cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of institutions in sustainable urban governance

In an effort to support a transition to sustainability, urban institutions now face new challenges. Municipal level institutions design and implement sustainability action plans, climate action plans and increasingly, climate adaption projects. This article reviews the debates surrounding the role of institutions in sustainable urban governance, as well as the tools available to assess the plurality of actors working within and across institutional boundaries. Sustainability as a guiding principle in urban planning requires a fundamental reorientation of the rationalities that have governed discrete aspects of social, economic and political life in cities. Institutions, in ordering the administrative and management activities of urban governments, are critical in efforts to hasten the adoption of sustainability ideals and in the implementation of associated projects. Urban political institutions engage with new forms of environmental leadership and polycentric forms of environmental governance in response to contextually specific urban characteristics and actor constellations. The extent to which sustainability ideals are institutionalized depends on sound analysis that helps form new understandings of the ways in which human‐environment systems are coupled — and how this coupling should inform governance action in support of sustainable urban development.
Security Vulnerability Profiles of Mission Critical Software: Empirical Analysis of Security Related Bug Reports

While some prior research work exists on characteristics of software faults (i.e., bugs) and failures, very little work has been published on analysis of software applications vulnerabilities. This paper aims to contribute towards filling that gap by presenting an empirical investigation of application vulnerabilities. The results are based on data extracted from issue tracking systems of two NASA missions. These data were organized in three datasets: Ground mission IVV issues, Flight mission IVV issues, and Flight mission Developers issues. In each dataset, we identified security related software bugs and classified them in specific vulnerability classes. Then, we created the security vulnerability profiles, i.e., determined where and when the security vulnerabilities were introduced and what were the dominating vulnerabilities classes. Our main findings include: (1) In IVV issues datasets the majority of vulnerabilities were code related and were introduced in the Implementation phase. (2) For all datasets, around 90 of the vulnerabilities were located in two to four subsystems. (3) Out of 21 primary classes, five dominated: Exception Management, Memory Access, Other, Risky Values, and Unused Entities. Together, they contributed from 80 to 90 of vulnerabilities in each dataset.
Patterns of progression in bone and soft tissue following treatment with Ra-223 in metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

222Background: Bone scans were not obtained in the phase 3 ALSYMPCA trial, and retrospective series have reported varying rates of development of new lesions and resolution of existing lesions, following treatment with Radium-223 (Ra-223). Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of all men with mCRPC who received at least one dose of Ra-223 at Duke Cancer Institute from June 1, 2013 to June 1, 2015, in order to specifically describe radiographic changes on bone scan and CT during and following treatment. Radionuclide bone scans were reviewed by two radiologists prior to, during, and following Ra-223 treatment. The automated bone scan index (aBSI) was generated at each time point using EXINI boneBSI v. 2. Results: We identified 61 men with mCRPC (72% white, 28% black, median age 70) who received ≥ 1 dose of Ra-223 (median 5 doses, range 1-6). Prior treatments included: abiraterone (71%), enzalutamide (71%), sipuleucel-T (59%), docetaxel (56%), and cabazitaxel (18%). At baseline, 46% of men had n...
Theoretical Models for Monolithic Diode-Laser Arrays

This chapter will review some of the theoretical models that have been used to analyze the modal properties and simulate the operating characteristics of various types of diode-laser array designs. The starting point for all of these models is Maxwell’s equations. The details of a particular diode-laser array structure will specify the boundary conditions and the spatial dependence of the dielectric function which corresponds to the gain and refractive-index profiles that comprise the monolithic laser-array structure. We will start out in Sect. 4.1 by reviewing the basic properties of the multi-layer waveguide problem, as this model is basic to our understanding of more complex analyses. Section 4.2 will cover methods specifically used in analyzing laterally-coupled arrays such as the effective-index approximation, coupled-mode theory, the Bloch-function method, and the two-dimensional Helmholtz wave equation. In Sect. 4.3, self-consistent models of diode-laser arrays are presented. Finally, a section (Sect. 4.4) has been included to present the fundamentals of optical coherence theory that are important for understanding and interpreting the output-beam characteristics of diode-laser arrays.
Capacity Acquisition, Capacity Cost Allocation, and Pricing for New Product Introduction

Using a two-product and two-period model, we investigate optimal capacity acquisition and capacity cost allocation for product costing and pricing decisions for existing and new products under long-term capacity commitment. The existing product is produced in both periods, while the new product is produced only in the second period. The insights we obtain differ from those in earlier literature and complement them. We find conditions under which the capacity charge for existing products when idle capacity exists can be more or less than the capacity charge when the firm introduces new products to better utilize the capacity. A necessary requirement for the capacity charge for the existing product in the first period when there is idle capacity to be greater than the capacity charge in the second period when the capacity is better utilized is that the demand for the two products be negatively correlated. The result provides a rationale for the variety of cost allocation schemes used in practice.
The Innocent Prisoner's Dilemma: Consequences of Failing to Admit Guilt at Parole Hearings

