cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using motional Stark splitting of Dα emission to constrain MHD equilibrium analysis in DIII-D plasmas.

We report tests of an alternate technique for constraining MHD equilibrium analysis in tokamak plasmas using internal magnetic field measurements based on |B| measurements from the motional Stark splitting of Dα spectral lines emitted by a neutral heating beam (MSE-LS). We compare results using MSE-LS with those of the standard equilibrium analysis technique based on line polarization of the Dα emission (MSE-LP). An alternative to MSE-LP is needed in future devices such as ITER where MSE-LP will be difficult due to a plasma-induced coating of the first optical element. The tests utilized data from 10 DIII-D shots with 7 MSE-LS and 14 MSE-LP views covering a range of radii along the outer midplane of the plasma. Seven MSE-LS measurements can contribute significantly to the equilibrium reconstruction of pressure and q profiles using both synthetic and experimental DIII-D MSE-LS data. For example, 7 MSE-LS plus seven MSE-LP measurements give a fit quality that is as good as the same cases with 14 MSE-LP measurements. Analyzing synthetic data for 14 MSE-LS measurements shows significant improvement in fitting quality over the case with 7 MSE-LS locations.We report tests of an alternate technique for constraining MHD equilibrium analysis in tokamak plasmas using internal magnetic field measurements based on |B| measurements from the motional Stark splitting of Dα spectral lines emitted by a neutral heating beam (MSE-LS). We compare results using MSE-LS with those of the standard equilibrium analysis technique based on line polarization of the Dα emission (MSE-LP). An alternative to MSE-LP is needed in future devices such as ITER where MSE-LP will be difficult due to a plasma-induced coating of the first optical element. The tests utilized data from 10 DIII-D shots with 7 MSE-LS and 14 MSE-LP views covering a range of radii along the outer midplane of the plasma. Seven MSE-LS measurements can contribute significantly to the equilibrium reconstruction of pressure and q profiles using both synthetic and experimental DIII-D MSE-LS data. For example, 7 MSE-LS plus seven MSE-LP measurements give a fit quality that is as good as the same cases with 14 MSE-LP meas...
Functional (Psychogenic) Neurological Disorders: Assessment and Acute Management in the Emergency Department.

Functional neurological disorders (FND) are complex and prevalent neuropsychiatric conditions. Importantly, some patients with FND develop acute onset symptoms requiring emergency department (ED) evaluations. Historically, FND was a “rule-out” diagnosis, making assessment and management in the ED difficult. While the rapid triage of potential neurological emergencies remains the initial task, advancements have altered the approach to FND. FND is now a “rule-in” diagnosis based on validated neurological examination signs and semiological features. In this perspective article, we review signs and semiological features that can help guide the initial assessment of FND in the acute setting. Thereafter, we outline potential approaches to introduce a suspected diagnosis of FND to patients in the ED, while emphasizing the need for a comprehensive neurological evaluation. Physical and occupational therapy may be useful adjunct assessments in some individuals. Notably, clinicians in the ED setting are important members of the interdisciplinary approach to FND.
Direct photon production at LHCb

Abstract At small Bjorken-x, the large gluon number density in the nucleon leads to gluon recombination competing with gluon splitting, which could result in saturation of the gluon PDF. This gluon saturation has yet to be conclusively observed. Direct photon production provides sensitivity to gluon densities in protons and nuclei, and the forward acceptance of LHCb detector allows for measurements of this process at low Bjorken-x, providing an ideal probe of saturation effects. Progress towards the measurement of forward direct photon production using the LHCb detector is presented.
Enabling Multiple Applications to Simultaneously Augment Reality: Challenges and Directions

Augmented reality (AR) platforms are evolving to support immersive 3D experiences. Most modern AR platforms support only a single immersive app at a time, but users may also benefit from the ability to engage with multiple apps at once. The ability of different apps to simultaneously augment a user's world raises critical questions: how might apps visually conflict with each other, and how can we design AR platforms to support rich behaviors while mediating conflicts? In this work, we pose and explore these questions, identifying means of visual conflict as well as platform design strategies to mediate conflicts. We then analyze state-of-the-art AR platforms (HoloLens, Magic Leap One, and Meta 2) to understand their trade-offs and identify unexplored gaps in the broader design space. Our exploration reveals key guidelines and lessons to inform future multi-app AR efforts.
Upper Cervical Epidural Abscess Resulting in Respiratory Compromise After Lumbar Steroid Injection.

