cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 complicated by Acute Pulmonary Embolism and Right-Sided Heart Failure.

Abstract A patient with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) developed sudden shortness of breath and hypoxia. She received a diagnosis of massive pulmonary embolism complicated by right-sided heart...
System providing automated feedback improves task learning outcomes during child restraint system (CRS) installations

The objective was to build and test an automated, interactive educational system to teach adults how to install a child restraint system (CRS) into a vehicle seat. The automated feedback system (AF...
On the Performance of Data-Driven Reinforcement Learning for Commercial HVAC Control

Commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC ) system consumes large portion of the building energy use. With the abundance of the available data in the building automation systems (BAS) of commercial buildings, ample opportunities have emerged to help develop adequate data-driven control of HVAC systems. This paper proposes the use of data-driven reinforcement learning (RL) that can evaluate control policies and develop new ones. A Q- learning algorithm is used as a type of reinforcement learning to minimize the building energy consumption cost while maintaining the comfort level. The proposed Q-learning algorithm is trained using actual data where the data is first used to develop temperature and energy models. Four different machine learning methodologies are used to obtain these models which are linear regression, deep neural network, support vector machines and random forests. The performance of the Q- learning algorithm under each methodology is tested and compared with the others. The algorithm is validated using a decent physics-based model of a 3-floor office/classroom building. The results showed that though all the four methodologies yield satisfactory results, the Q-learning algorithm performed the best under support vector machine and random forest.
The opioid antagonist naltrexone decreases seizure-like activity in genetic and chemically-induced epilepsy models

Objective A significant number of epileptic patients fail to respond to available anticonvulsive medications. To find new anticonvulsive medications, we evaluated FDA-approved drugs not known to be anticonvulsants. Using zebrafish larvae as an initial model system, we found that the opioid antagonist naltrexone exhibited an anticonvulsant effect. We validated this effect in three other epilepsy models and present naltrexone as a promising anticonvulsive candidate. Methods Candidate anticonvulsant drugs, determined by our prior transcriptomics analysis of hippocampal tissue, were evaluated in a larval zebrafish model of human Dravet syndrome (scn1Lab mutants), in wild-type zebrafish larvae treated with the pro-convulsant drug pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), in wild-type C57bl/6J acute brain slices exposed to PTZ, and in wild-type mice treated with PTZ in vivo. Abnormal locomotion was determined behaviorally in zebrafish and mice and by field potential in neocortex layer IV/V and CA1 stratum pyramidale in the hippocampus. Results The opioid antagonist naltrexone decreased abnormal locomotion in the larval zebrafish model of human Dravet syndrome (scn1Lab mutants) and wild-type larvae treated with the pro-convulsant drug PTZ. Naltrexone also decreased seizure-like events in acute brain slices of wild-type mice, and the duration and number of seizures in adult mice injected with PTZ. Significance Our data reveal that naltrexone has anticonvulsive properties and is a candidate drug for seizure treatment.
Promoting interprofessional student outcomes through the narrative of an opioid use disorder survivor.

The inappropriate use of opioids is a national concern. Experts suggest a multifaceted, collaborative practice approach to reduce mortality rates in complex healthcare issues is effective. Before p...
Normal Neurulation in Amphibians

How does cell behaviour accomplish neurulation in amphibian embryos? During neurulation, the neural plate (while preserving the same volume) doubles its length, triples its thickness, narrows 10-fold, greatly decreases its surface and rolls into a tube. Cells that compose the neural plate produce these changes in three ways. They change shape, change neighbours and attempt to crawl beneath the contiguous epidermis. Plate width, length and area are decreased and the plate thickens when apical surfaces of plate cells contract radially, but plate length increases and width is further decreased when cells reposition themselves and collect along plate boundaries. Contraction of the apical surfaces of plate cells also helps roll the plate into a tube. Poisson buckling resulting from elongation of plate borders may contribute bending forces that help tube formation. The main folding force in tube formation is a rolling moment toward the midline produced by neural plate cells attempting to crawl beneath the contiguous epidermis. Experiments, observations and computer simulations support these assertions, reveal the organization of cell behaviour and implicate contraction of actin filaments as the main source of the necessary forces.
A self-control/life-course theory of criminal behavior

This article presents an integrated self-control/life-course theory of criminal behavior. Coming in the form of 10 propositions, the broad message is that these two seemingly incompatible theoretic...
Access invariance and its use in high contention environments

Various factors suggest that data contention may be of increasing significance in transaction processing systems. One approach to this problem is to run transactions twice, the first time without making any changes to the database. Benefits may result either from data prefetching during the first execution or from determining the locks required for purposes of scheduling. Consideration is given to various concurrency control methods based on this notion, and properties required for these methods to be useful are formalized. Performance results based on detailed simulation models suggest that such policies offer potential benefits for some system configurations. >
Analysis of phase noise due to bang-bang phase detector in PLL-based clock and data recovery circuits

