cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SPRINT-A Kidney-Centric Narrative Review: Recent Advances in Hypertension

Hypertension is a potent cardiovascular risk factor with deleterious end-organ effects and is especially prevalent among patients with chronic kidney disease. The SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) enrolled patients at an elevated cardiac risk including patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease and found that an intensive systolic blood pressure goal of <120 mm Hg significantly reduced the rates of adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality and nonsignificantly reduced the rates of probable dementia; these results were consistent whether one had chronic kidney disease or not. However, results of intensive blood pressure therapy on chronic kidney disease progression were inconclusive, and there was an increased risk of incident chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury, but the declines in kidney function appear to be hemodynamically driven and reversible. Overall, an intensive blood pressure target is effective in reducing cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality and may reduce the risk of probable dementia in patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease. More studies are needed to determine its long-term effects on kidney function.
Do I Really Need to Come for Blood Testing So Often? Appropriate Monitoring of Therapy and Disease by Laboratory Testing

We are fortunate to have many effective treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Most of our treatments work by modulating or suppressing the immune system, which is overactive in patients with IBD. While our treatments can often induce a remission and maintain a remission, they can also be associated with side effects. Close monitoring of our patients on these medications allows us to prevent complications of treatment. Mesalamine drugs, often used to treat ulcerative colitis, can rarely be associated with damage to the kidneys. Due to this rare, but potentially serious side effect, all patients taking this class of drug should have their kidney function tested every 6–12 months. Immunomodulators, such as azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine, can cause a drop in one’s blood counts and an increase in liver enzymes. As a patient begins these medications, frequent monitoring of blood counts and liver enzymes is needed. Once a stable dose is established, blood tests are often monitored every few months indefinitely. Likewise, patients on methotrexate also require frequent blood work to monitor for drops in blood counts or signs of liver inflammation. Patients on biologic therapies (such as infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, certolizumab, natalizumab, and vedolizumab) also require routine blood work, although typically only every 6–12 months. For several biologic therapies and immunomodulators, we are able to monitor drug levels which allow us to optimize an individual’s treatment or assess for intolerance to a given drug. Routine blood work helps monitor tolerance of therapy and also can provide clues to a patient’s disease state. Although frequent blood tests may seem inconvenient or uncomfortable, it is important to remember that proactive care is much more effective than reactive care, particularly for our patients with IBD.
Characterizing crystalline volcanic rock (CVR) deposits from Galiano Island, B.C., Canada: Implications for lithic material procurement at the Dionisio Point locality

Abstract We define the elemental signatures of crystalline volcanic rock (CVR) found within the Dionisio Point archeological locality on Galiano Island in coastal southwestern British Columbia. CVR is the dominant toolstone found in archeological assemblages at Dionisio Point and many other sites in the region. The quality of these materials for chipped stone tool manufacture and use is dependent in part on the silica content, which is highly variable. Basalt is considered a poor quality toolstone due to its low silica content of 45–55%, while andesite, dacite, and rhyolite are considered higher quality materials with silica content above 55%. Elemental composition analyses were performed using WDXRF in the WSU Geoanalytical Lab to determine whether local secondary CVR deposits had high silica content. Results show that low and high quality CVR cobbles were locally available to the precontact communities of the Dionisio Point locality, with basalt being the most abundant.
The role of context in case-based legal reasoning: teleological, temporal, and procedural

Computational models of relevance in case-based legal reasoning have traditionallybeen based on algorithms for comparing the facts and substantive legal issues of aprior case to those of a new case. In this paper we argue that robust models ofcase-based legal reasoning must also consider the broader social and jurisprudentialcontext in which legal precedents are decided. We analyze three aspects of legalcontext: the teleological relations that connect legal precedents to the socialvalues and policies they serve, the temporal relations between prior andsubsequent cases in a legal domain, and the procedural posture of legal cases,which defines the scope of their precedential relevance. Using real examples drawnfrom appellate courts of New York and Massachusetts, we show with the courts' ownarguments that the doctrine of stare decisis (i.e., similar facts should lead to similar results) is subject to contextual constraints and influences. For each of the three aspects of legal context, we outline an expanded computational framework for case-based legal reasoning that encompasses the reasoning of the examples, and provides a foundation for generating a more robust set of legal arguments.
Macrophages clear refrigerator storage–damaged red blood cells and subsequently secrete cytokines in vivo, but not in vitro, in a murine model

