cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonepileptic seizure outcome varies by type of spell and duration of illness.

Summary Purpose: To determine whether differences in clinical manifestations of psychogenic nonepileptic events are associated with differences in outcome and whether the length of illness before diagnosis correlates with outcome. Methods: We reviewed ictal videotapes and EEGs in 85 patients diagnosed with exclusively nonepileptic psychogenic seizures during inpatient CCTV-EEG monitoring at the University of Michigan between June 1994 and December 1996. They were classified into groups of similar ictal behaviors. Fifty-seven of these patients were available to respond to a follow-up telephone survey about their condition 2–4 years after discharge. We examined demographics, baseline EEG abnormalities, and outcome of treatment interventions. We also evaluated whether interventions were more likely to succeed if patients were diagnosed early in the course of the illness. Results: We found that the largest groups consisted of patients with motionless unresponsiveness (“catatonic,” n = 19) and asynchronous motor movements with impaired responsiveness (“thrashing,” n = 19). Infrequent signs included tremor, automatisms, subjective events with amnesia, and intermittent behaviors. There was a higher incidence of baseline EEG abnormalities in the thrashing group (31%) than in the catatonic group (0%). There was a higher incidence of complete remission of spells in the catatonic group (53%) than in the thrashing group (21%). Patients who had a more recent onset of seizures (most often within 1 year) were much more likely to have remission of spells after diagnosis. Conclusions: Classification of nonepileptic seizures is useful in predicting outcome and may be valuable in further investigation of this complex set of disorders.
Local structural plasticity of the prion protein. Analysis of NMR relaxation dynamics.

A template-assisted conformational change of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) from a predominantly helical structure to an amyloid-type structure with a higher proportion of β-sheet is thought to be the causative factor in prion diseases. Since flexibility of the polypeptide is likely to contribute to the ability of PrPC to undergo the conformational change that leads to the infective state, we have undertaken a comprehensive examination of the dynamics of two recombinant Syrian hamster PrP fragments, PrP(29−231) and PrP(90−231), using 15N NMR relaxation measurements. The molecular motions of these PrP fragments have been studied in solution using 15N longitudinal (T1) and transverse relaxation (T2) measurements as well as {1H}−15N nuclear Overhauser effects (NOE). These data have been analyzed using both reduced spectral density mapping and the Lipari−Szabo model free formalism. The relaxation properties of the common regions of PrP(29−231) and PrP(90−231) are very similar; both have a relatively inflex...
Geometric solids for simulation of tree crowns

Abstract Geometric solids are used to simulate tree crowns and their shadows. If real tree crowns cannot be accurately modelled by standard geometric shapes, inaccurate estimates of shadow-pattern location can result. This error may cause substantial inaccuracies in subsequent calculations of tree shade effects on space heating and cooling costs, as well as in estimates of crown volume and leaf surface area. This study found no statistically significant difference between formula- and photoestimated tree crown profile areas when open-grown trees were assigned geometric shapes with a template in the field. Less than 10% mean difference was found between the measures for three crown shapes; parabaloids, vertical ellipsoids and horizontal ellipsoids.
The spatial distribution of telematics: Modeling and empirical evidence

Abstract In this paper we deal with the spatial distribution of telematics (a conflation of telecommunication and informatics) and the regional characteristics influencing it. We are interested in this topic because basically telematics could essentially alter the regional structure. Therefore, in the first section we construe a simple cost-minimizing model in order to derive factors impacting on the telematics endowment of a region. In the next section the hypotheses derived from this model are completed by sociological determinants of the regional telematics equipment. In the second part of the paper we test our hypotheses with the aid of an econometric study and of a questionnaire study. The sample is confined to two telematics tools, namely telefax and teletex, and geographically to the German state of Bavaria. Our main conclusion is that potentially decentralizing techniques do not work decentralizingly. We substantiate this conclusion with the factors which, in our opinion, mainly determine the regional endowment of telematics and those factors which will not alter in favor of peripheral regions.
Interactive fabrication: new interfaces for digital fabrication

We present a series of prototype devices that use real-time input to fabricate physical form: Interactive Fabrication. Our work maps out the problem space of real-time control for digital fabrication devices, and examines where alternative interfaces for digital fabrication are relevant. We conclude by reflecting upon the potential of interactive fabrication and outline a number of considerations for future research in this area.
Global tectonics and space geodesy

Much of the success of plate tectonics can be attributed to the near rigidity of tectonic plates and the availability of data that describe the rates and directions of motion across narrow plate boundaries \m=~\1 to 60 kilometers wide. Nonetheless, many plate boundaries in both continental and oceanic lithosphere are not narrow but are hundreds to thousands of kilometers wide. Wide plate boundary zones cover \m=~\15 percent of Earth's surface area. Space geodesy, which includes very long baseline radio interferometry, satellite laser ranging, and the global positioning system, is providing the accurate long-distance measurements needed to estimate the present motion across and within wide plate boundary zones. Space geodetic data show that plate velocities averaged over years are remarkably similar to velocities averaged over millions of years.
Prostate cancer in Alaska Native men, 1969-2003