Abstract Background Spinal epidural abscesses have a prevalence of 3 out of every 10,000 admissions. Abscesses above the level of C2, defined as upper cervical epidural abscesses, are even rarer still. Case Report We discuss a case in which a 45-year-old male patient developed an upper cervical epidural abscess 48 h after receiving a lumbar steroid injection. The patient presented with diminished strength in all four extremities and respiratory distress secondary to the space-occupying lesion near his spinal cord. His hospital course included surgical decompression and antibiotics. He was eventually discharged to rehabilitation, but never regained full strength in his arms or legs. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Patients who present with back or neck pain, fever, and neurologic deficits may have epidural abscess. In some patients, neurologic deficits may include respiratory distress if the upper cervical region is involved, and these patients have the possibility of airway decompensation. The diagnostic imaging modality of choice in patients with epidural abscess is MRI with gadolinium. Management involves supportive care, broad-spectrum antibiotics, which include coverage for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and early neurosurgical consultation.
Exacerbations of chronic respiratory diseases

Abstract Respiratory viral infections including human rhinovirus (RV) infection have been identified as the most important environmental trigger of exacerbations of chronic lung diseases. While well established as the most common viral infections associated with exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, RVs and other respiratory viruses are also now thought to be important in triggering exacerbations of cystic fibrosis and the interstitial lung diseases. Here, we summarize the epidemiological evidence the supports respiratory viruses including RV as triggers of exacerbations of chronic lung diseases. We propose that certain characteristics of RVs may explain why they are the most common trigger of exacerbations of chronic lung diseases. We further highlight the latest mechanistic evidence supporting how and why common respiratory viral infections may enhance and promote disease triggering exacerbation events, through their interactions with the host immune system, and may be affected by ongoing treatments. We also provide a commentary on how new treatments may better manage the disease burden associated with respiratory viral infections and the exacerbation events that they trigger.
Intrinsic Regulation of the Interactions between the SH3 Domain of p85 Subunit of Phosphatidylinositol-3 Kinase and BCR/ABL Oncogenic Tyrosine Kinase.

Abstract BCR/ABL fusion tyrosine kinase is responsible for the initiation and maintenance of the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph1)-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and a cohort of acute lymphocytic leukemias (ALL). Our previous studies showed that a signaling protein phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3k) is essential for the growth of CML cells, but not of normal hematopoietic cells, and that p85 subunit of PI-3k co-immunoprecipitates with BCR/ABL (Skorski et al., (1995) Blood 86, 726–36; Skorski et al., (1997) Embo J 16, 6151–61; Klejman et al., (2002) Oncogene 21, 5868–76). Therefore, we made an attempt to better characterize the p85 - BCR/ABL interactions. Here we show that SH3 domain of p85 (p85-SH3) pulls-down the p210BCR/ABL kinase from hematopoietic cell lysates. In addition, we characterize the p85-SH3 mutants, which abrogate or enhance this interaction. The results of pull-down assays of the p85-SH3 mutants seem to support the assumption that p85-SH3 interacts with the BCR/ABL protein network via the proline-rich (PxxP) region. One of the surprising findings was the enhanced binding affinity of the tyrosine to phenylalanine p85-SH3 domain mutants in comparison to the wild-type p85-SH3. Based on these results we speculate on the capability of p85-SH3 to interact with BCR/ABL and on the p85-SH3 conformational requirements necessary for this reaction. PxxP - binding appears to be required for the interaction of p85-SH3 with BCR/ABL protein complex and activation of the catalytic activity of PI-3k, whereas subsequent BCR/ABL-dependent phosphorylation of the tyrosines may facilitate the release of activated PI-3k from the complex.
Breaking the bond between tetranectin and HMGB1 in sepsis

The interaction between tetranectin and high-mobility group box-1 protein may be manipulated via monoclonal antibodies to improve survival in sepsis (Chen et al. same issue).
Vorfeldbeobachtung und Einflussnahme bei der europÄischen Rechtsetzung: Politikberatung durch die Vertretung des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen bei der EuropÄischen Union

„Wir sind verflochten mit unseren Nachbarn wie kaum eine andere Region in der EuropAischen Union. Um die Herausforderungen der Globalisierung zu bewAltigen, braucht Nordrhein-Westfalen Europa.“ Mit dieser politischen Kernaussage skizzierte der nordrhein-westfAlische MinisterprAsident Jurgen Ruttgers die neue Europapolitik des Landes in seiner RegierungserklArung vor dem Landtag Nordrhein-Westfalens am 13. Juli 2005. Innerhalb dieser Politik nimmt die Vertretung des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen bei der EU eine besondere Rolle ein. Diese Rolle als Politikberater, als Berater der Politik in Brussel, Dusseldorf und Berlin, aber auch als Berater Nordrhein-Westfalens und seiner besonderen Interessen sind Gegenstand dieses Beitrags.
Outcomes of Treatment for HIV-Infected Lymphoma Patients: A National Cancer Database (NCDB) Analysis.

