entire reticuloendothelial system appears to participate in red cell removal, the spleen and liver are the major sites of sequestration in the rat. The splenic removal predominates with minimally injured cells, hepatic removal with moderately and severely altered cells. The type of injury appears to be of less significance than the degree of injury of the red cells.
Strategies for Effective School Leadership

To many, effective leadership is continently appropriate as conscience. The paper identifies strategies that assists schools facilitate a warmer and healthier school environment. The author provides a review of delineated leadership strategies with a narrative for each type. Highlighting different cultures and assumptive impact on school culture and climate is offered.
A fully-differential CMOS Clapp VCO for IEEE 802.11a applications

A fully integrated 5-6GHz differential VCO derived from the classical Clapp topology is presented in 180nm CMOS. The Clapp architecture and its characteristics are reviewed, and the location of critical portions of the circuit such as the LC-tank and varactors is discussed. The use of a Clapp VCO topology allows a larger voltage swing, which improves spectral purity and phase noise. The use of a symmetrical inductor for differential operation results in a higher Q with lower area, while providing common-mode noise rejection. The VCO achieves a simulated phase noise of -98dBc/Hz @ 100kHz & -123.1dBc/Hz @ 1MHz offsets, and draws 5mA from a 1.8V power supply. A high tuning range of 18% and FOM of 189dBc/Hz are reported. Finally, system-level simulations of a frequency synthesizer for the IEEE 802.11a bands using the Clapp VCO are presented.
Policy‐Induced Risk and Responsive Participation: The Effect of a Son's Conscription Risk on the Voting Behavior of His Parents

When do government policies induce responsive political participation? This study tests two hypotheses in the context of military draft policies. First, policy-induced risk motivates political participation. Second, contextual-level moderators, such as local events that make risk particularly salient, may intensify the effect of risk on participation. I use the random assignment of induction priority in the Vietnam draft lotteries to measure the effect of a son's draft risk on the voter turnout of his parents in the 1972 presidential election. I find higher rates of turnout among parents of men with �losing� draft lottery numbers. Among parents from towns with at least one prior war casualty, I find a 7 to 9 percentage point effect of a son's draft risk on his parents� turnout. The local casualty contextual-level moderator is theorized to operate through the mechanism of an availability heuristic, whereby parents from towns with casualties could more readily imagine the adverse consequences of draft risk.
Serum levels of gonadotropins and gonadal steroids, including testosterone, during the menstrual cycle of the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)

The objective of this study was to expand the data on menstrual cycle serum hormone patterns in female common chimpanzees, both in terms of the number of cycles analyzed and by the addition of data on testosterone levels. Samples were obtained from 11 unanesthetized animals trained for conscious blood withdrawal. LH, FSH, 17β-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), and testosterone (T) were measured by radioimmunoassay, genital swelling was recorded, and menstrual blood was noted. Concurrent midcycle elevations in LH and FSH and luteal phase elevations in progesterone suggested that the cycles were ovulatory. Detumescence of genital swelling occurred about 3 days after the midcycle LH peak, 1 day after the luteal phase nadir in E2, and 1 day after P levels exceeded 5 ng/ml. These relationships provide further support for the use of genital swelling in monitoring progress of the menstrual cycle. The hormone patterns in the chimpanzees closely resembled those of the human females, but E2 and T levels were higher. The levels of E2 and T were higher and the midcycle elevation in T was broader in the chimpanzee than in gorillas and orangutans. This is of interest because E2 and T are implicated in the regulation of mating, and chimpanzees mate over a greater portion of the cycle than the other apes. These data indicate the need for further study of hormonal contributions to the different patterns of mating in the great apes. They also support the use of the female common chimpanzee as a model for the human female in endocrine studies of the menstrual cycle.
Differentiation of mesothelioma from adenocarcinoma in serous effusions: the role of hyaluronic acid and CD44 localization.