This paper describes the noise analysis of phase-locked loop (PLL) based clock and data recovery circuits (CDR) using bang-bang phase detectors (PD). The analysis is based on modeling the non-linearity of the bang-bang PD with a linear PD and an additive white noise source. This analysis shows that the input PD noise and the PLL DC gain are both proportional to the quantization step of the PD determined by the amplitude of the charge-pump current. To reduce the input PD noise without degrading the PLL DC gain and the loop bandwidth, a multilevel PD can be used instead. The theoretical results predict tendencies that agree with circuit simulations.
Transfer climate in end‐user computing: The influence of trainee characteristics and supervisory support

– Although end‐user computing (EUC) training has received significant attention among academics and practitioners, the effective transfer of trained EUC skills is a relatively neglected issue. Analysis of factors affecting the EUC transfer process will aid in understanding and improving training transfer. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to underscore key trainee characteristics and facets of the work environment that influence EUC training transfer., – The theoretical framework includes prior computer experience, computer anxiety, computer self‐efficacy, pre‐training motivation and perceived job utility as significant trainee factors influencing the EUC transfer process. In addition, the model includes supervisory support as an important constituent of the EUC transfer process., – The model highlights the mediating roles of computer self‐efficacy and pre‐training motivation in predicting motivation to transfer. In addition, it points out that several factors work simultaneously to influence motivation to transfer EUC training., – Supervisory support in the pre‐ and post‐training environment is extremely crucial in determining EUC training success. Specifically, supervisors should be able to communicate to employees the purpose and importance of training, the relevance of computer training to their jobs and the outcomes expected., – This paper contributes to the literature by emphasizing the importance of supervisory support and individual characteristics in predicting motivation to transfer.
Clinical Trials of Information Interventions

When a clinical decision support system (CDSS) passes the test of accuracy and is ready for clinical implementation, the need for replicable and generalizable measurement of practical impact emerges. It is increasingly acknowledged that measurement of system performance and impact represents the research component of informatics projects, and that such evaluations should guide the development of decision support technologies.1,2 This chapter discusses the methodology for systematic evaluation of information interventions. It provides a framework for designing appropriate tests of the clinical impact of CDSS.
Dielectric behavior of polyelectrolytes. III. The role of counterion interactions.

Abstract The role of the Coulomb forces between the counterions on the surface of polyelectrolytes on the dielectric response is analyzed. An estimate of the maximum dielectric increment (as a function of the number of counterions) is found as a function of the molecular length. The minimum-energy configuration of the counterions on a cylinder is found to be a double helix, suggesting the fundamental importance of electrostatic interactions in determining structure. Solutions of the dynamical equations for a few counterions indicate that a single mode dominates the relaxation which is enhanced by the inter-ion repulsions. A lower bound is found for this mode based on analysis of the system response for short lengtns. Sum rules for the rates and amplitudes of the dipolar correlation function are derived and lead to an upper bound for the rate of the dominant mode. These bounds approach one another for the parameters characteristic of restriction fragments of DNA. This permits a prediction of the magnitude and time scale of the dielectric response.
Penetrating of high-latitude-electric-field effects to low latitudes during SUNDIAL 1984

Electric-field-penetration events have been identified using F-region vertical-drift measurements obtained in the October 6-13, 1984 period by the Jicamarcan incoherent-backscatter radar and corresponding h-prime F measurements from ionosondes at Fortaleza, Cachoeira Paulista, and Dakar. Predictions made using the Rice Convection Model for the pattern, strength, and duration of the low-latitude electric field occurring in response to an increasing high-latitude convection agree with observations. The observed 1-2 h duration of the low-latitude response to decreased convection can be explained by the fossil-wind theory of Richmond (1983).
In Vitro Migration of Walker 256 Carcinosarcoma Cells: Dependence on Microtubule and Microfilament Function

Walker 256 carcinosarcoma cells have been shown to respond in vitro to two chemotactic factors: one derived from the trypsinized fifth component of complement, and the other derived from resorbing bone. The effects of inhibited microtubule and microfilament function on the ability of tumor cells to uindergo both random and directed migration in response to these factors were examined. Directed tumor cell migration was inhibited by colchicine and vinblastine, agents that interfere with microtubule assembly., Lumicolchicine, a structural analog of colchicine that does not bind to microtubules, did not inhibit tumor cell migration. Cytochalasin B, which interferes with microfilament function, also inhibited tumor cell migration in vitro. Colchicine inhibited random or spontaneous cell movement as well as directed migration. These experiments indicated that random and directed tumor cell migrations were dependent on microtubules and microfilaments, and interference with the function of these subcellular organelles inhibited tumor cell movement.
Nostalgia and Consumption Preferences: Some Emerging Patterns of Consumer Tastes