Abstract Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may be a predictor of undertreatment of patients with lymphoma. We hypothesized treatment with systemic therapy (SysT) or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) in the first line setting leads to improved outcomes and sought to compare the predictors for treatment and outcomes with non-HIV (HIV-) patients. Methods Patients with lymphoma diagnosed between 2004-2015 were extracted from National Cancer Database (NCDB). Patients were categorized as HIV+ and HIV- . First line treatment was categorized as no systemic therapy reported (noSyst), SysT or HCT. Multivariate analysis to predict treatment and survival was performed. Results We identified 552,513 lymphoma patients of whom 11,160 HIV+ versus 349,607 HIV- patients were eligible for analysis. Among HIV+, the positive predictors for SysT were insurance and higher income while female sex and minority racial status predicted lower likelihood for SysT. 40 HIV+ patients underwent HCT. Treatment of HIV+ lymphoma patients resulted in improved outcomes – 3 year overall survival (OS) 43.6% in noSyst vs. 58.1% SysT (HR 0.56, 95%CI 0.52-0.61, p-value Conclusion Lymphoma patients with HIV benefit from SysT when feasible but outcomes are worse than non-HIV patients. HCT could should be offered to HIV positive lymphoma patients in the appropriate clinic setting. Individual characteristics of the patients and complications could not be evaluated in the present study but should be a focus for future research.
The use of tocilizumab and tofacitinib in patients with resolved hepatitis B infection: a case series.

The use of immunosuppressive medications in people with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is associated with an increased risk of HBV reactivation, which can lead to liver failure and death. Tumour necrosis factor inhibitors, rituximab and other biologic treatments have been associated with HBV reactivation in up to 24% of people with resolved HBV (positive core antibody (HBcAb), negative surface antigen (HBsAg) and positive or negative surface antibody (HBsAb)) and 34% of people with chronic HBV (positive HBsAg); reactivation risk varies based on HBsAb status.1–3 Both tocilizumab (interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor inhibitor) and tofacitinib (Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor) interfere with IL-6 signalling, which moderates immune control of chronic HBV. Although HBV reactivation has been reported with tocilizumab and tofacitinib in Asia, limited data describe this risk in the USA.4 We performed a retrospective study of people who were prescribed tocilizumab or tofacitinib and had resolved or chronic HBV infection between 1995 and 2018 in the Partners Health Care System (PHS).5 We extracted relevant variables from the electronic health record and …
Hospital care for opioid use disorder in pregnancy: Challenges and opportunities identified from a Minnesota survey.

Objectives:The prevalence of opioid use disorder continues to rise in the United States, with a simultaneous increase in the diagnosis of both opioid use disorder during pregnancy and neonatal opio...
Predicting Volume of Distribution in Humans: Performance of In Silico Methods for a Large Set of Structurally Diverse Clinical Compounds.

Volume of distribution at steady state (VD,ss) is one of the key pharmacokinetic parameters estimated during the drug discovery process. Despite considerable efforts to predict VD,ss, accuracy and choice of prediction methods remain a challenge, with evaluations constrained to a small set (<150) of compounds. To address these issues, a series of in silico methods for predicting human VD,ss directly from structure were evaluated using a large set of clinical compounds. Machine learning (ML) models were built to predict VD,ss directly and to predict input parameters required for mechanistic and empirical VD,ss predictions. In addition, log D, fraction unbound in plasma (fup), and blood-to-plasma partition ratio (BPR) were measured on 254 compounds to estimate the impact of measured data on predictive performance of mechanistic models. Furthermore, the impact of novel methodologies such as measuring partition (Kp) in adipocytes and myocytes (n = 189) on VD,ss predictions was also investigated. In predicting VD,ss directly from chemical structures, both mechanistic and empirical scaling using a combination of predicted rat and dog VD,ss demonstrated comparable performance (62%–71% within 3-fold). The direct ML model outperformed other in silico methods (75% within 3-fold, r2 = 0.5, AAFE = 2.2) when built from a larger data set. Scaling to human from predicted VD,ss of either rat or dog yielded poor results (<47% within 3-fold). Measured fup and BPR improved performance of mechanistic VD,ss predictions significantly (81% within 3-fold, r2 = 0.6, AAFE = 2.0). Adipocyte intracellular Kp showed good correlation to the VD,ss but was limited in estimating the compounds with low VD,ss. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This work advances the in silico prediction of VD,ss directly from structure and with the aid of in vitro data. Rigorous and comprehensive evaluation of various methods using a large set of clinical compounds (n = 956) is presented. The scale of techniques evaluated is far beyond any previously presented. The novel data set (n = 254) generated using a single protocol for each in vitro assay reported in this study could further aid in advancing VD,ss prediction methodologies.
Fragile Political Coalitions: Negotiating Race and Class in the Opt-Out Movement

Background/ContextRecent movements to “opt out” of state assessments have brought together a broad and diverse group of activists. While many activists foreground concerns of equity and justice, op...
Forming School and University Partnerships to Learn and Teach with Primary Sources

