cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Assessment of Prior Distributions in Bayesian Analysis

Abstract In the Bayesian framework, quantified judgments about uncertainty are an indispensable input to methods of statistical inference and decision. Ultimately, all components of the formal mathematical models underlying inferential procedures represent quantified judgments. In this study, the focus is on just one component, the prior distribution, and on some of the problems of assessment that arise when a person tries to express prior distributions in quantitative form. The objective is to point toward assessment procedures that can actually be used. One particular type of statistical problem is considered and several techniques of assessment are presented, together with the necessary instruction so that these techniques can be understood and applied. A questionnaire is developed and used in a study in which people actually assess prior distributions. The results indicate that, by and large, it is feasible to question people about subjective prior probability distributions, although this depends on t...
Etonitazene as a reinforcer: oral intake of etonitazene by rhesus monkeys.

Drinking of etonitazene HCl was studied in three rhesus monkeys during daily 3-h sessions. As the drug concentration was increased, the number of liquid deliveries decreased, and etonitazene intake (μg/kg body weight) increased. As fixed-ratio (FR) requirements were increased, rate of responding increased, and liquid deliveries slightly decreased. When water was substituted for the drug, there was a large increase in responding for several sessions, followed by a slow decline to low rates. When etonitazene was reintroduced, responding abruptly increased to previous drug levels. These data suggest that etonitazene can serve as a positive reinforcer when taken orally by rhesus monkeys.
Phase locked loop: an application in temperature telemetry and a method for its evaluation.

Abstract Application of a phase locked loop (PLL) in the front end circuitry of a temperature telemetry system is outlined. Some of the features inherent in PLL operation are discussed which make them more powerful than a Schmitt trigger circuit, and applicable to analysis of many types of frequency signals. The general mode of PLL operation is outlined and a simple method developed whereby PLL behavior can be optimized.
Spot Distribution and size in paper chromatography

Abstract Previous experimental and theoretical work on quantitative paper partition chromatography by spot-area and spot-length is reviewed. An asymmetric diffusion model for chromatography, where diffusion in the direction of developer flow and perpendicular to it are unequal by virtue of the kinetics of partition, is applied to derive the relationships that spot-area is directly proportional to log spot-content, and spot-length is directly proportional to square-root of log spot-content. Relations for the increase of spot-area and apot-length with time are given.
Breeding Biology and Productivity of Florida's Crested Caracaras

I studied the breeding biology of Crested Caracaras (Caracara plancus) in south-central Florida from 1994 through 1996. Reproductive activity was monitored year-round on 30, 48, and 55 territories, respectively. Pairs remained on breeding territories throughout the year and exhibited strong fidelity to the nest site between years; however, annual turnover rate among known breeding individuals was approximately 18%. Territorial occupancy and breeding rates on known occupied territories averaged 95% and 98%, respectively. Observed patterns of breeding activity and nesting success suggested a link between reproduction and precipitation. Active nesis were found from September through June, but most nesting activity corresponded with the dry season. November through April. Egg laying in many pairs occurred following an abrupt decline in precipitation in the fall each year. The overall probability of a nest producing at least one independent young was 72%; however, nest success varied throughout the breeding season, being lowest and most variable for early- and late-season nests. Based on 98 nests with complete records, mean clutch size was 2.23 eggs, 61.2% of nestlings fledged successfully, and 48.4% of all eggs laid resulted in independent young. Clutches of three produced the most independent young per breeding attempt in all years. Annual population productivity was enhanced because pairs made more than one nesting attempt per breeding season, either by renesting following an early season failure or by producing second broods. Clutch size, probability of nest success, probability of renesting, and number of fledglings produced per attempt all declined as the breeding season progressed. Mortality factors included weather, predation, chicks falling out of nests, and vehicle collisions with fledglings. Environmental variability may influence spatial and temporal variation in timing of reproduction and nesting success of Crested Caracaras in Florida.
Differential invariants of surfaces

Abstract The algebra of differential invariants of a suitably generic surface S ⊂ R 3 , under either the usual Euclidean or equi-affine group actions, is shown to be generated, through invariant differentiation, by a single differential invariant. For Euclidean surfaces, the generating invariant is the mean curvature, and, as a consequence, the Gauss curvature can be expressed as an explicit rational function of the invariant derivatives, with respect to the Frenet frame, of the mean curvature. For equi-affine surfaces, the generating invariant is the third order Pick invariant. The proofs are based on the new, equivariant approach to the method of moving frames.
The coagulation of cellulose from anisotropic solutions in the NH3/NH4SCN solvent system

Etude de la vitesse de coagulation en fonction des parametres experimentaux: elle augmente avec la concentration en cellulose et la temperature, le methanol etant le meilleur coagulant. Etude de la difference, des vitesses de transfert de masse: la vitesse de transfert de masse du systeme ammoniac/thiocyanate est plus grande que celle des coagulants. Le gonflement a l'equilibre diminue en augmentant la temperature et la concentration en cellulose
The covariant Green functions of the photon and electron in weak gravitational fields