The granting of parole in the criminal justice system is often viewed as an act of grace: the dispensation of mercy by the government to an individual prisoner deemed worthy of conditional release prior to the expiration of his sentence. Yet the criteria upon which state parole boards base these acts of grace remain something of a mystery. Denials of parole are largely unreviewable and courts have held that due process imposes only a minimal burden upon parole boards to reveal the rationales for their decisions. Nevertheless, surveying state parole release decisions demonstrates that a prisoner's willingness to own up to his misdeeds - to acknowledge culpability and express remorse for the crime for which he is currently incarcerated - is a vital part of the parole decision-making calculus. That is, admitting guilt increases the likelihood of a favorable parole outcome for an inmate whereas proclaiming innocence serves to diminish the chance for release. The main objective of this Article is to consider whether this is wise. Should a prisoner's assertions of innocence be held against him in the parole process? Part I of this Article briefly discusses the origins of parole in the United States as well as the contemporary features of parole release decision-making. Next, Part II explores how the reliance on prisoner admissions of guilt as part of the parole release decision intersects and potentially interferes with the efforts of innocent inmates to win their freedom. Part III then critically examines the theoretical and normative implications of the current parole system's emphasis on remorse and responsibility. Finally, Part IV recommends several specific reforms concerning the treatment of inmate claims of innocence at parole hearings. These reforms include limiting the use of parole hearing transcripts at subsequent post-conviction proceedings; distinguishing statements of remorse from those of responsibility; and re-conceiving the role played by parole boards in entertaining questions of guilt and innocence.
Jupiter: der Gasriese

Jupiter ist bei maximaler Helligkeit nach Venus der zweithellste Planet am Himmel. Er braucht fur einen Sonnenumlauf 11,86 Jahre, das heist pro Jahr bewegt er sich durch ein Sternzeichen des Tierkreises. Da er 5,2 Astronomische Einheiten von der Sonne entfernt ist, schwankt sein Abstand zur Erde nicht sehr stark. Aus diesem Grunde sind auch, anders als bei Mars und den inneren Planeten, sein scheinbarer Durchmesser und seine Helligkeit nahezu konstant.
Virtual Biopsy: Distinguishing Post-traumatic Stress from Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) affect soldiers returning from recent conflicts at an elevated rate. Our study focuses on the use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) measurements to distinguish subjects having mTBI, PTSD, or both, with the goal of identifying biomarkers for of these specific disorders from the MRS data. MRS provides a non-invasive in vivo technique for measuring the concentration of metabolites in the brain, thus serving as a “virtual biopsy” that can be used to monitor a range of neurological diseases. The traditional method for analyzing MRS data assumes that the signal arises from a known set of metabolites and finds the best fit to a collection of pre-defined basis functions representing this set. Our novel approach makes no assumptions about the underlying metabolite population, and instead extracts a rich set of wavelet-based features from the entire MRS signal. Capturing the structure of all significant peaks in the signal allows for the discovery of previously unknown signatures related to disease state. We applied this approach to MRS data from 100 participants across five categories: civilian control subjects, military control subjects, military with PTSD, military with mTBI, and military with both PTSD and mTBI. After signal processing to remove artifacts, features were extracted from each signal using a wavelet decomposition approach, and MRS features from subjects with PTSD, mTBI, or both, were compared to both military and civilian control subjects. Our analysis identified significant changes in many different regions of the MR spectrum, including regions corresponding to glutamate, glutamine, GABA, Creatine, and Lactate. Classifiers based on these features exhibit correct classification rates of 80% or better in cross-validation, demonstrating the value of MRS as a non-invasive means of measuring biochemical signatures associated with PTSD and mTBI in military service men and women.
4.3 A Multiphase Interpolating Digital Power Amplifier for TX Beamforming in 65nm CMOS

Future 5G communications will heavily leverage beamforming and MIMO techniques, owing to the improvement in data transmission capacity. In a transmit (TX) beamformer, the phase and amplitude of an array of TXs can be arbitrarily adjusted to spatially steer a transmitted beam toward a user or multiple users. The amplitude and direction of the beam is adjusted by controlling the gain and phase of each TX in the array. Gain is typically adjusted with a variable-gain amplifier in the driver chain. In recent beamforming TXs, four primary means to control the output beam angle have been leveraged. Passive RF phase shifting is bulky and lossy, owing to high losses in the passive elements, and is difficult to design to provide phase control through 360°. LO phase shifting often uses a single passive phase shifter or a multiphase ring oscillator, but these devices typically provide lower phase resolution. Digitally controlled delay lines provide a wider bandwidth response but suffer from reduced phase resolution as frequency is increased and can consume high power [1]. Digital phase-shifting techniques have recently shown promise in polar systems [2, 3], but the quadrature modulators, typically used for phase shifting, incur high loss if placed directly at the output stage.
Reversal of castrate resistant prostate cancer by extracellular vesicle therapy.

e16111 Background: Castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death and nearly all men develop castrate resistance. Several new therapies, including enz...
Spatially Locked Mode in Defected Microring Resonators

Control of mode-splitting in a microring resonator is achieved by introducing notched scatters on its perimeter. Single step etching on SOI substrate enables the microring resonator to operate at exceptional point. © 2019 The Author(s)
Interweaving Narrative and Gameplay to Cultivate Empathy for Anxiety and Depression

Mono no Aware, a single-player narrative-driven game, was developed to generate empathy for the mental and physical effects of anxiety and depression. Utilizing narrative, aesthetics, and design, the game's core loop describes the experience of having anxiety and depression, while introducing common process therapy techniques as coping strategies. In this game we developed a unique game mechanic of "rewiring the brain" as a way to mesh both narrative and gameplay together.
ATAC-Me Captures Prolonged DNA Methylation of Dynamic Chromatin Accessibility Loci during Cell Fate Transitions.