As studied in recent consumer research, the role of nostalgia involves both (1) a link between age and the development of consumer tastes (over time) and (2) the relationship of nostalgia proneness (a psychographic variable) to patterns of consumer preferences. However, questions remain concerning whether the influence of nostalgia proneness and age can be regarded as two independent aspects of nostalgic consumption. This research reports a pair of studies that investigate this issue with respect to motion picture preferences among subjects. Study 1 uses an age-homogeneous sample to examine 20 items that assess nostalgia proneness, to derive a nostalgia scale, to form a spatial representation of movie preferences, and to test the fit of a vector reflecting differential nostalgia-related tastes in this preference space. Study 2 generalizes these results to a sample heterogeneous with respect to age and shows that age and nostalgia proneness appear to work independently as separate aspects of nostalgic preference patterns.
Tool path optimization procedures for machine tools

Abstract The effectiveness of heuristics for sequencing operations in a numerically controlled punch press is reviewed in this paper. The contact time of a job with a tool in punching is especially small compared to the total processing time, so that determination of the proper sequence is more crucial than in other machining operations. NC programs from a major metal fabricator are used. Heuristics like random insertion and nearest neighbor perform well enough to be comparable to the more widely-used nearest neighbor within tool. Other well-known rules may be quite ineffective.
Hormonal Control of Cardiac Myosin Adenosine Triphosphatase in the Rat

Cardiac function was impaired in hearts from hypophysectomized rats. Corresponding to the decrease in performance, myosin from the hearts of these rats exhibited a decreased Ca2+-activated ATPase activity. Myosin ATPase activated by K+ or NH4+ was not different in any of the preparations studied. The decreased Ca2+-activated ATPase was observed in cardiac myosin but not in red or white skeletal muscle myosin. Treatment with thyroxine, but not with growth hormone, restored cardiac myosin ATPase and performance to normal. Hypothyroidism produced a decrease in cardiac myosin ATPase activity comparable to that seen after hypophysectomy, suggesting that the absence of thyroid hormone was responsible for the alterations. However, hyperthyroidism did not increase ATPase activity above normal values. Adrenalectomy failed to alter myosin ATPase. Anion exchange chromatography of the myosins and addition of various concentrations of Na+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ did not abolish the differences in myosin ATPase. The results st...
Effect of oxygen in sodium on vanadium and vanadium alloys

Abstract Vanadium-base alloys are being considered as potential fuel cladding materials for sodium-cooled fast-breeder reactors. The mechanical and corrosion properties of vanadium alloys in sodium are strongly affected by oxygen impurities in the sodium. Vanadium and vanadium alloys readily absorb oxygen from liquid sodium at 500 ° to 700 °C when the sodium contains 5 to 10 ppm of oxygen, depending upon the chemistry of the alloy. Alloys containing titanium and aluminium absorb oxygen with the simultaneous formation of a subsurface hardened zone. The depth of this zone depends on time, temperature, oxygen content of the sodium and alloy chemistry. In the case of pure vanadium or vanadium containing chromium or niobium, oxygen absorption occurs somewhat faster and without the formation of a pronounced hardened zone. We have examined the published corrosion results for vanadium-titanium and vanadium-aluminum in terms of internal oxidation. Internal oxidation occurs when oxygen dissolves in the alloy and reacts with the dissolved titanium or aluminum to form TiO2 or Al2O3, which precipitates. This precipitate gives rise to the hardened zone. We have shown that the kinetics of hardened zone formation obey the internal oxidation model proposed by Wagner , when no vanadium oxide scale forms on the external surface, and obey the model proposed by Rapp and Colson when an external scale forms.
Modulation of neurotransmitter metabolism by dihydropyridine calcium channel ligands in mouse brain.

Abstract The regional concentrations of dopamine, serotonin, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, homovanillic acid and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid were measured in mouse brain following administration of the dihydropyridine calcium channle activator BAY K 8644, and antagonist, nifedipine. BAY K 8644 (1–8 mg/kg) produced dose- and time-dependent increases in dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, homovanillic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentrations in the caudate, without altering dopamine and serotonin levels. No changes in 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentration were observed in the raphe nuclei, hypothalamus, hippocampus and frontal cortex. Nifedipine (4 mg/kg) blocked BAY K 8644- (2 mg/kg) elicited increases in dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in the caudate. Furthermore, a higher dose of nifedipine (8 mg/kg) decreased dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid, but did not affect dopamine, serotonin or 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentrations, while a lower dose of nifedine (2 mg/kg) significantly increased serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoeleacetic acid and homovanillic acid, but did not affect dopamine and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid concentrations. The findings that both BAY K 8644 and nifedipine affect neurotransmitter metabolism in vivo in a dose- time- and brain region-dependent manner, suggest that high-affinity dihydropyridine calcium channel binding sites play an important role in regulating neurotransmitter turnover in the central nervous system.
Kynurenic acid inhibits glutamatergic transmission to CA1 pyramidal neurons via α7 nAChR-dependent and -independent mechanisms