Abstract By adapting the proper-time method to both the electromagnetic and Dirac fields in interaction with a weak vierbein field, bein gauge is treated on an equal footing with coordinate gauge. The calculations of the local one-photon as well as the second- and first-order-differential one-electron Green functions are developed in terms of the first-order vierbein and auxiliary fields and the weak-field potentials, and are shown to exhibit manifest coordinate- and bein-gauge covariance. The gauge separations of the first-order fields allow the isolation and evaluation of the contributions from both the coordinate- and bein-gauge functions, permit expressions of the first-order contributions to the Green functions in terms of the gauge-invariant weak-field potentials, and lead to the modified versions of the Mandelstam-DeWitt path-dependent line integrals.
PERMEABILITY OF ESCHERICHIA COLI TO ORGANIC COMPOUNDS AND INORGANIC SALTS MEASURED BY LIGHT-SCATTERING.

Abstract Resting cells of Escherichia coli strain B are impermeable to the chloride salts of sodium, potassium, ammonium, magnesium, and calcium and are readily plasmolysed in their presence at concentrations of 300 mM. Plasmolysis was monitored by the increase in light scattered by the suspension. Glycerol and sodium formate rapidly equilibrate across the cell membrane, are respired, and do not affect the light-scattering of the suspension. l -Glutamate, l -aspartate, proline, α-ketoglutarate, succinate and hexoses, are accumulated energetically by cells grown with glucose, are respired, and cause a deplasmolysis of the cells with a resultant decrease in light-scattering. The d -isomers of glutamate and aspartate, however, are neither accumulated nor respired. 2,4-Dinitrophenol and 4-hydroxybenzalmalononitrile inhibit the accumulation of substrates but stimulate respiration. Rapid recording techniques were employed to simultaneously record the changes in O 2 consumption and light-scattering in the bacterial suspensions. This approach provided a sensitive method for investigating the penetration of substances into the cells, and the metabolism of the cell; the relationship between these two parameters is discussed.
N–H activation of hydrazines by a heterobimetallic Zr–Co complex: promotion of one-electron chemistry at Zr

A tris(phosphino)amide-ligated Zr–Co heterobimetallic complex has been shown to activate N–H bonds of hydrazine derivatives via a proton-coupled electron transfer process. Such reactivity is highly unusual for an early metal such as Zr, but is promoted by the adjacent redox active Co atom.
People or Place Variations in Community Leaders' Subjective Definitions of Neighborhood

Urban policy is often premised on the assumption that neighborhoods are viable units for decision making. However, policymakers and community activists may not agree on the subjective definition of "neighborhood," which may stress either its physical setting or the characteristics of its residents or some combination of both. A set of neighborhood association presidents were asked to describe their communities. Their answers revealed much diversity; the choice of physical rather than human referents to define the neighborhood varied systematically with the sex, race, age, socioeconomic status, and length of community service of each individual. Their disagreement suggests that priorities for community improvements vary with perceptions of neighborhood definition.
The practice of multimodal consultation: An integrating approach for consultation service delivery

Multimodal consultation provides a problem-solving approach that recognizes and analyzes the components of multifaceted, multisubsystem referral problems. The approach, which is exemplified in the present article within the ecological perspective, consists of five parts: from the identification and analysis of maladaptive interactions that cause, support, or maintain a referral problem's environment to the evaluation of consultation interventions that target different aspects of the referral environment and are based on different consultation models. Multimodal consultation is primarily a conceptual model at this time; however, suggestions for empirical and heuristic research also are discussed.
Theory development in medical decision-making.

Abstract After exploring current concepts of disease and diagnosis, it is apparent that medical diagnosis has a number of serious shortcomings. An overview of a method for developing a formal logical diagnostic model is presented, as well as suggestions for practical applications of this model.
The Cumulative Effects of Cold Ischemic Time and Older Donor Age on Liver Graft Survival

Introduction To provide greater equity among those awaiting a liver transplant, expanded geographic sharing of cadaveric organs has been proposed. A potential unintended consequence could be an increase in cold ischemia time (CIT), which may be deleterious to organs from older donors. This study sought to quantify the relative risk (RR) associated with increased CIT among older donors. Methods A retrospective study examining 18,787 liver transplants within the United Network for Organ Sharing database from 2002 to 2006 was performed. Cox Regression analysis was used to model the RR of graft loss with respect to increased CIT among older donors (>60 years) relative to younger donors ( Results Relative to younger donors with minimal CIT ( Conclusion The additive effects of increased donor age and cold ischemic time greatly impair graft survival. Quantification of the adverse nature of increasing CIT as a potential consequence of wider geographic organ sharing should be considered as allocation policies are modified to improve recipient equity in the face of an aging donor pool.
Diffusion and trapping of ion-implanted helium in nickel☆