Summary DNA methylation of enhancers is dynamic, cell-type specific, and vital for cell fate progression. However, current models inadequately define its role within the hierarchy of gene regulation. Analysis of independent datasets shows an unanticipated overlap between DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility at enhancers of steady-state stem cells, suggesting that these two opposing features might exist concurrently. To define their temporal relationship, we developed ATAC-Me, which probes accessibility and methylation from single DNA library preparations. We identified waves of accessibility occurring rapidly across thousands of myeloid enhancers in a monocyte-to-macrophage cell fate model. Prolonged methylation states were observed at a majority of these sites, while transcription of nearby genes tracked closely with accessibility. ATAC-Me uncovers a significant disconnect between chromatin accessibility, DNA methylation status, and gene activity. This unexpected observation highlights the value of ATAC-Me in constructing precise molecular timelines for understanding the role of DNA methylation in gene regulation.
Predictors of Smoking Cessation in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Two Cohorts: Healthcare Factors Most Predictive

OBJECTIVE Recognizing smoking as a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) severity, the present study was undertaken to evaluate patient- and health care-level predictors of smoking cessation in patients with RA to guide implementation of smoking cessation interventions. METHODS Electronic health record data from 2 health systems were abstracted for patients with at least 2 International Classification of Disease diagnosis codes for RA between 2005 and 2016. Patients missing smoking statuses or with <6 months of follow-up were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors of smoking cessation. RESULTS Among 3,577 patients with RA, 507 smoked at baseline, and 29% quit over a median of 4.75 years. Black male patients, ages 40-59 years and enrolled in Medicaid, were significantly more likely to be baseline smokers; however, none of these factors predicted cessation. Instead, patients new to rheumatology care were 60% more likely to quit (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj ] 1.60 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.02-2.50]), and patients in the rural community health system were 66% more likely to quit (ORadj 1.66 [95% CI 1.03-2.69]). Seropositive patients were 43% less likely to quit smoking (ORadj 0.57 [95% CI 0.35-0.91]). CONCLUSION Health care factors, including health system and being new to rheumatology care, were more predictive of smoking cessation in patients with RA than patient sociodemographic factors, suggesting an important role for health system cessation efforts for patients with RA. Seropositive patients were less likely to quit and may particularly benefit from cessation support. Emphasizing smoking cessation with new or seropositive RA patients and leveraging health system interventions could improve smoking cessation and outcomes in RA.
ERAS for Head and Neck Tissue Transfer Reduces Opioid Usage, Peak Pain Scores, and Blood Utilization.

Objectives We implement a novel enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol with pre-operative non-opioid loading, total intravenous anesthesia, multimodal peri-operative analgesia, and restricted red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions. 1) Compare differences in mean postoperative peak pain scores, opioid usage, and pRBC transfusions. 2) Examine changes in overall length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit LOS, complications, and 30-day readmissions. Methods Retrospective cohort study comparing 132 ERAS vs. 66 non-ERAS patients after HNC tissue transfer reconstruction. Data was collected in a double-blind fashion by two teams. Results Mean postoperative peak pain scores were lower in the ERAS group up to postoperative day (POD) 2. POD0: 4.6 ± 3.6 vs. 6.5 ± 3.5; P = .004) (POD1: 5.2 ± 3.5 vs. 7.3 ± 2.3; P = .002) (POD2: 4.1 ± 3.5 vs. 6.6 ± 2.8; P = .000). Opioid utilization, converted into morphine milligram equivalents, was decreased in the ERAS group (POD0: 6.0 ± 9.8 vs. 10.3 ± 10.8; P = .010) (POD1: 14.1 ± 22.1 vs. 34.2 ± 23.2; P = .000) (POD2: 11.4 ± 19.7 vs. 37.6 ± 31.7; P = .000) (POD3: 13.7 ± 20.5 vs. 37.9 ± 42.3; P = .000) (POD4: 11.7 ± 17.9 vs. 36.2 ± 39.2; P = .000) (POD5: 10.3 ± 17.9 vs. 35.4 ± 45.6; P = .000). Mean pRBC transfusion rate was lower in ERAS patients (2.1 vs. 3.1 units, P = .017). There were no differences between ERAS and non-ERAS patients in hospital LOS, ICU LOS, complication rates, and 30-day readmissions. Conclusion Our ERAS pathway reduced postoperative pain, opioid usage, and pRBC transfusions after HNC reconstruction. These benefits were obtained without an increase in hospital or ICU LOS, complications, or readmission rates. Level of evidence 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E792-E799, 2021.
Responding to Spiritual Suffering and Hope During a Goals-of-Care Conversation

