cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Medical Exemption From Disconnection of Utilities in Connecticut.

This study uses data from the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to describe trends in medical exemptions from utility disconnection and characteristics and health care use of adults applying for such exemptions at a Yale New Haven Hospital care practice between 2011 and 2017.
Protease-Activated Receptors

Thrombin, a serine protease, is a potent platelet agonist that signals primarily through the protease-activated receptors (PARs). The PAR family contains four G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), named PARs1–4, that are activated by enzymatic cleavage of the N-terminus to expose a tethered ligand that intramolecularly activates the receptor. The expression profile of PARs on platelets is species-specific; PAR1 and PAR4 are expressed on human platelets and are the focus of this chapter. PAR1 and PAR4 interact with thrombin through distinct mechanisms. Once activated, PARs mediate signaling through overlapping pathways with distinct kinetics. PAR1 signaling is rapid and short-lived, while PAR4 initiates slower but sustained signaling. PARs have become important targets for antiplatelet therapies and the development of PAR antagonists has facilitated a greater understanding of their molecular structure and physiological roles in vivo.
A meta-analytic review of the relationship between dispositional gratitude and well-being

Abstract What is the impact of dispositional gratitude on well-being? By synthesizing the literature, we evaluate the association between dispositional gratitude and mental well-being as a function of its various categories (i.e., positive, negative), dimensions (i.e., subjective, psychological), and indicators (e.g., life satisfaction, happiness, stress). Our meta-analytic aggregation of 404 effect sizes from 158 independent samples (N = 100,099) provides evidence that dispositional gratitude is moderately to strongly correlated with well-being, and that the strength of these associations varies by the indicator of well-being. We also examine potential moderators (i.e., religiosity, individualistic orientation, age, gender, dispositional gratitude measure, and sample type) of the association between dispositional gratitude and well-being. We find that country-level individualistic orientation, sample mean age, and sample type (i.e., clinical vs. non-clinical) present moderating effects for several of the relationships examined. We conclude the paper by presenting avenues for future research.
Lacking Entrepreneurship and Small Business Thrust in Business Education in Developing Countries: Case of Bangladesh

Purpose: Business Education is everywhere. But is business and management education modeled mostly in the North American model or corporate business model, suited for a developing country like Bangladesh, where most of the businesses are small businesses? Who teaches what to whom for whom, using what resources, and following what approaches? Is the need for entrepreneurial and small firms being fulfilled by current business education and management graduates? If not, what to improve? Where to start? This article explores these issues and draws a concrete scenario of business education in a developing country like Bangladesh. Methods: This is an ethnographic reflection of eighteen years of corporate and academic experience. The author consolidates experiences from 'direct observant participation' including observations coming through continuous interactions with other stakeholders. Thus, the 'going native' syndrome has been minimized through peer validation from both industry and academic professionals. Results: Business education has a gap or mismatch in expectation and orientation. Teachers are recruited fresh out of universities without any exposure to the industry. Research and journal articles by faculties are hardly relevant and read by industry practitioners. Textbooks are foreign, mostly North American, or copycat translations. Graduates are blindly taught theories, and examples of multinationals. Business schools are nurturing this corporate blindness without any homegrown exercise or comprehensive local need analysis. So, industry, particularly, huge and varied SME sectors are not getting 'person-job' fit management graduates with realistic orientation. All know some of it for sure but none knows the entirety. So, the paper also made actionable propositions for all stakeholders - who could do what from their respective positions. Implications: Current situation of business education in a developing country like Bangladesh is analyzed in detail. To initiate improvement in a meaningful way, all should have a starting big picture consolidation or situation analysis, on which a broad consensus can be developed, and synergistic progress can be made. This study consolidates that big picture of business and management education in one place, and it can be used one of those springboards from where stakeholders can take away their imperatives, and also work in collaboration with other actors. Originality: All issues are partly known and discussed partly, in a range of papers, seminars, and dialogues. But consolidation in one place, drawing a summary of all actors and stakeholders, along with the context they operate, is rare. This paper attempts to do that.
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-antibody (504B3) validation by free-solution assay and interferometry identifies off-target binding

Antibody specificity and sensitivity is required in basic and clinical research for ensuring scientific rigor and reproducibility, while off-target cross-reactivity could generate erroneous conclusions. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid being targeted clinically by antibody strategies. Here, we reexamined binding properties of a commercially available monoclonal antibody (504B3) reported as specific for LPA using a free-solution assay measured in a compensated interferometric reader. The antibody showed comparable binding affinities to LPA and non-LPA lipids including phosphatidic acid (PA) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). These results may alter conclusions drawn from current and past basic and clinical studies employing anti-LPA antibodies.
Statistical Thermodynamic Description of Heteroaggregation between Anthropogenic Particulate Matter and Natural Particles in Aquatic Environments