Abstract Helium concentration versus depth profiles have been measured and analyzed for 200 keV He implanted into nickel at temperatures between 300 and 1064 K. Below 973 K, the profiles do not exhibit appreciable temperature dependence and are similar to theoretical range distributions. Above 973 K the range peak begins to exhibit broadening with some loss of He. The changes in the peak shape could be accounted for the assuming that the He and its ion-beam generated vacancies migrate simultaneously and become trapped with each other. A helium-vacancy binding enthalpy of 3.2 eV and an effective helium migration energy of approximately 2.6 eV was found to be consistent with the data when analyzed by a limited system of diffusion equations.
Squeezed-state generation for two-level atoms in a spatially varying field mode

A spatially varying field mode is included in calculating the squeezing effect for a system of two-level atoms in the good-cavity limit. Two examples of a Gaussian mode field in a ring cavity and a plane-wave field in a standing-wave interferometer are used to demonstrate the quite general method. In qualitative terms, the squeezing predicted for plane waves is preserved. However, for a given value of atomic cooperativity parameter C, there is a degradation in squeezing because of the spatially varying field structure.
Crush injuries of the foot in the industrial setting

Over the years patients with relatively minor compressive injuries seem to have a different morbidity, largely because of a constellation of neurologic findings, including dysesthesia and hyperesthesias. These are usually multifocal, and often extend far beyond the point of impact of the crushing force. Neuroischemia may play a role in the development of chronic pain after crush injuries to the foot, either through direct trauma to the peripheral nerves or by intraneural or extraneural fibrosis. This direct trauma to the nerve may cause chronic neuritis, which then triggers a sympathetically mediated pain syndrome. For the injured worker, these problems seem to be magnified. Early recognition of the extent of injury, the zone of injury, and the need for early soft tissue coverage is essential. With expeditious treatment, wound coverage, treatment of compartment syndromes, and early aggressive rehabilitation, many of the complications of these injuries, including chronic pain syndromes, can be minimized.
Phase-space tomography and the design of fan-out elements

Phase retrieval based on the tomographic reconstruction of the Wigner distribution functions is used to design diffractive optical elements. Phase-Space tomography is shown to provide a tool for addressing design constraints critical for applications related to optical interconnects. The design problem is discussed for Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction.
Wafer-level high density integration of surface mount technology components in through-silicon trenches

This paper reports a novel method to deliver and assemble standard 01005 format (0.016” × 0.008”, 0.4 mm × 0.2 mm) monolithic ceramic capacitors and thin-film resistors into through-wafer trenches, with a batch assembly process that can guarantee 100% assembly. This process is CMOS compatible and is competitive with capacitors and resistors fabricated through standard foundry processes.
Double-Shock Tube for Simulating Blast Loading in Supersonic Flow

E simulations of blast loading on moving bodies have been performed mainly in shock tubes until now. Although capable of producing strong shock waves, the shock tube has not been used to establish the interaction between the blast wave and an initial flow on a body. This note will describe a method for obtaining both the initial flow and a blast wave in a shock tube. It was found by the author that when using a configuration like that shown in Fig. 1, with a large area driver, separated from the shock tube by a diaphragm downstream of the area change, two shock waves appeared at the end of the shock tube. The pressure records obtained were similar to the pressure history indicated on Fig. 2. The explanation for the second shock wave is as follows. When the diaphragm bursts an expansion fan propagates upstream towards the area change. Because of the further supply of driving energy, the rarefaction waves will be reflected as compression waves from the area change, see Fig. 1. The compression waves will converge into a shock wave which will be swept down the expansion tube by the already moving gas. The last compression wave will be generated when the flow in the contraction reaches sonic speed. The further compression behind the second shock wave, indicated in Fig. 2, is due to the arrival of compression waves that have not yet caught up with the shock wave. To improve the strength and shape of the second shock wave further, it is proposed that another diaphragm be introduced, located at the area change, Fig. 3. This additional diaphragm would make it possible to use different gases and pressures in the two sections of the driver. The configuration utilizing two diaphragms will be called a double-shock shock tube and the different sections the driver, the intermediate driver, and the expansion tube, respectively (see Fig. 3). The wave pattern in a double-shock shock tube would be slightly different in the early stages from that shown in Fig. 1. It is assumed that the pressure in the driver is of the same order as that in the intermediate driver and that the second diaphragm, located at the area change, cannot withstand a pressure difference that is equal to the pressure in the driver. When the first diaphragm bursts, a rarefaction fan H-T will propagate, as before, up toward the area change. Now, however, it will be reflected from the second diaphragm as a rarefaction wave, thus causing the pressure at the diaphragm to decrease rapidly and eventually forcing it to burst. Thus the second shock wave, &, will be formed almost instantaneously at the entrance to the shock tube. If the strength of the second diaphragm is chosen so that the throat becomes sonic immediately, there will be no compression waves follow-
Rate‐limiting barriers to xenobiotic uptake by the gill