A palliative care chaplain tells all, including vital techniques to help patients and families through spiritual crisis, techniques for how to manage your own inner reactivity, and how to respond to the ever present hope for a miracle.
Heme Catabolism and Bilirubin Production in Readmitted Jaundiced Newborns

We measured end-tidal CO levels in 50 jaundiced newborns readmitted for phototherapy at age 54-244 hours. The median end-tidal CO level was 1.55 ppm, suggesting that hemolysis is not the primary contributor to the hyperbilirubinemia in many readmitted newborns.
Obesity as a chronic care challenge: new opportunities for social work practice

While perhaps not garnering the attention of conditions like cancer or heart disease, or behavioral health conditions such as addiction and mental illness, obesity is emerging as a major health concern across the globe. While statistics vary, reports indicate that upwards of 2/3 of Americans can be considered overweight, while more than 30% can be labeled as obese. In recent years, obesity has become increasingly characterized as a chronic health condition, and as such, it is important to take a comprehensive, and long-term approach to care. Social workers should play a central role in reconfigured models of obesity care and given a growing recognition of this as an emerging social problem, such involvement is both needed, and appropriate.
Methods of Nonlinear Analysis

Materials such as metals, soils, and rocks (e.g., lime stones) are inherently nonlinear and plastic. Except in a limited class of problems, the behavior of structures made of these materials cannot be predicted without the consideration of their nonlinear plastic stress–strain behavior. Contrary to linear elastic problems, nonlinear problems require iterative methods for obtaining the solution, both at the global (structure) and local (Gauss point) levels. There are several methods of carrying out the iterations. In this chapter, we will describe (1) a class of methods called the Newton’s methods which form the basis for commonly used global and local iterative algorithms, and (2) Euler methods of solving initial value problems, which form the basis for the commonly used local iterative algorithms.
Serpens Cluster B and VV Ser Observed with High Spatial Resolution at 70, 160, and 350 μm

We report on diffraction-limited observations in the far-infrared (FIR) and submillimeter of the Cluster B region of Serpens (G3-G6 Cluster) and of the Herbig Be star to the south, VV Ser. The observations were made with the Spitzer/MIPS instrument in fine-scale mode at 70 μm, in a normal mapping mode at 160 μm (VV Ser only), and the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO) Submillimeter High Angular Resolution Camera II (SHARC-II) camera at 350 μm (Cluster B only). We use these data to define the spectral energy distributions of the tightly grouped members of Cluster B, many of whose spectral energy distribution (SED)'s peak in the FIR. We compare our results to those of the c2d survey of Serpens and to published models for the FIR emission from VV Ser. We find that values of L bol and T bol calculated with our new photometry show only modest changes from previous values, and that most source SED classifications remain unchanged.
Efficacy of European Sport Tutorship model (ESTPORT) in the dual career of athletes in Spain

The research is result of the European project ‘Developing an innovative European Sport Tutorship model for the dual career of athletes’ (557204-EPP-1-2014-1-ES-SPO-SCP). Call: European Union. Education, Audio-visual and Culture Executive Agency. Erasmus + Sport Program. Call EACS / S11 / 13 “Collaborative Partnerships” and “Not-for-profit European Sport” (Head of research: Antonio Sanchez-Pato).
Social Network Analysis of an Agricultural Center: Stakeholders and the Transfer of Information

We conducted a social network analysis (SNA) of Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) to describe stakeholder networks for agricultural Research and Education/Outreach....
Unsupervised repetition enables rapid perceptual learning

This study examined how listeners disambiguate an auditory scene comprising multiple competing unknown sources and determine a salient source. Experiment 1 replicated findings from McDermott, Wrobleski, and Oxenham. [(2011). Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 108(3), 1188-1193] using a multivariate Gaussian model to generate mixtures of two novel sounds. The results showed that listeners were unable to identify either sound in the mixture despite repeated exposure unless one sound was repeated several times while being mixed with a different distractor each time. The results support the idea that repetition provides a basis for segregating a single source from competing novel sounds. In subsequent experiments, the previous identification task was extended to a recognition task and the results were modeled. To confirm the repetition benefit, experiment 2 asked listeners to recognize a temporal ramp in either a repeating sound or non-repeating sounds. The results showed that perceptual salience of the repeating sound allowed robust recognition of its temporal ramp, whereas similar features were ignored in the non-repeating sounds. The response from two neural models of learning, generalized Hebbian learning and anti-Hebbian learning, were compared with the human listener results from experiment 2. The Hebbian network showed a similar response pattern as for the listener results, whereas the opposite pattern was observed for the anti-Hebbian output.
Potyviruses, monoclonal antibodies, and antigenic sites.