Aggregation is a key process in understanding the fate and transport of anthropogenic particulate matter, namely, nanoparticles and microplastics, in aquatic environments. Recent research has subdi...
IDCube Lite: Free Interactive Discovery Cube software for multi and hyperspectral applications

Multi- and hyperspectral imaging modalities encompass a growing number of spectral techniques that find many applications in geospatial, biomedical, machine vision and other fields. The rapidly increasing number of applications requires convenient easy-to-navigate software that can be used by new and experienced users to analyse data, and develop, apply and deploy novel algorithms. Herein, we present our platform, IDCube Lite, an Interactive Discovery Cube that performs essential operations in hyperspectral data analysis to realise the full potential of spectral imaging. The strength of the software lies in its interactive features that enable the users to optimise parameters and obtain visual input for the user in a way not previously accessible with other software packages. The entire software can be operated without any prior programming skills allowing interactive sessions of raw and processed data. IDCube Lite, a free version of the software described in the paper, has many benefits compared to existing packages and offers structural flexibility to discover new, hidden features that allow users to integrate novel computational methods.
CNN-based Real-time Image Restoration in Laser Suppression Imaging

We introduce the use of an Iterative Fully Convolutional Network (IFCN) for the restoration of laser suppressed images. A Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) enabled implementation for real-time image recovery is also presented.
VLBI/Laser Intercomparison Project: Session 2

Recent experiments are described which directly intercompare very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) with laser ranging to artificial satellites by measuring the vector lengths of the same intercontinental baselines. These experiments are part of the VLBI/Laser-Intercomparison Project, a continuing task to assess the suitability of VLBI to various geophysical applications.
Self-Consistent Model of a High-Power Hall Thruster Plume

A new model of the plasma plume from Hall effect thrusters (HETs) has been developed for the purpose of more accurately predicting the interactions between future high-power thrusters and large high-voltage solar arrays, such as those being developed under NASA’s Game Changing Technology awards by ATK and Deployable Space Systems. The HET plume mainly consists of two types of ions. The first are the energetic main beam ions produced upstream of the thruster acceleration zone. These are the dominant ion species along the thrust axis. The other group of ions have lower kinetic energy and are generated downstream of the acceleration zone from neutral xenon gas atoms by charge exchange (CEX) with main beam ions and by electron impact ionization. The neutral gas is due to neutral propellant atoms leaving the thruster and the hollow cathode without being ionized, and, in the case of laboratory testing, background neutrals present in the vacuum chamber. The new model uses the 2-D axisymmetric Hall thruster code, Hall2De, to self-consistently calculate the three major components of the plume in the vicinity of the thruster, which are the neutral gas atoms, high-energy beam ions, and low-energy ions. From the boundary computational region in the near plume, the Hall2De results are propagated to distances of tens of meters using a continuum hydrodynamic algorithm. This approach offers important advantages with respect to prior models of Hall thruster plumes, such as the NASA Electric Propulsion Interactions Code (EPIC), which uses an analytical fit to laboratory data from a single thruster for the main beam velocity boundary conditions at the channel exit. EPIC assumes that the neutral gas density emanates uniformly and isotropically from the channel exit. Low-energy ions are generated only by CEX; low-energy ions generated by electron impact are not included. The results for the far-field plume of a conceptual high-power thruster (H6) show important differences between EPIC and simulations using the new plume model. High-energy ions undergo less expansion in the azimuthal direction than in EPIC. This can be attributed to magnetic focusing of the beam. We also observe that the peak in low-energy ion density at approximately 90° from the thrust axis predicted by EPIC is moved downstream to angles from 70° to 80° when the new plume model is employed.
Nonlinear tracking of optimal maneuvers in spacecraft formations

We solve a minimum-energy, point-to-point optimal maneuver problem for satellite proximity flight in a perturbed orbit. We perform this control optimization on the nonlinear system using the Maximum Principle, and on a particular linear approximation using the minimum energy transfer theorem. In both cases we assume unperturbed dynamics. We then use a sliding mode controller to track the optimal trajectories in the presence of bounded, finite disturbances that correspond to perturbations on the order of J 2 or less. We find that the sliding mode tracking controller is able to track the optimal desired trajectory in the presence of orbital disturbances and with initial condition error using reasonable input commands.
Knowledge Management Audit - a methodology and case study

The strategic importance of knowledge in today’s organisation has been discussed extensively and research has looked at various issues in developing knowledge management systems. Both the characterisation of knowledge and alternate models for understanding the acquisition and use of such knowledge have taken on significant prominence. This is due to the complexities associated with acquiring and representing knowledge, and the varied nature of its use in knowledge work. However, the role of the knowledge workers and the processes that guide their knowledge work as they meet the knowledge goals of an organisation have received little attention. This paper proposes a knowledge audit (an assessment of the way knowledge processes meet an organisation’s knowledge goals) methodology to understand the “gaps” in the needs of a knowledge worker before one develops KM systems. The methodology also uses “process change” research to help build a socio-technical environment critical for knowledge work. The audit methodology is applied to a particular case and the implementation of the audit recommendations is discussed. Future implications of such an audit are also discussed.
Car seat burns in infants: avoiding confusion with inflicted burns