Waterborne xenobiotics enter fish and other aquatic species primarily by transfer across the gill epithelium. Potential barriers to uptake include water flow across the gill, diffusion across the gill epithelium and the overlying aqueous stagnant layer and blood flow through the gill (cardiac output). In general, for any particular chemical, only one of the barriers is operative with the resistance offered by the others being negligible. The rate-limiting barrier is determined by the physico- and biochemical properties of the substance: molecular size, lipophilicity, binding to blood proteins and formed elements. The resistance of each barrier is affected differently by variables such as temperature, molecular size, lipophilicity and body size of the animal. When the resistance offered by the gill barriers is low, uptake may be controlled by transfer to storage tissues, e.g., by blood flow to adipose tissue.
Conformations of (AB)n star copolymers in dilute solution

Abstract Molecular simulation of amphiphilic (AB) n star diblock copolymers in dilute solution shows that the properties of the polymer are significantly affected by which of the ends of the diblock arm is attached to the center of the star. In dilute aqueous solution, stars having the solvophilic end of the diblock attached to the center of the star can undergo a dramatic conformational change in which the outer solvophobic blocks aggregate into one or more compact solvophobic globules. This aggregation transition is accompanied by a significant change in the size of the polymer as measured by the radius of gyration.
Factors Controlling Transpiration and Photosynthesis in Tamarax Chinensis Lour.

Photosynthetic and stomatal responses of Tamarix chinensis to temperature, light, and humidity were investigated in the field in New Mexico and in the laboratory. Transpiration rates for T. chinensis were similar to those of several herbaceous plants and co—occurring phreatophytes. Net photosynthetic rates and water use efficiency of T. chinesis were lower than for other species. Photosynthesis was light saturated at a photon flux density equal to 44% of full sunlight. Carbon dioxide assimiliation was tightly coupled to irradiance below light saturation. Leaf resistances remained low at photon flux densities above one—third of full sunlight, but increased linearly with decreasing photon flux density below that level. Shading for 5 min resulted in a doubling of leaf resistance. The rapid response of stomata to changing light conditions is probably an adaptation to conserve moisture when light is limiting to photosynthesis. Optimal leaf temperatures for photosynthesis were 23°—28° C, which correspond roughly to ambient temperatures during the early part of the day when evaporative demand was relatively low. T. chinensis stomata appeared to respond directly to changes in the leaf—to—air absolute humidity gradient. At constant temperature, leaf resistance increased linearly with increases in the leaf—air humidity gradient. Midday depressions of gas exchange invariably occurred in the field, despite the fact that the plants had an abundant water supply. These depressions resulted from increases in leaf resistance in response to increasing evaporative demand of the air. This response results in improved water use efficiency during the hottest portion of the day. Plant water potential decreased from pre—dawn values of about —0.9 MPa to minimal values of about —2.6 MPa by midmorning. Improvements in bulk water status were often observed during the afternoon when leaf resistances were higher. Diurnal patterns suggested that leaf resistance was largely a function of temperature, light, and humidity, rather than plant water status.
Blood flow velocity measured at the mitral valve of man

Abstract Phasic mitral valve blood flow velocity was measured in 30 conscious persons with the Doppler ultrasonic flowmeter catheter. Mitral valve flow velocity is chracterized by a a large pandiastolic wave followed by a smaller systolic component. Deep inspiration resulted in a decline of peak mitral valve flow velocity; expiration had an opposite effect. The Valsalva maneuver produced a marked decline of peak flow velocity, which lasted for the duration of straining. Atrial and ventricular extrasystoles caused a diminution of peak mitral valve flow velocity, generally related to the duration of the extrasystolic coupling intervals. Brief episodes of ventricular tachycardia effected a decline of peak mitral valve flow velocity and the wave forms became completely irregular. These findings represent the first detailed description of phasic instantaneous mitral valve flow velocity in conscious man in a variety of physiologic and abnormal states.
Histology, ultrastructure, and carbohydrate cytochemistry of surface and glandular epithelium of human nasal mucosa