Virus-specific and cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies have been produced to at least 19 different aphid-transmitted potyviruses. This report summarizes the development of these monoclonal antibodies as well as presents information on the delineation of the virus-specific and group-common epitopes defined by these monoclonal antibodies. Virus-specific and group-common antigenic determinants were mapped by a variety of techniques, including analysis of antigen: antibody reactivity patterns, determination of N-terminal vs. trypsin-resistant core peptide-specificity, immuno-analysis of overlapping synthetic peptides, and immunoanalysis of bacterially expressed coat-protein gene products. Of those monoclonal antibodies that have been examined, monoclonal antibody-defined virus-specific epitopes are virion surface-located within the 30+ amino acid amino terminus, whereas the group-common epitopes are found in the trypsin-resistant core protein not usually located on the virion surface, as has been shown previously with certain polyclonal antibodies. New information is presented on the analysis of bean yellow mosaic virus amino terminal epitopes as well as on the identification of amino terminal antigenic determinants shared between strains of bean yellow mosaic virus and pepper mottle virus. A recommendation on the evaluation and use of a panel of potyvirus broad-spectrum reacting monoclonal as reference monoclonal antibodies for the detection and classification of aphid-transmitted potyviruses is also presented.
An emerging link between the negative EGFR feedback regulator Mig6 and hepatic glucose production (1115.5)

Hepatic glucose production (HGP) from either glycogenolysis or de novo gluconeogenesis requires the hydrolytic cleavage of glucose-6-phosphate to glucose and inorganic phosphate by the glucose-6-ph...
Peptide synthesis with benzisoxazolium salts—II : Activation chemistry of 2-ethyl-7-hydroxybenzisoxazolium fluroborate; Coupling chemistry of 3-acyloxy-2-hydroxy-N-ethylbenzamides

Abstract Mechanistic aspects of the application of 2-ethyl-7-hydroxybenzisoxazolium fluoroborate, 1, to peptide synthesis are presented. Optimal conditions are described for the formation of 3-acyloxy-2-hydroxy-N-ethylbenzamides, 2, from 1 and peptide acids. Amines are found to react with esters, 2, as their 2-oxyanion conjugate bases. Racemization in model systems is found to occur via oxazolones, and the low racemizing tendency of the esters, 2, is shown to result from a unique internal buffering effect. In the preceding paper,1 we have outlined the reasoning which led us to synthesize the 2-ethyl-7-hydroxybenzisoxazolium cation, 1, and the evidence which establishes the active esters, 2, as products of the reactions of 1 with carboxylic acid anions. In the following paper,2 we report results of the application of this reaction to the synthesis of simple amino acid derivatives. In this paper, we describe the known practical features of the activation sequence 1→2, carried out with the model, carbobenzoxyglycine, and salient features of the coupling sequence, 2→amide, carried out with a variety of peptide derivatives. Evidence relevant to the mechanisms of coupling and racemization for the esters 2 is described.
Abstract 16174: Electrical Features Associated With the Occurrence of Ventricular Fibrillation in STEMI Patients

Background: More than 300,000 people develop sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) each year in the United States, and the majority (>80%) occur in the setting of coronary artery disease. Efforts to improve long-term prediction of individuals at risk for SCA have made slow progress and in this context, alternative approaches aimed at pre-emptive risk stratification and prevention are needed. Objective: To identify sub-acute static and dynamic electrocardiographic (ECG) features associated with the development of ventricular fibrillation (VF) among patients with acute STEMI. Methods: We developed a systematic approach to process digital ECG data recorded by LIFEPAK defibrillators using PhysioControl software and MATLAB ® . From Emergency Medical Services in Portland, Oregon, ECG (12-lead as well as continuous) tracings of 5 cases (STEMI with VF occurrence prior hospital admission) and 10 controls (STEMI patients without VF occurrence) were analyzed (mean age 65±17 years, males 47%, anterior STEMI 40%). Analysis included heart rate, ventricular excitability, durations of different intervals (PR, QRS, QT, QTc), amplitude at J-point, ST segment elevation, as well as ST integrals (defined as the ST wave segment area in relationship to the isoelectric line). Analyses were carried out at baseline (time of EMS arrival) as well as over a 10-minute period. Results: The majority of the duration-based measurements of different ECG segments showed similar results among cases and controls. By contrast, amplitude measurements, especially the ST integral was observed to be larger among cases compared to controls (604±218 vs. 390±133 mV*ms, P=0.07). In addition, the number of premature ventricular beats was higher among cases compared to controls (P=0.049). Dynamic analyses found that only changes in ST integral were associated with VF occurrence -- ST integral becoming significantly higher among cases compared to controls (P=0.028). The MATLAB analysis program was able to reproduce the results of the manual analysis with significantly increased efficiency and only minor discrepancies. Conclusion: Our preliminary findings suggest the feasibility of developing automatic algorithms that predict VF in STEMI patients.
Other inherited neuropathies

Publisher Summary The hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies (HSAN) are rare inherited disorders categorized on clinical grounds into five types, HSAN1–5. Clinical manifestations of HSAN primarily involve sensory and autonomic dysfunction. Sensory features tend to predominate, accounting for earlier designation of these conditions as hereditary sensory neuropathies (HSN). The present classification was applied as autonomic involvement and became recognized as a common feature. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings and nerve biopsy, although the causative genes for several forms are known and genetic diagnosis for these is feasible. Treatment for all forms of HSAN1–5 is supportive. Neurophysiological testing is an important means of characterizing the various forms of HSAN as types 1–5, but specificity of neurophysiological features for a given HSAN type is subject to revision as the genetic basis of these disorders is further determined.
Examination of a One-Trial Brief Experimental Analysis to Identify Reading Fluency Interventions.