Summertime drivers commonly experience annoyance, discomfort, or even exquisite pain from hot car seats. The fact that these hot surfaces can lead to second-degree burns in young infants is less well known. The purpose of this article is to report five cases of car seat burns in children, to review the data from a brief study on peak temperatures of car seats, to offer recommendations for preventing car seat burns, to review the diagnostic criteria of car seat burns, and to examine the problem of false accusations of child abuse in these cases. KW: Hyperthermia in automobiles Language: en
Selection and Biologic Properties of Malignant Variants of a Murine Lymphosarcoma

A syngeneic tumor model system with the RAW117 lymphosarcoma cell line was developed for use in investigations of host and tumor cell properties associated with an enhanced state of malignancy. This BALB/c mouse model was found to be similar to human lymphosarcoma in that liver and spleen were the major organs involved. Sequential in vivo selections were performed by iv tumor cell inoculation, removal of resulting solid liver tumor nodules for growth in vitro, and reinjection of the cultured cells iv. After ten such sequential selections for implantation, invasion, survival, and growth in liver, a lymphosarcoma cell line was obtained (RAW 117-H10) that formed approximately 200-fold more gross liver tumor nodules than did the parental tumor cell line in comparative biologic assays and displayed enhanced malignant properties when monitored by time of host death. Very few lung nodules or tumors were present at other sites with either the parental or any of the selected RAW117 lines, which confirms previous reports in which in vivo sequential selection yielded stable cell lines with preferential tumor colonization at specific sites.
Overlapping functions of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mre11, Exo1 and Rad27 nucleases in DNA metabolism.

MRE11 functions in several aspects of DNA metabolism, including meiotic recombination, double-strand break repair, and telomere maintenance. Although the purified protein exhibits 3′ to 5′ exonuclease and endonuclease activities in vitro , Mre11 is implicated in the 5′ to 3′ resection of duplex ends in vivo . The mre11-H125N mutation, which eliminates the nuclease activities of Mre11, causes an accumulation of unprocessed double-strand breaks (DSBs) in meiosis, but no defect in processing HO-induced DSBs in mitotic cells, suggesting the existence of redundant activities. Mutation of EXO1 , which encodes a 5′ to 3′ exonuclease, was found to increase the ionizing radiation sensitivity of both mre11 Δ and mre11-H125N strains, but the exo1 mre11-H125N strain showed normal kinetics of mating-type switching and was more radiation resistant than the mre11 Δ strain. This suggests that other nucleases can compensate for loss of the Exo1 and Mre11 nucleases, but not of the Mre11-Rad50-Xrs2 complex. Deletion of RAD27 , which encodes a flap endonuclease, causes inviability in mre11 strains. When mre11-H125N was combined with the leaky rad27-6 , the double mutants were viable and no more γ-ray sensitive than the mre11-H125N strain. This suggests that the double mutant defect is unlikely to be due to defective DSB processing.
Correlated-wave-function calculation of the chemisorption of CO on Ti(0001)

The chemisorption of CO on Ti(0001) is treated with a many-electron configuration-interaction theory for adsorbate-surface interaction. When peerpendicular, threefold, atop-atom and bridge adsorption sites are compared with CO adsorption parallel to the surface, CO parallel with C and O stretched toward adjacent threefold sites is the more stable (60 kcal/mole exothermic). A distinctive upward shift of CO energy levels occurs for stretched and dissociated CO adsorption as a result of increased electron transfer from the lattice. Binding-energy contributions are discussed.
Frequency-dependent electromechanical properties for sol-gel deposited ferroelectric lead zirconate titanate thin layers: Thickness and processing effects

The electromechanical properties of sol-gel-derived ferroelectric Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O3 (PZT 53/47) thin layers deposited on silicon were determined as a function of field strength, measurement frequency, and total thickness. Both electrically induced strains (∊) and piezoelectric properties (d33) were characterized by interferometry. Dielectric spectroscopy and polarization switching (P-E) measurements were determined for comparative purposes. An asymmetry between forward and the reverse bias conditions in the ∊-E displacements was found for both five-layer deposited and nine-layer deposited structures. However, no asymmetry was observed in the P-E hysteresis characteristics. In addition, the electrically induced strains and the piezoelectric response were found to be dependent on measurement frequency. No significant frequency dependence was observed in the polarization or dielectric responses. The results are discussed in terms of a possible clamping effect on polarization switching.
Repeat Percutaneous Epicardial Mapping and Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia: Safety and Outcome