Examined histologically, the surface epithelium lining the nasal cavity was observed to consist of ciliated, mucous, and basal cells. Coiled serous tubules were found to populate stroma beneath the epithelium and to open directly onto the surface. In deeper glandular lobules, serous demilunes and tubules drained into branched mucous tubules that connected with interlobular ducts. Light-microscopic cytochemical properties of gobletlike mucous cells of surface epithelium indicated that, if they secrete a single glycoprotein species, this secretory product contains hexoses with vic glycols, subterminal galactose, terminal sialic acid, and sulfate esters on internal residues. With the same assumption, mucous cells in the glands can be viewed as producing a slightly different glycoprotein which also contains periodate-reactive hexose, a terminal galactose-sialic acid dimer and, in some cells but not others, sulfate esters on internal residues. Serous cells in the glands produced secretion with relatively light staining, demonstrative of lower levels of periodate-reactive sulfated glycoprotein lacking in terminal galactose-sialic acid dimers. Serous cells also disclosed immunoreactivity for lysozyme. At the electron-microscopic level all mucous cells of the surface epithelium possessed granules with a loose meshwork that stained for glycoprotein containing periodate-reactive hexose. The meshwork in most surface mucous cells stained also for content of sulfated glycosubstance. Three types of mucous cells were distinguished in the surface epithelium on the basis of the size of their secretory granules, content of a spherical glycoprotein-free core in the granules, and intensity of staining of the matrix meshwork for sulfate esters. Endocrinelike cells with periodate-reactive, sulfated glycoprotein in their granules occurred in a deep and in a superficial location in the surface epithelium. Cells in glandular serous tubules generally disclosed a uniform population of monozonal granules or of bizonal granules with a periphery containing periodatereactive, sulfated glycoprotein. The morphology of these secretory granules and their staining for sulfated glycosubstance varied markedly between serous cells. Cellular variability in granule characteristics was more marked from one tubule to another than from one to another cell in the same tubule profile. Occasional serous cells appeared to contain two granule types showing typical secretory granules and a population of small elongated granules reminiscent of those in the endocrinoid cells. Mucous cells in glandular mucous tubules differed somewhat from surface mucous cells in the morphology and cytochemistry of their granules. The granules varied between glandular mucous cells, in content of a carbohydrate-free core and staining for sulfomucin. Granule heterogeneity was evident in some glandular mucous cells stained for sulfomucin. Some tubule profiles, possibly located at serous-mucous transition points, exhibited atypical “mucous” cells with trizonal granules and unusual serouslike cells.
Listing and Transplanting Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

Background—An increasing number of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are reaching adulthood and may require heart transplantation. The survival of these patients after listing and transplantation has not been evaluated. Methods and Results—A total of 41 849 patients (aged >18 years) were listed for primary transplantation during 1995–2009. Patients with a history of CHD (n=1035; 2.5%) were compared with those with other causes (non-CHD group) (n=40 814; 97.5%); 26 055 (62.3%) reached transplantation and were subdivided into those with (reoperation group; n=10 484; 40.2%) and without (nonreoperation group; n=15 571; 59.8%) a previous sternotomy. Survival on the waiting list was similar between groups, but mechanical ventricular assistance was not associated with superior survival to transplantation among CHD patients. CHD patients were more likely to have body mass index <18.5 at transplantation (P<0.0001), were younger, and had fewer comorbidities. Early mortality among patients with CHD was hi...
Impact of perceived second-hand consequences related to alcohol use on college students' drinking behavior intent: A test of feasibility

This article presents the results of an experiment designed to determine the impact of a group discussion about second-hand consequences of alcohol use on college students' intentions to consume alcohol. Participants were students enrolled in two large Community Health courses at a large Midwestern university (n = 184). After randomization of class sections into an intervention or a control group, intervention group students participated in a class discussion on the negative consequences college students experience as a result of other students' drinking behavior, prior to answering survey questions regarding their drinking behavior intent. Compared to controls who completed the questionnaire only, intervention group participants reported intent to limit themselves to fewer drinks per drinking occasion (p = .003) and fewer drinks per week (p = .004). The effects of the brief educational intervention were analyzed using structural equation modeling, to test the feasibility of a hypothesized intervention mechanism.
Enhanced mesophase formation of petroleum pitch by polyaromatic hydrocarbon addition

Enhanced mesophase yield was achieved for A-240 pitch by addition of aromatic hydrocarbon compounds (anthracene and acenaphthylene) as nucleating agents. A-240 pitch was acid/solvent extracted prior to adding the aromatic hydrocarbons. The mesophase yields increased by significant amounts at 1 wt% addition of the nucleating agents, but decreased at 3 wt% addition. A source of Bronsted acids was required to initiate the catalytic reaction enhancing the mesophase formation.
An Interpolatory Method of Approximating Distribution Functions with Applications to the Gamma and Related Variates

Abstract A method of approximating distribution functions is presented which is based on a weighted sum of exponential functions. The method is quite general but attention is confined here to approximating the distribution function of gamma and related variates. As a limiting case of X 2, the normal distribution is also considered. Tables of constants are provided for applying the approximation procedure. It can be carried out on a computer or on a desk-type calculator. Among the attractive features of the technique is the fact that the constants involved in the approximating function can be obtained by simple interpolation.
Effect of grapefruit juice on blood cyclosporin concentration

Grapefruit juice increases blood concentrations of some dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers, which are metabolised by the P450 enzymes that also metabolise cyclosporin. We evaluated, in a randomised cross-over study, the effect of grapefruit juice on blood cyclosporin concentrations in 14 healthy adults. Each subject was given oral cyclosporin 300 mg with 250 mL grapefruit juice, orange juice, or water. Area-under-the-curve (AUC) was significantly higher with grapefruit juice than with water or orange juice (means 7057, 4871, and 4932 ng h/mL, respectively; p < 0.0001). Thus grapefruit juice may provide a non-toxic and inexpensive alternative to drugs that are used to reduce cyclosporin dose.
Etanercept: efficacy and safety for approved indications.