This study sought to evaluate whether a one-trial brief experimental analysis (OTBEA) would reliably and validly identify effective treatments to improve oral reading fluency for 6 elementary school students referred for reading problems. An OTBEA was conducted with each participant to assess the effects of skill- and performance-based treatment components. Following the OTBEA, an extended analysis was conducted using an alternating treatments design to experimentally assess whether predictions generated by the OTBEA would be accurate across sessions, time, and stimulus materials. OTBEA results suggested that 3 participants required a treatment package containing both performance-based and skill-based instructional components and that the other 3 participants might only need performance-based interventions. Results indicate that predictions were accurate for those participants requiring both types of intervention components, but that predictions for the remaining participants met with mixed results in the extended analysis. Results are discussed in terms of further refining brief experimental analysis methods to make them more efficient for educators while ensuring valid results.
Mitigating Earthquake Effects on Power Systems

Results are reported of a study using the Delphi method. Transmission and distribution facilities were emphasized. Eight measures were identified and ranked. In order of importance, they were: (1)Establish seismic criteria for facilities; (2)establish seismic specifications for equipment; (3)use seismic risk analysis for site selection; (4)have qualified field inspection during construction and installation; (5)perform dynamic analysis in equipment and facility design; (6)improve quality assurance by suppliers; (7)use cost-benefit methods in establishing specifications; and (8)perform low- bration testing. The importance was evaluated of eight characteristics of groups to implement the three highest ranked measures. Subsystems of electric utilities were evaluated for vulnerability to earthquake damage and for potential for improved earthquake resistance.
The effect of triiodothyronine on some metabolic parameters of obese individuals

Various metabolic parameters were studied in a group of obese individuals and individuals of normal weight who were euthyroid by the usual clinical and laboratory criteria. The parameters studied were the blood glucose replacement rate, excretion of C14O2 in expired air following the injection of 1-C14-glucose and 6-C14-glucose, the hexosemonophosphate shunt, the biologic half-life of I131-T3 and the concentration of C14-T3 in bile and adipose tissue. Studies were obtained before and after a period of triiodothyronine administration. Loss of weight occurred without manifestations of thyrotoxicosis. The blood glucose replacement rate mg./Kg./hr. was increased in obese individuals by T3. The increase was 20 to 50 per cent of the pretreatment level. Following T3 administration there was an increase in the respiratory excretion of C14O2 after injections of 1-C14-glucose and 6-C14-glucose. The pentose pathway showed a slight decrease after T3 treatment. The biologic half-life of I131-T3 (1.6 days) was shorter in obese individuals than in those of normal weight (2.9 days). After T3 therapy the half-life increased toward normal values. The C14-T3 content in bile was increased in obese individuals suggesting an increased excretory mechanism. Levels of T3/Gm. adipose tissue were about one-fourth of the value in obese patients than in those of normal weight, but the total fat content of obese patients was 6–8 times that of the normal weight subjects.
Comets and cometary missions

The paper deals with the planning phase of a combined NASA/ESA dual comet mission to the two periodic comets, P/Halley and P/Temple-2. The project is planned for a FY 81 start. If approved, the launch would occur in July or August 1985, using Shuttle IUS twin stage. The solar powered ion propulsion engine will provide continuous thrust virtually throughout the three-year flight until the P/Temple-2 rendezvous in July 1988. En route to the Temple-2 rendezvous, an ESA Halley probe will be deployed to encounter Halley about 73 days before perihelion, when the heliocentric distance of Halley is about 1.5 AU.
Germ cell tumors: looking to the future.

Our knowledge about the management of men with germ cell tumors (GCTs) and its tumor biology continues to evolve. Vascular disease, metabolic syndrome, second malignant neoplasms, and hypogonadism ...
In vitro evaluation of the effects of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on IL‐2 production in human T‐cells