Safety and Efficacy of Repeat Epicardial Access. Introduction: Epicardial mapping and ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) has been increasingly performed. Occasionally additional ablation is necessary, requiring repeat percutaneous access to the pericardial space. Methods and Results: We studied 30 consecutive patients who required a repeat epicardial procedure. We specifically examined the success and safety of repeat percutaneous pericardial access as well as the ability to map and ablate epicardial VT targets. Percutaneous pericardial access at a median of 110 days after the last procedure was successful in all 30 patients. Significant adhesions interfering with catheter mapping were encountered in 7 patients (23%); 6 had received intrapericardial triamcinolone acetate (IPTA) with prior procedures. Using blunt dissection with a deflected ablation catheter and a steerable sheath, adhesions were divided allowing for complete catheter mapping in 5 patients with areas of dense adherence compartmentalizing the pericardium in 1 patient and precluding ablation over previously targeted ablation site in the second. Targeted VT noninducibility was achieved in 27 (90%) patients including 7 patients with adhesions. No direct complications related to pericardial access or adhesions disruption occurred. One periprocedural death occurred from refractory cardiogenic shock in patient with LV ejection fraction of 10%. Another patient developed asymptomatic positive Haemophilus influenzae pericardial fluid cultures identified at second procedure, which was successfully treated. Conclusions: Repeat access can be obtained after prior epicardial ablation. Adhesions from prior procedures may limit mapping, but can usually be disrupted mechanically and allow for ablation of recurrent VT. IPTA may not completely prevent adhesions. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 744-749, July 2012)
The structural requirements for anti-cardiolipin antibody binding in sera from patients with syphilis and SLE.

Abstract In a search for specific binding patterns of anti-phospholipid (PL) antibody reactivity in sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a quantitative assay was used to compare binding curves with those from beef heart cardiolipin (CL) and the following CL analogues: diphosphatidyl propylene glycol (DPPG), which lacks the internal hydroxyl group on the glycerol moiety; acetyl CL (ACL), in which an acetyl group is substituted for the glycerol hydroxyl group; and dimethyl CL (DCL), in which a methyl group is positioned on each phosphate group. In syphilitic sera the plateau level of antibody binding was decreased by 15 and 41% with DPPG and ACL, respectively. Binding to DCL was dramatically suppressed to levels only slightly above baseline. Only the binding curves for CL and DPPG showed saturability, and analysis by Eadie-Scatchard plots showed that the change in binding was primarily due to a more than twofold increase in K D (decreased antibody avidity). Similar patterns were seen with sera from patients with SLE and SLE-like illness, but some uniquely shaped binding curves were observed. Compared to control CL, peak binding levels were 75–88% for DPPG, 16–20% for ACL, and only 1–4% for DCL. These data indicate that the integrity of the CL headgroup, especially at the phosphate moiety, is essential for recognition by anti-CL antibodies from some sources.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia--a tale of two cities: the Boston experience.

Infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) show a wide range of anatomic and physiological abnormalities, making it difficult to compare the efficacy of management protocols between institutions. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to analyze the results of treatment of CDH in a large tertiary care pediatric center using conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as rescue therapy, and (2) to compare these results with those of a parallel study by a similar large urban center that used high-frequency oscillating ventilation (HFOV) as rescue therapy without ECMO. All patients who had CDH diagnosed within the first 12 hours of life and were referred for treatment before repair (between 1981 and 1994) were included in the analysis (n = 196). CMV was used initially in all patients, with conversion to ECMO for refractory hypoxemia or hypercapnea. Between 1981 and 1984, ECMO was not available. Between 1984 and 1987, ECMO was offered postoperatively. Between 1987 and 1991, ECMO was offered preoperatively. In all three groups, aggressive hyperventilation and alkalosis was the norm. Since 1991, permissive hypercapnia has been used. HFOV was used in three patients as stand-alone therapy with one survivor. Twenty patients died without repair: Ten had other lethal anomalies, eight died before ECMO could be instituted, and two died of ECMO-related complications. Overall, 104 patients (53%) survived and 92 (47%) died. Ninety-eight patients (50%) received ECMO, and 43 (44%) survived. Survivors had significantly higher 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores and higher postductal Po2s than did nonsurvivors. Associated anomalies were present in 39%, who had a significantly lower survival than those with isolated CDH. Antenatal diagnosis and side of the defect had no impact on outcome. Survival was not improved with the institution of ECMO or delayed repair but rose significantly to 69% (84% with isolated CDH, P = .007) with the introduction of permissive hypercapnea. Autopsy results from nonsurvivors showed other lethal anomalies and significant barotrauma as the primary causes of death. Comparisons between the Boston and Toronto series showed similar patient demographics and no significant differences in survival in any time period. The two series differed in the number of associated anomalies, their impact on survival, and in the prognosis of right-sided CDH. From the individual and combined analyses the authors concluded: (1) CMV with ECMO as rescue produced an overall survival in CDH patients equivalent to CMV with HFOV in a parallel series, (2) neither HFOV nor ECMO has significantly improved outcome in CDH patients, (3) institution of permissive hypercapnia has resulted in a significant increase in survival, and (4) the leading causes of death in CDH patients appear to be associated anomalies and pulmonary hypoplasia, which are currently untreatable. Barotrauma, which may contribute in up to 25% of deaths in CDH patients is avoidable.
Light and shadow from distant worlds