What makes a successful student teaching experience? The purpose of this 18-month long project was to improve social science educator preparation through embedding skills and practices of teaching with primary sources into teacher preparation coursework associated clinical experiences. This project involved professional development opportunities for school-based mentor teachers and prospective social studies teachers in our teacher preparation program. Concurrently, we sought to examine a variety of factors that may impact the relationships between partnering schools and universities, as well as mentors and pre-service teachers. Participants in this study were pre-service secondary social studies teachers from a large Research-1 university in the Southeast United States, as well as their corresponding mentor teachers. Grounded in historical thinking, teaching with primary sources, and the C3 framework, the researchers in this study employed a qualitative case study design to answer the research questions. Findings suggest that explicit alignment between university coursework and clinical experiences has promising impact, but the relationship between mentor and pre-service teacher remains critical to the implementation of high impact strategies.
Cervicoplasty Without Skin Excision

Despite the periorbital and nasolabial areas being the structures that are most visible during social engage­ments and showing the signs of aging at an earlier stage, aging of the neck with or without fat accumulation seems to be the most troublesome to most patients. For this reason, patients request neck rejuvenation as an isolated procedure or as a component of a more com­prehensive facial rejuvenation.
Development of a Regenerable System Employing Silica-Titania Composites for the Recovery of Mercury from End-Box Exhaust at a Chlor-Alkali Facility

Abstract The release of mercury to the environment is of particular concern because of its volatility, persistence, and tendency to bioaccumulate. The recovery of mercury from end-box exhaust at chlor-alkali facilities is important to prevent release into the environment and reduce emissions as required by NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants). A pilot-scale photocatalytic reactor packed with silica-titania composite (STC) pellets was tested at a chlor-alkali facility over a 3-month period. This pilot reactor treated up to 10 ft3/min (ACFM) of end-box exhaust and achieved 95% removal. The pilot reactor was able to maintain excellent removal efficiency even with large fluctuations in influent mercury concentration (400–1600 μg/ft3).The STC pellets were regenerated ex situ by regeneration with hydrochloric acid and performed similarly to virgin STC pellets when returned to service. On the basis of these promising results, two full-scale reactors with in situ regeneration capabili...
Density‐driven exchange flow between open water and an aquatic canopy

[1] Differences in water density can drive an exchange flow between the vegetated and open regions of surface water systems. A laboratory experiment has been conducted to investigate this exchange flow, using a random array of rigid, emergent cylinders to represent the canopy region. The flow pattern was captured using a CCD camera. The velocity of the current entering the canopy and the volume discharge both decrease with increasing vegetative drag and also decrease gradually over time. Theoretical predictions for velocity and discharge rate are developed and verified with experimental observations. Extensions to field conditions are also discussed.
AEGIS: a lightweight firewall for wireless sensor networks

Firewalls are an essential component in today’s networked computing systems (desktops, laptops, and servers) and provide effective protection against a variety of over-the-network security attacks. With the development of technologies such as IPv6 and 6LoWPAN that pave the way for Internet-connected embedded systems and sensor networks, these devices will soon be subject to (and need to be defended against) similar security threats. As a first step, this paper presents Aegis, a lightweight, rule-based firewall for networked embedded systems such as wireless sensor networks. Aegis is based on a semantically rich, yet simple, rule definition language. In addition, Aegis is highly efficient during operation, runs in a transparent manner from running applications, and is easy to maintain. Experimental results obtained using real sensor nodes and cycle-accurate simulations demonstrate that Aegis successfully performs gatekeeping of a sensor node’s communication traffic in a flexible manner with minimal overheads.
Thirty-four fertilized human ova, good, bad and indifferent, recovered from 210 women of known fertility; a study of biologic wastage in early human pregnancy.

From a study of 34 early human ova (24 normal and 10 abnormal) recovered from a series of 107 patients known to be fertile whose conditions for conception were optimal it appears that the maximum fertility rate at implantation is 58%; the maximum normal fertility rate after the twelfth day of ovular development is 42%; the probable maximum fertility rate during the preimplantation stages is from 80 to 90%; the greatest ovular loss is in the preimplantation stage; the next greatest loss is during the week after implantation; the ovular loss after the first missed period may be as great as 28.6%, either with or without clinical signs and is therefore comparable to the clinical abortion rate; these defective human fertilized ova rise because of intrinsic defects rather than from defects of the local or endocrine environment, and, finally, the fertility rates and fate of fertilzed ova are roughly comparable in man and other mammals.
The replication of bacteriophage MS2: VIII. Fractionation of the “replicative intermediate” using a BNC column☆☆☆

The template on which single strands of MS2 RNA are synthesized, often called the replicative intermediate, is a partially double-stranded molecule. This unusual secondary structure permits the purification of the replicative intermediate on columns of benzoylated, naphthoylated DEAE cellulose (BNC), which have been shown to fractionate nucleic acids with respect to the extent of their double-stranded character. The replicative intermediate is eluted from such a column after DNA and before single-stranded MS2 RNA, but shows heterogeneity. The fractions of replicative intermediate which are eluted at higher sodium chloride concentrations are more sensitive to RNase and have a buoyant density closer to that of single-stranded RNA. The results suggest that the replicative intermediate molecule consists of a double-stranded “core” to which is attached one singlestrand tail of variable length and that these molecules are fractionated on the BNC column with respect to their tail length. All the fractions of replicative intermediate are infective upon denaturation.
Relationship between clinical experiences and internal medicine clerkship performance.