Objectives. The incidence of prostate cancer differs significantly between US race groups. In prior reviews of cancer in Alaska Natives, the incidence of prostate cancer has been observed to occur at a low rate compared to US Whites and Blacks. However, a detailed report of prostate cancer in this population has not been previously published. Study Design. Incidence of prostate cancer in Alaska Native men was determined for the time period 1969-2003 using data from the Alaska Native Tumor Registry. The registry is a population- based registry which participates in the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program, and has collected cancer information on Alaska Natives since 1969. Methods. Incidence rates were calculated for all Alaska Natives and for each of the three major ethnic groups (Aleut, Eskimo, Indian). Comparisons of incidence rates between Alaska Natives and US Whites were performed using odds ratios. Temporal changes were identified by a Chi square analysis for trend. Results. During the 35-year period of review, 332 Alaska Native men were diagnosed with prostate cancer. The age-adjusted incidence rate of 69.5 per 100 000 in Alaska Native men during 1994-2003 was significantly higher than the rate of 45.5 per 100 000 for the earlier period 1969- 1983. The US White rate for 1994-2002 of 169.5 per 100 000 was significantly higher than the rate for Alaska Native men for 1994-2003. Results of comparisons between Alaska Native ethnic groups for 1969-2003 showed that prostate cancer was highest in Indians and Aleuts and lowest among Eskimos. Conclusions. Compared to the US White population, the incidence of prostate cancer in Alaska Native men is significantly lower. Prostate cancer rates among Alaska Native ethnic groups differ. The reason for these differences remains undetermined. (Int J Circumpolar Health 2006;65(1):8-17.) Keywords: prostate cancer, Alaska Native, American Indian/Alaska Native
Full-cost recovery: Producing differentiated water collection practices and responses to centralized water networks in Jaipur, India

This paper examines the political ecological effects of the expansion of an urban centralized water-supply network and the transformation of it into a full-cost-recovery system in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. It draws on data collected through a 2007 household survey of six Jaipur neighborhoods stratified by class; follow-up household interviews in 2007 and 2009; and interviews with public water supply managers and private water tanker vendors in both 2007 and 2009. The investigation concludes that the spatially uneven integration of network expansion and the intermittent flow of water circulating through it, combined with historical axes of political economic difference produces uneven adaptive responses to maintain access to water, such as waiting on water, private tubewell construction, and private water tanker operations, while transforming social power relations. It is concluded, first, that these uneven flows and cost-recovery initiatives are exacerbating current disparities in access to drinking water...
Pivoting: leveraging opportunities in a turbulent health care environment.

PURPOSE The purpose of this lecture is to challenge librarians in clinical settings to leverage the opportunities presented by the current health care environment and to develop collaborative relationships with health care practitioners to provide relevant services. DISCUSSION Health care organizations are under financial and regulatory pressures, and many hospital librarians have been downsized or have had their positions eliminated. The lecture briefly reviews hospital librarians' roles in the past but focuses primarily on our current challenges. This environment requires librarians to be opportunity focused and pivot to a new vision that directs their actions. Many librarians are already doing this, and colleagues are encouraging us to embrace these opportunities. Evidence from publications, websites, discussion lists, personal communications, and the author's experience is explored. CONCLUSION Developing interdisciplinary and collaborative relationships in our institutions and providing relevant services will mark our progress as vital, contributing members of our health care organizations.
Ultraviolet-photoemission studies of niobium

The valence band of Nb has been studied with high-resolution ultraviolet photoemission for photon energies up to 12 eV. The measurements were performed under ultrahigh-vacuum conditions (${10}^{\ensuremath{-}11}$ Torr) on electron-gun evaporated thin films. The experimental distribution curves are discussed in view of a theoretical band-structure calculation by Mattheiss. There is an over-all good agreement between theory and experiment both concerning $d$-band width and structure in the valence band. Niobium also shows interesting surface properties and is extremely sensitive to contamination.
State Education Finance and Governance Profile: South Carolina

Population (2007)4,407,709Total K-12 enrollment701,749Non-public enrollment as% of total enrollment13.59%Current expenditures per pupil$10,054Public K-12 education current expenditures (all governm...
How Often Are Our Statistics Wrong? A Statistics Class Exercise.

Using this exercise, students recompute the values of statistical tests published in journal articles, and the recomputed values are compared to the published results. My experience with one undergraduate and one graduate class suggests that errors in statistical results published in professional journals may be more common than is generally believed. Recalculations indicated that approximately 13% of the results reported as statistically significant were not. Some possible reasons for the discrepancies between published and recomputed values are discussed, as are students' reactions to the exercise.
Molecular mechanisms of plaque instability.