Drake Deming and Sara Seager review the properties of the 370-plus planets so far found orbiting stars other than the Sun. Early extrasolar planet discoveries depended on the radial velocity or Doppler wobble technique, measuring the effect of the planet's gravity on the star's spectrum. Increasingly, new discoveries rely on the transit method, observing the planet as it transits its star as seen from Earth. This method makes it possible to measure the planet's mass and radius — and in some cases to identify gases in the atmospheres of giant exoplanets. With new satellite observatories on the way, Deming and Seager anticipate that, some time in the next decade, a 'habitable' rocky planet will be discovered transiting a cool red dwarf star close to our Sun. This review features in our International Year of Astronomy package on http://go.nature.com/Z35PCw . Exoplanets are distant worlds that orbit stars other than our Sun. More than 370 such planets are known, and a growing fraction of them are discovered because they transit their star as seen from Earth. The special transit geometry enables us to measure masses and radii for dozens of planets, and we have identified gases in the atmospheres of several giant ones. Within the next decade, we expect to find and study a ‘habitable’ rocky planet transiting a cool red dwarf star close to our Sun. Eventually, we will be able to image the light from an Earth-like world orbiting a nearby solar-type star.
Approaches to reducing mercury in North America.

This article provides a summary of the Environmental Protection Agency’s role in reducing anthropogenic sources of mercury. These efforts are expected to substantially reduce both mercury releases and exposure. EPA is aware that mercury in the environment is complex and that it must work with programs in other federal agencies, state and local governments that address the mercury problem as well as partner with nongovernmental organizations and industry to reach these goals.
Development of a 2,4-Dinitrotoluene-Responsive Synthetic Riboswitch in E. coli cells

Riboswitches are RNA sequences that regulate expression of associated downstream genes in response to the presence or absence of specific small molecules. A novel riboswitch that activates protein translation in E. coli cells in response to 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) has been engineered. A plasmid library was constructed by incorporation of 30 degenerate bases between a previously described trinitrotoluene aptamer and the ribosome binding site. Screening was performed by placing the riboswitch library upstream of the Tobacco Etch Virus (TEV) protease coding sequence in one plasmid; a second plasmid encoded a FRET-based construct linked with a peptide containing the TEV protease cleavage site. Addition of DNT to bacterial culture activated the riboswitch, initiating translation of TEV protease. In turn, the protease cleaved the linker in the FRET-based fusion protein, causing a change in fluorescence. This new riboswitch exhibited a 10-fold increase in fluorescence in the presence of 0.5 mM DNT compared to t...
Determination of residual unsaturation in polyene preparations by direct injection enthalpimetry

Abstract Direct injection enthalpimetric methods for the determination of residual unsaturation in both water and hydrocarbon soluble polymers are described. Both methods are based on the heat of bromination of double bonds. The method for water-soluble polymers is a new method, while the method described for hydrocarbon-soluble polymers is a modification of literature methods which makes these previous methods simpler and quicker to use.
A Linear-Nonlinear Formulation of Einstein Equations for the Two-Body Problem in General Relativity

A formulation of Einstein equations is presented that could yield advantages in the study of collisions of binary compact objects during regimes between linear-nonlinear transitions. The key idea behind this formulation is a separation of the dynamical variables into (i) a fixed conformal 3-geometry, (ii) a conformal factor possessing nonlinear dynamics and (iii) transverse-traceless perturbations of the conformal 3-geometry.
Use of linear free energy relationships and an evaluative model to assess the fate and transport of phthalate esters in the aquatic environment

Linear free energy relationships for selected phthalate esters were used to estimate the rate constants for hydroysis, biolysis, sediment-water partition coefficients, and biosorption required for modeling. The fate and transport behavior of dimethyl, diethyl, di-n-butyl, di-n-octyl, and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate esters were assessed by use of an evaluative model, the Exposure Analysis Modeling System (EXAMS). Four EXAMS environments were defined: a pond, an oligotrophic lake, a eutrophic lake, and a river using environmental parameters representative of the Southeastern United States. Results suggest that higher molecular weight esters are not significantly transformed and that export from the ecosystem is the dominant process.
Evaluation of Gas Turbines for Pipelines

The wide range of sizes and types of gas turbine offered today present the gas pipeline system designer with a formidable task in determining the best equipment for a particular gas pipeline application. It is suggested that an analytical approach to account for the statistical or expected availability of various considered compressor-driver units will not only assist in making these decisions but provide a more accurate overall economic comparison. This paper reviews some concepts of accounting for differences in equipment availability in terms of resulting overall system compression costs.Copyright © 1973 by ASME
Consequences of Gauge Invariance for Electromagnetic Transitions. II