Medical Education 2012: 46:689–697 Objectives This study was conducted to assess the associations between several clerkship process measures and students’ clinical and examination performance in an internal medicine clerkship. Methods We collected data from the internal medicine clerkship at one institution over a 3-year period (classes of 2010–2012; n = 507) and conducted correlation and multiple regression analyses. We examined the associations between clerkship process measures (student-reported number of patients evaluated, percentage of core problems encountered, total number of core problems encountered, total number of clinics attended) and four clerkship outcomes (clinical points [a weighted summation of a student’s clinical grade recommendations], ambulatory clinical points [the out-patient portion of clinical points], examination points [a weighted summation of scores on three clerkship examinations], and National Board of Medical Examiners examination score). Results After controlling for pre-clerkship ability and gender, percentage of core problems was significantly associated with ambulatory clinical points (b = 3.84, total model R2 = 0.14). Further, number of patients evaluated was significantly associated with clinical points (b = 0.19, total model R2 = 0.22), but only for students who undertook first-quarter clerkships, who reported higher numbers of patients. Conclusions Notwithstanding a few positive (but small) associations, the results from this study suggest that clinical exposure is, at best, weakly associated with internal medicine clerkship performance.
Movements Mimicking Myoclonus Associated with Spinal Cord Pathology: Is this a “Pure Motor Restless Legs Syndrome”?

Background: The neuroanatomic substrate of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is poorly understood, and the diagnosis is clinically made based upon subjective sensory symptoms, although a motor component is usually present. Case Report: We report two cases of elderly patients with spinal pathology who were referred by neurologists for myoclonus. Both had semi-rhythmic leg movements that partially improved while standing, but denied any urge to move. These movements improved dramatically with pramipexole, a dopamine agonist used for RLS. Discussion: We propose that this “myoclonus” is actually the isolated stereotypic motor component of RLS.
Absolute stabilization of Lur'e systems with bounds on the sensitivity function

Considers the problem of absolute stabilization of a Lur'e system with its sensitivity less than some pre specified value. First the authors derive a sufficient condition for absolute stabilization of a Lur'e system and show that a stabilizing controller can be obtained by using the Nevanlinna-Pick (N-P) interpolation technique. Then, the authors extend the results of their previous papers (1992, 1993) to the problem of absolute stabilization of a Lur'e system with its sensitivity less than some pre specified value and obtain two sufficient conditions for this problem. >
Effects of microstructure and nonstoichiometry on electrical properties of vanadium dioxide films

Voided growth structures of sputter-deposited films affect strongly their optical and electrical properties. Vanadium dioxide is an interesting material to study effects of film microstructure and nonstoichiometry on electrical properties because its phase transition makes it possible to investigate electrical behavior both in a semiconducting phase and in a metallic phase. Vanadium oxide films were deposited with different vanadium oxygen ratios for substrate temperatures between 250 and 550 C by dc reactive magnetron sputtering. The resistivity ratios between a semiconducting phase and a metallic phase are limited to 1000 order by voided boundaries and oxygen vacancies. The voided boundaries are defined by columnar structure and agglomerated grain growth. The results emphasize the necessity of a combination of deposition to obtain the film with a favorable structure and postdeposition annealing to control the film stoichiometry.
A method for the calculation of the orbital moments for complex crystal structures

Abstract A new technique has been proposed for the calculation of the orbital moment in complex crystal structures. The partial density of states for different projection of the orbital moment is calculated using the recursion method. The partial density of states is split due to the effect of spin-orbit interaction and the orbital moment is calculated self-consistently.
Market factors and electronic medical record adoption in medical practices

Background: Previous studies identified individual or practice factors that influence practice-based physicians’ electronic medical record (EMR) adoption. Less is known about the market factors that influence physicians’ EMR adoption. Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between environmental market characteristics and physicians’ EMR adoption. Methods: The Health Tracking Physician Survey 2008 and Area Resource File (2008) were combined and analyzed. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between three dimensions of the market environment (munificence, dynamism, and complexity) and EMR adoption controlling for several physician and practice characteristics. Results: In a nationally representative sample of 4,720 physicians, measures of market dynamism including increases in unemployment, odds ratio (OR) = 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.91, 0.99], or poverty rates, OR = 0.93, 95% CI [0.89, 0.96], were negatively associated with EMR adoption. Health maintenance organization penetration, OR = 3.01, 95% CI [1.49, 6.05], another measure of dynamism, was positively associated with EMR adoption. Physicians practicing in areas with a malpractice crisis, OR = 0.82, 95% CI [0.71, 0.94], representing environmental complexity, had lower EMR adoption rates. Practice Implications: Understanding how market factors relate to practice-based physicians’ EMR adoption can assist policymakers to better target limited resources as they work to realize the national goal of universal EMR adoption and meaningful use.
Factors regulating the specific activity of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase during perfusion of suckling rat liver☆