Glutamatergic hypofunction and elevated levels of kynurenic acid (KYNA) in the brain are common features of patients with schizophrenia. In vivo studies indicate that in the hippocampus KYNA decreases glutamate levels, presumably via inhibition of α7 nicotinic receptors (nAChRs). Here we tested the hypothesis that basal synaptic glutamate activity in the hippocampus is regulated by tonically active α7 nAChRs and is sensitive to inhibition by KYNA. To this end, spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs), sensitive to AMPA receptor antagonist CNQX (10 μM), were recorded from CA1 pyramidal neurons at -70 mV in rat hippocampal slices. The α7 nAChR antagonists α-bungarotoxin (α-BGT, 100 nM) and methyllycaconitine (MLA, 1-50 nM), and the NMDA receptor antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV, 50 μM) reduced the frequency of EPSCs. MLA and α-BGT had no effect on miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs). The effect of MLA decreased in the presence of APV (50 μM), with 1 nM MLA becoming completely ineffective. KYNA (1-20 μM) suppressed the frequency of EPSCs, without affecting mEPSCs. The effect of KYNA decreased in the presence of MLA (1 nM) or α-BGT (100 nM), with 1 μM KYNA being devoid of any effect. In the presence of both MLA (10 nM) and APV (50 μM) higher KYNA concentrations (5-20 μM) still reduced the frequency of EPSCs. These results suggest that basal synaptic glutamate activity in CA1 pyramidal neurons is maintained in part by tonically active α7 nAChRs and NMDA receptors and is inhibited by micromolar concentrations of KYNA, acting via α7 nAChR-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
Prediction of fatigue crack growth in steel bridge components using acoustic emission

Abstract The correlation of acoustic emission (AE) signal characteristics with crack growth behavior is of paramount importance to structural health monitoring and prognosis for in-service steel bridges. Relationships between AE absolute energy rate and crack growth rate are developed and presented. The relationships are based on experimental investigations intended to represent conditions found for in-service steel bridges. The approach presented is independent of the stress intensity range, which may simplify the life prediction procedure because stress intensity range is not always well defined in actual bridge components. Fatigue tests were performed to detect AE signals from fatigue cracks using compact tension (CT) specimens made of ASTM A572G50. Noise induced AE signals were filtered through a combined approach involving Swansong II Filters and investigation of waveforms, which are appropriate for data filtering and interpretation of field tests. Based on the experimental data and presented model, procedures for predicting crack extension and remaining fatigue life were carried out. Agreement between the predicted cracks and actual cracks verified the presented model and procedure. The study indicates that AE absolute energy rate may be more suitable than count rate in fatigue life prediction for the material of interest.
Potassium-evoked Glutamate Release Liberates Arachidonic Acid from Cortical Neurons

Brain cells in situ contain low concentrations of free polyunsaturated fatty acids such as arachidonic acid (AA) that are released following pathological insults. As a large rise in extracellular [K(+)] accompanies cerebral ischemia, we explored whether this was a stimulus for cellular AA release employing a murine mixed cortical cell culture preparation radiolabeled with AA. Elevating the [K(+)](o) from 5 to 52 mm induced a time-dependent increase in [(3)H]AA release, which reached a plateau after 15 min. Removal of [Ca(2+)](o) or addition of CdCl(2) (100 microm) diminished the net high K(+)-induced AA release, as did treatment of the cultures with tetanus toxin (300 ng/ml) to block endogenous neurotransmitter release. Pharmacological antagonism of both ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors completely prevented high K(+)-evoked AA release, indicating that glutamate was the neurotransmitter in question. Addition of exogenous glutamate mimicked precisely the characteristics of AA release that followed increases in [K(+)](o). Finally, glutamate and AA were released solely from neurons as tetanus toxin did not cleave astrocytic synaptobrevin-2, nor was AA released from pure astrocyte cultures using the same stimuli that were effective in mixed cultures. Taken in toto, our data are consistent with the following scenario: high [K(+)](o) depolarizes neurons, causing an influx of Ca(2+) via voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels. This Ca(2+) influx stimulates the release of glutamate into the synaptic cleft, where it activates postsynaptic glutamate receptors. Events likely converge on the activation of a phospholipase A(2) family member and possibly the enzymes diacylglycerol and monoacylglycerol lipases to yield free AA.
PRA using event tables and the Brookhaven event tree analyzer (BETA)

Abstract Event trees are key elements in applying PRA in pre-conceptual design for safety enhancement of Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Advanced Neutron Source (ANS) research reactor which will be the world's best source of low-energy neutrons for material studies, physics research, transplutonium production and radiation effects. Event trees exhaustively explore the combinations of system failures that may follow from accident initiator through dendritic diagrams connecting initiator with plant damage state and by calculating the frequency of each accident sequence. They are the central element of PRA, but require supplementary text to relate the sequences to plant systems, explain the logic and state assumptions. These tasks are accomplished by the integration of a popular word processor and the event tree analysis code BETA. Using the worl processor, the analyst writes text that describes each sequence to a depth deemed necessary and prepares an Event Table which indicates by symbols the operability of each system in the accident sequence and the judged fuel damage state. The matrix of symbols so formed is copied to another file, edited to remove spaces, additional information is added and the file is saved in ASCII format to provide input to BETA. BETA, which may be used for further editing, displays or plots on HP laser or Epson printer, the event tree specified by the Event Table logic and computes, displays and/or prints the end or intermediate state probabilities according to damage criteria. It also provides for changing nodal probabilities within the event tree according to the preceding sequences (‘binary conditionals’). The size of event trees is essentially unlimited by its ability to branch and link with other event trees. Work sessions may be saved to floppy or hard disk for recall. This paper describes how to use BETA, and how it works.
Doppler Shift Through Heterogeneous Anisotropic Gases