Differentiating cells of mesothelial origin from adenocarcinoma (ACA) based on morphology alone can be a diagnostic challenge, especially in cytological specimens. Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is characterized by accumulation of abundant intracellular hyaluronic acid (HA), a feature that is not reported in ACA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the significance of cellular HA using an HA-specific binding peptide (HABP) and the expression of its principal receptor, the standard CD44 molecule (CD44S). Archival paraffin-embedded cell blocks of serous fluids from 28 cases of reactive mesothelial cells, 14 cases of MM, 20 cases of metastatic ovarian carcinomas, 17 cases of metastatic breast carcinomas, 12 cases of metastatic lung ACA, and 12 cases of metastatic gastrointestinal ACA were stained with HA using a biotinylated HABP and CD44S. Positive staining was defined as droplet to diffuse cytoplasmic staining for HA and uniform membranous staining for CD44S. All MMs and 93% (26/28) of the benign mesothelial cells were positive for intracytoplasmic HA vs. none of ACAs. CD44S was expressed in 100% (28/28) of mesothelial hyperplesia, 86% (12/14) of MMs, 70% (14/20) of ovarian carcinomas, 29% (5/17) of breast carcinomas, 25% (3/12) of gastrointestinal ACAs, and 8% (1/12) of lung ACAs. In MM and reactive mesothelial cells, CD44S stained cell membranes diffusely with highlights on the villous surfaces and in ACA it was focal and confined to cell membranes. Immunostaining with HA is a reliable marker that can distinguish between cells of mesothelial origin (reactive mesothelial cells and MM) and ACA. The CD44S staining pattern of cells of mesothelial origin is of diagnostic significance. CD44 may prove useful in conjunction with other stains in the differential diagnosis of mesothelioma and ADA. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;32:145–150. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Contradictions and incongruities

Marian Fuks, Zygmunt Hoffman, Maurycy Horn, Jerzy Tomaszewski, Zydzi polscy: dzieje i kultura (Polish Jews: History and Culture). Warsaw. Interpress, 1982. 196pp. Illus. Zl. 1,080; and Artur Sandauer, O sytua.cji pisarza pochodzenia zydowskiego w XX wieku (Rzecz, ktora nie ja powinienem byl napisac (On the Situation of the Polish Writer of Jewish Descent in the Twentieth Century—A Piece Not I Should Have Written). Warsaw: Czytelnik, 1982.97pp.
Alexis de Tocqueville: Threats to Freedom in Democracy

This first English translation of "Alexis de Tocqueville" shows the continuing relevance of Tocqueville's thought to the present.
The geometry of risk aversion: A further comment

Abstract This paper corrects errors in two earlier attempts in this journal [Hawawini (1986) and Sun (1990)] to analyze a simple portfolio model geometrically. It also points out that the general approach taken by these authors has serious shortcomings. For example, an unmodified use of their technique does not permit one to derive the result that optimal risky investment is inversely related to risk if the utility function is quadratic.
“Every experience is a moving force”: identity and growth through mentoring

Abstract This narrative of the experience of a native English speaking (NES) cooperating teacher working with a nonnative English speaking (NNES) student teacher in an MA Teaching English as a Second Language practicum begins with a discussion of teacher identity, then outlines the significance of caring in teacher–student relations Noddings (Caring: A feminine approach to ethics and moral education, University of California Press, Berkeley, CA, 1984) and personal values and beliefs within those relations Johnston (Values in English Language Teaching, Lawrence Erlbaum, Malwah, NJ, 2002). These then frame an understanding of three critical incidents Tripp (Qual. Stud. Educ. 7(1) (1994) 65), and the emergent themes of language expertise, cultural ways of knowing and doing, and conflicting religious beliefs. It concludes with a discussion of the value of writing and sharing teacher narratives for professional development.
Mid‐stratospheric circulations in the Southern Hemisphere from super pressure balloon trajectories