Introduction: Etanercept is a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitor, which is approved for the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriasis (PsO). Areas covered: Clinical efficacy and safety data of etanercept for the approved indications are reviewed in this paper. Data were obtained from published clinical trials, registries, post-marketing data as well as information provided by Amgen. Expert opinion: Etanercept is a generally well-tolerated treatment for the approved inflammatory diseases. The most common adverse effect of etanercept treatment is injection site reaction, which is generally self-limiting and often does not require treatment. Etanercept may be associated with an increased risk for infection, the development of malignancy, demyelinating disease and congestive heart failure. Fewer patients withdraw from etanercept due to adverse eve...
Virus-Host Interactions in HIV Pathogenesis: Directions for Therapy

The challenge of controlling HIV infection involves an understanding of the heterogeneity of the virus, its wide cellular host range, its primary routes of transmission, and the immunologic and intrinsic cellular factors that can prevent its transmission and replication. Identification of HIV-infected individuals who have survived more than 10 years without signs of the infection and without therapy encourages studies examining the natural mechanisms for resistance to infection and disease. Within the immune system, emphasis should be given to the innate or natural response that appears within minutes of the infection and offers the optimal time for controlling HIV. All these parameters in HIV pathogenesis underline the information needed to develop optimal anti-HIV therapies and an effective AIDS vaccine.
Plasmapheresis and Intravenous Immune Globulin Improve Neurologic Outcome of Central Pontine Myelinolysis Occurring Post Orthotopic Liver Transplant

Objective To report 2 cases of central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) post liver transplantation in which treatment with plasmapheresis and intravenous immune globulin improved expected neurologic outcome. Case summary Two patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplant developed CPM early in their postoperative course. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated severe demyelination of either the pons or the midbrain, respectively. Both patients developed significant neurologic abnormalities, including acute mental status changes, severe muscle weakness, spasticity, and/or prolonged paralysis. Pretransplant laboratory results indicated serum sodium levels fluctuating between 115 mEq/L and 152 mEq/L. Both patients received 6 days of plasmapheresis (PP) followed by 5 consecutive days of intravenous immune globulin (IVIG). Significant neurologic improvement was experienced at 2 and 4 weeks, respectively, after therapy was initiated. Complete resolution of neurologic symptoms was evident at 1 year follow-up. Discussion Currently, specific guidelines or recommendations for the treatment of CPM are practically nonexistent. CPM remains a neurologic complication that is difficult to treat and may result in permanent significant neurologic sequelae. The etiology and pathogenesis of this disease are unclear, although aggressive osmolar correction, particularly in the setting of hyponatremia, is the main risk factor. While patients may eventually show some improvement with supportive care, progress is often protracted, and complete resolution of symptoms is exceedingly rare. The severity of the midbrain lesions juxtaposed against the rapidity of symptom resolution in these 2 patients alludes to a potential therapeutic benefit after initiation of therapy with PP and IVIG. Conclusions These cases suggest that prompt recognition of CPM and initiation of PP and IVIG may help modulate its progress and improve long-term neurologic outcome.
Robot printing of reverse dot blot arrays for human mutation detection.

We report on a generally useful, partially automated, human mutation detection method based upon printing moderate density oligonucleotide arrays using a biorobot on activated nylon membranes. The Beckman Biomek 2000 was adapted to this task through fabrication of aluminum membrane filter holders and the development of an addressable Tool Command Language (Tcl) program, which can be invoked through BioScript. During program execution, a robot arm is moved along the x, y, and z axes to expel liquid, without dripping, from disposable barrier pipette tips and then to touch the drops on preactivated membranes. Printed arrays consist of alternating rows of oligonucleotides containing normal and mutant sequences. Hybridization of biotin labeled polymerase chain reaction products derived from human patient genomic DNA samples are visualized using chemiluminescent or chromogenic indicators. This technique allows unequivocal genotyping of 32 mutations at the β-thalassemia locus (11p15.5) and of 34 mutations and one polymorphism at the cystic fibrosis transconductance membrane regulator locus (7p35).
The study of flow and reaction rates in turbulent flames