While the pure Doppler shift is a simple affair, the frequency shift between an emitter of monochromatic light and a receiver becomes a rather complex event if these move at arbitrary speeds through a transmitting medium which is optically heterogeneous and anisotropic. In that case, such phenomena as aberration of light, light drag by flowing matter, the so-called “local-index-effect,” and the bending of the light path due to refraction, combine with the pure Doppler shift in affecting the frequency relation.Anisotropy of the medium, as resulting from light drag by flowing matter, is inevitable if there does not exist an inertial frame of reference in which the medium is everywhere at rest. An example is the shock front.The theory of these effects is developed on the basis of the “principle of the invariance of the phase function under Lorentz transformation” and the “principle of the constancy of the frequency in stationary media.”Formulas are developed for the frequency shift between emitter and receiver if the signal goes from the emitter via one or more reflectors to the receiver, all moving at arbitrary speeds through a medium which may be heterogeneous, anisotropic, and include flow fields, shock fronts, etc.
Treatment of childhood acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura with anti-D immune globulin or pooled immune globulin☆☆☆

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of initial treatment of children with acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) with anti-D immune globulin (anti-D) or pooled IgG immune globulin (IVIg). Study design: The medical charts of 33 children diagnosed with acute ITP from May 1995 to October 1997 were reviewed. Patient data were eligible for analysis if, for the new diagnosis of acute ITP, the patient had received either anti-D at 45 to 50 μg/kg (WinRho SD, NABI) or IVIg at 0.8 to 1 g/kg (Gammagard SD, Baxter-Highland). The platelet response time for each treatment group was compared by the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Time to achieve a platelet count ≥20 × 10 9 /L (20,000/mm 3 ) was 1.54 ± 0.51 days in the IVIg group (n = 13) and 1.26 ± 0.82 days in the anti-D group (n = 14) ( P = .34). Time to achieve a platelet count ≥40 × 10 9 /L (40,000/mm 3 ) was 1.77 ± 0.74 and 1.49 ± 1.01 days for the IVIg and anti-D groups, respectively ( P = .32). Children given IVIg were hospitalized for 2.1 ± 0.87 days, whereas those given anti-D were hospitalized for 1.94 ± 1.08 days. A net decrease in hemoglobin concentration was observed after receipt of IVIg (9.1 ± 7.3 g/L [0.91 ± 0.73 g/dL]) and after anti-D therapy (4.5 ± 10.3 g/L [0.45 ± 1.03 g/dL], P = .23). No patient required intervention for hemolysis. Conclusions: In this retrospective analysis anti-D was as effective as IVIg for the treatment of acute ITP in children. However, randomized, controlled trials are needed to establish the role of anti-D in the treatment of acute ITP in children. (J Pediatr 1999;134:21-6)
Combined-modality therapy with gemcitabine and radiation therapy as a bladder preservation strategy: long-term results of a phase I trial.

Purpose: A Phase I trial of twice-weekly gemcitabine and concurrent radiation therapy (RT) was performed in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. We present the final analysis of bladder-intact survival (BIS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS). Methods and Materials: Eligible patients had muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma (cT2-3) and were candidates for cystectomy. Patients underwent maximal transurethral resection of bladder tumor followed by twice-weekly gemcitabine with concurrent RT to the bladder (total of 60 Gy over 6 weeks). Gemcitabine doses ranged from 10 to 33 mg/m{sup 2}. Results: Median follow-up was 5.6 years (range, 0.6-9.5 years). Twenty-three of 24 patients were evaluable for response. All patients were clinical stage T2. Locoregional failure occurred in seven patients (30%), which were successfully salvaged by radical cystectomy (n = 5) or intravesical therapy (n = 2). Four local failures occurred > 5 years after therapy. Most local failures were noninvasive tumors (Ta or Tis, n = 6). Ten patients (43%) experienced optimal outcome (no failures and bladder intact). The 5-year actuarial estimates of survival are BIS 62%, OS 76%, and DSS 82%. Conclusion: Twice-weekly gemcitabine with concurrent RT is well tolerated and provides rates of survival and bladder preservation that are comparable tomore » the existing literature. All locoregional failures were successfully salvaged by either radical cystectomy or intravesical therapy. Given the high proportion of late local failures, we recommend long-term monitoring when using this regimen. Future studies comparing the safety and efficacy of gemcitabine- vs. platinum-based bladder preservation protocols are pending.« less
Micro- to nanoscale structure of biocompatible PLA-PEO-PLA hydrogels.