Background In mice, refrigerator-stored red blood cells (RBCs) are cleared by extravascular hemolysis and induce cytokine production. To enhance understanding of this phenomenon, we sought to model it in vitro. Study Design and Methods Ingestion of refrigerator-stored murine RBCs and subsequent cytokine production were studied using J774A.1 mouse macrophage cells and primary murine splenic macrophages. Wild-type and Ccl2-GFP reporter mice were used for RBC clearance in vivo. Results Although J774A.1 cells and primary macrophages preferentially ingested refrigerator-stored RBCs in vitro, compared to freshly isolated RBCs, neither produced increased cytokines after erythrophagocytosis. In contrast, phagocytosis of refrigerator-stored RBCs in vivo induced increases in circulating monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC) and correspondingly increased mRNA levels in mouse spleen and liver. In the spleen, these were predominantly expressed by CD11b+ cells. Using Ccl2-GFP reporter mice, the predominant splenic population responsible for MCP-1 mRNA production was tissue-resident macrophages (i.e., CD45+, CD11b+, F4/80+, Ly6c+, and CD11clow cells). Conclusion J774A.1 cells and primary macrophages selectively ingested refrigerator-stored RBCs by phagocytosis. Although cytokine expression was not enhanced, this approach could be used to identify the relevant receptor–ligand combination(s). In contrast, cytokine levels increased after phagocytosis of refrigerator-stored RBCs in vivo. These were primarily cleared in the liver and spleen, which demonstrated increased MCP-1 and KC mRNA expression. Finally, in mouse spleen, tissue-resident macrophages were predominantly involved in MCP-1 mRNA production. The differences between cytokine production in vitro and in vivo are not yet well understood.
Enteroviruses: Basic Biology and Diseases

General Properties History Epidemiology Growth in Cell Culture Identification Host Range Infectivity Immunity Pathogenesis Asymptomatic Infections Secondary Transmission Illnesses Caused by Enteroviruses Paralysis Perinatal and Neonatal Infections Herpangina Aseptic Meningitis Nonspecific Febrile Illness Exanthems (Eruption of the Skin) Respiratory Illness Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis (AHC) Diabetes Pleurodynia (Bornholm Disease) Myocarditis Diseases Associated with the Immunocompromised Other Illnesses Incidence of Enterovirus Infections Economic Impact Water and Food-Borne Outbreaks Keywords: enteroviruses; enteric viruses; viruses; viral diseases
Low-noise quantum frequency translation of single photons

We demonstrate quantum frequency translation of single photons via four-wave-mixing Bragg scattering using a liquid nitrogen cooled dispersion-shifted fiber. We achieve 80% photon conversion efficiency with less than 0.001 noise photons per 5ns gate.
Scheduling divisible loads with nonlinear communication time

A scheduling model for single level tree networks with various distribution policies is studied in which the communication time from the root to each node is nonlinear in the size of the load. An iterative method is implemented to solve the optimal load distribution. The difference between sublinear and superlinear complexity is examined, where many applications arise in the aerospace field.
Innovation’s Second Step

According to the textbooks, sales and distribution should be approached from the perspective of customer needs. An individual or company simply wants the product to be available at a certain time and place, in the correct quantity and at the right price. While unassailable from the customer’s point of view, this perspective ignores the interests of innovating companies, which often conflict with those of the customer, particularly as innovators move through the vulnerable scaling-up process and the “customer” becomes more than 10 percent of total revenue.
On the moments of the modified Weibull distribution

Abstract In a recent paper, Xie et al. [Reliab Eng Syst Saf 2002;76:279–85] proposed a modification of the Weibull distribution to allow it to exhibit bathtub-shaped failure rate functions. In this note, we derive explicit algebraic formulas for the k th moment of the distribution. The formulas allow one to calculate the moments for a wide range of values of k and the shape parameter of the modified Weibull. They also allow one to calculate the moments more easily with less computational time. Besides being of interest in their own, we believe that these formulas will be useful for any follow-up mathematical study of the proposed distribution.
Quantifying Mechanical Interactions between Cells in Small Clusters

Tissue cells typically utilize their actomyosin contractile machinery to actively pull on their environment, which can be either the extracellular matrix or neighboring cells. The mechanical forces that a cell exerts and experiences have been shown to regulate fundamental cellular processes, including cell growth, proliferation, differentiation and migration. However, little is known about the spatial distribution of mechanical stress in tissues. In particular, the extent to which mechanical forces are communicated through cell-cell interactions across a tissue is not well understood.Here, we present a novel method, based on high resolution traction force microscopy, to measure mechanical stresses that are transmitted through cell-cell interfaces in small cellular clusters (∼10 cells). Cells are classified according to the number of neighboring cells. We find that this degree of cellular connectivity can determine many properties, including the amount of force transmitted through a particular cellular interface. In order to determine how force balance in the cell cluster is locally achieved, we compared forces transmitted through cells to forces exerted on the underlying substrate. A correlation analysis of these forces reveals the length scale over which forces can be transmitted through the cell cluster. Furthermore, by molecular perturbations, we are identifying proteins that may be essential for long range stress communication in the cluster. The ability to quantify force communication between cells will allow us to examine how cell-cell mechanical interactions contribute to overall tissue stress and vice versa. It will also allow us to investigate the role of mechanical stresses in establishing signaling gradients. This will further our understanding of the role of mechanical stress in processes that require fine coordination between cells, such as collective migration in morphogenesis and cancer.
SU-E-T-387: Validation of a New System for Patient Specific IMRT QA and Comparison with Other Commerical Systems.