Purpose of reviewCoronary artery thrombosis superimposed on a disrupted atherosclerotic plaque initiates abrupt arterial occlusion and is the proximate event responsible for 60–80% cases of acute coronary syndromes. This article provides a concise update on the evolving concepts in the pathophysiolo
DNA sequence of a gene in Escherichia coli encoding a putative tripartite transcription factor with receiver, ATPase and DNA binding domains.

We have sequenced downstream of the last previously sequenced gene of the glucitol operon (gutABDMRQ) in E. coli and have found that gutQ is the last gene of this operon. Downstream of the gutQ gene is found a palindromic unit (PU or REP sequence), followed by a large open reading frame of 1515 (or possibly 1590) bps transcribed in the direction opposite to that of the gut operon. This open reading frame encodes a protein of 504 (or possibly 529) amino acids with a tripartite structure. The N-terminal “receiver” domain of 187 (or possibly 212) residues is homologous to the FhlA protein of E. coli, a transcriptional activator of formate hydrogen lyase. It may possess a short domain at its extreme N-terminus exhibiting sequence similarity to carbohydrate binding proteins. The central ATPase domain (236 residues) exhibits greatest sequence similarity to the HydG protein of F. coli, a transcriptional activator of labile hydrogenase. The C-terminal DNA binding domain (81 residues) is homologous to NtrX of Azor...
Regenerative action potentials induced in the neurogenic heart of Limulus polyphemus

Abstract 1. 1. Intracellular recordings from Limulus heart showed 3–5 steps on the rising phase of the response (undershooting) correlated with three to five inflection points on the phase-plane ( V vs. V ) display. This suggests that the normal neurogenic response represents the summation of junctional potentials. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) rapidly abolishes all electrical activity. 2. 2. The resting potential averaged —41 mV; the cells became depolarized at [K + ] o levels above 100 mM and [K + ] i was estimated to be 600–800 mM. 3. 3. In zero Ca 2+ , deganglionated hearts developed spontaneous contractions and electrical activity, including pacemaker potentials and plateau components, which were not affected by TTX. These myogenic responses were dependent on [Na + ] 0 , and had no steps on the rising phase. Ba 2+ prolonged the plateau, and Ba 2+ and Sr 2+ increased the rate of rise and amplitude of the action potentials. 4. 4. All-or-none overshooting action potentials immune to TTX also occurred spontaneously or could be electrically triggered when Ba 2+ (5–20 mM) was added to deganglionated hearts bathed in isosmotic choline chloride or sucrose solutions (i.e. Na + - and Ca 2+ -free); these action potentials had a maximum rate of rise ranging from 0·3 to 1·0 V/sec and had a propagation velocity of 0·9–7 cm/sec. 5. 5. Hence, the normally inexcitable sarcolemma can be transformed into a spontaneously regenerative membrane during which Na + , Ba 2+ and Sr 2+ may carry inward current.
Identification of novel tissue-specific genes by analysis of microarray databases: a human and mouse model.

Understanding the tissue-specific pattern of gene expression is critical in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of tissue development, gene function, and transcriptional regulations of biological processes. Although tissue-specific gene expression information is available in several databases, follow-up strategies to integrate and use these data are limited. The objective of the current study was to identify and evaluate novel tissue-specific genes in human and mouse tissues by performing comparative microarray database analysis and semi-quantitative PCR analysis. We developed a powerful approach to predict tissue-specific genes by analyzing existing microarray data from the NCBI′s Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) public repository. We investigated and confirmed tissue-specific gene expression in the human and mouse kidney, liver, lung, heart, muscle, and adipose tissue. Applying our novel comparative microarray approach, we confirmed 10 kidney, 11 liver, 11 lung, 11 heart, 8 muscle, and 8 adipose specific genes. The accuracy of this approach was further verified by employing semi-quantitative PCR reaction and by searching for gene function information in existing publications. Three novel tissue-specific genes were discovered by this approach including AMDHD1 (amidohydrolase domain containing 1) in the liver, PRUNE2 (prune homolog 2) in the heart, and ACVR1C (activin A receptor, type IC) in adipose tissue. We further confirmed the tissue-specific expression of these 3 novel genes by real-time PCR. Among them, ACVR1C is adipose tissue-specific and adipocyte-specific in adipose tissue, and can be used as an adipocyte developmental marker. From GEO profiles, we predicted the processes in which AMDHD1 and PRUNE2 may participate. Our approach provides a novel way to identify new sets of tissue-specific genes and to predict functions in which they may be involved.
Specifications, models, and implementations of data abstractions☆