Some theorems developed by Sachs and Austern, regarding the electromagnetic properties of gauge-invariant Schr\"odinger systems, are generalized so that they may be applied to any gauge-invariant, bound system of particles which is describable by a normalizable state vector. In particular, the following theorems are established: (1) At low photon energy, purely electric radiative or absorptive transitions will depend only on the initial and final state vector of the matter system, and on the energy change (the Siegert theorem). (2) $f$-sum rules are obtained for electric multipole radiation of arbitrary order, and are expressed in terms of the electromagnetic interactions of the system. (3) If the static moments of the particle system are neglected, the cross section for gamma-ray scattering will depend on the fourth or higher power of the photon energy in the low energy limit. Theorem (3) shows that the energy-independent term in the transition amplitude computed by Sachs and Foldy for the scattering of gamma rays from nucleons, occurs because the nucleon state vector used in their work is not normalizable.
Rhythmic patterns in human interaction.

Now that the importance of rhythmicity in biological behavioural functions has been recognized, the traditional distinctions between psychology and physiology have had to be reappraised. For example, the regular alternation between mania and depression in manic-depressive psychosis suggests the possibility of underlying rhythmic phsyiological mechanisms1. Similarly, the temporal structure of social interaction has been investigated and regular patterns have been found2. Chapple3 and others4 have suggested a loose analogy between these patterns and biological rhythms. Nobody, however, has analysed the temporal structure of interaction with the perspective and statistical techniques of chronobiologists.
Newton's Optical Aether: His Draft of a Proposed Addition to His Opticks

STUDENTS of Newton’s physical thought are now in rather general agreement that—contrary to what various writers have asserted—a belief in an aetherial medium was not throughout his life ‘a central pillar’ of Newton’s system of nature (i). By the time he wrote the Principia , it seems clear, Newton had not only rejected the Cartesian dense aether, but had come to distrust his own youthful aetherial speculations (2); from the 1680’s until some time after 1706, the year the Latin translation of his Opticks appeared, an aether played little or no role in Newton’s conjectural system of nature.
Renal endarterectomy vs. bypass for combined aortic and renal reconstruction: Is there a difference in clinical outcome?

Are there differences in the patient characteristics and clinical outcome for transaortic renal endarterectomy vs. bypass grafting when either technique is combined with infrarenal aortic replacement for occlusive or aneurysmal disease? Two common perceptions persist: (1) combined aortic and renal procedures have a high risk and (2) bypass is easier and safer than endarterectomy. To address these controversies we compared 52 consecutive patients undergoing concomitant aortic and renal reconstruction between 1987 and 1991: 26 with bypass and 26 with endarterectomy. Bypass patients were older (70 vs. 64 years,p=0.001),had more extensive plaque extending into the distal renal artery and more severe baseline azotemia (creatinine=2.6 vs 1.7 mg/dl,p=0.01),more clinically evident coronary heart disease (89% vs. 56%,p=0.001),and a greater need for nephrectomy of a small nonfunctional pressor kidney (23% vs. 0%) than endarterectomy patients. In contrast, endarterectomy patients more commonly required aortic replacement for occlusive disease than for an aortic aneurysm (endarterectomy: 65% vs. 35%; bypass: 19% vs 81%,p=0.002)and tended to require more intraoperative technical revisions (12% vs. 4%) than bypass patients. Both groups, however, experienced no operative mortality, had similar cardiorespiratory morbidity, and achieved equal improvement in hypertension (69% vs. 65%). Bypass patients, who already had more severe preoperative azotemia than endarterectomy patients, showed less improvement in the creatinine level (Cr=2.1 vs. 1.4 mg/dl,p=0.01)and had greater need for late dialysis (30% vs. 4%,p=0.01).Only one patient on dialysis had graft occlusion. We conclude that patients requiring bypass are generally at a more advanced stage of both cardiovascular and renal disease and have a greater need for late dialysis than was previously recognized. Transaortic endarterectomy is a safe and effective choice in patients with bilateral orificial renal atheroma and aortic occlusive disease. Both procedures currently carry a lower operative risk than was previously predicted and have equal effectiveness in controlling renovascular hypertension.
The Other Re‐engineering of Engineering Education, 1900–1965

Many engineering colleges in the 1990s are busily revising the style and substance of engineering curricula to provide increased attention to design. The intent is to redress what many reformers see as an imbalance caused by too much emphasis on the analytical approaches of engineering science. In effect, current reforms are responding to changes made in American engineering colleges in the years immediately after World War II, when engineering curricula first fully embraced an analytical mode of engineering science. This paper examines how and why this earlier “re-engineering” of engineering education came to pass. It begins by summarizing the state of engineering education in the late 19th century. Then the paper discusses the role of European-born and educated engineers such as Stephen Timoshenko, Theodore von Kermen, and Harald Westergaard, who after 1920 prepared the ground for the later transformation of engineering curricula. The paper next discusses the efforts of leaders such as Solomon Cady Hollister and Eric Walker to introduce changes after 1945, and concludes by noting how their initial visions of curricula based on engineering science were altered during implementation.
Radiofrequency tonsil reduction: safety, morbidity, and efficacy.