Purpose: The focus of this project is to compare the Octavius 4D with current commercial available dose validation systems: MatriXX MultiCube and Delta4. Methods and Materials: Many challenges are faced with properly measuring Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy(IMRT). It has become common practice for clinics to use film, arrays, or multiple detectors to validate dose measurements pretreatment for static and dynamic treatments. IMRT QAs for various treatment sites were measured for patients using three different dose validation systems. All measurements were taken on a Varian CLinac 2100 C/D, SN‐757, 80 MLC with 6MV. The treatment plans evaluated were Step‐N‐Shoot. Data analysis was performed using the software provided with each dose validation system. Detailed information was gathered from each system with their perspective advantages. The latest system, Octavius 4D, allows one to calculate the Gamma Index for Coronal, Sagittal, and Transversal views for every slice included in the measurement along with the traditional data analysis provided; histograms, horizontal and vertical profiles, DTA. Results and Discussion:The Gamma Index values were observed using the MatriXX Multicube, Delta4, and Octavius 4D. The treatment plan included five fields at various gantry angles. Also the gamma index and profiles were calculated for various treatment sites. Delta 4 and the Octavius 4D appears to be quite comparable. Each device has the ability to allow one to verify segmented and composite fields, measure dose profiles and analysis using the Gamma Method. ConclusionsSimilar IMRT QA measurements will be made for more Step‐N‐Shoot cases with the addition of SmartArcs. The limitations of each system will be determined for each system using the Gamma Index as a reference while varying the Region of Interest, Threshold, and Gamma Method (local, normalization, and maximum dose), as well as the 2D‐ profiles for these cases.
Relations between enzymatic and association reactions in the development of bovine fibrin clot structure

Abstract Development of fibrin clot structure was examined at pH 7.0, Γ/2 0.15, and 29 °C as a function of thrombin and fibrinogen concentrations. Parameters for the release of Apeptides, to give ƒ A were evaluated. Characteristics of time dependencies of development of turbidity, 90 ° light scattering, network, and compactible network were established. Mean mass/length ratios of fibrin in developing and mature networks were determined. Relationships between results combined with an inferred dependence of lateral interaction on release of B-peptides are used to disclose a model in which a protofibril network is formed first and the intrinsic length of this network (i.e., length exclusive of overlap or loose ends) determines network length, thus mean mass/length ratio, at maturity. Statements regarding initial protofibril network are: (i) A dominant group of ƒ A -protofibrils appears first. With decreasing rate of production of ƒ A their average length increases and number decreases. (ii) Slower release of B-peptides produces ƒ AB whose fraction θ AB = ƒ AB (ƒ A +ƒ AB ) determines the occurrence of protofibril regions capable of contributing to a lateral interaction sufficiently stable for the formation of network. (iii) When dominant protofibrils attain a minimum combination of average length, number concentration, and frequency of occurrence of capable regions, an initial protofibril network is rapidly generated. (iv) Capable regions near protofibril ends are preferentially involved in initial network formation. (v) The initial network mesh size is large compared to average concomitant free protofibril length. (vi) With B-peptide release dependent on prior A-peptide release, protofibrils in the initial network have the highest capable region frequency, and this is maintained as lateral interaction progresses. Then, fibrin which is free at initial network formation and fibrin which is produced subsequently interact mainly to increase the mean mass/length ratio of initial network elements.
Design evaluation of a double ring RCM mechanism for robotic needle guidance in MRI-guided liver interventions

MRI-guided percutaneous liver interventions have been investigated by researchers as an alternative to CT-guided procedures as it is non-invasive and provides greater soft tissue details. In practice, however, repeated needle insertion is still required to reach desired positions on trial-and-error basis. To minimize the needle attempt and procedural time, we designed a robotic needle guidance device that provides needle insertion angle guidance at skin entry using two rotational joints structured for remote-center-of-motion manipulation. To evaluate the mechanism and clinical feasibility, we fabricated a proof-of-concept prototype that can be manually operated. As preliminary design evaluation, we conducted a retrospective clinical study of 13 MRI-guided abdominal biopsies to determine if the proposed mechanism and device can provide necessary needle insertion angles in MRI-guided liver biopsy procedures. The number of needle insertion attempts per biopsy was also measured. To confirm the kinematic design of the double ring remote-center-of-motion mechanism and to identify any procedural difficulties, we conducted a phantom targeting experiment. The retrospective clinical study showed that the 80 degree insertion angle coverage of the device is sufficient for clinical cases, and an average of five needle insertion attempts per biopsy in conventional MRI-guided biopsy can be reduced by the proposed device. A phantom targeting experiment confirmed that the unique kinematic design was successfully implementation in the targeting.
Correlation of song frequency and body weight in passerine birds