Perfluorinated compounds, such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), have been shown to alter various immune functions suggesting they are immunotoxic. This study assessed the effects of PFOS and PFOA on interleukin (IL)-2 production in the human Jurkat T-cell line and PFOS in healthy human primary T cells. Jurkat cells were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA)/phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), anti CD-3/anti CD-28, or anti CD-3, and dosed with 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 50, 75, or 100 μg ml−1 PFOS or 0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, or 10 μg ml−1 PFOA. Jurkat cells stimulated with PHA/PMA or anti CD-3 exhibited decreased IL-2 production beginning at 50 μg PFOS ml−1 and 5 μg PFOS ml−1 respectively, but stimulation with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 resulted in no changes compared with the control. Addition of the PPAR-alpha antagonist GW6471 to PFOS-dosed cells stimulated with PHA/PMA resulted in decreases in IL-2 production starting at 50 μg PFOS ml−1, which suggests PFOS affected T-cell IL-2 production via PPAR-alpha-independent mechanisms. Exposure to PFOA, PFOA + GW6471, or PFOS + PFOA in Jurkat cells resulted in no significant differences in IL-2 production. In vitro dosing studies using healthy primary human CD4+ T cells were consistent with the Jurkat results. These data demonstrated that PFOA did not impact IL-2 production, but PFOS suppressed IL-2 production in both a human cell line and human primary cells at dose levels within the high end of the human exposure range. A decrease in IL-2 production is characteristic of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and should be further investigated.
Atomistic observation of photo-expansion and photo-contraction in chalcogenide films by in situ EXAFS

In situ EXAFS measurements have been performed to study the changes in the local structure of a-As 2 S 3 (around As and S K-edges) and a-GeSe 2 (around Ge and Se K-edges) thin films. To study the effect of illumination on the local structure and environment, the structural parameters (nearest neighbor distances, Debye-Waller factor) are estimated for as-deposited films, during illumination and after illumination for both these compositions. For As 2 S 3 films, there is an expansion in the sulfur nearest neighbor distances and a small contraction in the Arsenic nearest neighbor distance during illumination. For GeSe 2 films, both Ge and Se show a contraction in the nearest neighbor distances by illumination. Ordering of the structure (a decrease in the Debye Waller factor) is seen with illumination in both the compositions. a-As 2 S 3 films show larger photo-induced changes and also a larger transient part in the changes as compared to a-GeSe 2 films, which is suggested to be due to a more 3d rigid structure in GeSe 2 . Larger changes are seen around the chalcogen atom as compared to As and Ge atoms. From the results, we are able to confirm photo-expansion in As 2 S 3 films and photo-contraction in GeSe 2 at an atomistic level.
Pathophysiological impact of cigarette smoke exposure on the cerebrovascular system with a focus on the blood-brain barrier: expanding the awareness of smoking toxicity in an underappreciated area.

Recent evidence has indicated that active and passive cigarette smoking are associated, in a dose-dependent manner, with dysfunction of normal endothelial physiology. Tobacco smoke (TS) may predispose individuals to atherogenic and thrombotic problems, significantly increasing the risk for ischemic manifestations such as acute coronary syndrome and stroke. Despite the strong evidence for an association between smoking and vascular impairment, the impact of TS exposure on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has only been marginally addressed. This is a major problem given that the BBB is crucial in the maintenance of brain homeostasis. Recent data have also shown that chronic smokers have a higher incidence of small vessel ischemic disease (SVID), a pathological condition characterized by leaky brain microvessels and loss of BBB integrity. In the brain TS increases the risk of silent cerebral infarction (SCI) and stroke owing to the pro-coagulant and atherogenic effects of smoking. In this article we provide a detailed review and analysis of current knowledge of the pathophysiology of tobacco smoke toxicity at the cerebrovascular levels. We also discuss the potential toxicity of recently marketed “potential-reduced exposure products”.
Computer-assisted measurement of lumbar spine radiographs.

Rationale and Objectives. The authors evaluated a method for obtaining reproducible, reliable measurements from standard lumbar spine radiographs for determining the degree of spondylolisthesis, vertebral body height, intervertebral disk space height, disk space angle, and degree of vertebral body wedging. Materials and Methods. Four to six easily defined points were identified on each vertebral body on anteroposterior and lateral plain radiographs of the lumbosacral spine of patients. From these points, the degree of spondylolisthesis, the vertebral body height, the intervertebral disk space height, the disk space angle, and the degree of vertebral body wedging were easily calculated by using well-known geometric relationships. This method requires the use of a personal computer and a standard spreadsheet program but does not require the use of any other specialized radiographic equipment, computer hardware, or custom software. Results. Calculations of intra- and interobserver variability for the measurement of spondylolisthesis, disk space height, disk space angle, and vertebral body height measurements showed that the technique is extremely reproducible. Conclusion. This technique may prove useful in the prospective evaluation of potential candidates for lumbar spinal stenosis surgery.
Transformation of organic matter in areas inhabited by natural and artificially cultured populations of marine invertebrates in the Bay of Pos'et (Sea of Japan)

Abstract Data are presented on seasonal changes in the quantity and quality of dissolved, particulate and sedimentary organic matter in natural and artificial marine ecosystems. The role of enzymatic processes in the metabolism of organic matter was studied. Comparison of the rates of proteolysis and aerobic oxidation of organic material in particulate matter and in the surface active layer of the sediments suggests that oxidation of organic matter to CO 2 and H 2 O is a limiting stage of its transformation in marine ecosystems.
Difference set constructions of DRADs and association schemes