Objectives To evaluate the safety, morbidity, and efficacy of radiofrequency tissue volume reduction of tonsils using two different surgical techniques and to compare these two techniques with each other and with classic tonsillectomy. Study Design A nonrandomized retrospective review of tonsil reductions was made between 2000 and 2002 using in vivo studies associated with tonsil reduction and tonsillectomy performed either in the hospital operating room or in the outpatient treatment area. Methods We studied 150 patients and divided them into three main groups based on surgical technique. Group A consisted of 50 consecutive patients who underwent tonsil “ablation,” Group B contained another 50 consecutive individuals who received tonsil “coblation,” and Group C consisted of 50 patients who underwent classic tonsillectomy (cold dissection). Each group consisted of two subcategories of children (age range, 1–12 y) and adults (age range, 12–60 y) with chronic tonsillar hypertrophy. Most of the pediatric patients underwent adenoidectomy during the same surgical procedure. Indications for tonsillectomy were those listed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. A retrospective chart review was used to assess procedures, safety, morbidity, and efficacy of tonsil reduction and tonsillectomy. Four specific end points of morbidity were investigated: pain, return to normal diet, return to normal activity, and use of pain medication. Efficacy of tonsillectomy was determined by the clinical observation of the remaining tonsillar tissue and compared with pretreatment photographs of the tonsils. Results There were no complications in any of the groups. Efficacy was assessed based on the mean tonsil reduction and was found to be 100% for tonsillectomy, 86% for the tonsil coblation technique, but only 53.6% for the ablation technique. Morbidity was minimal in groups A and B and significantly greater in Group C. The number of pain days, narcotic-use days, and days before return to normal diet and activity were greatly reduced in groups A and B when compared with classic tonsillectomy (group C). Pain levels on day 1 were less than 3 (on a scale of 1–10) in groups A and B. The number of pain days and narcotic-use days was less than 4 days in groups A and B. Similarly, most patients returned to solid diet and normal activity by day 4. Pain levels, number of narcotic-use days, and number of days to return to normal diet and activity were significantly higher for classic tonsillectomy. Conclusions Tonsil coblation has distinct advantages when compared with tonsil ablation and standard tonsillectomy. Tonsil coblation resulted in greater than 86% elimination of tonsillar tissue in both children and adults. In most patients, pain levels were minimal and limited to the first 48 hours after surgery. Return to normal diet and activity was much earlier in the coblation group versus classic tonsillectomy.
Manipulations of the Reproductive System of Fishes by Means of Exogenous Chemicals

Abstract Environmental control of reproductive activity of captive fish is feasible (or potentially feasible) but, with few exceptions, is currently impractical for most species. Therefore, chemical methods of manipulating reproductive activity continue to be widely used in fish production operations worldwide. However, the control of fish reproduction in captivity cannot be exercised without regard to adequate environmental conditions, which can differ markedly for different species. This review provides a synopsis of relevant aspects of fish reproductive physiology and addresses current and promising future chemical methods of sex control, gonadal recrudescence, and spawning. Most research on the control of reproduction in fishes has focused on female physiology because ovarian development and maturation are easily disturbed by environmental stressors. Control of sex ratios by steroid treatment has become a well-established technique for several fish species, but the technique continues to be problemati...
Reduced plasma ghrelin concentration in celiac disease after gluten-free diet treatment.

Objective Celiac disease (CD) is characterized by malabsorption, weight loss and increased energy expenditure. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between circulating ghrelin and leptin, which are produced at gastrointestinal level and are involved in energy balance regulation, and changes in body composition and energy metabolism in CD patients before and after gluten-free diet (GFD)-induced restoration of the intestinal mucosa. Material and methods Body composition (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), resting metabolic rate and substrate oxidation rates (by indirect calorimetry) were assessed in 18 adult women with the classic form of CD (age 31.4±7.8 years, body mass index (BMI) 20.6±2.1 kg/m2) before and at least 2 years after GFD treatment and in 22 age-matched healthy women (age 33.1±7.2 years, BMI 22.9±2.1 kg/m2). Plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations were assessed by the ELISA and RIA procedures, respectively. Results Fat-free mass was reduced before and after GFD compar...
Modified ERG-jet contact lens electrodes for use in infants and toddlers

A simple modification of the standard ERG-jet contact lens recording electrode for use in infants and small children was developed. A small Plexiglas cylinder is fixed to the front surface of the electrode, which prevents lid closure and facilitates handling. Sedation or general anesthesia is rarely needed. Waveforms obtained with the modified electrode appear comparable to those obtained with standard electroretinogram electrodes.
Clinical Recognition of Tricuspid Stenosis