It is proposed that measurements of reaction rate as a function of position within turbulent flames be the basis of an approach to the problem of turbulent-flame propagation. As a test of the method, measurements of static pressure, impact pressure, and chemical composition were made at several positions within the burning zones of two simulated ramjet combustion chambers. From these measurements a complete mapping of compositions, velocity components, densities, and static pressures could be carried out. By calculation of the appropriate derivatives of the latter quantities, the differential form of the equation of continuity for the species desired could be solved for net reaction rate as a function of position, turbulent diffusion being neglected. By a similar technique the equation of momentum was used to obtain eddy viscosities. The latter results were used to estimate the effect of turbulent diffusion by assuming a turbulent Schmidt number of unity. It is concluded that the method of attack used is a reasonable approach to the problem of turbulent flame propagation, having a special advantage in that it can be used to discover relationships between the rate of reaction and the patterns of the mean flow.
Soil Contamination by Diffuse Inputs

The interaction of diffuse inputs with the soil and water systems and with their uses and functions has many uncertain aspects but it is certainly a potential source of soil contamination. The two main pathways for diffuse contaminant accumulation in soil are atmospheric deposition and agricultural practices. Two key issues can be defined: diffuse contamination by heavy metals and by persistent organic pollutants. Monitoring can be a useful tool for assessing diffuse inputs and for increasing our knowledge about diffuse pollution processes. Heavy metal content in soils is an indicator that is relatively simple to interpret even if there is no unique methodology for defining a homogeneous map unit; many relevant data are already available throughout the world.
Estimates of Children's Television Viewing by Mother and Child.

Comparisons among several measures of children's television viewing revealed few age differences in ability to produce consistent self‐report viewing data but wide discrepancies between mother and child viewing estimates.
Lifetime measurements by open circuit voltage decay in GaAs and InP diodes

Minority carrier lifetimes in the base of solar cells made on GaAs and InP were measured by the open-circuit voltage decay method. The measurement technique and the conditions under which the minority carrier lifetimes can be measured are described. Minority carrier lifetimes ranging from 1.6 to 34 ns in InP of different doping concentrations were measured. A minority carrier lifetime of 6ns was measured in n-type GaAs, which agrees well with the lifetime of 5.7 ns measured by transient microwave reflection. >
Autonomic blockade unmasks maturational differences in rate-dependent atrioventricular nodal conduction and facilitation in the mouse.

Maturational Differences in Murine AVN Conduction. Introduction: In large animals, rate-dependent AV nodal (AVN) properties of conduction are modulated by autonomic inputs. In this study, we investigated whether the properties of AVN conduction and facilitation are altered by autonomic blockade in the mouse and whether this effect is age dependent. Methods and Results: Young (age 4–6 weeks; n = 11) and adult (age 8–9 months; n = 11) female mice underwent in vivo electrophysiologic testing, before and after autonomic blockade. After autonomic blockade, the adult mice had significantly longer AVN effective refractory period (AVNERP; 67 ± 14 msec vs 56 ± 4 msec, P = 0.05) and functional refractory period (AVNFRP; 81 ± 10 msec vs 72 ± 4 msec, P = 0.05). With autonomic blockade, the increase from baseline of AVN Wenckebach cycle length (ΔAVW; 1.8 ± 8.1 msec vs 8.8 ± 3.3 msec, P = 0.04), as well as of AVNERP (ΔAVNERP; 3.5 ± 3.5 msec vs 21.4 ± 12.6 msec, P = 0.002) and AVNFRP (ΔAVNFRP; 2.3 ± 3.2 msec vs 12.8 ± 9.0 msec, P = 0.008), was significantly larger in adult than in young mice. Compared with young mice, adult mice were less likely to exhibit AVN facilitation (44% vs 90%, P = 0.03) and had smaller maximal shortening of AVN conduction times after the “test beat” for any coupling of the “facilitating beat” (4 ± 4 msec vs 7 ± 3 msec, P = 0.05). Conclusion: Complete autonomic blockade significantly increases AVN conduction times and refractory periods in adult but not in young mice. Adult mice also exhibit less AVN facilitation. Our results confirm that, like in larger animals, rate-dependent murine AVN properties of conduction are under autonomic regulation. Adult mice have higher sympathetic AVN inputs at baseline, leading to slower conduction after autonomic blockade. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 191-195, February 2003)
The use of overlapping submovements in the control of rapid hand movements.