Abstract We consider the specification and verification of modules in hierarchically structured programs, as proposed by Parnas and Hoare. We argue that a specification for such a module is a set of sentences in some logical language in which the names to be exported by the module appear as nonlogical symbols. We further argue that an implementation of one module in terms of another module is a translation of the nonlogical symbols of the first specification into the language of the second. Equality must also be interpreted. We proposed necessary conditions which any such notion of ‘correct implementation’ ought to satisfy. These criteria provide a basis for judging the logical adequacy of any proposed specification language and definition of implementation. We then study DLP, a specification language obtained by adding uninterpreted procedure symbols to Pratt's first order dynamic logic. We present a definition of ‘implementation’ for DLP, and we show it satisfies these conditions. The main theorem, called the implementation Theorem, extends the Interpretation Theorem from first-order logic to DLP. The proof of this theorem is complicated by the necessity of dealing with modalities, parameters to procedures, interpretations of equality, and interpretations of sorts as tuples.
Guayule as a wood preservative

Conventional wood preservatives used to protect wood from insect and microbial damage are presently of major concern to human health and the environment. Finding alternative and economical preservatives has not been successful. Studies have shown that the resin material extracted from the guayule plant (Parthenium argentatum, Gray) has both insect and microbial resistant properties. Unfortunately, this finding has not been applied commercially. However, large quantities of guayule waste wood and resin material could become available with the domestication of guayule to produce hypoallergenic rubber latex. Thus, opportunities exist in using this natural source of biologically resistant resinous chemicals. The objective of this preliminary study was to determine the effects of latex-extracted wood residues or bagasse and resin extracts on termite and decay resistance properties of wood products. Two types of test materials were used. One was wood impregnated with organic solvent-extracted resin material from the plant. The other was composite board fabricated using the bagasse residue or whole plant and a plastic binder, which was used to improve the physical properties of the composite. Accelerated laboratory tests were conducted to determine the resistance of the wood products against an Eastern subterranean termite and wood fungi (brown-rot). The wood and stem of the guayule plant, wood treated with the resin extract, and particle and composite boards made from ground guayule bagasse exhibited termite and wood fungal resistance. Because the guayule plant is drought tolerant and its product can reduce the need to harvest trees for replacing wood damage, its cultivation as an alternative crop will help conserve water and forest resources world-wide.
Characterization of Charcoal Adsorption Sites for Aromatic Compounds: Insights Drawn from Single-Solute and Bi-Solute Competitive Experiments

Charcoal, the residue of incomplete biomass burning that is found in many soils and sediments, is considered a high affinity sorbent for organic pollutants. However, little is known about the microscopic processes controlling sorption. The purpose of this study was to gain molecular-scale insight into the sorption on a charcoal of three weakly soluble aromatic compounds [benzene (BEN), toluene (TOL), and nitrobenzene (NBZ)] by conducting both single-solute and bi-solute experiments. The charcoal (420 m2 g-1) was produced from maple wood shavings by oxygen-limited pyrolysis at 673 K. Solute affinity for charcoal followed the order NBZ > TOL > BEN. Commonly employed sorption models did not adequately describe the single-solute isotherms. Competition in both TOL−BEN and the TOL−NBZ bi-solute systems was strong. Normalization of the isotherms for the hydrophobic driving force by using an existing free energy correlation between sorption and partitioning to an inert solvent (benzene or n-hexadecane) with a non...
The effects of the frog Eleutherodactylus coqui on invertebrates and ecosystem processes at two scales in the Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico

Determining the ubiquity of top-down control effects of predators on their prey and ecosystem processes is important for understanding community and ecosystem-level consequences that may result from predator loss. We conducted experiments at two spatial scales to investigate the effects of terrestrial frogs (Eleutherodactylus coqui) on aerial and litter invertebrates, plant growth and herbivory, and litter decomposition. At both scales, frogs reduced aerial invertebrates and leaf herbivory, but had no effect on litter invertebrates. At the smaller scale, frogs increased foliage production rates, measured as the number of new leaves and new leaf area produced, by 80% and decomposition rates by 20%. The influence of E. coqui on increasing primary productivity and decomposition rates at the smaller scale appeared to be a result of elimination and excretion rather than of controlling prey. While the results provide evidence for frogs controlling herbivorous prey at both scales, species effects on ecosystem processes were only detectable at the smaller scale. The results highlight the difficulties in conducting experiments at large spatial scales. The findings from this study imply that the loss of amphibians and other species of higher trophic levels may affect nutrient cycling rates in tropical forests.
Which position is more comfortable for the parturient during identification of the epidural space

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine which of the two positions used by anesthesiologists to identify the epidural space is more comfortable for pregnant patients. We evaluated both the lateral decubitus position and the sitting position in 90 term parturients who were either not in labor or were in early labor (≤ 4 cm cervical dilation). Exclusion criteria included: (1) oxytocin administration; (2) opioid administration within 12 h; (3) multiple gestation; and (4) previous history of cesarean delivery. Patients were positioned in the left lateral decubitus and sitting positions for 60 s each to achieve maximal flexion of the lumbar spine. Patients were questioned as to which position they felt would be more comfortable during the time necessary to identify the epidural space and place an epidural catheter. Among all patients neither position was clearly superior with regard to patient comfort. However, patients who preferred the left lateral decubitus position weighed less (Wt 78 ± 2 kg vs 87 ± 3 kg, P=0.012) and had lower body mass indices (Wt[kg]Ht[M]2) (27.4 ± 0.9 vs 31.3 ± 1.0, P=0.006) than patients who preferred the sitting position.
Concentrations of Functional Lipids in Abraded Fractions of Hulless Barley and Effect of Storage