Frequency analysis of the songs of 90 European passerine species shown a correlation with body weight. In a number of species a dependence on habitat was found.
Relative contributions of ΔJ = 2 and ΔJ = 1 transitions in rotationally inelastic collisions of polar molecules

Previously developed first‐ and second‐order semiclassical perturbation theory is employed to treat rotationally inelastic collisions between pairs of linear molecules. The dependence of the cross sections σ (ΔJ = 1) and σ(ΔJ = 2) on the rotational constants, dipole and quadrupole moments, and reduced masses of the colliding molecules is investigated. It is shown that the rotational constant has a dominant role in determining the relative magnitude of the cross sections ΔJ = 2 compared to ΔJ = 1. Much of the observed cross section behavior can be explained through collisional resonance effects. The conditions for significant ΔJ = 2 transitions are discussed and illustrated with rotational transitions in the molecules HF, HCl, DCl, HBr, OCS, HCN, ClCN, and BrCN. Each of these molecules interacted with a thermal bath of molecules of the same species. Results are also presented for the systems HCl:DCl and DCl:HCl where the first molecule in each pair is the observed species. The resulting cross section ratios σ(ΔJ = 2)/σ(ΔJ = 1) in these studies ranged from 0.14 for HF to 0.73 for DCl:HCl.
Using Consulting Projects to Teach Critical Thinking Skills in Business Communication

There is more to successful communication than learning the styles and proce dures often found in the traditional business communication syllabus. In this article, I discuss the benefits of using a critical-thinking approach to helping students to understand the complex social and political environment in which business communication is practiced. I explain how communication consult ing projects can be used to examine the context of organizational communica tion. Finally, I discuss the implications for teaching business and technical communication using a real-world, critical approach.
From culture to vaccine--Salk and Sabin.

Salk and Sabin raced along divergent pathways to develop vaccines that would be safe and effective in humans. Dr. Samuel L. Katz recounts that the two scientists were treated quite differently by their colleagues and by the public.
Security with Privacy -- Opportunities and Challenges: Panel Position Paper

This paper summarizes opportunities and challenges concerning how we can achieve security while still ensuring privacy. It identifies research directions and includes a number of questions that have been debated by the panel.
Explosion From Argon Cautery During Proctoileoscopy of a Patient With a Colectomy

We report a unique case of a 70-year-old woman with Gardner's syndrome who had a subtotal colectomy with ileoproctostomy. Since then, she has undergone 12 uncomplicated proctoileoscopies, each time with argon plasma coagulation ablation of small polyps without any bowel preparation. However, during the most recent procedure, when we attempted to cauterize some rectal polyps, an immediate explosion occurred, leading to multiple rectal and ileal perforations that required surgical repair with a temporary end ileostomy. This event suggests that bacterial fermentation of colonic content or visible feces is not necessary for combustion because we observed a cautery-related explosion in the absence of a colon. This case shows the need for adequate bowel preparation if cautery is to be used, even in patients who have undergone a colectomy.
Fluorine-19 NMR studies of the thermal unfolding of 5-fluorouracil-substituted Escherichia coli valine transfer RNA

19F NMR spectroscopy was used to monitor the thermal unfolding of E. coli tRNAVal labeled by incorporation of 5-fluorouracil (FUra). With rising temperatures, resonances in the 19F NMR spectrum of (FUra)tRNAVal gradually shift towards the central region of the spectrum and merge into a single broad peak above 85°C. FU55 and FU12 are the first to shift, beginning at temperatures below 40°C, which suggests that the initial steps of thermal denaturation of tRNAVal involve disruption of the tertiary interactions between the D- and T-arms. The acceptor stem and the FU64-G50 wobble base pair in the T-stem are particularly stable to thermal denaturation. A temperature-dependent splitting of the 19F resonance assigned to FU64, at temperatures above 40°C, suggests that the T-arm of (FUra)tRNAVal exists in two conformations in slow exchange on the NMR time scale.
Introduction and rationale for individualized substance abuse prevention from an ontogenetic perspective.

Background: Progress in substance abuse prevention science could be accelerated by more closely aligning studies, methodologies, and intervention program testing with the ontogenetic orientations of its underlying theories and etiology research. This article introduces the Ontogenetic Prevention approach, describes some aspects of what this orientation offers for substance abuse prevention, and provides an overview of this full special issue. Methods: Review of the substance abuse prevention literature illustrates specific aspects of Ontogenetic Prevention. Conclusions: The Ontogenetic Prevention perspective and each of the manuscripts in this special issue provide channels whereby substance abuse prevention can evolve from a science that relies largely on universal intervention to diversification for meeting the needs of individuals under specific developmental circumstances.
Acetylation of Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimers

The precise stoichiometry required for the acetylation of surface amines of a poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer generation 5 (G5) was verified by using potentiometric titration, gel permeation chr...
Effect of nitroglycerin with and without systemic hypotension on canine regional myocardial tritiated water deposition