The regulation of the specific activity of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (E.C.2.7.7.12) has been studied using the hexose-perfused suckling rat liver as a model. Perfusion in the recirculating mode with galactose concentrations up to 4mM resulted in enzyme activity which fluctuated significantly during a 90-min experimental period. A concentration of 10 mM galactose stabilized the enzyme activity at levels found in unperfused liver. The same stabilizing effect was seen with 10 mM glucose. The elevated transferase specific activity observed after 30 min recirculating perfusion was not seen when the nonrecirculation mode was employed suggesting a factor in the recirculating medium may mediate this effect.
Review of the firefly visual system (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) and evolution of the opsin genes underlying color vision

Among insects, opsin copy number variation has been shown to be quite diverse. However, within the beetles, very little work on opsins has been conducted. Here, we look at the visual system of fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae), which offer an elegant system in which to study visual evolution as it relates to their behavior and broader ecology. They are the best-known case of a terrestrial organism that communicates through the use bioluminescence. The molecular basis for this communication is relatively simple: one gene family (opsins) controls the detection of the signal, and one gene family (luciferase) controls the production of the signal. We use a transcriptomic approach to sample for and investigate opsin evolution in fireflies. We also use a phylogenetic estimate of Lampyridae to examine the evolution and ancestral modality of adult courtship communication. We find evidence for only two expressed opsin classes in each of the nine firefly species studied, one in the ultraviolet-sensitive and one in the long-wavelength-sensitive areas of the visible spectrum. Bioluminescent communication in adults is not optimized to be present ancestrally, and was gained two times with six subsequent losses. Despite the need for most adult fireflies to respond to a clearly sexual and colorful visual signal (bioluminescence) to maximize fitness, their visual system is relatively simple, and does not match the trend for opsin duplication found in other insect groups.
Influence of Geometric Imperfections and In-Plane Constraints on Nonlinear Vibrations of Simply Supported Cylindrical Panels

This papers deals with the effects of initial geometric imperfections on large-amplitude vibrations of cylindrical panels simply supported along all four edges. In-plane movable and in-plane immovable boundary conditions are considered for each pair of parallel edges. Depending on whether the number of axial and circumferential half waves are odd or even, the presence of geometric imperfections (taken to be of the same shape as the vibration mode) of the order of the shell thickness may significantly raise or lower the linear vibration frequencies. In general, an increase (decrease) in the linear vibration frequency corresponds to a more pronounced soft-spring (hard-spring) behavior in nonlinear vibration.
Clinical Evaluation, Management, and Prevention of Work-Related Asthma

Work-related asthma (WRA) is asthma that is attributable to, or is made worse by, environmental exposures in the workplace. WRA has become the most prevalent occupational lung disease in developed countries, is more common than is generally recognized, and can be severe and disabling. Identification of workplace exposures causing and/or aggravating the asthma, and appropriate control or cessation of these exposures can often lead to reduction or even complete elimination of symptoms and disability. This depends on timely recognition and diagnosis of WRA. In this review, the diagnostic evaluation has been organized in a stepwise fashion to make it more practical for primary care physicians as well as physicians specializing in occupational diseases and asthma. WRA merits more widespread attention among clinicians, labor and management health and safety specialists, researchers, health care organizations, public health policy makers, industrial hygienists, and others interested in disease prevention.
Crash Course in Injury-Prevention Research

The News Focus story “Car-crash epidemiologist pushes systemic attack on bad driving” (R. Stone, 6 May, p. [657][1]) tells the story of Jin Huiqing's “fateful decision” in the mid-1980s to study traffic casualties in China and alludes to his brave research into “uncharted territory.” His
In God We Trust: Abraham Lincoln and America's Deathbed Repentance

This article maps several key moments in the evolution of religious symbolism and language on US currency, focusing largely on Abraham Lincoln's overlooked role in signing the motto "In God We Trust" into law. Interpreting the motto through the lens of Lincoln's "Second Inaugural Address"—which he delivered just one day after Congress passed the first statute allowing "In God We Trust" to be stamped on US coins—offers a counter-intuitive interpretation of the motto that functions as a deep, ironic, and historically significant critique of religious nationalism.
Coastal insect herbivore communities are affected more by local environmental conditions than by plant genotype