Hulless barley kernels were sequentially abraded to achieve 4%, 8%, 16%, 24%, 32%, and 40% removal. Abraded fines, kernels, and ground kernels were stored at 35 degrees C and 75% relative humidity for 3 wk. Stored samples were extracted and the levels of oil, free phytosterols, tocopherols (Ts), and tocotrienols (T3s) were analyzed and compared with freshly abraded fractions. The results revealed that oil, sterols, and Ts were concentrated in the outer layers, particularly in the germ layer. In whole kernels, homologues of both Ts and T3s showed the same ranking order in concentrations as alpha > gamma > beta > delta. The homologue composition of Ts remained the same but that of T3s changed across the kernel. The %T3 in total tocols increased in fractions with increasing endosperm tissue. Storage caused no change in oil and Ts but significant changes in sterols and T3s. The changes were differential among T3 isomers, with alpha-T3 decreasing and delta-T3 increasing. The degradation of alpha-T3 was accelerated in fractions with more endosperm tissue. Grinding kernel samples before storage accelerated sterol degradation but had a limited effect on changes of T3s. A 2nd experiment using a different hulless barley line and ambient storage for 6 mo confirmed all the findings except that the changing trend for sterols was inconsistent. These results provide practical information to those who wish to produce a barley fraction enriched with a particular functional lipid and maintain stability of their products.
Urodynamic evaluation in children with lipomeningocele: timing for neurosurgery, spinal cord tethering and followup.

Purpose: We assessed the usefulness of urodynamic testing for determining the optimal timing of surgery and for evaluating the development of bladder function in children with lipomeningocele.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 64 patients (40 females) 3 to 17 years old (mean 8.5) with lipomeningocele. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on age at surgery, ie younger than 12 months (34 patients), 12 to 36 months (17) and older than 36 months (13). All patients underwent urodynamic testing preoperatively and during extended followup (mean 6.5 years, range 3 to 12).Results: Bladder capacity and mean detrusor leak pressure improved in all groups but particularly in patients operated on within the first year of life. At the end of the study mean bladder capacity was 420 cc in patients younger than 12 months, 300 cc in those 12 to 36 months old and 260 cc in those older than 36 months (p <0.01), and mean detrusor leak pressure was 37, 54 and 55 cm H2O, respectively (p <0.01). At the lates...
Dispersal and population expansion in a direct developing marine snail (Littorina saxatilis) following a severe population bottleneck

Most marine benthic invertebrate species have planktonic larvae, and in species in which juveniles and adults have low vagility a larva is obviously an efficient way of active dispersal. A minority of benthic invertebrate species develop without any pelagic phase at all. A largely unsolved question is how and at what rate do these species disperse. We have addressed this question using the marine littoral snail Littorina saxatilis (Olivi) as an example of a species that completely lacks larval dispersal.
Customized information extraction as a basis for resource discovery

Indexing file contents is a powerful means of helping users locate documents, software, and other types of data among large repositories. In environments that contain many different types of data, content indexing requires type-specific processing to extract information effectively. We present a model for type-specific, user-customizable information extraction, and a system implementation called Essence. This software structure allows users to associate specialized extraction methods with ordinary files, providing the illusion of an object-oriented file system that encapsulates indexing methods within files. By exploiting the semantics of common file types, Essence generates compact yet representative file summaries that can be used to improve both browsing and indexing in resource discovery systems. Essence can extract information from most of the types of files found in common file systems, including files with nested structure (such as compressed “tar” files). Essence interoperates with a number of different search/index systems (such as WAIS and Glimpse), as part of the Harvest system.
Anharmonic Vibrational Spectroscopy of Nitriles and Their Complexes with Water

Three nitrile molecules, cyanamide (H 2 N-C≡N), acetonitrile (CH 3 -C≡N), and aminoacetonitrile (H 2 N-CH 2 -C≡N), and their complexes with one water molecule are studied at the ab initio level of theory (second-order Moller-Plesset perturbation theory with triple-ζ basis sets). Anharmonic vibrational spectra are estimated with the Correlation Corrected Vibrational Self-Consistent Field (CC-VSCF) method that accounts for anharmonicities and couplings between different vibrational normal modes. Effects of complexation with water on geometries and vibrational spectra of nitriles are investigated. The effects are very different from those found earlier for acids (in particular, the amino acid glycine). While the intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions lead to significant red shifts of carboxyl group (O-H and C=O) vibrational stretching frequencies of acids, C≡N stretches of nitriles shift to a much lesser extent and in the opposite direction (to the blue) upon complexation with water.
Sensing of retained martensite during thermal cycling of shape memory alloy wires via electrical resistance