Rapid targeted movements are subject to special control considerations, since there may be inadequate time available for either visual or somatosensory feedback to be effective. In our experiments, subjects rapidly rotated a knob to align a pointer to one of several targets. We recognized three different types of movement segments: the primary movement, and two types of submovement, which frequently followed. The submovements were initiated either before or after the end of the primary movement. The former, or “overlapping” type of submovement altered the kinematics of the overall movement and was consequently difficult to detect. We used a direct, objective test of movement regularity to detect overlapping submovements, namely, examining the number of jerk and snap zero crossings during the second half of a movement. Any overlapping submovements were parsed from the overall movement by subtracting the velocity profile of the primary movement. The velocity profiles of the extracted submovements had near-symmetric bell shapes, similar to the shapes of both pure primary movements and nonoverlapping submovements. This suggests that the same neural control mechanisms may be responsible for producing all three types of movement segments. Overlapping submovements corrected for errors in the amplitude of the primary movement. Furthermore, they may account for the previously observed, speed-dependent asymmetry of the velocity profile. We used a nonlinear model of the musculoskeletal system to explain most of the kinematic features of these rapid hand movements, including how discrete submovements are superimposed on a primary movement. Finally, we present a plausible scheme for how the central nervous system may generate the commands to control these rapid hand movements.
The Use and Abuse of Jus Nexi

This paper uses Shachar’s conception of jus nexi to explore three interrelated ideas. I first contend that Shachar’s analysis of the monetary value of birthright citizenship may be applied to temporary workers, lawful permanent residents and naturalized citizens as an expose of inherited privilege in diverse communities and as a means of identifying which forms of membership and belonging are worth owning. Second, I use the idea of jus nexi to question which additional work relationships and identity networks that might qualify as genuine connections to a given state. Finally, I question whether an operationalized version of jus nexi, that is an alternative category of citizenship, would supplant or complement existing jus soli and jus sanguinis rules. Here, I seek to apply Shachar’s theoretical contributions to current political debates and warn that a genuine connection test is increasingly being misused to support a nativist agenda.
Minimization of the Photon Energy Absorbed by ‘Closed’ Reaction Centers of Photosystem 2 as a Photoprotective Strategy in Higher Plants

Photoinactivation of photosystem 2 (PS2) results from absorption of so-called “excessive” photon energy. Chlorophyll a fluorescence can be applied to quantitatively estimate the portion of excessive photons by means of the parameter E = (F − F0′)/Fm′, which reflects the share of the absorbed photon energy that reaches the reaction centers (RCs) of PS2 complexes with QA in the reduced state (‘closed’ RCs). Data obtained for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), and arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) suggest a linear relationship between the total amount of the photon energy absorbed in excess (excessive irradiation) and the decline in PS2 activity, though the slope may differ depending on the species. This relationship was sensitive not only to the leaf temperature but also to treatment with methyl viologen. Such observations imply that the intensity of the oxidative stress as well as the plant's ability to detoxify active oxygen species may interact to determine the damaging potential of the excessive photons absorbed by PS2 antennae. Energy partitioning in PS2 complexes was adjusted during adaptation to irradiation and in response to a decrease in leaf temperature to minimize the excitation energy that is trapped by ‘closed’ PS2 RCs. The same amount of the excessive photons absorbed by PS2 antennae led to a greater decrease in PS2 activity at warmer temperatures, however, the delay in the development of non-photochemical and photochemical energy quenching under lower temperature resulted in faster accumulation of excessive photons during induction. Irradiance response curves of EF suggest that, at high irradiance (above 700 μmol m−2 s−1), steady-state levels of this parameter tend to be similar regardless of the leaf temperature.
A service learning approach to business and technical writing instruction

Service learning, an expanding pedagogical movement, educates students to volunteer their expertise for the benefit of society. Teachers of business and technical writing can apply this pedagogy by assigning students to write for nonprofits. Such assignments prepare students for both workplace writing and responsible citizenship. To help our profession consider the appropriateness of this pedagogy, this article describes the origins of the movement and proposes a rationale for it in our field. This article then explains sequential projects and teaching methods intended to reduce problems related to collaborative writing for nonprofits. Last, resources are identified to help prepare grant proposals, perhaps the most beneficial kind of document for nonprofits.
Alternative to Critical Point Drying for Soft-Bodied Insect Larvae

Hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) provides an effective, alternative method to critical point drying in preparing insect larvae for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Previously, HMDS was considered ineffective for the preparation of soft-bodied larvae because of the impermeability of the integument. Puncturing the integument provides a solution to this problem. Three treatments determined the effectiveness of puncturing and established a protocol for preparing dipteran larvae, as follows: (1) larvae ere punctured, dehydrated in an ethanol series, and treated with HMDS; (2) larvae were dehydrated, punctured. and treated with HMDS: (3) (control) larvae were dehydrated and treated with HMDS without puneturing. The 1st approach produced rigid specimens with little surface distortion, and details of the integument were maintained. The 2nd process yieldec specimens that were semiflaccid overall but retained some details of the integument. The control treatment produced flaccid specimens that were unsuitable for SEM. Ofthe 3 treatments, the 1 st was the method of choice and used to prepare larvae from 3 other insect orders with similar results. Hexamethyldisilazane provides researchers with an effective, alternative, inexpensive, and easy-to-use method for preparing larval specimens.