. 1 We compared the effects of plant genotype and local environment on population densities of a community of coastal insect herbivores in west-central Florida. Reciprocal transplants of four genotypes of three species of coastal plants, Borrichia frutescens, Iva frutescens and Limbricata, were made in July 1992 between a series of off-shore islands. 2 For each plant species, phytophagous insects with a wide range of feeding modes including gall-makers, stem borers, leaf miners and sap suckers were affected more by local environment than by plant genotype. Whereas host genotype had a significant effect on the population densities of gall-makers on B.frutescens in the spring of 1993, no significant effect on the denrities of any other insect species was found and the effect on the gall-makers on Borrichia disappeared in the summer, 1 year after the transplants had been made. In our study, local environment had by far the greatest effect on insect population densities among islands. This is an unusual result because in other studies over 80% of the insect species examined have been affected by plant genotype (Karban, 1992). This result is consistent with that reported by Stiling (1994), who censused populations of two phytophagous insects on reciprocal transplantr ot Borrichia in north Florida. 3 Local environment also had an effect on insect population densities within islands. This result contrasts with similar studies performed in north Florida (Stiling, 1994), where population densities did not differ within areas, and underlies how some biotic processes may change with in the same community even over relatively small changes in species range.
An examination of organizational strategies for supporting DSS

Abstract Decision support systems (DSS) are widely used by managers to provide problem solving assistance. Despite their widespread use, little is known about how organizations support DSS users. This paper discusses support practices that are thought to affect DSS groups' ability to provide support services, and reports on a field study that sought to identify the support characteristics of a sample of groups. This study also investigated differences among groups that were placed in different organizational locations. Managers of twenty-three DSS groups were interviewed to provide information on group organizational location, staff-to-user ratio, staff backgrounds, formalization, and other support characteristics. The results suggest that DSS groups generally follow some of the recommendations found in the literature with respect to their management while disregarding others. The support characteristics also tend to vary when comparing groups across organizational locations, suggesting that certain strengths and limitations may be associated with organizational support strategies.
C 60 and the icosahedral group Ih: Simplification methods and group-theoretical applications

Abstract Group-theoretical methods are used to induce “global” distortions of C 60 from basis function(s) of a single “local” distortion in two cases: (1) The 60 vibrational modes arising from radial displacements of carbon atoms are found in terms of basis functions of A′, the one-dimensional symmetric representation of Cs; (2) The 24 vibrational modes arising from tangential displacements of hypothetical atoms placed at pentagon centers are found in terms of basis functions of E 1, the vector irreducible representation of C5v . The induction process is simplified by an icon notation (v) or (vμ) which uniquely labels the operations in Ih if μ,v = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and under/over lining of a digit is included. These icons describe the transformations IUSvTSμ of Felix Kline referred to a five-fold z-axis and two-fold x-axis and serve to label and “distinguish” symmetrically equivalent points of the truncated icosahedron.
Microchip Bioprocessor for Integrated Nanovolume Sample Purification and DNA Sequencing

A microfabricated electrophoretic bioprocessor for integrated DNA sequencing sample desalting, template removal, preconcentration, and CE analysis is presented. A low-viscosity gel capture matrix, containing an acrylamide−copolymerized oligonucleotide complementary to the 20-base sequence directly 3‘ of the M13−40 universal forward priming site, is introduced into the 60-nL capture chamber. Unpurified DNA sequencing reaction products are electrophoretically driven through the chamber; extension products hybridize to the matrix, while contaminating buffering ions, Cl-, excess primer, and template DNA are unretained. Purification under optimized conditions is complete in only 120 s (binding temperature 50 °C, driving voltage 250 V). High-speed, integrated sequencing analysis is accomplished by releasing the gel-purified duplex at 67 °C and directly injecting onto a 15.9-cm effective length CE microchannel. Electrophoretic resolution of the sequencing products is complete in 32 min, producing a total of 560 ...
How direct marketing is revolutionizing an industry: residential real estate in the USA

Purpose – This paper seeks to discuss the history of real estate marketing in the USA and to assess the future impact of direct marketing on that country's real estate set‐up.Design/methodology/approach – The paper chronicles the history of real estate marketing in the USA and describes the present situation vis‐a‐vis direct marketing.Findings – The paper finds that home buyers prefer online direct marketing to the traditional process of physical involvement and personal inspection.Originality/value – The paper promotes the advantages of direct marketing as the future of residential real estate in that it offers lower prices, direct participation in the process and better access to information.
Physical linkage of genes encoding the lymphocyte adhesion molecules CD2 and its ligand LFA-3

The present study was undertaken to determine the physical proximity of LFA3 and CD2 on human chromosome 1. Physical mapping studies of CD2 and LFA3 were undertaken using pulsed field electrophoresis
Effect of Data Communications on Pilot Situation Awareness, Decision Making, and Workload