Clinical criteria for the recognition of tricuspid stenosis were studied in 13 cases, all personally observed by the authors. The results suggest that application of these criteria not only allows a confident diagnosis of tricuspid stenosis in a substantial majority of cases, but also allows the lesion to be recognized relatively early in its natural history.
Using rapid application development to improve the usability of a preservice teacher technology course

The aim of this research was to examine the use of a rapid application development (RAD) approach in improving the usability (effectiveness, efficiency, and appeal) of instructional materials for preservice teachers. The RAD approach used was the analysis, synthesis, evaluation and change (ASEC) model (Reigeluth & Nelson, 1997). After examining existing materials, 11 units of instruction were prototyped, tested, modified, and retested with the requisite changes being implemented over the course of three semesters. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 570 students, 7 instructional designers, and 4 lab assistants. Results of the study showed significant increases in usability scores between the second and third semester. Both positive and negative experiences in using a rapid development model are discussed.
Three-dimensional reconstruction of rat dermal blood vessels in vivo

We performed imaging and reconstruction of dermal and subdermal blood vessels in a rat skin flap window model. The window model consists of a double thickness of dorsal skin which is sutured to a holding fixture. A 1 cm circle of skin is removed from one thickness, exposing the dermal blood vessels of the opposing side. An optical coherence tomography system operating at 1310 nm was used to image the blood vessels. A series of transverse images of the window model characterized sections of tissue. Off-the-shelf software for desktop and workstation computers was used to preprocess the images, identify and reconstruct blood vessels, and to extract parameters such depth, diameter, and percent volume of blood vessels. Such parameters may be of interest in developing improved treatments for vascular disorders such as port wine stains.
Functional expression and cellular localization of cercosporin-resistance proteins fused with the GFP in Cercospora nicotianae.

The Cercospora nicotianae pdx1 and crg1 genes were previously identified as genes required for resistance to the singlet oxygen (1O2)-generating toxin cercosporin. The pdx1 gene has subsequently been shown to be required for pyridoxine biosynthesis, but both the precise biochemical function of the PDX1 protein and the function of the CRG1 protein remain undefined, as both sequences lack defined enzymatic domains or cofactor-binding sites. The gfp gene encoding green fluorescent protein was translationally fused with pdx1 and crg1. Transformation of these constructs into strains mutant in these respective genes resulted in green-fluorescent transformants complemented for the mutant phenotype. Microscopic studies revealed that in transformants transformed with gfp alone, fluorescence was distributed evenly throughout the cytoplasm and excluded from the vacuoles. Expression of PDX1::GFP either under the constitutive Aspergillus nidulans gpdA promoter or its own native promoter was visualized as distinct fluorescent circular structures in the cytoplasm, suggesting that PDX1::GFP was probably localized in the intracellular vesicles. Expression of CRG1 fused with GFP at either its N- or C-terminus resulted in low green fluorescence, compared with that of GFP alone or PDX1::GFP. The green fluorescence of either of the CRG1::GFP fusion proteins was barely observable in transformants and was generally seen as a few scattered regions of fluorescence in the hyphae. Southern blot analysis indicated multiple copies of the constructs were integrated into the fungal genome. Northern analysis revealed that pdx1::gfp and crg1::gfp were each expressed as an intact transcriptional unit. Cell fractionation followed by immunoblotting against a GFP antibody showed that GFP alone and PDX1::GFP were detected exclusively in the cytoplasmic fraction. The two CRG1::GFP proteins were barely detected in the cytoplasmic fraction and not at all from the membrane fraction, a result inconsistent with microscopic observation and computer sequence analysis, which suggests that CRG1 is a membrane protein.
Frontal plane multi-segment foot kinematics in high- and low-arched females during dynamic loading tasks

The functions of the medial longitudinal arch have been the focus of much research in recent years. Several studies have shown kinematic differences between high- and low-arched runners. No literature currently compares the inter-segmental foot motion of high- and low-arched recreational athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine inter-segmental foot motion in the frontal plane during dynamic loading activities in high- and low-arched female athletes. Inter-segmental foot motions were examined in 10 high- and 10 low-arched female recreational athletes. Subjects performed five barefooted trials in each of the following randomized movements: walking, running, downward stepping and landing. Three-dimensional kinematic data were recorded. High-arched athletes had smaller peak ankle eversion angles in walking, running and downward stepping than low-arched athletes. At the rear-midfoot joint high-arched athletes reached peak eversion later in walking and downward stepping than the low-arched athletes. The high-arched athletes had smaller peak mid-forefoot eversion angles in walking, running and downward stepping than the low-arched athletes. The current findings show that differences in foot kinematics between the high- and low-arched athletes were in position and not range of motion within the foot.
Allosteric activation of cytochrome P450 3A4 by α-naphthoflavone: branch point regulation revealed by isotope dilution analysis.

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) is the dominant xenobiotic metabolizing CYP. Despite great interest in CYP enzymology, two in vitro aspects of CYP3A4 catalysis are still not well understood, namely, s...