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) remain one of the most commercially viable active materials, thanks to a high specific work and the wide availability of high quality material. Still, significant challenges remain in predicting the degradation of SMA actuators during thermal cycling. One challenges in both the motivation and verification of degradation models is the measurement of retained martensite fraction during cycling. Direct measurement via diffraction is difficult to perform in situ, impossible for thin wires, (< 0.5mm) and prohibitively difficult for lengthy studies. As an alternative, the temperature coefficient of electrical resistivity (TCR) is used as an indicator of martensite phase fraction during thermal cycling of SMA wires. We investigate this technique with an example cycling experiment, using the TCR to successfully measure a 20% increase in retained martensite fraction over 80000 thermal cycles. As SMA wire temperature is difficult to measure directly during resistive heating, we also introduce a method to infer temperature to within 5 °C by integrating the lumped heat equation.
Comparison of the Cancer Risk of Methylene Chloride Predicted from Animal Bioassay Data with the Epidemiologic Evidence

Methylene chloride has been shown to be a lung and liver carcinogen in the mouse; yet, the current epidemiologic data show no adverse health effects associated with chronic exposure to this compound. Hearne et al.(1) have compared the results of a large mortality study on occupational exposure to methylene chloride to the human risk predictions based on the rodent bioassay to point out the inconsistency between the animal toxicologie and human epidemiologic data. The maximum number of lung and liver cancers predicted due to methylene chloride exposure based on the rodent bioassay data was 24 compared to 14 deaths from these cancers actually observed in the Hearne et al.(1) epidemiology study. We assess the minimum risk detectable by the human study in order to calculate the upperbound potency of methylene chloride and compare it to the potency derived from the bioassay data. Results from the epidemiology study imply an upperbound potency of 1.5 × 10−2 per ppm, compared to 1.4 × 10−2 per ppm calculated using the most conservative analysis of the animal data. We conclude that the negative epidemiology study of Hearne et al. is not sufficiently powerful to show that the risk is inconsistent with the human risk estimated by modeling the rodent bioassay data. Specifically, the doses to which the workers were exposed, the population studied, and the latency period were not adequate to determine that the risks are outside the bounds of the risk estimates predicted by low-dose modeling of the animal data.
Cystine 186–cystine 209 disulfide bond is not essential for the procoagulant activity of tissue factor or for its de-encryption

Tissue factor (TF) on cell surfaces resides mostly in a cryptic state. It is not entirely clear how cryptic TF differs from procoagulantly active TF and how deencryption occurs. Here, we critically evaluated the importance of cystine 186–cystine 209 (Cys186-Cys209) bond formation for TF procoagulant activity and its de-encryption. Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with TFC186S, TFC209S, or TFC186S/C209S expressed little procoagulant activity at the cell surface. TF monoclonal antibody and activated factor VII (FVIIa) binding studies showed that little TF protein was present at the cell surface in cells expressing mutant TF. Similar data were obtained in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) transduced to express TFC186S, TFC209S, or TFC186S/C209S. Analysis of TF activity in HUVECs expressing similar levels of wild-type TF and TFC186S/C209S showed that TF mutant in the presence of saturating concentrations of FVIIa exhibited similar coagulant activity as that of wild-type TF. More importantly, treatment of HUVECs expressing TFC186S/C209S with HgCl2 or ionomycin increased the cell-surface TF activity to the same extent as that of the wild-type TF. Our data provide clear evidence that TF lacking the Cys186-Cys209 bond is coagulantly active once it is complexed with FVIIa, and TF de-encryption does not require Cys186-Cys209 disulfide bond formation.
Cytological changes accompanying the growth of poliomyelitis virus in cells of human origin (strain HeLa).

Abstract HeLa cells (maintained in tissue culture) were infected with large doses of the MEF-1 strain of type II poliomyelitis virus. Viral titration indicated the appearance of newly formed virus in the medium within 6 hours after infection. Cytological changes were observed in the living cell and in fixed and stained preparations. Changes characteristic of infection can be detected in some cells by 6 hours after infection, and even earlier in a small percentage of cells. The cytological changes included a distortion of the nucleus, frequently with its shifting toward the periphery of the cell. A structure (cytoplasmic mass) which formed adjacent to the nucleus showed relatively little Brownian movement as compared with the surrounding cytoplasm. The “cytoplasmic mass” was Feulgen-negative and eosinophilic. The surrounding cytoplasm appeared rich in ribonucleic acid, and the cytoplasmic mass may also contain some ribonucleic acid. Concurrently with the above changes the cell as a whole became contracted, rounded up, and projections appeared at the cell surface. Determinations of the percentage of cells showing the cytological picture described above were made at various periods of time after exposure of the cells to virus.
q-Anon: Rethinking Anonymity for Social Networks