Over the next decade, the demand for air transportation and other airspace services is expected to grow significantly. To address this, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is developing the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), which is a series of transformations designed to increase the capacity, safety, and security of air traffic operations. One major enabling technology being investigated is data communications (data comm), which is an electronic text-based message-transferring system between aircraft and ground stations.The literature on data communications outlines both potential benefits and costs. On the benefits side, subject matter experts and researchers have suggested that the switch to text-based communications will lead to reduced distractions and workload (Hoogeboom, Joosse, Hodgetts, Straussberger, & Schaefer, 2004; Navarro & Sikorski, 1999). In addition, data communication is thought to be more accurate and concise (Kerns, 1991; Prinzo, 2001). On the costs side, pilo...
Preliminary characterization of chemically generated Mycobacterium avium subsp. Paratuberculosis cell wall deficient forms (Spheroplasts)

Cell wall deficient forms (CWD, spheroplasts) genetically indistinguishable from M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) have been isolated from patients with Crohn's disease and sarcoidosis. These MAP CWD may be important in the pathogenesis of these diseases and in Johne's Disease in other animal species. CWD forms are extremely difficult to isolate and generally revert to cell wall competent forms (CWC) when cultured in vitro. Cultured MAP strain 19698 were chemically treated to generate sufficient CWD to compare to CWC organisms by electron microscopy, chemotype profile (matrix solid-phase dispersion and thin layer chromatography), silver-stained SDS-PAGE gels with and without periodic acid treatment and Western blots with antigen recognition by sera from confirmed Johne's positive and Johne's negative cattle. On electron microscopy, CWD organisms were larger and rounder than cell wall competent forms and had lost the majority of their cell walls, being bounded only by a plasma membrane. Chemotype profiles of CWD lacked bands generally associated with cell wall glycolipids. Silver-stained SDS-PAGE gels of CWD demonstrated loss of bands that migrate in the same region as lipoarabinomannan (LAM) and some bands likely representing proteins and weakening of bands that migrate similarly to phosphatidylinositol mannosides (PIM). Western blots of CWD demonstrated bands with loss or attenuation of signal that migrate similarly to LAM and other constituents. In summary, CWD and CWC forms of MAP 19698 had marked differences in morphology, chemotype profile, cell wall constituents, and antigens recognized by Johne's disease positive and negative bovine sera.
Formal methods: an industrial perspective

Formal methods research has made tremendous progress since the 1980s when a proof using a theorem prover was worthy of a Ph.D. thesis and a bug in a VLSI textbook was found using a model checker. Now, with advances in theorem proving, model checking, satisfiability modulo theories (SMT) solvers, and program analysis, the engines of formal methods are more sophisticated and are applicable and scalable: to a wide range of domains, from biology to mathematics; to a wide range of systems, from asynchronous systems to spreadsheets; and for a wide range of properties, from security to program termination. In this talk, I will present a few Microsoft Research stories of advances in formal methods and their application to Microsoft products and services. Formal methods use, however, is not routine?yet?in industrial practice. So, I will close with outstanding challenges and new directions for research in formal methods.
Sulfonated Styrene−Divinybenzene Resins: Optimizing Synthesis and Estimating Characteristics of the Base Copolymers and the Resins

Maximum sulfonation and minimum carboxylation are desirable in sulfonated styrene−divinylbenzene cation-exchange resins. These characteristics may be achieved with greater control of porosity of the base copolymers. Optimization of the porosity by varying both the nature and amount of porogen, and cross-linking for maximizing sulfonation and minimizing carboxylation, are reported. Predictors of the characteristics obtained by statistical analysis of the data, and the ranges of conditions in which they can be employed, are discussed. The optimum conditions are cross-linking 20% to 23% and pore volume 0.14 mL/g to 0.3 mL/g. The relationship of the particle size with porosity of the base copolymer and capacity of the resins is discussed. The effects of residual porogen/homopolymer on the sulfonation of these copolymers are also discussed.
Combined Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Crystal Nucleation in Glasses

The temperature dependence of combined homogeneous and heterogeneous crystal nucleation is examined within the framework of the classical theory. It is demonstrated that nucleation can have a local maximum rate at one or two temperatures. The physical parameters which cause large changes in the structure of the nucleation curve are elucidated. Also, the influence of saturation effects on the structure of nucleation curves is illustrated. The utilization of these results for the interpretation of experiments and for the production of controlled crystal nucleation in glass is considered.
Accountability with Voucher Threats, Responses, and the Test-Taking Population: Regression Discontinuity Evidence from Florida

AbstractFlorida's 1999 A-plus program was a consequential accountability program that embedded vouchers in an accountability regime. Under Florida rules, scores of students in several special education (ESE) and limited English proficient (LEP) categories were not included in the computation of school grades. One might expect these rules to induce F schools (that faced stigma and threat of vouchers) to strategically classify their weaker students into these excluded categories. The interplay of these rules with those of the McKay program for disabled students, however, created an interesting divergence of incentives as far as classifications into excluded LEP and ESE were concerned. Because classifying students into ESE made them eligible for McKay vouchers that were funded by public school revenue, the McKay program acted as a strong disincentive to such classification. Using a regression discontinuity strategy, I investigate whether the differences in incentives led the F schools to exhibit different be...