Three instrumented super pressure balloons were flown throughout the southern hemisphere at 18 mbar, over a period of five months. The balloon trajectories, reconstructed from NIMBUS 6 satellite location data, have proved to be valuable indicators of midstratospheric structure and dynamics in the Lagrangian frame of reference. Several examples of high zonal and meridional winds are reported. Also shown in the analysis is a feature encountered between 30 S-40 S during a two-week period. The feature appears to be a breakdown of large-scale zonal flow and its replacement by weak cyclonic eddies. During the observational period the balloon motions document the spring reversal. Mean zonal wind speed analysis from balloon positions were obtained covering the area 15 S-65 S. The results presented here are in substantial agreement with those of Hartmann (1977).
Do asymptomatic school children have normal haemodynamics 6–13 years after Mustard's operation?

Abstract Twenty asymptomatic school children who had undergone Mustard's operation for simple complete transposition (concordant atrioventricular and discordant ventriculo-arterial connexions) were catheterised electively 6–13 years later. The studies were carried out under general anaesthesia in air and in 100% O 2 . Oxygen consumption was measured and end-tidal gases were monitored using respiratory mass spectrometry. There was significant left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in 2 patients. Cardiac output in air was normal in 15 and decreased in 5 patients. The pulmonary vascular resistance was normal in 18 of 19 cases, but grossly elevated in one patient. Baffle dysfunction was present in 11 patients: 10 with important gradients between the venous pathways and the systemic venous atrium, and 5 with a leak identified either by a left-to-right shunt or by the course of the catheter. Balloon dilatation was attempted in the inferior caval venous channel in 6 and in the superior caval venous channel in 2. Mean gradient before the dilatation fell after the procedure. No pulmonary venous obstruction was identified. Even in this group of children selected as asymptomatic, approximately half had a detectable haemodynamic abnormality.
All-fiber mid-IR supercontinuum source from 1.5 to 5 µm

An all-fiber supercontinuum source extending from 1.5 to 5 μm has been demonstrated in single-mode step-index As2S3 fiber using a Raman shifted erbium doped mode-locked silica fiber laser pump source. 140 mW broadband power was demonstrated with a spectral intensity variation of 10 dB from 1.9 to 4.4 μm and 20 dB from 1.65 to 4.78 μm.
An analysis of self-management

We discuss topics related to a theoretical analysis of self-management, including theories of self-management, self-reinforcement and self-management, antecedent stimuli for self-management, teaching of self-management behaviors, and applications of self-management. Our analysis indicates that self-management's roots in behavioral explanations of phenomena are solid, but that there are important issues yet to be examined in developing a thorough understanding of self-management. We argue that self-management behaviors almost certainly must be examined in relation to the contexts in which they occur and the consequences that they produce.
The chemistry of the anoxic waters in the Cariaco Trench

The Cariaco Trench has been widely used as a natural laboratory for the study of anaerobic processes since the deep waters were found to be anoxic in 1954. In the summer of 1990 on a cruise of the R.V. Thomas Washington, we had the opportunity to measure a number of chemical parameters (salinity, H2S, O2, pH, TCO2, NH4+, PO43−, SiO2, SO32− and S2O32−) in the eastern and western basins of the Cariaco Trench. The oxic-anoxic interface was located at 330 m in both basins. The concentrations of H2S, NH4+, PO43− and SiO2 in the deep waters of the Cariaco Trench have increased with time. The linear extrapolations of H2S and NH4+ with time indicate that the trench was oxic around 1915. This turnover may be related to earthquakes that occurred in 1990 and 1929. The ratio of C/N/P/S in the anoxic waters was found to be close to 106:16:1:53, the ratio predicted from the oxidation of phytoplankton by sulfate. Micromolar concentrations of SO32− and S2O32− were found below the interface in the intermediate waters. These intermediates appear to be due to the oxidation of H2S by the sinking of oxygenated surface waters. The rates of oxidation of H2S with oxygen also were measured in the Cariaco Trench waters at 25°C. Measurements were made on surface waters, deep waters and mixtures of deep and surface waters. Oxidation rates were found to be 10 times faster in the deep waters than for surface seawater with added H2S due to Fe2+ in the deep waters. The intermediates SO32− and S2O32− formed during the oxidation of H2S were also determined. A simple kinetic model was used to fit the results.
Relativistic magnetohydrodynamical effects of plasma accreting into a black hole