A marked alteration in the transmural distribution of left ventricular blood flow, with a relative increase in subendocardial and mid-wall flows, but with no change in the distribution of the relative blood flow to the two ventricles occurred when nitroglycerin was administered and the systemic arterial blood pressure in the upper body maintained near control levels in anaesthetized, open-chested dogs. The relative increase in subendocardial and mid-wall flows may have resulted from a direct action of nitroglycerin on the coronary vasculature. On the other hand, the intravenous administration of nitroglycerin, when followed by the hypotension which it produces, did not alter the transmural distribution of blood flow in the left ventricle of the dog. Blood flow to the right ventricle relative to flow to the left ventricle increased in this situation.
Reflections on Information Confusion in Chemistry Information Learning: The Meaning of the Shift from Library Instruction to Information Literacy

Abstract Library instruction in chemistry is typically organized around CAS Online . The advent of the Web, the increased access to networked indexes, and what appears to be a confusion surrounding the Web, should give reason to reconsider library instruction methodology. An apparent confusion surrounding print and electronic, Web versus traditional indexes, and CAS Online versus other indexes prompted the re-tooling of the basic bibliographic instruction for chemistry at the John Cotton Dana Library at Rutgers University. Our sessions were revised to ensure that students would develop concrete critical thinking strategies that would serve them in their future studies or in the workplace. This article presents a case study of chemistry senior seminar library sessions, the factors that led to a “less is more” approach, the time investment required, and the results of the remodeled sessions.
Type II brain sodium channel expression in non-neuronal cells: embryonic rat osteoblasts.

Abstract Although voltage-sensitive sodium channels play a central role in electrogenesis in neurons, rat brain sodium channels are also present in some glial cells. To determine whether rat brain sodium channel α-subunit isotypes are expressed in other cell types, we examined osteoblasts within the embryonic day 17 (E17) vertebral column with in situ hybrization and immunocytochemical methods. For in situ hybridization studies, riboprobes hybridizing to isoform-specific sequences in the 3′-noncoding region of sodium channel mRNAs (NCI, NCII and NCIII) were utilized. Sodium channel mRNA I and III were not detectable in osteoblasts of the vertebra centrum or neural arches in E17 rats. In contrast, sodium channel mRNA II was moderately expressed by osteoblasts in the developing vertebral column of E17 rats. In immunocytochemical experiments, antipeptide antibodies directed against conserved and isotype-specific regions of the sodium channel α-subunit were used. Antibody SP20, which recognizes a conserved region of the sodium channel, intensely stains osteoblasts in both the vertebra centrum and neural arches. Antibody SP11-I, which recognizes sodium channel I, exhibited negligible-to-low levels of immunostaining in vertebral column osteoblasts. Osteoblasts reacted with antibody SP11-II, which recognizes sodium channel II, displayed moderate levels of immunostaining. Antibody SP32-III, which recognizes sodium channel III, displayed negligible levels of staining in osteoblasts within vertebra centrum and neural arches. These results demonstrate that osteoblasts in situ within E17 vertebral columns express sodium channel II mRNA and protein. Together with previous electrophysiological observations, the present results suggest that functional sodium channels are expressed in osteoblasts in vivo. These results extend the range of non-neuronal cells known to express rat brain sodium channels.
Cytotoxicity and effect on mutagenicity of buffers in a microsuspension assay.

We have examined the effects of three buffers–-Vogel-Bonner minimal E (VBM) and 0.15 and 0.015 M sodium phosphate, pH 7.4–-and two concentrations of overnight cells (5× and 10×) on the mutagenicity of two pure compounds and two complex mixtures in strain TA98 using a modification of a microsuspension assay developed by Kado et al. (Mutation Research 121:25–32, 1983). The assay was performed by adding 50 μ1 of cell concentrate of an overnight culture of TA98 resuspended in the appropriate buffer; 50 μ1 of the same buffer or S9 mix; and 2 μ1 of mutagen or dimethyl sulfoxide to a 1-dram vial or 13 × 150-mm test tube. The suspension was incubated for 90 min at 37°C, top agar was added, and the contents poured onto a bottom agar of minimal medium. Cell concentration (5× vs. 10×) had little effect on the mutagenic potencies of the agents tested. The mutagenic potencies of the direct-acting agents (1-nitropyrene and diesel exhaust) were consistently lower with 0.15 M buffer compared to the mutagenic potencies of these agents with the other two buffers. The three buffers gave similar results for the indirect-acting agents (2-aminoanthracene and environmental tobacco smoke). The 0.15 M buffer was considerably cytotoxic in the absence of S9, which may explain why the direct-acting agents were less potent with this buffer compared to the other buffers. VBM was also somewhat cytotoxic, but this did not appear to affect the mutagenic potencies of the agents studied. Thus, other factors in addition to cytotoxicity may account for the effects of the different buffers on the mutagenic potencies of the direct-acting mutagens. Based on these results, we recommend the use of 0.015 M sodium phosphate buffer or VBM and either 5× or 10× cells for use with the microsuspension assay described here.
Middle- infrared electroluminescence of n-type Cr doped ZnSe crystals