We observe large-scale structures in hydrogels of poly(l-lactide)−poly(ethylene oxide)−poly(l-lactide) (PLLA−PEO−PLLA) ranging in size from a few hundred nanometers to several micrometers. These structures are apparent through both ultra-small angle scattering (USAS) techniques and confocal microscopy. The hydrogels showed power law scattering in the USAS regime, which is indicative of scattering from fractal structures. The fractal dimension of the scattering from hydrogels revealed that the gels have large size aggregates with a mass fractal structure over the nanometer-to-micrometer length scales. The aggregates also seem to become more “dense” with an increase in the molecular weight of crystalline PLLA domains. Visualization through confocal microscopy confirms that the gels have a microstructure of interspersed micrometer-sized polymer inhomogeneities with water channels running between them. The presence of micrometer-sized water channels in the hydrogels has very important implications for biomedi...
Transition Planning Assessment for Secondary-Level Students with Learning Disabilities:

This article presents a survey of and recommendations for transition planning assessment for secondary teachers of students with learning disabilities. The author makes a case for redirecting assessment practices in secondary instructional programs to obtain present-level-of-functioning information for IEP planning that extends beyond high school graduation as a single outcome. Critical outcomes in adult adjustment requiring transition planning are presented. Current standardized and nonstandardized assessment procedures that focus on adult outcomes, as well as preferences and interests in planning for the future, are described. The author gives recommendations for planning and conducting transition-needs assessment for secondary schools.
Donor and recipient effects on graft and patient survival

Deceased Donor Effects Donor Risk Index. The donor risk index attempts to quantify the recipient risk of graft failure associated with donor characteristics at the time of the organ offer: a donor age greater 40 years, donation after cardiac death, split grafts, African American race, shorter height, cerebrovascular accident, and other causes of brain death (Table 1). However, without clear evidence of improving outcomes, its clinical utility has been questioned.
Microbial-Influenced Corrosion (MIC) on an 18 in. API 5L X52 Trunkline

Analysis of failed sections from a 31 km long pipeline show that premature failure was caused by microbial-influenced corrosion. This case history summarizes the failure analysis and demonstrates the need for extreme care when using untreated water to hydrotest a pipeline.
The properties of surface diffusion processed V3Ga tape

Abstract The rapid growth of superconducting magnet technology is leading to many applications of superconductivity in science and industry. At present, the most widely used practical superconductors are NbTi alloys and Nb3Sn compounds. Surface diffusion processed V3Ga tape possesses an outstanding current carrying capacity in high magnetic fields. This paper is concerned with the properties of the V3Ga tape which is produced by us on a commercial scale.
Assessment of air pollution impact

Abstract Several essential steps of air quality assessment are described, including identification, prediction, and evaluation of critical variables and potential changes of air quality. A coal-reconversion power plant in New York was selected as an example to illustrate the assessment.
A transglutaminase homologue as a condensation catalyst in antibiotic assembly lines

The unrelenting emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens demands the investigation of antibiotics with new modes of action. The pseudopeptide antibiotic andrimid is a nanomolar inhibitor of the bacterial acetyl-CoA carboxylase that catalyses the first committed step in prokaryotic fatty acid biosynthesis. Recently, the andrimid (adm) biosynthetic gene cluster was isolated and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. This establishes a heterologous biological host in which to rapidly probe features of andrimid formation and to use biosynthetic engineering to make unnatural variants of this important and promising new class of antibiotics. Bioinformatic analysis of the adm cluster revealed a dissociated biosynthetic assembly system lacking canonical amide synthases between the first three carrier protein domains. Here we report that AdmF, a transglutaminase (TGase) homologue, catalyses the formation of the first amide bond, an N-acyl-beta-peptide link, in andrimid biosynthesis. Hence, AdmF is a newly discovered biosynthetic enzyme that acts as a stand-alone amide synthase between protein-bound, thiotemplated substrates in an antibiotic enzymatic assembly line. TGases (enzyme class (EC) 2.3.2.13) normally catalyse the cross-linking of (poly)peptides by creating isopeptidic bonds between the gamma-carboxamide group of a glutamine side chain of one protein and various amine donors, including lysine side chains. To the best of our knowledge, the present study constitutes the first report of a TGase-like enzyme recruited for the assembly of an antibiotic. Moreover, genome mining using the AdmF sequence yielded additional TGases in unassigned natural product biosynthetic pathways. With many more microbial genomes being sequenced, such a strategy could potentially unearth biosynthetic pathways producing new classes of antibiotics.
Demonstration of 300 Gbps Error-Free Transmission of WDM Data Stream in Silicon Photonic Wires

We present the first experimental demonstration of error-free (bit error rates < 10-12) transmission of a 300-Gbps WDM data stream through a 2-cm-long silicon photonic wire using 24 C-band channels, each modulated at 12.5 Gbps.
Adsorption in Controlled-Pore Glasses: Comparison of Molecular Simulations with a Mean-Field Lattice Gas Model