This paper proposes that social network data should be assumed public but treated private. Assuming this rather confusing requirement means that anonymity models such as k-anonymity cannot be applied to the most common form of private data release on the internet, social network APIs. An alternative anonymity model, q-Anon, is presented, which measures the probability of an attacker logically deducing previously unknown information from a social network API while assuming the data being protected may already be public information. Finally, the feasibility of such an approach is evaluated suggesting that a social network site such as Facebook could practically implement an anonymous API using q-Anon, providing its users with an anonymous option to the current application model.
A STRUCTURAL SOCIAL JUSTICE APPROACH TO FAMILY POLICY: A CRITIQUE OF THE DRAFT SOUTH AFRICAN FAMILY POLICY

Sexist language aside, the following quotation aptly captures the power of the family: “The institution of the family stands in a peculiarly central, crucial position. It faces inward to the individual, outward toward society preparing each member to take his place in the wider social group by helping him to internalize its values and traditions as part of himself … It has enormous creative potential, including that of life itself, and it is not surprising that, when it becomes disordered, it possesses an equal potential for terrible destruction.” (Skinner cited in De Bruyn, 1992:21)
A Comparative Pathogenesis of Two Marek's Disease Virus Isolates

The pathogenesis of the JM and GA isolates of Marek's disease virus (MDV) infection was compared by studying the sequential tissue distribution of MDV associated antigens with gross and microscopic lesions in infected chickens. With both MDV isolates the initial sites of viral replication were the lymphoid organs, skin, and featers. Both the GA and JM isolates were viscerotropic as demonstrated by the presence of MDV antigens with gross and microscopic changes occurring in several visceral organs. The JM isolate was more neurotropic and had a greater affinity for the gonads than the GA isolates as evidenced by an early detection of MDV antigens and severe pathology in the peripheral nerves and gonads.
The production, recovery, and purification of 172Hf for utilization in nuclear medicine as the generator of 172Lu

Abstract 172 Hf is of potential value in nuclear medicine research as the generator of its daughter nuclide, 172 Lu. The latter isotope, a heavy rare-earth tracer, could have applications in compound labelling, pre-clinical biodistribution studies, and other areas of investigation. 172 Hf is produced by inducing spallation reactions in Ta targets with medium-energy protons at LAMPF, and a chemical procedure has been developed for the separation of radiohafnium from the bulk target material and various spallogenic impurities. Nuclide identification was accomplished by gamma-ray spectrometry, and radiochemical yields of nine different elements in the analytical scheme were measured. 172 Hf is thus recovered quantitatively (93% chemical yield) and is sufficiently decontaminated for use in generator development.
Hepatobiliary scintigraphy after biliary tract surgery

Hepatobiliary scintigraphy provides a rapid, noninvasive, accurate means of assessing patients after biliary tract surgery. This is especially important, given the high incidence of biliary and enteric diseases. In this review article, the role of radionuclide imaging in postcholecystectomy and postgastroenteric surgery patients will be examined, as well as following invasive procedures and trauma.
Changing Tracks: Predators and Politics in Mt. McKinley National Park

Alaskan Timothy Rawson's curiosity was raised, in the early 199os, by a controversial wolf management scheme in Alaska. How and why, he wondered, had wolves become so contentious? When did this argument about wolves begin in the United States? His inquiries into these questions led him to the "wolf-sheep controversy" that raged around Mt. McKinley National Park from the early 1930S into the 1950s. He found in the argument over wolves in this remote corner of the national park system a microcosm of the plight of the wolf and other predators in parks and elsewhere throughout North America. In tracing the story of this controversy he was able to shed light on the larger stories of changing attitudes toward animals, especially game and predatory animals, in American history in general and national park history in particular. Changing Tracks gives insight into the history of one national park, in the struggles of the National Park Service to manage the resources in their charge and particularly the wildlife resources, into the ways that science has and has not been effectively applied to national park policy, and into the tensions between user groups and interests that a public resource management agency like the Park Service must endure. Early Alaskans hated wolves on principle and thought they should be eradicated. Sportsmen, particularly the Camp Fire Club of America, thought wolves were responsible for declining sheep in the Mt. McKinley area and considered it the duty of the Park Service to control them and assure a strong sheep population. The Club, of course, wanted abundant sheep (in the vicinity of the park "refuge" since they could not hunt in it) for their sport. The Park Service, after pursuing predator control in its early years and eradicating predators in many parks, changed its policy in the early 1930s at the urging of its wildlife biologists and stopped killing any predators, bringing the wrath of the wolf-haters and McKinley sheep-lovers down upon it. There are no bad guys in Rawson's even-handed account, though wildlife biologist Adolph Murie emerges as the central and nearly heroic figure in the story. Murie's pioneering ecological studies of wolves in Mt. McKinley did not end the controversy as the Park Service hoped it might. Negative attitudes toward wolves "rooted in long-standing traditions and economic rationales" clashed with "modern ideas emerging from scientific models of nature" (p. 3). Ultimately it took broad change in public perception of wolves, according to Rawson, for the Park Service to get up the resolve to stop killing wolves in Mt. McKinley National Park. Science played a part in this change, but it was only part of the story.
Development of a Whole-Cell-Based Biosensor for Detecting Histamine as a Model Toxin