ABSTRACT We report the study of middle-infrared electroluminescence of n-type, Cr doped bulk ZnSe crystals. n-type, Cr-doped ZnSe samples were prepared in three stages. At the first stage, the undoped polycrystalline ZnSe samples were grown by chemical vapor deposition. During the second stage, the doping of 1 mm thick ZnSe polycrystalline wafers was performed by post-growth thermal diffusion of Cr. Finally, Cr:ZnSe wafers were annealed with Al 2 Se 3 and ZnSe powders in sealed vacuumed ampoules at 950 qC for 96 hours. Comparison of the absorption spectra of the crystals before and after thermal diffusion with Aluminum indicates the preservation of the desired Cr 2+ ions. Ohmic contacts for electrical measurements were formed by polishing the facets and wetting the surface of the crystals with In. The best crystals demonstrated conductivity of up to 10-100 ohm* cm. The electroluminescence measurements were taken using synchronous detection methods with an InSb detector. A pulse generator output (100V) at 5 kHz and a lock-in amplifier were used to distinguish luminescence signals from other possible noise sources. We report the observation of middle-infrared (2-3 P m and 8 P m) and visible (~600 nm) electroluminescence of n-type Cr doped bulk ZnSe crystals. Keywords : Electroluminescence, middle-infrared, Cr :ZnSe, n-type ZnSe, ohmic contacts.
Financial market development and trade openness: evidence from emerging economies

International trade is said to be the engine of economic growth. Despite an enormous effort to explain this phenomenon, the relationship between financial market development and trade openness and integration into the world economy is still an enigma. This article investigates the relationship between financial market development and trade openness. To do this, we develop a long-run and short-run model (a bounds testing approach to cointegration) for 18 emerging economies over the period 1980 to 2011. Estimates from all models show that financial market development, including both the stock market and the banking sector, has significant effect on trade openness in both short-run and long-run phenomena in the majority of countries. Despite many similarities among emerging economies, additional evidence suggests that the link between either stock market development or banking sector development with trade openness works via each country’s specific structure.
Kinetics of the (A3 Sigma u+, v=0) state of N2 in the near afterglow of a nitrogen pulsed discharge

The absolute densities of the nitrogen metastable molecules N2(A3 Sigma u+, v=0) were measured as a function of time using a high resolution laser absorption within the first positive system (B3 Pi g(v'=2) from A3 Sigma u+(v=0)) in a stationary afterglow of the pure nitrogen pulsed electric discharge. The experiments were performed at various pressures (0.25-1.25 Torr), discharge currents (0.4-1.3 A) and pulse lengths (5-30 mu s). The lifetimes and populations are in the range 100-470 mu s and (0.3-2.7)*1012 cm-3 respectively. The postulated kinetic model describes the measured lifetimes within an experimental error. The model takes into consideration the loss of N2(A) metastables due to energy pooling, quenching by nitrogen atoms and diffusion to the walls. Calculations of dissociation rates and nitrogen atom densities are based on the vibrational excitation of the ground electronic state N2(X).
High-Voltage Fusing of Transformer Banks

The paper summarizes some 15 years' experience with the high-side fusing of 11-, 22-, and some 66-kv transformer banks. The original purpose of fusing has through this experience been expanded to cover functions that are deemed desirable, and the authors feel that their approach to the specific protection field served by fuses has resulted in satisfactory protection at minimum cost. The results of some faults occurring in fused and unfused banks are described briefly, and the various factors taken into consideration in selecting the proper fuse to use are discussed. The conclusions drawn are that fuses, when applicable, are a satisfactory economical means of obtaining reasonable coverage for faults in and beyond transformer banks.
The Life History of the Utah (Desert) Valvata, Valvata utahensis, in the Snake River, Idaho

ABSTRACT We describe the life history of the Utah (desert) valvata (Valvata utahensis, Call 1884) based on original research, field collected information, and review of the available literature. We report here the description, feeding, reproductive biology, life cycle, habitat use, and distribution and status of V. utahensis in the Snake River of southern Idaho, USA.
Positronium formation during scattering of positrons by hydrogen atoms.

The formation of positronium (Ps) in different states by the impact of intermediate energy (20--500 eV) positrons on atomic hydrogen is calculated using the distorted-wave Born approximation along with the first Born approximation. Differential and integrated cross sections for the formation of Ps(1{ital s}), Ps(2{ital s}), Ps(2{ital p}{sub 0}), and Ps(2{ital p}{sub 1}) have been evaluated individually and then 1/{ital n}{sup 3} behavior for charge-transfer cross sections is used for {ital n}{gt}=3 to obtain the total cross sections for positronium formation. The present results for positronium formation cross sections are in agreement with the results of other available investigations.
Surf zone characterization for integration with remote sensing data