Doubly Regular Asymmetric Digraphs (DRAD) with rank 4 automorphism groups were previously thought to be rare. We exhibit difference sets in Galois Rings that can be used to construct an infinite family of DRADs with rank 4 automorphism groups. In addition, we construct difference sets in groups Z"2"^"r^2 for all r>=2 that can be used to construct DRADs and nonsymmetric 3-class imprimitive association schemes. Finally, we prove a new product construction for difference sets so that the resulting difference sets can be used to build nonsymmetric 3-class imprimitive association schemes.
Nucleotide sequence of an actin gene from Arabidopsis thaliana

An 1830-bp genomic DNA segment containing an Arabidopsis thaliana actin gene, AAc1, has been cloned and sequenced. The AAc1 gene is present as a single-copy gene, but at least two other actin-like genes have been detected. Comparison of the nucleotide sequence of AAc1 with other cloned plant actin genes reveals four exons separated by three introns conservatively located in all plant actin genes. The deduced amino acid sequence has also been compared with actin protein sequences from other plants.
Neural MMP-28 expression precedes myelination during development and peripheral nerve repair.

Mammalian matrix metalloproteinase 28 (MMP-28) is expressed in several normal adult tissues, and during cutaneous wound healing. We show that, in frog and mouse embryos, MMP-28 is expressed predominantly throughout the nervous system. Xenopus expression increases during neurulation and remains elevated through early limb development where it is expressed in nerves. In the mouse, neural expression peaks at embryonic day (E) 14 but remains detectable through E17. During frog hindlimb regeneration XMMP-28 is not initially expressed in the regenerating nerves but is detectable before myelination. Following hindlimb denervation, XMMP-28 expression is detectable along regenerating nerves before myelination. In embryonic rat neuron–glial co-cultures, MMP-28 decreases after the initiation of myelination. Incubation of embryonic brain tissue with purified MMP-28 leads to the degradation of multiple myelin proteins. These results suggest that MMP-28 plays an evolutionarily conserved role in neural development and is likely to modulate the axonal–glial extracellular microenvironment. Developmental Dynamics 236:2852–2864, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Modern treatment modalities for neonatal and pediatric respiratory failure

Background Respiratory failure secondary to a variety of causes remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. Newer therapies are appearing frequently in an attempt to decrease the number of deaths from this disease state. We briefly review the current literature on some of the newer modalities including: high-frequency ventilation, surfactant, liquid ventilation, and nitric oxide. We then present our experience from the past 11 years in the most invasive, yet successful, therapy for acute respiratory failure— extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Methods Retrospective review of all patients treated with ECMO from September 1983 to December 1994 was undertaken. Data were collected from bedside ECMO flow sheets and the standardized data entry forms submitted to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization. All statistical analyses were performed using a standard statistical software program. Results During the study period, 194 neonates and 47 pediatric patients were treated with ECMO. The survival rate in the neonatal population is 82% and in the pediatric population it is 40%. The neonatal patients required an average of 153 hours of support while the pediatric patients required 220 hours (P = 0.008). Conclusions While the newer treatment modalities discussed may have an important role in treating neonatal and pediatric respiratory failure in the near future, ECMO remains a cornerstone of the modern treatment modalities. Although somewhat invasive, ECMO is effective therapy with increasing survival rates each year.
On teaching non-technical skills for the engineers of 2020

The paper presents how a U.S. university was able to implement curricular content in a specially designed engineering course to teach students critical non-technical skills of the engineers of 2020, as described by educational, industrial and governmental organizations. The course targeted issues that directly affect the engineering profession, i.e., nature of the knowledge-based economy, the nature and need for innovation, the various kinds and advantages of entrepreneurship and business models associated with it, public speaking and communication skills, working in teams, and the need for life-long learning. The course also included content targeting the ability for an engineer to manage his/herself with a corporate setting in today's knowledge-based economy. This paper describes the course design, content and rubric that were used to assess some of the course outcomes, as well as the results of the assessment. In general, the results show that the vast majority of students agreed that the course had be...
Effects of LS term dependence in He-like ions

In this paper, we report on the effects of LS term dependence on radiative rates and electron-impact excitation cross sections in He-like ions. In particular, we examine the variation of the 2p orbital between the 1s2p {sup 3}P and 1s2p {sup 1}P terms in Li{sup +}, C{sup 4+}, F{sup 7+}, and Mg{sup 10+}. We find that for transitions between the 1s2p {sup 1}P{sub 1} level and the ground state, term dependence causes a variation in both the radiative rate and the excitation cross section at nearly the twenty percent level; however, by Mg{sup 10+} this variation is less than five percent.
Metabolism of I131-Labeled Tobacco Mosaic Virus in Spleen and Liver.

SummaryRate of disappearance of injected I131-labeled TMV was more rapid from spleen, an important site of antibody production, than from liver, which produces little or no antibody. It was concluded, therefore, that persistence of the virus is not in direct relation to the tissue's antibody-producing capacity. The need for studies at cellular level was indicated. In regenerating liver, total radioactivity was not significantly influenced by increased mitotic rate. This was interpreted as indicating that virus localized in liver may be retained during cell division.