We consider the possible quantitative application of a lattice-gas model approach to the calculation of adsorption isotherms. In order to validate such application, we use the lattice-gas approach to solve for the adsorption and desorption isotherms in model controlled-pore glasses that have previously been the subject of an extensive series of Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations. We find that the lattice-gas model augmented with longer-ranged interactions provides a quite good account of adsorption in some of these systems for appropriate choice of several system parameters, but that the quality of agreement depends on the pore size of the material.
CENTRAL ENGINES OF ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI: PROPERTIES OF COLLIMATED OUTFLOWS AND APPLICATIONS FOR COSMOLOGY

Powerful extended radio galaxies in the 3CR sample are observed out to redshifts of about 2. For redshifts greater than 0.3, the average lobe-lobe size of these sources decreases monotonically with redshift for all reasonable cosmological parameter choices. This suggests that the characteristic time for which an active galactic nucleus (AGN) produces highly collimated outflows that power radio emission is shorter for high-redshift sources than it is for low-redshift sources. The analysis presented here supports this conclusion. The relation between the active lifetime and the beam power of powerful extended radio galaxies is investigated here. It is found that the data are accurately described by a model in which the active lifetime of the source, t*, is written as a power law in the energy extraction rate, Lj. The exponent of the power law is estimated to be β 2.1 ± 0.6, where β is defined by t*Lj−β/3. Note that the value of β for an Eddington-limited system of zero is excluded by this analysis. The fact that β is constrained to lie within a certain range may be used to constrain models of large-scale jet production and cosmological parameters. The comparison of the redshift evolution of characteristic source sizes with the average lobe-lobe size for powerful extended 3CR radio galaxies can be used to constrain cosmological parameters if three empirically estimated quantities can be accurately determined for a subset of the sources. This method of using radio sources as a modified standard yardstick is very similar to the use of supernovae as a modified standard candle. As discussed here, one observable quantity, the lobe propagation velocity, is beset by potential biases that are not completely understood. The analysis presented here shows that these biases do not significantly affect the results on β but must be studied in more detail before cosmological parameters can be estimated precisely. Allowing for the potential biases mentioned above, best fits of the data yield a low value of Ω0, which is about 2 σ away from a flat, matter-dominated universe.
Simple yet complete heuristics for transforming data flow diagrams into Booch style diagrams

This paper presents some simple heuristics for transforming a requirements specification (for a non-real time application) expressed as a data flow diagram (DFD) into a design architecture expressed as an extended Booch diagram. This architecture provides a starting point for subsequent design refinement. The transformations based on simple heuristics were implemented in a research tool. We show that simple things work. We also show that the design architecture satisfies the property of completeness, i.e. all the information in the DFD is preserved in the Booch diagram, and that it has good coupling and cohesion properties. The design architecture is amenable to various design optimizations by automated or manual means.
An Equity - Exchange Model Of Organizational Involvement

An equity-exchange model for organizational involvement is proposed, based upon the earlier models of Barnard and March and Simon. The model integrates several aspects of the literature including Adams' equity theory and Etzioni's typology of organizational involvements.
Stabilization of a system with saturating, non-monotone hysteresis and frequency dependent power losses by a PD controller

We prove the closed loop stability of a PD controller for certain systems with saturating, non-monotone hysteresis and frequency dependent power losses. Most controllers use inverse compensators to cancel out actuator hysteresis nonlinearity. We show that we can achieve stability of the closed-loop system without an explicit inverse computation (using least squares minimization or otherwise).
Basic concepts in existential psychotherapy with couples and families

Existential psychotherapy with couples and families is a treatment approach that pays close attention to both problems and the meanings and meaning potentials to be found in daily marital and family life. The author reviews both the elements and treatment dynamics to be found in existential treatment with couples and families and overviews the practice of creative interaction between the existential psychotherapist and the marital and/or family members requesting help.
Perceived control, depressive symptomatology, and professional burnout: A review of the evidence

Abstract The term “burnout” refers to a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment that can occur in human service professionals. There are now over 2,000 publications on the topic. This paper reviews a subset of the literature concerned with burnout, depressive symptomatology, and perceptions of job control. It appears that the first two constructs share appreciable variance but are not isomorphic. Research also indicates that the development of burnout has a modest association with perceptions of job uncontrollability (i.e., perceived lack of autonomy and little decisional latitude). A conceptual model proposing that perceived uncontrollability induces depression indirectly. by operating through differences in the magnitude of burnout received only equivocal support in longitudinal studies. Prospective designs were proposed as a high priority for future burnout research. Other recommendations for future research included rests of a model that hypothesizes fr...
Mechanical fuel treatment effects on fuel loads and indices of crown fire potential in a south central New Mexico dry mixed conifer forest