Abstract A numerical model that solves the unsteady, incompressible, Reynolds averaged, Navier–Stokes equations has been utilized to simulate 57 cases of monochromatic, breaking waves over a sloping bed. The Volume of Fluid technique is used to track the complex, discontinuous free surface and the Renormalized Group turbulence model is used for closure. The model is validated by comparing predictions with Particle Image Velocimetry data and other empirical results. The model results are used to determine a relationship between the incipient wave breaking height and the maximum orbital velocity as well as a relationship between surf zone width and breaker type. Such expressions may be useful for remote sensing methods like Synthetic Aperture Radar to derive breaker height and classification from image data.
Brief Intervention for Hazardous and Harmful Drinkers in the Emergency Department

Study objective To determine the efficacy of emergency practitioner–performed brief intervention for hazardous/harmful drinkers in reducing alcohol consumption and negative consequences in an emergency department (ED) setting. Methods A randomized clinical trial (Project ED Health) was conducted in an urban ED from May 2002 to November 2003 for hazardous/harmful drinkers. Patients 18 years or older who screened above National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism guidelines for "low-risk" drinking or presented with an injury in the setting of alcohol ingestion were eligible. The mean number of drinks per week and binge-drinking episodes during the past 30 days were collected at 6 and 12 months; negative consequences and use of treatment services, at 12 months. A Brief Negotiation Interview performed by emergency practitioners was compared to scripted Discharge Instructions. Results A total of 494 hazardous/harmful drinkers were studied. The 2 groups were similar with respect to baseline characteristics. In the Brief Negotiation Interview group, the mean number of drinks per week at 12 months was 3.8 less than the 13.6 reported at baseline. The Discharge Instructions group decreased 2.6 from 12.4 at baseline. Likewise, binge-drinking episodes per month decreased by 2.0 from a baseline of 6.0 in the Brief Negotiation Interview group and 1.5 from 5.4 in the Discharge Instructions group. For each outcome, the time effect was significant and the treatment effect was not. Conclusion Among ED patients with hazardous/harmful drinking, we did not detect a difference in efficacy between emergency practitioner–performed Brief Negotiation Interview and Discharge Instructions. Further studies to test the efficacy of brief intervention in the ED are needed.
Is the bedside timed vibration test reliable

The timed vibration test (TVT) is an easy-to-perform bedside sensory test; however, its reliability is not well established at sites commonly used for clinical testing. We evaluated intra- and interrater reliability of the TVT in a healthy control cohort of 25 adult volunteers and assessed the influence of neurologic training on TVT. Intrarater [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) range 0.79-0.92] and interrater (ICC range 0.0.82-0.95) reliability of TVT was high at different sites, which suggests that TVT is a reliable bedside examination when performed using a standardized protocol.
A Rayleigh Instability in Navier-Stokes Solutions of an Unsteady Boundary Layer

Numerical solutions of the unsteady, two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations are considered for the flow induced by a thick-core vortex. The adverse pressure gradient imposed on the surface by the vortex leads to unsteady separation. The presence and nature of an instability that may arise during the unsteady separation process is considered. The instability arises in the form of small-scale oscillations in vorticity and streamwise pressure gradient along the wall, and the dominant wavenumber of the instability is O(Re), consistent with a Rayleigh-type instability. The existence of a Rayleigh instability is confirmed through evaluation of the Rayleigh equation for velocity profiles obtained from a boundary-layer calculation, and the dominant wavenumber of the instability agrees very closely with that predicted by the Rayleigh solutions.
Failure of oral atorvastatin to modulate a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective Inhibitors of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase enzyme (statins) are cholesterol-lowering drugs that have shown promise as therapeutic agents in various animal models of autoimmune disease. The results of initial clinical trials with statins in multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis have also been encouraging. In this study, we attempted to treat a widely studied murine model of spontaneous systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with atorvastatin. Methods (NZB × NZW)F1 (NZB/NZW) mice received daily oral doses of atorvastatin for 20 weeks. The mice were monitored weekly for survival and proteinuria. Anti–double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody levels in sera were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). T lymphocyte cytokine production in vitro, as well as cytokine levels in vivo, were measured by ELISA. T cell proliferation was assessed by thymidine incorporation assay. Serum cholesterol levels were determined using a standard fluorometric assay. Kidney tissue was harvested and evaluated for pathologic changes. Results In NZB/NZW mice, oral atorvastatin had significant effects on T cell proliferation and cytokine production in vitro. Atorvastatin also induced significant increases in serum levels of interleukin-4. However, atorvastatin treatment in NZB/NZW mice had no significant impact on proteinuria, survival, serum anti-dsDNA antibody and cholesterol levels, or extent of renal disease. Conclusion Monotherapy with oral atorvastatin has no protective effects in a murine model of spontaneous SLE. The efficacy of atorvastatin in human SLE remains to be determined.
Bone marrow-derived progenitor cells contribute to experimental choroidal neovascularization.