A novel whole-cell potentiometric biosensor for screening of toxins has been developed. The constructed biosensor consists of a confluent monolayer of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) attached to an ion-selective cellulose triacetate (CTA) membrane modified with a covalently attached RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid) peptide sequence. When the HUVECs form a confluent monolayer, ion transport is almost completely inhibited, thereby reducing the response of the ion-selective electrode (ISE). When the monolayer is exposed to agents that increase its permeability (e.g., toxins), ions can diffuse through the membrane, and a potential response from the ISE is achieved. Histamine, a model toxin that increases the permeability of HUVEC monolayers, was used in this study. When the cell-based membranes are exposed to varying concentrations of histamine, the overall response increases with increasing histamine concentration. Thus, the measured potential is an indirect measurement of the histamine c...
Prolactin Receptor Gene Diversity: Structure and Regulation

Abstract The diverse functionality of prolactin and the wide expression of the prolactin receptor suggest a complex system regulated by this polypeptide hormone. Different hormone and receptor forms, as well as differential signal transduction pathways, contribute to the functional diversity of prolactin's actions. The heterogeneity of rat prolactin receptor gene transcripts in their 5′-untranslated region has led to the recognition of multiple and tissue-specific utilization of prolactin receptor gene promoters in gonadal and non-gonadal tissues. These findings have provided insights into the molecular bases for the diversity of prolactin's actions. It is now clear that cellular responsiveness to prolactin can be regulated through differential promoter control of the expression of the surface receptors for prolactin in different target tissues.
Intravascular stenting: from basic research to clinical application

Although the use of intravascular stents is approaching widespread clinical use, several questions remain regarding their safety and efficacy. Several factors have direct bearing on the immediate and long-term results of intravascular stenting. The technical results of stenting are dependent on the mechanical characteristics of the device and long-term patency is closely related to thrombogenicity and endothelialization. Although stents are used most frequently for the treatment of atherosclerotic disease there is no clear understanding of how they influence the atheromatous lesion.
Effects of low oxygen levels on the expression and function of transporter OCTN2 in BeWo cells

Although hypoxia is normal in early pregnancy, low placental oxygen concentrations later in pregnancy are often linked to complications such as pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. The effects of low oxygen levels on drug and nutrient uptake via the organic cation transporter OCTN2 has been studied in BeWo cells, an in-vitro model of human trophoblast. BeWo cells were cultured under 20% (control) or 2% O(2) (hypoxia) for 48 h before each experiment. In-vitro hypoxia was also simulated by the addition of CoCl(2) to the cell culture medium. RT-PCR indicated increased transcription of OCTN2 in BeWo cells cultured under hypoxia, but Western blots did not show a corresponding increase in the amount of OCTN2 protein in the hypoxic cells compared with control. Hypoxia resulted in significant reductions in OCTN2-mediated carnitine uptake. Decreased placental transport of carnitine may lead to symptoms of carnitine deficiency in infants from hypoxic pregnancies, whether caused by high altitude, pre-eclampsia or other factors. The OCTN1 substrate ergothioneine reversed the effects of hypoxia on carnitine transport, but identical concentrations of N-acetylcysteine, another water-soluble intracellular antioxidant, did not have the same effect.
Neuron specific enolase in retinal detachment.

Purpose. Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) is released following central nervous system (CNS) distress. As retina is part of the CNS, NSE levels were measured in the subretinal fluid (SRF), aqueous, and serum of patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD). Methods. Radioimmunoassay was used to determine NSE levels in the SRF, aqueous, and serum of 13 patients (28–92 years old, mean = 71 years) with RD. As controls, NSE was measured in the aqueous of 6 patients undergoing cataract surgery and in serum of 18 patients without ophthalmological or neurological diseases. Results. SRF levels of NSE ranged from 50–200 µg/l (mean ± s.d. = 150 ± 57). NSE levels in aqueous from patients with RD were 2–140 µg/l (mean ± s.d. = 39 ± 42), significantly higher than in controls (0–6 µg/l; mean ± s.d. = 1.58 ± 2.24; p = 0.04). Serum NSE levels in RD patients ranged from 6.5–80 µg/l (mean ± s.d. = 26 ± 21) and was significantly higher than in controls (5.3 ± 1.66 µg/l; p = 0.005). Conclusions. Retinal neuron in...