By an explicit analytic solution it is shown how, in the accretion of a poloidally magnetized plasma into a Kerr black hole, a torque is exerted on the infalling gas; this result implies the extraction of rotational energy from the black hole. The torque arises from the twisting of magnetic field lines by the frame-dragging effect. It is also shown how, under suitable conditions, a sizable charge separation can be found in the magnetosphere of accreting black holes; hence, an electric charge is expected to be induced on the black hole. (AIP)
On the formation of NdFe9.5−xTx compounds (T = Ti, Cr, Mn)

Stable, isostructural, ternary compounds having compositions specified by NdFe9.5−xTx with T = Ti (x = 0.5), Cr (x = 1.5) and Mn (x ⩾ 3.5) have been discovered to form. We report magnetization and Curie temperature measurements for these phases and we tentatively identify the lattice symmetry and space group of their crystal structure from analyses of X-ray powder diffraction data.
Characterisation of a virus infecting the wall-free prokaryote Spiroplasma citri.

Abstract A short-tailed polyhedral virus (ai) with a plaque morphology typical of temperate phages has been purified from the wall-less prokaryote Spiroplasma citri. Adsorption of the virus to host cells and isolated membranes was dependent on pH and divalent cation concentration. One-step growth curves and premature lysis experiments coupled with immunodetection of intracellular viral antigens showed a steady accumulation of viral products from 2 hr after infection. Mature virus was present after 3–4 hr. Virus release started after 5–6 hr and continued for a further 4–5 hr. The virus had antigens in common with other type 3 spiroplasma viruses and purified DNA hybridised to specific pieces of DNA from these related viruses. A physical map of the virus genome has been constructed. Unlike those of related viruses, the genome of ai can form noncovalently closed circles and multimers. The significance of this in relation to the biological properties of the virus is discussed.
Development of a Computer Controlled Valve System for an Internal Combustion Engine

A newly emerging method of improving gas mileage and emissions from spark ignition engines is by computer control of the operation of the engine intake and exhaust valves. By controlling valve timing and duration the elimination of the throttle, a source of pumping loses can be minimized. One system is now in production by BMW, which uses a mechanism that varies the rocker arm ratio to vary the intake valve’s lift. As part of two Senior Design Projects a spark ignition internal combustion engine was modified at Minnesota State University, Mankato, to allow computer control of the engine’s valves. These projects worked at replacing the mechanically operated intake and exhaust valves with pneumatically operated valves controlled by computer in the form of a Programmable Logic Controller. The valves controlled by the solenoids switched compressed air to pneumatic cylinders that operate the existing poppet intake and exhaust valves on the engine. This paper will present the background, operational issues, and the initial results of the project.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Epstein-Barr Virus and Unexplained Illness

Excerpt To the editor: The letter by Drs. Armstrong and Wetterhall (1) in the May issue was gratifying in that our article (2) was read thoroughly. They are correct in citing two errors on our part...
Formation of the Fe23Zr6 phase in an Fe-Zr alloy

Abstract This study confirms the existence of Fe 23 Zr 6 in an Fe-9.8 at.% Zr alloy. This phase forms from the α-Fe + Fe 2 Zr eutectic during high temperature annealing. Previously, Fe 23 Zr 6 formation was explained by simple diffusion of iron atoms into the Laves intermetallic; however, this mechanism does not explain the presence of α-Zr within the Fe 2 Zr 6 phase. We have proposed a two-step mechanism for Fe 23 Zr 6 formation: Fe 2 Zr decomposes into Fe 23 Zr 6 + α-Zr, and α-Zr reacts with α-Fe to form more Fe 23 Zr 6 . The slow kinetics of Fe 23 Zr 6 formation is due to its dependence on atomic diffusion through the intermetallic phases.