PURPOSE. The pathogenesis of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is postulated to be driven by angiogenesis, a process in which the cellular components of the new vessel complex are derived from cells resident within an adjacent preexisting capillary. Recently, an alternative paradigm, termed postnatal vasculogenesis, has been shown to contribute to some forms of neovascularization. In vasculogenesis, the cellular components of the new vessel complex are derived from circulating vascular progenitors from bone marrow. In the current study, transplantation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐labeled bone marrow and laser-induced CNV were combined to examine the contribution of vasculogenesis to the formation of CNV. METHODS. Ten adult C57BL/6 female mice were used as recipients for bone marrow transplantation. Bone marrow was obtained from three C57BL/6 female mice transgenic for the -actin promoter GFP. One month after bone marrow transplantation, CNV was induced in recipient mice by making four separate burns in the choroid of each eye with a red diode laser. Four weeks after CNV was induced, eyes of recipient mice were processed for immunohistochemistry to detect GFP and markers for vascular smooth muscle cells (-smooth muscle actin, desmin, and NG2 chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan), endothelial cells (CD31, BS-1 lectin), or macrophages (F4/80). RESULTS. GFP-labeled cells represented 17% of the total cell population in the lesion. Many of the GFP-labeled cells were immunoreactive for -smooth muscle actin (39%), desmin, NG2, CD31 (41%), BS-1 lectin, or F4/80. GFP-labeled cells were morphologically indistinguishable from cells normally present in CNV lesions. CONCLUSIONS. This study is the first to demonstrate that bone marrow‐ derived progenitor cells are a source of endothelial and smooth musclelike cells in CNV. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2003;44:4914 ‐ 4919) DOI:10.1167/iovs.03-0371
“Age in Love”: Falstaff among the Minions of the Moon [with illustrations]

AbstractThis essay argues that a web of references binds Shakespeare's plump Jack to Elizabeth I's “men of good government” as they were represented in anti‐government tracts or Lyly's plays—especially the greatest minion of all, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Because courtly codes of conduct conflicted with expectations regarding age‐appropriate behavior, opposition works were able to portray Leicester as the embodiment of “age in love.” Drawing on recent accounts of the emergence of a public sphere in England, this essay situates Falstaff within this strain of anti‐Leicestrian discourse, showing that he is a vehicle for thinking about the Elizabethan court and the theater's relation to that court. Among the old knight's salient features in this regard is his ability to incite judgment and to conjure a public defined by the willingness to engage in critical dialogue. The process that unites and elevates “men of all sorts” in the baiting of a figure associated with Elizabeth is democratizing but also g...
Thin film thermocouples for advanced ceramic gas turbine engines

Abstract Thin film temperature sensors were developed for both the rotating and non-rotating components of ceramic-based gas turbine engines. These type-S thin film thermocouples were fabricated on hot isostatically pressed Si 3 N 4 substrates (Norton-TRW NT154), whose surfaces were altered to maximize adhesion. Annealing cycles and sputtered oxide interlayers were utilized in the fabrication to prevent blistering of the metallic thin films and enhance adhesion. Completed sensors were tested at temperatures up to 1300°C, with a variety of temperature gradients applied along the length of the test bars. Both oxidizing and inert gas atmospheres were used to investigate environmental effects on sensor performance. Sensor tests performed in oxidizing atmospheres resulted in the formation of volatile platinum and rhodium oxides, which caused significant drift and ultimate failure. Sensor tests performed in inert gas environments had drift rates 5–10 times lower than those observed in oxidizing atmospheres. Therefore, sputtered oxide overcoats were employed to minimize adverse reactions between the sensor elements and the atmosphere, the results of which will be discussed in terms of sensor performance.
Phospholipase D in cell signalling and its relationship to phospholipase C

Phospholipases C and D are phosphodiesterases which act on phospholipid head groups. Although the presence of these enzymes in living organisms has long been known, it is only recently that their role in cell signal transduction has been appreciated. The new developments on phospholipases D (PLD) are especially noteworthy, since these enzymes catalyze a novel pathway for second messenger generation. In a variety of mammalian cell systems, several biological or chemical agents have recently been shown to stimulate PLD activity. Depending on the system, activation of PLD has been suggested to be either dependent on, or independent of, Ca2+ and protein kinase C. PLD primarily hydrolyses phosphatidylcholine (PC) but phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylethanolamine have also been reported as substrates. Different forms of endogenous PLD may also exist in cells. Exogenous addition of PLD causes alterations in cellular functions. In many instances, Ca2+ mobilizing agonists may stimulate both PLC and PLD pathways. Interestingly, several metabolites of these two enzymes are second messengers and are common to both pathways (e.g. phosphatidic acid, diglyceride). This has raised the issue of the interrelationship between these pathways. The regulation of either PLC or PLD by cellular components, e.g., guanine nucleotide binding proteins or protein kinases, is under intense investigation. These recent advances are providing novel information on the significance of phospholipase C and D mediated phospholipid turnover in cellular signalling. This review highlights some of these new discoveries and emerging issues, as well as challenges for future research on phospholipases.