Abstract The ability of mechanical fuel reduction treatments to mitigate severe fire behavior in dry mixed conifer forests is of interest to land managers as well as the public. We compared fuel loads and indices of crown fire potential to test treatment effectiveness following commercial and non-commercial treatments with differing slash prescriptions in mixed conifer stands at three sites on the Lincoln National Forest in south central New Mexico. Surface and canopy fuels were measured and used to develop custom fuel models in NEXUS 2.0 to estimate torching and crowning indices. Results indicated herbaceous fuel loads were unchanged compared to controls 2 years post-non-commercial and 1 year post-commercial harvest treatment. Sound 1000-h fuels were greater in the scatter and commercial treatments compared to control treatments. The commercial treatment resulted in stand structure closer to historical conditions. Canopy base height increased in all treatments except in stands previously treated 20–30 years ago. Commercial harvest was the only treatment to reduce canopy bulk density and the potential for active crown fire, with the exception of one pile treatment. Non-commercial pile treatments increased the TI. However, due to the danger of crown fire initiation from adjacent stands, further overstory removal is needed in non-commercial treatments to lower crowning potential. Prescribed fire may be used to increase treatment effectiveness in all overstory removal treatments by decreasing surface fuels.
Cooperative hydrogen bonding effects are key determinants of backbone amide proton chemical shifts in proteins.

A computational methodology for backbone amide proton chemical shift (δH) predictions based on ab initio quantum mechanical treatment of part of the protein is presented. The method is used to predict and interpret 13 δH values in protein G and ubiquitin. The predicted amide−amide δH values are within 0.6 ppm of experiment, with a root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of 0.3 ppm. We show that while the hydrogen bond geometry is the most important δH-determinant, longer-range cooperative effects of extended hydrogen networks make significant contributions to δH. We present a simple model that accurately relates the protein structure to δH.
Biological effects of 6-methyl-Δ5-androstene-3β-ol-17-one

Abstract Androgenic activity with respect to the phallus and preputial glands was exhibited by 6-methyl-DHA, but this was significantly less than the androgenic activity of DHA. No effect of 6-methyl-DHA on the rate of epiphyseal fusion was detected under conditions in which DHA was active. The methyl group at C-6 was found to completely block the estrogenic action that the parent compound exhibits in immature mice in the presence of the ovary.
Advances in therapy for hepatitis C infection

Abstract The first approved therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was recombinant interferon. Subsequently, controlled studies demonstrated that the combination of interferon-α and ribavirin leads to significantly higher virologic sustained responses in patients with chronic hepatitis C. A novel modification of the interferon molecule resulted in the formulation of pegylated interferons, which have a longer half-life than standard interferon. Two recent trials have established the superiority of pegylated interferons compared with interferon-α in inducing sustained virologic responses in patients with chronic HCV infection, with or without cirrhosis. Presumably, pegylated interferons will replace standard interferon in treating HCV infection. Phase 3 trials of pegylated interferons in combination with ribavirin are currently under way. Noninterferon-based therapies for the treatment of HCV infection are also in the developmental and experimental phases. Our aims in this review are to present the currently available therapeutic options for HCV infection and the evidence supporting their use in typical patients with chronic hepatitis C or in patients with special circumstances. We also briefly review novel therapeutic approaches, including noninterferon-based therapies.
Improvements in the production of Yb:YAG transparent ceramic materials: Spray drying optimisation

Abstract Spray drying parameters have been optimized for the preparation of granulated stoichiometric mixture of oxides. These oxides are used in the production of Yb:YAG laser grade ceramic materials by reactive sintering. The selected compositions were Yb 0.294 Y 2.706 Al 5 O 12 and Yb 0.03 Y 2.97 Al 5 O 12 , i.e. YAG doped with 9.8 and 1.0 at% of Yb with respect to the overall Y + Yb amount. The influence of solid content, drying medium flux, temperature and aspiration rate of the spray drying process on the transparency of the sintered materials has been evaluated. Sintering was conducted under high vacuum and clean atmosphere in the temperature range of 1650–1735 °C and with a soaking time of 16 h. SEM analysis of the microstructure of granulated powders and sintered materials, as well as the transmittance measurement, were used as tools to guide the selection of the best spray drying parameters.
Comparison of optical and mechanical limits of linear relaxation behavior in glassy polycarbonate

The decay in birefringence of glassy polycarbonate held at constant extension has been studied at 23°C, in the time-scale range 10–103 sec, up to about 6% strain. The results show that, under these conditions, the birefringence can be validly expressed as a linear hereditary integral of the strain history up to a relatively high strain level which is about 3.4% for an experimental time-scale of 100 sec. Comparison with previously obtained data on the stress relaxation behavior of the same polymer shows that, other factors remaining constant, mechanical relaxation is linear only up to about 1.1% strain. The earlier onset of mechanical nonlinearity is discussed and it is suggested that the mechanical relaxation spectrum is richer than the optical spectrum in relatively long relaxation times, corresponding to relatively slow molecular motions. It is further suggested that these slow molecular motions are accelerated first as the polymer is extended beyond the limit of linear viscoelastic behavior. The observed nonidentity between strain limits for linear mechanical and linear optical behavior is discussed in the light of current practices in photomechanical stress analysis.